Gorgeous, exciting art, rollicking story - what more could we want?

Face-paced, surprisingly and delightfully dark, this sequel hits all the marks. The characters are likeable and strong, and the feminist twist on the familiar "must marry Goblin king" plot line was nuanced and basically perfect. Fans who enjoyed the first one will devour this one and those familiar with Hatke's other works will be pleasantly surprised by the ending. Overall, a wonderful book.

Oh boy this was everything I had hoped it would be and more. **contented sigh** Leaps and bounds better than book one.

So starting off where book one ended (and if you haven’t read book one, go do that before reading any further), Maddie has been kidnapped by an ogre and her big brother Jack is quickly trying to come to the rescue with neighbor girl Lilly. They get separated after coming through the portal and finding themselves in a very different world. Jack is upstairs in the castle trying to rescue Maddie from the giants before they feed her to the beast. Lilly is underneath the castle with goblins and trying to figure out how to avoid marrying the goblin king.

So I already mentioned I liked this one more than the first adventure with Jack. Don’t worry, Jack is still adorable in his unconditional love for his sister Maddie despite her differences (she doesn’t talk much at all – though when she does you take notice - you get the idea she’s on the autistic spectrum). Lilly is still a great friend, and there’s plenty of sword work involved. Jack has an outlet for some of his angst now, though. And there’s quite a bit more comic relief in this one (I loved the pipe dwellers and the goblins who take care of Lilly). There’s fun twists in how Jack and Lilly tackle their challenges. How to save this castle world that used to be a nexus in the universe is a subplot that was intriguing. And I’m super duper excited about the epilogue!!! <spoiler>Zita and gang show up inviting Jack and Lilly to help them save the universe…promising more adventures with Zita in the future!!!</spoiler> In all, it’s a very fun space adventure in Hatke’s signature illustration style (which I love) with nods to some fairy tales along the way (primarily Jack the Giant Killer, the Rat King, and The Princess and the Goblin).

(This will be posted on GoodReads Aug 5, 2017.)

I loved this new installment of Mighty Jack. The quirky fun trio of Jack, Lilly and Maddy each have their own path as they are entangled in a new adventure fighting giants, goblins and (EWWWWW!), rats! I look forward to the next book.

In this second book of Ben Hatke's update on Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack is off to rescue his sister Maddy, with the help of their neighbor Lilly. It seems that Maddy has been carried off by an ogre. The monster has taken her up the beanstalk that grew from the strange seeds Maddy bought at the flea market. As Jack and Lilly make their way through the strange land at the top of the stalk they meet all kinds of creatures - some helpful and some not (picture the critters in the movie Labyrinth). Between the ogres that want to put Maddy into some strange machine, a goblin king that wants to marry Lilly, and Jack's odd new friends Tig and Jerry, there is plenty of strangeness on the loose. Where exactly is this place beyond the clouds? Why do the area within it seem connected by the bean stalks? How did the seeds get to the flea market? In the very last spread, we get a glimpse of Zita and other Hatke characters. That illustration and Zita's words that they could use Jack and Lilly's help with "saving the world," seem to promise us further adventures to enjoy.


Once again, Hatke has done an amazing job. The characters from a modern suburban setting mix with the ogres and goblins to create a feeling of magical possibilities. There are laughs and gasps of fear. And as usual in one of Ben's books, we are sad to reach the end and see that we have to wait for the next one. A great read for anyone interested in fractured fairy tales or graphic novels, or simply fans of Ben Hatke's work.

I will post this review on Goodreads and my blog (http://fveslibrary.blogspot.com) a month out from the pub date. I know advance praise is preferred closer to the actual release of the book rather than this far out.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the ARC, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke. What a spellbinding read! Ben Hatke has done it again with a super charged graphic novel middle school and teen readers will totally enjoy. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King continues expanding the fairy tale begun in the first comic, Mighty Jack, with bright, electric illustrations crafting an action filled horror adventure story with Jack and Lilly with their swords and daring racing to save Maddy, with help from Phelix and goblins. Highly recommended for those who love fantasy, building tension, thrilling plot twists and fierce characters.

In this second volume, we see Jack and Lilly continue their exploration of the worlds connected to the beanstalks. Jack struggles to find his sister and Lilly finds herself battling a Goblin King. The story wraps up in this volume in action packed battles and character resolutions. A nice read.

It's here! The sequel to Mighty Jack (2016) is here! And the best part? It's AMAZING.

Mighty Jack introduced us to Jack, his autistic sister, Maddy, and neighbor, Lilly. The trio discovered a magical garden that got a little out of control; Maddy was kidnapped, and Jack and Lilly set off through a portal, determined to bring her back. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King picks up with Jack and Lilly arriving in a way station of sorts; a crossroads between worlds. Lilly is injured, forcing Jack to continue alone, where he discovers the giants' plan for his sister: to feed her to a mechanical "beast" that will grind her bones into dust, and eat her, securing their ability to rule until the next time the beast needs to be fed! Lilly, meanwhile, has been rescued and is being cared for by goblins, who plan to marry her to their goblin king.

Spoiler alert: It's not David Bowie.

Jack and Lilly's separation provides each character with his and her own quests, allowing each character a strong story and development arc. I loved reading Lilly's journey from daredevil to warrior princess and Jack's continued growth as a loving brother who will do anything for his sister. I was so happy to see Phelix, the garden dragon, back in action! The goblins are an unexpected joy to read, and the giants are wonderfully crude and repulsive.

I LOVE Ben Hatke's work. He brings together the best elements of realistic fiction and fantasy and blends them together, creating unputdownable tales that give kids a new legion of heroes to follow, from Zita the Spacegirl to Mighty Jack; from Julia, who could teach a house full of monsters to tidy a house, to a lovable and brave little goblin, Ben Hatke finds the humanity in the fantastic.

By the way, the ending will make kids (and you, if you're a fan) whoop and holler. No spoilers!

Link to review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1993872261?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Ben Hatke can do no wrong when his pen hits paper. Creative, brilliant, invigorating and unique do not even begin to do justice to the force of his imagination. Jack and his younger sister Maddy who I have inferred is autistic, live with their single mom and a hand to mouth daily struggle to keep their home and food on the table. The natural world invites perilous adventure in the first book in this series while book two vaults the brave siblings and their fearless friend through a portal into a world that will either devour or champion them. The final pages of both books leave the reader cringing in anticipation for the next book. -Jesica Sweedler DeHart

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
by Ben Hatke
First Second Books
September 2017

Think about all the great characteristics of the first book in this Mighty Jack series: compelling story, exceptionally clear plot line conveyed and enhanced by the beautifully colored illustrations, the bravery and courage of the protagonists.  Then think BETTER. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King trumps all of the first great qualities, and the reader's enjoyment is even greater.

What's different about this book
Jack, his sister Maddie, and their friend Lilly are continuing the wild adventure that arose from those magic garden beans that the strange man gave him.  Don't think "weird creatures and wild tale." Think "adventure" and "courage" and wow!
One particular quality I love about this new release is its wide appeal:  elementary, middle, high school readers, adults too! The story moves beyond age and pulls the reader into the adventure.

As a language acquisition expert, I love how readers build cognitive skills through reading.  And I appreciate Hatke's use of excellent vocabulary to move his tale, all while supporting the acquisition of those words with context and beautiful illustrations.  Know any elementary students who understand and use nexus?  They will after reading this book.

I was particularly enthralled by the illustrations: rich, often full-page, gorgeously compelling and effective plot presentation.

But perhaps the best difference of all was the clear story.  Not all graphic novels are clear and accessible, but Jack is.  All levels of visual literacy will enjoy Jack's two stories. 

What I'll do now that I've read it
With its release in September 2017, I will have time over the summer to build vendor lists that ensure this title is in all our school libraries.  It will bring reading pleasure, mental growth, and an anticipation of a (hopefully) third book.  Grab this one!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Jack is back, and this time he and Lily are separated for most of the story. It's actually really great to see Lily in her element, and some great modeling for this age group. This one had a little less "umph"than the first, but it's still a strong read and one that I'll be recommending.

A follow up to what I hope becomes more of a series. Great characters and highly imaginative. At no point could I guess what would happen next.

Thanks for the advance copy NetGalley! My son Ronan and I loved this one. We are fans of his other books as well and this one was right up there with his other works. Believable and likable characters, exciting action and heartfelt sentiment. Hatke always has strong female characters and this one follows suit. I recommend these books to boys and girls all the time and I'll be adding this one to the mix. There's a lovely surprise ending as well.

An exciting conclusion to Ben Hatke's modern day version of Jack and the Bean Stalk. In this volume we find Jack and Lily in the land of Giants trying to rescue Jack's little sister. Jack and Lily are separated for most of the story. Jack's story is heavy on action and sword fighting. Lily's story also features plenty of action, as well as her introduction to Goblin society and a battle against their King. There's also a setup for a future Zeta The Spacegirl crossover. Overall this story is an exciting, action/fantasy, with a hint of darkness. A good recommendation for older elementary and middle grade looking for a graphic novel with lots of action and fantastic elements.

I was devastated yesterday when my break time was up and I had to stop reading - and I counted down the time until I could read again today! Finishing up the story started in "Mighty Jack" we see just what the beanstalk had in store for Jack, Lilly and Maddy - mostly danger around every turn! How will they team up to escape?

My only complaint was that Maddy was simply the damsel in distress for much of the story - while she was much more instrumental in the first installment. I even considered giving this just 4 stars instead of 5 but...O.M.G. that epilogue!

I can't say more here because Spoilers! so you'll all just have to read it yourselves. But if you've been a fan of Ben Hatke, I'm sure you'll fangirl squee at the ending just as I did :-)

This is a great sequel the Mighty Jack that my students are sure to enjoy. I was excited to see where Jack was going to be taking us to save his sister and Hatke didn't disappoint! Great illustrations and story!

I have enjoyed this series. Mighty Jack dies not spend a lot of time on the shelf. This book will be the same way. It has been a big hit with our reluctant readers.

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke is just as good as the first one, and I love the world that Hatke has created for Jack, Maddy, and Lilly. The creatures are so creative and interesting, the adventures are heart stopping, and the characters are so well developed. And GUYS! There is an epic cliffhanger ending! I cannot wait!

Hatke knows how to take you on an action packed adventure with Jack and Lilly through every single page. The Mighty Jack series are graphic novels that can be used in so many ways in the classroom. The twist with Jack's sister, Maddie, makes the plot fit in with modern day, and then the ability to leave you wanting more on every page makes for an amazing storyline. Absolutely read in order, but don't disregard The Mighty Jack series for your middle grade classroom. All of your students will enjoy.