Book of Elements: Magic and Tech

Book of Elements: Magic and Tech. New York : Grosset & Dunlap, 2012.

Plot: A world-building title for the popular Skylanders video game series, the text offers background information on the Tech and Magic based skylanders. Each character gets its own profile, as well as a two-page story of its adventures. Additionally, the book offers information on a particular element's effects on Skylands and its inhabitants.

Genre: Video Games, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Machine of Doom, Pokemon Adventures, LEGO Ninjago

Personal Thoughts: Unlike The Machine of Doom, the Book of Elements series does not offer a full novel. Instead, it offers an-image heavy, world-building title for readers. The book reflects a growing trend in video games. Many series, including those aimed at older users, such as World of Warcraft and Halo, use traditional media to convey information about nontraditional entertainment. It seems like an ideal compromise, since users with a desire for more information can learn more about the series while play-focused participants do not need to spend excessive time clicking through explainations.

Personally, I enjoy the text's imagery and humor. Many of the illustrations occur in-game, encouraging readers by offering familiar sights. The jokes in the book follow the style of those in the game. For example, one epic battle reportedly lasted one hundred nights, but only thirty-nine days. Such quips display the text's willingness not to take itself too seriously.

A Few Side Notes: The title is the first in the series; the next will come out in January. No, I will not review anymore Skylander titles. Yes, I have played the games. No, I will not exchange game codes with you. Drobot is my favorite, but Whirlwind is my strongest. I only bought one figure through special-order. For the rest, I learned to look and wait for in various stores, which taught me patience and self-control. The end.