Graphic Novel Review – Firelight (Amulet, Vol 7) by Kazu Kibuishi (5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: February 23, 2016
ISBN-13: 978-0545433167
Stand Alone or Series: 7th book in the Amulet series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars
“Emily, Trellis, and Vigo visit Algos Island, where they can access and enter lost memories. They’re hoping to uncover the events of Trellis’s mysterious childhood — knowledge they can use against the Elf King. What they discover is a dark secret that changes everything. Meanwhile, the voice of Emily’s Amulet is getting stronger, and threatens to overtake her completely.”
This is the seventh book in the Amulet series and it feels like it has been taking absolutely forever for these to release. It’s been pretty much two years between each book for the last couple books in this series. That being said this was an incredible addition to the Firelight series. Last I read Kibuishi has ten books planned for this series. This is a series that both me and my nine year old son adore; so it’s a fantasy graphic novel series that is great for middle grade and older readers.
Our characters are split into two parties throughout the story. The vast majority of this book is spent with Emily and Trellis as they visit Algos Island and find out some very startling things about the history of the Amulet Keepers. This part of the story was fantastic. We learn a lot about the Amulet Keepers history and also get some backstory on the accident that killed Emily’s father. We also get some excellent backstory on Trellis and how he was raised.
The other part of the story follows Navin as he (along with the rest of his crew) try to evade the Elves, rejoin the rest of the Rebellion and reunite with his mother. This part was pretty brief but it was good to see what Navin was up to.
The illustration is absolutely spectacular with full color and breathtaking backgrounds. I continue to really really love the illustration style in these books.
The story doesn’t make a ton of progress but some interesting twists are revealed and there is one huge “Oh No!” Moment towards the of the story that will keep readers hooked.
Overall a fantastic addition to the Amulet series, if a long time coming. Wonderful characters, some good progress on the story, and beautiful illustration. I really look forward to and enjoy reading the books in this series. I do wish there was a “the story thus far” at the beginning because it is so long between book releases. I also wish that the story moved a bit faster. However, this is an incredibly well done series and I highly recommend to fantasy graphic novel fans of all ages.
This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– New Release Challenge
– Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge
