This is the second book in a fantasy series, which I hadn't read but I was still able to follow the story of a magical, fantasy world where the ability of flight is valued. The art was lovely. The writing was interesting. I can't wiat for the third volume of this story.

Wingborn, I'm happy to say, is an enjoyable second act to what has been an imaginative exercise in middle-grade fantasy for the ever-talented Marjorie Liu. I was sent this one by Sparkerpoint Studio in return for a review. Their representative reached out to offer me copies of these, for which–thanks, Rylee!

A full sixty pages longer than *[[Wingbearer]]*, this second chapter in Zuli's adventure is a little darker, a little more grim than its predecessor, but just as resplendent with hope as the previous volume was. Zuli, Frowly, and Orien are caught in a series of unfortunate events: mistrusted, forced to run for their freedom from one supposed safe haven to the next, our characters are forced to reckon with the difficulty of their task. How do you save a world when that world refuses to believe what you know for a fact is real? How do you do the right thing when everyone in a position of authority stands against you? These are the questions *Wingborn* invites, and isn't that excellent for a middle-grade novel?

Kindness in the face of cruelty continues to be Zuli's modus operandi, and it earns her no small amount of friends and trouble alike. The trouble is great, and treacherous: from haughty, conservative griffins who believe they know best despite being out of touch (sound familiar?) to a nebulous figure from Zuli's past who might well have our protagonist's best interests at heart, but is so filled with anger as to be blinded by it. But the friends...the friends rise up to all that trouble in such admirable ways. Zuli has gathered a coterie of friends from various cultures; her kindness has invited all of them to overlook their prejudices, and that makes for another delightful beat to what is middle-grade literature. Best of all, at no point have I come away from this graphic novel with the feeling that Liu is preaching--the moral lessons her work offers aren't intrusive in the least.

I was more than a little surprised to see that Teny Issakhanian has taken a step back and passed the baton to another artist, Grace Kum. Kum's art style is disparate enough to cause you some confusion if you're reading *Wingborn* straight after *Wingbearer* but if you read the first chapter of this journey in 2022 when it released, the transition might be easier. The characters, the world, they are recognizably the same, and the sense that I was looking at these storyboards for an animated feature continued to haunt me. That is almost to the book's detriment, at times: some backgrounds have so sketched a look they seem almost unfinished. It's a sought-after effect, I recognise that - but it doesn't quite work for me. However, the one- and two-page spreads here are absolutely gorgeous, no question about that.

If there's a complaint I can file, it would be that the cycle of capture and escape the characters go through might have played itself out by the end of *Wingborn*. There are only so many exciting ways to tell chase-and-escape scenes in a fantasy graphic novel with the same cast of characters.

Two *Wingbearer* graphic novels down, two more to go. I hope the wait isn't too long for the next part: excited to see how Zuli and her friends will get out of this latest situation they've found themselves in.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me this eARC in exchange for a review!

When I first read Wingbearer in April 2023, it quickly launched itself into my list of top graphic novels of all time. The expansive, ingenious worldbuilding, rich cast of beautifully designed characters, and equal balance of whimsy, action, humor, and emotion - all of those things wove into a sweeping narrative of a girl determined to save the souls of the birds she loves - and possibly the world itself.

After much anticipation, I'm beyond thrilled to say that Wingborn suceeds at being everything a sequel should be and more. Grace's art does a magnificent job of picking up the beauty and depth that Teny Issakhanian's laid as the foundation for book one, and I found myself constantly in awe of the vast, colorful world that these two talented artists have built over the course of the series. And Marjorie's skill with pacing, plot reveals, and deeply touching dialogue continues to amaze. I adore the new cast additions and can't WAIT for book three!

Beautiful illustrated sequel to the first book. I fell in love with how the main character sees the world and comes into herself as the story progresses. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes.

A strong sequel! I was so happy to finally get to read the next installment in this exciting series. The art is awesome, the characters are fleshed out and interesting, and the world is highly detailed.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Back into the world of Wingbearer, the second volume follows Zuli and her friends once more. Zuli’s world is forever changed after learning who the witch queen really is. With Orien and Frowly by her side, the trio meets to allies and enemies as they dwell into the mysteries surrounding them. Legends and myths swirl around Zuli, with dark secrets and darker magics, can she save her world before it’s too late?
Absolutely stunning of a second volume in a series. This graphic novel ventures into the unknown with different sights and sounds for our current trio. Zuli questions her background as she wonders about her spirit bird friends. I can’t wait for the third volume!

My favorite thing about this series is the art. Everything is just stunning. I loved looking over all the backgrounds and seeing the details included. The story is super interesting and I think it will really appeal to my students.

4 stars

"Wingborn" is the second instalment in the "Wingbearer" series. The book opens with Zuli, a magical girl, being held captive in a floating ship with her two friends - owl Frowly and goblin Orien. They have to find their way out of captivity while also trying to solve the mystery that opened in the first book - find out what is happening to all the birds’ souls because no new birds have been reborn in such a long time. The action picks up right away as they try to break free and are captured by another group. While on the run, they discover more to the mystery behind Zuli’s past and how she is related to the Witch-Queen. Zuli and Zara’s relationship grows in this book. The sisters both want the same thing - to free the birds’ souls, but plan to reach their goals in dramatically different ways. Liu and Kum work seamlessly together to build upon the lore established in the first book.

THOUGHTS:
I personally liked the first book more, but still found this one to be full of adventure, action, and suspense. All the characters were well-developed, and the plot moved quickly making this a fast-paced read. Middle grade fantasy fans will love this series.

e-arc provided by Netgalley

I didn't remember the 1st graphic novel in this series as much as i thought I did so I was a bit confused at the beginning of this however I enjoyed this installment and the developments that unfolded, excited to see what happens in the next one!

This is book 2 in the Wingbearer series, a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming middle grade fantasy graphic novel series. We are still following Zuli, Orien, and Frowly on their quest to save the souls of birds (and possibly other souls too). We have a different illustrator this time around, and while I prefer Teny's art style, Grace does a great job as well! The art is still absolutely lovely, the characters are endearing, the found family is sweet, and the world building is way cool!

My only gripe about this intallment is the plot; it's both meandering and chaotic at the same time which is an odd combination. There is a lot of capture and escape over and over again, friends become enemies become friends again, the villain is a hero but then a villain again. It's all very confusing and felt like the author couldn't decide on which path to take so decided to icorporate a lot of different storylines that in the end just didn't feel cohesive. It's still a lovely series and I plan to read the next book when it comes out.

I absolutely loved Wingbearer, the first book in this series, and Wingborn does not disappoint as a sequel. I cannot keep Wingbearer on the shelf in my library, and I am confident that Wingborn will be just as popular. The story of Zuli and her friends as they search to find out what’s happening to the bird spirits and solve the mysteries of her identity are rich and compelling. The illustrations are lush and atmospheric, depicting complex characters in a dazzling array of magical races. Everything about this gorgeous graphic novel makes me wish I had my own wings and could get lost in the world that Marjorie Liu and Grace Kum have created.

In addition, I shared this book with my 10-year-old daughter who is a voracious reader and adored Wingbearer. She emphatically gave it 5 stars, saying it was “Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!” I could not agree more.

"Wingborn" is the second in the "Wingbearer" series written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by Grace Kum. A middle grade fantasy graphic novel, we follow Zuli's journey to free the trapped souls so that births can happen again with the souls being reborn. With her friend Orien and Frowly, they end up learning more about the Witch-Queen, Zuli's sister, and how to free the souls. They travel to several new places, including the home of the griffons. You definitely need to have read the first novel to understand everything that is going on in "Wingborn," I greatly enjoyed the wisdom of the giant owl that Zuli freed, who ended up coming back to help them. A story about friendship and power, with beautiful illustrations and great characters. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

Thank you HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this fabulous book. This is a sequel to the Wingbearer series and it’s just as wonderful as the first one. Same great characters, nonstop action, adventure, magic, and gorgeous artwork. Can’t wait to see how the story continues!

Thanks to HarperCollins Children's Books | Quill Tree Books for the ARC!

My daughter and I absolutely loved WINGBEARER and we were left on SUCH a cliffhanger - thank God for this advance copy of book 2! I got major kudos with my 8-year-old. WINGBORN is the pefect follow-up and full of such great adventure, purpose, character development, and friendship, all while having amazing drawings! Love this series.

I loved this book. I feel like this story was definitely shows that there is more than one way to deal with the problems that you face and not everyone will see what you see. This story showed this so well not only with how it was written but with the artwork and the characters that filled the story. I am glad I continued this series and I am excited to see where it goes from here.

Beautiful colors and artwork! I really like the characters: Zuli's determination; Orien's loyalty and friendship. The story is another wonderful installment for the series with Zuli finding out more of who she is while meeting more people and making friends. Delightful!

A beautiful addition to the series that manages to cover an immense amount of lore, character development, and plot in a relatively short amount of space. The emphasis on found family and the complications of family by blood were written at a great level for pre-teens.

Great sequel! I loved this more than the second book. It was action packed, the characters are wonderfully illustrated, and it leads to even more questions about the mysteries of the lore of this world. And I thought that giant owl was the cutest creature in the world! Overall, I can't wait for the next book. It surely will be an interesting volume.

Once again this series delivers on the most beautiful, magical, creative, and diverse storytelling in a graphic novel.

The amount of mystical creatures and compelling yet complicated characters was done so well because people are not black and white morally -perpective matters and that is proved especially between the sisters.

Once again I highly recommend!

Oh my GOD I've been waiting for the next book for forever!! I love this series so much, it's so fresh and wonderful. What's going to happen next!!