The Cobalt Prince

5 Worlds #2

by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma (Illustrator)

R. J. Palacio, #1 New York Times bestselling author of WONDER , hails this adventure series as "Mind-blowingly beautiful. . . . A must-read."

Think Star Wars meets The Last Airbender !

5 Worlds. 3 Unlikely Heroes. 1 Epic Battle for the Galaxy!

Oona Lee surprised everyone--including herself--when she lit the first beacon to save the Five Worlds from extinction. Can she light the other four beacons in time? Next stop, Toki! On the blue planet, Oona must face the sister who left her, and bring to light the Cobalt Prince's dark secrets. Meanwhile, An Tzu is fading away as his mysterious illness gets worse. Will it stop him from joining the fight? Or will his unique magic be just what the team needs?And Jax Amboy is a hero on the starball field, but in a moment of real danger, will he risk everything to save his friends?

Oona must rely on some surprising new allies in order to stop a terrible plot from unfolding and continue her quest across the 5 WORLDS!

Praise for 5 Worlds Book 1:
A Publishers Weekly Best Summer Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A New York Public Library's Top Ten Best Book for Kids 2017
Included in NPR's Guide to 2017's Great Reads
2017 Nerdy Book Club Award Winners for Best Graphic Novel

"Bang-zoom . . . epic." -- The New York Times Book Review

"Sensitive writing, gorgeous artwork, and riveting plot." -- Booklist , Starred Revew

"A dazzling interplanetary fantasy . . . that will easily appeal to fans of Naruto or The Last Airbender." -- Publishers Weekly , Starred Review

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Comics, Science Fiction, Childrens, Adventure

253 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2018

About the author

Mark Siegel was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, grew up in Paris, France, and now lives in New York. A graduate of Brown University, he is the author and illustrator of several award-winning picture books, including the graphic novel, SAILOR TWAIN, and the 5 WORLDS series. Mark is also founded First Second Books—Macmillan's prestigious graphic novel publisher.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I put off reading this one for so long, but I'm so happy that I finally got to it! This is definitely a fun and engaging middle grade graphic novel series.

The Cobalt Prince picks up exactly where the first book, The Sand Warrior, left off. There isn't much that I can share about this book due to spoilers, but I will say that it definitely feels more high stakes than the first book. Siegel creates more character development and more in-depth world building that I appreciated as a reader. There is a certain intricacy to this world that not only attracts younger readers, but continues to hold their interest. One of the most surprising things about this book is definitely the emotional impact. It never ceases to amaze me how a book that was not necessarily intended for me as a reader can push and pull and tug at my emotions in unexpected ways. My heart broke for everything that Oona Lee experienced in this installment. It's hard to imagine living your life and realizing that everything you've been taught and told is a complete and total lie. Honestly, the storytelling is absolutely beautiful and I immediately put the 3rd one on hold. The artwork is a marvel. I hands down feel like this is some of my favorite art and coloring in middle grade graphic novels. It's so engaging and full of life. Honestly, if you're looking for a middle graphic novel series to check, I would highly recommend going with this one.

[Francina Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worst part of reading this is finishing it. Love this series!

[Brooklyn Halley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
This book was like 😭
Is pretty and I want to continue the saga

[Jay G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...

The plot is beginning to develop more from the first book and we did get more of a backstory for some of the characters, which I enjoyed. I liked the Cobalt Prince and Jessa's story in this and how they interacted in the end. I still love the bright colours in this and they caught my attention and held it.

It will be interesting to see where the story progresses from here.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In reading this volume, I found myself wondering what I found so enchanting about the first book. Though I think the issue is more with me than the book, since this is a fun little adventure story with nice art and an interesting setting full of neat little visual details of alien cultures and biomes; but it isn't quite what I'm looking for now, apparently. Though there are some details that annoy me. Like Jax's supposed death; it is obvious that he is one of the main companions of the destined one (it is a trope-filled story), and of course if you look too closely at the back cover, he is shown on the thumbnail image of the next volume in the series. But it feels like his "death" is glossed over too easily, like Oona and An Tzu end up back on the Flitori and no one really tears into the apparent fact that the captains did such a horrible job explaining things that they got their friend killed.

Also, those missing children were brought up pretty heavily early in the story, and it seemed like they would be something the characters would investigate; instead the story moved on until they suddenly showed up as possessed but ethically-wrong-to-harm minions in a way that felt a bit random. Like, they were totally foreshadowed by mentions early in the book, but it didn't really feel expected.

And I'm disappointed that I had properly pegged Jessa's role in the story: she's redeemed, but having her unite with her sister would resolve too much angst, so she has to nobly sacrifice herself instead.

Finally, I wonder if Toki's government makes any sense at all given that Vector is elected prince; even when you elect monarchs, you usually do so from some subset of noble families, rather than just some orphan, whatever mystical talents they have.

[Lucía Cafeína · Rating 4 out of 5]

MUY MUY EMOCIONADA 💙
Me parece una historia muy original y completa, con unos personajes tan tan bien construidos… ay, me flipa

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying the 5 Worlds series. Having read the first two books in the Amulet series as well, I can honestly say that this is the stronger of the two when it comes to middle grade, graphic novel fantasy.

The artwork is just as charming and immersive as in the first book. But the story is what really shines here. There are multiple complex threads woven throughout the plot, along with a creative cast of characters... including a formidable villain. While middle graders will probably enjoy this, I can see it having appeal for older readers as well.

I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment in this fun series!

[Miss_Cultura · Rating 5 out of 5]

La segunda parte de una serie de libros que me está encantado.
Me lo estoy pasando bomba por muchas cosas entre ellas: la narración, los personajes, los mundos, los secretos...

[Fiebre Lectora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hay que ver, con lo cuqui y entrañable que parecía la historia al principio, cómo ha tomado un giro dramático y oscuro, pero eso no quita para que los personajes sigan siendo increíblemente adorables y queribles, y seguir conociéndolos es todo un regalo.

Aquí, la aventura se vuelve más peligrosa, con giros inesperados, personajes nuevos, secretos y mentiras, una defensa del medio ambiente, de la necesidad de cuidar lo que nos rodea, y de la importancia de la amistad y la familia. Para mí, resulta sumamente original y emocionante, y he pasado prácticamente toda la novela mordiéndome las uñas por lo que podía pasar... y termina ocurriendo.

Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW.

this series is so adorable and has left me with so many emotions! highly recommend these graphic novels. the story is beautiful and the illustrations are lovely.

truly cannot wait for the third installment!

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one! Incredible world-building, great plot progression, lovable characters, engaging writing, and I could go on! I love this series!

[Sofie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and emotion it said alot to me and a good series for young readers with a big imagination

[˗ˏˋ kacie ˎˊ˗ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

You can count on the authors to deliver beautiful artworks. So aesthetically pleasing! I personally enjoyed the first volume more bc the story in vol.2 felt more one dimensional(?) and some plot points just didn’t line up convincingly. Also, the constant switching of color palettes (with no particular reason) was kinda disturbing. I liked the ending a lot tho, so there’s no doubt that I’ll be continuing to this series!

[Chiara Santamaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Più bello, approfondito e coinvolgente del primo, mantenendo le atmosfere e i disegni splendidi e personaggi che abbracceresti dal vivo!
Un bel caso di fantasy e graphic novel nato da una collab tra cinque artisti.

[Kris Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great art about alien worlds and a heroine with great skills. Should be 5 in the series. Marketed as a juvenile graphic novel.

[Emperor Ember · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the art and the colors in these

[Emma Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art and an action-packed, imaginative story.

[KelceyTheLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adoring this series. While marketed to a younger audience, it had plenty of deeper meanings and plenty of plot to keep me thoroughly engaged.
Also there may have been feelings T.T
Waiting a year for the next one is always the worst part!

[Noah Litle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book ( The Sand Warrior , read my review of that one here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and with more character development and depth to both the world and the characters.
~
I really like how the artists captured the motion of this story. Both in the framing of it, and in the movement of the characters. They really did capture the beauty of dance in these books. Well done.
~
I've done a very small amount of research into the authors of this book since my review of the last book, but I have still not come up with much as far as why there are parallels between the mythology of this universe and biblical truths. In spite of the almost disturbing bit of deception done by the Mimic through the Cobalt Prince.
Not that the deception was disturbing in and of itself. I believe there are forces of evil out there trying to pull off similar feats of deception, and often succeed. But the fact that it was in a children's book was mildly disturbing. Especially with how close they got to convincing us that right was wrong.
As I mentioned in my review of Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 2 (read my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), when writing for children, it's important to ground them morally. While this book shook that grounding a bit (or maybe a lot), it didn't undermine it. And on top of that, it gave an honest view of what the world is really like. Sometimes people get deceived. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between what's right and what's wrong. But this book also showcased another truth: you'll know them by their fruit. Evil people will bear the fruit of an evil lifestyle (selfishness, lies, deception). Righteous people will bear the fruit of a righteous lifestyle (selflessness, sacrifice, honesty). That you can trust, when all else fails, and when evil is trying to convince you that right is wrong. If you have a firm footing on the truth, then even a thorough shaking like the one depicted in this book won't be enough to topple you.
~
All that said, this book may be better for older young readers. Or for younger young readers, if you're willing to walk them through the almost-moral-ambiguity.
And the older readers? Have at it! So far this is a great series!

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the first, the art is simply gorgeous. I also feel like the overarching plot has taken firmer roots now, but I'm feeling conflicted about what happened with the prince.

Like they present it as "the prince was thinking hateful thoughts and so the mimic was able to possess him!" but I don't think we really got enough information on what exactly happened there and it sits weirdly with me. Is it that the prince didn't know that the moons' orbits would expand and he really thought he was doing the right thing? Or did he intentionally give people limited information while knowing the truth? With the mimic prince being the antagonist of this volume and the titular character, I really was hoping we would learn a little bit more about what had happened.

Having said that, I did enjoy reading this a lot and I'm very excited for the next book in the series!

As a final note: I would be very interested to hear a person of color weigh in on some of the stuff that was revealed in this book.

[Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 stars rounded up)⭐⭐⭐.5


You know I never completely understood this series or the world building so there has always been a SLIGHT disconnect. But there were some moments that hit my emotions different.

The ending seems to be wrapped up. However I think there are three more comics left. The big war is over. So is what "threat" will there be? Things seem so straight forward from this point on. But just like in cartoon there's always a new bad guy to fight.

I do not feel at all inclined to read the rest of the series. I did feel that way after finishing book one but I love to speculate on stories when they are slightly open ended so.... idk nor do i care. i might read the rest idk 😐

[Scott Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My major issue with the first volume was that it was heavy on set-up and world building but that I was looking forward how the story would unfold. This volume does not disappoint in the least - so much great action and intrigue here - a wide cast of characters with distinct personalities and an exploration of current issues and ideas like climate change, trust vs lies, race, identity and how evil can influence an entire nation. Such a great read.

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this continuation of the Sand Dancers. Oona is searching for answers. She thinks she knows what’s happening but her lost sister makes an appearance and she doesn’t know what to believe. Who is the Cobalt Prince and what are his intentions? Gorgeous artwork and an engaging storyline will appeal to those who like the tales of Hayao Miyazaki.

Access to review copy provided by publisher.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cobalt Prince is a perfect addition to the 5 Worlds series. Equal parts Miyazaki and Moebius, it deals with the absurdity of racism and the dangers of blindly accepting other people's truths as your own. Can't wait for Book 3.

[Jenee (her/hers) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, can't for Red Maze to come out!

[Erica Pehrson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series a lot. The illustrations are so alive and well rendered. The characters are vibrant. The story and world building is really cool. This is one of those books that raises the bar of what to expect from a book.

That being said, I didn't like this one as much as the first. I felt like SO MUCH happened in 1 and this one I felt like the pacing or something was weird. It also was missing a bit of the emotional impact of the first. Even though multiple characters died in this book, I didn't feel it as well. I think the pacing of the panels in those scenes may have contributed to that.

I LOVED the Cobalt Prince. He was SOOOOO cute <3 <3

I liked that the plants were helping to purify the air.

I LOVED the space captain ladies. Wow, SO cool. Such character design.

I love having the older sister's perspective and backstory in here. I think this book was a great example of how everyone has a different story and what their truth is. They are being told different "truth" by every single character in this book, even ones who aren't necessarily lying. It is just and ancient dilemma and it is going to take a while to sort out what is ACTUALLY true.

I think the shade of blue that they use for their skin is so interesting because it looks like the color that would shade their pink skin so they just look like they are in shadow all the time. Very interesting.

I am so excited to keep exploring the planetary system! I'm also glad that all of the adult mentors in their lives are generally good and they aren't just fighting their parental figures. It's refreshing to have some figures in authority on their side.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got around to continuing this series! I read the first one like a year ago and barely remembered it, but luckily there was a little summary at the beginning that reminded me just enough of the characters and the premise to get by, and before long it was like there had never been a pause.

The art is really pretty, and I feel like that's a huge reason I enjoy 5 Wolrds so much--it's just really nice to look at! But also I like the relationships between the characters--the way An Tzu's still trying to wrap his head around Jax Amboy, the strained love between Oona and Jessa... And I like the twists, and am looking forward to finding out what happens next!

In some ways it's very middle grade, but something about it just works for me. Hopefully the third one will come in at the library for me soon--I'm definitely not going to wait a whole year this time!

[Emmielaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sequel to a great book!

The art of the first 5 Worlds comic was what caught my attention when I saw it on the library shelf, and the sequel is no different. Every page is a beautiful diorama of color and motion. It's just jam packed with personality! Five worlds; five artists, but it all feels like one unified style. Well done, guys! There are a lot of plot twists that really come as unexpected instead of the typical tropes. Definitely not just for kids, anyone can enjoy it! Though I definitely wouldn't recommend it for the under twelve/thirteen set, as some scenes are pretty dark and intense. Like I said, this is not a "kiddie" book! Whether you're twelve or twenty, The Cobalt Prince is a fantastic read, I would definitely recommend it!

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, beautiful artwork intertwined with a whimsical world and magical ones save the world story. I really enjoyed the first volume and this one was good as well but suffered from some massive info-dumps. If not for the illustrations, I would have taken longer to finish this. I will admit some of my annoyance may have been because it's been so long since I read the first volume.

I didn't like how Jax completely disappeared but if vol 3 shows it was worth it, I will allow it. Also, why did Jessa have to sacrifice herself? I understand there has to be a dramatic oompf! ending, but I'm disappointed. I think Oona's the only female main character now.