Castle in the Stars vol 3 by Alex Alice

Vol 3: The Knights of Mars

The Knights of the Aether are hiding out at Seraphin's grandfather's house in Brittany.  Seraphin's father travels to London to a society of the best minds, a group he calls "The International Society of the Aether." He seeks to showcase aether ships and to recruit anyone willing to be an ally against the Prussian forces.  But, their meeting is sabotaged, and Seraphin loses contact with his father.  Meanwhile, King Ludwig's sister begs for more information about her brother's whereabouts, and she won't believe he is traveling to Mars.  Then, the Prussian forces are upon them, and it will take everything the Knights have to outwit and escape them, on board a ship hurtling towards Mars!

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This volume has plenty of action on every page, and I am thoroughly enjoying this Jules-Vernian story of aether ships and lost civilizations on other celestial bodies.  Seraphin is a very brave and strong main character, but right there next to him is Sophie, who is not going to let any boy push her around.  She's strong willed, a little short tempered, and quick-witted.  Then there's Hans, the comic relief who can't stop complaining about sharing his beer rations with other people.  The watercolor artwork is beautiful, and I appreciate the detailed schematics of the aetherships when they're included.  There are many different aetherships in this volume, and they are all elegant and beautiful with lovely steampunk elements.  This is a great adventure story that doesn't seem to have an end in sight.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-8

Reviews of previous volumes in the series: vol 1, vol 2

Publisher: First Second
Publication Date: September 10, 2019​
ISBN: 9781250206800 (Hardcover)

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Graphic Fiction, Steampunk, Action Adventure, Family, First Second