The contradictory themes in the Brume series never cease to amuse me. From Brume's constant hearing the opinions of others and then repeating them as if they were her own to her giving advice or scolding someone and then doing precisely what she told them not to do or admonished them for doing. Or even to something as simple as someone who is clearly the messiest of people saying they've become "a bit of a neat freak in [their] old age." And this is honestly just the beginning.

I've come to the conclusion that I absolutely adore these characters and their misadventures. They're quirky and clever and oh so much entertaining fun. Brume: The Forest of Lost Souls by Jérôme Pélissier brings us right back into the wildness experienced by our exceptional pig narrator, Hubert. Illustrated beautifully once again by the brilliant Carine Hinder, the second installment in this series begins with our overconfident Brume deciding, now that she's clearly become a grand and powerful witch but no one believes she's actually killed the dragon and instead attributes that feat to Naïa, that it's high time she find this legendary witch and figure out why she left Brume with her spellbook.

Thus she drags her friend poor Hugo—a boy quite spellbound in his reverence of her, something I imagine is fueled largely by his lack of confidence and her extreme overabundance of it—and poor Hubert on another unfortunately extremely dangerous adventure. They learn about the last actions of Naïa during her final visit to the village and Brume immediately takes it upon herself to insist that they must travel through the forest of lost souls to find her. But, as this is the forest of lost souls and everyone who enters it fails to ever leave, the fatal danger that fills the forest is awaiting them.

The adventure, as a whole, is deeply adorable. Brume's self-aggrandizing character traits persist alongside Hugo's admittedly unearned admiration of her. And, as with the previous book, these two would be hopelessly in danger if not for Hubert. Though Brume manages to play a surprisingly larger role in the protection of the group than she managed to last time, the fact still remains that despite Brume's insistence that it's her competence and brilliance that gets them out of any pickle they find themselves in, more often than not she is actually the cause of the trouble and Hubert is exceptionally smart with his problem solving.

He may be our brilliant narrator, but it's not like he can explain any of this to the kiddos.

I laughed so much while reading this book; I can't recall if I laughed nearly as much when I read the first one, but it is without a doubt to me that this latest installment was pure perfection. I especially adored the silent little acts in the background that portrayed more of Hubert's role, with Hugo and especially Brume completely oblivious to what's happening, instead falsely attributing certain events to her own success and brilliance. Watching this incompetent little girl sort of fail up as a result of dragging along more competent characters is one of the more entertaining reading experiences I've ever had.

Highly recommend this series for a read. It's excellent.

This is too cute, and Brume is a hilarious character. I love her over confidence and lack of awareness-- she manages to still be adorable while blundering through her adventures and unknowingly being saved by her pig companion. This is the kind of story that will be funny with every read.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Brume – The Forest of Lost Souls continues the whimsical, eerie charm that defined the first instalment of Brume’s adventures. Jérôme Pélissier once again blends fantasy, humour, and just the right touch of spooky mystery to create a graphic novel that feels both playful and meaningful.

This second volume follows Brume and her friends—Hugo and Hubert—on a quest to uncover what happened to Näia, the powerful village witch Brume so deeply admires. Their search leads them through strange encounters, including a chilling meeting with the Ankou, a spectral being known for pursuing those nearing death. Despite this darker thread, the story maintains a light, quirky tone thanks to the lovable trio: Brume with her cheerful obliviousness, Hubert with their sharp wit and perpetual annoyance, and Hugo with endearing nervous energy.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is how it reveals more about Brume’s mysterious past while simultaneously adding new layers of uncertainty. Like Brume, readers find themselves searching for answers, eager to uncover the truth behind Näia and the enigmatic spell book that may once have been hers. Pélissier masterfully balances tension with humour, making even the eerie moments feel accessible for young readers.

Though the story is brief, it’s incredibly engaging—so much so that reaching the final page comes with a familiar pang: the wait for the next book begins again. The narrative’s pacing ensures that curiosity never fades, and the cliff-hanger elements do exactly what they’re meant to do: leave you wanting more.

Adding to the book’s charm are the stunning illustrations. Whimsical, humorous, atmospheric, and at times deliciously spooky, the artwork enriches the world and brings the characters’ personalities to life. It's a visual feast that enhances the emotional beats without ever becoming too intense for its intended audience.

Overall, Brume – The Forest of Lost Souls is a delightful graphic novel perfect for readers aged 8 and up. It strikes an impressive balance between mystery and light-hearted fun, offering young readers an adventure full of friendship, courage, and just enough magic to keep them enthralled. Fans of the first book will find plenty to love here—and plenty of reasons to eagerly await the next chapter in Brume’s journey.

As a fan of the first book, I was thrilled to return to this magical world filled with vivid colors and witchcraft. Brume is a pint-sized but fierce and endearing protagonist. In this book, she and her faithful sidekicks are on a quest to find Naia, a powerful but reclusive witch. The art is perfect. The characters are great. This short book will leave you wanting more! I’m looking forward to future volumes in the series to be translated to English. I was lucky to read a digital ARC from NetGalley.

Brume, Volume 2 is a fantastic continuation of the series that manages to raise the stakes without losing the heart of the story. It’s a rare sequel that hits all the right notes for both the eyes and the imagination.

The Standouts
• Action-Packed Storytelling: This volume is filled with excitement, but the action never comes at the cost of the narrative. The balance between fast-paced scenes and meaningful plot development is handled perfectly.
• Engaging Illustrations: The artwork is highly engaging and vibrant, pulling the reader into the world and making every page a visual treat.
• Seamless Flow: The story transitions beautifully from one scene to the next. It’s a truly immersive read from start to finish, keeping you hooked on every twist and turn of the journey.

Final Verdict
A total win for the series! If you enjoyed the first installment, this one elevates the experience. It’s dynamic, beautifully drawn, and incredibly engaging. I am definitely looking forward to the next book!

I loved the mix of magic, friendship, and quiet bravery. It’s a graphic novel that trusts young readers with complex feelings and lets atmosphere and intuition lead the way.
This sequel felt deeper and more intense in the best way. Brume 2 expands the mystery while keeping the emotional core strong and relatable. Brume’s curiosity and courage really shine as the story asks big questions in a way kids can understand. A powerful continuation of the series.