Title: Gremon’s Wrath | Series: Awake, Vol 1 | Author: Susan Beneville | Illustrator: Brian Hess | Publisher: Action Lab | Pub. Date: 2016-4-13 | Pages: 96 | ASIN: B01MS1KJ2S | Genre: Science Fiction Fantasy | Language: English | Rating: 3 out of 5 | Source: Comixology Unlimited
Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath
Young Regn travels the universe to wake and heal planets. On her first mission, she lands on the planet Gremon where she discovers an angry world tearing itself apart, an irresponsible big brother, and a greedy baron who stokes the chaos for his own benefit. Regn’s photonic powers won’t be enough when she comes face-to-face with the planet’s consciousness. To win over Gremon, she’ll need something more – courage, compassion, and a little bit of help from the last person she should trust. Collects Regn’s first time planet-side in AWAKE #1-4.
Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath Review
I chose Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath from Comixology because it was advertised for all ages. Regn, one of the two main characters, is a powerful young girl charged with saving a planet. She’s accompanied by a rather large dog that looks very snuggable. (Perhaps an homage to the gigantic pooch from The Never Ending Story?) They’re joined by a cheeky looking cat they call Bashi. If the story just focused on them, I think I and my daughter would have liked it a lot more. As it was, the story shifts between the tale of Regn and that of Picar. Who Picar is fairly obvious to even younger readers by midway through the third issue at the latest. The problem is, he’s not a character that is easy to care about. At all. And the illustrations of him as well as his friend are not quite as pleasant to look at.
Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath lost my daughter’s interest midway through the second issue in the volume. Mine was already waning at that point, but I decided to keep reading it to see if it would get better. I did regain a bit of interest in the third issue, when Regn and Gremon were talking. I liked the simple but well-drawn concept regarding how Gremon affected his planet. And I started to get more involved in the plot at that point. . But, however, every time it would flash over to Picar’s story, I would get bored.
We did like the most of the illustrations and color choices. The colors are nice and calm. Gremon was an awesome character and I swiftly grew to like him. (Won’t deny it’s because he reminded me of a heavyset Groot.) I also liked how Regn took charge of the situation with Picar and made him do what he needed to do. She’s a very likable character.
The story in Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath was a simple one, easy for younger readers to understand, but classic enough to appeal to some of the older readers who might pick it up. In general, this is a book to be very careful about whom you choose it for. I can see people absolutely loving it, but I can see that group of people being a bit on the smaller side as well.
Overall, Awake Vol 1: Gremon’s Wrath is okay, and has a certain charm, but the story lacked staying power for me. I won’t be reading any more of Awake.
Buy Link: Amazon
Lilyn G is the founder of Sci-Fi & Scary, and leader of the Coolthulhu Crew. She does book and film reviews for both genres the site focuses on. Her tastes run towards creature features, hard science fiction, and lots and lots of action. She also has a soft spot for middle-grade fiction that rears its head frequently.
Though no longer involved with Ladies of Horror Fiction due to other responsibilities and a too-full plate, she was one of the original 4 co-founders.
Feel free to chat her up on Twitter as long as you aren’t hitting her up to review your book.
The snuggly dog mention reminds me of Woola from the Barsoom series. What a great animal! I’m not sure how old your daughter is, but I wonder if the two of you would enjoy Tom Boy by Liz Prince. I thought it was well done and simple enough. The story moves forward and has some explanation, so it’s balanced between the two. I can point you to a review if you are interested.
She’s 8. Yes, please point us at a review 🙂