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The Jekyll Island Chronicles #2
A Devil's Reach
The thrills continue in this critically acclaimed diesel-punk graphic novel series set in a sci-fi version of the early 20th century!
At the beginning of the twentieth century, one sixth of the world's wealth vacationed in and around the tiny Georgia island of Jekyll. Captains of industry like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie all called the Jekyll area home. Blending elements of historical fact, clockwork technology, and diesel-punk style, The Jekyll Island Chronicles span an age of furious mechanical advancement while exploring the span of man's soul - whether good or evil.
In Book Two of this alt-history adventure, Peter, Helen, and the rest of Carnegie's "Specials" would like nothing more than to return to normalcy along with the rest of the country--especially after defeating their enemies in Book One. But the anarchists have other plans. Luigi Galleani and the Zeno cabal reach out from Europe, across the Atlantic, to wreak havoc, divide the enemy, build an army, and capture plans for the world's deadliest weapon. If they are to be stopped, the tiny group of heroes from Jekyll will need to find new resolve, new resources, and new allies--and do it all before Nikola Tesla's most terrible creation is unleashed.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, one sixth of the world's wealth vacationed in and around the tiny Georgia island of Jekyll. Captains of industry like Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie all called the Jekyll area home. Blending elements of historical fact, clockwork technology, and diesel-punk style, The Jekyll Island Chronicles span an age of furious mechanical advancement while exploring the span of man's soul - whether good or evil.
In Book Two of this alt-history adventure, Peter, Helen, and the rest of Carnegie's "Specials" would like nothing more than to return to normalcy along with the rest of the country--especially after defeating their enemies in Book One. But the anarchists have other plans. Luigi Galleani and the Zeno cabal reach out from Europe, across the Atlantic, to wreak havoc, divide the enemy, build an army, and capture plans for the world's deadliest weapon. If they are to be stopped, the tiny group of heroes from Jekyll will need to find new resolve, new resources, and new allies--and do it all before Nikola Tesla's most terrible creation is unleashed.
- GenresGraphic Novels
168 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2018
5 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 16, 2021
This middle volume didn't grab me as much as the first volume. Given the time between volumes, reintroductions of the characters would have helped. There's a gazillion characters in this making it difficult to keep track of who's who. This is also a volume in transition. There's not a clear story here. It's all more setup for volume 3.
Still, it is a great concept putting all of these famous figures and industrialists from the 1920's together, giving the book a bit of a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen feel only with real people instead of fictional characters.
Still, it is a great concept putting all of these famous figures and industrialists from the 1920's together, giving the book a bit of a League of Extraordinary Gentlemen feel only with real people instead of fictional characters.
October 28, 2024
Want to read a graphical novel of heroes in a battle of good versus evil that is part alternative history and diesel punk set in the 1920s? If so this is for you! This is book two of the Jeekyll Island Chronicles series. I read book one years ago and I’m glad I finally got around to reading book two! I had to re-read book one to refresh my memory and this time I also have children old enough to read aloud to; I am happy to say my kids enjoyed this work too!
The story line exceeded my expectations. This work tells us a story of the post-World War One period in which the powerful people in the United States at that time met in a place in Georgia called Jekyll Island. But in this alternative history these powerful people (the Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie) has organized a special team of some of the brightest minds of the time (inventors and scientists) and heroes with special abilities to fight against a secret anarchist group that is going around perpetuating terrorism and a secret plot that the team of heroes is trying to discover before it is too late.
Specifically for book two we pick up with an opening scene recalling that during the period of the Great War before the United States enter the conflict a younger Nikola Tesla was trying to sell to the British the design to a secret weapon to end World War One. The good guys and the bad guys are trying to acquire the draft to the design is the plot for book two. Throughout the book the story takes us to place across the United States and Europe. While that is going on actual historical events are taking place that is alluded to in the book with newspaper headlines. The stories are well told and I thought there was more action than in book one. It also build anticipation in a good way for book three.
In terms of constructive criticism I have to say at times the artwork wasn’t as clear who the character specifically was. Yet this is not a criticism of the artwork in general; I love the colors, the painting, the backdrop of the incredible scenes and the illustrations that brings the feel of the early 1920s. I also wished the language was more wholesome; the book didn’t use the big “cuss words” that if they were in a film uses it would have a higher parental awareness rating; but still the use of “God” did bother me. There is a violent tone in the story but I thought it was done well with how the artists had them “veiled.” Overall I recommend this and we cannot wait to read book three!
The story line exceeded my expectations. This work tells us a story of the post-World War One period in which the powerful people in the United States at that time met in a place in Georgia called Jekyll Island. But in this alternative history these powerful people (the Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Carnegie) has organized a special team of some of the brightest minds of the time (inventors and scientists) and heroes with special abilities to fight against a secret anarchist group that is going around perpetuating terrorism and a secret plot that the team of heroes is trying to discover before it is too late.
Specifically for book two we pick up with an opening scene recalling that during the period of the Great War before the United States enter the conflict a younger Nikola Tesla was trying to sell to the British the design to a secret weapon to end World War One. The good guys and the bad guys are trying to acquire the draft to the design is the plot for book two. Throughout the book the story takes us to place across the United States and Europe. While that is going on actual historical events are taking place that is alluded to in the book with newspaper headlines. The stories are well told and I thought there was more action than in book one. It also build anticipation in a good way for book three.
In terms of constructive criticism I have to say at times the artwork wasn’t as clear who the character specifically was. Yet this is not a criticism of the artwork in general; I love the colors, the painting, the backdrop of the incredible scenes and the illustrations that brings the feel of the early 1920s. I also wished the language was more wholesome; the book didn’t use the big “cuss words” that if they were in a film uses it would have a higher parental awareness rating; but still the use of “God” did bother me. There is a violent tone in the story but I thought it was done well with how the artists had them “veiled.” Overall I recommend this and we cannot wait to read book three!
March 25, 2019
I like this series based on Post World War I history. Unfortunately, in the confrontation near the end, it was difficult for me to identify who was who. It was dark and the figures were not always closeup. Still I look forward to the next installment which hasn’t been published yet.
January 26, 2019
JIC has done it again WOW!!!! Book two is incredible and I can't wait for book 3.
History comes alive and the team at JIC crushed it!! 5 Stars to everyone involved!!!
History comes alive and the team at JIC crushed it!! 5 Stars to everyone involved!!!
February 9, 2020
Worth a look if you're really into alternative history style stories, but the art felt rather flat to me and I think it had a bit too much of talking vs action.
March 20, 2025
This was a really great second volume! I have volume three so I’m jumping right into that immediately. I can’t wait to see where this story ends up!
March 3, 2019
Terrific follow-up to Book 1.
The art and the narrative, sprinkled with accurate historical details, combine to deliver an impressive verisimilitude. The story was perfectly paced, accelerating to an ending that will keep me checking for news that Book 3 is on the way. I find myself flipping back through this one for the pleasure of appreciating the artwork, and I often think about who will play these roles when the story comes to the big screen. To the authors: Thanks and please hurry!
The art and the narrative, sprinkled with accurate historical details, combine to deliver an impressive verisimilitude. The story was perfectly paced, accelerating to an ending that will keep me checking for news that Book 3 is on the way. I find myself flipping back through this one for the pleasure of appreciating the artwork, and I often think about who will play these roles when the story comes to the big screen. To the authors: Thanks and please hurry!
June 19, 2019
This series marks the first time I've ever been genuinely excited reading a graphic novel. The story is very compelling, with interesting concepts and suspense steadily growing throughout the book. To see historical and real-world people, places, and events play into the story is unique and well done.
The action is fantastic as well, and is complemented by some beautiful artwork. I love it!
The action is fantastic as well, and is complemented by some beautiful artwork. I love it!
December 11, 2018
I am digging the steampunk with history vibe,. It's not as visually stunning as other graphic novels but I like the storyline!
February 15, 2019
The second chronicle in this series is as visually stunning as the first. The cast of heroes and villains jump off the pages - this story quickly draws you in and holds you captive for 174 high-pulse pages. A Devil's Reach is a fascinating play on alternative history with characters ranging from Henry Ford, to Babe Ruth, to Nikola Tesla. Weaving throughout the gorgeous artwork, the story features courage, bravery, clever inventions, and surprising plot twists. Kudos to the authors! Keep these Chronicles coming...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews