The Unwritten: Volumes 1-5 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross

I was first introduced to The Unwritten by The Written World, when she spoke about how to read the Fables series (both popular graphic novel series).  In the not-so-distant future, a crossover is planned for Fables and The Unwritten.  Upon this discovery, I knew I had to give this series a try.

Volume 1:  Tommy Taylor and the Bogus Identity

In the first volume, we meet the infamous Tommy Taylor, a character in a bestselling series by Wilson Taylor.  Wilson's son is Tom, and the rumored influence behind the fictional character.  Wilson has disappeared and Tom has stepped out into the spotlight to promote his father's books.  When he does so, his life is plaaced under a magnifying glass and his own mysterious past comes into question.  The line between fact and fiction becomes blurred, and a loyal sidekick in an unlikely person helps Tom to navigate his adventures.

Volume 2:  Inside Man

Volume 2 begins with Tom in a bind and being shipped off to prison.  On his way, he meets another trusty sidekick that has a secret of his own.  With the help of his new friend and the one from the previous volume, we discover more behind the trio, the mysterious history plaguing Tom, and Tom's father.

Volume 3:  Dead Man's Knock

Our trio has escaped and is on the hunt to find answers.  This hunt takes them to worlds beyond our own, leaving our main characters facing villainy in multiple forms.  The authors even let us lead the way with a Choose Your Own Adventure chapter, creating an interesting dynamic for all involved.

Volume 4:  Leviathan

In the fourth volume, our trio splits ways.  Tom, setting out on his own to seek the truth, finds himself on a very unexpected journey that leaves him in over his head.  The other two, left to find their own way, discover that more secrets must be revealed before moving forward.

Volume 5:  On To Genesis

In Volume 5, the trio is reunited.  They play catch-up on all that they have discovered on their separate journeys and some answers are shared publicly with the entire world.  This does not please the powers that be.  Tom and his friends thought they were in trouble before . . .

Mike Carey and Peter Gross bring us quite an intriguing story with hints of Harry Potter and references to multiple pieces of classical literature.  Yet, it is filled with a modern twist of pop culture as well as a hint of the paranormal.  With all these puzzle pieces, the reader has to wonder if and how the duo will pull this story off.  Somehow, they do!  I was sometimes left confused.  At times, I felt like I was missing an important key to the story.  However, it works and I could not stop reading.  The puzzle is slowly coming together.  The picture is beginning to emerge.  And, I cannot avert my eyes!

Have you stepped into The Unwritten world?  How were you left feeling?