You may have heard of Gemworld before, but you’ve never seen it like this! Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld, written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale (the authors of Diana: Princess of the Amazons) and drawn by Asiah Fulmore, is a magical middle-grade graphic novel that introduces the sparkling realm of the Amethyst Kingdom to young readers.

If you Google “royal pain” while you’re in Gemworld, all the top results would include a picture of nine-year-old Amaya, princess of the Amethyst Kingdom. Magic and mischief are her two favorite things. But when Amaya takes a timeout trip to Earth—a trip that winds up being a lot more permanent than anyone had planned—things for Amaya and her kingdom will never be the same again.

If you or your kids are big fantasy fans, your eyes are likely sparkling like one of Amaya’s signature stones at the thought of diving into this just-released new book. But before we go to the glittery Gemworld in Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld, let’s get to know Amaya, her friends and her family.

Amaya

Amaya is naturally gifted in magic. The purple-haired princess of the Amethyst Kingdom uses her considerable magical talent to play pranks and steal sweet treats from the beleaguered castle staff. Whether she’s literally climbing the castle walls or interrupting the grownups during important conversations, Amaya is a handful, even for her royal parents.

When she causes real trouble for the latest castle guests, the princess is grounded and sent to Earth. There Amaya takes the name Amy and attends human school, where she’ll have to get used to doing things for herself—without any magic!

Quartz

Amaya’s frequent partner-in-crime is her younger brother, Quartz. While he’s not as skilled in magic as she is, he’s just as enthusiastic about causing trouble. He’s often found trying to catch up to his older sister when they race through the castle halls. “I can do stuff,” he tells Amaya with a pout.

When their shenanigans go too far, Quartz wants to protect Amaya, no matter how far apart they are.

Lord and Lady Amethyst

The king and queen of Amethyst Kingdom are kindly and loving, but even their patience has its limit. The exasperated parents ground Princess Amaya on Earth for a week in the hopes she’ll learn to take care of herself without castle staff waiting on her hand and foot. And lest you think this royal family puts their problems before the kingdom’s, you should know that Lord and Lady Amethyst are not just loved by Amaya and Quartz, they’re also beloved by…well, pretty much everybody.

“Your mother is one of the greatest people I’ve ever known,” a member of the staff tells Amaya.

Citrina

The chief mage of the Amethyst Kingdom, Citrina wields advanced magical arts. She accompanies Amaya to Earth, where she also has to adapt to a mundane life without magic. The no-nonsense Citrina is tough on Amaya, who now goes by Amy, but only because she cares for the young princess. In time, Amy comes to call her guardian “Aunt Trina.”

Topaz

Young Prince Topaz is the son of the gruff Lord Topaz of Gemworld. He’s patient, smart and a skilled magic user. He’s happy to have the opportunity to forge a new friendship with Princess Amaya. (One of his first friendships, in fact.) Prince Topaz is often the quiet voice of reason in the loudest, most unruly rooms.

You didn’t hear it from us, but he’s also a pretty good dancer.

Honorable Mention: Autumn

Okay, she’s not from Gemworld, but Amy’s best friend Autumn absolutely deserves an honorable mention. She’s thoughtful and brave. Autumn is endlessly supportive of her best friend both on Earth and on Gemworld—even if she’s not entirely convinced the sparkly crystal kingdom is real. She might not have expected an adventure in another world, but Autumn makes the most of it.

Ready to find out more about these incredible characters? Magic and monsters await in Gemworld! Pick up Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld now in print and as a digital comic book.
 

Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale and Asiah Fulmore is now available in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and as a digital graphic novel.

Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing can also be seen on IGN, Nerdist and more. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to talk superheroes, comics and pop culture.