Witch Hat Atelier Vol 2 by Kamome Shirahama

The four apprentices are stuck in a never-ending loop guarded by a hungry dragon. Only by coming together to create a new spell will they distract the dragon long enough to find the seal keeping them imprisoned. Then, we meet Olruggio, the Watchful Eye of the Atelier, who is insistent that Coco be handed over to the Knights of Moralis because of her history with the Brimmed Hats, but Qifrey convinces him to let Coco stay and to lead their own investigation. Later, a powerful rainstorm knocks out a bridge and sends a carriage into the roaring river, and Qifrey, Olruggio, and the apprentices are implored to help. But, it’ll be difficult for all of them to cast magic with all the villagers around!

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In this story, we continue to see Coco struggle with casting her spells, and she doesn't even have all the bright ideas to save everyone all the time.  She's much more of an average apprentice, even though Qifrey is convinced there is something special about her that the Brimmed Hats want.  I actually rather enjoy that Coco isn't exceedingly special, that her abilities are sub-par compared to the other apprentices who have much more time under their belts.  I do wish that Tetia and Richeh (the other two apprentices) were a little more distinct.  At the moment, they feel like the same character.  This illustrations are still absolutely beautiful with lush details and beautiful attention paid.   
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Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability level: Grades 5-12
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Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1

Publisher: Kodansha
Publication Date: June 25, 2019​
ISBN: 9781632368041 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, ​Kodansha