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Mouse Guard #2
Mouse Guard: Winter 1152
In the Winter of 1152, the Guard face a food and supply shortage threatening the lives of many through a cold and icy season. Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, and Sadie, led by Celanawe, traverse the snow-blanketed territories acting as diplomats to improve relations between the mouse cities and the Guard. This is a winter not every Guard may survive. Collects the second Eisner-Award winning Mouse Guard series with an all-new epilogue and bonus content.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2007
86 people are currently reading
2938 people want to read
About the author
David Petersen
167 books338 followersNote: There are more than one David Petersen on GR's database. For catch-all profile, see here (dissambiguated via 7 spaces).
David Petersen was born in 1977. His artistic career soon followed. A steady diet of cartoons, comics, and tree climbing fed his imagination and is what still inspires his work today. David won the 2007 Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 2008, David won the Eisners for Best Publication for Kids (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 & Winter 1152) and Best Graphic Album – Reprint (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 Hardcover). He is the creator of the Mouse Guard series and is excited to be working on projects he dearly loves doing. David and his wife Julia reside in Michigan with their dog Autumn.
David Petersen was born in 1977. His artistic career soon followed. A steady diet of cartoons, comics, and tree climbing fed his imagination and is what still inspires his work today. David won the 2007 Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 2008, David won the Eisners for Best Publication for Kids (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 & Winter 1152) and Best Graphic Album – Reprint (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 Hardcover). He is the creator of the Mouse Guard series and is excited to be working on projects he dearly loves doing. David and his wife Julia reside in Michigan with their dog Autumn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
September 26, 2016
Everything I liked about the first book is continued here, with two added elements besides.
1. Of all the elements in these books, the characterization is probably the weakest. It's just not the focus of the story. However, in this second book, we get to know the characters *much* better, and it added a lot for me.
2. Even better, we get to see more of the world of the mice. We meet the hares and see the relationship with the mice. We see a city that used to be occupied by the ferrets, (we haven't seen them yet, but there has been talk of a war with them.)
Combined with the detailed art, these hints at the larger world hint at a huge, deep, and uniquely detailed world. I'm really growing fond of it....
1. Of all the elements in these books, the characterization is probably the weakest. It's just not the focus of the story. However, in this second book, we get to know the characters *much* better, and it added a lot for me.
2. Even better, we get to see more of the world of the mice. We meet the hares and see the relationship with the mice. We see a city that used to be occupied by the ferrets, (we haven't seen them yet, but there has been talk of a war with them.)
Combined with the detailed art, these hints at the larger world hint at a huge, deep, and uniquely detailed world. I'm really growing fond of it....
November 7, 2024
2024:
I really enjoy the world Petersen has crafted here.
I really enjoyed the two storylines - one group fights an owl while the other explores a weasel city like the Mines of Moria.
Fantastic artwork by Petersen.
It reminds one of Lord of the Rings with its adventure and darkness (there's some pretty obvious references to LOTR throughout, like the weasel looking over the ledge while the mice are hiding in a tree). Even the ending reminds me of the great eagles saving Frodo and Sam.
2014:
Reread this one today. I have mixed feelings. The story was fun and I think the art works perfectly to illustrate this world. But I found the book fitted bogged down with exposition. I really didn't care about the complex relationships and when one character was talking about another character I had very little idea who they were actually talking about (this may be due to Peterson, but I'm willing to accept that I just wasn't paying attention - but out of a lack of interest).
I really enjoy the world Petersen has crafted here.
I really enjoyed the two storylines - one group fights an owl while the other explores a weasel city like the Mines of Moria.
Fantastic artwork by Petersen.
It reminds one of Lord of the Rings with its adventure and darkness (there's some pretty obvious references to LOTR throughout, like the weasel looking over the ledge while the mice are hiding in a tree). Even the ending reminds me of the great eagles saving Frodo and Sam.
2014:
Reread this one today. I have mixed feelings. The story was fun and I think the art works perfectly to illustrate this world. But I found the book fitted bogged down with exposition. I really didn't care about the complex relationships and when one character was talking about another character I had very little idea who they were actually talking about (this may be due to Peterson, but I'm willing to accept that I just wasn't paying attention - but out of a lack of interest).
December 13, 2015
Opasnost raste, niko nije siguran. Cak je i vreme protiv svih. Prica se fino nastavlja i ovog puta imamo dogadjaje koji nisu bili ociti. Crtez je i dalje predivan i jako mi se svidja lokacije misijih gradova i kako je fino ukomponovano ponasanje pravih zivuljki.
5+ :)
5+ :)
June 8, 2020
It is better than the first Book, so much so that I would like to read more of it! The art and the format in general are perfect for the story, the only thing I still dislike is that its abit too fast in moving the plot forward. This is an easy one to recommend!
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
October 28, 2009
In Winter 1152, David Petersen continues his tale of mouse intrigue, glory, and honour apace. Rather than having the squashed rebellion of Fall 1152 simply fade into memory as a one-off plot to give the first volume some heft, we see that these things have lasting consequences and that the flames that leapt up in open rebellion still smoulder in traitorous saboutage.
This volumes lays more foundation for upcoming books as Petersen explores not just the relationships between the guardsmice, but investigates the political relationship between the cities between which Gwendolyn's mouseguard plays mediator. Further, it explores the recent history of the war with the weasels of Darkheather and hints at a dark future.
As much as I enjoyed Fall 1152, I think I may have preferred Winter 1152. The stakes are raised and we get to see more fantastic development of character as these mice begin to solidify themselves through Petersen's narrative track. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This volumes lays more foundation for upcoming books as Petersen explores not just the relationships between the guardsmice, but investigates the political relationship between the cities between which Gwendolyn's mouseguard plays mediator. Further, it explores the recent history of the war with the weasels of Darkheather and hints at a dark future.
As much as I enjoyed Fall 1152, I think I may have preferred Winter 1152. The stakes are raised and we get to see more fantastic development of character as these mice begin to solidify themselves through Petersen's narrative track. I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 20, 2018
It's like an adult Redwall. It's not bad, but there is something about it that leaves me a bit cold. The artwork is wonderful but the Mice Templar is better storywise, I think.
September 23, 2010
As a special reward for May, we bought her the second Mouse Guard. I was a little frustrated to learn a) it hasn't come out in soft-cover yet and b) Volume 3 iss only barely beginning to come out in issues!
My daughter is obsessed. She is going to dress as Gwendolyn for Halloween this year. Her drawing quality took a giant leap when she started drawing guardsmice. She writes her own comics (2-3 panels of mice facing off aginst bullfrogs and the like).
This volume doesn't have quite the epic-span feel of the first volume, and does well because of it. The characters are more deeply drawn, both in personality and in increasing details in dress and equipment. Occasionally the settings show a bit too much of their inspirational source - I swear one of the backgrounds of the arches in Darkheather is lifted straight from a picture of the graet mosque in Cordoba. Even so, Darkheather is a damned good stand-in for Tolkien's Moria.
The larger plot, of addressing Midnight's critique of the Mouse Territories' governing structure is a great way to fill-in the back-story to the rebellion that drove the first book. It is a good thing when a second volume makes a first volume better (George Lucas take note).
My daughter is obsessed. She is going to dress as Gwendolyn for Halloween this year. Her drawing quality took a giant leap when she started drawing guardsmice. She writes her own comics (2-3 panels of mice facing off aginst bullfrogs and the like).
This volume doesn't have quite the epic-span feel of the first volume, and does well because of it. The characters are more deeply drawn, both in personality and in increasing details in dress and equipment. Occasionally the settings show a bit too much of their inspirational source - I swear one of the backgrounds of the arches in Darkheather is lifted straight from a picture of the graet mosque in Cordoba. Even so, Darkheather is a damned good stand-in for Tolkien's Moria.
The larger plot, of addressing Midnight's critique of the Mouse Territories' governing structure is a great way to fill-in the back-story to the rebellion that drove the first book. It is a good thing when a second volume makes a first volume better (George Lucas take note).
December 27, 2021
A nice fun Christmasy winters read, for those that want to have the satisfied feeling of a snowy day in the woods. The second installment in the Original Mouse Guard trilogy, it tells the continuing story of the five guards mice from the Fall 1152. Celenawe, the legendary wielder of the black axe, teaches lessons to his new apprentice, Lieam. While the others continue their quest to deliver medicine to Lockhaven for the sick and wounded Rand. With the fall of Midnight from the previous book, new treachery unfolds within the walls of Lockhaven and a mouse hunt is soon underway.
The art and colors of these books have intrigued for the longest time and is a must to add to anyones collection who are fans of Redwall or Mice and Mystics. As an avid writer, reader, and gamer, Mouse Guard certainly covers the bases of fantasy on the smaller scale of things. There is a prequel to this series and that is what I shall read next.
5 out of 5 stars
F. D. Gross
The art and colors of these books have intrigued for the longest time and is a must to add to anyones collection who are fans of Redwall or Mice and Mystics. As an avid writer, reader, and gamer, Mouse Guard certainly covers the bases of fantasy on the smaller scale of things. There is a prequel to this series and that is what I shall read next.
5 out of 5 stars
F. D. Gross
December 4, 2022
Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 collects issues 1-6 of the series written and illustrated by David Petersen.
Set a couple of months after the events of Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 and Midnight’s Rebellion and attempted coup, we are in the full onset of winter. Our three heroes Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam are joined by Sadie and the legendary Celanawe on a mission to collect medicine to help a sick Guardsmouse back at Lockhaven. In their return trek home, they are separated when half the party falls through a snowdrift into the ruins of an abandoned weasel stronghold. The divided team must now battle the elements and the unknown to return to Lockhaven in time to save their fellow companion.
You can feel the cold, winter landscape when reading this volume. Thankfully I had a hot coffee standing by to keep me warm. The art in this series continues to be astounding when creating this hidden miniature world. Our heroic trio of mice are fleshed out even more with each having their own unique personalities and qualities of valor. Martin the Warrior of Redwall would be so proud of these guardsman.
Set a couple of months after the events of Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 and Midnight’s Rebellion and attempted coup, we are in the full onset of winter. Our three heroes Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam are joined by Sadie and the legendary Celanawe on a mission to collect medicine to help a sick Guardsmouse back at Lockhaven. In their return trek home, they are separated when half the party falls through a snowdrift into the ruins of an abandoned weasel stronghold. The divided team must now battle the elements and the unknown to return to Lockhaven in time to save their fellow companion.
You can feel the cold, winter landscape when reading this volume. Thankfully I had a hot coffee standing by to keep me warm. The art in this series continues to be astounding when creating this hidden miniature world. Our heroic trio of mice are fleshed out even more with each having their own unique personalities and qualities of valor. Martin the Warrior of Redwall would be so proud of these guardsman.
December 5, 2025
It gets even better?! The series explores the vastness of the wild, the history of the mouse guard (and even pretty clear explanations for the roles of regular mouse folk), and the damned weasels and bats.
I really loved this story, it felt epic. I love to take toy photography imagining the nook of a tree root to be this vast expanse is one of my favorite little hobbies, this is like that idea expanded upon and made real. The red eyed owl is a great design, it just LOOKS evil (I know he’s just an animal, not killing for fun).
Just get out and read this story!
I really loved this story, it felt epic. I love to take toy photography imagining the nook of a tree root to be this vast expanse is one of my favorite little hobbies, this is like that idea expanded upon and made real. The red eyed owl is a great design, it just LOOKS evil (I know he’s just an animal, not killing for fun).
Just get out and read this story!
March 2, 2018
Se possibile, il secondo volume è ancora più bello del primo.
Molto è dovuto sicuramente alla neve, che rende le atmosfere ovattate e misteriose. L'aver separato il party permette di avere una serie di storie parallele che si ricompongono alla fine in maniera - oserei dire - lirica.
Da brivido la "sequenza muta" durante cui le didascalie "cantano" la Ballad of the Ivory Lass , di cui consiglio l'ascolto durante la lettura per un'esperienza veramente immersiva.
Molto è dovuto sicuramente alla neve, che rende le atmosfere ovattate e misteriose. L'aver separato il party permette di avere una serie di storie parallele che si ricompongono alla fine in maniera - oserei dire - lirica.
Da brivido la "sequenza muta" durante cui le didascalie "cantano" la Ballad of the Ivory Lass , di cui consiglio l'ascolto durante la lettura per un'esperienza veramente immersiva.
June 6, 2021
I'm writing this review months after I read the book, but I do remember that it was snowing while I was reading, and that is a perfect setting for this one. This is the 2nd installment of the Mouse Guard. Winter has come, supplies are low, and dangers lurk around every corner. Will the Mice make it?
I continue to love the illustrations in these books. Simply wonderful. Think Game of Thrones with mice. I'm rooting for these little adventurers the entire time.
I continue to love the illustrations in these books. Simply wonderful. Think Game of Thrones with mice. I'm rooting for these little adventurers the entire time.
January 31, 2022
The saga of the Guardmice continues in this second installment of David Petersen's anthropomorphic murine fantasy - like the first,
Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
, it is composed of six chapters that were originally separate comic book issues, as well as some additional material - as Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, Sadie, and Celanawe (revealed to be the legendary Black Axe in the previous book) struggle to make their way back to Lockhaven, the Guard Mouse stronghold. Dispatched by Mouse Guard Matriarch, Gwendolyn, on a mission to the outlying southern mice settlements, to gather much-needed supplies (depleted by their Fall 1152 conflict with the mouse traitor, Midnight) and to invite their leaders to a territory-wide conference at Lockhaven, the companions become separated on their homeward journey, and must proceed on their divergent paths. Saxon, Kenzie and Sadie, having fallen into the abandoned underground weasel tunnels of Darkheather, must confront the hostile bat residents, and search for a way out, while Celanawe and Lieam push on through a terrible ice-storm, and battle an injured owl, intent on vengeance. Meanwhile, all is not well back at Lockhaven...
I enjoyed my first foray into the Mouse Territories, but Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 has greatly increased my appreciation for this tiny world. It's a cross between Redwall and The Lord of the Rings , with something all its own, as well. Peterson gives his characters a little more depth here, I think - or is it just that I already known them, going into this one? - and his world-building continues apace. I liked that the developing romances between Kenzie and Sadie, and Saxon and Gwendolyn are mentioned mostly in passing - they're there, but they're not the focus - and am eager to know how Lieam's new identity, as the new Black Axe following the death of Celanawe, will develop. I finished the first volumes with a desire to read more, but no strong feeling about owning these books - now I want copies of my own. I also want more, right now! Unfortunately, it looks like the next installment of the saga will be a long while in the coming. Oh well, I guess I can enjoy Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, Vol. 1 - a Mouse Guard anthology, with many different artists' take on Peterson's world - in the meantime...
I enjoyed my first foray into the Mouse Territories, but Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 has greatly increased my appreciation for this tiny world. It's a cross between Redwall and The Lord of the Rings , with something all its own, as well. Peterson gives his characters a little more depth here, I think - or is it just that I already known them, going into this one? - and his world-building continues apace. I liked that the developing romances between Kenzie and Sadie, and Saxon and Gwendolyn are mentioned mostly in passing - they're there, but they're not the focus - and am eager to know how Lieam's new identity, as the new Black Axe following the death of Celanawe, will develop. I finished the first volumes with a desire to read more, but no strong feeling about owning these books - now I want copies of my own. I also want more, right now! Unfortunately, it looks like the next installment of the saga will be a long while in the coming. Oh well, I guess I can enjoy Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, Vol. 1 - a Mouse Guard anthology, with many different artists' take on Peterson's world - in the meantime...
February 15, 2020
I love the heroic mice and their exciting adventures in the Mouse Guard: Winter 1152. ~ Koala ^-^
January 15, 2023
4 stars
Lovely illustrations. Cute little noble mice. A terrifying owl with a red eye. The Black Axe lives on.
Lovely illustrations. Cute little noble mice. A terrifying owl with a red eye. The Black Axe lives on.
May 28, 2018
Petersen's world of mice is getting deeper (literally :-) ), wider, more complex and more naturalistic. Death, betrayal, fear of danger, struggle, it has it all. Winter is a hostile season and this Mouse Guard book can show it. And I liked it. Very much. The story is not epic, it is more subtle and rather personal, but very well told. The art is as always beautiful, rather on the realistic side, firm ink lines with perfect colouring. I'm really looking forward to next book of this story arc. I really do.
March 19, 2021
Better than the first volume.
I really liked this book and I was kind of surprised by it. I didn’t think the series could pick up the pace but it did. The story is really interesting, there were moments where I gasped out loud. And again, I am blown away by the animals and theirs surroundings. I really liked some of the angles the artist chose to use for the panels. Really liked the part with the bats. I had lots of feelings during this journey and honestly am excited to keep reading the series.
I really liked this book and I was kind of surprised by it. I didn’t think the series could pick up the pace but it did. The story is really interesting, there were moments where I gasped out loud. And again, I am blown away by the animals and theirs surroundings. I really liked some of the angles the artist chose to use for the panels. Really liked the part with the bats. I had lots of feelings during this journey and honestly am excited to keep reading the series.
March 11, 2016
This comic continues with the beautiful artwork, great characters, and wonderful storytelling of its predecessor. However, it also gains a more epic scope as we travel upward and downward, back to the past and forward to the future. It makes the Mouse Kingdoms seem a bigger place, where great stories can occur.
May 14, 2017
I have become obsessed over these little mice.
I re-read Fall 1152 so I would remember all that happened, which I believe helped me enjoy this volume all that much more.
Even though I still feel that parts of the story are left out in order to show off the amazing artwork, I believe it worked better in the second volume.
I re-read Fall 1152 so I would remember all that happened, which I believe helped me enjoy this volume all that much more.
Even though I still feel that parts of the story are left out in order to show off the amazing artwork, I believe it worked better in the second volume.
December 11, 2015
"It matters not what you fight but what you fight for"
February 15, 2019
Parádní, grandiózní ujm z brka D. Petersena! Styl jako z Pána prstenů a jednoduše, přesto kouzelně pojatá dějová linka.
Radost! Návrat do času dětství je zaručen.
Chce to další český překlad! ;-)
Radost! Návrat do času dětství je zaručen.
Chce to další český překlad! ;-)
June 28, 2017
The second volume of this series was almost as good as the first. The art is tremendous in this series and the story isn't far behind. I've heard many people say they think this series would be good for younger readers, but really I'm not seeing that. The characters are talking animals, but the language and situations are not aimed at younger readers. Well, maybe YA type readers, but not children. I don't mean the book is loaded with curse words, but it's somewhat old English type dialogue, plus I think some of the political intrigue would be lost on really young readers.
In any case, this is a really cool, epic story. Part of me says if you read it and picture the characters as human you get a more "mature" story, but at the same time that would totally defeat the purpose.
Just a really good read for those looking for something a little different in the fantasy genre.
In any case, this is a really cool, epic story. Part of me says if you read it and picture the characters as human you get a more "mature" story, but at the same time that would totally defeat the purpose.
Just a really good read for those looking for something a little different in the fantasy genre.
April 24, 2021
The story catches up a bit compared to vol.1 but still it needs work - loose ends were tied up at the finale crudely and rashed, just to finish the story in x amount of pages. Art is getting better though, finally we have some minimal character development.
Still it's an easy and fun read. It entertains with it's anthropomorphic mouses and that's more than enough I can ask from a comic. The extras at the end (town-specific mouse attire, maps, professions, mouse world backstory) are superb. Finally a creator that understands that all that *simple* details about the world in which the story takes place, are important for the reader and give a better understanding of what's going on. And ofc it's fun to know about.
Still it's an easy and fun read. It entertains with it's anthropomorphic mouses and that's more than enough I can ask from a comic. The extras at the end (town-specific mouse attire, maps, professions, mouse world backstory) are superb. Finally a creator that understands that all that *simple* details about the world in which the story takes place, are important for the reader and give a better understanding of what's going on. And ofc it's fun to know about.
May 5, 2022
This series is just getting better.
Our crew of mices are traveling to another villages through a harsh winter to get supplies to Lockhaven, 'cause the war on the last volume has it downs and the city needs to support it.
So we got a big adventure, about discovery, lost and evolution. We learn a lot about this land's story, and their terrible war against the weasels.
It's a beautiful storytelling. It's amazing how David Petersen, in a couple of pages, made me care so much with this characters. The Lieam and Celanawe's battle against the Owl was breathtaking. What a book!
Our crew of mices are traveling to another villages through a harsh winter to get supplies to Lockhaven, 'cause the war on the last volume has it downs and the city needs to support it.
So we got a big adventure, about discovery, lost and evolution. We learn a lot about this land's story, and their terrible war against the weasels.
It's a beautiful storytelling. It's amazing how David Petersen, in a couple of pages, made me care so much with this characters. The Lieam and Celanawe's battle against the Owl was breathtaking. What a book!
December 22, 2019
This one is better than Mouse Guard Winter. This is such a cool series. I liked Fall 1152 but this goes deeper into their culture and history. It explains more and makes me ask more questions. I just want more after reading this. I will go back and read Fall and look for all other Mouse Guard books as well.
January 8, 2025
Another delightful entry in the Mouse Guard series! I liked the separate storylines, watching our heroes as they make their courageous journey back to Lockhaven. Petersen did a wonderful job creating a world that has lore and history.
April 16, 2017
A dark story with exquisite artwork (and the occasional piece of terrible poetry).
October 14, 2017
Mouse Guard never fails to fill me with the warm & cozies. My favourite fireside series.
April 14, 2020
I want to run a Mouse Guard Dungeons and Dragons game based off these books. They are THAT good.
December 9, 2020
This world is perfect! Its The Lord of the Rings meets The Secret of NIMH!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews