The second volume of The Golden Sheep takes a shift in tone from the first, but is an equally strong continuation of the potent and beautifully illustrated story.

I really loved The Golden Sheep Vol. 2. I received the arc via NetGalley and had to read the first volume before getting into this one, which was a great choice. In the first book we discover the changes that can come over us when life happens and how hard it can be to let go and to hold on to old feeling, memories and friends.

After Tsugu moved back to the small town where she left her three best friends many years ago, she had to discover that not everything stays the same. And that not everything is at it seems. People change under pain. And sometimes they start hurting others in response.

In the second volume we follow the four friends again and learn even more about their past. I love how nice and pretty the art style is, while the emotions and the story can be so intense and heartbreaking. We learn more about Yuushin, and see our four friends grow, break and heal some more.

After Tsugu and Sora run away to Tokyo they start their new life there in a little croquettes shop owned by a strange old man. Asari and Yuushin have to deal with their own problems and feelings unable to put all the blame on Tsugu and Sora this time. But ways cross again and the ghosts of their past are just too big and strong to let go.

It's been a long time since I felt that connected to the emotions and story of a manga series. The Golden Sheep reminds me pretty much of Kodomo No Omocha in that way, one of my all time favourite series, which was really dear to me growing up.

I couldn't put the second volume down and can't wait to read the third one now. To learn more about the kids and their friendship, that - which this volume showed - is strong enough to overcome pain and life, if they are ready for it.

This digital arc provided by Milky Way via Netgalley in exchange of honest review, the opinions are purely my own.

Holy shit! The Golden Sheep, Vol. 2 is one of coming-of-age manga that is very interesting in my opinion. Even though I haven't read the Volume 1, and to be honest kinda lost in the beginning of this book, but I could saw the information: Tsugu and Sora were a highschooler that ran together from their home and somehow ended up in Ataru Sakishima's house, the owner of Honest Croquette. They helped the grandpa to run his business. Sora and Tsugu are so cute together, their dynamic, Sora's feeling to Tsugu... they own my heart!
Also, there's other interesting character: Yuushin. He was described by Asari as "close with Tsora", although he wouldn't admit it. Yuushin was like a broken character; he was indeed an ass (especially that scene with Asari) but actually he also has a heart of gold. He was just a rebel kid that wanted to catch his dream.

Overall, I love this manga so much!

This manga is making me such an emotional wreck!
The first volume ended on such a huge cliffhanger and it was great to see Tsugu and Sora having fun and smiling in volume 2! (I ship them SO hard)

My greatest wish is for them to all heal and find peace in there lives, and I think the artist does a great job of portraying their inner turmoil. It's great to see their learning journey as they slowly discover their true selves.

The artstyle, which is what drew me to the manga in the first place, is so pretty and it really brings a warm feeling to your heart. I'd love to see some of the scenes in colour 😍

Rating: 4.5 / 5 ⭐
Trigger warnings for bullying, attempted suicide, pedophilia and harassment.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing the eARC in return for an honest review!

3,5 Stars

This volume lacked a little bit of something compared to the first volume, but it’s still interesting because it does focus a lot more on characterization, especially on Yuushin. We have revelations, which explains Yuushin sudden change and why his relationship with Sora fell out. I really wanted to know more about it because he was kind of mysterious and we didn’t know much about him in volume 1.

I’m still a big fan of the drawings and of Tsugu. Can’t wait to read the next and final volume to see how the story wraps up.