Geis: A matter of life and death by Alexis Deacon

Walker Books Australia, 2016. ISBN 9781910620038
(Age: Upper primary + ) Highly recommended. Geis: (genitive singular geise, nominative plural geasa)
1. a solemn injunction , especially of a magical kind, the infringement of which led to misfortune or even death
2. a tabu , spell or prohibition
This is going to tick a lot of boxes for quite a number of your readers. Firstly, it is yet another sumptuous graphic novel I have had the pleasure of receiving recently. Secondly, it is supernatural AND historical AND fantasy. Finally, it is the first in a trilogy so readers who love the continuation of a saga will really go for it.
The matriarch chief/ruler of an island lies dying and has no natural heir. She summons her strongest magic ever.
One of you I will spare. For the rest I claim you all! Your hearts will beat to feed my magic, your bodies will be shells for my puppets and my slaves, your minds will be shattered and broken.
Fifty souls are called in the night for a contest that will determine the one worthy of taking her place. This is a trial like no other and begins the first task.
This is another first novel and I predict the start of an amazing career for Alexis who graduated in 2001 from the University of Brighton with a first class Honours in Illustration.
Definitely a name to watch - this is highly recommended for readers from Upper Primary onwards.
Sue Warren