Early Graphic Novel Review – Prince of Elves (Amulet, Book 5) by Kazu Kibuishi (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Size: 208 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: September 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0545208895
Stand Alone or Series: 5th book in the Amulet series
Source: eGalley from NetGalley.com
Rating: 5/5 stars

I got an eGalley of this book to review through NetGalley(dot)com. I have absolutely loved the Amulet series but Kibuishi and was sooo excited to get this book to read early.

This book focuses more on Max than on Emily. Emily and crew are preparing to defend Cielis in the coming war with the Elves. In this book we learn more history about how the war with the Elves started. We also learn a ton about Max’s history and about exactly what the Amulets are.

I loved this book; the drawings were spectacular and the story is absolutely excellent. I am constantly in awe of Kibuishi’s artistic ability; the drawings are just absolutely awesome and match the tone of the story so well.

This is the book where we get to hear Max’s back story and find out why Max is serving the Elf King. This does an excellent job of generating sympathy for Max. It helps as readers understand his position and how he got there and makes the story even more interesting.

The story continues to have a steampunk feel to it as well. Both sides of the war are preparing awesome new weapon-like entities that will truly make it a battle of epic proportions.

Emily also gains more understanding as to exactly what the Amulet is and where it comes from. This was interesting to finally have some insight on.

Additionally there is a nice map in the back of the book which gives us a better idea of where all of these events are taking place spatially.

Overall an absolutely beautiful and epic addition to this series. I enjoyed the spectacular illustration and the way the story is broadened even more in preparation for the final war between Cielis and the Elves. This series is highly recommended to readers middle grade and older who enjoy fantasy stories.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Challenge
– 150+ Books Reading Challenge
– Steampunk Reading Challenge