For young adventurers eager for a thrilling quest, this graphic novel plunges into a sky-high escapade where bravery and ingenuity are key to saving a kingdom.
A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child, who loves building and dreaming up big ideas, feels a bit misunderstood or needs a model of perseverance. This stunning steampunk graphic novel continues the saga of a young inventor, his sister, and their companions as they help the brilliant, eccentric King of Bavaria escape his political rivals. They become stowaways on their own magnificent airship, embarking on a daring quest to the Moon to prove the king's sanity and reclaim his throne. The story champions themes of loyalty, teamwork, and the courage to pursue a vision against all odds. Ideal for readers aged 8-12, its breathtaking art and high-stakes adventure make it a fantastic choice for kids who love intricate worlds and heroic quests.
Action-oriented violence with fantastical machinery and weapons. No blood or gore is depicted.
Rating EscalationMild
As the second book in a series, the stakes and complexity of the conflict are elevated.
Sensitive Topics
The central theme addresses mental health, with King Ludwig being labeled "mad" by his political opponents. The book frames this not as a clinical illness but as misunderstood genius and eccentricity. The approach is secular and metaphorical, celebrating those who dare to dream differently. The resolution is not in this book (it's a series), but the direction is hopeful, positioning the heroes as righteous underdogs.
Ideal Reader
An 9-12 year old who is a visual learner and loves detailed world-building. This child is fascinated by mechanics, history, and adventure stories like Jules Verne's novels or the Amulet series. They appreciate stories where intellect and creativity are the heroes' primary weapons.
Parent Prep
Parents should know this is the second book in a series. Reading the first volume, "The Space Race of 1869," is highly recommended for full context. The story's historical backdrop, referencing a real king (Ludwig II of Bavaria) and political figures (Bismarck), could be a fun point of discussion to enhance the reading experience, but the book can be enjoyed as a pure fantasy adventure. A parent overhears their child talking about a big, ambitious project and another child says, "That's impossible!" or "That's a crazy idea." This book validates the dreamer and the inventor.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be completely absorbed by the breathtaking, full-page illustrations of the aetherships and the exciting action sequences. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the political intrigue, the historical allegories, and the central theme of genius versus perceived madness.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many mainstream graphic novels, its European bande dessinée art style is painterly and exquisitely detailed, resembling the work of Hayao Miyazaki. The specific alternate-history steampunk setting, rooted in 19th-century Franco-Prussian tensions, gives it a unique flavor that is both educational and fantastical.
Read plot summary
This second volume in the "Castle in the Stars" series picks up immediately after the first, with inventor Seraphin, his sister, and the deposed King Ludwig of Bavaria escaping their pursuers, led by the Prussian chancellor. They are now fugitives aboard their own magnificent aethership. To restore the king's honor and thwart the chancellor's power grab, they decide they must complete their original mission: fly to the Moon and prove the king is a visionary, not a madman. The story follows their perilous journey as they push the ship and their own ingenuity to the absolute limit.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The King's enemies call him 'The Moon-King' as an insult, but he and his friends embrace the title. Why do you think they do that? Can turning an insult into a strength be a powerful move?
2
When the aethership is in trouble, every member of the crew has a specific, important job. What does this scene show us about the importance of teamwork when facing a big challenge?
3
Seraphin has to make risky decisions to push the ship farther than ever before. Do you think he is being brave or reckless? What is the difference?
4
Examine the detailed illustration of the aethership's interior. What piece of equipment do you find most interesting, and what do you imagine it does?
