Graphic Novel Review – Pandemonium by Chris Wooding and Cassandra Diaz (3/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal/Steampunk
Length: 176 pages
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0439877596
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5 stars

“Seifer’s life is about to become a royal pain. . . . As captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. He’s fast, he’s strong, and he flies circles around the competition. But Seifer’s always dreamed of more–of leaving his tiny, remote village for a new life beyond the mountains.

He just never dreamed it would happen like this. Knocked unconscious and abducted, Seifer awakens in the royal palace to learn that Prince Talon Pandemonium has gone missing. And since Seifer is a ringer for Talon, it’s his duty to replace the missing royal in his roles of diplomat, warrior, and Lord Defender of the Realm.

He might fool Talon’s sisters. He might fool Talon’s army. But Seifer has little hope of fooling Talon’s enemies. . . .”

This was an okay graphic novel aimed at the middle grade and young adult crowd. I enjoyed the setting and the illustration. The story and dialogue was only so-so.

This is all about a young man named Seifer who is a local skullball champ; he is unsatisfied with his life and wants more. Then he is kidnapped and forced to step in as the Prince of the realm since the Prince is missing and Seifer looks a lot like him. There is some mystery behind Seifer’s past but we never really learn about that in this book.

Everyone is surprised when Seifer ends up being a more benevolent ruler than the missing Prince Talon. However, Seifer can’t fool Talon’s enemies.

The illustration was well done; very colorful and easy to follow. The story was kind of bland and the dialogue felt stiff. This is just the beginning of a story which was apparently never finished (I was not able to find information about any future books in this series).

Overall this was okay but not great. The setting and illustration are well done; the story and dialogue are just okay. Considering this is only the first part of an unfinished story, I wouldn’t recommend.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge
– Paranormal Reading Challenge
– YA Reading Challenge