Name: Jill Willey
Title: Youth services assistant at the Jackson County Public Library
What’s the name of the book and author you are recommending?
"Mae: Volume One" by Gene Ha.
What made you want to pick up this book in the first place?
I had never read a graphic novel before, and this was recommended to me, so I thought I would give it a try.
Once you got into the book, what made you want to keep reading it?
"Mae" isn’t like any other graphic novel. Ha hooks you on the first few pages with all of the backstory and intertwines it with the present. I couldn’t put the book down. I read it in two days.
Once you finished the book, what did you like about it?
What I liked most about "Mae" was the story was so different from anything else I have ever read before, but I really enjoyed it. I’m normally not one who reads fantasy, but this was exceptionally good. It was a fresh and exciting graphic novel with some likable creatures and characters and some not so likeable characters and creatures. So many elements of surprise to this novel, as well.
What is the book about?
The main character, Mae, has a sister, Abbie, who has been missing for several years. As the story unfolds, we learn she was in another portal and became Queen Ani. Many monsters live in the other world, and she has to defend herself and her sister from them. They end up going to the other world to find their dad, who has been kidnapped.
Why would you recommend this book to others?
Anyone who hasn’t picked up a graphic novel will definitely enjoy Ha’s storytelling. His quick-moving plot combined with themes of sibling love and loyalty is something that most can relate to. "Mae" is just an amazing read for anyone who likes fantasy and an adventure.