Meche-Ude: Mechanical Arms (Volume 2)
This second volume in the Meche-Ude series continues the story of Hikaru who has become attached to a sentient mechanical arm named Alma who has no memory of his past. They continue to fight against the forces of the Kagami Group who will do anything to retrieve Alma.
This second installment has as much, if not more, action than the first. Pages are brimming with colourful clashes between robots and humans, and action comes fast and frequently. Reluctant readers may particularly enjoy the emphasis on visuals and action as the stakes continue to rise as shadowy organisations continue to track the heroes. The plot can feel very busy at times, but this is also the main draw of the book for its target audience of action and suspense fans.
The action is linked to a broader story involving the mystery of the Mecha-Ude’s origins, which will keep readers turning the page. Adventure is blended with more heartfelt topics such as friendship and cooperation, as Hikaru and Alma work together to defeat their opponents, and Hikaru is faced with hard decisions around bravery and loyalty in combat.
One or two comic moments in the book may lean toward an older audience than middle-grade, and guardians may want to exercise discretion around the threat and violence in the book. However, the author makes a point to avoid anything overly graphic. This is a strong extension of the first book that continues the focus on thrills, high stakes and of course, robots.
