“Amulet — Book 4: The Last Council” by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic Graphix) – Well, as long as Kibuishi keeps writing good installments of “Amulet,” I’m just going to keep repeating myself.
Kibuishi has created a stunning, imaginative world for his all-ages “Amulet” series. He’s taken the fairly standard reluctant hero story and created something magical.
In the fourth installment, that reluctant hero (Emily) finally reaches the fabled floating city of Cielis, where she’s been summoned by the Council (there’s always a Council) to learn how to fulfill her destiny and save the world from the evil elves.
Unfortunately, between the time the Council sent Leon to find her and the time they get there, things have radically changed. And not for the good.
Like the last book, there’s a bit of middle-bookitis, though not as much. Now that she’s reached her destination, it’s a set-up for the final confrontation in what should be the final book. Next year (argh!).
She learns a bit more about her stone’s powers, and she’s about to learn just what she has to do. We also meet an important link to her past.
The story probably could have been told in four books, but I like Kibuishi’s style so much, I don’t mind.
What makes “Amulet” special is the details. The visual style is beautifully fluid, with smooth lines for the characters and a lush, painted look for the backgrounds. And Emily is surrounded by an interesting mix of humans and critters both natural and handmade by her great-grandfather, who passed along the stone to her.
So, yeah, we have to wait another year for the finale. But I bet it’s going to be grand.
Here’s a cool trailer:
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