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geekwayne's review
5.0
'One Trick Pony' by Nathan Hale drew me in with a very artistic cover. The story and art inside turned out to be just as engaging.
It is the dystopian future and hungry aliens are eating electrical devices. Strata and her friends and family live in a caravan staying one step ahead of these aliens. They scavenge for the technology of the past in the hope of one day rebuilding. Strata and her brother are on a scavenging trip when they find a room full of robots and an unusual mechanical horse named Kleidi. Triggering these devices brings on the aliens, who are looking for such things. The kids find themselves separated from their family, but they also find some unusual allies along the way. What will be the purpose of this strange golden horse.
It's a graphic novel for younger readers, but I felt like it was solid science fiction story. The art has minimal colors, but that only enhances the amazing line work in the pages. The level of menace is strong, even though this is a story for younger readers, and I didn't ever feel like any character was completely safe. I really liked this one.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
It is the dystopian future and hungry aliens are eating electrical devices. Strata and her friends and family live in a caravan staying one step ahead of these aliens. They scavenge for the technology of the past in the hope of one day rebuilding. Strata and her brother are on a scavenging trip when they find a room full of robots and an unusual mechanical horse named Kleidi. Triggering these devices brings on the aliens, who are looking for such things. The kids find themselves separated from their family, but they also find some unusual allies along the way. What will be the purpose of this strange golden horse.
It's a graphic novel for younger readers, but I felt like it was solid science fiction story. The art has minimal colors, but that only enhances the amazing line work in the pages. The level of menace is strong, even though this is a story for younger readers, and I didn't ever feel like any character was completely safe. I really liked this one.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
kaelino's review
3.0
3.5 stars. Interesting concept. I enjoyed the story and the characters, and it had some funny moments, but the ending fell flat and left me disappointed. I did appreciate the art and originality of this story. Have not read anything quite like it!
xsleepyshadows's review
3.0
I thought this was a pretty average story, the only thing that really impressed me about it was how much they fit in with it being a one shot story. The art however earned it that extra star, it was really fantastic and has some really creepy aliens. ~Ashley
stellarkestrel's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
rdyourbookcase's review
1.0
Sigh.
Another “Did Not Finish.”
I picked it up because the publisher was Amulet and because it was recommended on one of the websites I can usually rely on for good recommendations. This one just didn’t work this time.
Another “Did Not Finish.”
I picked it up because the publisher was Amulet and because it was recommended on one of the websites I can usually rely on for good recommendations. This one just didn’t work this time.
maryhannawilson's review
3.0
The aliens have arrived and they are on the hunt for technology so they can harvest the energy. Strata and her family are part of a group of humans who are trying to rescue and save the technology while others are simply focused on survival. When Strata and her friends discover a hidden cave of technology, the aliens aren't far behind them. In a desperate move, Strata rescues a robot horse and now it is a race to return home and save her horse from the aliens. Little does she know, so much more is in store!
Nathan Hale took a fun detour from his typical historical graphic novels and as a fan, I was excited to read this one. One Trick Pony was full of adventure and action, but it was not one of my favorite graphic novels for kids. I had a hard time getting settled into the plot, but once I did, it was a fairly fun read. There is a lot of random humor from one character, which is typical of Nathan Hale, and I think kids love it.
NOTE: Parents should be aware that the concept of aliens harvesting our planet could be disturbing for younger readers. The images in the back might contribute to the concern.
Nathan Hale took a fun detour from his typical historical graphic novels and as a fan, I was excited to read this one. One Trick Pony was full of adventure and action, but it was not one of my favorite graphic novels for kids. I had a hard time getting settled into the plot, but once I did, it was a fairly fun read. There is a lot of random humor from one character, which is typical of Nathan Hale, and I think kids love it.
NOTE: Parents should be aware that the concept of aliens harvesting our planet could be disturbing for younger readers. The images in the back might contribute to the concern.
sqeeker's review
2.0
- I think this needed to be part of series and not a stand alone. I felt like I was thrown into the middle of a story, and there wasn't a beginning or ending.
- I was moderately entertained while reading, but when I finished I was all, "What the heck did I just read?"
- I liked the idea of the story. It would make a cool sci-fi.
- The illustrations were fun and very Nathan Hale.
- I was moderately entertained while reading, but when I finished I was all, "What the heck did I just read?"
- I liked the idea of the story. It would make a cool sci-fi.
- The illustrations were fun and very Nathan Hale.
mrchimcham's review
3.0
I'd give this a 4-star rating for children, and a 2 star rating for adults, so I'm giving it 3. Ratings are dumb. My daughter loved this, but I found that while I enjoyed the illustrations, I found the humor pretty bland and the story unsatisfying. The big plot points don't feel particularly earned, and the world isn't well thought out. The characters are fine, but the book is very short, and there isn't much time for characterization. Grab it for your kid from the library, and don't bother if you are an adult.