Twig is filling in the role of his late father as a 'Placeling'. Twig originally wanted to be a chef. But as he's the only able person with knowledge of the job of his pop's, Twig is the logical choice. Only on his first day of work, Twig wakes up late, setting in motion a number of errors and delays that threaten the very existence of the universe.
As a placeling, Twig is responsible for taking special stone known as a heart stone to a legendary expert called the Pathsayer who knows the powers of all the different gemstones. Once the source of the stone's power is assessed, it will be Twig's job to place the bauble in a special place for a hero to discover and save the world. There's only one problem, the Pathsayer is dead and when Twig does his best to ascertain what his entrusted stone does, Twig accidentally breaks it, draining the jewel of its magic. Now Twig, along with his wise pal Splat must go on an epic quest to repair the gem before an amassing source of great evil is unleashed on Twig's world.
I loved this book. Though I admit that I had to read ahead at the ending to make sure none of the adorable main characters died. I didn't want to this story to end. It was such a quick read, it didn't feel like it was 5-issues long. Now that the story is over, I hope Skottie Young takes us on another epic quest with Twig and friends.
Star Wars couldn't have become the expansive universe it has without a great design. Filling the role of Ralph McQuarrie is Kyle Strahm. I was just in awe of his work. There's dozens of panels where we see these new and fanciful lands that Twig must transverse in order to achieve his assignment. All were so different and yet it never felt like we were ever taken away to another world. There always was a hint of the main region Twig was from. I really can't put into words how marvelous the artwork was. But I haven't felt this way since I last saw a Star Wars film in theaters. I truly am in love with this world created by Young and Strahm.
The back cover says that this book is appropriate for ages Teen and up. I disagree. There is 1 swear in the whole book and it's really minor. The story quest seems timeless and something that can be appreciated for all ages. Rumor has it that George Lucas added the scene of Luke's uncle and aunt's charred corpses to keep the first Star Wars film from earning a G-rating. Did Skottie Young add those two scenes of skeletons to keep Twig from being rated for all ages?
We see visions of the world terror to come. Menacing, sure. But nothing nightmare inducing. There is a baddie who wants very much to eat Twig. But kids probably have seen worse in a retelling of Hansel and Gretel. Let's just say that if a rating of all ages is off the table, then let's say that this book is suitable for readers 10 and up.
A truly magical story set in a world beyond your wildest dreams.
Worth Consuming.
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.
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