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Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander: A Graphic Novel
Amelia's mother disappears, and her airship crashes in a distant land during the search.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
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207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 22, 2022
A disappointing book, not because it's bad but because it had so much potential.
Like a lot of graphic novels it suffers from too much graphic, not enough novel. The art is gorgeous, but the only text is dialogue, and much of that is rapid fire conversations among the three children who are the main characters. And so even when I would have liked to linger on the art, the text was telling me to keep going. I would have loved to have some narration from Amelia, to add some depth to the characters and to give me a chance to catch my breath.
The ending of the book was both the best and worst part. Amelia running away with the airship, crashing, and then rebuilding the ship with the twins was all very predictable. It wasn't until the ending that I was unsure of what was going to happen next. But I was disappointed to see the father had only grown less sympathetic during his daughter's absence. Considering that a major part of the story is Amelia maturing from a child into a commander, we should have seen that change reflected in her relationship with her father. Instead we are that he father treats her the same or even worse, which suggests in turn that Amelia hasn't grown because she was in the right all along. It undercuts her character development.
I hope that Peterschmidt writes more graphic novels, learning from the flaws of this one. I want to see that potential realized.
Like a lot of graphic novels it suffers from too much graphic, not enough novel. The art is gorgeous, but the only text is dialogue, and much of that is rapid fire conversations among the three children who are the main characters. And so even when I would have liked to linger on the art, the text was telling me to keep going. I would have loved to have some narration from Amelia, to add some depth to the characters and to give me a chance to catch my breath.
The ending of the book was both the best and worst part. Amelia running away with the airship, crashing, and then rebuilding the ship with the twins was all very predictable. It wasn't until the ending that I was unsure of what was going to happen next. But I was disappointed to see the father had only grown less sympathetic during his daughter's absence. Considering that a major part of the story is Amelia maturing from a child into a commander, we should have seen that change reflected in her relationship with her father. Instead we are that he father treats her the same or even worse, which suggests in turn that Amelia hasn't grown because she was in the right all along. It undercuts her character development.
I hope that Peterschmidt writes more graphic novels, learning from the flaws of this one. I want to see that potential realized.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2021
This is a graphic novel mashup between some steampunk science fiction elements and some fantasy elements and a girl, Amelia Erroway who had a traumatic experience with the disappearance/death of her mother and a father who doesn't like to talk about it especially when he'd rather send the shipmates searching for Amelia who is always running off and getting in to trouble rather than addressing the elephant in the room. There's quite a bit of adventure-- as she ends up stranded in another location and befriends a few brothers and their mom and integrates into their world while trying to get back to hers.
Unfortunately the thing that could have elevated the book is its downfall. There is *so much* going on visually on every page of this adventure and with Amelia's emotions that it's drowned out by everything else going on on the page. The artwork is stunning but too, too much. And at times I think the dialogue doesn't mesh well with what action is happening on the page either.
It's a fantastical, sci-fi adventure, just not the most well-done of them. Though the main character, Amelia, is ripe for a few in a series if the author/illustrators so choose, maybe just tone down or spread out the action sequences.
Unfortunately the thing that could have elevated the book is its downfall. There is *so much* going on visually on every page of this adventure and with Amelia's emotions that it's drowned out by everything else going on on the page. The artwork is stunning but too, too much. And at times I think the dialogue doesn't mesh well with what action is happening on the page either.
It's a fantastical, sci-fi adventure, just not the most well-done of them. Though the main character, Amelia, is ripe for a few in a series if the author/illustrators so choose, maybe just tone down or spread out the action sequences.
July 24, 2021
Received a copy of Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander from the Graphix imprint at Scholastic in exchange for an honest review even. I had some doubts about the book initially as it was giving white Victorian aristocrat and "noble savage" nonsense for a minute, but thankfully the book veers away from that. The art was lovely and I enjoyed the story, particularly the science and engineering angle. This would be awesome as a feature film
Disney, get on that!
Disney, get on that!
June 28, 2022
3 stars. This was a cute middle grade graphic novel, but there was just too much left open. Tons of things that weren't explained or were over explained. The art was pretty and the characters were fun, but I wanted a bit more. Review to come.
October 29, 2021
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
The only things I can really praise about this book are the artwork and the characters (though, admittedly, I have a particular fondness for characters of this type, so that's pretty much just my completely subjective bias).
I don’t read a lot of comics or graphic novels, so this could just be me—but I had a very difficult time trying to read the dialogue in the correct order, mostly because the little wisps that connect the speech bubbles with their respective speakers are very thin and get tangled with each other quite regularly. That being said, I do like some of the unique ways the artist will play with the medium on some of the pages.
I think the only character that got a (half) decent amount of TLC writing-wise was Amelia. The other characters have very solid and pronounced characterizations and personalities, but very little in terms of depth.
The romance was EXTREMELY stapled on and made the build-up and catharsis very hollow. That was probably the most annoying part about reading this book. I don’t know exactly how the middle grade book pipeline works, so for all I know this might have been a mandatory inclusion enforced by the publishers, but if they needed to have a romance, I could think of plenty of other ways to write a better one than this.
And finally, I hate to be that guy… but how in the world would three twelve-year-olds repair a massive, industrial, military grade aircraft by themselves??? Sorry, but that’s just a bit too far-fetched for me. I don’t doubt these kids would have the know-how, but there’s a lot of heavy lifting, specialization skills, and resources management that goes into making these things…
And that kind of leads me into the world building as well. Where exactly do the Huxley’s get their resources from (let alone the resources to build and repair flying machines) when they live completely alone in a massive rainforest seemingly untouched by civilization or farmland? It just seems to me like the writer(s) put a lot more thought into how this fictional airship works as opposed to how…..literally everything else in this fictional world works (almost like they made up a story just to revolve around their obsession with aircraft engineering and construction) ಠ_ಠ.
I’m giving this book three stars because most of these gripes are my own. Sure, they’re flaws, but they’re not ones that the target audience are probably going to care all that much about. I probably would’ve liked this book more as a youngster not having to think about these things. I still like it somewhat after finishing it—as I would with any book that has very pretty pictures in it; However as an adult reading this, it’s very hard for me to get past the writing, and I can’t really enjoy it on any level beyond the visuals and the naïve charm of the characters.
The only things I can really praise about this book are the artwork and the characters (though, admittedly, I have a particular fondness for characters of this type, so that's pretty much just my completely subjective bias).
I don’t read a lot of comics or graphic novels, so this could just be me—but I had a very difficult time trying to read the dialogue in the correct order, mostly because the little wisps that connect the speech bubbles with their respective speakers are very thin and get tangled with each other quite regularly. That being said, I do like some of the unique ways the artist will play with the medium on some of the pages.
I think the only character that got a (half) decent amount of TLC writing-wise was Amelia. The other characters have very solid and pronounced characterizations and personalities, but very little in terms of depth.
The romance was EXTREMELY stapled on and made the build-up and catharsis very hollow. That was probably the most annoying part about reading this book. I don’t know exactly how the middle grade book pipeline works, so for all I know this might have been a mandatory inclusion enforced by the publishers, but if they needed to have a romance, I could think of plenty of other ways to write a better one than this.
And finally, I hate to be that guy… but how in the world would three twelve-year-olds repair a massive, industrial, military grade aircraft by themselves??? Sorry, but that’s just a bit too far-fetched for me. I don’t doubt these kids would have the know-how, but there’s a lot of heavy lifting, specialization skills, and resources management that goes into making these things…
And that kind of leads me into the world building as well. Where exactly do the Huxley’s get their resources from (let alone the resources to build and repair flying machines) when they live completely alone in a massive rainforest seemingly untouched by civilization or farmland? It just seems to me like the writer(s) put a lot more thought into how this fictional airship works as opposed to how…..literally everything else in this fictional world works (almost like they made up a story just to revolve around their obsession with aircraft engineering and construction) ಠ_ಠ.
I’m giving this book three stars because most of these gripes are my own. Sure, they’re flaws, but they’re not ones that the target audience are probably going to care all that much about. I probably would’ve liked this book more as a youngster not having to think about these things. I still like it somewhat after finishing it—as I would with any book that has very pretty pictures in it; However as an adult reading this, it’s very hard for me to get past the writing, and I can’t really enjoy it on any level beyond the visuals and the naïve charm of the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2022
3.5 stars
I love steampunk-looking machines in movies. I've always been fascinated by them so that's why I picked up this futuristic adventure book. I think if you really enjoy learning about the mechanics behind a machine you would really enjoy this because most of the time the characters are fixing up a ship. For me, I didn't really care for those parts but they were necessary. I enjoyed the beautiful images with the jungle setting, strange creatures, and cool spacecrafts. I found Amelia's story arc very interesting especially since I didn't expect that ending. I believe there is going to be a sequel so it makes sense. Her connection with her father and how that relationship transformed after her mother's ship was lost was compelling to read about. I easily got the twins who help her fix up the ship mixed up a lot. By the end though there is a clear distinguishment between the two. I am interested to see how the author continues Amelia's storyline in the future. There are a couple of ways that it can go that could lead to some amazing conclusions.
I love steampunk-looking machines in movies. I've always been fascinated by them so that's why I picked up this futuristic adventure book. I think if you really enjoy learning about the mechanics behind a machine you would really enjoy this because most of the time the characters are fixing up a ship. For me, I didn't really care for those parts but they were necessary. I enjoyed the beautiful images with the jungle setting, strange creatures, and cool spacecrafts. I found Amelia's story arc very interesting especially since I didn't expect that ending. I believe there is going to be a sequel so it makes sense. Her connection with her father and how that relationship transformed after her mother's ship was lost was compelling to read about. I easily got the twins who help her fix up the ship mixed up a lot. By the end though there is a clear distinguishment between the two. I am interested to see how the author continues Amelia's storyline in the future. There are a couple of ways that it can go that could lead to some amazing conclusions.
May 5, 2025
Super cute graphic novel, all done in watercolor and absolutely gorgeous to look at! The ending turned out differently than I thought, was expecting certain characters to have a little more development but instead stayed the same. Little bum by that.
Also I’m in a agreement with most of the reviews I’ve read on here, that fact that three twelve year olds flew a military plane is not possible. I get it’s a fictional story but I think if they found another way home would have been more interesting than somehow being able to fly this plane 😅
Also I’m in a agreement with most of the reviews I’ve read on here, that fact that three twelve year olds flew a military plane is not possible. I get it’s a fictional story but I think if they found another way home would have been more interesting than somehow being able to fly this plane 😅
February 19, 2022
3.5 Cute story
October 26, 2021
I really love a lot about this graphic novel - the characters, the relationships, the world building. Unfortunately the art is A LOT, and it often causes the action or whatever the reader is meant to look at to be extreme muddled. The colors are bright and vivid, but there is just so much to every panel that it makes it hard to follow. This could be from reading it as an ebook, but the screen I used is probably bigger than the actual paper book would have been. The ending was also rushed and little unsatisfying. It left me thinking, all of that build up and that's what happened?
November 4, 2024
Fun, little adventure.
August 15, 2021
I loved the artwork here. It felt like it left with an opening to more and I'm certainly curious as to what else will be written.
April 29, 2022
I picked up this graphic novel because of it's beautiful and soulful illustrations and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed how rich the illustrations were and Peterschmidt does a lovely job of infusing the present storyline with flashbacks and Amelia's memories. It does however, become a little overwhelming and confusing sometimes, with the flurry of activity being muddled in overlapping scenes. Yet, it captures Amelia's spriteliness and the twin's infectious energy wholly, and has great re-readability value.
There were also fascinating annotated blueprints and cockpit drawings interspersed throughout. I skimmed them myself, but it could inspire/interest young engineers.
I found the storyline itself compelling and well-paced, and although Amelia's strikes us as quite a brat at the start, we begin to see how a supportive and communicative environment allows her tenacity and intelligence to flourish, as opposed to one stifled by her domineering father. Looking forward to seeing more!
There were also fascinating annotated blueprints and cockpit drawings interspersed throughout. I skimmed them myself, but it could inspire/interest young engineers.
I found the storyline itself compelling and well-paced, and although Amelia's strikes us as quite a brat at the start, we begin to see how a supportive and communicative environment allows her tenacity and intelligence to flourish, as opposed to one stifled by her domineering father. Looking forward to seeing more!
Read
March 15, 2022Sigh. I wanted to love this gorgeous jewel of a book - that cover, come on - but many of the stunning art panels (laid out so beautifully and so organically on the page) muddy images into each other, and the story line is hopelessly lopsided. So much time on technical repairs! (So much so that it took me forever to read.) So little time spent with the characters, especially the final chapter set in Amelia's city home with her father! So disappointingly unbalanced.
February 5, 2022
I came to this story for the artist, who is an incredible person and an inspirational artist. The story here isn't original and draws from many tropes, but what I love the most is the sumptuous art, the incredible detail of engineering and flight, and the gorgeous, absolutely STUNNING landscapes conveyed in the watercolor. Peterschmidt spent 10 years on this and it shows in the art!
June 28, 2022
The art was really what drew me to this book but occasionally it got a bit muddled for me and I couldn't tell what was going on. Add that to a kinda odd storyline with a time jump and I was fairly lost. But the art was just absolutely stunning and every page was so well done. I did like the ending along with Amelia's character growth.
Overall, a solid graphic novel for any adventurous middle schooler.
Overall, a solid graphic novel for any adventurous middle schooler.
September 27, 2021
The story was OK although I sometimes had trouble following, yet the illustrator/author has amazing skills especially color and layout. Definitely worth a look and read for that alone.
October 24, 2021
What a fun adventure! I hope there’s a second one because I want to know if we choose happiness in the end.
July 23, 2022
Cinematic, full of earnest adventure and found-family storytelling, and of course, drawn with some of the most innovative and beautiful panel layouts I’ve ever seen! I had to stop every few minutes just to be in awe of some interesting way Peterschmidt laid out or bordered her panels with aspects from the environment! Her lettering is just as full of life and really well designed, and the trailing speech balloons and creatively-placed onomatopoeia are really well thought-out!
I will say there were times where the panel layouts may have gotten too interesting - cartooning is subtractive, not additive, so at times the very detailed page spreads, painterly textured environments, and ship engineering diagrams got a bit overwhelming to read - but that hardly subtracts from the way I enjoyed this book as a work of art, and I think Peterschmidt’s addition of the cartoony engineering diagrams is so very unique and probably likely to awaken a love of engineering in so many kids!!!
A few other reviews here are calling the plot a bit weirdly paced? While I do think some more intense story beats could have been paced further apart, I think people coming mostly from prose novels aren’t really taking into account the limited page space graphic novels provide (and the limited budget and pay) - I think BC Peterschmidt used the allotted page space really well for the beats of her story! (If you would like more Paced Out multi-volume storytelling in graphic novels, or think most graphic novels don’t have meaty enough storytelling like prose, then please consider advocating for cartoonist unions and better pay, or advocate for Americanized comics to be printed in black and white on cheaper paper like manga) (this is not a drag! it’s just a weird misunderstanding trend I see a lot in graphic novel reviews)
Okay, back to the review.
It’s not often in recent media that I get to see an adventure story that’s just earnest and heartfelt rather than bluntly self-aware, so Amelia Erroway is a really comforting breath of fresh air! It is also (no spoilers) an adventure runaway story with a nice mostly cathartic ending that I found GREAT, while still leaving a little space open for a follow-on book if they want!
I rate it 4.5 stars, and would be happy to recommend it to a kid (or grown-up) looking for adventure and escapism, and interested in the magic of flight engineering! I would hand it to anyone who liked Treasure Planet, Laputa Castle in the Sky, or Victoria Ying’s “City of Secrets” graphic novel series!
I will say there were times where the panel layouts may have gotten too interesting - cartooning is subtractive, not additive, so at times the very detailed page spreads, painterly textured environments, and ship engineering diagrams got a bit overwhelming to read - but that hardly subtracts from the way I enjoyed this book as a work of art, and I think Peterschmidt’s addition of the cartoony engineering diagrams is so very unique and probably likely to awaken a love of engineering in so many kids!!!
A few other reviews here are calling the plot a bit weirdly paced? While I do think some more intense story beats could have been paced further apart, I think people coming mostly from prose novels aren’t really taking into account the limited page space graphic novels provide (and the limited budget and pay) - I think BC Peterschmidt used the allotted page space really well for the beats of her story! (If you would like more Paced Out multi-volume storytelling in graphic novels, or think most graphic novels don’t have meaty enough storytelling like prose, then please consider advocating for cartoonist unions and better pay, or advocate for Americanized comics to be printed in black and white on cheaper paper like manga) (this is not a drag! it’s just a weird misunderstanding trend I see a lot in graphic novel reviews)
Okay, back to the review.
It’s not often in recent media that I get to see an adventure story that’s just earnest and heartfelt rather than bluntly self-aware, so Amelia Erroway is a really comforting breath of fresh air! It is also (no spoilers) an adventure runaway story with a nice mostly cathartic ending that I found GREAT, while still leaving a little space open for a follow-on book if they want!
I rate it 4.5 stars, and would be happy to recommend it to a kid (or grown-up) looking for adventure and escapism, and interested in the magic of flight engineering! I would hand it to anyone who liked Treasure Planet, Laputa Castle in the Sky, or Victoria Ying’s “City of Secrets” graphic novel series!
April 26, 2022
If you're just flipping through Amelia Erroway, the first thing you'll notice is the standout watercolor art. It rockets off the page. Of course, then you might start reading and find that gorgeous, flowing art isn't necessarily ideal for coherent visual storytelling. Uh-oh!
Still, the art is probably the best piece of Amelia Erroway. The story is serviceable, but it doesn't really dig into the characters until the last 50 pages, at which point it takes a very interesting, if unresolved, turn. () Younger readers will almost certainly get more joy out of Amelia and her new friends rebuilding an airship in the jungle. There's good camaraderie to be had here, not to mention some fun engineering tidbits, but it's almost all fast-paced action and dialogue with very little time to sit with thoughts or feelings.
On a bigger page with less going on, Amelia Erroway would be a standout read. As it stands, it's a perfectly fine diversion for an adult reader and likely a huge hit with a younger audience.
Still, the art is probably the best piece of Amelia Erroway. The story is serviceable, but it doesn't really dig into the characters until the last 50 pages, at which point it takes a very interesting, if unresolved, turn. () Younger readers will almost certainly get more joy out of Amelia and her new friends rebuilding an airship in the jungle. There's good camaraderie to be had here, not to mention some fun engineering tidbits, but it's almost all fast-paced action and dialogue with very little time to sit with thoughts or feelings.
On a bigger page with less going on, Amelia Erroway would be a standout read. As it stands, it's a perfectly fine diversion for an adult reader and likely a huge hit with a younger audience.
January 22, 2024
The plot is not necessarily ground-breaking but is interesting enough: strong female lead chafes under disapproval of family, enlists ragtag band of assistants, overcomes odds through hard work and persistence, etc etc. it just lacked....something.
Amelia wants to fly. Her mother was a pilot but disappeared while flying, which could explain why her father is over-protective in the way that leads to rebellion. The ship of the realm is an ornithopter, a sort of organic / steam-punk flying machine. There are aspects of the plot that are completely unbelievable: why was the Intrepyd Ray completely unguarded? Other parts are heart-warming: how Rastor, Fynley, and their mother take her in and work together to repair the ship. But when Amelia returns home (after 6 or more months) does her father welcome her with open arms? Not exactly. That part was weird.
The artwork is colorful, with numerous details and lush backgrounds. But some spreads were confusing and disorienting to me, especially when they're working on the ship in the rainforest. It was hard to distinguish background and foreground, what was story and what wasn't.
Amelia wants to fly. Her mother was a pilot but disappeared while flying, which could explain why her father is over-protective in the way that leads to rebellion. The ship of the realm is an ornithopter, a sort of organic / steam-punk flying machine. There are aspects of the plot that are completely unbelievable: why was the Intrepyd Ray completely unguarded? Other parts are heart-warming: how Rastor, Fynley, and their mother take her in and work together to repair the ship. But when Amelia returns home (after 6 or more months) does her father welcome her with open arms? Not exactly. That part was weird.
The artwork is colorful, with numerous details and lush backgrounds. But some spreads were confusing and disorienting to me, especially when they're working on the ship in the rainforest. It was hard to distinguish background and foreground, what was story and what wasn't.
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October 25, 2023Verdict: My new favorite graphic novel! How is this not a series? I would devour this as a series because the illustrations are breathtaking, the characters so funny, and the plot full of tension and suspense. I may or may not have cried while reading this. This book has a steampunk vibe to it with flying ships and amazing mythical creatures!
Summary: Amelia Erroway, the commanders daughter, is tired of being treated like she is incompent by her father when she is a brilliant engineer and wants to command her own ship one day. Upset and angry, she tries to fly the ship herself one day and finds herself crashed and lost in a jungle. She runs into a family living there who are engineers just like her--a mother and two twin boys. Along with their help, Amelia repairs her ship to return home but more importantly she learns the power of making mistakes can lead to unpredictable, life-changing situations that leave our lives better than they were before.
Content Warning:
- For younger readers, there is a kiss at the end of the story!
Summary: Amelia Erroway, the commanders daughter, is tired of being treated like she is incompent by her father when she is a brilliant engineer and wants to command her own ship one day. Upset and angry, she tries to fly the ship herself one day and finds herself crashed and lost in a jungle. She runs into a family living there who are engineers just like her--a mother and two twin boys. Along with their help, Amelia repairs her ship to return home but more importantly she learns the power of making mistakes can lead to unpredictable, life-changing situations that leave our lives better than they were before.
Content Warning:
- For younger readers, there is a kiss at the end of the story!
May 2, 2023
This narrowly avoided a 2.5-star rating. From the start, the main character just seemed like a kinda dumb brat, so I didn't really like her. Eventually she grew on me. And the pictures are gorgeous -- but I had a hard time understanding what was happening, in multiple panels through the book. Because the "panels" are usually all jumbled into one another. It makes it pretty but sometimes tough to follow.
Also, don't expect a lot of swashbuckling adventure. That's what I expected from the cover. There's family drama and kids being silly and a LOT of engineering ... and two or maybe three bouts of flying adventure.
MPA ratings: G-- or better yet TV-Y7 -- for peril (and possibly language? "Oh gods")
Also, don't expect a lot of swashbuckling adventure. That's what I expected from the cover. There's family drama and kids being silly and a LOT of engineering ... and two or maybe three bouts of flying adventure.
MPA ratings: G-- or better yet TV-Y7 -- for peril (and possibly language? "Oh gods")
October 24, 2023
3 1/2 stars (Rounded up for the sake of the art; clarified here)
The cover is why I grabbed this book; the art is simply stupendous! If you are into detailed schematics, diagrams, and blueprints, this will be the book for you (I skimmed them). Sometimes the art is so overwhelming, that I felt a bit lost.
The story jumps around a bit as well between Amelia and her father's broken past and Amelia and her father's broken present. Thankfully, the characters are engaging, and the world-building is done well. I wish our world had Ayvens, though that would probably go sideways. I especially loved the flying sequences; they reminded me of a Studio Ghibli movie. Yes, this book is that pretty. I'm hoping for a sequel.
The cover is why I grabbed this book; the art is simply stupendous! If you are into detailed schematics, diagrams, and blueprints, this will be the book for you (I skimmed them). Sometimes the art is so overwhelming, that I felt a bit lost.
The story jumps around a bit as well between Amelia and her father's broken past and Amelia and her father's broken present. Thankfully, the characters are engaging, and the world-building is done well. I wish our world had Ayvens, though that would probably go sideways. I especially loved the flying sequences; they reminded me of a Studio Ghibli movie. Yes, this book is that pretty. I'm hoping for a sequel.
November 12, 2021
12 year-old Amelia wants to be a pilot some day like her father and late mother but because of the trouble she usually causes on the airship she is locked in her room, but she decides to prove to her father that she is ready to pilot the Intrepyd Ray. So she steals and ends up crash landing in the Juniper rainforest. She meets brothers, Rastor and Fynley, who are tech savvy, and are willing to help Amelia return home. Peterschmidt does her illustrations in earthtoned watercolors and she encorporates STEM elements in describing how the trio will get the airship afloat once again. A fun adventure story for readers 8-12 years-old.
December 31, 2021
70%
This story felt like it would be better suited for the screen than a book, as the action montages got very confusing; the art was beautiful, but it didn't feel completely compatible with a graphic novel format.
I liked the "choosing your own happiness" message, but I did find the relationships between Amelia and her father/teachers perplexing; it took far too long for the book to address their issues, and when it finally did, it felt like a very lackluster and unsubstantial explanation.
Also, I get that the boys are twins, but the only way to tell them apart was by the slight difference in the colors of their shirts which was tedious.
This story felt like it would be better suited for the screen than a book, as the action montages got very confusing; the art was beautiful, but it didn't feel completely compatible with a graphic novel format.
I liked the "choosing your own happiness" message, but I did find the relationships between Amelia and her father/teachers perplexing; it took far too long for the book to address their issues, and when it finally did, it felt like a very lackluster and unsubstantial explanation.
Also, I get that the boys are twins, but the only way to tell them apart was by the slight difference in the colors of their shirts which was tedious.
February 16, 2022
Amelia has always wanted to be a pilot and commander like both of her parents. But ever since her mother disappeared on a flight, her father has been crazy overprotective and won't let her do anything. One day, when she has been left alone to sulk on the aircraft, she makes her way to the bridge and lets her imagination fly. But disaster strikes, and she inadvertently sets the ship in motion. She is knocked out and when she awakens, she has crash landed in a rainforest many miles from home. The ship is a mess and she has no idea how she will ever get back. But she is not alone in the Juniper Rainforest. There is a mother with twin sons her own age. And together the kids set out to repair the aircraft and get Amelia home. A fun adventure.
April 27, 2022
Graphic novel for ages 8-12, this is set in a fantasy world with amazing animals and plants. The illustrations are so lush and gorgeous, complete with Maxfield Parrish clouds. There is detail everywhere, and outstanding creativity. I love how she illustrates tears, too. (There are some emotional moments.) The characters are fun, and it's very helpful that each person has a different color speech bubble. All this being said, there were occasional times when I wasn't sure what was happening in the panel, and had to work to figure it out or just let it slide. It was a great story, and a really enjoyable experience to pore over the pages. It took much longer to read than I was expecting.
June 15, 2022
I really liked this! Fyn and Rastor stole the show for me, especially Fyn. Fyn and Amelia's possible relationship was so good! I feel like this should be a series, because I am not a fan of the end. I am confuse on how much time has passed. Did Amelia's father had immense stressed that caused his hair to turn almost solid white or did a lot of time pass? Speaking of the illustrations, I was at first a bit confuse when we first saw Amelia's mom on page 24. Fyn and Rastor's Mom's character design was also confusing. Pages 257-259 were just so good! It is a scene that is common enough in stories and it had a Star Wars type feel.
Verdict: May we have a sequel please?
Verdict: May we have a sequel please?
May 26, 2023
I absolutely love graphic novels with complex artwork full of detail that makes me feel the world-building on oppose to anemic minimalistic flat art that is so common nowadays. The traditional artwork made me stop in each panel and admire: light, texture, contrast, watercolor technique, and color scheme that inspires me to love art and illustration again.
It takes me back to my favorite Franco-Belgium bands dessinées series that I grew up with.
I love that Amelia gets lost and the journey/ goal becomes part of empowering of a dreamer to find where true home is.
In a way, she is leaving behind the patriarchal disapproval and following her own path, a future where she can have a voice.
It takes me back to my favorite Franco-Belgium bands dessinées series that I grew up with.
I love that Amelia gets lost and the journey/ goal becomes part of empowering of a dreamer to find where true home is.
In a way, she is leaving behind the patriarchal disapproval and following her own path, a future where she can have a voice.
May 21, 2023
Beautiful illustrations, and beautiful moral : even if things don't go the way you planned, you can choose happiness.
The plot was a little too science-textbook for me to enjoy at times, so I skimmed some parts, and the energy was also a bit ADHD for my very organized, type A brain, but overall a nice story.
My one real criticism: I feel that the little romance that popped up felt forced and added nothing of value to what was already an emotional story of self discovery and personal growth. I wish it had been edited out.
The plot was a little too science-textbook for me to enjoy at times, so I skimmed some parts, and the energy was also a bit ADHD for my very organized, type A brain, but overall a nice story.
My one real criticism: I feel that the little romance that popped up felt forced and added nothing of value to what was already an emotional story of self discovery and personal growth. I wish it had been edited out.
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