Graphic Novel Review – Fallen Empires (Cleopatra in Space, Book 5) by Mike Maihack (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Graphic Novel/Science Fiction
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: Graphix
Release Date: March 26, 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1338204131
Stand Alone or Series: 5th volume in the Cleopatra in Space series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars
“Cleo goes into hiding after a mysterious death at Yasiro Academy, and she and her friends set out to uncover the spy who must be working within the school’s ranks. Meanwhile, Xaius Octavian continues his assault on the galaxy as his complicated origin story, and how he went from being Cleo’s best friend to a ruthless dictator, is revealed. In the end, a space battle and dramatic confrontation between Cleo and Octavian will change both of their lives forever.”
This is the fifth book in the Cleopatra in Space graphic novel series, there are six books planned for this series. This was a very well done installment in this graphic novel series.
The novel starts with a quick background on Gozu (who becomes Octavian). This was a bit confusing at first but in the end I figured out what was happening here. After that Cleo and friends must sort out treachery within the school and save what they can before everything is destroyed.
I love the illustration style and high energy story. There is always some humor in here which is great fun!
There are a lot of characters in this series at this point and I had a bit of trouble keeping some of the cats straight. It would have been great to have a “Story so far” or maybe a small section with character faces and names at the beginning. However, these are pretty short reads so I could have just gone back and re-read them all.
Overall this was a very entertaining continuation of the Cleopatra in Space series. Things are really coming to a climax here and we learn a ton about Gozu and Cleo’s background. I would recommend this whole series to those readers middle grade and older who enjoy action packed sci-fi graphic novels with some humor. I can’t wait to see how the series wraps up in book 6!
