Review: Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior: An Ominous Threat by Cube Kid

I've had a schedule switch-a-roo and needed to shift one of my book forwards. For those who don't know, the publishing world is full of surprises!  This is fine with me, since I get to give everyone an early peek at this fun read. This is the 2nd book in a series, and yes, I did review the first one a while ago.(here's that review) 

Anyway, today's review is a graphic novel for Mine Craft fans...and I already know of a few who love it.

DIARY OF AN 8-BIT WARRIOR

AN OMINOUS THREAT

by Cube Kid

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Middle Grade Graphic Novel

96 pages

ages 8 to 12

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

The pixelated adventures continue in this graphic novel adaptation of the bestselling Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series! Readers can reconnect with their favorite characters and the beloved Minecraft universe while enjoying a colorfully illustrated story.

In this installment, Runt and his unusual crew—a friendly zombie, a loyal wolf, and a clumsy human—embark on a quest to defeat the ender dragon . . . if they can go five minutes without getting lost, that is. But if vanquishing a legendary boss monster weren’t a big enough challenge, along the way the gang learns of an even more mysterious enemy lurking just around the corner. The second installment of this graphic novel series will knock your blocks off!

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MY TIDBITS

I read the first book in this series and would highly recommend anyone starting the series to start with that book, since the second one starts off where the first one left off. So, this isn't a stand-alone.

Runt and his new friends are off on their next quest, and, of course, things aren't going as planned. But the trio have their own way of doing things and determination pure. If  it were only this adventure, things might be somewhat simple, but their enemy is on their tail, too.

This book starts with little (no) introduction and launches from the assumption that book one was read, and while that's not really a problem for those reading the series as such, since this is aimed at kids, it would have been nice to have a re-cap or a little more lead in. I say this because my own kids often picked things like this up at the library or from other friends, and more times than not, wouldn't always get their hands on book one to begin with.  That said, Mine Craft fans are going to adore this book (and series).

Runt and his friends have just the right amount of determination, heart, and quirkiness to make the a fun bunch to follow and root for. Nothing seems to run perfectly for them, but it shouldn't. The scenes are easy for those who know the game to slide into and identify with...which makes the humor sit even better. Their dialogue is kept short, but their personalities still come through. This is a bunch, who many readers would love to go on an adventure with.

The illustrations are well done and bring every scene across well. The emotions are clear and the atmosphere comes across nicely. It was no problem to follow what was happening. But then, the text does work in a nice balance, giving just enough of the story to cover what the illustrations can't. 

It's an action-packed, humorous quest with moments of loss, triumph, and surprises. The 'enemy' is ridiculous, which he's supposed to be. This tale does center more or Maggie and the enemy's relationship, finding a very interesting and unexpected middle ground. It will be fun to see what happens with this bunch next.