Aside from that, this is definitely a story that I would highly recommend reading. They just have that typical manga-esque and there's nothing that really makes the art stand out. While certainly not bad, I feel like the illustrations are uninspiring and somewhat bland in comparison to the story. If there was one thing that I feel didn't hold up, it was definitely the artwork. It was one of the few that I found hard to put down. I do not know if she will show up again in another volume, but I will admit that I did enjoy seeing a new character enter the picture, even if it's only temporarily. Meek and somewhat unsure of herself at first, she portrays a stark contrast to Holo in personality. This book also introduces a new character, Norah, a shepherdess of some skill. This story tends to have a higher focus on a straightforward plot with clear-cut consequences and a just as clear solution, though that does not stop this book from being exciting. I honestly don't mind this that much, as I feel this shows that neither feel quite so alone anymore since they have each other, but I know others who didn't like that. One thing that volume 2 doesn't quite manage to capture is the inherent loneliness that both Holo and Lawrence felt, which was the foundation of their decision to travel together. When I first started reading this, I had the distinct sense that Holo and Lawrence's relationship had progressed. Just like in the first volume, volume 2 retains its wit as Holo skillfully keeps ahead of Lawrence as far as dialogue goes, though I feel the young by comparison trader is starting to get a handle on how to deal with her. Holo the Wisewolf is still traveling with Lawrence, and Hasekura accurately captures the charm of the original book by having the two continuously trading banters. Volume 2 continues where volume 1 left off. Spice & Wolf volume 2 was thrilling to read and managed to somehow keep me hooked from beginning to end. Once again, Hasekura must be commended for creating a wonderful light novel that I enjoyed thoroughly from beginning to end. Even if you read about the first volume on the web, you are still losing out on a treat! (Now I just have to track down a copy of the first version that has the slipcover with it!) Even though it is only the second volume, there is already enough going on to where newcomers will have a bit of a problem catching up on the story. If you haven't read the first book, I recommend that you start there first. (Holo fans will be glad to know that they will see quite a bit of her in one of the illustrations!) As always, the illustrations in this are gorgeous, especially the full color versions at the beginning of the book. I also enjoyed the new characters in the book- it'll be interesting to see if any of them pop back up in the series later, especially Norah. Hasekura could have easily made this book into something more supernatural & romance driven, but his choice to make the merchant life the focus has served him well. I also enjoyed the information on the merchant trade, which seems to be one of the big driving forces of the series- second only to the slow chemistry that is building between our two main characters. The translation seems to be far smoother than in the first book. I really enjoyed this more than I did the first volume. In order to avoid being sold to a slave ship, Lawrence & Holo must undertake a very dangerous scheme involving their debtors, a lovely young shepherdess, & a dangerous stretch of woods! Unfortunately they all too soon discover that their "good fortune" was anything but & Lawrence is now in a very sizable amount of debt. When they discover that the man buying it is using less than honest means to secure a good price, they manage to finagle a good amount of expensive armor from him. In this second volume of "Spice & Wolf", we find our favorite merchant & wolf girl attempting to sell a bag of pepper for a large price. (Especially since these books are almost always placed in the manga section in bookstores.) While I understand what they were trying to go for, the target audience for these books is the manga & anime crowd. That really is a marked improvement, I must say. The books now have the original artwork on the book itself, while the "realistic" covers are now a slip cover. If you've been hesitating to purchase this volume due to the cover art of the previous volume, rest assured- Yen Press has heard your complaints.
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