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The Rema Chronicles #2
Kingdom of Water
Tabby's adventures in the rich and captivating world of Rema continue!
Even though Rema's portals will no longer work for Tabby, she hasn't given up on finding a way back to her world. Her father's last words urge her to search for a lost geist prince, but the escalating hunt for geists means that Philip and the others are in more danger than ever. When Philip is apprehended, Tabby must expose the lost history of Rema and those that want to distort it. But the secrets of the geists, Tabby's father, and the ghost that haunts them threaten to overturn everything Tabby knows -- and change her relationship with Philip forever.
Even though Rema's portals will no longer work for Tabby, she hasn't given up on finding a way back to her world. Her father's last words urge her to search for a lost geist prince, but the escalating hunt for geists means that Philip and the others are in more danger than ever. When Philip is apprehended, Tabby must expose the lost history of Rema and those that want to distort it. But the secrets of the geists, Tabby's father, and the ghost that haunts them threaten to overturn everything Tabby knows -- and change her relationship with Philip forever.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2025
20 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Amy Kim
11 books156 followersAmy Kim is the author of The Rema Chronicles, Volume 1: Realm of the Blue Mist, which was named an American Library Association Best Graphic Novel for Children. She also created Sorcerers & Secretaries, a graphic novel duology, and many short stories, including an adaptation of Deep Trouble for Goosebumps: Terror Trips by R.L. Stine. Amy has been drawing in earnest since age ten and strives to tell stories that touch the heart, inspire the imagination, and pay homage to her roots in South Korea, New York City, and her childhood home of Upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 4, 2025
“I felt like I’d left half of myself behind that night, under that tree.”
Gloriously fantastic. A seamless continuation of the first installation in the series but with a darker and more complex tone.
The way this graphic novel consistently delivered on delving deeper into all aspects of the story was genuinely an incredible feat. Layered worldbuilding, threaded romance, peppered heartbreak.
And then there’s the romance, like a light feather that tickles you inside, but then it’s so cruelly ripped away. The exploration of the relationships were great and dynamically shown through action, confrontation, and backstory.
The tragic path paved out by the ending only promises more greatness to come, and I will certainly be eagerly awaiting what comes next…
Gloriously fantastic. A seamless continuation of the first installation in the series but with a darker and more complex tone.
The way this graphic novel consistently delivered on delving deeper into all aspects of the story was genuinely an incredible feat. Layered worldbuilding, threaded romance, peppered heartbreak.
And then there’s the romance, like a light feather that tickles you inside, but then it’s so cruelly ripped away. The exploration of the relationships were great and dynamically shown through action, confrontation, and backstory.
The tragic path paved out by the ending only promises more greatness to come, and I will certainly be eagerly awaiting what comes next…
January 4, 2026
It’s finally here
So I bought the first book when it came out and now after so so many years the second one is out and honestly
It was worth the wait
It blended in seamlessly with the first book
The characters actually had development which I was surprised about given she short period of time they have in the book to do so
And the plot twists actually landed well
I’d say I’m excited for the third
And I am
But it’ll be another 900 years before it comes out
🤣
So I bought the first book when it came out and now after so so many years the second one is out and honestly
It was worth the wait
It blended in seamlessly with the first book
The characters actually had development which I was surprised about given she short period of time they have in the book to do so
And the plot twists actually landed well
I’d say I’m excited for the third
And I am
But it’ll be another 900 years before it comes out
🤣
November 27, 2025
…
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
NO
Oh how I hate when my predictions come true
Why
Why
Why
Why did Philip have to be Cenri
Why
Why did Tabby and Cenri/Philip have to before ERES OF THE GODS??
I have to wait four years
Four
Whole
Years
AHHHHHHHHHHH
Anyway amazing book, highly recommend
edit: okay I just remembered her husband’s finale book came out between the release dates of Realm of the Blue Mist and Kingdom of Water so it may not be four years BUT STILL
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
NO
Oh how I hate when my predictions come true
Why
Why
Why
Why did Philip have to be Cenri
Why
Why did Tabby and Cenri/Philip have to before ERES OF THE GODS??
I have to wait four years
Four
Whole
Years
AHHHHHHHHHHH
Anyway amazing book, highly recommend
edit: okay I just remembered her husband’s finale book came out between the release dates of Realm of the Blue Mist and Kingdom of Water so it may not be four years BUT STILL
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 4, 2025See my full review here: https://yabookscentral.com/kingdom-of...
KINGDOM OF WATER is an enthralling installment in the middle grade fantasy graphic novel series, THE REMA CHRONICLES. Tabby is trapped in Rema without working portals to bring her back to her world. She is also haunted by the mission her father gave her to find the lost geist prince. As she works to find the geists, she must also uncover the hidden histories of Rema and bring them to light.
What I loved: This is such a lush and beautifully illustrated graphic novel. The images use different color palettes to match with the mood of each scene that really help to pull the reader into the story and its emotions. The characters are fantastically drawn and evocative, working along with the writing to really bring them to life. In terms of the plot, it is fast-paced and well-explained throughout Although there are a lot of speech bubbles, they are easily attributed and clear to follow along.
Tabby is a really compelling character, and it is easy to get caught up in her story. Along with the enchanting world-building in Rema, this is a consuming book that feels unputdownable. This is best suited for older middle grade and young YA readers, who will appreciate the romance (with a kiss shown on page), the scarier scenes, and the density of text. I am excited to see where this series will go next!
Final verdict: KINGDOM OF WATER is a consuming MG graphic novel fantasy that will keep readers engaged and excited for more! Recommend for older MG readers and young YA readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
KINGDOM OF WATER is an enthralling installment in the middle grade fantasy graphic novel series, THE REMA CHRONICLES. Tabby is trapped in Rema without working portals to bring her back to her world. She is also haunted by the mission her father gave her to find the lost geist prince. As she works to find the geists, she must also uncover the hidden histories of Rema and bring them to light.
What I loved: This is such a lush and beautifully illustrated graphic novel. The images use different color palettes to match with the mood of each scene that really help to pull the reader into the story and its emotions. The characters are fantastically drawn and evocative, working along with the writing to really bring them to life. In terms of the plot, it is fast-paced and well-explained throughout Although there are a lot of speech bubbles, they are easily attributed and clear to follow along.
Tabby is a really compelling character, and it is easy to get caught up in her story. Along with the enchanting world-building in Rema, this is a consuming book that feels unputdownable. This is best suited for older middle grade and young YA readers, who will appreciate the romance (with a kiss shown on page), the scarier scenes, and the density of text. I am excited to see where this series will go next!
Final verdict: KINGDOM OF WATER is a consuming MG graphic novel fantasy that will keep readers engaged and excited for more! Recommend for older MG readers and young YA readers.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
One of the best series/books I’ve ever read. Incredible depth, vivid detail, imaginative lore without losing the reader, and the charm between Tabby and Philip is overwhelmingly sweet. I look forward to seeing where this series ends up!
November 5, 2025
I felt like I got walloped with backstories. It was quite text-heavy for a graphic novel. But I did enjoy the slow burn between Tabby and Philip.
August 8, 2025
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! At first I was confused why all of a sudden Amy and Phillip's (or is that his name??👻) love mattered, but then.....it all worked out. No spoilers here. But trust me on this, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
September 29, 2025
It's admittedly been a minute since I read the first book, so I don't remember 100% of what happened in it beyond Tabby came from Earth and can't get back because portals only work for the inhabitants of Rema.
Also, that Philip is "exceptionally handsome," haha.
The quality of this volume is better than what I remember of the first book, as one might expect given art evolution,* but I think the fact it's book 2 makes it not as good as the first. Certainly, it would be a little confusing for completely new readers—I had and have a difficult time remembering what was significant about *General* Raed and some of the other minor characters.
It's still a good story, though! It just happens to fall more in the "great while reading it, otherwise out of sight, out of mind" category more than I might like. That's unfortunately going to happen more as I keep up my ridiculous reading challenge, mostly because there are so many books and I feel like, if I can only do one thing effectively, it would be to find good ones to recommend to others—if only because my mother-in-law has been asking for recommendations for the young reader in her care and I hate that I'm stumped more often than not.
I also have mixed feelings about the ending, since Tabby had an "out" to have her Amulet ending (vague spoiler) but obviously chose the opposite. More books for the series!
Recommended for fans of paranormal/magical adventures like Amulet, Zita the Spacegirl, Hilo, etc.!
*The reverse, art deterioration, tends to happen when the artist suffers from health issues or otherwise develops a style that looks uglier than before, but I haven't seen that as much.
Also, that Philip is "exceptionally handsome," haha.
The quality of this volume is better than what I remember of the first book, as one might expect given art evolution,* but I think the fact it's book 2 makes it not as good as the first. Certainly, it would be a little confusing for completely new readers—I had and have a difficult time remembering what was significant about *General* Raed and some of the other minor characters.
It's still a good story, though! It just happens to fall more in the "great while reading it, otherwise out of sight, out of mind" category more than I might like. That's unfortunately going to happen more as I keep up my ridiculous reading challenge, mostly because there are so many books and I feel like, if I can only do one thing effectively, it would be to find good ones to recommend to others—if only because my mother-in-law has been asking for recommendations for the young reader in her care and I hate that I'm stumped more often than not.
I also have mixed feelings about the ending, since Tabby had an "out" to have her Amulet ending (vague spoiler) but obviously chose the opposite. More books for the series!
Recommended for fans of paranormal/magical adventures like Amulet, Zita the Spacegirl, Hilo, etc.!
*The reverse, art deterioration, tends to happen when the artist suffers from health issues or otherwise develops a style that looks uglier than before, but I haven't seen that as much.
August 23, 2025
A Masterpiece of Art and Heart!!
The second book in The Rema Chronicles series certainly didn't disappoint—it met and exceeded my expectations! This graphic novel is a portal in and of itself, perfectly transporting the reader back to the fantastic magical world of Rema. Following Tabi on this next segment of her adventure was exciting and full of emotion. It was so rewarding to watch this underdog "earthling" grow into something much more. Without giving away any spoilers, her journey is compelling and a powerful example of perseverance.
In this installment, we also get a much deeper understanding of the character Philip. The story dives into his background, revealing who he is deep down -in more ways than the reader knows. Because of this deeper look, I found myself forming a closer connection to him, which made the story even more engaging.
Hands down, my favorite part of this graphic novel is the artwork. Amy Kim illustrations are colorful, entrancing, and exciting. At times, I truly felt like the art came to life, pulling me right into the action of the story. I was fully immersed in every panel.
Fans of Amulet and The Legend of Zelda are sure to enjoy this graphic novel. While I appreciate being able to come back to my own world, I absolutely look forward to visiting Rema again in a hopeful third book in the series.
The second book in The Rema Chronicles series certainly didn't disappoint—it met and exceeded my expectations! This graphic novel is a portal in and of itself, perfectly transporting the reader back to the fantastic magical world of Rema. Following Tabi on this next segment of her adventure was exciting and full of emotion. It was so rewarding to watch this underdog "earthling" grow into something much more. Without giving away any spoilers, her journey is compelling and a powerful example of perseverance.
In this installment, we also get a much deeper understanding of the character Philip. The story dives into his background, revealing who he is deep down -in more ways than the reader knows. Because of this deeper look, I found myself forming a closer connection to him, which made the story even more engaging.
Hands down, my favorite part of this graphic novel is the artwork. Amy Kim illustrations are colorful, entrancing, and exciting. At times, I truly felt like the art came to life, pulling me right into the action of the story. I was fully immersed in every panel.
Fans of Amulet and The Legend of Zelda are sure to enjoy this graphic novel. While I appreciate being able to come back to my own world, I absolutely look forward to visiting Rema again in a hopeful third book in the series.
August 13, 2025
Thanks to Rosie at Scholastic for this copy which is out tomorrow, 14th August.
I'm at a bit of a disadvantage having not read book 1, but was ok.
Tabby followed a messenger through a portal to another world, Rema, whilst looking for her father, but they haven't been able to find a way to get her back through the portal. Her mother is told where she is and that she is safe. She is very sad. Tabby's dad was obsessed with Rema and disappeared but now Tabby has gone too.
Tabby's father was experimenting on the people of Rema. Prince Cenri was one of those experiments - but the others all died why did Cenri survive and how did he die? And what happened to Tabby's father? Tabby has to gain teh trust of some of her new friends to start piecing together the puzzles.
The children at school will love this. Any graphic novel is jumped on immediately.
I'm at a bit of a disadvantage having not read book 1, but was ok.
Tabby followed a messenger through a portal to another world, Rema, whilst looking for her father, but they haven't been able to find a way to get her back through the portal. Her mother is told where she is and that she is safe. She is very sad. Tabby's dad was obsessed with Rema and disappeared but now Tabby has gone too.
Tabby's father was experimenting on the people of Rema. Prince Cenri was one of those experiments - but the others all died why did Cenri survive and how did he die? And what happened to Tabby's father? Tabby has to gain teh trust of some of her new friends to start piecing together the puzzles.
The children at school will love this. Any graphic novel is jumped on immediately.
November 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I had forgotten so much from the first book (there's some recap toward the end, but the story could have benefited from it closer to the beginning). Everything was heading toward a conclusion before the story twisted into what will be the next book.
There is A LOT of text exposition, but hopefully the lore is out of the way now. Characters fall in love quickly, but it's cute.
This gives me the gooey feelings of a shoujo manga with the sprinkles of a 2000s action show. I really, really try not to lean on comparison, but this was giving me some Spirited Away vibes (Haku? Is that you?). But I mean that lovingly. c:
There is A LOT of text exposition, but hopefully the lore is out of the way now. Characters fall in love quickly, but it's cute.
This gives me the gooey feelings of a shoujo manga with the sprinkles of a 2000s action show. I really, really try not to lean on comparison, but this was giving me some Spirited Away vibes (Haku? Is that you?). But I mean that lovingly. c:
August 6, 2025
4.5 ⭐
This was an amazing book, beautiful art. Nice storyline. Not too many words. Not too many pictures. It's the perfect balance. I have waited for this book for about 2 years now. I was so glad when I heard it was coming out. some of this book did not make sense and it could have been worded better, otherwise it was pretty good.
Also the scene where tabby sees the future and then her and Philip kiss, was meant to be. 😁
This was an amazing book, beautiful art. Nice storyline. Not too many words. Not too many pictures. It's the perfect balance. I have waited for this book for about 2 years now. I was so glad when I heard it was coming out. some of this book did not make sense and it could have been worded better, otherwise it was pretty good.
Also the scene where tabby sees the future and then her and Philip kiss, was meant to be. 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
Was very excited to see the second (YA) book finally out in this series, as I loved the first one! However we don’t own the first so I couldn’t do a refresher before reading this one and found it really hard to follow — lots of politics and people double crossing etc and I couldn’t keep straight who was who and who was too and who was bad or maybe not bad. Would def recommend a reread before diving in!
February 6, 2026
Shortly before his death, Tabby's father requested her to look for the Geist prince, Cenri Helvir. Amidst, a ceremony, a Geist attack happens and Phillip is arrested. Tabby must look for the lost prince's history in order to discredit Phillip's captors.
The book was a great sequel and added much more world building to Rema. Loved the illustrations and new lore. I am eagerly waiting for the third book!
The book was a great sequel and added much more world building to Rema. Loved the illustrations and new lore. I am eagerly waiting for the third book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I’ve never written a review before, but here goes nothing. Ever since reading the first book, I was dying for a sequel. Now after reading it, I was not emotionally prepared for what Tabby would become. Reaching the ending I thought it was end on a high note still did, however I was absolutely wrecked with what Tabby must do. Overall this book was amazing and I can’t wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
This series is quickly becoming a favorite and hard to put down.
In this sequel, there are a lot of surprises revealed and there's certainly some interesting twists that I didn't see coming.
The artwork is amazing and really enhances the story. Looking forward to continuing on with the next book whenever it is published!
Trigger warnings: death, attempted murder, murder, manipulation
In this sequel, there are a lot of surprises revealed and there's certainly some interesting twists that I didn't see coming.
The artwork is amazing and really enhances the story. Looking forward to continuing on with the next book whenever it is published!
Trigger warnings: death, attempted murder, murder, manipulation
December 10, 2025
The plot twist is incredibly predictable, and there was a time jump that felt unnecessarily long towards the end. However, I really like Tabby and how much compassion she has for the people around her. The world building is much the same as the first, if you liked it before I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book. I have my problems with the storytelling but it still makes for a cute read.
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December 31, 2025Really unusual storytelling for MG, which is much appreciated! Tabby Simon continues to look for her place in Rema (or on Earth with her mother) and how she fits into Cerey's deadly politics, religious and magic systems. Some young readers will particularly appreciate the (age-appropriate) romantic subplot. Re-starting the clock for the next installment.
September 20, 2025
AMAZING!!!!!!
It. Was. Awesome. The theme is amazing. The story flows and it has any reader on the edge of a seat pulled into the world of Rema. Personally, I am anxious for the third book. I cannot wait!!
It. Was. Awesome. The theme is amazing. The story flows and it has any reader on the edge of a seat pulled into the world of Rema. Personally, I am anxious for the third book. I cannot wait!!
October 3, 2025
This review is brought to you by mostly onomatopoeia. Enjoy!
Okay. Ooooh. Awww! Is he? Uh-oh! I knew it! No! Yes! No, No, No!!! When's the next book?
That was a review mostly with onomatopoeia. Thank-you!
Okay. Ooooh. Awww! Is he? Uh-oh! I knew it! No! Yes! No, No, No!!! When's the next book?
That was a review mostly with onomatopoeia. Thank-you!
October 30, 2025
In the second book in the series, Tabby is still working on finding a way back to earth while learning more about the world that is her temporary home. This series is beautifully illustrated and very intriguing.
October 31, 2025
It's crazy to think this children's book can keep me so hooked. Didn't expect any of the twists or the ending. Mini spoiler: super sad she didn't go home but also super excited for what she will do now that she is a God! Shit is about to get real and I am here for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2026
Hol a tobbi rész???? Miért??? Mikor tudom meg mi történik? Mi ez a vég????? Ugyanúgy varázslatos volt és 5/5⭐️ DE HOL A TÖBBI???
Where is the rest???? Why??? When will I know what happens? What is this ending????? It was just as magical and 5/5⭐️ BUT WHERE IS THE REST???
Where is the rest???? Why??? When will I know what happens? What is this ending????? It was just as magical and 5/5⭐️ BUT WHERE IS THE REST???
August 12, 2025
Love this YA fantasy graphic novel series! The story is fun and angsty and the illustrations are so vibrant.
September 4, 2025
Getting tired of the whole “gods and their avatars” trend.
November 15, 2025
Love this series!
December 27, 2025
Another beautiful chronicle from Amy Kim. Her artwork is beautiful and the story is amazing. It sounds like there will be more coming and I am so looking forward to it!
January 6, 2026
As with the first volume, I really liked it! I love the author’s creativity and the alienness of the world. The only problem is that the series is not all out yet and I need to keep reading it!
January 18, 2026
Utterly intriguing. I can't wait to read the next volume.
January 18, 2026
THIS WAS PEAKKKKKKK
I low-key think this will be the fandom I'm gonna be hyperfixated on for a few months now!
I low-key think this will be the fandom I'm gonna be hyperfixated on for a few months now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews