PRINCE OF THE ELVES (AMULET #5) - Kazu Kibuishi

Each volume of the Amulet series of graphic novels seems to fall into one of two categories, overall; either a story of action and plot advancement, or (in between) a bridge - even a break between - the action, literally taking you from one plot point of the story into the next.  Book five feels like one of the "bridge" books, but at heart stands out as it also starts to delve more into the history of its characters - in particular Trellis, the Elf Prince, as well as the history of the elves and how they came to be "the bad guys".  Meanwhile, thanks to the events of book four the evil Elf King (Trellis's father) has control of the mother stone, and plans to forge new amulets from it that will enable him to conquer anyone who stands in his way at last, even if it includes his own son who is now seemingly on the side of the good guys.  Meanwhile, Emily's amulet is no longer speaking to her but outright challenging her, implying it's only a matter of time before it takes control, leading her down a dark and inescapable path.  You really get the sense, with this one (volume five of a seven-book story), that the series is drawing ever-closer toward its final confrontation between good and evil; setting up the players on the chessboard, so to speak, for the last match.  And it promises to be a doozy.  ****