Shadows of the Dark Crystal: Jim Henson's Dark Crystal, Book 1
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fantasy prequel doesn't match the original movie.
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What's the Story?
Having grown up in a swamp, the young Gelfling Naia, the main character of SHADOWS OF THE DARK CRYSTAL, is ready for an adventure. She doesn't expect it to come at the expense of her twin brother Gurjin, however. Accused of treason by the Skeksis overlords who rule the land of Thra from the Castle of the Crystal, Gurjin has disappeared from his post. Naia sets out alone to confront his accusers, meeting a couple of important allies along the way. She discovers, however, that a vein of corrupted crystal now runs through Thra, bringing to the land a darkness that threatens to swallow everyone.
Is It Any Good?
It's been more than 30 years since the release of Jim Henson's original fantasy film, but this prose prequel demonstrates that there's plenty of energy left in the concept. Now Shadows of the Dark Crystal shows what transpired long before the tale told in the movie. The initial volume of a four-part series, this book starts slowly but gradually picks up steam as Naia and her compatriots draw closer to their destination. The conclusion feels abrupt, however, its revelations obscured in a somewhat confusing action scene.
Author J.M. Lee does a good job of sketching in some details not addressed in the original movie, but the plot sometimes seems to be marking time so the story can be told over four volumes. Dark Crystal fans will probably enjoy this prequel, but newcomers may not be enraptured.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Shadows of the Dark Crystal chronicles the hero's journey. How does Naia fulfill the various stages of being a hero?
Naia has dreams that seem to foretell the future. How are our dreams influenced by what happens while we're awake?
How is violence used in Shadows of the Dark Crystal? What strategies do the characters use to protect themselves and others?
Book Details
- Author: J. M. Lee
- Illustrator: Cory Godbey
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
- Publication date: June 28, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 18
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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