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The Castoffs #5-9
The Castoffs, V.2: Into The Wastelands
Charris, Trinh, and Ursa have managed to work together long enough to defeat the evil Priestess and her hive-mind robot army, the Surrogate. They journey back to the village of Clifton to reunite with their guild, but once there, they discover that the Priestess may not be defeated after all, and a much larger threat may be looming. A secret from Ursa's past threatens to break the fragile trust between the three mages, but they must overcome their differences and work together if they stand a chance of surviving the coming darkness.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2017
About the author
M.K. Reed
43 books28 followersMK Reed is the writer of Americus, The Cute Girl Network, Palefire, and Science Comics: Dinosaurs. She draws a web-comic adaptation of Irish mythology, About a Bull. MK lives with her very tall husband.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 26, 2018
I never had a chance to check the 1st volume of this comic series, that's why I'm not familiar with the story and the characters. I'm torn on giving this either 3 or 4 stars, but I chose to give 4 stars because Duncan, the new addition to their adventure, looks like a fun character to watch out.
The first quarter of this 2nd volume has a slow pace that's why I got a little bored while reading it, but the latter part is where the exciting scenes are. I would be delighted if only I could also see the 1st issue, and I'm also anticipating the 3rd installment of this series.
The first quarter of this 2nd volume has a slow pace that's why I got a little bored while reading it, but the latter part is where the exciting scenes are. I would be delighted if only I could also see the 1st issue, and I'm also anticipating the 3rd installment of this series.
December 19, 2017
Felt like a transition volume. Our team of castoffs returns home to recharge their batteries and train. Eventually they are sent on a rookie mission to move some equipment and take on a rogue group of mages. The story and art is still good and gives off that fantasy version of Lumberjanes vibe.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I still really like this series - it's got a fun and diverse cast and I like the whole technology vs. magic aspect of it - but this volume definitely felt like filler. There was a bit of intrigue with a some hints at one of the character's past and a small bit of action as well, but it mostly just felt like 'how can we move these characters from point A to point B so that we can advance the main plot in the NEXT volume'. It was still a fun read but just not quite as engrossing at the first volume. Hopefully things will pick back up a bit in volume 3!
I still really like this series - it's got a fun and diverse cast and I like the whole technology vs. magic aspect of it - but this volume definitely felt like filler. There was a bit of intrigue with a some hints at one of the character's past and a small bit of action as well, but it mostly just felt like 'how can we move these characters from point A to point B so that we can advance the main plot in the NEXT volume'. It was still a fun read but just not quite as engrossing at the first volume. Hopefully things will pick back up a bit in volume 3!
November 16, 2017
In this second volume, the trio of apprentice mages are off on another adventure, but this time they are unsure which other mages they can trust in a world of secrets and lies. Ursa's past becomes an issue between the friends as her true family history is revealed. Trinh receives some extra training in combat, and Charris picks a fight with a much more experienced mage.
I liked this story for the interesting plot and good characters. There's a lot of action and imaginative scenes, but some of the characters are fairly one-dimensional. I look forward to seeing more development for them in future volumes.
There are also far too many secondary characters and side characters to keep track of. Especially the ones that are not actually in any of the scenes. Some mage runs off and they are all talking about him, and I can't remember who the hay he is because he's not in the actual scene.
I love the story setting of the mages vs. the machines, and all the complexity of that history. It was especially interesting to see how regular human without magic react to the mages in different ways, sometimes fearing them, sometimes grateful to them, and often prejudiced against anything different from themselves. I'm really interested to see what happens as these three groups fall back into conflict.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I liked this story for the interesting plot and good characters. There's a lot of action and imaginative scenes, but some of the characters are fairly one-dimensional. I look forward to seeing more development for them in future volumes.
There are also far too many secondary characters and side characters to keep track of. Especially the ones that are not actually in any of the scenes. Some mage runs off and they are all talking about him, and I can't remember who the hay he is because he's not in the actual scene.
I love the story setting of the mages vs. the machines, and all the complexity of that history. It was especially interesting to see how regular human without magic react to the mages in different ways, sometimes fearing them, sometimes grateful to them, and often prejudiced against anything different from themselves. I'm really interested to see what happens as these three groups fall back into conflict.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
November 27, 2019
'The Castoffs, V. 2: Into The Wastelands' by M.K. Reed and Brian Smith is the second volume of this clever science fiction fantasy series.
In the first volume, our heroes Charris, Trinh, and Ursa defeated the evil Priestess and a robot army. Now they are travelling back to their village to report what they found. Along the way, they uncover a secret plot and may have to trust each other in another fight.
I liked the first volume a bit better. This felt like a story that is setting up the next volume. There's nothing wrong with that, and I can't wait to read the third volume, but this one felt a bit flat story-wise. The art, like the first one, is good, and I like the pen-work that kind of looks like woodcut at times.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
In the first volume, our heroes Charris, Trinh, and Ursa defeated the evil Priestess and a robot army. Now they are travelling back to their village to report what they found. Along the way, they uncover a secret plot and may have to trust each other in another fight.
I liked the first volume a bit better. This felt like a story that is setting up the next volume. There's nothing wrong with that, and I can't wait to read the third volume, but this one felt a bit flat story-wise. The art, like the first one, is good, and I like the pen-work that kind of looks like woodcut at times.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 31, 2023
I ended by review of the first volume hoping that this second volume would continue from the action-packed prologue. Instead, it picked up with the rather dull trio of newbie mages and thrust them into an even duller quest.
A looming issue with this series is that Ursa's parentage will be a huge plot point. But it's like, absolutely no secret that her mysterious lost mother is the villainous Priestess. There's a real "get to the point already" feeling and this is only the second volume. Yikes.
A looming issue with this series is that Ursa's parentage will be a huge plot point. But it's like, absolutely no secret that her mysterious lost mother is the villainous Priestess. There's a real "get to the point already" feeling and this is only the second volume. Yikes.
October 24, 2017
A decent juvenile fantasy which broadly carries on from the first volume. Events from that book are discussed and praised, but trouble starts when some mages go back to make sure the saved village is okay. Then the Castoffs team is sent on another mission while their frequent run-ins with another team of mages cause great discord. Not as good as the first volume but moving on nicely.
November 18, 2017
Into the Wastelands continues the story of Charris, Ursa, and Trinh. Now they have been sent to the Wastelands to find a way to defeat the Surrogate. It picks up immediately after the first book and it is as interesting and good as Mage Against the Machine.
I really like the girls, the growing friendship and how they are embracing their powers. They are becoming more confident and very loyal, and it warms my heart. It also warms my heart the diversity: Urse is a black girl and her crush is a black boy, and Trinh's mentor is an awesome black woman.
Although I'm still missing information about the world-building (who rules them? how magic works? what kind of power they have?), I enjoyed this second part a lot. There were some plot twists that I didn't expect at all, and I loved the end. I'm excited to see what will happen in the next adventure.
Copy received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really like the girls, the growing friendship and how they are embracing their powers. They are becoming more confident and very loyal, and it warms my heart. It also warms my heart the diversity: Urse is a black girl and her crush is a black boy, and Trinh's mentor is an awesome black woman.
Although I'm still missing information about the world-building (who rules them? how magic works? what kind of power they have?), I enjoyed this second part a lot. There were some plot twists that I didn't expect at all, and I loved the end. I'm excited to see what will happen in the next adventure.
Copy received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
This was.... okay. A bit more character development, a bit more plot development, but a whole lot of exposition and not a lot that I found interesting. The worldbuilding was still promising - which is really the only reason I read this volume - but I don't think it's enough to save this series.
August 12, 2022
*I received this book thanks to Netgalley and the publisher in exchange of honest review**
The story begins where we left it with the first volume. I do not want to spoiler you so I'll tell you the strictness you need about it.
The little trio formed by our heroines, Thrin, Ursa and Charris have succeeded in a part of their intent and return to the village to alert their comrades. Meanwhile, they meet three Wizards in their journey that we will find in the course of this reading and they will come up with answers to mysteries about Ursa's life.
The mystery is squeezed, but will the three succeed in preventing the Machines destroying everything? Will they not be able to put their sticks in the wheels? Will they get along and work together?
The plot since it started, badly, "I managed to work together long enough." When? Where is it? is it so much that they all bear three together and you tell me to work long enough ?! No. The rest then is quite truthful, except that at the end of this volume there is almost nothing particularly striking apart from the secrets that come out (which were already as clear as water) and a departure of magicians who go against their own "coven".
The cover I really enjoy, even though I have seen that there is also a lighter version, tending to the orange and looks much more beautiful. Not that I do not like it, I love blue but that makes it more visually and does not obscure the characters. the title is always similar to the previous title and subtitle. This time we have a new translation. The Castoff: Into the Watland. It's not really the mirror of history but it's okay, let's leave it and go on.
The setting is fantastic and the era has a do not know it post-apocalyptic but I can not tell why it's not specified but we are in the village of Clifton where our heroes come in where they are their mage companions.
The characters we will find are the same as those in the previous book plus some additions.
There is always Charris, Thrin and Ursa, but we will have a chance to know them better than ourselves and to know each other. To make his entry there will be Rosalba or better Ro, a girl with really amazing powers that will help our young female team in the mission. We will surely know a little better about Leda, a person who is wise, intelligent and understanding. by the impression of being a smart Maga but also sweet as a mother.
The central pin this time is not well defined because this book seems to be almost preparation for the next. I liked it, but I think between the first and the next, they could have made it very easy to make it better. Brushing it does not make justice to the story.
The graphic is the same as in the previous book and in that regard I have nothing to do but if at some point it seems to be drawn by one and at some moments from another. But I think, being so many people working on us, they swap in that direction. What amazes me is why to create a series of books so long if the story unfolds in small doses: they could have built a bigger book to keep them all and avoid unnecessary passages, such as those in this book.
The only interesting thing that happens is to see so many different types of magicians clash with each other to practice and test themselves, nothing more. history seems to be blocked to make room for other details and the main thread follows a spiral still dim to see something essential. There is still nothing to focus on yet.
In essence, history has many potentialities but authors prefer to divide books into more or less controversial parts. It would have been a much more practical volume with many pages but containing the full story. it almost seems that they have tried to pull the story forward by force, setting aside the lead.
I still advise, because despite everything, it is a light and unpretentious Graphic Novel. Ideal for spending time. My rating for this book: 3 stars.
The story begins where we left it with the first volume. I do not want to spoiler you so I'll tell you the strictness you need about it.
The little trio formed by our heroines, Thrin, Ursa and Charris have succeeded in a part of their intent and return to the village to alert their comrades. Meanwhile, they meet three Wizards in their journey that we will find in the course of this reading and they will come up with answers to mysteries about Ursa's life.
The mystery is squeezed, but will the three succeed in preventing the Machines destroying everything? Will they not be able to put their sticks in the wheels? Will they get along and work together?
The plot since it started, badly, "I managed to work together long enough." When? Where is it? is it so much that they all bear three together and you tell me to work long enough ?! No. The rest then is quite truthful, except that at the end of this volume there is almost nothing particularly striking apart from the secrets that come out (which were already as clear as water) and a departure of magicians who go against their own "coven".
The cover I really enjoy, even though I have seen that there is also a lighter version, tending to the orange and looks much more beautiful. Not that I do not like it, I love blue but that makes it more visually and does not obscure the characters. the title is always similar to the previous title and subtitle. This time we have a new translation. The Castoff: Into the Watland. It's not really the mirror of history but it's okay, let's leave it and go on.
The setting is fantastic and the era has a do not know it post-apocalyptic but I can not tell why it's not specified but we are in the village of Clifton where our heroes come in where they are their mage companions.
The characters we will find are the same as those in the previous book plus some additions.
There is always Charris, Thrin and Ursa, but we will have a chance to know them better than ourselves and to know each other. To make his entry there will be Rosalba or better Ro, a girl with really amazing powers that will help our young female team in the mission. We will surely know a little better about Leda, a person who is wise, intelligent and understanding. by the impression of being a smart Maga but also sweet as a mother.
The central pin this time is not well defined because this book seems to be almost preparation for the next. I liked it, but I think between the first and the next, they could have made it very easy to make it better. Brushing it does not make justice to the story.
The graphic is the same as in the previous book and in that regard I have nothing to do but if at some point it seems to be drawn by one and at some moments from another. But I think, being so many people working on us, they swap in that direction. What amazes me is why to create a series of books so long if the story unfolds in small doses: they could have built a bigger book to keep them all and avoid unnecessary passages, such as those in this book.
The only interesting thing that happens is to see so many different types of magicians clash with each other to practice and test themselves, nothing more. history seems to be blocked to make room for other details and the main thread follows a spiral still dim to see something essential. There is still nothing to focus on yet.
In essence, history has many potentialities but authors prefer to divide books into more or less controversial parts. It would have been a much more practical volume with many pages but containing the full story. it almost seems that they have tried to pull the story forward by force, setting aside the lead.
I still advise, because despite everything, it is a light and unpretentious Graphic Novel. Ideal for spending time. My rating for this book: 3 stars.
October 8, 2017
3 out of 5 stars
During the Get Graphic Readathon I read an early copy of The Castoffs Vol. 2: Into The Wastelands by M.K. Reed and Brian Smith. The Castoffs is a graphic novel series filled with magic, mechanical enemies, and a trio of girls who go from adversaries to friends.
I had the opportunity to read volume one of The Castoffs a few months ago. When the opportunity arose to read an early copy of volume two I simply couldn’t turn it down. As always, major spoilers will be avoided, but minor plot points will be discussed (nothing that wouldn’t be on a dust jacket).
If you missed the review for The Castoffs Vol. 1 or want to catch up on the events of the series you can check it out here.
This volume continues the journey of the three main characters – Charris, Trinh, and Ursa – a group of apprentice mages still learning their craft. In this volume, the girls travel back to their guild in Clifton. There, they receive a new mission, while the veteran mages go on a mission of their own as the Priestess may not be as defeated as previously believed. Though the three girls now trust one another, that trust is fragile. Ursa’s past come back to haunt her, and threatens to strain their bonds.
Like volume one, this volume featured art with lots of thick lines and bright colors. The background in some panels was quite minimalistic, something which I don’t quite remember feeling about the first volume. (Of course, the main characters were in a desert the majority of the time which in itself could be considered minimalist as far as background or scenery is concerned.) That isn’t to say the backgrounds are dull or boring. Quite the opposite, in fact. Several scenes stick out in particular, featuring a dark purple/blue background which, after the view finally zoomed out to allow more scenery in the panel, turned out to be a starry, almost mystical (and very beautiful) night sky.
Overall, I enjoyed this volume. The pacing felt a bit slower than that of the first. Normally slow pacing doesn’t bother me, but I felt the story dragged just slightly.
There is not a lot of forward momentum on the overarching plot, the still ongoing fight between the mages and their largely robotic enemies. These things are touched upon and being dealt with in a more behind the scenes fashion by the veteran mages within the Guild, but not in the very direct manner of the first volume. What we do is character development and backstory as well as a bit more about the Guild and its other members.
We are introduced to some new characters. A few mores students are introduced in this volume. Adult mages, some who belong to the guild and some who do not, are also introduced. I really liked some of the adult mages, and look forward to them being further included in the story.
The fight scenes are, once again, very good. These fights are some of the strongest things this series has to offer. Out of the three main characters only one has an ability that allows for a straight fight. Even so, all the characters are thrust into the action, sometimes on their own. The invisibility and charming abilities are used very efficiently, making for some real creativity and interesting situations.
Though this volume did feel a little slow, I liked it overall. It was a good continuation of the story with some needed downtime after the ending of volume one. Still, it would have been nice to see a little more action, or at least forward momentum, in the beginning of volume two. Even so, I will be continuing with this series. If you enjoy fantasy stories with teenage characters and a magical theme, check this series out.
This book was received free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review originally found on Looking Glass Reads.
During the Get Graphic Readathon I read an early copy of The Castoffs Vol. 2: Into The Wastelands by M.K. Reed and Brian Smith. The Castoffs is a graphic novel series filled with magic, mechanical enemies, and a trio of girls who go from adversaries to friends.
I had the opportunity to read volume one of The Castoffs a few months ago. When the opportunity arose to read an early copy of volume two I simply couldn’t turn it down. As always, major spoilers will be avoided, but minor plot points will be discussed (nothing that wouldn’t be on a dust jacket).
If you missed the review for The Castoffs Vol. 1 or want to catch up on the events of the series you can check it out here.
This volume continues the journey of the three main characters – Charris, Trinh, and Ursa – a group of apprentice mages still learning their craft. In this volume, the girls travel back to their guild in Clifton. There, they receive a new mission, while the veteran mages go on a mission of their own as the Priestess may not be as defeated as previously believed. Though the three girls now trust one another, that trust is fragile. Ursa’s past come back to haunt her, and threatens to strain their bonds.
Like volume one, this volume featured art with lots of thick lines and bright colors. The background in some panels was quite minimalistic, something which I don’t quite remember feeling about the first volume. (Of course, the main characters were in a desert the majority of the time which in itself could be considered minimalist as far as background or scenery is concerned.) That isn’t to say the backgrounds are dull or boring. Quite the opposite, in fact. Several scenes stick out in particular, featuring a dark purple/blue background which, after the view finally zoomed out to allow more scenery in the panel, turned out to be a starry, almost mystical (and very beautiful) night sky.
Overall, I enjoyed this volume. The pacing felt a bit slower than that of the first. Normally slow pacing doesn’t bother me, but I felt the story dragged just slightly.
There is not a lot of forward momentum on the overarching plot, the still ongoing fight between the mages and their largely robotic enemies. These things are touched upon and being dealt with in a more behind the scenes fashion by the veteran mages within the Guild, but not in the very direct manner of the first volume. What we do is character development and backstory as well as a bit more about the Guild and its other members.
We are introduced to some new characters. A few mores students are introduced in this volume. Adult mages, some who belong to the guild and some who do not, are also introduced. I really liked some of the adult mages, and look forward to them being further included in the story.
The fight scenes are, once again, very good. These fights are some of the strongest things this series has to offer. Out of the three main characters only one has an ability that allows for a straight fight. Even so, all the characters are thrust into the action, sometimes on their own. The invisibility and charming abilities are used very efficiently, making for some real creativity and interesting situations.
Though this volume did feel a little slow, I liked it overall. It was a good continuation of the story with some needed downtime after the ending of volume one. Still, it would have been nice to see a little more action, or at least forward momentum, in the beginning of volume two. Even so, I will be continuing with this series. If you enjoy fantasy stories with teenage characters and a magical theme, check this series out.
This book was received free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review originally found on Looking Glass Reads.
November 15, 2017
My review on this book should be taken with a grain of salt as I came into this without reading the first volume. I had fun reading this book, and would only read it again if I go and get the first one and read it. This story follows Trinh, Charris, and Ursa as they learn to hone their mage crafts. This book is a bit of fantasy a bit of science fiction. I did enjoy the adventure in the book, but some of the small arguments slightly annoyed me. I had to put myself in their shoes and remember we aren't the same age so I should know better. The story was a bit difficult for me to get into. The first third of it dragged for me and I am unsure if this is because I never read the first one or it was just the set up. I am looking forward to reading the first volume so i can give an updated review of this book, as this one is sub-par for me.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest opinion
September 25, 2017
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
3 stars.
This was really enjoyable. Unfortunately though, for the most part, I didnt understand what was really going on. I needed to have read book 1 before having read this. From this book though, I know that its a series I would really really like. It would have appealed to me quite alot. The images were nicely done and I like the sci fi feel about it. Im going to re-read this once Ive brought the first book and I will update my review once having gotten the background from book 1. There was something else I really liked about this, I think it was the positive way it made me feel.
So I would recommend this if your interested in the description.
3 stars.
This was really enjoyable. Unfortunately though, for the most part, I didnt understand what was really going on. I needed to have read book 1 before having read this. From this book though, I know that its a series I would really really like. It would have appealed to me quite alot. The images were nicely done and I like the sci fi feel about it. Im going to re-read this once Ive brought the first book and I will update my review once having gotten the background from book 1. There was something else I really liked about this, I think it was the positive way it made me feel.
So I would recommend this if your interested in the description.
October 26, 2017
I didn’t like volume one and volume 2 didn’t change my mind. Volume one was annoying because of all the “girl drama” instead of working as a team. Volume two is the same story over again, except this time the apprentices are arguing with the seasoned mages. I like the concept of the story, but find the execution lacking. More time is spent on the in-house drama instead of the cybernetic war, and I find it lacking because of this reason.
March 6, 2019
Thankfully less bickering than the first volume, but still a little slow. Charris is still understandably upset at Ursa for having controlled her mind, but then she's laughing and playing with her as if nothing happened in like 2 pages? Ehh? I thought the fight scene was nice and the monster was scary! Well, I'm onto volume 3.
SN: I really liked the color direction in this one, but I felt all the characters' arms were a bit too short.
SN: I really liked the color direction in this one, but I felt all the characters' arms were a bit too short.
August 10, 2023
2.5/5
I liked this more than the first one, the lead trio has started getting their act together though it feels kind of a sudden shift given their attitudes in vol 1. I'm still uncertain about the world building, not much info is given on how magic works or how society and cultures are structured. I can appreciate minimalist world building, but it feels like it's rivaling Spera in terms of information given.
I liked this more than the first one, the lead trio has started getting their act together though it feels kind of a sudden shift given their attitudes in vol 1. I'm still uncertain about the world building, not much info is given on how magic works or how society and cultures are structured. I can appreciate minimalist world building, but it feels like it's rivaling Spera in terms of information given.
August 17, 2020
I am super excited for the new addition of Ro; talk about a super sick hero aesthetic that has me pumped. The story is progressing in interesting ways and I hope to see more monsters because the art style on them is pure magic.
January 28, 2019
I really, really like this series.
March 28, 2019
i love the characters in this book!
October 28, 2025
I liked the first one more, but I still want to continue the series. Cross your fingers the library orders copies...
Evil is still my favorite character, too.
Evil is still my favorite character, too.
Want to Read
September 24, 2017Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through Edelweiss and NetGalley.
April 8, 2019
I think I liked this volume a bit better than the first one. Probably the main reason for this is the characters are mostly past the getting-to-know-each-other-while-forced-to-work-together stage and can start to function as a team a bit more. It did feel a bit too convenient how , but so it goes. I do wonder what powers Janicka has, since she is only ever shown using a bow; sure, the arrows are enchanted, but that doesn't mean she actually enchants them herself or anything.
October 23, 2017
Not quite as much fun as the first volume had been. There's a bit more info dump in this volume, and significantly less action. However, once it finally does get going, a couple issues in, it does start to pick up. There's a nice cliffhanger at the end of the volume.
November 3, 2017
A likeable enough continuation, but I'm still mixed on Lion Forge collections/releases. Might have to give this another shot.
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