Journey to the Far Lands by Pirate Sourcil

Today, we're taking a look at the 5th book in the Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series, a graphic novel adventure with huge nods towards Minecraft and Co. I've, actually, looked at one (or two?) of the earlier books in the series, so I have a pretty good idea how this one is going to go. If it stays true to the rest of the books, that is. 

I've been diving into this series simply because I know more than a few young readers, who adore them. Yes, these kids love video games (especially the one mentioned above), and yes, they are reluctant readers. This is one of the only books I see them grab up and smile about. 

So, off we go to take a look and join in on what should be a quirky adventure!

JOURNEY TO THE FAR LANDS

Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior, #5

Cube Kid

by Pirate Sourcil

Illustrated by Jez and Odone

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Children's Fiction   /  Graphic Novel

96 pages

ages 7 to 11

COMING FEBRUARY 25th!!!

Grab your pickaxes and jump back into the action in this fifth installment of the Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior graphic novel series.

Runt and his crew are back for the fifth installment of the Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel series. As they prepare for the epic battle against the evil incarnate of Minecraftia: Herobrine, they know they'll be stronger together, but first they have to get Sweetpea on their side. Unfortunately, the baby dragon does what he pleases. As they contemplate their best strategy, Runt and Blurp have the same nightmare: Herobrine won’t let anyone get out alive … unless they give him back Sweetpea. What should they do? Do they stand a chance of defeating Herobrine without losing all their friends? They will need to find courage to face this formidable adversary.

The zany fun continues as Runt embarks on his latest pixelated adventures with his friends. Grab your pickaxe and shovel and get ready for more fun!

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Seemingly impossible battles aren't easy to prepare for, but this crew can do it with silly style...or maybe not.

Runt and his friends are getting ready for the huge battle against Herobrine, the evil-of-evilest villains. To do it, though, they're going to need the help of a little dragon. This little dragon has a mind of its own and is almost a battle in and of itself. Still, if they stick together, maybe they can pull this whole thing off.

This read is especially directed at fans of certain video games or those, who simply enjoy digital worlds. While there are obvious parallels to the gaming world for this age group (because this does stay nicely snuggled into the intended audience age level), this is an unique adventure to call its own with fun and quirky characters. The teamwork and friendships make it golden as little Runt keeps determination high, makes quite a few mistakes, and still presses forward to learn and grow. It's a great message for the age group and others.

The tale is fast-paced, packs enough heart to make the characters easy to root for, and always works in a bit of humor to keep things light. Sweetpea is a cute dragon, and his antics will have readers understanding and sympathizing with Runt and his group. The worries and other aspects also add a nice edge, but not enough to darken the story. Just a dab to increase tension, and it works.

The illustrations are, as always, colorful and lively. They accompany the story and add to the atmosphere and humor. The text is never heavy and gently works on word skills, while sinking into the adventures. It's very suited for even reluctant readers.

This is a nice adventure to add to the series and makes sure to keep things interesting so there's not even the slightest sign of boredom yet.

Review: Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel: An OP Alliance by Pirate Sourcil, Jez and Doone

When I was offered today's book, I was pleasantly surprised. I'd accidentally met the author during one of my own signings awhile ago and can honestly say that I'm super excited that the series is still doing this well. My kids loved Mine Craft and the younger two still play every now and then. Considering this one is also a graphic novel, it's really not a wonder that it does so well. 

So here we go!

DIARY OF AN 8-BIT WARRIOR

GRAPHIC NOVEL: AN OP ALLIANCE

by Pirate Sourcil

Jez Oddolone

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Graphic Novel

96 pages

ages 6 to 12

For the first time ever, fans of Minecraft and the hit series Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior can enjoy these fun and fully illustrated graphic novels.

This new graphic novel series is an adaptation of the best-selling Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series. Readers will reconnect once again with their favorite characters in a familiar Minecraft world and embark on new, heart-pounding adventures.
 
Runt is not a village boy like all the others. Growing carrots doesn’t really interest him and selling them interests him even less. All he wants is to be a warrior! One day, he gathers up all his courage and decides to head off on a journey. He meets a zombie who dreams of being a human, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey. Follow these two unlikely friends as they trek across the Minecraft universe in search of excitement and a little bit of danger—now in graphic novel format. 

GOODREADS   /    B&N    /     BOOK DEPOSITORY    /     KOBO    /     AMAZON

BOOK BLINK

                                * Graphic Novel

                                * bright, well-done illustrations

                                * vocabulary great for age group (reluctant reader friendly)

MY TIDBITS

While this is the first book I've ever read connected with this series, I had no trouble diving right into the characters and the world. But then, my own kids were and still are huge MineCraft fans. 

Runt is a villager, which means he's destined to a life of farming and milling around. Even though his friends are satisfied with their only calling in life, he dreams of becoming a warrior. Although it should be impossible, he challenges fate and takes off on a journey to achieve his dreams. When he runs into a Zombie, he's shocked to find someone, who also has an impossible dream just like him. The Zombie wants to be human, not a monster. And so the true adventure begins.

The characters in this tale really surprised me. Runt is impossible not to root for. Not only does he have an inspiring dream and is an obvious underdog, but the idea of a villager wanting to become more speaks to the heart. I've always felt sorry for those poor villagers in the game, who just wander around as if stuck in a loop. So, Runt had me cheering from the first page.

The adventure is quick and fun. There's a great balance of humor, determination and tension, which make it impossible to put down until the end. The two characters form a wonderful friendship and are constantly faced with unexpected...or sometimes, slightly expected...adventures. And it's a treat to accompany them as they overcome every obstacle. It's definitely a great read even for reluctant readers.

While I find this book amazing, my daughter had a slightly different opinion. She would jump up every now and then, and whine that certain things were completely wrong. Turns out that little aspects and details do steer away from the MineCraft game, but then, as I pointed out to her, this isn't a true MineCraft book. It was funny to watch her read, really. She continued to point things out, every now and then, but never once grew tired of reading it. She devoured the whole book in one sitting and liked every page. So, I'm calling this one a winner.