Emily and Navin's mother is still in a coma from the arachnopod's poison. There's only one place to find help; Kanalis, the bustling beautiful city of waterfalls. But when Em, her brother, and Miskit and the rest of the robotic crew aboard the walking house reach the city, they quickly realize that seeking help is looking for trouble, dangerous trouble.
The Elf King's son, Trellis, is still after them, but this time he's accompanied by a mysterious and dangerous guard, Luger. Then an equally mysterious fox, Leon Redbeard, steps in to help. This new fox friend offers to take Em, the stonekeeper, on the perilous trip up Demon's Head Mountain to find the antidote she needs. Miskit is suspicious, Navin is worried about being left behind, and Emily is in the toughest spot of all. She's got to let loose the power of the amulet--without losing herself.
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".
I enjoyed this second book in the Amulet series. Emily is still trying to control the powers of the Amulet, which is a hard thing to do and if she doesn't it could corrupt her.
The gang decide to go to the city of Kanalis to get more help for their mom who is dying from poison. I really love the walking house, I want one :-)
The city is full of animal people which is very cool, but they are suffering under some kind of curse but they are fine. Emily and the gang find another friend that goes by the name of Leon Redbeard, he's a bounty hunter and a fox :-)
They have to get out of the city because the elf prince is hot on their trail. They find out there is an underground system and they have warriors to help fight for the cause and guess what? Navin, Em's brother ends up being the commander. Go Navin!
They also find out their mom needs the fruit from a tree at Demon's Head Mountain, so they separate to get things done.
Emily, Leon and Miskit take off for Demon's Head Mountain while the others try to keep their mom and everyone else safe. But Emily and them are followed by the elves with every step they take.
We find out that prince Trellis of the elves is hiding a secret. He's not all what he seems and his father is a jerk.
I thought this was a wonderful book and I want all of them! Number 7 comes out soon and here I am on number 2! Anyway.... the graphics are wonderful and the story line is awesome! I love it ♥
Honestly speaking, this was amazing. Second book syndrome? We don't know her.
The second installment of the Amulet series was, in my opinion, greatly improved from the second one. For one, it's far more action-oriented while still introducing new characters, pulling loose multiple storylines, and including background information without seeming too info-dump-y.
It was interesting to see Emily grow as a stonekeeper, as well as the internal struggle brought about due to her role - the character development is believable and actually really good with this one. The art was amazing as always, and the ending of the book sets up nicely for the next one.
My niece is really into this graphic novel series and really wanted me and wife to read the books...so we're reading the books.
This is a kitchen sink adventure with evil elves, a sort-of medieval time period and steampunk elements, a samurai styled warrior, anthropomorphic characters, a mystical forest, and a "chosen one" girl who needs to realize her hidden power and harness it to save the world. This mishmash of tropes and a story we've seen before would normally mean a dull book, but this worked for me. Also, this was meant for kids (probably around 8 to 10) and I'm willing to cut it a good deal of slack.
The pictures are pretty good. There are a few that make you linger over the scene, taking it in and all the gorgeous details.
All in all this is real good stuff and I would have loved it when I was a kid!
Okay, i have to say book number 2 is way better than book number 1. We get to see character development in this one, as well as the formation of friendship which gives the story another dimension. The action and the intensity was amazing! The concept, and i said this to my last review but i am saying it again; reminds me of those 90s cartoons which we love watching back then and makes me so happy; it transports me back to that time. I know it is going to get better and better as we go along. 5 stars! Guys, you need to read this especially if you didn't enjoy book 1 you're going to love book 2 ;)
Enjoyable, fast-moving sequel extending the adventures begun in book one.
Tween siblings Emily and Navin head out on the hazardous quest to find a cure for their mother, who was poisoned by one of the creatures in the mysterious world they found access to via the basement of the house they moved into.
Along the way, they receive help from a variety of fantastical friends. In addition to the robotic and animal friends they met in the earlier volume, they encounter a freedom-fighting fox, some ancient trees with potentially deadly fruits, etc. Emily continues to learn the powers -- both useful and hazardous -- of the amulet she found, and all the good guys are in constant danger from the evil elves.
Adults familiar with the hero’s journey motif through earlier books/movies (e.g., Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz, The Princess Bride) may find the storyline and characters a bit too reminiscent of these, but Kibuishi makes his universe unique enough to keep even potentially jaded older readers mostly entertained.
As with book one, younger readers will marvel at the world revealed here and will enjoy imagining themselves to be the heroes of the saga. The awesome and and inventive illustrations will appeal to all!
Not as fun as the first one, but definitely expanded the world and the threat. I really liked the bad guy, and the obvious Zuko knockoff is still great, despite being an obvious Zuko knockoff. This series really hits the middle grade spot.
This was so much fun. Kibuishi turns up the worldbuilding, fleshing out this world and the various factions in it. Leon Redbeard is a fantastic addition to the cast. Turns out my friend's 10-year old daughter loves this series too. I love how it appeals to both kids and adults. The art is vivid and bright with great action sequences.
The second installment of Amulet is basically Pacific Rim meets Narnia.
Like Pacific Rim, this issue walked dangerously close to becoming mindless action. But it was able to distinguish itself with all the clever and fun intricacies of the world.
On the one hand, the uniqueness from the first issue started to wear off. The protagonist's arch got a little too close to The Lord of the Rings. But on the other hand, for the first half of the issue, while Kazu Kibuishi was building up the world of Amulet, it was just too creative and wonderful to mater.
I'm slightly worried the world building and character introductions seemed to stop at the midpoint. But I'm hoping that in the next issues, the magic in this world has some deeper meaning, that really ties into the characters.
This was even better than the first one. Emily must wants to help her dying mother, in order to do that she must find a specific fruit that can be find only in one place. The elf king sends his army after her. Emily will realise that she's the only one who can save her mother and the entire Alledia
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars (To the fullest!!!) Official RTC (but I rewrote a snippet bc this book deserves the world! It was incredible! You can find it below ! )
Disclaimer: i may complain a bit in this review, lol, in the vein of: Raise your hand if you think the Goodreads mobile app needs a COMPLETE overhaul! *RAISES HAND EMPHATICALLY* It is so ridiculous how horrible the app is and there really is no excuse for it! I’m very sorry about the following frustrating story, and my many a complaint about the GR app, and you don’t have to read the stuff in BOLD brackets if you don’t want to, and yes I am aware of the irony that is the fact that I COULD’VE just written my review a third time instead of going on a tangent out of frustration... but it happened. Its done. And i just COULD NOT bring myself to do it, Lol.
All right guys; listen – I feel bad, but there is no way, LIT-ER-AL-LY, No possible way in existence that I can write this review over AGAIN, at this point in time. It would be the THIRD time in a row. And i am just like... nope. (Post-posting Afterthought- I DID write a micro-review below! Please give it a read!) *refrains from screaming out of frustration*
[ 😩😩😩 The app crashed when I was about to post my FIRST (impromptu- hence not being SAVED 😢) full review, then it crashed a SECOND time during my attempt at staying positive: Review Number 2- the “not so great as the first one but I have strep throat, and I TRIED, so not a bad sum up?” review. Well, Goodreads crashed A-GAIN (surprise, surprise// this app seriously needs a major overhaul, amIright, folks?) After Attempt Number TWO being so mercilessly effing DESTROYEDDDDD as well... I hit my breaking point, lol. (I’m so sorry for the complaining lol its so hard when I’m very sick and also very frustrated, to refrain. I hope you understand and thanks for stickin’ with me 😅)]
But! I did write this:
MINI REVIEW v MINI REVIEW v MINI REVIEW! ***This book was TRULY so incredible, an absolute gem for all fantasy lovers, especially fans of the “portal writing” trope, & anime/manga & Miyazaki lovers! But really, its for everyone. It is an incredibly imaginative, beautifully told tale, with UNREAL artwork. Like... just so INCREDIBLY GORGEOUS you could look at it over and over and still be stricken by the sheer fantastical beauty of it all. The pages that are dedicated to one panel, to one piece of art, truly are like looking at a still from a Miyazaki film (but even more beautiful if that is possible?) Its INCREDIBLE! In every way. World building, character development... storyline, art.... its got it all, guys.
GIVE. THIS. A. SHOT! If you love fantasy, especially portal trope lovers! Even if you have only dipped your toes into graphic novels.... read this!***
Really, please don’t get turned around by my mixed moods- be aware- This book was a WIN! In all ways. My complaints have 0 to do with the book. This book was... everything you could want in a fantasy story and more.
[ Can I just say,
O M F G the GR app NEEDS TO BE UPDATED! WHY OH WHY DO I EVER EVEN USE IT INSTEAD OF JUST GOING TO THE BROWSER VERSION OF GR ON SAFARI ? 😭😭😭
WHY?
TORTURE? SELF SABOTAGE ? WE’LL NEVER KNOW! (i mean maybe we will, I just think that i’ll really have to unpack that one with my therapist 😝 and i’m pretty sure you guys don’t care THAT much. I’m pretty sure I don’t care that much. I’m just being dramatic bc i’m sick & frustrated. Please excuse my outburst. 😉😂😂). ]
I'll admit, I wasn't a huge fan of the first volume. But I wanted to give the series another try, so I checked this out from the library. And I was much more impressed with this volume.
The art, same as the first volume, is beautiful. Kibuishi has an amazing style that is whimsical and fantastic. He also creates great characters. Cogsley and Miskit are two super cool sidekicks. And the walking house! I want one.
The story definitely picks up in this volume. You get more conflict, some back story, and some good character development from Emily and Navin. I really liked their parallel storylines in this one.
My only minor qualm with this series is that because it's for children, a lot of things resolve nice and tidy, so I'm never really concerned for the characters. However, it doesn't shy away from some violence and intense action scenes.
I'm glad I continued on with this series, and that I checked out Volume 3 from the library as well!
This was a blast. Super scary in parts. It moves so fast and there’s never really a chance to think about how bizarre everything is, just a race to or from the next threat. So, a bit simplistic but a great series so far!
This one did not feel as emotional and well done as the previous one. Besides, I still have trouble remembering character names, despite reading the first book twice and this one now once.
But I am really curious about the elven prince and want to know what's up with him. Parts about elves I actually liked the most in this one.
On a bit of a graphic novel kick so I decided to pick this one up. Really enjoyed it. Glad I decided to continue on with the series because I like where the story went. Will be getting to the rest of these.
The elves are getting close and the action ramps up as Emily and Navin race to find a cure for the poison that is killing their mom. Emily must learn to control the stone as it fights to try and take control of her. This was even better than the first volume!
So beautiful and so adventurous! Loved it! The illustrations were even more beautiful than in Amulet #1 (and more page spreads <3) and the story remains original, creative and very fantastical. Absolutely loved it and ordering volume #3 right away!
This series is so dam good. If you are looking for a middle grade adventure with action and a good storyline, this is definitely one to pick up. Plus the illustrations are great.
While it's kinda large for a graphic novel (well compared to the ones I've read), it's worth it.
Emily and Navin left for the city of Kanalis to find a better treatment for their mother. They are in the house that actually walks and looks like a giant robot and they are accompanied by the robots that Silas had made during his lifetime. A fox, Leon offers his services to them and they soon learn that Leon knows a lot more than they do. Leon is part of the resistance that is preparing to fight to the Elf king.
Emily, Leon and Miskit travel to Demon's head mountain and they learn more things and also the amulet tries to take over Emily but Emily fights through. Navin is the commander of the resistance now. We also find out the mysterious figure is Elf king's son.
I predicted that the amulet could be evil and we find out that amulet wants to take over people and it does turn them into evil beings. This part actually reminded me of The lord of the rings and Gollum honestly. It was predictable but I did enjoy the story and I liked the pictures better in this than the previous one.
The scope of this story keeps getting grander and grander. I'm constantly surprised and amazed at where it is heading next. I love that in a story. Keep me surprised.
The art is amazing in this. I love the scope and scale of this world. It's beautiful.
This story is a little scary, but still has some safe feeling. The villain is BIG in this story. Emily is being forced to learn to control her new found power. I can't wait to read more.
Not as good as the first one, it was pretty much the same story line with Emily yet again trying to save her mum and her struggling with her amulet powers.
I didn't like that apart from Emily and her mum there were no other female characters, Emily was always surrounded by guys.
The artwork was on point though, it was the most enjoyable aspect. I especially loved the pages where there was just one large panel of some kind of scenery, they were beautifully drawn.