This second installment following City of Secrets is an exciting, imaginative adventure of plucky kids who find out secrets of a city and reactivate the powers of their gigantic mechas known as megantics to fight a powerful foe. The art is lush and fluid, the vibe is that of a Studio Ghibli film, and the story is filled with heart. Really loved it!

The sequel does not disappoint! I loved continuing on Ying's journey with these characters. I can not keep this graphic novel on my shelf! Can't wait to read the next one.

Amazing artwork and a really intriguing mystery. I like the steampunk aspects of the series as well.

Delightful YA

It's been a peaceful three months since Hannah Morgan and Ever Barnes saved their beloved Oskars, and activated the powers of their city's Megantic. Ever now lives with the Morgan family and the two children watch over and learn more about Oskar (the Megantic) every day.

But their conflict-free days come to an abrupt end when Mr. Morgan is captured while on a family trip to nearby Alexios, and the kids get into a spat with a group of street magicians who con Hannah out of her pocket money. Chifa and Tanan were never planning to make friends while performing their tricks, but when Hannah and Ever learn of their connection to Vash, they realize there's much more at stake than a few coins.

If Hannah and Ever want to find out what Vash is hiding and save both Oskars and Alexios before time runs out, they'll have to learn to trust Chifa and Tanan, and most importantly, find a way to work together.

Victoria Ying is both author and illustrator on this wonderful young adult graphic novel and that shows in how well the words and the art work together. In this novel, there are many elements that move in harmony and that is just the first of several delightful features in this work of art. 

Despite reading as an adult, I can readily distinguish how young adults would love this novel. It is a fun, action filled and quick paced graphic book with heroines close to the age of the intended audience. The story is engaging and the characters complex, with ideas that are explained well without talking down to young people. The art is clean and elegant with appealing scenes and action that will appeal to any age. I love the color palette that matches a steampunk world and how well Victoria Ying introduces the characters from her previous novel. She quickly progresses the story to the current adventure and by the end of the novel, brings everything to a thrilling conclusion. I love how proactive and intelligent the characters are in the story while still being children that aren’t perfect and occasionally need the help of others around them. I especially love how the characters work together to solve the mysteries and events in the story. It is well written and a delight to read. 

If you love graphic novels even if you’re an adult, you will love this book. It combines great art with a colorful and exciting story. The machines in the story are beautifully designed and interesting in their origins. I think not only will children love it but so will the adults in their families. I can’t wait for more from this incredible author and artist. 

Rating: 5 out 5 giant robots

Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The second in a graphic novel series, this continues the steampunk adventures of Hannah & Ever as they discover secrets and mysterious characters throughout their world.

I will concede I haven't read the first one, but I thought this was easy to follow along anyhow. It was a really fun yet wholesome steampunk adventure.

The art style is so stylistic and pretty, it works very well for the setting. The only issue I had was that the speech bubbles could be a bit hard to read but I did get an ARC so maybe they'll polish it up later on.

Great adventure story!

A fabulous follow up to City of Secrets! I enjoyed the continuity of the story and the way the elements are mirrored throughout the cities created in Ying's books. The sense of unity appears in more than just the continuity of the books, but is the main theme of the plot. In order for Hannah and Ever to stop the villain, Vash, they need to work not only with each other, but with another band of children. I love middle grade novels with a moral of "work together to achieve your goals." For a target audience at the stage in their life of finding their independence, reminders to rely on each other and ask for help when needed are important.

Hannah and Ever saved their city and their City’s Megantic (Oskars) three months ago. Everything is going smoothly, and they are learning lots of new things. When Mr. Morgan recommends a family trip to Alexios they happily agree. Alexios is full of magic and pickpockets. Then Mr. Morgan is kidnapped. What could really be at stake? How are they connected to Vash? Who should they trust? A steampunk-filled adventure with rich pictures, delightful characters, and engaging story. Readers who like fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and adventure will enjoy reading this book. 5 stars, Grades 3 to 8.

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Great sequel in this steampunk series. Love the illustrations and the continued story. So will my middle grade students! This is a fun read and full of adventure.