Staff Pick
Filled with inventive world building, sci-fi themes (displayed perfectly with beautiful art), and brave heroes! The concept of five different planets being threatened by war was well thought out and set a bleak mood that really let the characters shine. I really enjoyed the characters in this graphic novel, because they all come from very different backgrounds but are able to work through hardship, make a lot of self-discoveries, and help others. On top of everything, the art was so colorful and eye-catching, I wanted it to go on forever! Recommended By Brianna B., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
The #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Amulet, Kazu Kibuishi, hails this first book in this groundbreaking sci-fi/fantasy adventure series as "a magical journey, as fun as it is beautiful!" Think Star Wars meets Avatar: The Last Airbender!
The Five Worlds are on the brink of extinction unless five ancient and mysterious beacons are lit. When war erupts, three unlikely heroes will discover there’s more to themselves — and more to their worlds — than meets the eye....
• The clumsiest student at the Sand Dancer Academy, Oona Lee is a fighter with a destiny bigger than she could ever imagine.
• A boy from the poorest slums, An Tzu has a surprising gift and a knack for getting out of sticky situations.
• Star athlete Jax Amboy is beloved by an entire galaxy, but what good is that when he has no real friends?
When these three kids are forced to team up on an epic quest, it will take not one, not two, but 5 WORLDS to contain all the magic and adventure!
"This stellar team has created a gorgeous and entrancing world like no other!" — Noelle Stevenson, New York Times bestselling author of Nimona
"Epic action, adventure, and mystery will draw you in, but the heartfelt characters and their seemingly impossible journey will keep you turning the pages." — Lisa Yee, author of the DC Super Hero Girls™ series
Review
"In a dazzling interplanetary fantasy from the Siegel Brothers, artists Bouma, Rockefeller, and Sun bring to life the cultures, customs, and creatures of a lively new world that will easily appeal to fans of Naruto or Avatar: The Last Airbender." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"This sweeping graphic-novel saga features inventive world-building, with history, mythology, and traditions naturally integrated into the narrative. The installment ends triumphantly and tantalizingly; readers will eagerly await book two." The Horn Book Magazine
Review
"With sensitive writing, gorgeous artwork, and riveting plot, this is a series to keep an eye on." Booklist (Starred Review)
About the Author
Mark Siegel has written and illustrated several award-winning picture books and graphic novels, including the New York Times bestseller Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson. He is also the founder and editorial director of First Second Books. He lives with his family in New York.
Alexis Siegel is a writer and translator based in London, England. He has translated a number of bestselling graphic novels, including Joann Sfar’s The Rabbi’s Cat, Pénélope Bagleu’s Exquisite Corpse, and Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese (into French).
Xanthe Bouma is an illustrator based in Southern California. When not working on picture books, fashion illustration, and comics, Xanthe enjoys soaking up the beachside sun.
Matt Rockefeller is an illustrator and comic book artist from Tucson, Arizona. His work has appeared in a variety of formats, including book covers, picture books, and animation. Matt lives in New York City.
Boya Sun is an illustrator and co-author of the graphic novel Chasma Knights. Originally from China, Boya has traveled from Canada to the United States and now resides in the charming city of Baltimore.