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City of Secrets #2
City of Illusion
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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published July 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 22, 2022
This duology was cute, but a little too immature for me to really like. I feel like this one rushed the ending, and also was a little cheezy.
January 14, 2022
This was a pretty satisfying conclusion to the series but not quite as strong as book one. The art is beautiful, as always, and the plot is well paced until the end. It felt rushed and I had hoped there was going to be three books for the three cities, but this is the end. I do hope we get to see more from Victoria Ying in the future!
November 9, 2021
A very sweet conclusion to the story. I didn't know what to expect from this one, but I loved it 💕
October 22, 2021
Not nearly as good as the first book, but I still enjoyed it and the illustrations are gorgeous!
November 7, 2021
The book was full of plot holes and next to nonsensical. The art style looked like a first draft.
Also why did the black girls not get to pilot a mecha? Everyone else did except the two black girls... weird.
Also why did the black girls not get to pilot a mecha? Everyone else did except the two black girls... weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2022
3.5/★★★★★
September 12, 2021
3.5 stars. The story was weaker than the first, but the art is still really beautifully done.
September 1, 2021
A wonderfully illustrated and intricate steam-punk graphic novel that continues the adventures of Hannah and Ever as they enter a new city in search of ways to garner peace among the three kingdoms. Of course, Oskar, comes along as their "machine". When Hannah and Ever come across two more Oscars they know that the tales of old are true.
November 19, 2021
2021 bk 350. What a pleasure to read. Our heroines have been raised in the darkish, steampunk city world of Oskar. Central to their life and location is the building that houses the Switchboard Operating Center that connects all parts of the city. The building itself is one of the characters of the book and I was entranced at how the artist / author describe the movements within the building as various levers were pulled or tugged. This is also an adventure book, a coming of age novel, and just gosh darn good fun as the pair find excellent companions and evil villains. I hope to see more of the City of Oskar!
September 25, 2021
Not as great as the first one, I'm sad to say, but still a solid sequel/conclusion to the story. The mechas, which were a surprising but welcome surprise in book one, seem a bit off this time around. Maybe because the mystery plot changes and introduces a lot of characters that don't seem to have a lot of space in the narrative to properly develop, and the ending seems rushed and contains a lot of information. Maybe this just needed another installment to properly develop the whole alien twist and some more details on the underlying story that guides the protagonists' journey.
I still loved the artwork, the colours, the fluidity of the lineart. It was a bit hard to follow some panels, though, which was never the case with the first book even when it was a lot more difficult to portray the moving city. Still, all's well that ends well.
I still loved the artwork, the colours, the fluidity of the lineart. It was a bit hard to follow some panels, though, which was never the case with the first book even when it was a lot more difficult to portray the moving city. Still, all's well that ends well.
September 1, 2021
Spencer rated this book 4 stars.
October 8, 2021
It seemed like a really rushed and uncomplicated ending
May 11, 2022
4 stars
August 15, 2023
Cute, but doesn't really stand alone. You really needed to have read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this
November 7, 2021
Even a baby would notice all the plot holes
September 28, 2021
3.5 Not as strong as the first one but still exciting. Pacing felt a bit rushed but I enjoyed revisiting these characters and exploring a new city with them.
September 19, 2021
Victoria Ying’s art is so effortlessly beautiful
September 7, 2021
Absolutely love the illustrative style of this series, and the story that goes along with it. Fingers crossed for future volumes!
August 21, 2021
I didn't love the first but a middle grade graphic novel with some action and adventure AND ROBOTS moved a little quicker, had more visual stimulation, and some fun mysterious elements that paced this out better than the other though I'm still not quite sure what the steampunk story *really* is about. But I'll always be down for an adventure with the two heroes of the story.
May 23, 2021
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.
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.
June 30, 2021
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.
March 20, 2022
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
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
May 13, 2022
My impression was basically the same as the first. The world was richly imagined and beautifully designed, and I wasn’t too surprised considering all her experiënce designing worlds for Disney. The story, insofar as it connected to the world, e.g. the different cities’ megantics and their secrets, was interesting, but nothing was as intriguing in this volume as the way the characters solved the riddles in City of Secrets. I never felt much attachment to the characters or connected with their motivations—I had been hoping that with the world-building out of the way, the focus might move more to the characters this time around, but I didn’t observe that. I think in animation, one could get caught up in the lumbering robots and spinning gears and not worry about that too much, but in static form, I needed a more well rounded experiënce.
All that said, it wasn’t particularly designed for a middle-aged man, and my 8yo son loved it. Sure, he’s down for anything with giänt mechs, but that dœsn’t mean that the author didn’t exploit a certain segment of sociëty’s need for giänt “robot” fights—yes, even if they’re not technically robots.
And I would definitely watch the movie—maybe Ghibli, altho this one has a villain, which isn’t really their speed. And all the turning gears and inventions make me think Aardman, but pretty much all the comedy would have to be added. What about Henry Selick? Or whatever part of Dreamworks made How to Train Your Dragon but wasn’t involved with Shrek? Or, you know, Ying’s old corporate overlords at Disney/Pixar would be fine, I suppose.
All that said, it wasn’t particularly designed for a middle-aged man, and my 8yo son loved it. Sure, he’s down for anything with giänt mechs, but that dœsn’t mean that the author didn’t exploit a certain segment of sociëty’s need for giänt “robot” fights—yes, even if they’re not technically robots.
And I would definitely watch the movie—maybe Ghibli, altho this one has a villain, which isn’t really their speed. And all the turning gears and inventions make me think Aardman, but pretty much all the comedy would have to be added. What about Henry Selick? Or whatever part of Dreamworks made How to Train Your Dragon but wasn’t involved with Shrek? Or, you know, Ying’s old corporate overlords at Disney/Pixar would be fine, I suppose.
March 23, 2023
This series desperately needed one more volume. I really enjoyed reading City of Secrets, but any pacing issues that volume had were exacerbated in City of Illusion. Was the original plan of this series to have three volumes for the three robots? Did the project lose funding?
City of Illusion starts off with our two main characters visiting a new city. When they get hoodwinked by a magic act, they stumble upon some strangely familiar symbols that might just mean another magantic sleeps beneath the city. Only, it seems like an old enemy has gotten to it first.
The art in both volumes are pretty solid and always have been, but the story is all kinds of screwed up here. Now there are 4 new kids to pilot megantics? 6? New magic? Throw that in too! More spies? Add it on top. Cohesive plotline that actually follows through and makes sense? Barely visible. I'm not sure what the background story to this books publication is, but it seems like half of two different books were just smushed together here so we could have a "final ending".
2/5 stars
City of Illusion starts off with our two main characters visiting a new city. When they get hoodwinked by a magic act, they stumble upon some strangely familiar symbols that might just mean another magantic sleeps beneath the city. Only, it seems like an old enemy has gotten to it first.
The art in both volumes are pretty solid and always have been, but the story is all kinds of screwed up here. Now there are 4 new kids to pilot megantics? 6? New magic? Throw that in too! More spies? Add it on top. Cohesive plotline that actually follows through and makes sense? Barely visible. I'm not sure what the background story to this books publication is, but it seems like half of two different books were just smushed together here so we could have a "final ending".
2/5 stars
January 4, 2022
the second installment (and maybe last?) of the city of secrets series, I quite liked seeing the development of the art style here. There was quite a different feel too the colors and city which is appropriate since this is indeed set in a new environment. I am partial to purple and so was delighted to see how much purple played a part in the coloring but aside from the beauty of the work it was also a interesting atmospheric change. Storywise however I felt that the complexity was a bit lower than the first book. Maybe that is because I had assumed that we would get at least one more book, but the ending felt rather abrupt. However, these at targeted towards children so it makes some sense that the cleancut ending full of hope and very little struggle would be the direction the author leans. Altogether I look forward to introducing these books to my own niblings once they enter the age range. Children's graphic novels have really advanced in quality and charm since I was the target audience and I am very pleased to have an 'excuse' to consume some of these now!
April 18, 2022
I really enjoyed these two books but I think, after reading the first one and getting used to the characters, the second book was better. I liked the idea of each city having their own giant robot, and that the children seem to be the ones who can operate them. There are so many intersecting cultural references and nods to other pieces in the work: Kaiju / Pacific Rim, Oliver Twist (also the Disney Oliver cat version), Castle in the Sky, Iron Giant, Howl's Moving Castle, and so many more.
The artwork is lovely and definitely reminds me of some of the more modern Disney artwork for sure.
The fact that this was a two book series was, IMO, awesome, because I'm finding I get annoyed with book series that seem to just keep dragging on. I'm talking about you Red Queen series. And I appreciate when an author takes the risk of ending things even though they may be on a roll financially.
All in all, a good read. Pretty versatile for different ages as well. My kids are enjoying the series too and they are early and late teens.
The artwork is lovely and definitely reminds me of some of the more modern Disney artwork for sure.
The fact that this was a two book series was, IMO, awesome, because I'm finding I get annoyed with book series that seem to just keep dragging on. I'm talking about you Red Queen series. And I appreciate when an author takes the risk of ending things even though they may be on a roll financially.
All in all, a good read. Pretty versatile for different ages as well. My kids are enjoying the series too and they are early and late teens.
January 28, 2022
Some of the most dynamic art and action scenes I’ve SEEN in a graphic novel!! Victoria Ying’s lose lineart and Lynette Wong’s painterly colouring flow like a DREAM across wonderfully paced layouts, and I impulse bought this at the bookstore half for those action scene layouts alone!
I had a major steampunk phase as a teen, so this really takes me back!! I’d compare it really fondly to stuff like Castle in the Sky, and Hugo. I accidentally jumped into this sequel, not realising City of Secrets came first, but this book does a great job of catching you up to speed in a way that’ll probably still make going back to the first book be worthwhile.
City of Illusion has great worldbuilding, wonderful characters, and a really comfy tone like a good kids’ movie.
It’s about the power of friendship, found family and - above all else- the one thing every story needs:
Big-ass Goddamn Giant Robots
I had a major steampunk phase as a teen, so this really takes me back!! I’d compare it really fondly to stuff like Castle in the Sky, and Hugo. I accidentally jumped into this sequel, not realising City of Secrets came first, but this book does a great job of catching you up to speed in a way that’ll probably still make going back to the first book be worthwhile.
City of Illusion has great worldbuilding, wonderful characters, and a really comfy tone like a good kids’ movie.
It’s about the power of friendship, found family and - above all else- the one thing every story needs:
Big-ass Goddamn Giant Robots
May 13, 2022
In last volume of this duology, we once again meet the villainous Vash. Finally, I get the answer to my question of why he wanted the Oskar’s Megantic destroyed: he craved power and their gigantic robot was a threat.
Hannah and Ever are as defiant as usual. They don’t always listen to Hannah’s parents and their curiosity leads them to discover a bunch of children lurking in the underbelly of Alexios, another big city. Their explorations lead them to discover the true meaning of the giant robots and the power to unite all three cities of Alexios, Oskar and Edmonda.
The story evolves, as does Vash’s ambition. He desires more than simply demolishing Oskar’s robot. The increase of his lust for power poses a dire threat that all the children must come together to defeat.
This is one epic tale, filled with derring-do, grandiose aspirations, revenge, murder, magic and fights straight out of a Transformer movie. Children and adolescents will get a real thrill out of it.
Hannah and Ever are as defiant as usual. They don’t always listen to Hannah’s parents and their curiosity leads them to discover a bunch of children lurking in the underbelly of Alexios, another big city. Their explorations lead them to discover the true meaning of the giant robots and the power to unite all three cities of Alexios, Oskar and Edmonda.
The story evolves, as does Vash’s ambition. He desires more than simply demolishing Oskar’s robot. The increase of his lust for power poses a dire threat that all the children must come together to defeat.
This is one epic tale, filled with derring-do, grandiose aspirations, revenge, murder, magic and fights straight out of a Transformer movie. Children and adolescents will get a real thrill out of it.
August 31, 2023
*This book is part of a series and I have not read the first book.*
Two young children who are able to pilot a giant metal knight, go to a different city and meet other children who are able to pilot a different giant metal knight.
My library didn't list this book as part of a series so I didn't read the first book. This book is not a book that you can do that with. A lot of the characters and events don't make much sense. I was able to slightly piece it together from what I read but it wasn't a great experience.
Regardless of that, the art was amazing. The history and lore of the world were extremely interesting and I would love to learn more about that. I thought that the characters were a little shallow and seemed to change without much development.
Overall, a cute read but definitely read the first book first.
Two young children who are able to pilot a giant metal knight, go to a different city and meet other children who are able to pilot a different giant metal knight.
My library didn't list this book as part of a series so I didn't read the first book. This book is not a book that you can do that with. A lot of the characters and events don't make much sense. I was able to slightly piece it together from what I read but it wasn't a great experience.
Regardless of that, the art was amazing. The history and lore of the world were extremely interesting and I would love to learn more about that. I thought that the characters were a little shallow and seemed to change without much development.
Overall, a cute read but definitely read the first book first.
January 9, 2022
The book’s pacing was a little fast and felt a bit rushed. There were some random parts that wasn’t needed. Overall, this book deserves 4 stars.
Victoria’s illustrations were flawless and beautifully drawn. The story was exciting and took place in a city we do not know a lot about. As the characters go around the city of Alexios, they find other kids, living in the city. They live with an evil man named Vash that wants all the Megantics for his own power. Each Megantic comes from a city, for which Vash has already conquered two. The tension draws readers into the book.
In the end, I think that this book has an interesting plot and an awesome ending. I would recommend this to anyone who has nothing to do, since it is a short story. :)
Victoria’s illustrations were flawless and beautifully drawn. The story was exciting and took place in a city we do not know a lot about. As the characters go around the city of Alexios, they find other kids, living in the city. They live with an evil man named Vash that wants all the Megantics for his own power. Each Megantic comes from a city, for which Vash has already conquered two. The tension draws readers into the book.
In the end, I think that this book has an interesting plot and an awesome ending. I would recommend this to anyone who has nothing to do, since it is a short story. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews