Author Marieke Nijkamp and illustrator Sylvie Bi are back with the graphic novel sequel to their terrific Ink Girls, and this newer book, which can be read as a standalone story, lives up to the series’ excellence. Again set in the city of Siannera, loosely modeled on late medieval Sienna, this volume stars a nonbinary youth named Vale, who lives with their grandparents. Vale dreams of being a metalworker’s apprentice, but their family does not have the money to pay the necessary fees to the guild.
Indeed, the guilds rule the city—and while they provide needed training and support for their members, they are also highly protective of their control over skilled trades. The Margini, those outside the guilds, have little power or say in their society.
Clockmaker Maestro Giuseppe and his daughter Stella, however, have arrived in the city from abroad. Giuseppe doesn’t care about the guilds; he just wants to build the city’s first astronomical clock. After a chance encounter, he sees Vale’s talent, and invites them to apprentice in his workshop. It’s everything Vale dreamed of—until the guilds take exception to Giuseppe’s flouting of their rules, with violent results.
Vale and Stella work with their friends and the wider community to organize the Margini into a united group that can oppose the guilds. The guild thugs are ruthless, however, and the guild masters equally dangerous. Will justice prevail?
As in the first volume, this one explores themes of privilege, (in)justice, and the power of collective action, set in a richly textured and racially diverse world. Despite the imagined historical setting, readers should find much that resonates with socioeconomic dynamics in the world today—and much that inspires.
Nijkamp’s background in medieval history is evident in the believable details of city life and the workings of the guilds (which I say as someone with a similar background), but the details are there to support the story, and never bog it down. Illustrator Sylvia Bi once again brings Siannera to life with lush, warm hues and lively characters. Vale’s nonbinary identity is seamlessly accepted; Siannera has many problems, but a lack of gender inclusion is not one of them.
Several characters from Ink Girls appear in minor ways in this story, but each book can be read without the other. An Author’s Note offers more details about real-life historical guilds, strikes, and children’s participation in both.
With exceptional worldbuilding, relatable and inspiring characters, gorgeous illustrations, and timely themes, this is a highly recommended tale.
Vale has tan skin and black hair; Stella has pale skin and red hair.
