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Nothing Special #2

Nothing Special, Vol. 2: Concerning Wings

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Callie thinks that in the grand scheme of the worlds at large, she's nothing special. With the unexpected addition of friendship and adventure into her life, she's about to find out that she was very, very wrong.

Callie, Declan, Radish, and Lasser return for season two!

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 2024

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About the author

Katie Cook

265 books149 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

I graduated from the College for Creative Studies in 2004 with a BFA in illustration, my love of cartooning and comics has led me to where i am today.

I've done licensed work for DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, My Little Pony:Friendship is Magic, Fraggle Rock and more. I love being a nerd, so being able to draw nerdy things for a living is the best thing ever.

I'm married to the best guy ever. Ryan keeps me grounded.

I have a daughter, Grayson, who is my booger-y little destroyer of worlds.

I like my cats... a LOT.
...Our dog isn't too bad.

I live in a state shaped like a mitten.

The constant support of my family, pets, friends, and even complete strangers, is what drives me to succeed in art. Thank you everyone, because of you, I am what I am.

Which means... I'm all your fault.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for nush ❀.
582 reviews15 followers
April 29, 2024
— a very cozy 4.5 ⚝

this is one of the best cozy fantasy/adventure series out there rn especially in webtoon format. the art is absolutely stunning, i stare at panels for so long before moving on to the next one. i love these characters so much and am always surprised by how distinctive they all are. radish is the best side vegetable ever and lasser is so so delightful. are we getting lasserquinn? we better! im rooting for them SO HARD. they're the cutest.

reading this just makes my heart feel warm and gooey. the setting is so cottagecore and it makes my plant loving heart so happy. the romance between callie and declan is very wholesome. the little chibi designs in random panels are everything to me. i loved going on this journey with these characters. the clever dialogue, the pacing, the art, the characters, the romance, everything is this is perfect.

the only reason this isn't a full 5 stars like the first volume is because it felt a little stretched out and meandering at times. that's literally all. apart from that, this was perfection.

there is so much hilarity in this and combined with a feel-good vibe and a good plot makes this a must read for all adventure graphic novel lovers. this is also a great starting point for those looking to try graphic novels.

Thank you to Clarkson Potter/Ten speed Press and NetGalley for an e-arc of this graphic novel. All thoughts are my own and not influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Steff Fox.
1,332 reviews159 followers
April 3, 2024
The second installment of Nothing Special by Katie Cook is finished and I have no idea what to do with the rest of my life! Okay, that's probably overly dramatic and not entirely true, but still. The lack of this story in my life has definitely made my week somewhat less exciting. In such a short time, I have become incredibly attached to Callie, Declan, Radish, and Lasser. And if you read this series, I'm certain that you will, too.

I have to preface this review by saying that if you haven't read season one of Nothing Special, there will be some small spoilers popping up in this review of season two since the major plot is very much centered around important events from the first.

Nothing Special part two picks right back up with all your favorite characters. They've finished their first adventure and now both Callie and Declan have graduated high school with Radish, as usual, by their sides. Lasser is now working for Callie and her father at the Antiques and Oddities shop they run and Declan is still kind of learning the ropes about this other world he's only recently learned he's a part of. But when Declan's injured wing begins starting fires and causing him to faint, the three soon determine that they must set out to the Earth Fairy estate to find out what's wrong with him.

I had so much fun reading this fantastic follow-up to the first season of Nothing Special. It was here, I think, where I really found myself falling in love with the characters and the story. The utterly adorable artwork continues and Lasser has developed a rather amusing love of romance novels—it’s safe to say Lasser is unquestionably now my favorite character—that he is, unfortunately, using as a guide to finding his own romantic partner. All new characters arrive, each unique and wonderful in their own ways. I especially adored Quinn.

All of this to say, the first time I reviewed this book it was based upon the completed “Season Two” of Nothing Special on Webtoon. With this new and updated installment—finally in book form!!—I have to admit that it did not end where I thought it would. I’ve mixed feelings about that if only because I would have loved the entirety of the original packaged up all together. I don’t hate the cliffhanger—possibly because I already know what happens next—and I’m more than happy to have multiple copies of Katie Cook’s brilliant series on my shelf.

So, as I’m eagerly awaiting the continuation of this series, just note that everything below this point is a review of the rest of the “season” and does not actually make it into the official Volume Two.

I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cook did a magnificent job of balancing out the hilarity and evilness of the villain just as she did with the one last season. I have to admit I grew rather fond of this evil, especially as he interacted with the other characters. It was just the perfect amount of cute and dark mixed together.

I fully believe that the second installment has expanded and improved upon the world and story that Katie Cook brought in season one. And after how utterly brilliant season two turned out to be, I simply can not wait to see what she has in store for us in season three! Now the only question is how patiently will I be able to wait for it?

| Reader Fox Blog |
Profile Image for Naomi Starling.
93 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
This was the Most AMAZING! book I have read in a LONG time! The art could have been better at times, I admit, but it was illustrated by the author herself, so that still adds to her talent and the series' specialness.

The characters are unique. The bond between the hero and heroine is very sweet, despite the hero being more feminine and the heroine being very tomboyish -- which is definitely in line with today's time. The vegetables are ADORABLE! throughout the entire book, especially the head little Radish. The book itself is a laugh a minute, and it was VERY hard not to literally guffaw out loud even though I was reading it at work -- which is VERY unusual for this reader. :)

This was an amazing journey! I honestly can NOT say enough good things about this read and will be looking to pick up the first volume SOON as well as continue with the series as it is released! I feel doubly blessed to have won the giveaway, because not only did I win, but this series is just... FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have definitely found an author I WILL be following (have already added some of her other books to my TBR pile), and I am EAGERLY anticipating reading more of this series! It's already made it to my #2 spot of WebToons fandoms, and I now I SO want to see more WebToons series getting their own TPBs! (My TOP, for anyone who may be interested, is Eleceed, and I don't see that changing any time soon no matter how cute, hilarious, adorable, funny, unique, spectacular the read! :) It IS worth noting that it's now shoved Wayne Family Adventures -- from DC Comics, mind you -- to a solid third place!)

Again, I SERIOUSLY can NOT say enough good things about this read, and I can NOT wait to read more in this series! The ONLY thing I am disappointed in is that I've already finished this volume! :( I'm WOWed... I am COMPLETELY WOWED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And sitting here, after a VERY ROUGH day, with a HUGE GRIN on my face!!!!

I've actually got people with whom I'd LOVE to share this book -- but I am NOT risking my copy! No siree! :P

Oh, and I also want to definitely give a nod of respect and gratitude to the VARIOUS other fandoms the author mentions throughout the series. There are several references to Star Wars which is clearly one of her favorites, but there was also a very respectful nod to one of MY favorites, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Thank YOU, Ms. Cook, and thank you for bringing us a wonderful new world that I sincerely hope is around for a VERY LONG time to come!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to the next volume, and will be picking up your first VERY SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Profile Image for Liz (Quirky Cat).
4,746 reviews76 followers
July 1, 2024
Summary:

Callie's life hasn't exactly been the same – not since the day she crossed the boundary looking for her father. Thankfully, she has a great boyfriend and countless new friends to help support her through these changes.

However, Callie isn't the only one facing changes. Declan may have found out he was a fairy when he turned eighteen – but apparently, his adventure is only beginning! Now, his magic has gone wonky, and they all need some answers.

Nothing Special was originally a Webtoon (It still is), but they're turning the different seasons into volumes.

Review:

Oh yay! I'm so glad the (published) adventures continue in Nothing Special Vol. 2! I really adored the first volume and had questions about where the story would go from here. Now I have my answers...and I want volume 3. I'm so greedy, I know.

Where the first volume of our lovely series focused on Callie, this second volume is all about Declan! But don't worry, he's not alone. All of our favorites are back, plus some new characters. In other words, it's another delightful romp through this fantasy world!

When I say I devoured this book, I pretty much mean it. I read it cover to cover within the hour. I kind of regret that, as now there's nothing left (yes, I know I can read it online). And I have SO MANY questions about what is going on and what will happen with Declan's magic. I need to know!

If you're looking for a cozy middle-grade fantasy with fantastic characters, please be sure to check out this series. You can either read it in graphic novel format (like me) or check out the Webtoon!

Highlights:
Middle-Grade Graphic Novel
Fantasy
Magic & Critters

Thanks to Ten Speed Graphic and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Profile Image for Book_withquotes.
437 reviews13 followers
September 25, 2024
First, thank you NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing an arc of the book. This book will be released on 22nd October 2024.

Nothing Special Volume Two by Katie Cook is a delightful continuation of the enchanting Webtoon series that fans have come to adore. This installment picks up with Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish embarking on a new adventure filled with magic, mystery, and a deeper exploration of Declan’s fairy heritage. After their previous adventure, Callie hopes for a peaceful life helping her dad in the antique shop and spending time with Declan. However, when Declan’s injured fairy wing starts causing unexpected magical outbursts, the group sets off on a quest to find a healer.

Their journey takes them to new and whimsical places, and they meet fascinating characters along the way, all while uncovering more about Declan’s true identity and connection to the fairy world. Katie Cook’s artwork is as stunning as ever, with vibrant colors and charming details that bring the magical world to life. The character dynamics are heartwarming and humorous, with Lasser’s newfound love for romance novels adding a delightful layer of comedy to the story.

The relationships, especially between Callie and Declan, are wholesome and endearing, making readers root for them even more. Despite being a bit stretched in places, Nothing Special Volume Two is a cozy, feel-good read that beautifully balances humor, adventure, and emotional depth. The cliffhanger ending leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment. For fans of fantasy graphic novels and Webtoon series, this book is a must-read that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Profile Image for Brittany.
378 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2024
"Nothing Special Volume Two" follows Declan, Callie, Lasser, and Radish on another grand adventure full of magic! Declan comes down with a mysterious fairy illness after using his magic for the first time, so the team sets off to find someone who can help heal him.

This was another great graphic novel in the series! The artwork is so cute and detailed, often with little jokes mixed in on the side. I love how colorful it is and the style the artist chose. There are a lot of references to pop culture/movies/tv shows that are super funny and show how Declan and Callie's magical world still connects to our present day world. The story this time was very interesting, learning about Declan's family history and fairy magic. I can't believe it ended on a cliffhanger because I just want to hear the end of the story! It just makes me even more excited for a book 3!

I think you would enjoy this book if you are interested in: graphic novels, magic, fairies, and fantasy. This would be a great reads for teens or older, as the characters are 18 years old in this novel. I cannot recommend this series enough and give this book 5/5 stars!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Ten Speed Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany.
378 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2024
"Nothing Special Volume Two" follows Declan, Callie, Lasser, and Radish on another grand adventure full of magic! Declan comes down with a mysterious fairy illness after using his magic for the first time, so the team sets off to find someone who can help heal him.

This was another great graphic novel in the series! The artwork is so cute and detailed, often with little jokes mixed in on the side. I love how colorful it is and the style the artist chose. There are a lot of references to pop culture/movies/tv shows that are super funny and show how Declan and Callie's magical world still connects to our present day world. The story this time was very interesting, learning about Declan's family history and fairy magic. I can't believe it ended on a cliffhanger because I just want to hear the end of the story! It just makes me even more excited for a book 3!

I think you would enjoy this book if you are interested in: graphic novels, magic, fairies, and fantasy. This would be a great reads for teens or older, as the characters are 18 years old in this novel. I cannot recommend this series enough and give this book 5/5 stars!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Ten Speed Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Savannah.
56 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2024
Katie Cook does it again my friends!

I have been waiting for volume two since I read volume one. I am so emotionally attached to Callie, Declan, Lasser, and of course the perfect Radish (don't worry Quinn, I'm shipping you too). ❤️

Volume two takes us through an adventure to the Earth fairy kingdom because Declan has an injured wing and needs a healer. Throughout this adventure, we get to see flashbacks of Callie and Declan for their senior year, bond with Lasser and his addiction to smutty romance books (I get it babbbby), and aid in the rescue of many small spirits from the evils of lamps! It's always so fun reading these volumes because everyone truly gets to shine.

If you're interested in:
🧚Graphic Novels
🧚Fantasy
🧚Romance
🧚Fairies
🧚The Cutest Radish you'll ever see
then this book is for you, but I highly suggest starting with Volume One to get some important background!

I will try my hardest to not turn to the original Webtoon comic to keep reading ahead, but I don't know if I'll be able to hold out. I need to know how the adventure goes and frankly, waiting for part three may ruin me (yes I'm dramatic, it's fine!)

I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it.

Profile Image for rather_b_reading.
345 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2024
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review. This sequel to Nothing Special follows Callie (part muse), her boyfriend Declan (part fairy), her sidekick Radish (ghost of a radish who loves her), and her "Backpack" Lasser (Some dark magical being who loves smutty supernatural romance novels) on their quest to help Declan understand where he comes from. When I read Volume 1 earlier this year, I immediately fell in love with Radish and Lasser. I enjoyed Callie and Declan's banter and movie references and the adventures the four of them found themselves on. This book does not pick up right after the events of the first one, but there are flashback chapters that fill in any of the time between. I liked this approach as the adventures are fun, but Callie and Declan are also high school seniors. We still get little flashes of Prom and Birthdays without having to have the book span a whole school year. This novel focuses on their adventure to learn about Declan's parentage and his half-fairy side and is just as fun as the first one.  It isn't 5 stars because it ended on a cliffhanger, and I need to know what happens. Please don't leave me here!
Profile Image for Neshia Crane.
292 reviews
April 12, 2024
Thank NetGalley,
WHY DID I READ THIS SO QUICKLY!!!! There's no telling how long I have to wait for Volume 3!!! It's so good and the cliff hanger is killer. I adore this series already and can't wait to devore all of them!
After defeating her neurotic wood nymph mother, all Callie wants to do is help her dad with his magical antique shop, tease Lasser about his newfound romance novel addiction, and—most important—spend time with her boyfriend, Declan. But when Declan’s injured fairy wing starts shooting sparks and causes him to collapse in pain, Callie decides to take matters into her own hands and find a way to heal him.

She knows where to start, at least—with her dad’s boring friend, Professor Larkspur. Armed with new information, Callie, Declan, Lasser, and Radish set out to find a fairy healer. But what starts as a simple four-day journey to visit a particular enclave of fairies ends up becoming a much more profound exploration of not only what Declan is, but exactly who he is to the fairies….
Profile Image for Kristýna.
182 reviews
October 28, 2024
We’re back and another adventure awaits for Callie, Declan, Radish and Lesser. We’re getting know some new characters as well. Also some new places in the magical world, because Declan has injured his wings and it isn’t good, so they need to get him to the healer…

Lesser is my spirit animal! He’s such a romantic soul, let him enjoy his romance books and find his soulmate!
Callie’s and Declan’s relationship is developmenting here more and it was so cute, love them and their caring for each other and fact that they know each other so well!

It’s a quick and funny read, and I must say it’s addictive as well. And the artwork is so pretty!

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for this advance copy.
Profile Image for Leonie.
1,029 reviews52 followers
April 29, 2024
Nothing Special is a book that is just so easy and fun to read. The characters were all charming and the story fast-paced.

The art style was very cute and I liked how much little details I could spot in the background.

Due to the book’s length, it also feels like you’re getting your money’s worth - for a graphic novel, Nothing Special was rather chunky.

I could have done without the cliffhanger though since it seems like it’ll be quite a wait until Vol. 3.

Overall I had a great time reading this and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.


[I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
Profile Image for Mary.
125 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2024
This was a really excellent sequel, in my opinion. It doesn't start right from the end of the first book, it's a ways in the future but it does include a few flashbacks that add in important information that wouldn't have been part of the story otherwise. We learn all sorts of things about Declan, which is very exciting! It ends on quite the cliffhanger, which I'm not MAD about, but does make me hope the next one comes out soon. There's a bit with Lasser, but I'm hoping maybe in the next one we'll get a little more, he's ridiculous and I love him.
Profile Image for Lisa Boyd.
663 reviews14 followers
May 18, 2024
This one was even better than the first (which was fabulous). I see no issue in recommending this to any middle schooler who would enjoy it as though the characters are older, the situations are not 'mature' enough to not be enjoyed by a multitude of readers. The comedy and illustrations are amazing and I anticipate even more from this talented artist who already has several popular achievements under her belt.

Give to fans of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Jasper Fforde, Hilda, The Owl House, Gravity Falls, D&D, fairies and fantasy, and more.
Profile Image for Alison.
485 reviews13 followers
July 5, 2024
In Nothing Special, Volume Two Callie, Declan, Lasser and Radish (of course!) go on a spectacular adventure to save Declan's wing.

I CANNOT say enough good things about this book. The artwork was absolutely amazing. The characters were funny and quirky and full of witty banter and side jokes. Clean enough for the middle schoolers with some adult humor thrown in for the older sets. Probably the first original graphic novel that I have wanted to buy for myself rather than just for the library! Thank you NetGalley for the advance read!
Profile Image for Ric.
1,276 reviews132 followers
October 28, 2024
This series has become one of my favorite graphic novel series out there in just two entries, and with that ending I can’t wait to see what happens next. Declan is my favorite, so exploring is backstory a bit in this one was so fun. And I also love Callie and all of the side characters as well, following along with them is a joy to read.

This entry really expands the world created in part 1, and I’m loving every frame of it. The only problem is I’m going to read them too quickly and have to wait forever for every subsequent entry.
Profile Image for Erica Baxter.
889 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2024
An absolute delight! I loved the first volume of this graphic novel series and I am just as smitten with this one! The art is adorable and the storytelling is light and quirky. It's all so upbeat and whimsical. Lots of smiles. Lots of giggles. This book is pure joy.

I do have one gripe... The cliffhanger ending! No! Why?!

But still, there are no words to express how much I love the art and the stories in this series. These books are like catnip for me. My favorite graphic novel series, to date.
Profile Image for Melanie (aka DarkBeauty73).
352 reviews19 followers
November 15, 2024
E ARC provided by NetGalley

The story picked up where we left off from the first one. But that damn ending, how could you, I need to know. lol

Love Callie, Declan, Radish, Lasser and their adventures. Sometimes I had to reread something but I think that was a me problem not the story. Had trouble following the flow of what was being said. Felt like I was reading panels out of order. But again that might of been a me problem. Otherwise loved where the story was going till I got to the cliffhanger. Geesh I need Vol 3 now please.

The art work is stunning, highly recommend.
196 reviews
November 22, 2024
Declan has injured his wing and periodically is setting things on fire. His girlfriend Callie and their friend Lasser decide to go on a journey to find another earth fairy to maybe heal Declan. As they cross the woodlands on the way to a wealthy woman’s last party they encounter pixies and cats as well as captive fireflies that Cabbage keeps releasing. We have a couple of flashbacks and we are all, including Declan, learning more about his magic. The artwork is gorgeous and really compliments the story. I look forward to the next volume as this one ends on a cliffhanger. Recommended
Profile Image for Sophy.
338 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2024
Book two is definitely just as good as book one! There off on another adventure this time they were on a trip to find Declans family. These four characters have such great adventures and a fun time along the way. This book ends with a cliffhanger with an adorable drawing of a cliff which made me laugh. I really enjoy this story and the Art is great. I can't wait to see where this story goes from here.
Profile Image for Lisa Davidson.
876 reviews22 followers
May 15, 2024
I loved Volume 1 and I love Volume 2 even more. The pictures are adorable, and I love the way the characters interact. There is so much fun and adventure and snark -- and in this one, such interesting revelations! The only problem I have with these graphic novels is that it's way too easy to gobble them up, leaving me wanting more. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this, and here's hoping to a third volume soon.
Profile Image for Esperancita &#x1f49c;.
144 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2024
When I started this story I didn't know it was a second part, but I quickly got the hang of it.

It has been entertaining, a story has a nice vibe with everything related to the fantasy world, what I liked the most was the drawing, it took me a while to turn the page just to contemplate them for a long time.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,182 reviews
May 7, 2021
This was a great sequel! I appreciated the focus on Declan this time. It was interesting, fun, heartfelt, funny, and (as always) charming. The romance is adorable, the world building is intriguing, and the story is well-paced and exciting. The characters really tie it all together. They're great! 5 stars!
Profile Image for J.
195 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2024
I received this DRC from NetGalley.

I love this series so far. The artwork is adorable. The styling of the layout is well done; I really like the little asides with the radishes and such. The characters are all very likable and wholesome. This is the kind of cozy reading that I really enjoy. It ends on a cliffhanger, so I hope the next volume comes out soon!
Profile Image for E.W. Richard.
101 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2024
Love!
Definitely a filler book but the cliff hanger at the end! Man, I cant believe I have to wait for the next one to come out to know what happens.

The art is beautiful, the characters are loveable, and all around a great story.

A big thank you to Netgalley and Ten Speed Press for letting me read an advanced copy of this book!
801 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2024
Thank you Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, Ten Speed Graphic, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. The fun continues in the next volume of this adorable series. Gorgeous artwork, same great characters, and fast moving plot makes for another great story. Can’t wait for the next instalment in this very special series.
1,416 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2024
This is a super adorable and sweet story. I really look forward to her next volume. Gronk was super adorable too. I don’t really need to read her my little pony or marvel stuff…. But I hope that’s paying the bills so she can keep telling her original stories too!
Profile Image for Fabienne Haupt.
4 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2022
One of the best comics I read on WEBTOONs so far, I love it with every cell in my body!
Profile Image for Mori.
117 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2024
rtc when the updated version gets released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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