7/10 ( )

The four star is because I really didn't like how Emily could just thwart Ikol just because she believed she was strong enough. I bet all those other young Stonekeepers that went out of control told themselves the same thing. How come Emily is just suddenly so strong to be able to resist the Amulet like that? Sorry if I sound negative, but just because you really want something or will it to happen doesn't mean it actually will. Some people have to learn that the hard way, and in this book, Emily being able to do whatever she wants just because is unrealistic at best. ( )

Wow. I think I'm going to have to go back and re-read the previous ones again to grasp everything that's going on. The artwork is fantastic as ever. Excellent continuation of the plot but still more to come. ( )

This was such a great installment its been a very log time since I picked this series up so I was a bit lost in areas, however this was great. I loved all the twists it took and I can't wait for volume nine. I like the moral ambiguity of the main character and I feel alike authors trusts the audeincentonfigurebout when she's acting good and when she's acting bad.

I wish these were longer though as i find graphic novels are always much too short.

The art in this was amazing and I'm just in awe of this whole world. It's stunning. I hope we get more works set in the world after the series closes. ( )

My daughter and I have read all of these. I think the series starts off very strong, and has some really powerful parts, but it’s always been a tad off. I dislike how the mother is portrayed in the book, and while I like books with strong young protagonists, in this book, the children are constantly either more powerful than everyone else (the main girl, Emily), or being told several times per book that they are natural leaders (her brother). (Which makes no sense, because he’s not shown leading anyone!) Frankly, it’s just weird.

Without going into details that would spoil it, suddenly in this book we have a major new development that felt completely out of left field to me. (Maybe it was hinted previously, but I did NOT get it, if so.)

Also, between the way the 7th book ended and this one began, there were parallels to Akira... which is not a kid’s story, really.

I’ll certainly pick up and read the next one (which promises to be the conclusion), but I don’t really have all that high hopes. ( )