This book looks really cool, but I couldn't get into it. The story moves quickly and is a bit jumpy. ( )

I had higher expectations for this graphic novel - the premise is amazing, and just the idea of weird flora and fauna is always a draw for me. But, unfortunately, TenNapel rushed everything: the chracter development, the world-building, the plot... If there had been about ten more pages it would have been perfect.

As it stands, it's an enjoyable light read that doesn't require too much thought or reader engagement. ( )

Kids/teen graphic novel; sci-fi/alien adventure. Lovely artwork, fantastic story--I just wish it could've been executed more smoothly. When the characters have to explain the plot to each other in their dialogue, the whole story loses its polish. Still, on the whole, a fast-paced read that kids should enjoy. ( )

My nephew suggested this to me. It's a fun read, with some depth as well as plenty of action. You can imagine which appealed to each of us :) ( )

I randomly selected this book from the shelves of my local library's graphic novel section. It just looked like it might be a fun read. I almost did not read it because I got so many graphic novels out at once that I nearly returned it because I did not think I would get around to it, but I decided to read it quickly before heading out to the library. I am sure glad that I gave it that opportunity because this truly is a unique book that deserves to be read.

The story revolves primarily around a family that goes on a boating trip and what happens after the sail off on that trip. The story itself takes many twists and turns. You are never sure what exactly is occurring because it leaps between two time periods. The ending makes logical sense and messes with your sense of reality and shows how assumptions can make you wrong. I found the writing and dialogue to be entertaining and TenNapel was able to give each of the family members a unique voice that made them stand out on their own. He also provided enough comic relief in the story to offset any moments that may have been a bit "overwhelming" for a younger audience. This mixture is what kept me reading and is why I ultimately have to give this particular book five stars. When you keep a mixture to the point both an adult and a child can enjoy it you deserve accolades.

The artwork is a little "saturday morning cartoon" in my opinion, but that does not distract from the overall message of the story. In a sense the art style while cartoony adds to what I was mentioning earlier about TenNapel being able to mix in adult and child together. The artwork can really draw in a child, while being stylized enough for a mature audience as well. This was a finely crafted and well-drawn story that I would recommend to people that want to have their sense of perception and assumptions messed with. You will be at the end of this book going "Yes I shouldn't have just assumed" and you will be happy that you read the book. ( )