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Amulet #5

Prince of the Elves

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THE ENEMY GROWS STRONGER....

Emily survived the chaos of the Guardian Academy, but Max Griffin has stolen the Mother Stone. With it, the Elf King forges new Amulets that will give him the power to invade and destroy the nation of Windsor. Emily and her friends lead the soldiers of the Cielis Guard in a fight to stop him, but Max stands in their way. And when she seeks information from the Voice of her Amulet, she discovers that the Voice is much more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

203 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

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About the author

Kazu Kibuishi

72 books3,429 followers
Kazu Kibuishi (born 1978) is an American graphic novel author and illustrator. He is best known for being the creator and editor of the comic anthology Flight and for creating the webcomic Copper. He has also written (drawn) the Amulet series. The webcomic artist and noted critic Scott McCloud has said that some of Kazu Kibuishi's work is so beautifully drawn that "it hurts my hands when I look at it".

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5 stars
13,412 (53%)
4 stars
7,905 (31%)
3 stars
3,027 (12%)
2 stars
393 (1%)
1 star
160 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,474 reviews
Profile Image for Brian Yahn.
310 reviews609 followers
February 5, 2018
Prince of the Elves is very polarizing.

On one side, it's a slow grind, with a lot of backflashes and exposition and not much to advance the story. That is to say, it breaks a lot of conventions for good storytelling.

But on the other side, it adds some much-needed depth to the characters. Max, who in the last issue appeared to be evil for no reason, now has some interesting motivations, and his internal struggle is engaging to read. Trelis and Luger seem like they're being setup for a very emotional showdown with the Elf King.

Even the very basis of the world is getting more philosophical. The premise of Amulet is that a group of people called "Stone Keepers" are able to control the magical powers of stones. But the tried-and-true trope of "with great power comes great responsibility" is showing up in the stones. The stones aren't all fun and games. There is a much darker side to them, and all of the characters are falling into that trap.

I will definitely read more.
Profile Image for human.
652 reviews1,190 followers
June 27, 2021
You can really tell that things are starting to change in this book, and that it's setting up a lot for the rest of the series.

We're given a lot more insight as to Trellis' past, as well as the darker nature of the stones. There's a lot going on throughout the book, action-wise as well as character-wise. So much is left unanswered, but it's clear that we're slowly getting there.

The art is just wonderous. I'm not sure really what else to say, because it's so amazing to see the sheer amount of detail that goes into these books, especially the two-page spread pieces. Things are still pretty confusing, but hey, at least it looks good :D
Profile Image for Calista.
5,432 reviews31.3k followers
February 23, 2018
Just when I think there's nothing Kazu can possibly do that's new and top what's he's done, he finds a way to make it more awesome. This is a fantastic series. I enjoy this. The story is getting very complete and with every answer there are 2 more questions posed. I wonder how much longer this will go.

I really want to know the story of the stones and what is their backstory. Why are they trying to take over? There has to be a reason. How can they win? and where are they going? The odds seemed really stacked against them right now. I am not seeing much way forward. At least Emily and the Elf prince are trusting each other. That is a new development.

The art is breathtaking and so much imagination. it is a unique world and I'm glad I get to visit.
Profile Image for Prabhjot Kaur.
1,133 reviews217 followers
September 27, 2021
But I learn so much when I read stories.
The best ones are usually trying to teach us something.


Navin is joined by other pilots to provide support to his sister Emily. Emily along with Vigo and Trellis uncovers some truths about Max. They also uncover more secrets about stones and storekeepers. Things are dark and dangerous.

We had a lot of revelations in book four and the same happens here. The story doesn't really move much further in this as it covers a lot of flashbacks about characters but I didn't mind that as it helped me understand more about those characters. I am loving how it is getting darker with each book and art is mesmerizing.

I do have to say that even though Emily is the main character, she's not in my favorite list and I also find that the writer doesn't pay much attention to her brother, Navin. I feel like Navin is always sidelined. I'd have liked to see other secondary characters especially Leon in this too, he was only there for one page. But having said that, I was so happy to have Trellis's story. He's become my favorite character and his story was much needed and I absolutely loved it.

4 stars
Profile Image for Daniel.
812 reviews74 followers
May 30, 2017
I knew it. Chess is a dangerous game.

I dalje se iznenadim kada vidim neke prosto predivne scene... mada ne bi trebalo.
Profile Image for Amelia.
53 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2024
I liked this one a lot more than the last one. I loved how we got so many flashbacks of the characters, especially Trellis. He’s so misunderstood and even though he’s part of the group, they still lowkey treat him like trash. I hope he’s treated better later in the series. Learning more about the stone was also great, and you can really see how powerful it is, especially after reading max’s backstory and how we became what he is now. The tension also felt a bit higher for some reason, like I can feel the war coming soon. I guess we’ll find out in the next one.
Profile Image for JohnnyBoy.
141 reviews69 followers
November 1, 2016
Even though this volume has been a bit slower than the other ones I soo loved it! As we go along it gets darker and better which i am a huge fan of that! Trellis is now my favorite character! And the art; stunning, brilliant, there are no words! Well, i am glad the mom wasn't in this one as much. I felt we needed the backstory it added another level to the series. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Ferdy.
944 reviews1,287 followers
April 29, 2015
2.5 stars

Loved the Trellis and Max parts, their back stories and characters were so much more interesting than boring Emily's. The artwork was the best part again, the single page panels were great.
Profile Image for Erica ♋️✨.
571 reviews89 followers
May 6, 2021
I mean i feel like i can gush about this series for days so I’m just going to say i loved it and these side characters give me life.
Profile Image for Jonathan  Terrington.
596 reviews603 followers
July 23, 2013

Things have moved from strength to strength in this volume. The artwork is beautifully edgy and yet still age appropriate for its young adult readership; the dialogue is better than previous novels (if not over the static, disjointed beginnings it started the series with); and the character development is impressive. In fact, when this series concludes I can't help but imagine that it would probably make a superior anime cartoon series or a digitally animated film to a graphic novel series.

The revelations at the end of the previous book continue into this one. Emily learns the dangers of her stone and the ways in which people are being manipulated. Navin learns more about his abilities as a pilot and the elf prince Trellis learns plenty about his past. There is plenty that it seems I can look forward to in the next books now that it appears most of my concerns from the previous novels have been dealt with.

So, on the whole right now this is a very worthy graphic novel series with excellent and interesting material and ideas. So I definitely recommend that you check it out if you are at all into twisted fairytale worlds and graphic novels.
Profile Image for Marianna Neal.
554 reviews2,266 followers
May 20, 2024
This one was my favorite one yet! So much going on, so much revealed, and the art was particularly great. I can't wait to see where this leads because the buildup is very promising. Also, really hoping to learn more about the Void in future volumes.
Profile Image for Jillian.
500 reviews1,966 followers
December 3, 2014
these just keep getting better and better.
Profile Image for Clare.
31 reviews
Read
November 2, 2021
Very good. i love the series and will continue reading it
Profile Image for Cathy.
327 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2018
I'm constantly amazed with Kibuishi's artistic skill. Downloaded an advanced reader copy of the book thanks to NetGalley (dancing with joy was involved) and lost my breath with the artwork on the opening pages. From the start, we follow a young Max and an elfin friend and see there's a bond between the two and for Max, a strong sense of justice and doing right. When Max's elfin friend and family is jailed, he rushes to the prison to set them free and, tragically, puts them in an aircraft that's fired upon and attacked. Declared a traitor, Max vows for revenge and the ball starts rolling for a major battle.

As with the prior book, a darker tone prevails along with the murky mention of time traveling and memory traveling. A map has been added to the end pages which helps depict the areas our characters travel to and combined it makes for an epic and addictive series. Prior concerns of Kibuishi not being able to handle the narrative arc were put to ease, he's got a knack for slowly but methodically revealing a plot where you're never too sure what can happen next. Top it with the artwork and readers will keep turning the pages for more.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,048 reviews141 followers
August 23, 2015
I am so surprised that I'm giving this five stars, but when I look back, there was nothing that I did not enjoy about this book. I read it in one sitting I just couldn't put it down, the art was phenomenal, and the characters wow. We're getting so much more depth with them than I was expecting. Also this story is much darker than I was expecting at the beginning. I'm just loving this series and I can't wait to continue!
Profile Image for Ashley.
851 reviews635 followers
March 4, 2020
4 Stars

Fine. Let’s Play.
🤨

I LOVED this look into trellis’ life. Seeing the spirits of the stones up close and personal...
Profile Image for Jul.
74 reviews214 followers
October 25, 2023
These are so quick and easy to binge. Love it. Each book takes under an hour.

This volume was mainly focused on the war aspect of the story. Had a minor dystopian feel to it even. The time travel was my favourite section of it.
Profile Image for Leslie.
1,100 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2012
Emily’s relationship with her stone has always been tenuous at best: could she trust it’s advice or no. Little did she realize that the fact her stone even speaks with her is a terrible sign. Stones were merely meant as conduits through which the Keeper’s may channel power. The only ones ever known to have spoken with their Keeper’s have led to bad ends. The already sinister presence of the Voice deepens substantially (and rather deliciously). The stakes of the game it and Emily play have heightened and Emily can no longer resist half-heartedly. She, like the Kingdom on the verge of war, must fight.
Kazu Kibuishi continues to complicate any effort for a straight-forward action-adventure fantasy. The decisions that lead the young toward “the dark side” are of considerable interest and what constitutes “action-adventure” varies rather wonderfully. The character explorations of hero and villain alike makes each volume of the series richer, but it also creates lovely juxtaposition for Emily and her brother (even their mothers’) development as characters in their increasingly demanding roles. In Prince of the Elves we learn more about Max Griffin who when he was as young and talented as Emily (maybe moreso) knew love and loyalty and he was also faced with conflicting paths; whose guidance, whose destiny should he fulfill? The world was so much bigger than he and so much was beyond his control. But Max was bold and decisive–and the risk did not end well. His emotions overcoming his intellect? Few characters’ situations lack compassion by the storyteller, there is a tension in knowing a villain may have once been “good,” and in witnessing someone like Trellis who must find the courage to return to his youthful potential and promising origins. The struggles within the cast members surrounding Emily, Navin and Mom give them greater dimension. A young Max and Emily are not unalike, what implications does this create for Emily and how does her statement at the end make her difference so vital.
I’ve mentioned before how parents are not absent from the series. I adore the struggle of the mother to continue in her role as Mom, but also deal with the incredible risks her children take. Her children have been called forth as leaders, possessing more and more the experience, power, and guts to lead armies. But for Emily and Navin’s mom, they are still her children. She is interesting to think about in comparison to the other parents, like Max’s father and Vigo who represent the risks of underestimating and properly estimating. For the young reader, Mom is probably more a place of rest and humor. The sequence on 60-1 felt so typical, like Mom is sending her son off to school. And then there is that last panel at the bottom corner of 61, her reflection caught, somewhat split, by the elevator doors closing. The courage called upon in this adventure takes on so many forms.
As the series continues the scope of the Kingdom and what is at stake in the war with the Elf King increases dramatically. The Elf King’s creatures/assassins become more terrifying. And the reader’s investment in the characters solidify—even as the cast expands. It is becoming harder and harder to wait for the next installment, even as the toll of a great war is inevitable and I’m not ready to encounter its cost. Kazu Kibuishi has truly created a remarkable series with Amulet.

~L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
Profile Image for Zombieslayer⚡Alienhunter.
476 reviews72 followers
September 28, 2017
I'm just waiting for my opponent to make a move.

Trellis, disgraced prince of the elves, joins Emily in training to fight his father for the mother stone and the dark magical forces advancing against them.


Their enemy is a time-skipping former student of the Guardian Council, and Emily and Trellis, both powerful but young stonekeepers, struggle to improve.
They've joined the ranks of a strong army, hoping they'll have enough power to stop their foes, which mount by the day.

An awakened warship called the Colossus ups their favor, and Navin joins the legendary pilots of Alledia.


Emily's great-grandfather, her bloodline's last stonekeeper, had wild thoughts about what the stones were for, and how and the keepers were supposed to use them.
The voice of Emily's stone, the one that urged her to join in this fight in the first place, may not be what she thinks it is.
And Trellis may not be patient enough to improve with time and effort, with the war against his own people turning for the worse by the day, and his father's threats looming closer and closer.



Emily and Trellis, bonded by battle, but maybe something more, will have to work together to strengthen their power, but more importantly, their trust.



"So you want to play? Fine. Let's play."

I'm wondering if anything will ever make me as happy as this series does ever again.

We're two books into the second trilogy, (Kibuishi's words; a trilogy of trilogies) and I'm safely lost in a fantasy world I just can't get sick of.
The characters remain to be Amulet's shining stars, but the world Kazu built around them is vibrant and creative.
In this volume especially, when seeds of distrust are planted, Emily and Trellis have proved an amazing duo of heroes to look up to. They're fantastical, but believable.
Especially considering their ages.

And, believe me, I know where people are going to take this,


but no friggin' way.
Beyond the ship being too young (on both counts) to sail, I really feel like Kibuishi built their relationship differently than that. They're partners and friends. That's all I see, and I really think that's all there is.

Art specs
Have my fangirling rants about this cute/not cute/cute art changed at all from vol. 1? No. No, they haven't.
I shared plenty of (my shitty phone pictures because people don't upload enough per volume) pictures already, but look at this one in particular.



Gone is sullen but still adorable Emily from The Stonekeeper. Her character evolution reflects in her design.
Kibuishi is a visual genius.

This series is a joy and a triumph in the world of graphic novels, and don't expect me to ever change my tune.

"You might not fight like I do, but you are better than I am at using your power to help others. And we need your help. Now more than ever."
Profile Image for Alain Burrese.
Author 20 books49 followers
March 18, 2013
The fifth book of the series, “Amulet 5 Prince of the Elves” by Kazu Kibuishi, is a bit darker than previous books, but just as enjoyable with continued top notch artwork. I'm actually very glad my daughter insisted that I read these books too, because I actually enjoy the stories and then can talk with her about them.

This book picks up where the fourth left off and provides some back story on Max and continues the adventures Emily, her brother, mother, and new friends find themselves in. Unfortunately, a couple of the characters I enjoyed from previous books had very minor appearances in this volume. I do hope their roles in future books will be larger again.

The artwork and story are both captivating, and my daughter liked the very end the best because she said she was waiting for that. Now we have to wait to read book six of the series, but you can bet we both will read that one and all the rest that Kibuishi writes until this story is complete. This is an exceptional graphic novel series for young readers that is entertaining for adults too.
Profile Image for Jefi Sevilay.
794 reviews93 followers
May 23, 2025
Flashback'ler, filler bölümler her popüler kültür öğresinin olmazsa olmazı ama ana hikayeden sapmaya veya momentini bozmaya başlayınca bundan hoşlanmıyorum. Eğer flashback gösterilecekse okuyucuyu çok yorduktan sonra dinlendirmek için konmalı. Aksi takdirde akışı bozuyor, hem de çok fena.

Elf Prensi'nde de yine ileriye gitmek yerine geriye gidiyoruz ve Max'in gerçeğiyle yüzleşiyoruz. Üstelik neredeyse tüm bir kitap. Evet, belki bu daha büyük olayların geleceğinin habercisi ancak tam havaya girmişken okuyucuyu durdurmak hiç iyi bir fikir değil.

Çizimler her zamanki gibi olağanüstü. Bununla birlikte karakterler de çok başarılı ve içleri dolu. Özellikle "ana karakter" hiç konuşmasa, hatta ortalıkta olmasa bile ilerleyen hikayeleri çok seviyorum. Ancak artık biraz aksiyon istiyorum pliz.

Herkese keyifli okumalar!
Profile Image for Jacquelyn.
444 reviews228 followers
January 2, 2016
Unfortunately, this was my least favorite of the series. I was a little fuzzy on all that happened in volume 4 but I felt that there wasn't much of a recap on volume 4 and it just jumped right on in. I still loved the art style but the plot was just boring to me and I was just glad that it was quick. Although this one was a disappointment, I have really enjoyed volumes 1-4 so I most likely will continue despite the low rating of this particular volume. I wish I had enjoyed this one more but you win some, you lose some.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,474 reviews

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