Review: Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood

Monstress, Vol. 2: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The continuation of the exquisitely drawn Monstress series, Volume 2, The Blood continues from right where we left Maika Halfwolf at the end of <i>Awakening</i>. Maika, with the aid of Little Fox Kippa and the dubiously trustworthy Master Ren, continues her pursuit for answers about her mother, the significance of the Bone Key, and the origins of her possession by a monstrous creature that she keeps barely contained within her. Along her path, we learn more about the identities of some of Maika's early companions, like Tuya, and her surprising connection to a foe. As the trauma of the long war continues to affect both allies and foes, Maika's search for answers takes her to Thyria, and from there to the mysterious Isle of Bones where she encounters the Blood Fox, a cruel prisoner on the island. As a result of this visit, Maika connects with part of her destiny and has recollections of her mother's admonishments about never letting anyone control her.

This is a beautiful volume that drives forward the story but still leaves the ultimate reasons for the mask's existence, the battle between the Arcanics and humans, open for interpretation. I have so many questions about Maika and Tuya's friendship. There is so much in the backstory between Moriko and her sister to be revealed, as well. I look forward to future installments.

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