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Verse #2
The Second Gate
The YA fantasy series continues with a dangerous and dark turn, while magic is on the move and fears are faced alone.
FACE THE MAGIC
THE BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF MAGIC HAS TAKEN ITS FIRST PRISONER.
Held captive by the leaders of a dangerous new movement, Neitya is forced to face a darker side of her abilities that threaten to tear her away from Fife, her only true friend. The only way back to one another may be to follow their destinies down divergent paths and discover what it means to face their worst fears alone.
Book 2 of the three-book original graphic novel fantasy series!
“Verse's rich drawings and colours beautifully illustrate a complicated, engaging fantasy world filled with sympathetic characters. I can't wait to learn more about them as their journey continues!" - Faith Erin Hicks
FACE THE MAGIC
THE BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF MAGIC HAS TAKEN ITS FIRST PRISONER.
Held captive by the leaders of a dangerous new movement, Neitya is forced to face a darker side of her abilities that threaten to tear her away from Fife, her only true friend. The only way back to one another may be to follow their destinies down divergent paths and discover what it means to face their worst fears alone.
Book 2 of the three-book original graphic novel fantasy series!
“Verse's rich drawings and colours beautifully illustrate a complicated, engaging fantasy world filled with sympathetic characters. I can't wait to learn more about them as their journey continues!" - Faith Erin Hicks
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
3 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Sam Beck
42 books45 followersSam Beck is a writer and illustrator living in Toronto, and the author of the fantasy trilogy VERSE. She has worked with publishers like Dark Horse and Vault Comics on multiple series spanning across science fiction, fantasy and horror. When she's not working on her comics, you can find her admiring the forests of northern Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 22, 2022
Sam….. if you see this….. please leak volume 3 to me.
The second entry in Verse built upon the first, which I loved, in every way. The art was incredible, though this time that wasn’t a surprise as I know what to expect from her. What DID surprise me was the fact that I may have possibly definitely shed a couple tears at one of the most poignant scenes I’ve read in comics to date. If you’re reading this review in 2022, here is your chance to get in on something really really special. I can see this blowing up once enough people get their hands on it, and I really hope it does.
Until then I will be annoying my friends until they read it.
Seriously, go to your local indie, buy it or request it, and read it. I love this shit SO much.
The second entry in Verse built upon the first, which I loved, in every way. The art was incredible, though this time that wasn’t a surprise as I know what to expect from her. What DID surprise me was the fact that I may have possibly definitely shed a couple tears at one of the most poignant scenes I’ve read in comics to date. If you’re reading this review in 2022, here is your chance to get in on something really really special. I can see this blowing up once enough people get their hands on it, and I really hope it does.
Until then I will be annoying my friends until they read it.
Seriously, go to your local indie, buy it or request it, and read it. I love this shit SO much.
September 7, 2022
So glad I finally got my hands on the physical copy of book two! It has been a minute since Beck has moved the story off the webcomic so it was like a fresh read for me!
The story grows in new ways, the characters each take unique journeys, and as always the art is just beautiful!
The story grows in new ways, the characters each take unique journeys, and as always the art is just beautiful!
September 1, 2022
3.5 love the art and the story is fascinating, but so many questions. I hope they are answered in the next book(s)
April 22, 2022
Verse world expands and the characters grow and I could not ask for a better journey. Reflective, tense, and and a long exhale, Verse's world is hard for me to leave. With refreshing characters, ancient vistas, and fresh ruins, I'm on the edge of my seat for where it takes me next.
September 10, 2022
REVIEW: Verse Book 2: The Second Gate, Sam Beck
RATING: 4/5 stars
I have finished four texts in 24 hours, but I have no regrets considering half of that population consisted of the Verse series! Wow, Book 2 was almost better than the first, and that is saying a lot! Even though I feel like some of the art remains muted from time to time and I can definitely see the author's cohesion fall somewhat as our lives were impacted by the coronavirus, I firmly believe many facets of this tale shine so brightly and uniquely. It's exceedingly rare that a book will make me audibly react, but I shrieked and gasped multiple times while flying through these pages.
The characters remain a focal point of the text with even grander arcs than the first installment could offer. I loved the introduction of Lahel and was genuinely shocked by the plot twist of his identity. I also loved the deeper dive into Azar and his remark that “If things don’t work out the way you want them to, that guilt is going to pull you down and drown you.” I do not have a physical disability by way of a missing limb, so I can't speak to that representation, but I interpreted it as extremely empowered and normalized at the same time. The characters' romantic relationships were sometimes a little much for me, but by and large, I was endeared. However, I think what stood out to me most in this book was the smooth way Branca and her cronies were handled. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time where the nuance of motive makes you really see and understand both sides at least to some degree. This was aided by their joining of camps at the end, but having Mags playing both sides without malice works wonders as well.
CAN WE ALSO TALK ABOUT THE WAY THE GATE ITSELF WAS ILLUSTRATED? Seeing it represented in panels and reflected with subtlety often near Mags was chilling and incredible and had me screaming. It's like it became its own character in a way.
I cannot wait until we get the final installment. There are few series that hook me as quickly and deeply as verse. I have a new love in the literary world and I am still reeling.
RATING: 4/5 stars
I have finished four texts in 24 hours, but I have no regrets considering half of that population consisted of the Verse series! Wow, Book 2 was almost better than the first, and that is saying a lot! Even though I feel like some of the art remains muted from time to time and I can definitely see the author's cohesion fall somewhat as our lives were impacted by the coronavirus, I firmly believe many facets of this tale shine so brightly and uniquely. It's exceedingly rare that a book will make me audibly react, but I shrieked and gasped multiple times while flying through these pages.
The characters remain a focal point of the text with even grander arcs than the first installment could offer. I loved the introduction of Lahel and was genuinely shocked by the plot twist of his identity. I also loved the deeper dive into Azar and his remark that “If things don’t work out the way you want them to, that guilt is going to pull you down and drown you.” I do not have a physical disability by way of a missing limb, so I can't speak to that representation, but I interpreted it as extremely empowered and normalized at the same time. The characters' romantic relationships were sometimes a little much for me, but by and large, I was endeared. However, I think what stood out to me most in this book was the smooth way Branca and her cronies were handled. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time where the nuance of motive makes you really see and understand both sides at least to some degree. This was aided by their joining of camps at the end, but having Mags playing both sides without malice works wonders as well.
CAN WE ALSO TALK ABOUT THE WAY THE GATE ITSELF WAS ILLUSTRATED? Seeing it represented in panels and reflected with subtlety often near Mags was chilling and incredible and had me screaming. It's like it became its own character in a way.
I cannot wait until we get the final installment. There are few series that hook me as quickly and deeply as verse. I have a new love in the literary world and I am still reeling.
August 17, 2023
The Second Gate picks up shortly after the conclusion of The Broken Half, with Neitya kidnapped by Branca and Fife despondent. Before you can really get a handle on things, Branca and Magdalena test a theory on Neitya that causes her to blast open a fresh "gate" from which... magic pours? Or into which magic is sucked? It definitely causes more Vel to appear, which is bad for just about everyone.
The Second Gate features many time jumps where our main characters separate for a while and figure themselves out. Notably, Neitya learns about her newfound magical skills from the mysterious hat-wearing person from The Broken Half. While I love a good mentor/mentee bond, this relationship is filled with far to many "Let's not talk about that now" statements. If months are passing, I think you've got time to explain what's going on!
That's one of the few quibbles I had with The Second Gate, though, which otherwise serves as an excellent expansion of the plot and world, and ups the stakes for our heroes. The art, too, gets an upgrade - Beck's already-clean illustrations have grown remarkably more detailed! Simply gorgeous.
The Second Gate ends on a softer note, much less of a cliffhanger than last time. I'm still firmly on board for more!
The Second Gate features many time jumps where our main characters separate for a while and figure themselves out. Notably, Neitya learns about her newfound magical skills from the mysterious hat-wearing person from The Broken Half. While I love a good mentor/mentee bond, this relationship is filled with far to many "Let's not talk about that now" statements. If months are passing, I think you've got time to explain what's going on!
That's one of the few quibbles I had with The Second Gate, though, which otherwise serves as an excellent expansion of the plot and world, and ups the stakes for our heroes. The art, too, gets an upgrade - Beck's already-clean illustrations have grown remarkably more detailed! Simply gorgeous.
The Second Gate ends on a softer note, much less of a cliffhanger than last time. I'm still firmly on board for more!
July 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this illustrated book. The drawings were captivating and I ‘might’ have spent more time looking at the art than reading.
The characters in this book were refreshing and I really liked reading about their journey in the second book. The twists and turns made this book very intriguing and I was drawn to it all.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The characters in this book were refreshing and I really liked reading about their journey in the second book. The twists and turns made this book very intriguing and I was drawn to it all.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these characters!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 9, 2024
Disjointed and rushed. I still don't feel any connection to any character. I still don't feel as though I understand any of the characters any better. The art is well done, but the story is very lacking.
July 20, 2022
Neitya is held captive by an organization that has a dark motive. While in captivity, Neitya has to come to terms with the darker side of her abilities even if it means losing everyone that matters to her. Fife and Neitya realizes the only way they can find their way back to each other is to face their own destinies alone and discover if they have the strength to face their worst fears.
I feel like the second book but, it didn't flow as smoothly as the first one. The author did say that they took a break and created the second half later because they were writing during the pandemic. It made the second volume feel a bit disjointed. The second volume does leave off on a cliffhanger and I am excited to see how the series ends.
I feel like the second book but, it didn't flow as smoothly as the first one. The author did say that they took a break and created the second half later because they were writing during the pandemic. It made the second volume feel a bit disjointed. The second volume does leave off on a cliffhanger and I am excited to see how the series ends.
October 12, 2023
I enjoyed this even more than the first book. The characters have new challenges, the artwork is incredible and there’s never a dull moment. Whether as anime or real living breathing human actors, I think this series would be amazing on the big screen. I’d be first in line to see it.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
January 1, 2023
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I am always up for new dark fantasy graphic novels. It’s one of my two favorite types of graphic novel, if I’m honest, because magic and monsters is always fun and action-packed in visual form. The Verse series caught my attention because of how bright and vivid the art style is, despite having some darker subject matter.
The Verse series by Sam Beck is full of magic, monsters, and mystery. In a lush fantasy world, a girl who looks like a monster must remember who (and what) she is . . . and along the way, she finds a squad of fun, diverse characters.
I really enjoy the way Beck plays with color in this series, shifting between the bright, vivid scenery to darker, more starkly contrasted colors during all the death and destruction (as one might expect). It was so well done. Ultimately, while it took me a while to get into the story, I’ll be interested to pick up the third book of the series to find out how it all ends!
My Thoughts
- In her struggle to remember her history, Neitya makes some rather dark secrets about who (and what) she is. While I thought the first book started slowly, book 2 in the Verse kicks off pretty fast-paced and ready to dive into the thick of things. Things aren’t exactly going great, as one might imagine for a dark fantasy world. Neitya starts learning a little more about her past, as one might expect . . . but she doesn’t love everything that she’s learning. Because trauma is hard and sometimes forgetting things is a blessing. There are some moments that I think are meant to be revelations for the character that I didn’t quite understand and had to read a couple times because I felt like I must have missed something (and maybe I did) so I was a bit confused. It was written as if the reader should know or understand some bit of history about the world that I was not privy to or didn’t remember, so that was a bit confusing for me. Overall, though, I enjoyed following Neitya on her quest to find the truth. Even if truths aren’t always nice. The enduring mystery is one that I’m wholly invested in and look forward to learning more about!
- So much character growth happens in this book. The sort that is full of emotions and messy and not always pretty but so very necessary for growth. It’s why I enjoy second books so much! The characters haven’t quite found themselves yet, and they’re just wandering around lost, trying to determine who the heck they want to be. I’ll admit, this comes with a bit of an awkward time skip that caught me off-guard, but Beck slips the reader back into the story fairly easily. Neitya, obviously, is coming to grips with discoveries about herself that she’s making along the way. None of which I’ll actually give away because spoilers. Duh. It isn’t just Neitya, though. Her whole little squad are struggling with the Vel, who are gaining in power and in number. Fife himself is struggling with his own personal perceived failure and how best to save those around him when he can’t even save himself. It’s a rough time for everyone, and the tension is absolutely wonderful.
- Where I felt the first book was a little lacking in world-building, this second book more than makes up for it. I absolutely love all the mythology and history in this book! Beck is absolutely on top of their game with the writing in The Second Gate. The danger is ratcheted up from the first book (as one might expect), and the tension just builds in such a wonderful way. The prose adds something irreplicable to the story, especially the way it bridges the present with the history of the world. I absolutely loved the rich history of the world, and I was eager for more of it. While this second book was longer than the first, it felt like it went by so much faster because I was so invested in the story and couldn’t turn the page fast enough.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I am always up for new dark fantasy graphic novels. It’s one of my two favorite types of graphic novel, if I’m honest, because magic and monsters is always fun and action-packed in visual form. The Verse series caught my attention because of how bright and vivid the art style is, despite having some darker subject matter.
The Verse series by Sam Beck is full of magic, monsters, and mystery. In a lush fantasy world, a girl who looks like a monster must remember who (and what) she is . . . and along the way, she finds a squad of fun, diverse characters.
I really enjoy the way Beck plays with color in this series, shifting between the bright, vivid scenery to darker, more starkly contrasted colors during all the death and destruction (as one might expect). It was so well done. Ultimately, while it took me a while to get into the story, I’ll be interested to pick up the third book of the series to find out how it all ends!
My Thoughts
- In her struggle to remember her history, Neitya makes some rather dark secrets about who (and what) she is. While I thought the first book started slowly, book 2 in the Verse kicks off pretty fast-paced and ready to dive into the thick of things. Things aren’t exactly going great, as one might imagine for a dark fantasy world. Neitya starts learning a little more about her past, as one might expect . . . but she doesn’t love everything that she’s learning. Because trauma is hard and sometimes forgetting things is a blessing. There are some moments that I think are meant to be revelations for the character that I didn’t quite understand and had to read a couple times because I felt like I must have missed something (and maybe I did) so I was a bit confused. It was written as if the reader should know or understand some bit of history about the world that I was not privy to or didn’t remember, so that was a bit confusing for me. Overall, though, I enjoyed following Neitya on her quest to find the truth. Even if truths aren’t always nice. The enduring mystery is one that I’m wholly invested in and look forward to learning more about!
- So much character growth happens in this book. The sort that is full of emotions and messy and not always pretty but so very necessary for growth. It’s why I enjoy second books so much! The characters haven’t quite found themselves yet, and they’re just wandering around lost, trying to determine who the heck they want to be. I’ll admit, this comes with a bit of an awkward time skip that caught me off-guard, but Beck slips the reader back into the story fairly easily. Neitya, obviously, is coming to grips with discoveries about herself that she’s making along the way. None of which I’ll actually give away because spoilers. Duh. It isn’t just Neitya, though. Her whole little squad are struggling with the Vel, who are gaining in power and in number. Fife himself is struggling with his own personal perceived failure and how best to save those around him when he can’t even save himself. It’s a rough time for everyone, and the tension is absolutely wonderful.
- Where I felt the first book was a little lacking in world-building, this second book more than makes up for it. I absolutely love all the mythology and history in this book! Beck is absolutely on top of their game with the writing in The Second Gate. The danger is ratcheted up from the first book (as one might expect), and the tension just builds in such a wonderful way. The prose adds something irreplicable to the story, especially the way it bridges the present with the history of the world. I absolutely loved the rich history of the world, and I was eager for more of it. While this second book was longer than the first, it felt like it went by so much faster because I was so invested in the story and couldn’t turn the page fast enough.
March 4, 2024
Read volumes one and two back-to-back. Then when volume three comes out (late August 2024), read them again. This is both a straightforward, familiar story of magic, political corruption, family, friendship, love and doing the right thing. But there are many twists and turns that overlap, bounce around and are not always given a "hey change of POV coming up" warning. The artwork is busy, crowded, and sometimes characters are similar allowing for some confusion. Also since names are not always mentioned, I needed a scorecard to keep track! Plus, sometimes it was not clear who was speaking. Book two adds more to the story and hopefully they can wrap it all up in volume 3. Somewhat diverse cast, heavy on modern themes (women in powerful positions, women leaders in the military, GLBTQ romance).
December 31, 2022
Review of volumes 1 & 2
I enjoyed these a lot, the second more than the first. I found the characters likable, and there is a lot of growth in the course of the story. I liked the artwork and color choices. There are also quite a lot of various representations. There are important characters of both genders (as well as numerous characters with indistinct genders), races, body types, and (though there is no actual romance or anything sexual beyond a single kiss in the bonus short story) hints at relationships of various pairings. I wish I had volume three on hand to finish it up.
I enjoyed these a lot, the second more than the first. I found the characters likable, and there is a lot of growth in the course of the story. I liked the artwork and color choices. There are also quite a lot of various representations. There are important characters of both genders (as well as numerous characters with indistinct genders), races, body types, and (though there is no actual romance or anything sexual beyond a single kiss in the bonus short story) hints at relationships of various pairings. I wish I had volume three on hand to finish it up.
December 13, 2023
Of course Libby doesn't have the second book, had to find it else where
Not sure what's up with book two but it felt quite disjointed and sadly a bit boring. The story progress was a bit off and I admit I was already bored and wanted answers LOL
We finally found out who the guy in brim hat is and also a bit more on Neitya's background.
Still don't know how Fife's mother got the pendant.
Not going to give detailed review like it did with the first book because this book covered a lot of ground but still left with many unanswered questions.
Not sure what's up with book two but it felt quite disjointed and sadly a bit boring. The story progress was a bit off and I admit I was already bored and wanted answers LOL
We finally found out who the guy in brim hat is and also a bit more on Neitya's background.
Still don't know how Fife's mother got the pendant.
Not going to give detailed review like it did with the first book because this book covered a lot of ground but still left with many unanswered questions.
July 11, 2025
The art is beautiful, the story is interesting, the villain is hot, and I'm in love with Azar + Ophelia, surprising literally no one. What, a charismatic/tortured/slightly effeminate man is half of a grumpy/sunshine relationship? The other half of that pairing is a somewhat butch bada** with a strong moral compass? I was so happy that we got more of their backstory at the end. All the side characters are so good. I have questions but I'm confident we'll get there.
Also: those LANDSCAPES.
Also: those LANDSCAPES.
November 5, 2022
More risk, more drama
A lot more dour drama, self-doubt, and romance compared to the first book. Still glad for the friendship between the leads and liked learning a bit more about the world and song/verse, but things are getting more dire and I'm hoping for some good news and less romance in the next one.
A lot more dour drama, self-doubt, and romance compared to the first book. Still glad for the friendship between the leads and liked learning a bit more about the world and song/verse, but things are getting more dire and I'm hoping for some good news and less romance in the next one.
November 7, 2022
A Gate is opened and it's bad news for the world. The Vel is increasing everywhere and overwhelming communities. Civilization seems to be on its last legs unless something can be done. This volume seems to mainly about gaining all of these young characters some experience for the future. The art and story are still very interesting. I'll be in line when volume 3 comes out.
March 3, 2024
Verse just keeps getting better! The art is just as captivating as it was in the first volume and I love the pacing. There's something about the world itself that's really got me hooked even more so than the story and the characters, though - the world-building is excellent and makes me wish I could explore this universe at will.
January 1, 2023
This book deals with the falling out of the ending to its predecessor and uncovers more to the world and while some things make more sense, I still have many questions and am curious to know what will happen next.
February 13, 2024
I loved volume 1 &2! The art is very well done with amazing color choices and lighting. I really like all the characters and the fantasy/demon setting. Right up my alley and I can’t wait for the 3rd one to come out.
October 25, 2025
I feel like I'm not quite sure what is going on, but maybe it's coming and I'm right where it's supposed to be. I like the characters in this story and feel like they are pretty unique. I'm excited to read the third book!
November 13, 2025
Beautiful art, interesting world building, but I still feel like there's a lot that's unexplained. The characters' motivations don't always make sense. I'm hoping the 3rd one will clarify some things.
October 7, 2022
There's a lot of character growth and plot development here. I'm very eager to see how this series gets wrapped up!
October 12, 2022
More substance to this one, both in pages and in explanation. Things inevitably get worse, but there's hope for better.
February 3, 2023
Ooooo is volume 3 available???
February 23, 2023
The art is just so incredibly gorgeous.
March 21, 2024
4 stars
December 30, 2024
4.25 stars
May 18, 2025
Beautiful artwork and captivating story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews