Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Amulet: Book One, The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet opens with a riveting car crash scene that takes the life of Emily and Navin's father. Emily and her mother must watch as the car teeters near the edge of a cliff, her father's feet stuck under the dashboard. Her mother tries in vain to wrench him free, but can only watch as the vehicle's wheels rise off the ground, then fall to the earth stories below.

Some years later, the mother needs a fresh start, picks the family up and moves them out to the country into an old family home that could be described as a Victorian fixer-upper. Soon thereafter, Emily and Navin happen upon an amulet, upon which Emily takes an immediate hankering. Yes, hankering. Unfortunately, she's not the only being that desires the long lost amulet. It isn't long before mother is swept away by a tentacled creature, and Emily and Navin must begin a journey to rescue her.

I enjoyed Amulet, which ends on a cliffhanger - leaving you wanting for the second book. That alone makes me question whether it can stand on its own. The animation (graphic novel) is nice, but nothing earth shattering. The story is nothing new - formulaic - I suppose is the word.

I'm gonna say Nay.
[amazon]

2 comments:

Josh B. said...

I agree. I actually loved this book quite a bit. I felt the story was a lot of fun, and it did have some original bits too it. Mostly I thought the art was just plain beautiful. However I dont think it would make a good Thumbs Up choice. It ends to quickly to really stand alone and I simply think that there will be better books out this year. But all around a great book, and I can not wait to read the rest of the story.

Katie said...

I concur with Kevin. This one did nothing to blow me away, but it was a fine GN, and would be a good addition to collections for younger teens.