Book Reviews

Amulet vol. 1-5 (2008-2012)

Amulet series - Kazu Kibuishi
Ratings: 
Vol.1: 3/5 
Vol.2: 3.5/5
Vol.3: 3.5/5
Vol.4: 4/5
Vol.5: 4/5
Genre: Fantasy

Amulet Vol. 1 

Two years after the death of her father, Emily, her widowed mother and her younger brother move into her abandoned family home. The home of Emily’s mysterious great grandfather, a few years ago he went missing and no one knows if he is dead or alive. When they move in Emily finds and old amulet in her great grandfather’s old possessions. After this events lead them to a parallel universe where Emily’s mother is taken by a creature with tentacles. Now Emily and her brother have to get her back, but what dangers will they encounter throughout their journey?

This is the first installment in the graphic novel series (The Amulet series).This is a really short graphic novel that took me around an hour to read. This is a great read for struggling readers, younger readers and people who just want to pass the time (it’s pretty much great for everyone).

Because it’s the first one in the series not much happens but as the series progresses it gets better and more action filled.

Amulet Vol. 2

Emily and her brother, Navin are heading for a city called Kanalis, where they hope to find an antidote for a particular poison. The antidote is at Demon’s Head Mountain but Trellis is headed for Demon’s Head Mountain as well. A great battle will soon be upon Kanalis, will Emily triumph over the evil within the amulet without destroying herself in the process?

I this volume the plot thickens and is much more interesting. The art in this series absolutely amazing, Kibuishi’sart style is amazing! Kibuishi’s characters are amazing as well. My favorites are Miskit and Cogsley, they are two badass robots I’ll never get enough of.

There is a lot more character development throughout this novel and there are also other vital characters introduced, like Leon; a fabulous fox who has a way with swords.

Amulet Vol. 3

AN IMPOSSIBLE JOURNEY WITH DANGER AT EVERY TURN…

Emily and her friends have set off in search of the mythical city of Cielis but time is running out- Emily has to fing Cielis before the Elf King finds her!

From this novel on the series starts to get more action packed. I LOVE IT!! Although I loved this volume I wish Kibuishi had spent more time developing characters like Leon (the fox) because he seems like a really interesting character and I wanted to get to know him more.

Amulet Vol. 4

Emily and her friends think they will find help in Cielis but something is wrong. Streets that used to be full of people are empty and the people are all afraid. Emily is sent to the Academy where she has to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council. But as the trials get nearer Emily finds she has fewer opponents. Something is wrong. There is a secret that, if left buried, means certain destruction of Emily fights for.

In the fourth installment of the Amulet series Kibuishi has stepped it up a little bit more, the characters and plot are more developed. For me, some of the best bits were when MIskit and Cogsley were away from everyone else and on their own little adventure. Also Cogsley has the CUTEST little friend in the world (you will meet them soon omg ADORABLE!!). So far this and the 5th installment have been my faourites.

Amulet Vol. 5

THE ENEMY GROWS STRONGER…

Emily has survived what happened at the Guardian Academy but her new enemy has stolen the Mother Stone. With it, the Elf King forges new amulets that will provide him with power to take over and destroy everything. Emily and her team of friends must lead the soldiers of the Cielis Guard into a battle, but their new nemesis stands in their way (I won’t tell you who they are because spoilers). New enemies are revealed and the battle rages on, more ferocious than ever.  

In this volume we find out more about our new nemesis’ backstory which I found really interesting. As with the previous books, there is heaps of action and suspense. This volume is quite a lot darker than the rest (probably because of our nemesis’ background). This is my 2nd favourite installment in the series so far.

Aaaaaah! This series should totally be a tv show! I can’t wait to read the next book!

OVERALL:

This is a great series for struggling readers, younger readers (7+) and is a great time filler. The Amulet series is quick, fun and the artwork is great! Honestly, this is an amazing children’s fantasy series and I seriously recommend it!