Book Review: 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior

5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior
By Mark & Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller and Boya Sun

My Edition:
Paperback, 250 pages
2017, Random House
ISBN: 9781101935880

In the city of Chrysalis, Oona Lee is training to become a sand dancer, though she’s clumsy and doesn’t have a way with her magic the way her older sister does. Her older sister who ran off without a trace and only recently contacted Oona once more. When the city falls under attack, Oona finds herself teamed up with An Tzu, a poor boy with some amazing friends and Jax Amboy, celebrity athlete. The kids soon find themselves wrapped up in a plot that spans the five worlds of their galaxy and Oona must delay her reunion with her sister if she wants to save her friends and her home.

I purchased this on a whim and I’m so pleased I did! I absolutely loved the mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements, the protagonists and the art style!

The blurb on the back of the comic had me at “sand dancer” and when I took a peek at the art style and found it to my liking (yes, I’m that picky), that sealed the deal; 5 Worlds volume one was coming home with me!

This comic has it all – style, action, loveable characters, an interesting magic system, high tech (including advanced AI!), a history involving powerful gods, an evil force that must be defeated, planets on the verge of environmental collapse if they can’t work together, an amazing color palette, family drama, heart and, and, and!

I’ll admit I’m not well-read when it comes to comics – it’s mostly to do with the format, availability and price, but also somewhat due to my being so picky about art styles. But I’ve never read anything quite like this comic. It was also giving me a middle-grade vibe, which we all know I’m crazy about. I don’t think the comic talks down to its readers though – it’s a mix of being friendly for younger readers while still having an appeal for older ones.

I’m glad that volume two is already published, because I need to get it soon. I can’t stand waiting a year or more for the next volume, especially when I read comics in one sitting!

You should definitely pick up a copy if:

+ You like worlds that blend sci-fi with fantasy magic systems, especially element-based ones
+ You enjoy middle-grade
+ You want to support diverse authors
+ You want likable teen characters
+ You’re looking for a quick, colorful read to brighten your fall season