Review by Booklist Review
BEWARE! warns the opening of this comics adaptation of the R.A. Montgomery original, which invites the reader, "you," to uncover the ancient secrets of Stonehenge in an adventure that involves fairies, druids, determined museum curators, and a mysterious prophecy. Your choices, some arbitrary and some a matter of life or death, will determine if you succeed or fail. Author Phillips makes some modern changes to the time-tested format, such as placing correlating branches or choices next to each oother sequentially, which cuts down on needlessly flipping around and makes the story flow better overall. Technology like cell phones is also seamlessly added to modernize the franchise and make the situations more relatable. And with 15 endings, readers will certainly get the feel of the original books without having to compromise on story, characters, or panel space. Bolinho's artwork does a fine job not only with bringing the fantasy elements to life, but also with the action segments to give a real sense of urgency and promote making quick decisions. An entertaining adaptation for fans of the format.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--In this Choose Your Own Adventure graphic novel, readers are on a quest to retrieve Stonehenge's missing heel stone. At the start of the quest, the mysterious wizard Alistair appears during the summer solstice and gives the reader the ceremonial golden scythe. From here, the process of selecting the adventure begins, as cued at the bottom of certain pages. Each path leads to encounters with Elaine and her horde of fairies, as well as Liandra, a woodland sprite. Experiences with these characters vary based on the path chosen to take. Navigating through London, readers will encounter danger and uncertainty while uncovering the mysteries of Stonehenge. Bolinho's illustrations, featuring a blend of realistic and anime-styled characters, expertly complement Phillips's storytelling. The format provides readers with an interactive experience through multiple path variations. The second-person point of view will draw readers in and immerse them in the experience. The fast-paced plot and thrilling dialogue coupled with dark illustrations, such as being cornered and outnumbered by the enemy, deepen the ominous tone. While the interaction is deeply engaging, readers may find the abrupt endings and scene changes confusing at times. VERDICT Perfect for fans of the Choose Your Own Adventure format and enthusiasts of fantasy and adventure.--Angie Jameson
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