What do you think?
Rate this book
クオーツの王国 [Quartz no Ōkoku] #2
A Kingdom of Quartz 2
In a world where angels protect the people against demons, a young orphan with pitch-black wings may hold the key to the kingdom's fate. An exquisitely drawn, dark fantasy manga for fans of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Made in Abyss, and Witch Hat Atelier.
For centuries, the Quartz Kingdom has basked in the warm glow of the Goddess’s light. That all changes one day when Demons attack the capital, laying low countless Celes. Yet even as the kingdom teeters on the brink of disaster, a black-winged orphan named Blue awakens to a terrible new power within her and vanquishes the Demons.
As the dust settles on the ravaged city and Blue comes back to herself, she swears an oath of fealty to the noble Prince Cassian. She then enters Helios Training Academy to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an Angel and defending the kingdom. Will Blue finally find the light she has been searching for...or an even deeper darkness within herself?
For centuries, the Quartz Kingdom has basked in the warm glow of the Goddess’s light. That all changes one day when Demons attack the capital, laying low countless Celes. Yet even as the kingdom teeters on the brink of disaster, a black-winged orphan named Blue awakens to a terrible new power within her and vanquishes the Demons.
As the dust settles on the ravaged city and Blue comes back to herself, she swears an oath of fealty to the noble Prince Cassian. She then enters Helios Training Academy to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an Angel and defending the kingdom. Will Blue finally find the light she has been searching for...or an even deeper darkness within herself?
176 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2024
4 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 16, 2025
another great volume but that cliffhanger was just ridiculously disrespectful! i knew this would get dark fast!!
i really appreciate how many characters with disabilities are portrayed in this series so far, and how they are handled with such respect and dignity. it’s amazing to see different abled bodies in what i know will be a fantastically dark and whirlwind series.
i really appreciate how many characters with disabilities are portrayed in this series so far, and how they are handled with such respect and dignity. it’s amazing to see different abled bodies in what i know will be a fantastically dark and whirlwind series.
April 11, 2025
I still love the art style, it's so beautiful!
Another volume with Blue trying to become an archangel. It's quite a high goal as becoming an archangel isn't easy and it's the highest title in the Quartz Kingdom, but I believe in her! It's crazy that only seven Celes can hold the title as an Archangel, it will be a long journey until Blue achieves her goal.
Killian is a funny fellow. He only is an angel in training to find a certain demon, he admits that he doesn't even care for that angel stuff. That was so funny for no reason as everyone is so happy and Blue is also bubbly and likes to talk a lot and then Killian's introduction comes and he's just like ‘yeah, whatever’.
It's even funnier that Blue and Killian sit next to eachother.
But I enjoy the most their little interactions while they are in the Helios Academy, it's kinda cute.
Why do I have the feeling like Tannith is secretly in love with Blue or something? I mean, by her introduction she said she likes strong girls and it sounded as if she didn't just mean like but love strong girls.
I'm a little bit concerned for the relationship between Blue and Cassian as they get a bit touchy sometimes and she is still a child and he is a grown man. I hope this doesn't turn weird.
It ended on a cliffhanger and now I wait months before I can read the next one. I want to read the next volume, it's just so exciting!
My only complain is how the pacing felt a bit too fast at times and that the volume didn't have that much chapters.
StoryGraph review
—————
Is it normal that I have some kind of obsession over stories that are about demons, angels and/or ghosts? Like another manga I read before this one here is also about a world divided into demons and angels and I really enjoy it. Just recently I even reviewed the latest volume of a manga that is about humans and ghosts and how there is a different realm/shore for ghosts. Is anyone else enjoying such types of stories or is it just me?
Another volume with Blue trying to become an archangel. It's quite a high goal as becoming an archangel isn't easy and it's the highest title in the Quartz Kingdom, but I believe in her! It's crazy that only seven Celes can hold the title as an Archangel, it will be a long journey until Blue achieves her goal.
Killian is a funny fellow. He only is an angel in training to find a certain demon, he admits that he doesn't even care for that angel stuff. That was so funny for no reason as everyone is so happy and Blue is also bubbly and likes to talk a lot and then Killian's introduction comes and he's just like ‘yeah, whatever’.
It's even funnier that Blue and Killian sit next to eachother.
But I enjoy the most their little interactions while they are in the Helios Academy, it's kinda cute.
Why do I have the feeling like Tannith is secretly in love with Blue or something? I mean, by her introduction she said she likes strong girls and it sounded as if she didn't just mean like but love strong girls.
I'm a little bit concerned for the relationship between Blue and Cassian as they get a bit touchy sometimes and she is still a child and he is a grown man. I hope this doesn't turn weird.
It ended on a cliffhanger and now I wait months before I can read the next one. I want to read the next volume, it's just so exciting!
My only complain is how the pacing felt a bit too fast at times and that the volume didn't have that much chapters.
StoryGraph review
—————
Is it normal that I have some kind of obsession over stories that are about demons, angels and/or ghosts? Like another manga I read before this one here is also about a world divided into demons and angels and I really enjoy it. Just recently I even reviewed the latest volume of a manga that is about humans and ghosts and how there is a different realm/shore for ghosts. Is anyone else enjoying such types of stories or is it just me?
April 13, 2025
2.5 stars
Again, the books plot and pacing were super messy. We're introduced to supposed major events like this huge tournament that can get you a wish granted by the goddess, as well as the concept of the four different elements of the four families and the kids that these elements were chosen by or whatever, and then pretty much immediately shift to something else. So the tournament was mentioned once in volume one AND in two but then they don't mention it at all beyond that. Which just shows further how stiff and unnatural the dialogue is, between ALL characters. The relationships (except Blue's and Killians) were formed very unnaturally and was just like "hey were friends now" "okay!", which annoyed me to no end.
But yeah I guess what I'm getting at is not only is the plot and world building extremely messy (not to mention that the world building is told to you in short bursts throughout the volumes before moving on to something different, making the world incredibly difficult to understand), but the character dynamics and twists happen so fast that there's no way for you to feel properly impacted by them. It's all so sudden and then glossed over so fast that it makes it hard to give a shit about anything that's going on. I ended up not really giving a shit about the plot or pretty much any of the characters. I was going to dnf, but the ending for this was so interesting it got me hooked 😭. I NEED to know what happens next. But yeah. There's a good chance that I'm going to dnf this series and overall this was too messy and weirdly done to enjoy this. Which is an absolute shame because the art style is GORGEOUS, but hopefully volume three will save this series and be more cohesively put together
P.s: Hell yeah for lesbian rep
Again, the books plot and pacing were super messy. We're introduced to supposed major events like this huge tournament that can get you a wish granted by the goddess, as well as the concept of the four different elements of the four families and the kids that these elements were chosen by or whatever, and then pretty much immediately shift to something else. So the tournament was mentioned once in volume one AND in two but then they don't mention it at all beyond that. Which just shows further how stiff and unnatural the dialogue is, between ALL characters. The relationships (except Blue's and Killians) were formed very unnaturally and was just like "hey were friends now" "okay!", which annoyed me to no end.
But yeah I guess what I'm getting at is not only is the plot and world building extremely messy (not to mention that the world building is told to you in short bursts throughout the volumes before moving on to something different, making the world incredibly difficult to understand), but the character dynamics and twists happen so fast that there's no way for you to feel properly impacted by them. It's all so sudden and then glossed over so fast that it makes it hard to give a shit about anything that's going on. I ended up not really giving a shit about the plot or pretty much any of the characters. I was going to dnf, but the ending for this was so interesting it got me hooked 😭. I NEED to know what happens next. But yeah. There's a good chance that I'm going to dnf this series and overall this was too messy and weirdly done to enjoy this. Which is an absolute shame because the art style is GORGEOUS, but hopefully volume three will save this series and be more cohesively put together
P.s: Hell yeah for lesbian rep
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Not quite as solid as the first volume but certainly promising. I enjoyed the dark twist in the final chapter, and the canon queer and POC rep introduced in this volume was unexpected but very happily received.
August 2, 2024
WHAT KIND OF ENDING WAS THAT?! I need more please
July 31, 2024
I DEVOURED this. I need volume 3!
August 16, 2024
3.5 ★
After volume 1 set the basis for the story, world and characters, the thing i had to point out was the somewhat wonky pacing of the story and unfortunately I feel like that aspect didn't improve in volume 2 and, if anything, it got a little worse.
These chapters are packed with a lot of information and quite puzzling one sometimes, yet it doesn't really give us enough time to digest and piece things together. The current pattern has been something like, cute scene > shift in the mood > major plot info dropped > scene comes to a halt > we move on to the next scene, all within a single chapter, with this kind of pattern happening pretty much every chapter with different kinds of information.
While everything certainly lingers around in the MC's head, it also feels rather distant, like she's not really worried about much except for the moment right after something happens, we do see her agonizing over things sometimes but given the shocking information and revelations she's been having, you'd expect her to look more distressed but she seems, honestly, fine... This disconnection to everything that's wrong around her makes me a little ehhh.
I wish things would be developed a little slower and in more detail, it feels kind of rushed at times and the way things move on so fast is a little upsetting as a reader.
Other than that, the art continues to be wonderful, I'm obsessed with the fashion in this!!! And we already see some character development for some. I'm also pleasantly surprised at the amount of sapphic representation in this volume, done in a very nice and subtle yet very evident way.
This was still an enjoyable read despite my slightly dislike for the pacing, and once again I can't wait to read more.
SPOILERS BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
Noah's revelation actually had me gasping!!!! I did assume something about her best friends would turn out doomed/twisted but I thought that would come at a much later time and Noah's design changes caught me off guard, I really thought it would be someone else. I'm so excited to learn about about what happened to them while Blue was away, I love doomed characters... And I'm so curious to find out if Noah's current appearance has any queer reasons or not. It would be cool to see more representation.
After volume 1 set the basis for the story, world and characters, the thing i had to point out was the somewhat wonky pacing of the story and unfortunately I feel like that aspect didn't improve in volume 2 and, if anything, it got a little worse.
These chapters are packed with a lot of information and quite puzzling one sometimes, yet it doesn't really give us enough time to digest and piece things together. The current pattern has been something like, cute scene > shift in the mood > major plot info dropped > scene comes to a halt > we move on to the next scene, all within a single chapter, with this kind of pattern happening pretty much every chapter with different kinds of information.
While everything certainly lingers around in the MC's head, it also feels rather distant, like she's not really worried about much except for the moment right after something happens, we do see her agonizing over things sometimes but given the shocking information and revelations she's been having, you'd expect her to look more distressed but she seems, honestly, fine... This disconnection to everything that's wrong around her makes me a little ehhh.
I wish things would be developed a little slower and in more detail, it feels kind of rushed at times and the way things move on so fast is a little upsetting as a reader.
Other than that, the art continues to be wonderful, I'm obsessed with the fashion in this!!! And we already see some character development for some. I'm also pleasantly surprised at the amount of sapphic representation in this volume, done in a very nice and subtle yet very evident way.
This was still an enjoyable read despite my slightly dislike for the pacing, and once again I can't wait to read more.
SPOILERS BELOW
.
.
.
.
.
Noah's revelation actually had me gasping!!!! I did assume something about her best friends would turn out doomed/twisted but I thought that would come at a much later time and Noah's design changes caught me off guard, I really thought it would be someone else. I'm so excited to learn about about what happened to them while Blue was away, I love doomed characters... And I'm so curious to find out if Noah's current appearance has any queer reasons or not. It would be cool to see more representation.
July 16, 2024
Oh thank god the author made it obvious the prince is a bad guy. I was worried for a second after he told Blue she’s special to him, that the author was going to have him be in love with Blue. But no the author made it very clear he’s grooming her to be a sacrificial lamb.
June 24, 2024
There's a lot going on in this volume as Blue enters the academy and makes friends, enemies, and mysterious acquaintances. Her naivety, optimism, and headstrong attitude leads her into trouble. Meanwhile, various characters have cryptic conversations and drop heavy hints that the Kingdom is not as happy and united as Blue believes.
There are almost too many things that pique my interest - from a once-a-century tournament, hidden prophecies, noble families acting predictably suspicious, magic lessons gone wrong, soul bonds, and so on. It feels like everything including the kitchen sink has been thrown in to spawn potential plot threads. While this may lead to interesting story developments in the future, it can also lead to disappointment as an author struggles to deliver coherent arcs. I'll reserve my judgement until the next volume.
Artistically, the style is pretty and ornate. It tends towards being overdone with screen tone applied generously, casting almost entire pages in a grey cast. This leads to some panels feeling hard to follow or distinguish.
Overall, while I'm interested in reading further, there is room for improvement.
There are almost too many things that pique my interest - from a once-a-century tournament, hidden prophecies, noble families acting predictably suspicious, magic lessons gone wrong, soul bonds, and so on. It feels like everything including the kitchen sink has been thrown in to spawn potential plot threads. While this may lead to interesting story developments in the future, it can also lead to disappointment as an author struggles to deliver coherent arcs. I'll reserve my judgement until the next volume.
Artistically, the style is pretty and ornate. It tends towards being overdone with screen tone applied generously, casting almost entire pages in a grey cast. This leads to some panels feeling hard to follow or distinguish.
Overall, while I'm interested in reading further, there is room for improvement.
June 14, 2025
Not as good as the first one. The story is interesting, but the pacing was a little awkward. It felt like we were seeing more of the world faster than the first book.
There wasn't enough time for characters to be fleshed out. Killian and Blue becoming friends just happened after an event then a quick chat. Information just drops and its there. Like when the guy goes to Blue and hints about the darkness in her. It just happens. She's developing her powers quickly without growing into herself or experiencing any sort of character development.
I also don't like the way Blue and Cassian interact. Blue is just a kid and Cassian is grown. By the looks of it, he was grooming her for some reason. It was a big reveal, and tbh I'm glad its that way instead of them being a thing.
Im curious what happened to her friends. That point was interesting, but I forgot about them haha.
It was good, but messy. Im expecting the 3rd book to be a little better with pacing
There wasn't enough time for characters to be fleshed out. Killian and Blue becoming friends just happened after an event then a quick chat. Information just drops and its there. Like when the guy goes to Blue and hints about the darkness in her. It just happens. She's developing her powers quickly without growing into herself or experiencing any sort of character development.
I also don't like the way Blue and Cassian interact. Blue is just a kid and Cassian is grown. By the looks of it, he was grooming her for some reason. It was a big reveal, and tbh I'm glad its that way instead of them being a thing.
Im curious what happened to her friends. That point was interesting, but I forgot about them haha.
It was good, but messy. Im expecting the 3rd book to be a little better with pacing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Habiendo perdido a las personas más importantes de su vida en el fatídico accidente del orfanato en el que vivió tres años atrás, Blue está a un paso de entrar en la Academia Militar Helios. Con el sueño de convertirse en un arcángel, Blue había creído que se quedaría a las puertas de la academia, pero entonces el arcángel Steele le propone hacer un duelo. Si consigue rozarla, podrá ingresar en la academia. Después de que la habilidad oculta de Blue le dé la posibilidad de vencer a Steele, la joven pasa a ser una estudiante de la academia de pleno derecho. Es allí donde volverá a ver al príncipe Cassian, el cual no solo la ignora, sino que ha elegido a otro celes para que sea el representante de la casa de Quartz en el torneo que va a celebrarse próximamente.
Pero eso no es lo más sorprendente, sino que el campeón elegido, ese celes que la mira de forma extra��a y el cual está lleno de vendajes, es Noah, el muchacho que vivía con ella en el orfanato. Mas Noah, en ese preciso instante, no solamente no es el mismo, sino que rompe algo que había sido demasiado preciado para Blue con el único propósito de herirla. Aunque el verdadero problema de Blue vendrá cuando sus poderes oscuros se manifiesten y ponga en peligro a sus compañeros de clase.
Prosiguiendo con el camino de Blue dentro del Reino de Quartz, Bomhat nos traslada a la Academia Militar Helio, el lugar donde un celes puede llegar a ser un ángel, así como la articulación interna de la iglesia y una antigua profecía que parece estar ligada al destino de Blue y al porqué de sus alas negras.
Podéis leer la reseña completa en mi blog:
https://unabibliotecaentremundos.blog...
Pero eso no es lo más sorprendente, sino que el campeón elegido, ese celes que la mira de forma extra��a y el cual está lleno de vendajes, es Noah, el muchacho que vivía con ella en el orfanato. Mas Noah, en ese preciso instante, no solamente no es el mismo, sino que rompe algo que había sido demasiado preciado para Blue con el único propósito de herirla. Aunque el verdadero problema de Blue vendrá cuando sus poderes oscuros se manifiesten y ponga en peligro a sus compañeros de clase.
Prosiguiendo con el camino de Blue dentro del Reino de Quartz, Bomhat nos traslada a la Academia Militar Helio, el lugar donde un celes puede llegar a ser un ángel, así como la articulación interna de la iglesia y una antigua profecía que parece estar ligada al destino de Blue y al porqué de sus alas negras.
Podéis leer la reseña completa en mi blog:
https://unabibliotecaentremundos.blog...
January 30, 2025
There are so many characters. Few are distinct and the reader isn't given time to build a connection with anyone except Blue. I really can't tell how old Blue is. She comes off twee and naive, though her life should have roughened her perspective more.
The number of plot threads in this volume 2 is ridiculous. It is a fast read, but I ended this volume grumpy that the story moved so quickly that I couldn't make sense of anything. It feels like this author is insecure in their storytelling abilities because they are rushing through plot and characters so fast that nothing is given time to breathe - or make an impact.
It ends on an interesting cliffhanger. I'll give it one more volume to see if the author can settle into the story. There are plenty of good ideas - now they just need to be artfully executed.
The number of plot threads in this volume 2 is ridiculous. It is a fast read, but I ended this volume grumpy that the story moved so quickly that I couldn't make sense of anything. It feels like this author is insecure in their storytelling abilities because they are rushing through plot and characters so fast that nothing is given time to breathe - or make an impact.
It ends on an interesting cliffhanger. I'll give it one more volume to see if the author can settle into the story. There are plenty of good ideas - now they just need to be artfully executed.
October 5, 2024
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Blue begins studying at the Helios Training Academy but continues to have difficulty as an outcast with black wings. Prince Cassian constantly ignores her in public and downplays their familiarity, which makes her question if she should be at the Academy. Nevertheless, Blue holds tight to her dream of being an archangel. She crosses swords with Archangel Steele in a test and even meets Steele’s sworn soul partner. Blue makes a new friend and reconnects with an old one, and Prince Cassian finally reveals to her an age-old prophecy that has her tangled in the fate of the kingdom.
The second volume has some more world-building by introducing a few more kingdoms and giving some background on why Blue might be special. We're also introduced to a few more characters and reunited with some from volume one, but not in the way Blue wanted to be. The narration jumps around a bit roughly and gives this volume a slight disjointed feel, unlike the first volume’s smooth storytelling. This is still an enjoyable volume to read and is akin to Witch Hat Atelier in its beautiful illustrative detail and A Girl from the Other Side in its dark atmosphere.
There is some violence and a bit of bloodshed on the page, but the first two volumes so far could be fine for younger audiences. Kodansha rates this for teen, so it might get more violent or more serious in future volumes. This might be one to buy volume-by-volume as reviews become available.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 6-12
Blue begins studying at the Helios Training Academy but continues to have difficulty as an outcast with black wings. Prince Cassian constantly ignores her in public and downplays their familiarity, which makes her question if she should be at the Academy. Nevertheless, Blue holds tight to her dream of being an archangel. She crosses swords with Archangel Steele in a test and even meets Steele’s sworn soul partner. Blue makes a new friend and reconnects with an old one, and Prince Cassian finally reveals to her an age-old prophecy that has her tangled in the fate of the kingdom.
The second volume has some more world-building by introducing a few more kingdoms and giving some background on why Blue might be special. We're also introduced to a few more characters and reunited with some from volume one, but not in the way Blue wanted to be. The narration jumps around a bit roughly and gives this volume a slight disjointed feel, unlike the first volume’s smooth storytelling. This is still an enjoyable volume to read and is akin to Witch Hat Atelier in its beautiful illustrative detail and A Girl from the Other Side in its dark atmosphere.
There is some violence and a bit of bloodshed on the page, but the first two volumes so far could be fine for younger audiences. Kodansha rates this for teen, so it might get more violent or more serious in future volumes. This might be one to buy volume-by-volume as reviews become available.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 6-12
July 22, 2024
Oh, how lovely that such a beautiful cloak has chosen to wrap itself around something so utterly and devastatingly... horrific.
There are so many truly intriguing things happening in this manga. It is so unlike anything I have read before, but in a way that is unerringly familiar and cosmically definitive.
Also, sapphic angels 💖
There are so many truly intriguing things happening in this manga. It is so unlike anything I have read before, but in a way that is unerringly familiar and cosmically definitive.
Also, sapphic angels 💖
August 26, 2025
It's good, I'm still trying to figure out where this stands in terms of the story. It's got really pretty pictures and as someone who enjoys the cosmic horror/divine horror genre, it's hard to find GOOD series, you know what I mean? 5 stars since it's decently written, but I'm still on the fence as to whether it's a "good" cosmic horror.
January 1, 2026
Seguimos con la trama d Blue empezando en la academia, conociendo pjs nuevos, puestos y jerarquías. Va MUY rápido todo pero está siendo interesantísimo.
El final de este tomo te hace desear seguir leyendo!!! 😍 Y sale Barcelona en una portada!🤣
(la portada está mal en esta app...)
El final de este tomo te hace desear seguir leyendo!!! 😍 Y sale Barcelona en una portada!🤣
(la portada está mal en esta app...)
August 1, 2024
im telling you, this is my shit. i havent enjoyed a manga like this in so long. god, where do i find more like this :')
November 7, 2024
We've got more world-building in this second volume, the art is lovely, and the pacing is awkward. There's potential...will need the next volume to see if the story settles down a little.
January 20, 2025
Whaaaat????
January 21, 2025
Damn, what a cliffhanger at the end.
Bu honestly the art in this series is a feast for the eyes!
Bu honestly the art in this series is a feast for the eyes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2025
The art is so majestic- but I feeling iffy about the prince 😐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2025
I mean the prince has had his moments where he seems untrustworthy so not surprised but I mean it doesn't mean it'll happen... Right?
July 19, 2025
ella un poco pesada y pedante
solo quiero abrazar a killian 🥹
solo quiero abrazar a killian 🥹
August 30, 2025
The intrigues mount! Is the prince just using Blue, or is she a freak to laugh at?
November 22, 2025
The way this series is unfolding gives me the impression that we're going for a much more fascinating story that what was suggested in the first volume, and I am Here For It.
January 2, 2026
The drawings and the atmosphere are simply chef's kiss.
January 13, 2026
It's a great follow-up volume.
February 7, 2026
Mmhhh...troppi misteri e sinceramente non mi fiderei di nessuno, nemmeno del principe. Anzi è proprio il più sospetto!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews