Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Kahn
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Witch-human war escalates in dramatic graphic novel sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HOOKY: VOLUME 2 picks up a short time after the end of the first volume, with the Wytte children and their allies in hiding from the witch and human extremists out to get them. Told in episodic chapters that were originally individual webcomics, the story expands on the origin of the war, with flashbacks explaining Damien Wytte's childhood and the attack on his parents that led to the escalating enmity between factions. The kids, now teenagers, come out of hiding and continue their quest to rescue Prince William, a source of conflict for Monica and Dorian, who continue to fight against their mutual attraction. As the heroes seek to find a middle ground between the witches and humans, they are threatened with dangers from every direction, forcing the Wytte twins and their allies to work together or face the consequences.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling installment is both more serious and more action-packed than the first volume. In Hooky: Volume 2, the twins and their friends are older, and they've shed their youthful hijinks in a serious quest for survival. While there are fewer jokes, there are enough light moments to keep the storyline from becoming too grim. The balance between action and emotional drama is strong, with the characters continuing to deepen and grow. The art is well drawn and engaging, adding to the world that creator Míriam Bonastre Tur has lovingly built. While the speech bubbles are color coded to clarify who's speaking, in some scenes, the sheer number of characters talking "off-screen" leads to some confusion.
Because of the original webcomic format, the story sometimes feels like it is deviating more than necessary, but the overall plot hangs together, with the side quests ultimately tying back in to the primary storyline. The challenges of choosing sides in an unjust war is thoughtfully explored, allowing readers to consider issues of revenge, prejudice, and friendship, while enjoying the magic, relationships, and drama that lie on the surface. Like the first book, this installment ends in a cliffhanger, leaving readers longing for the third and final volume.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the war between witches and humans in Hooky: Volume 2. How can the two factions reach a peaceful accord when each act of violence is paid back two-fold?
Does the bravery exhibited by the main characters seem realistic for kids their age?
Many of the characters have crushes on their companions. How do these crushes complicate their mission for peace?
How does the art style change as the plot evolves? Can you tell what kind of chapter is in store based on the color palette?
Book Details
- Author: Míriam Bonastre Tur
- Illustrator: Míriam Bonastre Tur
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Brothers and Sisters , Fairy Tales , Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Clarion Books
- Publication date: September 6, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback
- Last updated: July 30, 2024
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