War of the Worlds – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Classic, science fiction, graphic novel, aliens, adventure.
YA book title: Chris Mould’s War of the Worlds: A Graphic Novel.
YA author: Chris Mould, inspired by H.G. Wells.
Genre: Graphic novel, science fiction.
Published by: Faber.
ISBN: 9780571377398.
Recommended for children aged: 12+ year-olds.
First published: Hardback October2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: KS3 & KS4 science fiction fans.
To see the latest price or order, click on the book cover image.
Our review:
It’s 1894 and the Earth is being watched.
Leon works long hours as a clerk in the city hall and spends his spare time with his beloved Anya, taking children from the local orphanage to the park. Intrigued by the work of Victorian scientists, Leon is fascinated with the thought of other worlds and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
I had yearned for so long to learn of the mysteries of other realms, of their strange lands and inhabitants.
Perhaps I had wished too hard.
When an apparent meteorite falls to Earth, Leon is recruited by an astronomer friend to record the momentous occasion in his journals and artwork. But out of the rubble emerges a gigantic metal tripod and it soon becomes chillingly clear that these alien visitors have most definitely not come in peace.
Leon and Anya find themselves thrust into a terrifying battle with these otherworldly creatures as they are forced to fight, not just for their lives, but for the survival of Earth itself.
Author and illustrator Chris Mould has created a visually stunning retelling of H.G Wells’ classic science fiction tale. Unlike traditional graphic novels where the text and illustrations are usually combined on the page in a comic-strip style format, Mould intersperses the text with pages of wordless illustrations in a format reminiscent of Brain Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret. This technique enhances the written and visual aspects of the story, as each element transports the reader into a scarily believable invaded Earth.
War of the Worlds has been re-told many times and in many different formats since its first publication in 1898. Orson Welle’s 1938 radio production was so compelling that it famously had listeners running for the hills after believing they were hearing a real news broadcast.
Chris Mould’s new interpretation remains faithful to the style and intent of the original text while giving the story a fresh spin with full-colour illustrations, accessible language and more relatable protagonists. The violence is kept to a minimum, with the tension built up by the unknown motives of the alien invaders. The immersive plot and fast pacing will appeal to both reluctant and engaged readers, who may use this version as a springboard to discovering more of H.G Wells’ classic science fiction.
We are always aware of the chance that they might come again.
Chris Mould’s War of the Worlds is a worthy addition to the many interpretations of this classic tale. This high-quality text will appeal to fans of both traditional science fiction and modern graphic novels.
Many thanks to Faber for the review copy.
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If you like War of the Worlds by Chris Mould, inspired by H.G. Wells you might also like: our reviews of Stitch Head: the Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson, Scarygirl Film Tie-In: The Origin Story by Nathan Jurevicius, our science fiction list, and our graphic novels for teens list.
Browse our Year 10 book list.
