Graphic Novel Review – Return from the Shadows (The Dam Keeper, Book 3) by Robert Kondo , Dice Tsutsumi (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Length: 208 pages
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: July 2, 2019
ISBN-13 : 978-1626724563
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd book The Dam Keeper series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Sunrise Valley is without a dam keeper, and time is running out. In less than twenty-four hours, the poisonous tidal wave of black fog will descend on Pig’s home. While Fox, Hippo, and Van hurry east to warn the townspeople, Pig ventures on his own path.

Pig is following a trail of clues that are inexplicably linked to his father, and now that trail is leading upward. What he finds on a floating island above the clouds will shake him to his core, but it just might be the answer he needs to save his home.”

Series Info/Source: This is the third and final book in the Dam Keeper series. I borrowed this book from the library.

Story (4/5): This is a fun and simple conclusion to this series. We find out the secret of what happened to Pig’s father and then our team of characters returns home to fight the impending black fog. This ties up the series nicely and was a good story, if a bit predictable and shallow.

Characters (4/5): I continue to enjoy the characters well enough. Pig is determined to make things right and I enjoyed his reunion with his father. Pig’s friends are actually a bit more entertaining than pig himself.

Setting (4/5): I love the world that this is set in. It’s a typical fantasy “world run by animals” type of place. However, the introduction of the floating island that Pig ends up in added a bit more to the story.

Writing/Drawing Style (4/5): This was well written and easy to follow. It’s definitely meant for a younger age group; the story is fairly simple and predictable. I loved the drawing style here, it’s very creative and well done and is pretty much what makes these books.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and it’s great for all ages. This is definitely aimed at a younger age group but I think adults that enjoy the artwork style will like this as well. There are themes of friendship, family, and being determined to do the right thing throughout the story. The highlight of this for me was the artwork but I also enjoyed how the overall story was tied up.