Family Force V: Book One

Gr 7 Up–Maise Shiraki never asked to be part of the family business—she was born into it. Long before her birth, demonic-looking aliens called the Mazoku invaded Earth. In response, an interstellar traveler trained five young Japanese siblings, granting them powers and abilities to fight back. But as years passed with no clear victor, the siblings went their separate ways, and their descendants continued the battle. Maise, however, would rather pursue her passion for illustration than fight aliens or uphold her family’s legacy. Often late and neglectful in assisting her parents and twin siblings in their battles, she struggles with her role. But when her father is killed in an attack, she is left with overwhelming guilt and uncertainty about where she belongs. This blend of manhwa-style art and a superhero-origin story has the makings of an exciting new YA series. Readers will root for Maise as she navigates obstacles that challenge her place within the family. While the characters are well-developed, they sometimes fall into familiar archetypes. However, the vibrant artwork, bold colors, and action-packed scenes will capture the interest of even the most reluctant readers.