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アザミの城の魔女 [Azami no Shiro no Majo] #2
Witch of Thistle Castle Vol.2
The adventure continues as Marie and Theo venture to the enchanting shores of France! New dangers will be coming for the young apprentice and his awesome powers, as they slowly come to be accepted and not merely feared for the power they wield!
Marie Blackwood and the newly trained Theo visit France and the young teenager is spellbound at the finery on display and a handsome young man named Charles… but not is all as it seems and Marie will have to come to the aid of her charge once more, all while another party make Theo an intriguing offer…
Marie Blackwood and the newly trained Theo visit France and the young teenager is spellbound at the finery on display and a handsome young man named Charles… but not is all as it seems and Marie will have to come to the aid of her charge once more, all while another party make Theo an intriguing offer…
160 pages, Paperback
Published December 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 22, 2025
Rating: 4 stars: overall it is a good story.
(1) The artwork and the moods created by the manga-ka is lovely. It's the strongest point of the series.
(2) Although I don't think I like how Marie (the Black Witch) grew to care about Theo (the orphaned boy) so quickly. I understand that Theo grew attached to Marie because she basically is the only person who shows him kindness, but what about Marie? I know any good-natured person would care for a helpless boy and want to keep him safe, but I don't believe the story has given the pair enough space to show how the friendship is growing between them, aside from magic I barely see them sharing much interest in the story.
(1) The artwork and the moods created by the manga-ka is lovely. It's the strongest point of the series.
(2) Although I don't think I like how Marie (the Black Witch) grew to care about Theo (the orphaned boy) so quickly. I understand that Theo grew attached to Marie because she basically is the only person who shows him kindness, but what about Marie? I know any good-natured person would care for a helpless boy and want to keep him safe, but I don't believe the story has given the pair enough space to show how the friendship is growing between them, aside from magic I barely see them sharing much interest in the story.
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December 7, 2025I don’t think this series is for me. I love the artstyle but I can connect with anything else
January 21, 2024
This really is such a facinating fantasy world and magic system. I like how our visite to France concluded, it was very good for developing both our characters relationships and developing their world as a whole. I also liked the start of the magical school, those are one thing that can be hit or miss so we will have to see how this one is. But so far I like all the classmates, they seem fun. Also there appears to be trouble brewing off in the shadows, excited to see that play out.
April 15, 2024
This series continues to remind me of Ancient Magus Bride, including the school and spirit dog details. There seems to be multiple parties at play that all have different ideas of what to do with Theo because of his powers. I like how he opened up and started making friends in this volume.
January 3, 2024
It is good. I'm still a lil worried that the relationship will get predatory instead of master/ apprentice. I'm hoping we see more of a "this is the love i needed as a child" kind of care and not a weird pervert kind. Also curious the relationship between the two apprentices will go and whether it'll be platonic or romantic. Also, the inclusion of twin prankster witches is waaay too harry potter coded especially for a series set in Edinburgh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2026
Honestly, I didn’t enjoy this volume nearly as much as the first. While it does still have that witchy, mysterious and magical atmosphere that drew me in while reading volume one, I haven’t been able to relate to any of the characters besides Marie just yet. While everyone is clearly motivated by something, what that something is, remains unclear to me.
First I’d like to talk about what I did like in this volume, as while I do have a few complaints, I am still enjoying it. For me, Marie was once again the star of the story. In volume two, we get to see more of both her vulnerable side and her incredible prowess as a spirit negotiator. I thought the mangaka did a fantastic job of depicting her crippling loneliness when the topic of Theo staying in France without her came up. She was completely alone until he was suddenly thrust upon her, and then once she was finally used to his company, he was going to willingly leave her!? Of course she would start drinking herself into oblivion.
At first, I found myself a bit frustrated with how she treated Theo—I mean, she barely taught him anything before whisking him away to France. He was completely unprepared for dealing with the world around him, magical or not. I wouldn’t trust him to take two steps unless Marie was by his side. As I read on and thought more about their circumstances however, I was able to understand Marie’s actions.
In Marie’s eye’s, France was most likely a potential safe haven for Theo—it was practically said so by the man who came to request their presence. This man seemed trustworthy enough, and clearly has a history with Marie. So, it would make perfect sense that Theo should be safe with his apprentice, someone who should, in theory, share his master’s morals. Theo can’t live his whole life at Marie’s side, so this should have been the perfect opportunity to actually talk to someone else his age who understands the world of magic.
Moving on to my biggest complaint about this chapter…I don’t understand the motives for the more villainous characters at all. I still don’t fully understand the blood of righteous anger, something that I believe lives inside little Theo. The apprentice of the man who brought Marie and Theo to France clearly holds a dark grudge against the blood of righteous anger, seemingly having the exact opposite goal of his master. One wants to protect him, while the other wants him dead.
The apprentice, Charles, was clearly depicted as a nefarious character the moment he was introduced. I wasn’t shocked in the slightest when he betrayed Theo, but I was shocked with just how easily Theo let himself be betrayed. On top of that, his master really didn’t seem to care in the slightest for what his apprentice did. While sure, he does offer to protect Theo if he stayed in France after the betrayal, there’s absolutely no way he would be safe with Charles around. There is absolutely no mention of the betrayal after the fact—Charles quite literally attempted to murder Theo—and Theo forgives him for no rhyme or reason right away.
While Theo has grown up with his own traumas and insecurities, I found myself getting very frustrated watching him attempt to defend the boy that treated him so poorly. Why does Charles hate Theo to the point of trying to murder him? That remains unclear, and it doesn’t look like there will be an explanation anytime soon.
Initially, the mysterious atmosphere and lack of explicit explanation behind the lore of this manga universe was what made me excited to read on. I felt as though I was discovering this magical world alongside Theo, and was ready to figure things out for myself. Now though, I find myself getting frustrated at a lack of explanation behind anything. Why does the French man want to protect Theo so much? Is it a situation where it’s just French radical groups that are out to get rid of Theo? I haven’t been able to get a sense of just what’s happening yet. I wish there were more clues scattered throughout the story to at least allow me to put the pieces together myself.
First I’d like to talk about what I did like in this volume, as while I do have a few complaints, I am still enjoying it. For me, Marie was once again the star of the story. In volume two, we get to see more of both her vulnerable side and her incredible prowess as a spirit negotiator. I thought the mangaka did a fantastic job of depicting her crippling loneliness when the topic of Theo staying in France without her came up. She was completely alone until he was suddenly thrust upon her, and then once she was finally used to his company, he was going to willingly leave her!? Of course she would start drinking herself into oblivion.
At first, I found myself a bit frustrated with how she treated Theo—I mean, she barely taught him anything before whisking him away to France. He was completely unprepared for dealing with the world around him, magical or not. I wouldn’t trust him to take two steps unless Marie was by his side. As I read on and thought more about their circumstances however, I was able to understand Marie’s actions.
In Marie’s eye’s, France was most likely a potential safe haven for Theo—it was practically said so by the man who came to request their presence. This man seemed trustworthy enough, and clearly has a history with Marie. So, it would make perfect sense that Theo should be safe with his apprentice, someone who should, in theory, share his master’s morals. Theo can’t live his whole life at Marie’s side, so this should have been the perfect opportunity to actually talk to someone else his age who understands the world of magic.
Moving on to my biggest complaint about this chapter…I don’t understand the motives for the more villainous characters at all. I still don’t fully understand the blood of righteous anger, something that I believe lives inside little Theo. The apprentice of the man who brought Marie and Theo to France clearly holds a dark grudge against the blood of righteous anger, seemingly having the exact opposite goal of his master. One wants to protect him, while the other wants him dead.
The apprentice, Charles, was clearly depicted as a nefarious character the moment he was introduced. I wasn’t shocked in the slightest when he betrayed Theo, but I was shocked with just how easily Theo let himself be betrayed. On top of that, his master really didn’t seem to care in the slightest for what his apprentice did. While sure, he does offer to protect Theo if he stayed in France after the betrayal, there’s absolutely no way he would be safe with Charles around. There is absolutely no mention of the betrayal after the fact—Charles quite literally attempted to murder Theo—and Theo forgives him for no rhyme or reason right away.
While Theo has grown up with his own traumas and insecurities, I found myself getting very frustrated watching him attempt to defend the boy that treated him so poorly. Why does Charles hate Theo to the point of trying to murder him? That remains unclear, and it doesn’t look like there will be an explanation anytime soon.
Initially, the mysterious atmosphere and lack of explicit explanation behind the lore of this manga universe was what made me excited to read on. I felt as though I was discovering this magical world alongside Theo, and was ready to figure things out for myself. Now though, I find myself getting frustrated at a lack of explanation behind anything. Why does the French man want to protect Theo so much? Is it a situation where it’s just French radical groups that are out to get rid of Theo? I haven’t been able to get a sense of just what’s happening yet. I wish there were more clues scattered throughout the story to at least allow me to put the pieces together myself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
LE SANG DE LA JUSTE INDIGNATION (2)
Théo est invité à une grande fête en France aux côté de Marie sa tutrice et de son copain, Charles. Tout se passe plutôt bien, il est un peu la coqueluche et il danse avec Charles. Celui-ci lui désigne un recoin sombre et discret où ils pourraient être tranquilles. Il lui dit de lui faire confiance et d'enlever ses lunettes parce qu'il veut les essayer (le rendant ainsi vulnérable aux esprits). "Merci d'être si stupide" lui dit-il. Charles fait couler son sang et invoque le chaos. Charles agit par jalousie. Il lui dit que personne ne veut de lui (Ce qui est une thématique assez récurrente dans le livre : la peur de la solitude, de l'abandon). Il finira par présenter ses excuses. Heureusement la belle Marie est là pour intervenir et sauver tout le monde. Théo, qui voulait rester en France, change alors d'avis. Marie se sent seule et pense qu'elle peut rester coincée le reste de sa vie avec "Le sang de l'indignation" (C'est ce que les esprits lui disent) ... Celui-ci va intégrer une école... Il commence à passer ses premiers contrats avec les esprits.
En bref____
Le jeune Théo continue son apprentissage de la magie. Il se rend en France, en tant qu'héritier de Jeanne-D 'Arc, il est chouchouté ... Attention cependant tout le monde n'est pas bienveillant pour autant. Et puis, va-t-il s'installer en France ou pas?!...
Positif____
Mené tambour battant.
Des personnages bien construits : Théo, Charles, Marie.
Les thématiques.
Négatif____
Aucun pour ma part --
____
Phoenix
++
Théo est invité à une grande fête en France aux côté de Marie sa tutrice et de son copain, Charles. Tout se passe plutôt bien, il est un peu la coqueluche et il danse avec Charles. Celui-ci lui désigne un recoin sombre et discret où ils pourraient être tranquilles. Il lui dit de lui faire confiance et d'enlever ses lunettes parce qu'il veut les essayer (le rendant ainsi vulnérable aux esprits). "Merci d'être si stupide" lui dit-il. Charles fait couler son sang et invoque le chaos. Charles agit par jalousie. Il lui dit que personne ne veut de lui (Ce qui est une thématique assez récurrente dans le livre : la peur de la solitude, de l'abandon). Il finira par présenter ses excuses. Heureusement la belle Marie est là pour intervenir et sauver tout le monde. Théo, qui voulait rester en France, change alors d'avis. Marie se sent seule et pense qu'elle peut rester coincée le reste de sa vie avec "Le sang de l'indignation" (C'est ce que les esprits lui disent) ... Celui-ci va intégrer une école... Il commence à passer ses premiers contrats avec les esprits.
En bref____
Le jeune Théo continue son apprentissage de la magie. Il se rend en France, en tant qu'héritier de Jeanne-D 'Arc, il est chouchouté ... Attention cependant tout le monde n'est pas bienveillant pour autant. Et puis, va-t-il s'installer en France ou pas?!...
Positif____
Mené tambour battant.
Des personnages bien construits : Théo, Charles, Marie.
Les thématiques.
Négatif____
Aucun pour ma part --
____
Phoenix
++
January 10, 2024
“You’re choosing a companion for the rest of your life.”
John Tarachine’s Manga is set in this second volume continues the story of Marie Blackwood and Theo. They travel to France where Theo is amazed by the wonders around him and intrigued by a man names Charles. But all is not as it seems as Theo is given an offer he can’t resist.
This part of the story shows the strength of Theo’s character as well as Marie’s as she navigates his training.
The beautiful tale of magic and power brings new threats and revelations in this second volume which was exciting to read.
There is more than just magic and mystery to this story, there’s an emotional attachment between characters that’s making itself known as the story progresses.
A great way to continue the series and I can’t wait for more to come.
Many thanks to @titancomics for a copy of this Manga.
John Tarachine’s Manga is set in this second volume continues the story of Marie Blackwood and Theo. They travel to France where Theo is amazed by the wonders around him and intrigued by a man names Charles. But all is not as it seems as Theo is given an offer he can’t resist.
This part of the story shows the strength of Theo’s character as well as Marie’s as she navigates his training.
The beautiful tale of magic and power brings new threats and revelations in this second volume which was exciting to read.
There is more than just magic and mystery to this story, there’s an emotional attachment between characters that’s making itself known as the story progresses.
A great way to continue the series and I can’t wait for more to come.
Many thanks to @titancomics for a copy of this Manga.
March 31, 2024
rating - 3.5
loved the art style as always, however the plot here didn’t pull me in as much as volume 1 did. particularly the characters in paris, however i did like the hints we got at marie’s backstory and her not wanting to let theo go
loved the art style as always, however the plot here didn’t pull me in as much as volume 1 did. particularly the characters in paris, however i did like the hints we got at marie’s backstory and her not wanting to let theo go
September 22, 2025
Początek mnie dosyć skręcał, ale później jakoś dosyć spoko się to rozwinęło.
I się cieszę że wybrał akurat dusang’a xD
Jednak nie ma żadnych plot twistów ani nic bardziej nadzwyczajnego (przypomnę że mówię o mandze o czarownicach i czarodziejach lol) więc ocena dosyć niska.
3,25/5 ⭐️
I się cieszę że wybrał akurat dusang’a xD
Jednak nie ma żadnych plot twistów ani nic bardziej nadzwyczajnego (przypomnę że mówię o mandze o czarownicach i czarodziejach lol) więc ocena dosyć niska.
3,25/5 ⭐️
March 13, 2023
Les dessins sont toujours Magnifiques et l'univers super intéressant mais je me demande comment ça peut finir en 4 tomes ???
August 5, 2023
I really like the way the author portrays loneliness in this series. And the background sure does makes you wanna travel through all those towns!
January 5, 2025
IL SONT A PARIS, j'ai pas assez parler des outfits qui sont absolument magnifiques. Encore une fois la sorcière on a des bride d'info sur elles, c'est vraiment une giga grumpy.
November 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Teacher Sullivan initially reminded me of Snape 🥲
Love that Theo chose Du Sang. Badass partner tbh. It beats the little fairy or whatever Marie has - HA.
Teacher Sullivan initially reminded me of Snape 🥲
Love that Theo chose Du Sang. Badass partner tbh. It beats the little fairy or whatever Marie has - HA.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews