Paperback
Z2 Comics
*Provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Find it on: Goodreads - Amazon
Summary:
In a fantastical world where old traditions and religion dominate every aspect of life, lives a girl named Henni. Unlike most in her village, Henni questions and wonders what the world is like as she comes of age. Striking out on her own, Henni goes out in search of truth, adventure, and more!
Written and drawn by Miss Lasko-Gross (A Mess of Everything and Escape From Special), Henni is a commentary on religion, coming of age and being yourself.
What I Thought About Henni:
Henni's a Dystopian/Fantastic drama full of whimsical moments and a very intense read. I didn't know what I would find when I started reading it, but I definitely did not expect such a story.
It is reminiscent of your favourite dystopian novels, like The Hunger Games and Divergent. Henni lives in a closed off village with a strict mindset. Everyone does as is told and no one questions anything. The church arranges the marriages and the people live lives handed down to them, without being able to choose their own paths.
But Henni's always wanted more out of life. She wonders who gives the Elders the wisdom they need to lead her people and wishes she knew what was beyond the village's limits. People say that you lose your soul if you cross the boundaries, but Henni's not so convinced of this.
At first I didn't know if she was a bat-like creature or a cat-like person.
I enjoyed this book, but to me it lacked something that made it unique. Henni acts like your typical Dystopian novel main character: running out of an oppresive hometown, discovering different cities, wanting to rebel. But that's where I feel that the story fell short. I would have loved to see Henni fight for her cause, but instead, she submits to others' wills, and finally runs away again, leaving the reader hanging, wanting to know what else is in store for her.
The artwork is beautiful. I especially loved the nature depicted in the drawings. The waterfalls were lovely.
Henni hits stores in a few days.
