The Tale of the Obsidian Maze

Rune #2

by Carlos Sánchez

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Juan Manuel Sarmiento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siempre es un placer volver a las coloridas tierras de Runas y el año de espera ha merecido la pena.
Me gusta cuando historias aparentemente para niños tocan temas tan importantes como la salud mental, la representación, la amistad y la familia encontrada y no temen usar héroes que escapan del molde.
Necesito ya la tercera parte

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is remarkable

[Julia Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful adventure in this gorgeously illustrated series! I will never tire of soaking up the little details on every page, with gorgeous settings and adorable characters.

[Lucy Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this sequel. Continues to look beautiful with a unique colour palette and blend of tones throughout the story. The adventure they set off on in this chapter is paced well and has left me needing to see what happens next! Truly a lovely world to lose yourself in.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Looking forward to reading more soon.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite MG graphic novel series besides Lightfall.

[p33€3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

cheff kiss esto es perfecto

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rune: The Tale of the Obsidian Maze (Book 2) by Carlos Sánchez.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to return to Puddin’!

Rune fans, fear not: this second book in the series is just as incredible as the first!

The book opens with a brief re-intro to our heroes and a reminder about the use of/representation of sign language in the book. Then, we plunge into the murky back story, which gives more context about the dark forces at large in Puddin’.

Meanwhile…in Puddin’, all seems well. Over tea with Babcia, we soon see Sophie and Lis’s relationship is back on track; Dai and Chiri are like old members of this slightly dysfunctional family; there are still plenty of baked goods on offer; and Boniato is as adorable as ever. More crucially, the Shadow King is still safely stoppered in his bottle. But when terror erupts at the Fall Festival, and a strange invitation is delivered, Chiri and Dai’s quirky circle of friends must come together again to face another perilous quest to find the mysterious Obsidian Maze. The Shadow King offers to be their guide but does he have a nefarious trick up his bottle neck?

I just love this series. The characters are quirky and delightful, and defy expectations. They encourage each other with kindness and lift each other up. I love all the goodies but I admit I also have a soft spot for the Shadow King, who is just as quirky and way too sassy for a spirit in a flask! My pillow goat appreciation has grown even more: there’s plenty here to satisfy the Pillow Goat Fan Club!
There are cute scenes amongst the friends, high-action, gory fight scenes, heart-felt moments and some big laughs. What more could you want.

I can’t wait to introduce my new class to this series! They’ll love it & I’m going to to get them deciphering some runes using the codex from book 1.

It you haven’t got into this series yet, DO IT! You will not regret it.

8+

[Isaac Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

BANGER! 📣

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous. Finished too quickly.

I can't wait for more volumes

[Mercè · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quines ganes tenia de llegir-lo! Segueixo enamorada de l'univers, el seu disseny i els seus colors. Tot i així, ara que em comença a baixar una mica el flaix inicial i ja tinc més vist el món, veig algunes cosetes que fallen. I també aquestes trames una mica massa sobtades i rebuscades pel meu gust (tot i que això ja entenc que és que a mi el gènere fantàstic em costa).

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiri and Dai have stayed in Puddin’, learning magic and the sword. They feel like it’s safe now that they captured the Shadow King in a bottle. But then some skeletons attack and bring them an invitation to the Obsidian Maze. The Darkness created two other Heralds other than the Shadow King, and one of them resides in the Obsidian Maze where the Darkness lies trapped in a crystal. The Midknight has challenged them to fight him. Chiri and Dai must face the obstacles of the maze, as well as the taunts from the Shadow King, to face the Midknight. But what if they are not strong enough to face the Darkness?

The continuation of the super cute fantasy-adventure mid-grade graphic novel. The characters are still fun, the world-building is excellent, and the artwork is still gorgeous! I really love how the characters build each other up and help each other out. Loved the expansion of the lore. Really curious to see what happens next.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHU LI SI MO

Me encanta tanto el estilo artístico y los colores 💖

ADORO los personajes. Necesito más.

[Nóra Ugron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute series, I think the cutest graphic novel series I have ever read. I love the images soo much and the characters are also so lovely. In this one the storyline was a bit more predictable but it is still super magical and fun. Cannot wait for the third part!

[Chloe Halstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I can’t believe it!! The ending!! It had me in tears! I don’t know how I’ll wait for the next one!

[Maggie Timlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the centre of an ancient maze lies a crystal of great power...

Chiri and Dai are still in the magical world of Puddin'. Chiri is fitting in really well, her sign language skills are helping her a lot. Dai is feeling a little less at home as of he doesn't have a role. Then an invitation arrives from the heart of the maze and adventure awaits.

I loved this book. It's a great continuation of book one. The stakes are getting higher and higher. I read it in no time and loved being back in this world. Special mention needs to go to the snarky bottled up Shadow King. He made me laugh out loud more than once.


Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book

[Alice magical library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The illustrations were gorgeous and the storyline was amazing!

In Chiri and Dai’s last adventure, they trapped the horrible Shadow King, and they thought that all was well. That was until they received an invitation to the Obsidian Maze. So, they and their magical companions go on an adventure to hunt down the next herald of darkness and defeat them as well. But, the question remains, will they be able to defeat the darkness? Or is it too strong for even them to handle…

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the first one, so I was glad to be transported back into this realm. The illustrations were absolutely magical, and the characters were (once again) amazing. However, I wish I had reread the first book beforehand just to rejog my memory, so that is what I shall be doing.
Otherwise, this book was brilliant, and I cannot wait for the third one to come out!

[Antonia Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of the Obsidian Maze is a gripping fantasy adventure filled with mystery, danger, and discovery. Rich world-building and high stakes pull readers into a journey where courage and cleverness are the only way forward.

[Gwenllian Jacobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read!! The colours and art style leave me feeling inspired to draw a comic myself😊🤩

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly detailed, full of enchanting illustrations and funny little easter eggs! Our favorite heroes come back with more yummy food and more pillowgoats. I loved it!