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Diana: Princess of the Amazons #1
Diana: Princess of the Amazons
From New York Times bestselling authors Shannon Hale and Dean Hale comes a heartfelt story about making mistakes, learning the hard way, and growing up to become a hero.
Eleven-year-old Diana leads an idyllic life on the island of Themyscira. Cut off from the rest of the world, she's beginning to feel more and more isolated. Though she has a loving mother and many "aunties," she is an only child. THE only child on the island, in fact.
After an escapade goes wrong, Diana gets in trouble for not living up to the Amazonian standard. She just can't seem to measure up no matter what she does. Every other person on the island is an adult proficient in their trade and mighty in body, while she is gangly, sometimes clumsy, and not particularly good at anything. She's not Wonder Woman ... yet. What Diana needs is a friend; someone her own age whom she can talk to. But when she decides to take matters into her own hands, she may just make a monster instead of a friend.
Eleven-year-old Diana leads an idyllic life on the island of Themyscira. Cut off from the rest of the world, she's beginning to feel more and more isolated. Though she has a loving mother and many "aunties," she is an only child. THE only child on the island, in fact.
After an escapade goes wrong, Diana gets in trouble for not living up to the Amazonian standard. She just can't seem to measure up no matter what she does. Every other person on the island is an adult proficient in their trade and mighty in body, while she is gangly, sometimes clumsy, and not particularly good at anything. She's not Wonder Woman ... yet. What Diana needs is a friend; someone her own age whom she can talk to. But when she decides to take matters into her own hands, she may just make a monster instead of a friend.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2020
About the author
Shannon Hale
117 books13.7k followersShannon Hale is the New York Times best-selling author of six young adult novels: the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy, multiple award winner Book of a Thousand Days, and the highly acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has written three books for adults, including the upcoming Midnight in Austenland (Jan. 2012), companion book to Austenland. She co-wrote the hit graphic novel Rapunzel's Revenge and its sequel Calamity Jack with husband Dean Hale. They live near Salt Lake City, Utah with their four small children, and their pet, a small, plastic pig.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
February 10, 2020
This cute, middle grade graphic novel focused on Wonder Woman was full of heart.
Artwork: ★★★
Pacing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★
Diana is the only child in a community of Amazon warrior women, and she's not exactly having the best time. To put it simply, she's bored. Life isn't exciting when you're the only kid in the world and all of the grown-ups are too busy to play.
So, upon hearing the origin story from her mother that Diana was formed from clay and a wish, Diana decides to make her own clay "friend." She molds her friend together and wishes for "Mona" to be a real girl.
Mona animates to life! All of the sudden, Diana has a friend for all of her adventures.
But, as Diana soon learns, having a friend is harder than it looks...
I found Diana: Princess of the Amazons to be a refreshing and cute middle grade graphic novel. The art was adorable and easy to grasp at a glance, and the story moved along at a fast pace. This would be the perfect novel to read aloud to a younger child—they'd love the pictures, and wouldn't get bored by too much text!
Thank you to DC Entertainment for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Artwork: ★★★
Pacing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★
Diana is the only child in a community of Amazon warrior women, and she's not exactly having the best time. To put it simply, she's bored. Life isn't exciting when you're the only kid in the world and all of the grown-ups are too busy to play.
So, upon hearing the origin story from her mother that Diana was formed from clay and a wish, Diana decides to make her own clay "friend." She molds her friend together and wishes for "Mona" to be a real girl.
Mona animates to life! All of the sudden, Diana has a friend for all of her adventures.
But, as Diana soon learns, having a friend is harder than it looks...
I found Diana: Princess of the Amazons to be a refreshing and cute middle grade graphic novel. The art was adorable and easy to grasp at a glance, and the story moved along at a fast pace. This would be the perfect novel to read aloud to a younger child—they'd love the pictures, and wouldn't get bored by too much text!
Thank you to DC Entertainment for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2020
Princess Diana is the only child on an island of immortal Amazons. No one has time for here and she feels neglected and alone. When she hears the story of how she was made of clay again, she decides to make her own clay best friend. That's where Mona comes in. However, she may not be the best influence on Diana...
This is a nice story for middle graders. The art is reminiscent of illustrated books for that age group with a bit of a cartoony, kidsy feel to it.
Received a review copy from DC and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
This is a nice story for middle graders. The art is reminiscent of illustrated books for that age group with a bit of a cartoony, kidsy feel to it.
Received a review copy from DC and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
October 18, 2020
This was alright! I'm not a huge superhero fan, but I do usually enjoy the graphic novels more like this, that aren't part of any existing comic canons and just tell origin stories or whatever. Unfortunately, I just thought this was a bit boring? But I did give it a 3.5 and decided to round up to 4 because, in all fairness, I'm not the target audience for this book and I think a lot of kids would LOVE it!
September 13, 2020
This graphic novel addresses the feelings that kids have when they start to feel abandoned as they grow up. When they are little adults make a lot of fuss about them, but when they get to upper elementary age, the excitement dies down and parents get distracted with life. I felt that this story dealt with this issue very well.
February 9, 2020
"I think I’d like people better if they all turned into adorable, fluffy animals."
Diana was a really cute middle grade graphic novel that kids will enjoy. We all know how Wonderful Woman turned out but it’s refreshing to see how she was when she was younger.
Diana was a really cute middle grade graphic novel that kids will enjoy. We all know how Wonderful Woman turned out but it’s refreshing to see how she was when she was younger.
December 29, 2019
A fantastic addition to the Wonder Woman titles with great cover appeal for the middle grade set. Diana feels neglected and unappreciated by all the Amazons and crafts her own playmate from discarded clay and sand and names her Mona. Diana gets a big surprise when her playmate comes to life. Will having a friend help Diana to grow and reach her goals? Some great reminders about our relationships with family and friends along with some young super hero action. Will appeal to kids who have loved the Princess In Black series and graphic novels like "Real Friends."
Thank you to DC Comics and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to DC Comics and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
“I think I’d like people better if they all turned into adorable, fluffy animals.
Me too...
This was alright I guess.
I enjoyed the cute art (especially on the animals). I didn’t like the frequent making of terrible decisions.
I know I’m a lot older than the book’s intended audience so keeping that in mind I suppose it’s probably a nice little comic to show kids a story about Diana being a kid or whatever.
Not anything I considered amazing but it probably works for the target audience. I wouldn’t say I personally disliked it myself...
3/5
“I think I’d like people better if they all turned into adorable, fluffy animals.
Me too...
This was alright I guess.
I enjoyed the cute art (especially on the animals). I didn’t like the frequent making of terrible decisions.
I know I’m a lot older than the book’s intended audience so keeping that in mind I suppose it’s probably a nice little comic to show kids a story about Diana being a kid or whatever.
Not anything I considered amazing but it probably works for the target audience. I wouldn’t say I personally disliked it myself...
3/5
April 22, 2020
Diana and all the artwork are all really cute!
September 14, 2020
𝓞𝓦𝓛𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓷 2020- 𝓟𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼
THIS WAS THE CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER READ!
It took no time at all to read and the story was well worth it. It touched my crabby old heart and left me feeling bright and happy. It is both for children and adults as it has content that speaks to both audiences while being a fun and heartwarming story.
Diana is princess of the Amazons; the only child in the entire island. You can see how this can be lonely as there is no one to play with or relate to. Her mother is too busy running the Amazons, and every other Amazon has a job to do. Diana, upon hearing the story she has heard a 1000 times before about how she was made from clay, goes and tries to create a friend from clay--which unexpectedly totally works! Diana is thrilled to have a friend, even if this friend is not the best influence and may drive Diana to do things she will regret.
🖤 Diana: Princess of the Amazons portrays a F/F adult relationship between the queen of the Amazons and her general.
🖤 It is both a story for children and adults--as an adult it touches upon the importance of spending time with your kids and how that is basically the only thing they really want--your time and attention. Which is a nice reminder in this world that goes way too fast.
🖤 The art has thick strokes and wonderful colors. I love how the artist illustrated everything from the background/setting to the individual characters. There were a couple of misshaps (like for example, Diana at one point tells Mona to climb into her room when she sees the YELLOW scarf tied to her window, but then the scarf is red on the illustration) but they are small and ultimately inconsequential. The art is accessible without being super kiddy, the individual character's expressions are on point (believe me, I have seen terrible things in more adult comic books, like the eyes of the new run of Buffy comics-NIGHTMARES).
I would definitely read a sequel; Shannon Hale is a FANTASTIC author, and the art is on point!
PS; I was provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks go to the publisher!
THIS WAS THE CUTEST THING I HAVE EVER READ!
It took no time at all to read and the story was well worth it. It touched my crabby old heart and left me feeling bright and happy. It is both for children and adults as it has content that speaks to both audiences while being a fun and heartwarming story.
Diana is princess of the Amazons; the only child in the entire island. You can see how this can be lonely as there is no one to play with or relate to. Her mother is too busy running the Amazons, and every other Amazon has a job to do. Diana, upon hearing the story she has heard a 1000 times before about how she was made from clay, goes and tries to create a friend from clay--which unexpectedly totally works! Diana is thrilled to have a friend, even if this friend is not the best influence and may drive Diana to do things she will regret.
🖤 Diana: Princess of the Amazons portrays a F/F adult relationship between the queen of the Amazons and her general.
🖤 It is both a story for children and adults--as an adult it touches upon the importance of spending time with your kids and how that is basically the only thing they really want--your time and attention. Which is a nice reminder in this world that goes way too fast.
🖤 The art has thick strokes and wonderful colors. I love how the artist illustrated everything from the background/setting to the individual characters. There were a couple of misshaps (like for example, Diana at one point tells Mona to climb into her room when she sees the YELLOW scarf tied to her window, but then the scarf is red on the illustration) but they are small and ultimately inconsequential. The art is accessible without being super kiddy, the individual character's expressions are on point (believe me, I have seen terrible things in more adult comic books, like the eyes of the new run of Buffy comics-NIGHTMARES).
I would definitely read a sequel; Shannon Hale is a FANTASTIC author, and the art is on point!
PS; I was provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Thanks go to the publisher!
April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Diana: Princess of the Amazons is an excellently woven origin tale of Wonder Woman by Shannon and Dean Hale, gorgeously illustrated by Victoria Ying. Living on the island of Themyscira, Diana knows little of the truth behind her existence. What she does know, however, is that she is constantly surrounded by adult warriors and in desperate need of a friend. So, one day, when she learns the truth of how she came to be, Diana decides to take matters into her own hands. Maybe she can make herself a friend.
This middlegrade graphic novel was one of the most gorgeously illustrated that I've come across. I had so much fun flipping through the pages of exquisite artwork as I read the tale.
The story, while certainly fun and engaging, was at times a bit odd to me. The fact of the matter is that I didn't know much about Wonder Woman before reading this. Honestly, I doubt I'd have even recognized it was a story about Wonder Woman at all had it not been for the synopsis actually mentioning it. And really, I don't think many kids reading this will recognize that either. But what was really strange to me was just the nature of the friend she ends up making.
I guess I just didn't expect it to be dark in that way.
Regardless of this, though, Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a genuinely fun and thoroughly entertaining read. Whether you're a fan of Wonder Woman or not, I imagine just about anyone could fall in love with this book.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Diana: Princess of the Amazons is an excellently woven origin tale of Wonder Woman by Shannon and Dean Hale, gorgeously illustrated by Victoria Ying. Living on the island of Themyscira, Diana knows little of the truth behind her existence. What she does know, however, is that she is constantly surrounded by adult warriors and in desperate need of a friend. So, one day, when she learns the truth of how she came to be, Diana decides to take matters into her own hands. Maybe she can make herself a friend.
This middlegrade graphic novel was one of the most gorgeously illustrated that I've come across. I had so much fun flipping through the pages of exquisite artwork as I read the tale.
The story, while certainly fun and engaging, was at times a bit odd to me. The fact of the matter is that I didn't know much about Wonder Woman before reading this. Honestly, I doubt I'd have even recognized it was a story about Wonder Woman at all had it not been for the synopsis actually mentioning it. And really, I don't think many kids reading this will recognize that either. But what was really strange to me was just the nature of the friend she ends up making.
I guess I just didn't expect it to be dark in that way.
Regardless of this, though, Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a genuinely fun and thoroughly entertaining read. Whether you're a fan of Wonder Woman or not, I imagine just about anyone could fall in love with this book.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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April 1, 2020
Diana grew up on Themyscria, an idyllic beautiful island (leading to some very pretty art work). She grew up with everything in she ever wanted. Except for a friend. She feels like she's stuck in the middle of the childhood she remembers and all the adults that still baby her.
"It seems like I'm either too old or too young for everything"If I'd had this when I was 10. It would've been life changing. I still teared up while reading. I'm tearing up writing this review. I was that kid with no friend that turned to books to stop feeling lonely. I was stuck in the middle in my extended family.
This is just everything I've ever wanted. Plus, it was Wonder Woman. And I would've killed for anything Wonder Woman or any female superhero books or merchandise when I was a kid. I look at toys for kids now, and I its bittersweet seeing Black Widow action figures, and Wonder Woman plush toys.
"Be my friend. So I'm not alone"This is all about how Diana longs for a friend her own age, and I. Don't think I'd realised just how much I had longed for a friend as a kid like. Thanks, my hearts in shreds now.
I don't think I can fully explain just how this cute, short graphic novel managed to open almost every single childhood wound that has since scarred over.
So. I highly recommend this graphic novel that'll rip your heart out of your chest, yet also have those those wounds acknowledged and validated so well.
Trigger and Content Warnings: violence, toxic relationship
December 13, 2019
Diana is too young to join in the activities of the other Amazons, and she has no companions her own age. She tries to fashion a friend for herself out of clay and sand, attempting to perform magic to breathe life into the figure, but her longing for a friend may plunge the entire island into chaos.
I loved this graphic novel! The artwork is colorful and vibrant, showing the clear action and the emotional responses of the characters. It really brings the story to life and creates an energetic mood.
The plot is excellent, with many moving parts that propel the story forward. Each scene is interesting and full of excitement and mystery.
I loved Diana's young character! You can really feel the struggle she is working through as she tries to figure out who she is and what her place is among the Amazons. She has such a strong personality, and her courage begins to blossom even while she is fighting for her own self-worth. Her emotional reactions as she interacts with other characters are powerful and pull the reader into her shoes.
I really hope there will be more graphic novels about Young Diana!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this graphic novel! The artwork is colorful and vibrant, showing the clear action and the emotional responses of the characters. It really brings the story to life and creates an energetic mood.
The plot is excellent, with many moving parts that propel the story forward. Each scene is interesting and full of excitement and mystery.
I loved Diana's young character! You can really feel the struggle she is working through as she tries to figure out who she is and what her place is among the Amazons. She has such a strong personality, and her courage begins to blossom even while she is fighting for her own self-worth. Her emotional reactions as she interacts with other characters are powerful and pull the reader into her shoes.
I really hope there will be more graphic novels about Young Diana!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
February 13, 2020
I've read a lot of variations on the origin of Wonder Woman and stories of her childhood on Themyscira in the Paradise Islands archipelago, but this one aimed at a kids audience may be one of the best.
An only child who has found herself a bit neglected as she flounders in that time between childhood and her teenage years, a lonely Diana, with a little bit of magic, literally makes herself a new friend. The trouble comes when that new friend turns out to have a mischievous streak.
The story unfolds a bit predictably, but it is still entirely pleasing. I'm hoping for another adventure by the same creative team in the near future.
An only child who has found herself a bit neglected as she flounders in that time between childhood and her teenage years, a lonely Diana, with a little bit of magic, literally makes herself a new friend. The trouble comes when that new friend turns out to have a mischievous streak.
The story unfolds a bit predictably, but it is still entirely pleasing. I'm hoping for another adventure by the same creative team in the near future.
April 15, 2020
three stars. | take my rating with a grain of salt; i am not the target audience. i think middle grade kids will enjoy this a lot more than i did.
October 8, 2023
This was a fun quick read I really enjoyed! The art was such a cute style! It was a lot of fun reading a story from young Diana's point of view! I especially enjoyed the characters in this book, each brought something unique and special to the story! There really wasn't one I disliked! It's got a good plot about not letting people influence you for the worst and what true friendship looks like! I truly enjoyed this cute fun read more than I thought I would and would recommend it to anyone looking for something short and sweet! 📚☺️✨
April 26, 2020
This review and more can be found at The Heart of a Book Blogger.
Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a cute middle grade graphic novel. This story of course focuses on Diana as she’s growing up as the only child around all of the Amazons. She’s lonely since there’s no one her age and she misses her mother’s attention. She finally gains a friend when she brings a girl to life out of clay. It’s not all fun games and adventures, though, as soon this new friend starts getting her into mischief and trouble.
This story would be great for tweens struggling with loneliness and pure pressure. Being in middle school is hard and students will be able to relate to Diana’s feelings of being friendless. And once she gets a friend, there’s a good lesson in the story about being pressured into doing something wrong but then deciding to do the right thing—even if it means going against what your friend wants. The artwork is very colorful and fun. The bright colors definitely help establish the tone for a younger audience and the drawings themself are very cute.
Overall, Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a fun graphic novel with a good lesson for middle graders!
*This ARC was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.*
Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a cute middle grade graphic novel. This story of course focuses on Diana as she’s growing up as the only child around all of the Amazons. She’s lonely since there’s no one her age and she misses her mother’s attention. She finally gains a friend when she brings a girl to life out of clay. It’s not all fun games and adventures, though, as soon this new friend starts getting her into mischief and trouble.
This story would be great for tweens struggling with loneliness and pure pressure. Being in middle school is hard and students will be able to relate to Diana’s feelings of being friendless. And once she gets a friend, there’s a good lesson in the story about being pressured into doing something wrong but then deciding to do the right thing—even if it means going against what your friend wants. The artwork is very colorful and fun. The bright colors definitely help establish the tone for a younger audience and the drawings themself are very cute.
Overall, Diana: Princess of the Amazons is a fun graphic novel with a good lesson for middle graders!
*This ARC was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.*
January 8, 2020
Soooo good! Check out my full review here: https://bookishrealmreviews.blogspot....
May 10, 2023
Cute story, lessons learned about choosing friends wisely and finding your place in your community.
December 29, 2020
I am not a father, but if one day I have a son or a daughter this is going to be one of those books that I will read with them. "Diana: Princess of the Amazons" is a great title for young audiences and that's the point, this little volume is designed for them, I know a lot of people who say it sucks but a book should be judged based on what it is, not based on what you want it to be...
The plot is about a little Diana, at an age when she is too young or too old for everything, that age of transition between childhood and adolescence where everything is confusing and the line between what is right and what is wrong it's pretty blurry. She has a great family made up of her mother and many aunts who care about her, but there is a big problem, ALL OF THEM ARE ADULTS !!! For a kid it is always difficult to be the only child and not have someone to play with, it seems that all adults are always busy and have more important things to do and well... this comic is about that and how to deal with it in some way.
We add that the artist Victoria Ying works for the first time in graphic narrative in this book and she does it very well, with a simple but very careful and dynamic art, I hope to see more of her works for comics soon.
I liked it and I hope in a few years to be able to read it to someone!
The plot is about a little Diana, at an age when she is too young or too old for everything, that age of transition between childhood and adolescence where everything is confusing and the line between what is right and what is wrong it's pretty blurry. She has a great family made up of her mother and many aunts who care about her, but there is a big problem, ALL OF THEM ARE ADULTS !!! For a kid it is always difficult to be the only child and not have someone to play with, it seems that all adults are always busy and have more important things to do and well... this comic is about that and how to deal with it in some way.
We add that the artist Victoria Ying works for the first time in graphic narrative in this book and she does it very well, with a simple but very careful and dynamic art, I hope to see more of her works for comics soon.
I liked it and I hope in a few years to be able to read it to someone!
January 4, 2020
Shannon Hale and Diana, Princess of the Amazons? How could that combo go wrong?
And true enough, this was a delightful telling of what Diana as a child must have gone through, with everyone being older than she, and her not being able to do the things she wanted to do.
The characters were all believable, well, as believable as a bunch of amazons could be, and a child created from clay.
It makes me want to read more stories about this version of Diana.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And true enough, this was a delightful telling of what Diana as a child must have gone through, with everyone being older than she, and her not being able to do the things she wanted to do.
The characters were all believable, well, as believable as a bunch of amazons could be, and a child created from clay.
It makes me want to read more stories about this version of Diana.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 22, 2020
"I liked the book because the kids were having fun. The sand person ended up being bad and that scared me." -Cadee, age 7
March 14, 2020
3.75*
This is so cute. I liked this a lot! I am really getting into Wonder Woman.
This is so cute. I liked this a lot! I am really getting into Wonder Woman.
March 30, 2021
Una aventura preciosa y entretenida que se lee en un suspiro. Si ya me gustaba el personaje de Diana... necesito más cómics así!
December 1, 2022
I loved this book as it gave me a new perspective into the life of Diana Prince.
July 15, 2020
Great book. Definitely appropriate for kids. I will say that it kinda has some conflicting messages about trust and friendship, so just be aware of that. But I thought the overall story was good, and the moral, though a little bit complicated, was a good one.
April 13, 2022
Terrific and surprisingly deep comic about Wonder Woman as a girl. The book delves into bullying, being kind, taking people for granted, and shows that happiness and love are treasures. The most important theme is why someone should choose to be a good person and stand by that despite pressure from friends. SPOILER: Circe was well done as the wolf in sheep’s (or should I say clay?) clothing.
Great book for children and all ages who love graphic novels,
Great book for children and all ages who love graphic novels,
January 19, 2020
I loved this, and not only for obvious reasons. :)
April 16, 2020
So sweet. I needed to read something like this. It put a smile to my face.
September 29, 2020
Maravillosa, cuquísima y bonitísima historia de iniciación de Wonder Woman.
¡Qué mona es! ¡Me la como! ❤️
¡Qué mona es! ¡Me la como! ❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews