I started The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha as an online reader. However, it was only a sample of about half of the graphic novel. I was both “OH! Now what????” and “Eh…I get the idea…do I go on?” I decided to go on and asked at my local library for a copy. It took a bit, but it was mostly worth the wait. Ha is the delightful author of Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir. And though The Fox Maidens is fiction, I expected something similar. However, the two novels are very different from each other, yet also have a slight familiar style.
Fox Maidens is an interesting graphic novel about women’s roles in this time period of Korea (and most likely Korean, Asian and women’s history overall). Included is a bit of a same-gender romance at the end that leads to a few questions for me, but overall a delightful read. The history elements are some of my favorite parts (the father/general comes from nothing, is able to become a great man, but still people use that against him. Because his beloved first wife is barren, he takes a second wife and has two sons with her), the role of a woman not being able to be a warrior), as is bringing in the mythology of the people. I have read some folklore, but this presentation gives things a more human touch, and is more relatable than just the “trickster” vs. human. The idea of magic is almost casually, side-by-side of reality and is a fun way to read the story. I like that you can take it at face value or assume the “magic” is a metaphor.
To top off the story of a young girl, coming of age, as the only daughter of a leader we have some great illustrations. They are not colorful, but bright to light the time, place and people. You see a lot going on at once, but you are also drawn to the focal point of things. The mythology of the Fox Demon is romantic in nature. But also deadly and violent. This is shown (while I think appropriately, it is not for sensitive readers). 
There are some racist terms/situations, some sexual situations, and death, but they are there to tell you about the time and/or the person speaking and less for shock or hurt value. It also shows how the main character, Kai, changes by the end of the story, and not just her physical transformation. I felt the ending was rushed a bit, and I have two questions that in the grand scheme of things are not needed for the story, but I became invested in these people and want to know! Best for 12 to adults, but the stronger reader aged 10 and up can handle it, but of course, know your reader.
