Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Galactic adventure keeps up the excitement and suspense.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Illustrators : Xanthe Bouma , Matt Rockerfeller , Boya Sun
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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