Yesssss! Finally! This sequel was worth the wait -- more incredible full-color artwork and page-turning storytelling from Kazu Kibuishi. The double-page spreads which set each new scene are jaw-dropping and remain right up there with the best layouts from Miyazaki, Jeff Smith's Bone, and even Myst (the computer game!). Even some of the smallest panels have innovative compositions that do a great job depicting transitions and action scenes. Basically, I wish this book was bigger, so I could drool over it more. :) 
 In this book, Emily and Navin find out that the Elves are a very real threat to the land of Alledia. They just want to make their mom well and get home in one piece, but Emily's possession of the Amulet has granted her the title of Stonekeeper, and along with it, the power, responsibility, prophecy, and curse that accompanies it. Emily's ongoing struggle to quell the temptations presented to her by the stone will ring true with any reader who has battled the pressure to change and take the easy way out, even if it means betraying your friends or your ideals. 
 Robots that make pancakes, a house that walks, talking trees, a fox warrior, and glowing fruit are all images that remain in my head. When will the next one be out?!?