Book Review: The Nameless City Book Two by Faith Erin Hicks

The Stone Heart: The Nameless City Book Two written and drawn by Faith Erin Hicks and colored by Jordie Bellaire

See my review of Book One here.

Having averted an assassination, you'd think our heroes could rest on their laurels, but that is not to be. While Kaidu's dad is working on a peace treaty to avert a war, other forces are looking forward to war. One faction wants to rob the Stone Heart, a monastery at the middle of the Nameless City. The monastery has an extensive library, including an ancient book from the founders of the city. The book describes the power they used to create a hole in the mountain range allowing the River of Lives to connect to the sea, thereby making the Nameless City a key trade route. The book is written in an ancient, forgotten language. But the power is so tempting, the bad guys are willing to do too much to get what they want. The power would certainly make them win the war.

The story expands a little bit, following different threads leading our characters into conflict. The political intrigue creates interesting stakes for the people and leaves the story with a tough situation for the heroes. The art is just as good as the storytelling. The narrative continues into a third volume, which I will surely read.

Recommended.