This is weird, and the art style isn’t conventionally attractive. The art style shifts slightly with each character’s pov, which further shows how each kid sees the world.

When I first started reading this, I didn’t know what to make of it. It begins like a coming-of-age tale with the kids having finished primary school and getting ready for high school. We get a good grasp of the character dynamics early on and see some of the group is excited to grow up while others are hesitant and afraid their friendships won’t last. The sibling relationship here is harsh, and I don’t know if they even care for each other.

I also suspect Lily has feelings for Amanda, but don’t quote me on that.

Then, this story turns into an isekai! Basically, the kids fall into another world filled with strange creatures. The creatures they meet are adorable (and give me Studio Ghibli vibes) and imaginative. But the creatures wrongfully think they are spirits (read: saviors) summoned to help them in a war.

I didn’t like any of the kids, and I found David obnoxious though I liked that he wanted to go home. I enjoyed the worldbuilding much more than any of the characters. Nothing is truly explained, so readers are as clueless as the group. I liked that!

Home has my attention, especially, because I already have volume two. The author is showing a realistic look at a bunch of kids in some unknown world. Their clothes get very worn out, and some adapt to the new environment better than others. This story also has some unexpectantly bloody scenes and a drug trip(?), by the way. I don’t know if this would even appeal to young kids, but it certainly has my interest.

Home is actually very dark. There’s a lot that’s confusing, unsettling, and maybe off-putting here, but I’m super invested now.