This is the first novel in this series. It was hard to follow at the beginning but as some of the mysteries unfolded it became more enjoyable.

The artwork is good and the story has some good twists and turns. This is the first book in the series and I think this series is set to be one that is full of adventure.

Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgally in exchange for an unbiased review.

The Corsairs of Alcibiades: Secret Elites:
Translated from the French comic series over 5 books "Les corsaires d'Alcibiade" we have the opportunity to read it in English.
It starts with the saving / the abduction of 5 young people. Peter, Lydia, Mike, Curtis, and Maryline who are forced together due to their shared desire to solve puzzles and overcome the establishment.
They all neither under guard nor restrained, they seem to be confined with similar young people as they take in their surroundings. They are told they are to sit elaborate entrance exams and tests, in order to be considered for a unique university that will only admit the elite of society. Its best brains and problem solvers to be available to work for the British Crown.
The graphic novel starts at a pace and the five young people are plucked from their often hazardous lifes; however, if you are not aware of the plot this is quite complicated and immediately confusing.
Slowly we learn about the chosen five, and focus on these leading characters. However, this against a background they themselves don't understand. Their mixed emotions are shared by the average reader who can not get a grasp of what is going on either. Who is everyone? Is an evil force at work?
Perhaps some darker research is at work harvesting the very brains of the young inteligent elite.
Just when you think you're make progress, the story jumps with little continuity between the drawn frames and writen story. Then, almost as you become determined to persevere with solving this riddle of a book, it's complicated plot, the episode is left hanging - to be continued.
Too complex for me; I like the characters, perhaps a little pen biography of each one before they are introduced would make the story less confusing. Shame as the age and sense of science at work is quite fascinating and must build into a very readable series.

I didn't know much about this graphic novel when I picked it up, but thought the premise of early nineteenth century England and secret society vibes would mean a fun time. The art style of this graphic novel fit the setting perfectly, but the setting itself could have been more fleshed out. At the beginning of the story you are dumped right into action with little to no explanation of when or where much is happening. At first you move from character to character without little separation or any real indication that the setting/perspective is changing. Once you get about halfway through things start to make sense and fall into place.

Even though the beginning was a little hard to follow, the adventure and concept definitely point towards future volumes being fun and full of mysteries and action. It will be interesting to see more of each character's personalities and the relationships that develop between them as well as the adventures they go on.

A good, short introduction to the series.

This volume focuses on introducing characters, setting the stage for future adventures, and giving a taste of the world.

I liked the art and the writing enough to have an eye on Vol.2 when it's available.

ARC through NetGalley