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Aiza always dreamt of becoming a Knight and earning a name for herself as a hero. Not only is Knighthood the highest military honor of the Bayt-Sajji Empire, but as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, it’s Aiza’s only path to full citizenship. With war looming on the horizon due to famine and border tensions, Aiza finally gets the chance to enlist in the competitive Squire training program.
Aiza struggles to navigate new friendships, rivalries and rigorous training, all while keeping her Ornu heritage a secret. The heroes and their ideals are not what she always imagined, however, and the “greater good” that Bayt-Sajji’s military promised might not include her.
Aiza and the new recruits are in greater danger than they realize. It’s up to Aiza to choose which she is more loyal to — her heart or the Empire.
Squire is a graphic novel that tackles a lot of important and complex issues surrounding colonialism and imperial propaganda. It also highlights the struggles of different races living under a conquered empire. It’s a fast, fun read, and the art is unique and attention-grabbing.
The world of the war-torn Bayt-Sajji Empire in Squire is heavily influenced by Arabic nations and history. This heritage is beautifully rendered through the art — especially the colors — which the illustrator wrote was inspired by the colors she witnessed in Turkey and Jordan. I also especially loved the scenes featuring Petra.
While the ending of Squire felt rushed, the story was well done and truly enjoyable to read. It can easily stand on its own. However, there is also plenty of potential for a series, and I hope to see a sequel in the future.
Rated: Moderate, (though practically mild) for 7 uses of moderate language. There is no sexual content. Some violence and blood are included, though it is surprisingly mild considering the story topic.
