The Rise of Herk

February 1, 2016

Gr 4-8-Herk and his sister Sissy are recovering from their battles with the Lizzarks and their continued fight to take over control of Amphibopolis. Just when they think they are safe, the Lizzarks launch another full blown attack on the city. Along the way, Sissy does research on their long lost brother who may aid the Lizzarks in destroying Amphibopolis. TenNapel's signature art style is on full display here. His bold lines are contrasted with vast stretches of deep dark colors to create the ominous space world. The action sequences are chock full of monsters and explosions making this a perfect choice for reluctant readers. New readers may have a difficult time following along since there is little to no recap of the events of Escape from the Lizzarks. A cliffhanger leaves room for additional titles in the series.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2016
Grades 3-6 In Nnewts' second volume, Herk has found a new family and home in Amphibopolis, but the Lizzarks and their now-disembodied Snake Lord continue to threaten all Nnewts. The Lizzarks launch a massive attack on the city, Herk steals the Spell of Spells that the Snake Lord needs to restore his body (he's currently in the form of a radish), and Herk's little sister, Sissy, discovers the Lizzark magician is really her brother, Herk's long-lost twin, Zerk, who hates Herk and all other Nnewts. In his hatred, Zerk has created the Blakk Mudd spell that turns Nnewts into Lizzarks, and even Herk ends up with one Lizzark hand. Herk's magic powers have helped the Nnewts, but can he stop the Blakk Mudd? The amped-up action, intense emotions, and wildly colorful and crazy-looking monsters closely resemble TenNapel's videogame, Earthworm Jim. He still manages to pack a lot of character development into the story, too. Readers who like lots of action, fighting, magic, and a little humor to lighten the drama will find them here.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2016
Color by Katherine Garner. In this second graphic novel (Nnewts: Escape from the Lizzarks), Nnewt Herk is enjoying homemade food with his new adoptive family when a Lizzark attacks. Mom takes quick action by using "the Internnewt" to send word of the invasion. An all-out battle ensues, and the Nnewts struggle to save Amphibopolis from the villainous reptiles. Glossy, deep-colored panel art depicts the intense action and quirky cast of creatures.

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)