Les Bijoux, Volume 2

Les Bijoux #2

by Jo Eun-ha (Story), Park Sang-sun (Illustrator), Lee Seung-ah (Translator)

Having lost his parents, Lapis discovers that he has gained a new family in his friends and after steeling his courage, he departs to find the divine sword of Tumerlin. Being chosen to overthrow Habit is a daunting task and as with any coup, there must be sacrifices made. Lapis is aware of the danger but the possibility of losing his newfound family in order to fulfill his destiny is almost too much to bear.

Genres: Manga, Manhwa, Fantasy, Comics, Adventure, Graphic Novels

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Nightshade · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume was slightly better than the first.

I still do not understand the dynamic between Lazuli and Diamond, it's weird. I don't know why Lapis reacts so differently when he's Lazuli. I'm not sure simply swapping your gender can overcome the fact that this man killed your parents and literally wants to imprison you so he can keep you for himself.

At least the plot progressed somewhat in this volume. Although there was some repetition with the first volume which I hope is not going to be the case with every volume. We've also only covered two of the 12 mines so far, so I'm not sure how we are going to get through the remaining 10 within the next three volumes.

Overall, there's little to keep you hooked on the story other than the overarching mystery of Lapis being the chosen one who is to save the world and how he'll manage that.

[Chad · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the first volume seemed like it could lead into a good story, after a shaky start, the second volume did not really follow up on that. The events of this volume could be employed to write a good story, but they felt fumbled by the writer, and lacking narrative coherence. Overall, it was just a badly executed effort. When some of the additional notes in the first book included the creators talking about having difficulties with the publishing schedule -- really big difficulties -- it should have been a warning about what would happen. I don't recommend this volume at all, though at least it was easy enough to get through that I finished it.

[Luru · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot thickens a bit, new characters being brought in. That also leads to everyone being a tiny bit underdeveloped, as well as the friendships the hero(ine) is making.

Waiting to see how the story progresses from here.

[Leila Anani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I need to mention about this is the artwork its simply gorgeous!!! As well as the stunningly beautiful art the story is quite interesting as well I love the setting - the 12 mine districts and the gemstone mythos is really unusual. The story revolves around or gender switching protagonist Lapis (boy) Lazulai (girl) on a quest to free his world from the master/slave regime of the habits. Cruel Habit Diamond killed his parents and Lapis wants revenge, yet her female persona is in love with Diamond - how will our unforgiving villain feels when he finds out that his beloved is also his arch enemy?

In this volume we get some of Diamond's tragic backstory and see what forged him into the tyrant he is. Beautiful from start to finish. I'm so disappointed this series was axed after just 5 volumes.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the second book better than the first. It flowed a lot more easily. It's still not been my favorite read but the artwork is incredible.