The Weirn Books Vol. 2 is like stepping back into a world you didn’t realize you missed until the lights come back on—and suddenly you’re surrounded by shadowy familiars, mischievous magic, and kids who are way too relatable for their own good. This volume builds beautifully on the charm and mystery of the first, deepening the characters while keeping that whimsical-yet-spooky energy alive.
Ailis and her friends are back, still dealing with the weirdness that comes with being a Weirn—magic-users with personal spirit guardians attached to them like snarky little shadow-babies. The school setting is as fun and quirky as ever, but Vol. 2 leans more into the emotional tension. There’s this constant push and pull between wanting to grow up and still clinging to the safety of childhood, and it shows in how the characters face danger, friendships, and the lingering grief surrounding Ailis’s family.
What really stands out this time around is how smart and sincere the storytelling is. The dialogue is punchy, full of dry humor and that slightly awkward energy that comes with being a magical middle-schooler. But then—bam!—you get hit with a quiet moment about trust, loyalty, or loss that makes everything feel so much more grounded. It’s like the story knows exactly when to crack a joke and when to pull your heartstrings just enough to leave a mark.
The artwork continues to be super expressive, mixing adorable and eerie with this smooth, cartoonish polish that works perfectly for the tone. Facial expressions carry so much weight—one look from a familiar can be hilarious or haunting depending on the scene. And the magic? It’s got that fun, chaotic vibe where you know something’s going to go wrong, but you’re grinning as it happens.
I absolutely loved reading this volume. It’s clever, cozy, and just the right amount of creepy. You can feel the characters growing, the world stretching a bit wider, and the mystery pulling you deeper into something bigger. I can’t wait to see where the story takes Ailis and her crew next—because if Volume 2 taught me anything, it’s that there’s always more to the shadows than meets the eye.
English