Another visual treat. ( )

Finally got to read the second collection. It's so lovely. ( )

I waffled between a 2 and a 3 on this volume - fantastic artwork and charming characters but the whole story seems so inconsequential. 371 pages and nothing really happens - I might chock this book up to being 'not for me' but was also really put off by the abrupt ending. Although I have to say that Medley does a much better job in integrating flashback sequences in the main narrative and doesn't let them take over the book as I found in volume 1. ( )

I was a little disappointed in this volume. Curiously, what made the first volume charming and unique (little to no conflict, detailed descriptions of everyday life, interesting backstories) made this volume annoying. I figured that if the series had been going on this long, there should be more of an overarching story rather than random bits and pieces scattered around the book for the reader to puzzle over. You get hints of conflict and mentions of war, but those matters still seem to have little relevance to most of the inhabitants of the castle. Also, like the last volume, this book ended very abruptly. If these comics are going to be bound together into larger volumes, there should be a rhyme and reason to the point at which the volume ends. I understand not resolving a larger story, but the smaller story arcs should at least wrap up.

That said, Medley's art is wonderful as always.

More of the mystery of Lady Jain, now with hammerlines added.