GNW: The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson & Dan Jolley [Illustration by Joëlle Jones]

Not long ago, a plague spread across the world that killed off everyone over the age of twelve.The infection took hold of their bodies and eventually disintegrated them, but it somehow didn't affect children, which meant they were left to fend for themselves.

Most kids, when faced with having to survive on their own, didn't quite know how to cope. They stuck together and most ended up forming gangs, hoping to bully their way into providing for themselves.

Lisa Nelson and her little brother, Todd, are doing better than most. When the epidemic hit, Lisa was smart. Instead of going for the candy and sweets, she found things that could sustain her and her brother. She made trips out to the country to find food in abandoned homes. She kept them safe.

It's not long before other kids are coming to Lisa for help. She only wanted to survive and take care of her brother, but it soon becomes apparent that she's the only hope most of these kids have. It's either that or join the Chidester gang, a ruthless group of kids that has already attacked Todd once and against whom Lisa seems to be the only one who can stand.

With all these kids looking for her to take care of them, to give them the tools they need to survive, Lisa  decides to rise to the challenge. With the help of a few others, she builds her own city, one that can resist the attacks of the Chidester gang and others like them. She and her friends help others find their skill sets and place them in the appropriate places to use them to their fullest potential.

But the threat hasn't ended. The gangs are getting smarter and they'll do anything to take down Lisa's city and her along with it. It's going to take everything in Lisa's arsenal, and everyone, if they're going to survive.

I wasn't aware that this particular graphic novel was based off a book while I was reading it. I've since learned that and am now eager to get my hands on a copy.

I really enjoyed this. Lisa's character is down-to-earth and smart. She's tough and not afraid of hard work. She'll do anything to defend her little brother, and that's really what drives her character through the entirety of the book. He's her number one priority and it's him who convinces her that she has what it takes to lead others. It's through him that she realizes that there are plenty of kids who are just as helpless as Todd, who need that direction she alone seems to be able to provide.

Let's not forget about the beautiful artwork by Joëlle Jones! It's absolutely stunning. From the range of expressions and emotions she's able to capture perfectly to the realistic scars, bruises, and scrapes. Everything about it is rich and beautiful. I could go on and on about her stunning work, but you really just have to experience it for yourself.

This is definitely a graphic novel you want to get your hands on. I know I'm sure glad I did.

Rating: ★★★★★