It’s the end of the semester for my MLIS program and my eyes are weary from reading so much dense text. Graphic novels are the perfect way for me to wind down in the evenings, and I recently hit on a series that is not to be missed.
The 5 Worlds face extinction unless five ancient and mysterious beacons are lit. It’s up to three unlikely heroes to find the courage, strength, and wisdom they’ll need to save their world. Oona Lee is chubby and the clumsiest student at the Sand Dancer Academy. She’s the last person you’d expect to have special abilities, but her strong spirit makes her a warrior at heart. An Tzu grew up in the slums and, because of his street smarts, has an innate ability for finding his way out of sticky situations. He’s the go-to whenever they find themselves in a bind. Jax Amboy is a star athlete beloved by an entire galaxy, but he is also carrying a deep secret and a yearning beyond his fame.
5 Worlds’ characters are richly developed and diverse (don’t want to say too much about this so there are no spoilers). The plot is complex and intelligent. The robust world building of a multi-planet system in the midst of war and ecological disaster is mind-blowingly immersive. If all that doesn’t have you grabbing your keys to rush to the store to buy copies, let me tell you about the threads that pull this story together and give it a timeliness that makes it not just fun read but thought-provokingly urgent. The inhabitants are suffering from corrupt politics and corporate greed when there’s no time to lose. The environmental crisis has grown so serious that if our three heroes aren’t able to light the beacons soon, life may cease to exist. Readers will find many parallels with our own country and planet’s strife.
And if that’s not enough for you, the illustrations are gorgeous, full of energy, and thoughtfully rendered. Each page is truly a feast for the eyes. The deeply imaginative story, which sensitively explores race, poverty, corruption, politics, and the scarcity of necessities, is just what the heart and mind need to ponder. Perfect for ages 8+, these novels will be particularly appealing to fans of Dr. Who, Amulet, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Book1: The Sand Warrior and Book 2: The Cobalt Prince are available at bookstores now. Book 3: The Red Maze releases on 5/7/19. Don’t miss the sneak peek into the making of 5W #3 in the end papers of Book 3 and the gorgeous maps on the insides of the back covers. This series makes for excellent summer reading!
Thank you to author Mark Siegel and Random House Books for providing me review copies of this awesome adventure series. I cannot wait for Book 4: The Amber Anthem!
Starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly AND a New York Public Library Top Ten Best Books for Kids and Junior Library Guild Selection!
Check out the 5 Worlds Graphic Novel Animation by Kamille Aeropagita! Anyone else dreaming of a TV series now?
