Synopses & Reviews
In this wildly entertaining fantasy debut we meet Broxo, the only surviving member of a tribe of barbarians who once occupied a now-desolate mountain. All alone in the world, Broxo spends his time on the mountain hunting and avoiding the man-eating walking dead that periodically drag themselves out of a fetid lake. Everything changes when Zora, a foreign princess, arrives on the mountain seeking Broxo's lost tribe. Can the two young warriors together defeat the living dead? With accessible and beautiful art, killer fight scenes, and a story that mixes humor, romance, and classic high fantasy, Broxo is a tale you're sure to enoy.
About the Author
Zack Giallongo was born and raised in Massachusetts, although one half of his family lives in Indiana. Between New England and the Midwest, he's a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. He currently lives with two cats and enjoys playing the banjo. He also likes cheese, bowling, and writing in the third person. Broxo is his first graphic novel.
Reading Group Guide
Broxo is a graphic novel, a story told in words and pictures. How do you think this story would be told differently if it were just pictures or just words?
Zora and Broxo are both separated from their families. Zora ran away from hers after her mothers death, and Broxos family disappeared along with the rest of their clan. How do you think these experiences are similar or different for the two of them? What are the different ways that the two characters deal with loss?
Broxo lives alone in a dangerous place, but he explains to Zora, “Theres no danger if youre careful.” What do you think of his philosophy?
The Peryton clan believes in the Great Stag, who leads spirits to the underworld. Does this remind you of any religious or spiritual traditions youve learned about?
Broxo trusts Ulith to help him and Zora summon the Stag, even though no one else trusted her. She both helps them and betrays them. Should he have trusted her? Is it ever too late for someone to change?
In Peryton, things are not as they appear. What appears to be a terrifying snow beast is Broxos friendly pet Migo, and Broxo himself is smarter than he seems at first. What lessons does Zora learn about first impressions?
Many of the characters in Broxo are outsiders, and the Peryton clan was notoriously unwelcoming. What damage does it cause to someone to be made an outsider? How does excluding outsiders strengthen or weaken a group?
Ulith tells Zora, “You may be a princess in your land, but youre nothing in mine,” yet Zora continues to act like a princess for much of the story. Broxo, too, keeps his title of king, even though hes the only one left. Do you think adhering to status is admirable?
How would you characterize the conclusion of the story? Broxo cannot bring his people back, but he does manage to free them. Is this a happy ending?