Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This graphic novel has a compelling premise—a deaf girl falls for the mysterious Piper in a dark reimagining of the classic tale—but the execution doesn't quite deliver. The artwork is genuinely atmospheric and beautiful, and having a deaf protagonist in a fantasy setting is meaningful representation. But here's the problem: the story is rushed, especially in the final act, and what could have been a nuanced exploration of loneliness and belonging instead becomes a fairly straightforward revenge tale.

The Piper is violent and manipulative, which is fine for a dark fairy tale, but the relationship between him and Maggie never develops enough depth to make us care. Multiple reviewers note the romance is just 'okay' and the character work is thin. At 3.9 stars on Amazon, readers clearly wanted more.

It's not a bad book, but it's not great either. If you have a teen who loves dark graphic novels and fairy tale retellings, they might enjoy the vibe and finish it in an hour. But don't expect Thirteen Reasons Why levels of emotional impact—this is more style than substance, and the substance that's there skews dark without much payoff.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14-17 who can handle dark themes and violence in a fairy tale context. The graphic novel format makes violent moments more visceral, and the manipulative relationship isn't something younger teens should see romanticized. Mature high schoolers will get the most out of the thematic complexity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

A dark retelling of the Pied Piper with a vengeful protagonist who kills those who cross him. The romance between two outcasts has potential, but the Piper's manipulative nature and violent acts undermine positive emotional modeling. Common Sense Media specifically warns that the piper is 'vengeful and violent, killing those who cross him and trying to manipulate others to suit his needs.' The story explores loneliness and isolation through Maggie, a deaf girl who is shunned, but the resolution leans heavily into vengeance rather than healing or growth.

Imaginative

68

A creative reimagining of a classic fairy tale through the graphic novel format, with atmospheric artwork from Eisner-nominated Jeff Stokely. The story centers on Maggie's vivid imagination and gift for storytelling, and the magical elements of the Piper's abilities add intrigue. The concept of a deaf protagonist navigating a folklore narrative offers fresh perspective. However, multiple reviews note the execution is rushed in the final third, and the romance is described as merely 'okay' and 'not anything to write home about,' limiting the imaginative payoff.

Safe

55

Violence and death are central to the story—the Piper kills people who cross him, which aligns with the dark fairy tale source material but creates safety concerns for younger readers. The manipulation and vengeance themes are mature. As a graphic novel, the visual nature means violent moments have more impact than they might in prose. No sexual content or explicit language flagged. This isn't a book that would traumatize teens, but it's definitely not safe for younger kids to pick up unexpectedly. The dark tone is consistent throughout, so it's not surprising violence, but it's still present.

Enriching

58

Touches on meaningful themes of isolation, disability representation (deaf protagonist), belonging, and the consequences of vengeance. School Library Journal calls it 'moving' and notes it deals with 'isolation, love, and retribution.' However, multiple reviews point out the story is rushed and underdeveloped—the last third feels compressed, character development suffers, and the promising setup doesn't fully deliver. At 3.9 stars on Amazon and mixed reviews about execution, it offers some food for thought but doesn't land with the emotional or intellectual depth it aims for. The graphic novel format makes it a quick read, which limits depth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Deaf protagonist in a fantasy setting offers representation rarely seen in fairy tale retellings
Atmospheric, eerie artwork from Eisner-nominated illustrator Jeff Stokely brings the dark forest world to life
Quick read in graphic novel format—can finish in one sitting
Explores loneliness and what happens when isolated people find connection (even if it goes dark)
From the author of Thirteen Reasons Why, so teens familiar with that book might be curious

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What to Watch For

The Piper kills people—it's a dark revenge tale, not a sweet romance
Story feels rushed in the last third, with underdeveloped character arcs
The romance is manipulative and unhealthy, not aspirational
Themes of vengeance and violence are central—this isn't light reading

Conversation Starters

"Maggie was treated badly by her village because she's deaf. How do you think that shaped who she became and the choices she made?"
"The Piper seemed perfect at first but turned out to have a dark side. What were the warning signs Maggie might have missed?"
"This is a revenge story—do you think the people who were cruel to Maggie and the Piper deserved what happened to them?"
"How do you think this version of the Pied Piper legend compares to the original story? What changed and why?"

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