Returning to the nighttime halls and supernatural hallways of Astral High feels a bit like slipping on a favorite hoodie—it’s warm, a little weird, and stitched together with teenage angst and magical secrets. The Weirn Books, Vol. 2 by Svetlana Chmakova builds beautifully on the gothic-lite foundation of the first volume, delivering a story that’s both hilariously awkward and sneakily heartfelt.
In this second outing, we’re back with Ailis and her band of magically gifted misfits—students known as Weirns, who are born with bound spirits (called Astrals) that act as half-guardian, half-adorable chaos machine. The plot picks up quickly, balancing slice-of-life school shenanigans with a slowly unraveling mystery tied to missing students, suspicious new staff, and an eerie old building that seems to have more secrets than the faculty lounge fridge.
One of the greatest strengths of this series is its ability to blend middle-grade humor with genuine emotional stakes. Ailis is still reeling from the past while navigating the messy magic of growing up. Her relationships with her cousin Na’ya, their friends, and even their familiars continue to evolve in refreshingly honest ways. The dialogue sparkles—snappy, funny, and sometimes unexpectedly tender.
And can we talk about the art? Chmakova’s expressive style remains a standout. It’s whimsical and animated, but she never skimps on the darker edges of her world. Shadowy panels bleed into glowing ones, and you feel the pulse of tension hiding under each moonlit corridor. The Astrals continue to steal the show visually—simultaneously cute and eerie, like plushies designed by Tim Burton.
While Volume 1 introduced us to the magical norms of Weirn society, Volume 2 takes a deeper dive into its underbelly. Secrets begin to surface, particularly around the creepy old building near the school and a past event that may connect to current disappearances. There’s a solid mystery here, enough to keep the plot churning without losing its playful tone. It’s like Scooby-Doo meets Sabrina the Teenage Witch—with better pacing and much sharper banter.
Reading this volume was pure joy. I tore through the pages, laughed out loud more than once, and found myself completely pulled into the eerie warmth of its world. It’s fun, it’s spooky, and it’s surprisingly moving in the way it explores friendship, fear, and responsibility.
I absolutely loved The Weirn Books, Vol. 2, and I can’t wait to see what darkly delightful twists await in Volume 3. Chmakova has created a series that respects its younger audience while giving older readers plenty to savor. If you like your magic with a side of middle school drama and a dash of mystery, this one’s worth sneaking into your backpack.
English