Battle for Shadowland

From Booklist Taking place in the span between the novels Witch & Wizard (2009) and The Gift (2010), this graphic-novel interlude continues the story of magical siblings Whit and Wisty as they navigate a world (and various underworlds) taken over by the evil dictator called the One. The book kicks off with a fantastic story so far synopsisa one-page government document embellished by the siblings sarcastic edits that sets the serious/snarky tone carried through the rest of the adventure. And it is indeed serious in parts: the Shadowland, a place where ghosts reside, is being invaded by evil adults, and the resulting battles feature actual deaths (although the impact is ameliorated by the deads instant transformation into helpful spirits). Santos art favors overhead views, sharp angles, and oranges bright enough to wake any reader from doldrums. Meanwhile, Pattersons preposterous plot and clunky good-bad divisions thrive when unattached to ugly prose; in fact, readers might do well to start the series right here. Grades 6-9. --Daniel Kraus Product Description In a blink of an eye, their world has changed, with the oppressive New Order declaring all magic as evil incarnate! In this action-packed tale spinning out of best-selling author James Patterson's #1 novel, sibling teenagers Whit and Wisty Allgood use their newly discovered magical powers to infiltrate into enemy territory of the New Order to gain control of the inter-dimensional Shadowland. The first of two original stories this volume takes place between books one and two of the prose novels. Witch & Wizard: Battle for Shadowland takes best-selling author James Pattersons hit characters from the Witch & Wizard novel on all-new exciting adventures in this four-color graphic novel. ϡ쯦랠