CITY OF ILLUSION

Is unity possible in a nation divided?

In this follow-up to City of Secrets (2020), best friends Hannah and Ever are visiting the nearby city of Alexios, a place that “specializes in illusions.” Each city in their world is rumored to have its own giant robot called a Megantic; Hannah and Ever found their city’s Megantic, naming it Oskar after their home. While they must leave Oskar during their travels, Hannah brings along his voice-activated remote in case of emergency. While in Alexios, the pair have an encounter with a mysterious street magician named Chifa and her companion, Tanan, whom they learn are working for Vash, their power-hungry nemesis, who wants control of all the Megantics for his own nefarious doings. While Vash craves absolute power, Hannah and Ever know that working together may be their only hope; can they convince Chifa and her gang to align with them before it’s too late? Ying’s command of story and dazzling art come to life in this intricately woven tale that deftly incorporates secret societies, giant robot fights, spies, magic, and the power of acceptance without ever feeling bogged down. While the steampunk setting calls to a bygone era, the messaging is exceptionally contemporary. Her cast of characters is diverse; main characters Hannah and Ever present with Asian features.

Important, engrossing, and altogether necessary.