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Screenwise Verdict
This is the real deal—a legitimately great graphic novel series that respects its young readers enough to go dark. The father's death isn't a throwaway plot device; it's the emotional engine of the story, and Emily's grief and determination feel authentic.
The art is gorgeous, the world-building is rich, and the pacing keeps you hooked. It's earned its spot as a #1 bestseller and the BONE comparisons are justified. That said, this isn't for everyone. If your kid gets nightmares from Coraline or struggles with stories about parent loss, this might be too much. But for kids ready for meatier fantasy with real stakes? This is exactly what middle-grade reading should be—challenging, beautiful, and impossible to put down.
The graphic novel format is a huge win for reluctant readers, and the series has staying power (9 books total). Just go in knowing this is dark fantasy, not light adventure.
Age Fit
Best for ages 9-12 who can handle darker fantasy content and emotionally complex themes. The graphic novel format makes it accessible for younger strong readers, but the parent death and scary monsters mean sensitive 7-8 year olds should probably wait. Teens will age out unless they're series completionists.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72
Opens with a tragic father's death and deals with grief and loss throughout. However, it models strong sibling cooperation, family loyalty, and characters working together to overcome challenges. The emotional weight is real but age-appropriate for middle-grade readers who can handle darker themes. Pacing is solid—graphic novel format keeps things moving without being chaotic.
Imaginative
88
Stellar world-building with giant robots, talking animals, mysterious plants, and a fantastical underground realm. The visual storytelling through Kibuishi's artwork is genuinely creative and invites readers into an immersive fantasy world. The magical amulet concept and the blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements spark curiosity. Comparisons to BONE are earned—this is inventive, not derivative.
Safe
68
The father's death in a car accident is shown on-page and sets a dark tone immediately. Tentacled monsters, violence, and scary creatures appear throughout—parent reviews consistently note this could frighten younger readers. No gore or graphic content, but the peril is real and sustained. One review mentions the mother being eaten by a creature (she's later rescued). This isn't a surprise-horror situation, but it's definitely darker than many middle-grade books.
Enriching
76
Explores grief, responsibility, and family bonds in meaningful ways. Emily must step up as a leader and protector, making difficult choices. The graphic novel format is excellent for reluctant readers and builds visual literacy skills. Themes of courage, problem-solving, and perseverance run throughout. It's engaging entertainment that also delivers on character growth and emotional depth.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Stunning artwork that makes the fantasy world feel alive—Kibuishi's visual storytelling is top-tier
Perfect gateway for reluctant readers; the graphic novel format makes 200+ pages fly by
Tackles real grief and loss with emotional honesty while delivering an adventurous, page-turning plot
Strong sibling relationship and problem-solving under pressure; Emily is a compelling, flawed protagonist
World-building that invites you back—there's a reason this became a 9-book series
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What to Watch For
Father's death in a car crash happens in the opening pages—it's not graphic but it's on-page and sets a heavy tone
Monsters are legitimately scary; tentacled creatures, violence, and sustained peril throughout (parent reviews consistently flag this for sensitive kids)
Mother is swallowed by a creature early on—she's not dead but it's terrifying for the kids and could upset younger readers
Dark fantasy vibes; this isn't cozy reading, it's more Lord of the Rings than Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Conversation Starters
"Emily has to make some really hard choices to protect her family. When have you had to be brave even when you were scared?"
"The amulet gives Emily power but it also seems kind of dangerous. Would you want that kind of power if it came with risks?"
"Navin and Emily don't always agree but they work together. How do you and your siblings (or friends) solve problems when you disagree?"
"The story starts with something really sad happening. How do you think Emily and Navin are dealing with losing their dad?"
