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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sci-fi, fantasy, magic, time travelling, alternate realities, sign me up! I read this in one sitting since it was so fast paced and interesting graphic novel
I read a recent interview with Kibuishi where he talks about not writing with particular themes in mind, but letting the themes come naturally from his characters. I don't doubt that this is his process, but it came as a surprise to me. Having finished the entire Amulet series now, I was hit pretty hard by a clear theme.
From the first volume, the series has been about control. As soon as Emily inherits a mystical amulet from her grandfather there's a question about whether she'll be able to control it or if it will control her. And as more is revealed, we learn that there are many other amulets and many other stonekeepers, all having the same battle, but with widely different results. Many become victims, a few become villains, and there are varying politics and philosophies amongst the rest about what to do in response.
But the central issue is always control. Not just over the stones, but over more mundane (but no less important) things like our own plans and destinies. And Kibuishi offers wisdom about our relationship with control. How sometimes its a good thing. And how sometimes we need to let go of it. And how do we discern the difference? He does this so well that it's even more impressive to know that he didn't start off with this in mind.
My relationship with control is something that I struggle with myself, so now that I've finished the Amulet series, I'm confident that I'll read the whole thing over again someday to pull out even more of these characters' ideas about it.
From the first volume, the series has been about control. As soon as Emily inherits a mystical amulet from her grandfather there's a question about whether she'll be able to control it or if it will control her. And as more is revealed, we learn that there are many other amulets and many other stonekeepers, all having the same battle, but with widely different results. Many become victims, a few become villains, and there are varying politics and philosophies amongst the rest about what to do in response.
But the central issue is always control. Not just over the stones, but over more mundane (but no less important) things like our own plans and destinies. And Kibuishi offers wisdom about our relationship with control. How sometimes its a good thing. And how sometimes we need to let go of it. And how do we discern the difference? He does this so well that it's even more impressive to know that he didn't start off with this in mind.
My relationship with control is something that I struggle with myself, so now that I've finished the Amulet series, I'm confident that I'll read the whole thing over again someday to pull out even more of these characters' ideas about it.
Ummm... I hate that I'm disappointed but I am. Overall the messaging was really good-- insightful, poignant, empowering, great for young people especially but certainly all of us could benefit. As always, the artwork was beautiful.. And I liked the Return of the Jedi vibes a lot... however... I just don't feel like it made sense. To introduce so many half-hearted "explanations" in the last book felt very disjointed and out of left field, and yet somehow managed to create more plot holes instead of tying things together... it felt like a lot of things from the previous books that were so interesting didn't even matter. It's certainly nowhere on the level of being as bad as Game of Thrones season 8, but the fact that the comparison even comes to mind is not a good thing. I dunno. I still enjoyed the series overall. And for the most part I guess this ending is... fine? *shrug* just not satisfying. I have a lot more questions than answers and it does somewhat take away from the previous books which is sad. Anyway.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall this series was definitely a win and I would recommend it to anyone with young readers! Good messages and beautiful art!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
odd, rushed finish to this series
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated