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Sera & The Royal Stars #2
Sera and the Royal Stars Vol. 2
With the light of the Royal Stars nearing their end, a hidden power inside Sera is unleashed, leaving her forever changed. Battered and brokenhearted, Sera must find it within herself to wield a forbidden weapon and lead her companions in a final showdown against the stars of Draco.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 27, 2021
This second volume wasn't as compelling as the first. It was all about tying up loose ends. The locations kept shifting without really explaining what was going on. Still, Audrey Mok's art was fantastic and it's still a decent fantasy comic.
Received a review copy from Vault Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Vault Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
February 15, 2021
I received an eARC copy from Diamond Book Distributors and Vault Comics via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I first received this eARC and read it, and then started reading the first volume. I know, I know - I read it backwards. But hey, why not? I still LOVED the story, even though I read it like that (more fun)!
The first volume of Sera and the Royal Stars is magnificent, and the second volume is nothing shy of that. Sera continues her quest, determined to save her people and the world from the destruction and fights against the stars of Draco.
I loved the mythological elements in the story, especially the graphic representation of the Seven Sisters.
Sera grew in this volume, as a powerful leading heroine, in so many aspects. She accepted and overcome her battle within herself, unleashing it for the greater good and, with it, fought and won the ultimate battle. Her companions were always there, shoulder to shoulder, to support her and fight with her, no matter the consequences.
The artwork of this graphic novel is stunning (see the images shared above). All the features (the sharp lines, the rich and harmonious colours, the characters' facial expressions, the expressive details, the shades of colours) combined radiate a powerful and inviting message, as strong as the story itself.
However, as a reader, I do not want Sera's story to come to an end...
I strongly recommend reading about Sera and her victory!
I first received this eARC and read it, and then started reading the first volume. I know, I know - I read it backwards. But hey, why not? I still LOVED the story, even though I read it like that (more fun)!
The first volume of Sera and the Royal Stars is magnificent, and the second volume is nothing shy of that. Sera continues her quest, determined to save her people and the world from the destruction and fights against the stars of Draco.
I loved the mythological elements in the story, especially the graphic representation of the Seven Sisters.
Sera grew in this volume, as a powerful leading heroine, in so many aspects. She accepted and overcome her battle within herself, unleashing it for the greater good and, with it, fought and won the ultimate battle. Her companions were always there, shoulder to shoulder, to support her and fight with her, no matter the consequences.
The artwork of this graphic novel is stunning (see the images shared above). All the features (the sharp lines, the rich and harmonious colours, the characters' facial expressions, the expressive details, the shades of colours) combined radiate a powerful and inviting message, as strong as the story itself.
However, as a reader, I do not want Sera's story to come to an end...
I strongly recommend reading about Sera and her victory!
February 24, 2021
“Life is a series of choices, some good, some bad, but choices nonetheless. At least, that’s what I used to think. The closer I find myself to the eternal, the hazier it all seems. Do our choices really matter or are we simply pulled by the strings of fate?”
It’s only gotten better. Fortunately, the questions I had in the previous volume have been answered and we get to see Sera and the Royal Stars once again. Truth is, she cannot remain still and whether is fate or a mere casualty, she’s bound to these eternal stars.
On the other hand, Sera’s younger sister finds out that their mother was captured and thanks to an older relative, they get out of prison and try to get back to their home town. They meet Sera along the way and then, they fight against the Draconi stars, who believed humans have to pay for their disrespect, their lack of faith.
Previously, the Royal Stars meet with The Seven Sisters of Pleiades, who cannot take action in the battle but who share important information: for them to stop the evil stars from consuming the world, they will have to kill them with a special weapon. But, you see, killing a star means might be led to killing more innocent lives (think of it as a black hole) and at the end, they’ll have to live with the consequences.
Anyway, I fully enjoyed this volume and I just love how diverse all characters are: the humans, the stars, even the bad guys. Antares is still my fav character and the interactions of the Royal Stars make me laugh a lot. I like that we get to see a full cast of powerful female characters, plus, there were entire pages that took my breath away.
Both the story and the art complement each other and I cannot wait to read the third volume!
I received an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review via Diamond Comic Distributors.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Volume 1
It’s only gotten better. Fortunately, the questions I had in the previous volume have been answered and we get to see Sera and the Royal Stars once again. Truth is, she cannot remain still and whether is fate or a mere casualty, she’s bound to these eternal stars.
On the other hand, Sera’s younger sister finds out that their mother was captured and thanks to an older relative, they get out of prison and try to get back to their home town. They meet Sera along the way and then, they fight against the Draconi stars, who believed humans have to pay for their disrespect, their lack of faith.
Previously, the Royal Stars meet with The Seven Sisters of Pleiades, who cannot take action in the battle but who share important information: for them to stop the evil stars from consuming the world, they will have to kill them with a special weapon. But, you see, killing a star means might be led to killing more innocent lives (think of it as a black hole) and at the end, they’ll have to live with the consequences.
Anyway, I fully enjoyed this volume and I just love how diverse all characters are: the humans, the stars, even the bad guys. Antares is still my fav character and the interactions of the Royal Stars make me laugh a lot. I like that we get to see a full cast of powerful female characters, plus, there were entire pages that took my breath away.
Both the story and the art complement each other and I cannot wait to read the third volume!
I received an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review via Diamond Comic Distributors.
PREVIOUS REVIEWS:
Volume 1
August 7, 2021
Excellent finish to an original and well done story
March 24, 2021
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This volume 2 nicely finishes Sera's arc: her quest to defeat the dragon twins and restore the constellations to the heavens. Although perhaps not as tight as the first volume (and missing the more interesting Middle Eastern/North African cultural and mythology references) it is still a satisfying read with plenty of adventure and action.Story: Sera must find a way to break the curses placed on the constellations and the great tree; what she soon discovers is that only the dragon twins' deaths will restore her world. But the immortals are ambivalent and loathe to fight each other, even if it means the death of humanity. Sera must venture out and find the one immortal who killed another - and seek the means to do so from her. But the price paid for that act was heavy and Sera may not have the will or the power to complete her quest and save her world.
I really have to stress again how much this reminded me of The Legend of Korra. We have a strong female lead who is headstrong, makes some mistakes in her enthusiasm, but is also family oriented and very powerful. Instead of Asian-based mythology, we have many ancient middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures as the inspiration. It makes for a great read and something different than we usually see. I think this translates very well to the same audience.
If I have a quibble it's that the villains were kind of silly. They looked and acted more like Team Rocket from Pokemon than immortals with great power. There was a lot of 'mustache twirling' and dramatic speeches that honestly were just silly. I greatly missed the nuanced villains of Avatar and Korra in that regard and tended to skip over the dragon twin scenes as a result.
The story flows smoothly, the characters are interesting, and we have a nice conclusion to Sera's arc. At the end, there is enough leeway that the story can continue in future volumes. But for now, a great ending to the series. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
May 27, 2021
1st of all after reading this book i got regrets, lots and lots of them. that how could i miss the chance to get the 1st book. i need the next book right now.
the female characters are badass, just the way i love them. damn the women, their prowess, their guts and the fighting skill.
the hero, the villain, the stars, even the mom and sister, all are bomb. i wanna live in that world. be one of them.
damn the entry of the seven sisters, the legends are good but the star who took the blame and did the sacrifice, she is fierce, but the twin villains are troublemakers, and when they turn. when draco turn into dragons was an epic page.
i got the ebook but im dying to get my hands on a paperback copy of it.
I loved the mythological elements in the story, especially the graphic representation of the Seven Sisters. normally with seven characters as sisters its difficult to represent them distinctly, but that was an element that made me took a screenshot of it.
Sera grew in this volume, as a powerful leading heroine, in so many aspects. She accepted and overcome her battle within herself, unleashing it for the greater good and, with it, fought and won the ultimate battle. Her companions were always there, shoulder to shoulder, to support her and fight with her, no matter the consequences.
•Character development- 4☆
• Story Plot- 3☆
• Side characters- 4.5☆
• Flow of the story- 4☆
• Overall - 4☆
the female characters are badass, just the way i love them. damn the women, their prowess, their guts and the fighting skill.
the hero, the villain, the stars, even the mom and sister, all are bomb. i wanna live in that world. be one of them.
damn the entry of the seven sisters, the legends are good but the star who took the blame and did the sacrifice, she is fierce, but the twin villains are troublemakers, and when they turn. when draco turn into dragons was an epic page.
i got the ebook but im dying to get my hands on a paperback copy of it.
I loved the mythological elements in the story, especially the graphic representation of the Seven Sisters. normally with seven characters as sisters its difficult to represent them distinctly, but that was an element that made me took a screenshot of it.
Sera grew in this volume, as a powerful leading heroine, in so many aspects. She accepted and overcome her battle within herself, unleashing it for the greater good and, with it, fought and won the ultimate battle. Her companions were always there, shoulder to shoulder, to support her and fight with her, no matter the consequences.
•Character development- 4☆
• Story Plot- 3☆
• Side characters- 4.5☆
• Flow of the story- 4☆
• Overall - 4☆
February 6, 2021
This volume ties up loose ends, and I found it satisfying, if not earth shattering. The story in this installment towards more towards the mythical, and the art portrays the epic nature of the quest. I enjoyed seeing the daughters of Parsa reunite. This volume leaves the possibility for an another ongoing/spinoff series. I think that it would be fun to see the adventures and mischief that the daughters of Parsa could get up to in their alluded-to travels.
Note: This review is for an eARC
Note: This review is for an eARC
March 30, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
It's been awhile since I've read volume 1 but overall this seemed a lot more rushed and confusing. Looking back at my review for volume 1 I was apparently under the impression that this was set in our world and that the gods were parts of our different pantheons but in this book it's very clear that we're just in an entirely different world with entirely new gods. I really like a lot of the characters here and the art and designs are gorgeous but I just really never had a good sense of what was actually happening and I feel like the series could have really benefitted from slowing down and taking another volume before it reached its conclusion. There's some interesting stuff in here and it is a pretty quick read but ultimately I think there's better stuff out there.
It's been awhile since I've read volume 1 but overall this seemed a lot more rushed and confusing. Looking back at my review for volume 1 I was apparently under the impression that this was set in our world and that the gods were parts of our different pantheons but in this book it's very clear that we're just in an entirely different world with entirely new gods. I really like a lot of the characters here and the art and designs are gorgeous but I just really never had a good sense of what was actually happening and I feel like the series could have really benefitted from slowing down and taking another volume before it reached its conclusion. There's some interesting stuff in here and it is a pretty quick read but ultimately I think there's better stuff out there.
July 10, 2021
Such a creative story and wonderful art. Liked book 1 a bit better, but this was a worthy follow-up. Great for anyone mid-grade and up.
Sera's quest to break the curse binding the stars to Earth - and thus threatening Earth's existence - continues. But Sera must choose what sacrifices - friends, family, herself - she's willing to make to see this quest through.
Sera's quest to break the curse binding the stars to Earth - and thus threatening Earth's existence - continues. But Sera must choose what sacrifices - friends, family, herself - she's willing to make to see this quest through.
June 23, 2021
Last year I devoured the first volume of Sera and the Royal Stars, and I was so excited to get my hands on volume two. But although the art was just as beautiful, this time around the storytelling suffered. The plot felt incredibly disjointed to me, and at the same time, conflicts and problems were resolved incredibly quickly and simply. We're meant to feel that Sera and the other characters have struggled and strived to succeed, and I guess they have, but - not for very long?
Maybe this is normal for comics; I don't normally read them. Or maybe it would feel different if I'd read each issue individually and had to wait for the next, rather than reading them all at once in a collected volume. But for all that the ending was Hollywood-perfect, there was no true tension, and very little to emotionally engage with - even the deaths of two characters happened so quickly that I couldn't feel anything about them, especially since one character had just been introduced, so I hadn't had a chance to get to know them.
It was all very pat and simplified. Super disappointing, although as I said, the art is still beautiful, and I still adore the worldbuilding as well. But I would have been happier if this story were stretched over at least one more full volume, so there'd been room to add all the complexity missing here.
Maybe this is normal for comics; I don't normally read them. Or maybe it would feel different if I'd read each issue individually and had to wait for the next, rather than reading them all at once in a collected volume. But for all that the ending was Hollywood-perfect, there was no true tension, and very little to emotionally engage with - even the deaths of two characters happened so quickly that I couldn't feel anything about them, especially since one character had just been introduced, so I hadn't had a chance to get to know them.
It was all very pat and simplified. Super disappointing, although as I said, the art is still beautiful, and I still adore the worldbuilding as well. But I would have been happier if this story were stretched over at least one more full volume, so there'd been room to add all the complexity missing here.
May 4, 2021
Volume 2 picks up where volume 1 ends as Sera sets off on her journey to save the world from the Draconi stars. As with volume 1, the artwork is spectacular, using rich and vibrant colors to depict various landscapes and unique mythical figures drawn from middle eastern and north African folklore. As someone who hasn't read many stories drawing from these sources, this one was a real treat. The graphic novel medium serves this story very well in crafting a lush world full of magic and adventure.
In terms of the overall story, Sera's heroic journey is satisfying if a bit predictable. My main issue with this is that the pacing is off, moving too quickly to the point where I have a hard time connecting with characters even during their high emotional beats. The weight of their actions never really sank into me, because I knew exactly how the story would go.
Overall, an enjoyable and fantastical adventure story that brings something new to the table with its unique blend of art and source material.
In terms of the overall story, Sera's heroic journey is satisfying if a bit predictable. My main issue with this is that the pacing is off, moving too quickly to the point where I have a hard time connecting with characters even during their high emotional beats. The weight of their actions never really sank into me, because I knew exactly how the story would go.
Overall, an enjoyable and fantastical adventure story that brings something new to the table with its unique blend of art and source material.
March 8, 2023
Vol. 1 ★★★★☆
Vol. 2 ★★☆☆☆
While not as good as the first volume, I was mostly enjoying my return to this world--and especially to Mok's STUNNING artwork. However, I ended up being incredibly disappointed at the ending, for one particular reason: . The conclusion wrapped up too quickly and easily, which undermined the entire story in a way that I can't look past. Too bad.
TW: violence, death of loved ones
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
Vol. 2 ★★☆☆☆
While not as good as the first volume, I was mostly enjoying my return to this world--and especially to Mok's STUNNING artwork. However, I ended up being incredibly disappointed at the ending, for one particular reason: . The conclusion wrapped up too quickly and easily, which undermined the entire story in a way that I can't look past. Too bad.
TW: violence, death of loved ones
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
February 11, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
The second volume of Sera and the Royal Stars is quite a gripping sequel! Sera continues her quest to save her world from cosmic destruction against the stars of Draco. The story felt rushed, once again but I am coming to realize that graphic novels created from comic book series just have a different pacing to its storytelling. It was still highly captivating and had me engrossed until the end. I also very much enjoyed the fact that there were mostly strong females in this story and how they are the ones to ultimately save the world.
The second volume of Sera and the Royal Stars is quite a gripping sequel! Sera continues her quest to save her world from cosmic destruction against the stars of Draco. The story felt rushed, once again but I am coming to realize that graphic novels created from comic book series just have a different pacing to its storytelling. It was still highly captivating and had me engrossed until the end. I also very much enjoyed the fact that there were mostly strong females in this story and how they are the ones to ultimately save the world.
February 16, 2021
Rating 3.75
Volume 2 seemed to answer a lot of the questions we finished up Volume 1 with. I still feel like things could have been explained better, however I was satisfied with the answers. I love the magic system of the stars, each "Star" character relating to one of the zodiac signs (It was also really cool to see my star sign represented) and I wonder if we will see the rest of the zodiac signs in future volumes, or if this was the end of Sera's story.
Art was beautiful as always, and the story seemed more clear and consistent. I also enjoyed how there was no romantic interest within the story, this gave us time to focus on Sera, her family and her journey.
I received an e-copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Volume 2 seemed to answer a lot of the questions we finished up Volume 1 with. I still feel like things could have been explained better, however I was satisfied with the answers. I love the magic system of the stars, each "Star" character relating to one of the zodiac signs (It was also really cool to see my star sign represented) and I wonder if we will see the rest of the zodiac signs in future volumes, or if this was the end of Sera's story.
Art was beautiful as always, and the story seemed more clear and consistent. I also enjoyed how there was no romantic interest within the story, this gave us time to focus on Sera, her family and her journey.
I received an e-copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2021
I still enjoy this series and how it talks about belief in something bigger. Stars and their manifestations are practically gods; and like all gods, being forgotten drains them of power. As an astronomy nut, I enjoy how interpretations of a scientifically accurate creation model can be made. The way stars might just be lights from long ago and fade away is always on my mind whenever I hear things. It practically combines an epic myth with the mechanics made famous by Neil Gaiman in myth building.
The only problem is, the conflict ends a little too quickly for my tastes. Some of the battles including the last one, don't feel as impactful. Events just happen, as if happening at light speed. No time for characters to express their feelings near the end, things just happen.
The only problem is, the conflict ends a little too quickly for my tastes. Some of the battles including the last one, don't feel as impactful. Events just happen, as if happening at light speed. No time for characters to express their feelings near the end, things just happen.
March 6, 2021
ARC provided by Netgalley
First off, I loved the first one, I loved the art and I knew it was a beginning of a good story.
The second picked up from the first and the question the first volume poses this one has answered.
I loved this volume as much as I loved the first. It has lots of diverse characters from the main characters to the stars. The story I feel flows more in this one and compliments the art perfectly, which still manages to blow me away
I cant wait to read the third volume I will definitely be buy the second when it is out!
First off, I loved the first one, I loved the art and I knew it was a beginning of a good story.
The second picked up from the first and the question the first volume poses this one has answered.
I loved this volume as much as I loved the first. It has lots of diverse characters from the main characters to the stars. The story I feel flows more in this one and compliments the art perfectly, which still manages to blow me away
I cant wait to read the third volume I will definitely be buy the second when it is out!
February 24, 2021
This volume concludes the story of Sera and the Royal Stars. As with the first volume, I found the story rushed and confusing. The climax felt brief and not terribly satisfying, although that may have had to do with the fact I never really understood what was really going on at any point in the story. The full colour art is great - unfortunately the story itself just had too much going on for this format, in my opinion.
With thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the eARC.
With thanks to Netgalley and Diamond Book Distributors for the eARC.
March 1, 2021
Review submitted to Diamond Bookshelf for potential professional publication.
November 11, 2022
Great conclusion (although an antagonist vows vengeance, so there could and should be more volumes)
Want to read
April 8, 2021Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
March 25, 2021
Do you like She-Ra?
Do you like Girls with Swords?
Then this series is for you, no ifs, ands, or butts. The story and worldbuilding are incredibly interesting. As well as incredibly interesting bad-ass women.
Do you like Girls with Swords?
Then this series is for you, no ifs, ands, or butts. The story and worldbuilding are incredibly interesting. As well as incredibly interesting bad-ass women.
April 6, 2021
Sera and the Royal Stars is a story about taking back a world which is trying to be ruined. Sera's job is to fight the evil royal stars and save the world from ultimate destruction.
I read this volume without having read the first, and I was definitely confused here and there, but it was still an incredible read nonetheless. There were strong and diverse female leads who gave their all to saving their family.
There were some amazing quotes that I took away from this, one of them being: "The pain you feel doesn't go away. You just learn not to break every time it hits you." I love when there are little real world lessons in stories and this one had some sprinkled throughout.
I would definitely recommend this graphic novel to others, specifically people who like sci-fi, familial bonds, and the chosen one troupe.
As an overall bonus to the story, the illustrations were incredible! Color was used so well and really tied the whole story together. I will definitely be picking up volume one so that i can get the whole picture.
I read this volume without having read the first, and I was definitely confused here and there, but it was still an incredible read nonetheless. There were strong and diverse female leads who gave their all to saving their family.
There were some amazing quotes that I took away from this, one of them being: "The pain you feel doesn't go away. You just learn not to break every time it hits you." I love when there are little real world lessons in stories and this one had some sprinkled throughout.
I would definitely recommend this graphic novel to others, specifically people who like sci-fi, familial bonds, and the chosen one troupe.
As an overall bonus to the story, the illustrations were incredible! Color was used so well and really tied the whole story together. I will definitely be picking up volume one so that i can get the whole picture.
November 10, 2023
3.5⭐
A quick, fun fantasy graphic novel. Was well-wrapped up here.
Beautiful illustration.
A quick, fun fantasy graphic novel. Was well-wrapped up here.
Beautiful illustration.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews