Coven

Hoping to provide a life free from magic and danger, white-presenting Emsy Covington’s parents left their coven in Derryville, N.Y., for California. Now 16, Emsy spends her days surfing and hanging out with her Asian-cued girlfriend, Joss. Everything’s perfect until an incident orphans fellow coven member, white-cued Ben. Worried for their friends and fearing for their own safety, Emsy’s parents uproot her back to New York, where she struggles to fit in, get along with grief-stricken Ben, and hone her fire magic. But when Ben proposes a risky plan that could give them both their old lives back, the duo endeavor to perform ancient magic beyond their skill levels, heedless of the looming witch war. Coupled with fluidly drawn elemental magic portrayed in haunting reds, blacks, and purples, Seaton’s (Wonder Woman: Warbringer) easy-to-follow paneling elevates this straightforward fantasy adventure. While the coven’s secrecy, even among members, provides tension, it also often impedes character growth and sometimes causes narrative confusion. Nevertheless, Dugan’s (Melt with You) empathetic cast, whose interpersonal challenges and endearing romances flourish amid supernatural conflict, feel solidly teen, buoying this vividly illustrated graphic novel adventure. Ages 12–up. Agent: (for Dugan) Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties; (for Seaton) Ben Grange, L. Perkins. (Sept.)