Remember when you were a kid and just a picture of a spaceship or an imaginary creature could send your imagination into a whirlwind fantasy world?  Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet series does this for me.  Kibuishi’s heart-stopping artwork, unforgettable characters and adventurous storyline, take me out of my everyday world and deposit me back into a fantasy land, where I spent countless hours as a child.

After reading the first four in the series, I was dying to get my hands on a copy of the fifth instalment, Prince of the Elves.  When I finally took it home last night, I tore through the pages with eyes wide. Prince of the Elves must be my favourite book in the series so far because it delves into the pasts of the characters.  The story of the elusive Max, a newer character introduced in The Last Council, is revealed, making him more sympathetic and relatable.  We also learn more about the Elf King, which I found utterly fascinating.  Though inexplicably evil (ordering the murder of his own son), the Elf King remains a mysterious character through the series – until now.

Prince of the Elves not only allows us more insight to the character’s personal stories, but it permits us to develop connections with characters other than Emily, the stories main voice.  I loved taking this turn to the dark side and learning more about the evil forces that are causing such upheaval for our heroes and heroines.

Lastly, like in every book in this series, I drooled over Kibuishi’s stunning artwork. Staring at his full-page spreads, I marveled at his ability to pluck the most gorgeous images from my daydreams and put them on paper.

I lost myself in this beautiful piece of artwork and literature.  Amulet is a thing of dream and fantasies.  I can only imagine where Kibuishi and his cast of courageous characters will take us next!  Until then, check out these beautiful spreads, generously provided by Scholastic Canada!