Graphic Novel Review – The Stone Heart (The Nameless City, Book 2) by Faith Erin Hicks (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Graphic Novel
Length: 256 Pages
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: April 4, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1626721586
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the Nameless City series
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Kaidu and Rat have only just recovered from the assassination attempt on the General of All Blades when more chaos breaks loose in the Nameless City: deep conflicts within the Dao nation are making it impossible to find a political solution for the disputed territory of the City itself.

To complicate things further, Kaidu is fairly certain he’s stumbled on a formula for the lost weapon of the mysterious founders of the City. . . . But sharing it with the Dao military would be a complete betrayal of his friendship with Rat. Can Kai find the right solution before the Dao find themselves at war?”

This was an amazing continuation of The Nameless City series. Things get pretty tense in this book. I love the detail that went into building this world and the beautifully colored and detailed illustrations. The characters are amazing as well.

The Nameless City ends up on the brink of war again…despite the best efforts of those who live there and want to engender peace once and for all.

Kadu unravels more history behind his father’s past and Rat reveals some secrets behind the monastery she grew up in. Both are struggling not only to save the City but their own lives.

The illustration throughout is fantastic and easy to follow. The story is getting increasingly complex and things get pretty intense. I would recommend to middle grade and older readers as a result. This should be a graphic novel adults will enjoy too; it’s complex enough and deals with some interesting issues around war.

Overall I really loved this 2nd volume in the Nameless City series. I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy graphic novels about war and politics. This is an incredibly well done series with excellent illustration and an amazing world.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– New Release Reading Challenge
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge