Graphic Novel Review – The Thief and the Sword (Cleopatra in Space, Book 2) by Mike Maihack (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Graphic Novel/Science Fiction
Length: 192 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIC
Release Date: April 28, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-0545528450
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Cleopatra in Space series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the second book in the Cleopatra in Space series. This has been a very cute and fun middle grade graphic novel science fiction series. I think middle grade readers will really enjoy it, I know my son does and I like it too.

Cleopatra is still settling into life at Yasiro Academy, she is determined to find a way home eventually but also working on making friends and learning new skills at the Academy. Her best friend, Akila, is in the middle of planning a large school dance. Akila is desperately trying to not be jealous of Cleo’s popularity (which Cleo is oblivious to). However things get dicey when during the dance when a thief, Anthony, enters the adjoining compound to steal the Sword of Kebechet. Of course Cleo is determined to stop him, even if it means destroying Akila’s wonderful dance.

These are cute and quick science fiction graphic novel reads. I love the bright colorful illustrations, they are easy to follow and fun to look at.

I love Cleopatra, she is fierce and plucky but still a bit insecure about any area in school that doesn’t involve fighting. We also meet Anthony in this book and he was a wonderful character too. Additionally I really enjoy Cleo’s cat Khensu, who is constantly trying to be the voice of reason throughout the book.

This is a great graphic novel for kids who are just starting to read chapter books (and older kids too). My eight year old son loves this series. Of course he also loves cats and there are a lot of cats running the Academy in this book.

Overall a fun and action-paced graphic novel that is a great for middle grade readers. I think adults who enjoy colorful graphic novels with a sci-fi theme will also find this series entertaining. I will definitely continue reading it. If you enjoy this series and are interested in some other middle grade science fiction graphic novel series I would also recommend Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke and Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi.

This book goes toward the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge