4.5/5 Stars

Huge thanks to Europe Comics for providing this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

I stumbled upon this delightful graphic novel while casually scrolling through NetGalley, and I’m so glad I gave it a shot! As someone who’s always on the lookout for engaging fantasy graphic novels, this one totally hit the mark.

While this is a fairly short read, don’t let its length fool you—it packs a punch! From the very first page, the story draws you in with mystery and adventure, all while introducing intriguing characters. The blend of magic, knights, hags, and other unique creatures made the fantasy world come to life in such a fun and immersive way. That being said, this isn’t all light-hearted; there are darker themes and a brief intimate scene (tastefully done, but worth noting for some readers).

The storyline has layers I’m excited to see explored in future installments—especially the depth of the magic system. I hope we get more, because I’m totally invested now! The twist on the classic "knight saving a princess" trope was a clever touch. The story follows Arzhur, a disgraced knight, and Islen, a half-human, half-monster princess, and flips the typical dynamic on its head. Arzhur is tasked with rescuing Islen, only to realize she never needed saving—quite the opposite. Their journey together was both adventurous and heartwarming as they grew to care for one another.

Visually, this graphic novel is stunning. The artwork is phenomenal, and I could easily see this being adapted into something Witcher-esque. The creators are clearly imaginative, and the relationships between characters feel compelling. That said, I did feel like certain aspects of the story were missing, like we were getting a summary of a bigger tale. Even with a second book on the way, I hope we’ll see some of those gaps filled in.

All in all, this was an exciting and enjoyable read, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Fantasy lovers—and honestly, anyone who enjoys a great story—should give this one a try! I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel and will keep you posted!

#InShadows #NetGalley

One of the best graphic novels of the year. Fun, beautiful and full of emotion. Each page brings new delights and joy for the reader.

I didn’t have time for this book when I was approved. I plan to read it in the future though. Looks fun!

I really enjoyed this mix of fantasy and horror. The art is great, and overall it reminds me of Thorgal, for some reason (which is high praise). Really looking forward to reading more of this series.

What do you do if the princess you set out to save in order to finally do something worthwhile actually doesn't want to be saved at all? That's the problem facing Arzhur in 'In Shadows: Book One' when he realises Princes Islen isn't quite what he expected. Their initial encounter is followed by a whole string of twists and turns that reveal something truly is rotten at the heart of the kingdom and that nothing is as it seems.

You could kind of tell that 'In Shadows' is the first part of a story, in that some things aren't explained entirely in a way that would feel unsatisfactory if I didn't know another book was coming. While it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story, it foes make 'In Shadows' feel less like ti can stand on its own. I did really enjoy how it plays with the tropes of the Fantasy genre, however, starting with Arzhur who is nothing like the knight in shining armour you might expect. While I enjoyed the writing it was really Vincent Mallié's illustrations which completely captured me. From the first page I was intrigued by how he was bringing Hubert's words to life. They make for a great team and I'm definitely intrigued to see what Book Two has to offer!

While it ends very abruptly it does a good job of worldbuilding and setting up the reader for the next book. The art is very nice, and the story is a good spin on High Fantasy for those who enjoy swords, monsters and magic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In Shadows is a dark fairytale about a disgraced knight who wants to restore his honor and so he accepts to go in a quest in order to save Princess Islen from the Black Castle's monters but things are not what they seem to be at all.

I liked the atmospher of this graphic novel, the illustrations are beautiful and fit the genre of the story so well. The characters are so interesting and complex. All in all, it was really good and I hope for the next volume to be soon on Netgalley.

A dark fairytale about a princess and disgraced knight, Arzhur, who saves her from the Black Castle, but all the trouble only begins there.

The art is nice, and I like it a lot. This is volume 1 (of 2). In Shadows is a very good graphic novel for those who like to read classical fairytales with a dark undertone.

Thanks to Europe Comics for the ARC and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review, and all opinions are my own.

A outcasted knight heads on a journey to rescue a princess in hopes of reclaiming his honour; but not everything is as it seems.

I loved the art style of this graphic novel! The story reminded me of old fairy tales by the Grimm brothers.

I was hooked from the moment I picked up In the Shadows until the moment I completed it. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of this series!

If you are looking for a quick but enjoyable graphic novel I’d recommend In Shadows!

Thank you netgalley for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful, Elegant, Morally Grey Disney Princess + Himbo, White Knight with a Tragic Back Story!

This book was very interesting from beginning to end, and both main characters are compelling and intriguing.
Paired with an incredibly interesting world.
I was not ready for this book to to end, especially with the cliff hanger we are left on.

This story is compelling, an adventure fast paced that made me want to know more and more about. I’m gonna definitely catch the next instalments in the series.
Wonderful plot and graphic!

A great start to this graphic novel series with a princess who is locked up in a tower and a knight who goes to rescue her and return her to her father, only to find out that she doesn’t need rescuing and the castle is actually her home.

The knight had been hoodwinked into believing that the princess needed helped by three witches who want to use the princess and her power. When the knight returns her to her father he gets caught up in a web of deceit, plotting and power. It is an engaging adventure story with nice artwork. I do wish it had been a complete volume instead of a serialised graphic novel.

I really liked the illustrations and the colour theme used. The story was just ok, which there was a little bit more to it though

Gorgeously illustrated. Too bad the writing does not match it. The dialogue is stilted and the scenes don't flow. It was like a straight to video low budget film made by high school sophomores, except in graphic novel form. Perhaps a lot was lost in translation...
This was Book One. No way am I wasting any time on a Book Two.

I read this graphic novel in only one sitting, thanks to the fast pace of the story.
The plot is intuitive: a disgraced knight is given a quest to earn back his reputation, only to find out that the damsel in distress is actually in danger for a very different reason.

The illustrations are beautiful, both in the colors and in the features of the characters, but the story it's not that engaging.
The background story is really catchy and I understand this is only one of many volume, but at the same time I felt as if the authors wanted to give us a lot of plot and very little of the characters.
That way, I found it hard to empathize with the characters even when the story captured my attention. I will probably read a second volume to understand them better!

All in all it's a nice fantasy graphic novel with medieval vibes perfect for the lovers of the genre.

In Shadows by Hubert & Vincent Mallié is a graphic novel in the fantasy genre. It is about a disgraced knight trying to get back his reputation by saving the damsel in distress, but that is where similarities to that trope ends. The characters are interesting, the style fits the story. As a fan of graphic novels and fantasy, this was a pleasant reading experience, although it was a quick read. I am happy that I requested it, and with how it ended I will be looking forward to the second book.

A new fantasy series complete with knight looking for redemption and a princess who may not need rescuing. This was an intriguing start, the traditional 'princess in distress' turning quickly into a story of a young woman trying to harness her inherited power.
With rich detailed panels and complex characters, this was a comic that pulls you in, changing your plot predictions from one page to the next.
Left on a cliff-hanger I shall eagerly await the second instalment to this fantasy series.

Thank you netGalley for letting me review this book.

Interesting, compelling and thrilling storyline given that this graphic novel is just over 80 pages. It did quite well in drawing major points that is necessary for the plot as well as for the characters.

I am definitely looking forward on reading the next part.

This was so riveting and so amazing!! I couldn't stop turning the pages and as the mystery unravelled, I just had more questions. The world building is exquisite with just the right air of obscurity to keep me guessing. The characters of Islen and Arzhur are so compelling, and the way they're drawn only emphasizes that!

I WAS UNABLE TO FULLY READ THIS TITLE BEFORE IT WAS ARCHIVED. Quite bummed - for some reason, this and another title from Europa Comics gave me download issues, but because the series looks right up my alley, I will just purchase the title and read on my own. Thank you for approving me for In Shadows and I can't wait to actually have the chance to read it. It looks amazing and the art is beautiful.