I don't think it outshines the first book, but this is definitely a fun continuation. Full of the same spooky goodness as the previous book with a good emotional core. 

Wasn't really in the mood for the style of writing. I probably should have bounced around some of the subject to get a better feel for the collection, but I'm swimming so much in my TBR right now I had to have a break.

Such a great plot, but the execution quickly turned tedious around the halfway point. It just kind of stumbled around, recycling plot points until I was just skimming to get to the end. I liked the idea of the book and its focus on the importance of words and how we deem them important. But I don't think the characters lived up to its premise and the writing style didn't keep my attention. 

Cute and funny, though I took too long between volumes and had some trouble remembering what happened in the first volume. Didn't take long for me to catch up again. I was a little thrown off by the sporadic time jumps, which may confuse younger readers not paying fully attention.

Only thing I can say is that Drago is me at every social function I go to and this graphic novel really reminded me why I abhorred summer camp. 

A just okay story about a bookworm learning to come out of her shell and make connections with the world around her. Definitely will speak to introverts and those with an encyclopedic knowledge of literature. It was simply okay, though it would have benefited from a quicker pace and just more happening. 

Where to really start with this one?

I will say, the emotion is there. There is a genuine effort to humanize trans experiences as we see Kate and Leo try to live authentically as themselves while also dealing with the regular teenage pains. I did feel for these characters, even though their plights weren't exactly shown with the best language or care.

I have no doubt the author had good intentions while writing this book, but I don't think they had the language or experience to respectfully tell a trans story. To my knowledge, the author identifies as cis and has worked in providing gender affirming care, but, in my opinion, these factors didn't really help in making a trans affirming narrative. Kate is constantly misgendered and deadnamed by people who are supposed to be supportive friends. Somehow it feels like she has to earn being called the correct pronouns and to be seen as a woman. Leo's identity is used as a plot twist in a way that feels like the typically transphobic "covert trans" trope. The use of the phrase "born in the wrong body" is a big no no and I don't think the excuse of "it was written in 2015" can really cover that. 

There are moments where the fears that come with being trans are treated well: Kate being absolutely terrified of puberty, of her body changing in ways she does not want or Leo just wanting to stay under the radar, fearing being clocked and facing more violence. There are bits and pieces that have something there, but the oversights are just enough that it doesn't really balance out.

As for regular storytelling aspects, it was fine. I felt like at times there wasn't much for Kate to do and so she becomes more of a tag along than someone with her own story. The pace was decently, it was readable without getting sidetracked or too bogged down by extraneous material. 

It has some heart there, but it really needed an authentic voice for it to really shine.

Though I found the last couple of chapters oddly paced, I had a real fun time with this one. Interesting worldbuilding that draws from different Asian cultures tied with an old fairy tale structure that is given new life. 

The art style and storytelling is absolutely sublime. So much told with no dialogue and all character expressions.