Review - The Emerald Gate

The Emerald Gate (5 Worlds #5)
by Mark Siegel & Alexis Siegel
illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller & Boya Sun
Date: 2022
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Reading level: MG
Book type: graphic novel
Pages: 272
Format: e-book
Source: library

Oona and her friends face their ultimate challenge in the final installment of the graphic sci-fi fantasy series that's Star Wars meets Avatar: The Last Airbender!

In the epic conclusion to the 5 Worlds series, the final battle looms as Oona, Jax, and An Tzu travel to the treacherous world of Grimbo (E)! There, Oona must light the last beacon to save the 5 Worlds, but first she has to find it! When Jax saves an old friend, Oona is given a clue to the green beacon's location.

Unfortunately, the journey to lighting it on this strange, watery planet is the most dangerous yet. Meanwhile, Stan Moon has one more trick up his sleeve as his frightening powers and mysterious connection to An Tzu continue to grow. How can Oona ever hope to beat him? Can she count on her friends or will a terrible betrayal mean the 5 Worlds will be lost to evil forever?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

It's over. Is it weird that I feel a sense of accomplishment? It's not every day I'm engaged enough in a series to actually finish it, so this is a rare event.

While I didn't like this final instalment quite as much as some of the others, it's a satisfying conclusion to the series. Most plot threads are tied up, and the aftermath of the adventure is hopeful and sweet. I was confused at certain points in the story, but that may simply be because it's been a while since I read all the other books. (Readers who can now binge the whole series at once won't have this problem.)

Overall, this is a really strong middle-grade graphic novel series with creative ideas, appealing artwork, and likeable characters. I'd definitely recommend it.

Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Pace: 3/5
Writing & Editing: 4/5
Illustration: 5/5
Originality: 5/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 ladybugs

My reviews for the series:

The Sand Warrior (5 Worlds #1) 

The Cobalt Prince (5 Worlds #2) 

The Red Maze (5 Worlds #3) 

The Amber Anthem (5 Worlds #4) 

The Emerald Gate (5 Worlds #5)