Move It or Bruise It

Blood City Rollers #2

by V.P. Anderson, Tatiana Hill (Illustrator)

BCRD lives on!

Mina is ready to roll...but her new team is nowhere to be found. After a summer skating around town looking in every dark corner for the Blood City Rollers, Mina and her other human teammate Swan are finally reunited with their squad at an abandoned asylum. It's old, creepy, and has a basement full of zombies...perfect.

But if the asylum is going to be the new freaky forever home for the Vamps, they'll have to fight for it. A new team of outcast monsters are also looking for a new home, and the only solution to a turf war this bloodthirsty is a Sudden Death Scrimmage.

Mina just wants to help her team win, but she can't help but feel like she still has to prove she belongs. And when the competition with Swan heats up, she'll have to learn that being a teammate isn't about being the best player...it's about being the best friend.

Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Sports, Friendship, Paranormal, Vampires

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Liralen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Blood City Rollers are back at last. This second instalment finds Mina searching desperately for her missing team...who eventually show up with a new home, but also some complications.

These books are super cute, but I find the story a little lacking. I thought the same in book 1—I was so excited for the book (vampires playing roller derby? yes please), but I was left wanting a lot more detail. Why is derby the most important thing in these vampires' unlives? When they find a new place, they give themselves about eight hours to make it safe for vampires to sleep in during the day...and also to lay their new track. I want to know what the stakes are for these vampires, other than being able to say that they've won, and what they do with their time other than play derby.

There are one-time stakes for the match this book focuses on. I'm not sure I love the outcome—lots more new characters, but the books are short, and I already don't have a great handle on the existing characters (not enough time and space for significant character development).

Still fun, and I'll still eagerly read future books, but Roller Girl would be my go-to roller derby graphic novels.

[Amanda Szinte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will always love anything roller derby.

The art in this graphic novel was so good and I loved the story line. I think some parts were really rushed and I would’ve loved to see certain scenes play out more, but overall the message was sweet. I also wish the (not a) dog was more prevalent, I loved that little guy.

When I requested this from NetGalley, I did not realize it was #2 in a series, but I think they did a great job introducing the characters through dialogue so that I never felt lost reading it. I did immediately put a hold on Libby for the first book.

Ty NetGalley and Random House Children’s Book for early access:)

[Isaiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this book.

I was so excited when I got approved for this. I was hoping that it would be that book that really pushed the series forward. Created more depth, had more fun. The art was amazing and I enjoyed reading it. It just didn't really add anything to the series, outside of "what are zombies?" and then some friendship drama that was resolved so quickly. It didn't feel like it was a continuation of the first book or that those plots were really picked up again.

None of the emotional plots really played out enough. There was divorce, crushes, friend drama, the adoption plot, so much.

I am disappointed, but I will gladly give book three a shot. I just really want more depth.

[Megan Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one! I enjoyed the first one so much and this one really leaned on the themes of friendship and family, whether that’s blood or found. I really enjoyed it! I’m excited to see what happens next.

[Killian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been eagerly awaiting a follow up to Blood City Rollers, so I jumped on the chance to read this one. In seeking to tackle more of Mina's insecurities and the problems she's facing in her human life, this book does lose some of the fun and charm of the first. It seems to try to compensate with quippy side comments from a few characters, but I found that they lacked the humor that came in a similar from from side characters in the first book.

That's not to say it was bad or shouldn't try to tackle those topics - I still enjoyed the book and they're very real and believable issues for the character to face - but it felt like so much was packed in and then just accepted in a way that felt too neat, even for middle grade. The problems (and the solutions) lacked much in the way of depth, which I think came from trying to do so much in a relatively short book.

Not as good as the first, but I'll still be back for book 3.

3.75/5

Thank you to the creators, Random House Children's Books, and Netgalley for the ARC for review!

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5

🏳️‍🌈Rep: Several Queer, Nonbinary, and POC characters

📝Tropes/Themes: Roller Derby, Friendship, Paranormal, Belonging, Found Family,

I love this series so much! This second book, while similar in overall vibes and nature, went in a different direction than book 1. Mina was having a rough go of things in this story. Lots of stuff going on at home, feeling disconnected and out of sorts and a bit lost, struggling to find her place again after so much time away from her paranormal derby family. But I loved the introduction of the new characters - the resident spirit and whole backstory of the BCRD’s new home and the Wheelers (as well as those zombies…lol). I’m glad we got to see more of Bruise Wayne, too! And seeing some of Bella’s backstory and why she is the way she is. And I just love the whole theme of family and friendship and what it means. Super cute! Plus…it sounds like there will be more to come and I can’t wait!

My only minor gripe and why I didn’t like this one quite as much as the first is because I felt like Mina made one mistake but then had no one really coming to her side and was kind of left on her own with no support while she was clearly struggling (in life and derby). I don’t think she was the only one who wasn’t the best friend she could have been but it was all put on her. I was also hoping there would be more with her and Val like in the first book...fingers crossed for book three!

Thank you NetGalley and Labyrinth Road for the ARC!

⚠️TW/CW: bullying, minor violence, divorce, injury

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I would give it a 2.5 though, not a 3. Was it as good as the first book in the series, no. Was it still entertaining and fun, yes. The plot just wasn't there. Bella and Mina spent the first 20 pages looking for their supernatural roller derby teammates, who were forced to look for a new home. It is not a big town so not sure why they spent months doing it. The next 30 pages cleaning an asylum. They don't even have their first practice back together til 62. Then they immediately have to take part in a to the death showdown playing roller derby and they have 3 measly days to prepare. Not to mention Mina's inter turmoil over fighting with her best friend, dealing with her parents impending divorce AND still being hung up on feelings of not belonging. I'm sorry. You need more than three days to prepare for a roller derby game, human or supernatural. Also, Mina left her little brpther unattended a lot and all she had to do was make sure he had dinner. Irresponsible much amd the parents didn't even question where she was. Maybe being a parent gives me some perspective but, even being out of sorts, these parents lack of concern always concerning at best but negligent at worst. I wanted to read more about roller derby but got a lot more drama than I cared for. However, looking forward to the plot twist with the zombies for the next book.

[pineapple tofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this second roller derby adventure, thirteen-year-old Mina and her close friend Swan are searching for their undead friends, The Blood City Rollers, all summer long. When they finally reunite, the young vampires find an abandoned asylum to call their own. However, for human Mina, she feels like she needs to prove to everyone that she can fit in, too. When another monster crew comes to their turf, both parties decide to fight in a Sudden Death Scrimage for the asylum. What happens when family drama and friend drama mix for Mina? A scary roller derby, possible zombies, and the meaning behind found family.
In the second addition to this supernatural middle-grade graphic novel series, young Mina just wants to fit in. While I did find it slow in some parts, it was still otherwise engaging overall. And that ending? - Another volume, perhaps? And while Mina’s parents are dealing with a possible divorce, she wants to be part of the Blood City Rollers family, alongside Swan. Bright neon colors mix with historical background tidbits of some of the undead characters. Move It or Bruise It is another hilarious romp of roller derby.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood City Rollers is part of a series, and I didn’t read the first book. That turned out to be completely fine. I was satisfied with this story on its own, and it felt like a distinct adventure rather than something that depended too heavily on what came before.

That said, I did have a few questions that were clearly rooted in the earlier book. The author makes a real effort to reference past events when that context is helpful, which smooths things out, but you can still tell there’s more history lurking just off the page.

Even so, this definitely works as a standalone. I really liked the concept, and it stirred up a little nostalgia for my childhood in the best way. It was fun, full stop, and it left me wanting to read more from this series.

The illustrations were another highlight for me. They’re clean and easy to follow without feeling sparse or boring. The pages aren’t cluttered with unnecessary detail, but they also go beyond the bare minimum of character plus speech bubble. There’s personality and atmosphere in the art, and it complements the story nicely.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I’d happily pick up anything else set in this world.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in this graphic novel series was refreshingly delightful, filled with joy and positivity. This one, the second outing, is just as unique. Weaving in topics such as identity, found family, competitiveness as well as issues with which many readers will be familiar [family and friendship dynamics, and parental separation, for instance] through the lens of Mina, who reunites with members of the Blood City Rollers, a vampire roller derby team whose members are diverse in their gender identification. The team has taken over a former asylum and begun training. But she and her friend, Swan, have a bump in their relationship due to a misunderstanding and careless words. If most of the plot focuses on them and Bella, the vice-captain, leaving the other characters with less page time, it's clear that more is ahead for all of them, especially when considering that very last panel. This one is highly entertaining, containing witty remarks and some pathos. The characters' names and skating monikers add so much flavor to the story.

[Tabby Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that’s about finding your self, as well as your true family. Mina has a lot going wrong in her life despite finding BCR again. Things get hard, and she’ll need to learn to adapt and figure out what‘s worth fighting for.

This is a fun, cute story of what true family and friendship looks like even when all of one’s issues aren’t easily solvable. I think it felt like it glossed over what happened at the ending of the first book and left a couple of questions unanswered. I’m more than willing to wait for those answers to come up in the third book, though. Hopefully, they will. This is a journey I look forward to continuing.

3.75⭐s out of 5.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children’s Books for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The team has been missing for several moths after being kicked out if the mall. Mina and Sam are so worried about them. Plus they miss being part of the team.

Finally the Vamps and Bats show up and introduce Mina and Sam to their new hideout - an old asylum. Where they meet a ghost. A friendly, supportive ghost who is very encouraging and gives great advice.

But then The Wheelers invade - a group of NOMADS who want to take over the Asylum.

It is a jam to the finish!
And it's all about inclusiveness and finding your tribe. Not sure about those zombies though...

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read - loved this continuation of the series for all the fun roller derby action. There is a fun rivalry between vamps and zombies for who will get to take over an abandoned building, a very funny resident spirit, and the intersection of found family themes while going through struggles at home.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this more than the first in the series! I personally enjoyed that the main character had to learn some things about herself when I thought things came to easily for her in the first book

*This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Labyrinth Road publishing, the author, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book

I enjoyed seeing the character growth Mina went through in this book. I also enjoyed getting a little peek into one of the characters' backstories. It was nice to get an idea as to why she is the way she is. The artwork was awesome and I liked the introduction of the zombies. Can’t wait to see that explored in the future!

[Patti Sabik · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Cute graphic novel with an odd story and vibrant illustrations. The merging of vampires and roller derby wasn’t what I was expecting but it was an enjoyable read.

[Kaytlyn Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good as the first one :( way too short!

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but I preferred the first volume much more. The story felt more superficial. The characters were less in depth than volume one. It felt more like a short story than a full volume.

[Ali Suchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than volume one tbh. Definitely looking forward to the next book!

[Rowana the Banished · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’s just fun. Fun little story suitable for all ages. There is a lot of representation and educational bits mixed into the story (climate change!) but it feels organic. Short and sweet.

[Electroclan17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun middle grade series that has multiple species in it. Cool life lessons are taught in a way kids will gravitate towards.

[bookcookery]

The first installment of Blood City Rollers established an interesting world of supernatural roller derby players and their human jammers, while exploring themes of the crippling pressure to succeed and the fear of being left behind by friends. Unfortunately, the second installment does little to further expand or meaningfully explore either the world or these ideas.

I appreciated the inclusiveness of the cast, though the choice to use Cockney accents to evoke a Dickensian orphan feel for the NOMADS was questionable. But for a sports-themed story, the roller derby action (despite its inherent potential for spectacle and drama) adds surprisingly little in the way of excitement or character development to either installment.

The second installment feels largely unnecessary, with a particularly weak and clichéd plot. Scene selection is haphazard. Some important developments occur off-page, while others end abruptly without payoff. Bella's backstory was a highlight, but like much of the second installment, it feels underdeveloped. The parents are especially poorly handled, with paper-thin motivations and personalities. This was a slog to get through, reading like a weaker version of Angelica and the Bear Prince.

Thanks to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this to read and review.

I am always on the lookout for a new and cool graphic novel for me or my nieces and nephews to read in the future. This is definitely one I will be sharing with my nieces who I think will have a good time reading it.

I got this book without reading the first one so when I started it I was a little confused about what was going on. So I stopped reading and got the first one to read.

This book is about friendship, finding your place and supporting your friends. There are also fun bits of magic and creatures throughout and make the book a little more fun. I also really love the roller derby parts and think it would be so fun to try something like that out myself.

I can't wait to see where this series goes next.