In this second book of the graphic novel trilogy, Kaidu and Rat are doing everything they can to protect the monks of the Stone Heart. The monks are the keepers of knowledge in the Nameless City, but the Dao military leaders think they must be hiding the secret weapon that the ancient peoples used to blast through the rock of the mountains. Kaidu and his father are loyal to the Dao general, but they are forced to choose between their loyalties or the truth.

I loved these characters so much! Kaidu is very open in his ideas. He doesn't just follow the crowd. The rest of the Dao look down on the native people of the Nameless City, but Kaidu is curious about them and respectful of everyone. The rest of the Dao are very focused on military might, but Kaidu prefers book-learning and wisdom just as his father does. Rat has grown up on the streets, and she teaches Kaidu to run across the rooftops, free from the crowds in the streets below. It's really interesting to see how their friendship develops.

The plot is fantastic and imaginative! Kaidu and Rat get into lots of mischief and dangerous adventures. You get a sense of the depth of the characters and the history of the city.

In this second book, we see more of Kaidu and his father growing closer. They haven't known each other for very long, and their relationship is still very tenuous. Kaidu's father has always been so busy with working and politics and trade agreements, and now he realizes that he should have taken more time with Kaidu. It's really lovely to see how father and son begin to grow closer.

I love the world building. This book answers some of the questions about the ancient people who first built the city. There is a mystery behind the construction of the city, and Kaidu and Rat are very curious about it. It was intriguing to see how the political landscape keeps changing as the General and his counselors propose different ideas for the future of the city. There are two different cultures that are not blending very well due to prejudices and political unrest, but the friendship between two young people might just be the answer. Kaidu and Rat are determined to protect the city and its ancient secrets.

There is a gay side character who is described as having a crush on someone's brother, but we never meet the brother or see them together.

The artwork is excellent, and every page is colorful and full of energy! I can't wait to read the rest of this trilogy!