299. Research: Gunnerkrigg Court, Vol.2 by Tomas Siddell

Research by Thomas Siddell (Canada) - (US)
Gunnerkrigg Court, Vol. 2

Pages: 252
Ages: 13+
Finished: Dec. 31, 2010
First Published: Jan, 2010
Publisher: Archaia
Genre: YA, paranormal, graphic novel
Rating: 5/5


First sentence:

Throughout the summer I realised the similarities between Gunnerkrigg Court and Good Hope, the hospital in which I used to live.

Acquired: Borrowed a copy through Interlibrary Loan.

Reason for Reading: Next in the series. This is a Cybils '10 nominee and as a panelist for Graphic Novels was required reading for me, but my copy did not come in from the library until after we had handed in our results.

Volume 2 is even better than last year's stunning debut. Vol. 2 has a major difference in that a plot that was awoken near the end of book 1 has taken hold of this book and the story evolves around it with several side stories thrown in. Gone are the seemingly random vignettes, instead to be replaced by a full blown plot of magic and mayhem between the court and the forest, the humans and the non-human creatures living at Gunnerkrigg Court. Returning are all the lovable creatures we met before, Shadow 2, Robot, Reynardine and Antimony's best friend Katja.

While the story moves forward in many directions, one being Annie's placement into the medium-in-training class of three, we are also given long glimpses into Annie's background and the back story of many characters brings some reveals and deeper meaning to just what is going on around Gunnerkrigg court and the forest, why they are separated and what the future may hold for these two girls. A superb and stunning sequel to the series!