Scan barcode
A review by from_the_stacks
Castle in the Stars: A Frenchman on Mars by Alex Alice
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Another stunningly illustrated book with an intriguing plot and heroes you love to root for!
Mr Alice once again shows he's amazing at pacing and visual storytelling - these books are totally cinematic. The composition of each page and panel perfectly leads you through the plot, showing you what you need to know and sprinkling in some bonus foreshadowing on top of the awesome establishing shots and emotive character details. You could read this without the text and still understand exactly what's going on and what everyone's feeling (once you've finished studying the imaginative Martian creatures and drinking in the intricate, Moebius-esque landscapes, that is). The art is detailed when it needs to be and simple when it needs to be, and it's always beautiful and colourful. He's also great at putting little cliffhangers before every page-turn. This is a guy that truly knows his craft.
There were some sweet character moments in this one, even from the antagonists, and nice callbacks to the first book and how much they've grown since then. I also enjoyed the fun Star Wars homages, which fit in well. And the environments and world-building is fantastic - spiralling shell-like palaces, crystal-clear floating rivers, glowing flying fish, funky lanterns on cool boats ... All laid out to give you a great sense of space and an understanding of where everything and everyone is.
The series has gone from alternative-history steampunk to full-on sci-fi, but I'm on board for it. It was a bit weird to get to the aliens at first, but they have been hinted at for a long time now and I really appreciate that the story is evolving and full of surprises, while remaining believable. With the next adventure neatly set up and an 'Oh no!' revelation on the last page, I'm hyped for book five (and six!)... Based on the series so far, I have no doubt that it'll reach an epic conclusion.
Mr Alice once again shows he's amazing at pacing and visual storytelling - these books are totally cinematic. The composition of each page and panel perfectly leads you through the plot, showing you what you need to know and sprinkling in some bonus foreshadowing on top of the awesome establishing shots and emotive character details. You could read this without the text and still understand exactly what's going on and what everyone's feeling (once you've finished studying the imaginative Martian creatures and drinking in the intricate, Moebius-esque landscapes, that is). The art is detailed when it needs to be and simple when it needs to be, and it's always beautiful and colourful. He's also great at putting little cliffhangers before every page-turn. This is a guy that truly knows his craft.
There were some sweet character moments in this one, even from the antagonists, and nice callbacks to the first book and how much they've grown since then. I also enjoyed the fun Star Wars homages, which fit in well. And the environments and world-building is fantastic - spiralling shell-like palaces, crystal-clear floating rivers, glowing flying fish, funky lanterns on cool boats ... All laid out to give you a great sense of space and an understanding of where everything and everyone is.
The series has gone from alternative-history steampunk to full-on sci-fi, but I'm on board for it. It was a bit weird to get to the aliens at first, but they have been hinted at for a long time now and I really appreciate that the story is evolving and full of surprises, while remaining believable. With the next adventure neatly set up and an 'Oh no!' revelation on the last page, I'm hyped for book five (and six!)... Based on the series so far, I have no doubt that it'll reach an epic conclusion.