The story slows down in this volume, sometimes pleasingly, sometimes exhibiting a bit of awkward middle-book syndrome. On the whole I enjoyed it; there are some excellent twists and reveals, and I'm excited to follow Kaidu and Rat's journey wherever it leads them.

Faith Erin Hicks' art is even more wonderful with each book she publishes. Her backgrounds are lovely, and her characters are just ridiculously charming and expressive, communicating so much with a smile or a stolen glance.

The third book just came out and I REALLY don't need to be buying books right now, but my resolve will probably weaken before long. ( )

reviewed by uncorrected egalley (netgalley)

children's graphic (adventure/alternate fantasy world with lots of fighting/power struggles everyday diversity)--would recommend to 4th grades and up.
I read the 1st installment in its final printed format, so I can tell you that Faith Erin Hicks' artwork is beautiful. I love all the layers of the characters (their loyalties and hopes for their families) and world-building (all the different peoples fighting and/or working together) and can't wait to read #3. I also like the sketches included in the back and the shout out to libraries was nice (after all that destruction happened in the story!). Well done and highly recommended.
( )

It was a little difficult getting back into this because I had forgotten so much about the plot of the first book, but it clicked and really started rolling about halfway through. I still feel a little uneasy about the pseudo-Chinese thing it's got going on, but I do like the characters an awful lot. ( )

It continues plot and character development well in time for the 3rd and final chapter. ( )

I thought I had read the first of this series, but now I’m not so sure. This was compelling and a quick read. I’ll definitely read the third. ( )