The Stonekeeper: Amulet, Book 1

The opening pages are filled with strong tragedy and emotions are high. However, following the heart-wrenching but non-violent death of the father (auto crash) the author paints a touching picture of the structural reconciliation and emotional progress of the remaining family members. This plot line and the more adventurous ones that follow move very quickly. But this pace unquestionably keeps a child's short attention span well hooked for the next elements of the thriller story. The plot is always just scary enough and balanced with triumph for early grade school students to keep turning pages, trying to read new words, learn new sentence structures and grammar, etc. Great fantasy sci-fi touch with the elves and magic amulet. Top shelf artwork all around: penciling and color.

My 8 year old son absolutely loves these books. It is accessible to most kids that read at minimum a grade 2/3 level. But I have enjoyed the story too. He has books 1-3 and has read and re-read them each at least 3 times! The illustrations are phenomenal, the storyline is interesting and creative, suspenseful, and has just enough 'violence' to captivate and facinate my kid without being inappropriate or overly graphic. No more violent than old school batman and robin or spiderman cartoon, and its in defense of others or to protect others except when its perpetrated by the evil Elves. There are some 'mature' themes throughout such as the dad dying at the beginning and the great grandfather dying; but at 8 years old most kids can handle that especially understanding that it is fiction; but they can empathize with the characters' losses which is what a good book does! The characters are relatable for my son, and he loves all their various quirks. If your kid loves graphic novels, and science fiction or fantasy- go get this series!