The Red Maze: 5 Worlds, Book 3
Galactic adventure keeps up the excitement and suspense.
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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 The Red Maze is the third installment in the 5 Worlds sci-fi graphic novel series by brothers Mark and Alexis Siegel. The stunningly illustrated story follows three talented children from diverse backgrounds as they continue their quest to light five ancient beacons and save various planets from overheating. There are some mildly violent scenes is which the kids are chased by military/security personnel, but there's no graphic bloodshed.
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What's the Story?
As THE RED MAZE opens, Oona Lee, Jax Amboy, and An Tzu are reunited in their quest to light Moon Yatta's beacon. No longer just an android, Jax has been transformed into a "real boy," but he's forced to return to playing starball for a ruthless businessman. Meanwhile, Oona and An Tzu search for a rebel leader who can guide them through a mysterious maze that will let them reach the red beacon.
Is It Any Good?
Middle volumes of long-running series often sag a little, but this installment of the galaxy-spanning graphic novel maintains a high level of action and suspense. With The Red Maze, the Siegel brothers step the narrative's intensity down a notch to focus on political crimes and corporate misdemeanors. Interesting new allies and enemies join the mix, and the story ends on a high note. Readers already invested in the 5 Worlds series will be clamoring for more. Newcomers should definitely start with the first volume and not try to jump into the story without preparation. Spirited, clever, and engrossing, The Red Maze is a real winner.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Red Maze addresses the issue of planetary warming. How are modern-day politicians dealing with climate change here on Earth?
The Red Maze uses the conventions of comics to tell its story. What kinds of stories are best suited for the graphic novel format?
How does The Red Maze address the notion of a "chosen one"? Why does the concept of a "chosen one" appear in so many myths and legends?
Book Details
- Authors: Alexis Siegel, Mark Siegel
- Illustrators: Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockerfeller, Boya Sun
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 7, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 28, 2019
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