written by Kazu Kibuishi

One of the joys of a story like Amulet is that its creator, Kazu Kibuishi, proudly lets his influences show. Star Wars, of course, is a major one, and you can see traces of Lord of the Rings as well. Kibuishi isn’t aiming to break new ground here. Instead, he’s giving readers a vibrant, exciting action-adventure fantasy (with tons of magic thrown in) that they can truly sink their teeth into.
 
In this third installment of the series, allegiances are formed and some enemies become friends (and vice versa) and further details in all the characters’ lives are uncovered. Most of all, we get further insight into who all these characters really are and why they came to be in their various predicaments. In the two previous books, Emily and her brother Navin have been separated from their mother and placed into a magical land where Emily has been gifted powers through a special stone. What’s not clear at all is whether the stone is a force for good or bad. Emily herself is unaware, but she has more immediate concerns, such as rescuing her mother, brother, and herself.
 
The Cloud Searchers advances all aspects of the story quite briskly. Kibuishi is not wasting any time here, and he manages to throw in a few surprises. Most of all, though, we get a nice chance to get reacquainted with Emily, Navin, and Leon as they attempt to find the lost city of Cielis in order to save the kingdom of Alledia from the evil king and his minions. It’s exciting, action-packed fare, and as always, completely enjoyable from start to finish.