Pages

September 27, 2011

Book Review +Giveaway: AMULET Book Four: The Last Council!

Title: The Last Council (Amulet #4)
AuthorKazu Kibuishi
Publisher: Scholastic
Ages: 9-12


Summary

Kazu Kibuishi's thrilling, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling series continues!

Emily and her friends think they’ll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn’t right.  Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left live in fear.  Emily is soon escorted to the Academy, where she’s expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Coucil, a group of the most powerful Stonekeepers.  But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, an awful secret is slowly uncovered – a secret that, if left buried, means the certain destruction of everything Emily fights for.


My Review
I haven't read many graphic novels, but after reading The Last Council I understand their appeal to some of my middle school readers.

This was a wonderfully fast paced novel that kept me reading and wondering how the main characters would get  out of the situation they were in.  Once they got out of one, they were right into another.  As a reader you aren't given much time to pause! And for kids who don't like reading much - that type of plot is perfect!  Beyond the pace, the story itself was great.  The story took some pretty good turns in this book setting up a huge battle yet to come.  I could tell that Emily grew as a character because she, in the end, knew what she needed to do.  There was also a nice twist that I didn't see coming at all.  I think readers of the series will be surprised at some of the things that happen.  That keeps the story fresh and interesting!

Because this is a graphic novel I want to take a second to comment on the graphics of the story.  If you look below you'll see a page of the book.  This is just a small taste of how great the graphics were.  Some people think reading a graphic novel is too easy for kids or like reading a picture book.  After reading this book I disagree.  There was information within the pictures that the reader has to notice and interpret.  If you don't, maybe just skip over the pictures, you'll miss some of the story.  You must look and infer, so you know the full story!  And besides why would you want to skip the graphics! They were amazing - so rich and full of color.  Loved them!


For the Guys?  YES! Even though Emily is more of the main character it's not "girly".  The action is great.  The story is complex.  Boys will like it!


Final Thought: It has sold me on graphic novels.  I'll be reading the whole series!
Best stick-with- you image:  The Groul.  Scary!
Best for readers who: Like fast paced stories that take some twists and turns
Best for ages: 9-12   


Here's a look at the inside of the book:


And of course you'll need to check out the websites!


And the trailer!





Now the Giveaway!
Up for grabs are 2 copies of The Last Council!

To Enter:
Must be a US resident
Must be at least 13
Must fill out THIS FORM
Ends in one week: Oct 4 midnight CST

2 comments:

  1. I love graphic novels and this sounds like a great one!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Isn't this a great series? I love this one and the artwork is amazing. Perfect for adventure fans and an all around great series. So glad you enjoyed it!

    ReplyDelete