House of El Book One: The Shadow Threat
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that House of El: The Shadow Threat tells a story of the planet Krypton just before the birth of the boy who will become Superman. Author Claudia Gray follows Sera, a soldier, and Zahn, an elite scientist, as they try to warn the populace of impending doom. Little swearing ("damn," hell") or sex (just flirting). Some violent scenes involving monsters and no bloodshed.
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What's the Story?
As HOUSE OF EL: THE SHADOW THREAT opens, most citizens on the planet believe that Kryptonian society is absolutely perfect, with the genetically enhanced ruling class capable of solving every problem.Two teens, Sera and Zahn, have their worlds turned upside down by geneticists who reveal secrets in their DNA. Sera finds herself more empathic, while Zahn realizes he has more in common with the underground revolutionaries who want to expose unpleasant truths about their planet's fate. Together, Sera and Zahn must go on the run, if Krypton has any hope of survival,
Is It Any Good?
Sometimes a well-known story can reveal unexpected secrets, as in this politically urgent start of a science fiction trilogy. Most readers of House of El: Yhe Shadow Threat will be well-aware of Superman's origin story, but author Claudia Gray, aided by the kinetic artwork of Eric Zawadzki, retells it with growing suspense and emotion,There's another volume forthcoming, and even though the ending is preordained, there are undoubtedly satisfying surprises awaiting faithful readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how House of El deals with a situation similar to climate change, only worse. Why is it difficult for nations to work together to fight climate change?
What would it be like to be able to change a baby's genetic makeup? Should children be made stronger? More attractive?
What would it be like to know that the world was going to be destroyed soon?
Book Details
- Author: Claudia Gray
- Illustrator: Eric Zawadski
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Activism, Superheroes, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: DC Comics
- Publication date: January 5, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 208
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 2, 2022
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