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5 Worlds #5
5 Worlds Book 5: The Emerald Gate:
Oona and her friends face their ultimate challenge in the final installment of the graphic sci-fi fantasy series that's Star Wars meets Avatar: The Last Airbender!
In the epic conclusion to the 5 Worlds series, the final battle looms as Oona, Jax, and An Tzu travel to the treacherous world of Grimbo (E)! There, Oona must light the last beacon to save the 5 Worlds, but first she has to find it! When Jax saves an old friend, Oona is given a clue to the green beacon's location.
Unfortunately, the journey to lighting it on this strange, watery planet is the most dangerous yet. Meanwhile, Stan Moon has one more trick up his sleeve as his frightening powers and mysterious connection to An Tzu continue to grow. How can Oona ever hope to beat him? Can she count on her friends or will a terrible betrayal mean the 5 Worlds will be lost to evil forever?
The 5 Worlds series: #1: The Sand Warrior, #2: The Cobalt Prince, #3: The Red Maze, #4: The Amber Anthem, #5: The Emerald Gate
In the epic conclusion to the 5 Worlds series, the final battle looms as Oona, Jax, and An Tzu travel to the treacherous world of Grimbo (E)! There, Oona must light the last beacon to save the 5 Worlds, but first she has to find it! When Jax saves an old friend, Oona is given a clue to the green beacon's location.
Unfortunately, the journey to lighting it on this strange, watery planet is the most dangerous yet. Meanwhile, Stan Moon has one more trick up his sleeve as his frightening powers and mysterious connection to An Tzu continue to grow. How can Oona ever hope to beat him? Can she count on her friends or will a terrible betrayal mean the 5 Worlds will be lost to evil forever?
The 5 Worlds series: #1: The Sand Warrior, #2: The Cobalt Prince, #3: The Red Maze, #4: The Amber Anthem, #5: The Emerald Gate
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2022
About the author
Mark Siegel
21 books351 followersMark Siegel was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, grew up in Paris, France, and now lives in New York. A graduate of Brown University, he is the author and illustrator of several award-winning picture books, including the graphic novel, SAILOR TWAIN, and the 5 WORLDS series. Mark is also founded First Second Books—Macmillan's prestigious graphic novel publisher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
December 21, 2022
Well, that was.... an ending. A poorly foreshadowed ending, which makes it feel a bit like a deus ex machina, if I'm honest.
I mean, if I'm really honest, I was reading this for the art and the worldbuilding anyway, not the story - so whatever. I liked it. I liked it despite the many flubbed or dropped plot points, the painless resolutions, the weird pacing, the bland characterization.
I really feel this should have been longer than five books! Maybe then, they would have been able to build the story at a reasonable clip instead of each book being a headlong rush to light the spire on each planet. The story needed breathing room. The characters needed more opportunities to actually show their personality, instead of reacting to whatever was happening at the moment. (Maybe An Tzu could have been used to build up the lore of the Felids more! Or we could have had more pages to wrap up the story, seen An Tzu reunite with his people, gotten a look at how his experience as a human affected him!) Relationships between characters could have been properly developed, instead of it being like "Teehee, Oona and Vector love each other now even though they've only interacted on the page a handful of times!" I thought that was cute and caught the hints in earlier books, but still.
But, you know, I liked it. It's a cute series. I actually hope to see more from this world because again, the worldbuilding? Top notch. I'd recommend reading it.
I mean, if I'm really honest, I was reading this for the art and the worldbuilding anyway, not the story - so whatever. I liked it. I liked it despite the many flubbed or dropped plot points, the painless resolutions, the weird pacing, the bland characterization.
I really feel this should have been longer than five books! Maybe then, they would have been able to build the story at a reasonable clip instead of each book being a headlong rush to light the spire on each planet. The story needed breathing room. The characters needed more opportunities to actually show their personality, instead of reacting to whatever was happening at the moment. (Maybe An Tzu could have been used to build up the lore of the Felids more! Or we could have had more pages to wrap up the story, seen An Tzu reunite with his people, gotten a look at how his experience as a human affected him!) Relationships between characters could have been properly developed, instead of it being like "Teehee, Oona and Vector love each other now even though they've only interacted on the page a handful of times!" I thought that was cute and caught the hints in earlier books, but still.
But, you know, I liked it. It's a cute series. I actually hope to see more from this world because again, the worldbuilding? Top notch. I'd recommend reading it.
January 29, 2022
It's over. Is it weird that I feel a sense of accomplishment? It's not every day I'm engaged enough in a series to actually finish it, so this is a rare event.
While I didn't like this final instalment quite as much as some of the others, it's a satisfying conclusion to the series. Most plot threads are tied up, and the aftermath of the adventure is hopeful and sweet. I was confused at certain points in the story, but that may simply be because it's been a while since I read all the other books. (Readers who can now binge the whole series at once won't have this problem.)
Overall, this is a really strong middle-grade graphic novel series with creative ideas, appealing artwork, and likeable characters. I'd definitely recommend it.
My reviews for the series:
The Sand Warrior (5 Worlds #1)
The Cobalt Prince (5 Worlds #2)
The Red Maze (5 Worlds #3)
The Amber Anthem (5 Worlds #4)
The Emerald Gate (5 Worlds #5)
While I didn't like this final instalment quite as much as some of the others, it's a satisfying conclusion to the series. Most plot threads are tied up, and the aftermath of the adventure is hopeful and sweet. I was confused at certain points in the story, but that may simply be because it's been a while since I read all the other books. (Readers who can now binge the whole series at once won't have this problem.)
Overall, this is a really strong middle-grade graphic novel series with creative ideas, appealing artwork, and likeable characters. I'd definitely recommend it.
My reviews for the series:
The Sand Warrior (5 Worlds #1)
The Cobalt Prince (5 Worlds #2)
The Red Maze (5 Worlds #3)
The Amber Anthem (5 Worlds #4)
The Emerald Gate (5 Worlds #5)
March 5, 2025
And I’ll bookend my reviews of this series by restating that it's the best graphic novel series I have ever and will ever read. The ending is really stunning.
previous volumes:
1. The Sand Warrior - 5 stars
2. The Cobalt Prince - 5 stars
3. The Red Maze - 5 stars
4. The Amber Anthem - 5 stars
previous volumes:
1. The Sand Warrior - 5 stars
2. The Cobalt Prince - 5 stars
3. The Red Maze - 5 stars
4. The Amber Anthem - 5 stars
January 21, 2022
I was a bit confused with some of the transitions in this volume. Also the ending was a bit obscure, but overall a great ending to a solid story.
March 25, 2022
Beautiful. A mostly great end to a fun, vibrant, and imaginative series. Loved the Beanu people. Major nitpick:
February 2, 2023
SUCH a good series!! I love the artstyle and the writing, although it was sometimes a bit fast paced. but overall i cried at the end 🧍🏻♀️
July 24, 2022
A generally solid ending to a general solid series. As always, the beautiful art and imaginative worldbuilding are where the book shines.
I had a great time reading this one with my little sister!
I had a great time reading this one with my little sister!
February 20, 2022
I found the pacing a bit unsteady in this one. I think the entire series bears re-reading, so that I have a better handle of what's going on in this final book.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
April 2, 2022
A fine finale. A little weak, but it closed out the series well.
March 3, 2022
The other books dealt a lot with learning and loving the diverse cultures on the other worlds.
This one was all about the heroine's own struggles, how we saw her change and adapt, and what still blocks her from coming fully into her power.
Also, cliche ending is cliche as hell, but I enjoyed it.
This one was all about the heroine's own struggles, how we saw her change and adapt, and what still blocks her from coming fully into her power.
Also, cliche ending is cliche as hell, but I enjoyed it.
May 29, 2022
Finally get to the conclusion of this series.
~
My thoughts on this volume:
- I didn't think the epic conclusion was foreshadowed well enough.
- Reincarnation... Was it reincarnation?
- I liked the character arc conclusions. Jax's ending is just about perfect. And, emotionally speaking, Oona's is too, even if they flubbed the mechanics of it. An Tzu's arc was... sufficient I suppose. I didn't enjoy it as much as his bit in book 4, but it was okay. His dilemma was handled tactfully, I thought. Often dilemmas like that are way overdramatized, but it didn't bother me so much in this book.
- Another issue I had with the ending...
~
On the series as a whole:
The beginning was really promising. But then the promise kind of petered out. And I would blame this on the authors's woke-ness. Being woke requires that you not offend anyone. But here's the dirty secret: *the truth is offensive.* Whenever you make a stand for truth, whatever you think it may or may not be, you risk offending anyone who doesn't believe that.
Which brings me to the paradox of my opinion on this series. If they had spoken out about what they actually believed in these books, I probably wouldn't have liked them. There are just too many hints of Buddhism, New Age philosophy, and non-binary sexuality.
My opinion on this series, then: It's almost too woke for me to like it. Almost.
All told, I really enjoyed this series. Especially the art. If I ever write a graphic novel, I would want the art to be simply styled, like it is in these books. The first book is probably still my favorite of the series, followed closely by the fourth.
~
That's about all I have to say on this series. Thanks for coming along with me. It's been real. And it's been fun. But it hasn't been real fun.
~
My thoughts on this volume:
- I didn't think the epic conclusion was foreshadowed well enough.
- Reincarnation... Was it reincarnation?
- I liked the character arc conclusions. Jax's ending is just about perfect. And, emotionally speaking, Oona's is too, even if they flubbed the mechanics of it. An Tzu's arc was... sufficient I suppose. I didn't enjoy it as much as his bit in book 4, but it was okay. His dilemma was handled tactfully, I thought. Often dilemmas like that are way overdramatized, but it didn't bother me so much in this book.
- Another issue I had with the ending...
~
On the series as a whole:
The beginning was really promising. But then the promise kind of petered out. And I would blame this on the authors's woke-ness. Being woke requires that you not offend anyone. But here's the dirty secret: *the truth is offensive.* Whenever you make a stand for truth, whatever you think it may or may not be, you risk offending anyone who doesn't believe that.
Which brings me to the paradox of my opinion on this series. If they had spoken out about what they actually believed in these books, I probably wouldn't have liked them. There are just too many hints of Buddhism, New Age philosophy, and non-binary sexuality.
My opinion on this series, then: It's almost too woke for me to like it. Almost.
All told, I really enjoyed this series. Especially the art. If I ever write a graphic novel, I would want the art to be simply styled, like it is in these books. The first book is probably still my favorite of the series, followed closely by the fourth.
~
That's about all I have to say on this series. Thanks for coming along with me. It's been real. And it's been fun. But it hasn't been real fun.
August 27, 2023
The Five Worlds series was absolutely a joy to read. I would love to see it as an animated series on Netflix or something. It puts me in the mind of Avatar: Last Airbender with a touch of sci-if flare. Older readers will definitely pick up on the undercurrent meanings in the series, while younger readers will enjoy the wonderful artwork and exciting storyline.
March 13, 2022
HE KILLED OFF OONA LEE?! You can't just kill off the main character! I was so excited about her and Vector getting together, and them all working together to defeat the Mimic but then Oona DIED and now I can't even think about this series anymore without getting upset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
A great final volume to a great series. Students in my school library spread the word of this series like the living fire 😆 and I already have a long wait list for this final installment
March 30, 2022
Was it just that I haven't read the series for a bit that I found this final book disjointed at times? (I did go back and read the 4th book before reading this to refresh my memory.) The art was as wonderful as usual, and the ending tied everything up for everyone, yet I struggle with the aspect of exactly how the story was brought to its closure.
I do not like it when stories are left hanging or when readers are left to make up their own conclusions so I should be very happy, yes? I wanted so much more for Oona though.
In case you are nervous, it does have a happy end. (Maybe not the end I wanted, haha.) I will recommend this.
I do not like it when stories are left hanging or when readers are left to make up their own conclusions so I should be very happy, yes? I wanted so much more for Oona though.
In case you are nervous, it does have a happy end. (Maybe not the end I wanted, haha.) I will recommend this.
October 28, 2023
I read this series at the recommendation of my 4th grade daughter and I really enjoyed talking with her about it! I think that these were solid graphic novels, though they were not nearly as tight on plotting as I’d prefer. There were several times where storylines just fizzled out or jumped around without a great reason. But the overarching themes of friendship, teamwork, self-sacrifice, and love for others shown through.
October 22, 2025
This is apparently the last in a 5-book series, but it was the first Odesa and I read. Maybe I would feel differently if I had read the others and was more invested in the story and the characters. As is, it didn’t do much for me. I didn’t care for any of them and the villain was pretty lame in my opinion. I’m not interested in going back to read the previous books.
September 21, 2024
I cried when oona died😭😭😭
Vector loved Oona and when she died 😖he was so sad 😭.
But to the happiest parts…
I am so glad that Oona lit the last beacon with Vector and Vea.
I %100 recommend this book🤩🤩
(I am still sad that I finished the series😭… but happy that I finished it😄)
Vector loved Oona and when she died 😖he was so sad 😭.
But to the happiest parts…
I am so glad that Oona lit the last beacon with Vector and Vea.
I %100 recommend this book🤩🤩
(I am still sad that I finished the series😭… but happy that I finished it😄)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
A nice ending for a good series.
July 16, 2022
4,5
Se acaba esta serie de 5 libros que me ha acompañado a lo largo de muchos meses. Todavía procesando todo, pero ha sido un punto y final perfecto.
Se acaba esta serie de 5 libros que me ha acompañado a lo largo de muchos meses. Todavía procesando todo, pero ha sido un punto y final perfecto.
September 14, 2022
What a beautiful ending to a wonderful series!! Great for fans of Amulet!!
December 3, 2024
El arte, el diseño de personajes y de paisajes es increíble. He disfrutado mucho de esta historia aunque el final no ha llegado a gustarme por completo.
December 28, 2024
please read this series!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so good!!!!!! i love you oona!!!!!!
March 22, 2025
Love love love this series!!!
February 13, 2022
Great ending to the series!!!
March 17, 2022
The closer to this series was incredible, and I am so glad that it was a discrete arc. The authors did an amazing job with the story, the art, and drawing you in to the adventures. Highly recommended for YA graphic novel fans or those that love great tales!
October 12, 2022
does someone know why living fire was produced by Toki children ? writers raised the question at some point (I think it was 4th book) but it never was answered, maybe I’ve missed it ?
Read
January 15, 2023romantic aspect was unnecessary and forced. ending was weird. but overall i really enjoyed this series, the art was beautiful, and the story was fun and compelling.
April 13, 2022
It saddens me to have to part ways with these lovely characters as their journey comes to an end huhu. In all fairness, this is far from being my fav volume but looking at this series as a whole, I still highly highly highly highly recommend it.
“There will always be little shadows for us to face” as Oona said, but division, violence or hatred will never be the solution. The overarching messages of unity, belief, community and embracing diversity were beautifully conveyed. The writers and illustrators crafted a stunning story that didn’t necessarily always follow conventional tropes, tons of twists and turns along the way which we know I love. The art obviously was sublime, wouldn’t expect anything less from this series!! The different planets, non human species and landscapes, wow, simply a pleasure to look at.
However, going back to my point about this being a bit underwhelming as a finale; the ending wasn’t my favorite. I felt like it didn’t completely make sense? (Edit: OK, I hated the ending. I still want to stick with 4 stars for the time being and bc of sentimental reasons. But just looking at the last scene makes me want to rip the pages off bc I just hated it that much. That smile is creepy af too) And the panels didn’t continue very smoothly. I had to double check I didn’t accidentally skipped pages. Also the pacing was off. We probably could have lingered on some part for a little bit longer to deliver the full emotional impact, instead of rushing to the next scene.
Edit:
“There will always be little shadows for us to face” as Oona said, but division, violence or hatred will never be the solution. The overarching messages of unity, belief, community and embracing diversity were beautifully conveyed. The writers and illustrators crafted a stunning story that didn’t necessarily always follow conventional tropes, tons of twists and turns along the way which we know I love. The art obviously was sublime, wouldn’t expect anything less from this series!! The different planets, non human species and landscapes, wow, simply a pleasure to look at.
However, going back to my point about this being a bit underwhelming as a finale; the ending wasn’t my favorite. I felt like it didn’t completely make sense? (Edit: OK, I hated the ending. I still want to stick with 4 stars for the time being and bc of sentimental reasons. But just looking at the last scene makes me want to rip the pages off bc I just hated it that much. That smile is creepy af too) And the panels didn’t continue very smoothly. I had to double check I didn’t accidentally skipped pages. Also the pacing was off. We probably could have lingered on some part for a little bit longer to deliver the full emotional impact, instead of rushing to the next scene.
Rating System
★★★★★+: to-die for, life-changing
★★★★★: brilliant, recommend wholeheartedly
★★★★✩: liked a lot with some minor issues regarding personal preferences
★★★✩✩: appreciated but struggled to finish or a bit forgettable
★★✩✩✩: would not recommend
★✩✩✩✩: yikes, i warned you
Edit:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews