I just love everything about this book. I love mysteries, manga and remakes and this was a perfect mix of that. I love this Moriarty angle of things. He's definitely a more darker version of Sherlock. While Sherlock seems to push the boundaries of the law to get things done, Moriarty does what he wants regardless of the law and will get his end goal. I just love his character in this book. Also speaking of Sherlock I was surprised to see Sherlock so soon. While we get Moriarty and his is boundary pushing ways to get things solved the second half consists of the beginning of Sherlocks story meeting Watson. I look forward to seeing more from this series but I hope to see more of Moriarty's side because while I've seen so many remakes of Sherlocks story I look forward to Moriartys even more.

It will eventually get old seeing Moriarty be so much smarter than those he goes up against, but we're not quite at that point yet. And the potential solution to that issue, Sherlock Holmes, is introduced in this volume. This Sherlock is more flamboyant, assured, and socially adept than some portrayals, but he's still manipulative and single minded when it comes to deduction. Watson makes an appearance too, and h's a pretty standard Watson (and endearing for that as well) It's fun to see his and Moriarty's first meetings and sparring. The general theme of "secret history" and Moriarty masterminding criminal acts in the name of overturning an unfair social caste system of corrupt nobles is still compelling. I'm interested to see where this is going.

Moriarty the Patriot gets even better with volume 2. In this volume Sherlock and Watson start to make an appearance as they quickly become puzzle pieces in Moriarty's game. I think I would have preferred to stick with just Moriarty a bit longer before Sherlock makes his appearance. Seeing how he rose to power has been quite interesting and I think that bringing Sherlock into it now takes away from this story. I am still very eager to see how this story continues.

My review for Booklist is here: https://www.booklistonline.com/Moriarty-the-Patriot-v-2-/pid=9741621

The review was also cross-posted to Smithsonian BookDragon: http://smithsonianapa.org/bookdragon/moriarty-the-patriot-vol-2-by-ryosuke-takeuchi-illustrated-by-hikaru-miyoshi-in-booklist/

Okay so first up, in case you were wondering, the cover features none other than Sherlock Holmes himself. This is the volume that introduces him and it adds a brilliant second layer to the story. You also don't have to had read the first volume before this one, because the story is seemingly set pretty far after those events, but it is great for a back story into who Moriarty is and why he's acting the way he is. 

So, Moriarty is back in this volume as a very morally grey, intelligent character. The action kicks off straight away with him tricking an opium dealer into getting caught. Following this, he decides he wants to start making headway with a "brilliant" plan (in his eyes) to save Britain from corruption which he feels is due to the nobles.

In case you haven't read the first volume - Moriarty (William) isn't born into nobility but basically with the help of the eldest actual Moriarty son (Albert) he kills the whole family so only William, Albert and William's brother Lewis survive. After the event Albert declares William and Lewis to also be from the Moriarty family and that's basically the origin story from the very first chapter.

The way Moriarty plans to achieve his goals is the typical way we see him act in pretty much every Sherlock retelling - playing games and putting on shows. He believes that people seeing death will stir others into action.

For the majority of this volume we get a story set on a huge boat called the Noahtic, and the setting is perfect for the time of the story and to help Moriarty's plans be as extravagant as possible. He very quickly meets Sherlock on this boat who deduces quickly that Moriarty is a mathematician, which of course makes Moriarty wary of him from the first meeting. 

The plans are set in motion with our main characters targeting a Noble who it is rumoured hunts children and commoners in his woods. I won't say anymore about the next events but the result is something that Sherlock finds to be very odd. 

Towards the end we get more of Sherlock's story, including Miss Hudson wanting him to get a flatmate (wonder who that ends up being eh). And the very end is basically the real of start of Sherlock vs Moriarty and I genuinely can't wait to see how it progresses! 

*Links being updated tomorrow when I've taken photos for my site*

In this volume, the Moriarty brothers continue their culling of the nobility, taking down an opium ring the has noble backing. They craftily do it without exposing the nobles, leading Albert to become the head of the newly created MI6, giving them resources off the record, so to speak. Our anti-heroes get up to all sorts of shenanigans, and I'm not going to spoil the fun- just know that it's all very clever indeed! And hello, who's this sharp young man named Sherlock? He seems interesting, we should keep an eye on him....
I'm really enjoying Ryosuke Takeuchi's take on the Moriarty/Holmes mythos; I don't know that it's canon, but it sure is intriguing and fun!

#MoriartythePatriotVol2 #NetGalley

In volume 2 of Moriarty the Patriot, the game is afoot! The manga starts introducing Sherlock and John in the first case, A Study in Scarlet, and catches up a bit more with those two than completely focusing on the Moriarty brothers.

In my review of the first volume I stated how this manga is portraying Moriarty as more of a vigilante or anti-hero, paving the road to hell with his good intentions. It’s interesting to see how the Mr.Know-it-all Mycroft is seeing everything either black or white, but Sherlock seems to be seeing a few shades of grey. Maybe we’ll get a bit of a friends-to-enemies trope in the future for this series? I can also hope. I enjoy seeing new ways of getting Moriarty and Sherlock interacting together.

As much as I love Sherlock, I also hope this story will still mainly focus on Moriarty, his brothers, and their growing network.

Overall it’s a great second volume and a great introduction for the rivals!

An introduction to a long-awaited character and the beginning of a larger plot.

The second volume features four chapters that tie into each other. William Moriarty is on the case to disrupt the noble class and bring equality to England. However, with the introduction of a new rival, the group has new challenges to come. Readers get to see more of Albert Moriarty and Sebastian Moran in each of the chapters. The plot focuses more on the group dynamic and the influence they hold in England.

A good balance of mystery, murder, and humor. I look forward to volume 3!

Good Guy? Bad Guy? This addition to the Moriarty series builds the famous nemesis's back story. I appreciated the explanation of the characters leading into the story. It is hard to follow at times the reasoning behind their plans. However, it appears one of Moriarty's partners seems a little unsure himself of the direction the group is headed. While primarily about Moriarty and his associates, there is a certain detective who makes a showing. halfway through this volume....

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Older brother Albert uncovers a plot to distribute opium to the masses, and proves his worth in discreetly taking out the organization without embarrassing any of the nobles who may be involved. He is rewarded with an appointment to the head of a secret military organization, MI6. William decides that the way they have been going about things has been too slow to affect change in the country, so he stages scene with a terrible noble in order to erode confidence in the nobility as a ruling class. While on the ship setting the stage, William meets a curious individual whose power of deduction could prove useful in his plans. The strange young man is none other than Sherlock Holmes. The last third of this volume follows Sherlock in his quest to find a new flatmate, and we are introduced to the famous Dr. Watson.

I was surprised to see Sherlock pop up so quickly in this series, but now that he's here, it's going to be interesting how the Moriarty brothers handle his involvement. I hope the mangaka can blend the two stories a bit more because we lost everything happening with the brothers when we switched to Sherlock and Dr. Watson for the last 1/3rd of this story. I'm also interested in seeing how the mangaka uses all three brothers against Sherlock. I didn't realize until the character descriptions at the beginning of this novel that all three of them are technically James Moriarty: Albert James, William James, and Louis James. William is the criminal mastermind, but Sherlock could potentially have a three-pronged threat to deal with.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 11-12

This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss This graphic novel will be on sale January 5th, 2021.

Moriarty the Patriot Volume Two expands on the story that was presented in the first volume of the series.

Moriarty The Patriot Volume Two
Written by: Ryosuke Takeuchi
Publisher: Shueisha Inc.
English Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: January 5, 2021

At the beginning of Volume Two, Albert reports to his higher ups that a new type of opium has been discovered and that is the mafia is likely producing and distributing it in a base of operations in London. While some in the British Army want to take the organization down, others are more cautious, especially if any officials or nobles involved in the operation. Later, some who are eager to take on the organization talk about a rumor concerning a secret military agency that would serve under the queen. This seems like something just thrown out there, but as we see at the end of this particular story, this is an important piece of information.

After this meeting, Albert summons William to London. William is accompanied by Louis and Sebastian Moran. When they get to London, William is kidnapped, which triggers a mission for Albert to launch a rescue mission. But as we learn in this chapter, this entire situation was set up by William because he had figured out who was behind the opium scheme. This chapter reminded me that the opium was actually found in the previous volume of the series, when he was investigating the disappearance of his student, Dudley Bale. I was glad to see that the final chapter of Volume One ended up being an important story for the series. I have to admit, when I finished Volume One, I thought that it was just a chapter to help establish William’s character. But when Albert rescues William, this also allows him to “coincidentally” find the evidence needed for the opium case. And thanks to this, Albert is retired from the British Army and is now leading the Army Intelligence branch’s nonexistent sixth division, MI6.

With the next chapter, we see that William announces that in order to help bring about changes in Engliand’s current system, he and his brothers will “push London into the depths of hell and turn it into a city of crime.” And how does William plan to accomplish this? By having the people of London witness many crimes and deaths planned out by him. While Volume One saw that William was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to bring about change, such as the murder of most of his adoptive family. But to now see that he’s willing to expand his scope to a much wider range, it’s become harder to truly see him as the protagonist of this story. He’s the main character, yes, but he’s not really a protagonist. While Volume One tried hard to paint William’s actions to “humanize” William’s actions, this volume has to admit that no, William doesn’t have as noble of a cause as the first volume wanted the reader to believe.

Most of Volume Two takes place aboard a ship called the Noahtic. This name seems to be a reference to the Titanic, especially since this ship also leaves from Southampton. However, there are no icebergs or sinking involved with the storyline that takes place aboard the ship. Instead, William is there to orchestrate a murder and a crime involving a noble named Count Blitz Enders. Enders is definitely a prime example of the kind of snooty aristocracy that William and his brothers abhor. While he makes William look like more of a “good guy,” this doesn’t negate the fact that William is an evil man.

But this section of the story is also important because it introduces the reader to… Sherlock Holmes. Yes, Sherlock finally makes an appearance in the series. Moriarty picks up on the fact that Sherlock could be a problem for him as he tries to commit more crimes and death in the future.

This last chapter of this volume provides character development for Sherlock, as well as introduces Watson. With Sherlock’s depiction in this series, he also isn’t exactly a “good guy,” either. He’s skipping out on his rent, gives his landlady Mrs. Hudson a hard time, and isn’t above using people to get what he wants. This was especially true in the scene where Sherlock takes Mrs. Hudson and Watson out for dinner right before Mrs. Hudson grants Watson permission to share the flat with Sherlock. While Sherlock is going to be a foil for Moriarty, he isn’t necessarily going to be a “good guy,” either. And this dynamic is going to make Moriarty the Patriot an interesting read going forward. Who does the reader root for in the long run?

All in all, though, Moriarty the Patriot continues to be a manga series that I would be interested in following. Even though Moriarty launches such evil plans, it’s still kind of interesting and intriguing to see what new scheme he comes up with. And now with Sherlock added to the mix, I think this series will become even more interesting.

There are two and a half stories in Moriarty the Patriot Vol 2. They are set in Sherlock Holmes’ London but there is where the similarities end.

Albert, Louis and William are sick of the elitist society of Victorian London. Despite being of noble birth, Albert wants to right society’s wrongs using his inheritance from their father, Count Moriarty. The brothers vow to play Robin Hood to allow the poor to get their just revenge for the wrongs afflicted on them by their masters.

Moriarty the Patriot Vol 2 is perfect for Sherlock Holmes fans and mystery manga readers. However, note these are not mysteries to solve like the Holmes canon. Instead, it is a look into the heart of the Moriarty family and what motivates them to be Holmes’ nemesis. It’s a fun perspective. 4 stars!

Thanks to Viz Media and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a review copy.

I am totally onboard with this series and hope that as the books continue the story development doesn’t falter. In volume two Moriarty and Sherlock meet, and the beginnings of their cat and mouse game are put in place. While we have all the players, Moriarty, Sherlock and Watson in place for book 3 the story is not following the path I thought it would.

In this book we have one story that addresses the conflict of sacrificing one for many. While the merits are discussed and Moriarty’s companions state how they would give their own life for this cause that they are all working towards the reader has to grapple with the fact that the life given was not volunteered.

Moriarty has always been portrayed as the evil to Sherlocks good. Yet both are flawed characters. The first book showed Moriarty is a different light, seeking justice for others. This book sets up what I think will be the tightrope walk of the stories to come. Many things will be done with the conviction of “doing the right thing” but the repercussion are what will linger.

I’m excited for the next book.

The introduction of Sherlock Holmes to Moriarty's story is excellently done. I can't wait to see how Holmes gets out of Moriarty's trap that we're left with at the end of the volume! Still highly suggest this series for slightly older teens (16 and up), especially with more anime coming early next year.

Just as brilliant and dark as volume 1. I adore William, his brothers and friends. Love the appearance of Sherlock. This volume was epic. Excited for volume 3!

Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for a digital ARC!

[Minor spoiler in this review!]




I really enjoyed volume 1 of this series, and was super excited to see where the story would continue. I was not disappointed!

While the story starts similar to volume 1, with 1 chapter = 1 case, the introduction of Sherlock Holmes hints at the broader arc that is upcoming.

One of my favorite parts about this series is the character dynamics. We know Moriarty as a traditionally evil character with no goals, so to see his motives is an interesting take on the character. In addition, while Moriarty might have started with good intentions, I do love that we are starting to see darker hints of his way of executing his plans.

In addition, the introductions and motives behind Moriarty's rival with Sherlock is hinted at, and make me interested in picking up book 3 in this series!

Volume two of Moriarty the Patriot has Moriarty furthering his plans along to destabilizing the house of nobles and meeting Sherlock during his opening act of the plan. I find that one of my favorite things on Sherlock is how he’s reimagined in other books and by other actors so this take of Sherlock is just another in a long line of different flavors of the character.
Not my favorite take maybe but he might grow on me, especially since you switch from Moriarty to Sherlock and his first meeting with Watson and leave Moriarty for a bit. If this is going to be a common thing in follow up volumes I sure hope Sherlock grows on me.
There was a lot going on this volume, but it was fun seeing Moriarty flexing his villain muscles for the good of the common folk, but at cost to the common folk. His morals are still the same as they were in volume one and I’m curious to see what lengths he’s willing to go to and what he will and won’t do.
***
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There's an awful lot happening here! I sometimes found it difficult to track what was going on and who all the characters were, especially which ones were important. It didn't help that they all kinda look the same. Some more distinguishing features between the characters would have been helpful.

Apart from that, I loved this follow-up to the first volume. The world of Sherlock offers so much rich content for a retelling/alternative POV. The story is at its best when it's focused on Moriarty instead of Sherlock and Holmes, so I did wish that we had gotten more into Moriarty's head like in the first volume. My favorite parts are when we see Moriarty setting up his schemes and manipulating the world around him. I can't wait to see where the series goes from here!

This was a blast. I am really enjoying this series so far, it is right up my ally. As I was reading this there were times when I just could not put it down. Moriarty is so delightfully devious and manipulative, it is so fun to watch. I also loved the direction the latter half of the novel went with, perspective you know. While reading a thought struck me, people who like Black Butler would probably get a kick out of this. This may be because I currently have the first two volumes of it sitting in my house waiting to be reread but I think that the point still stands. I also have to mention that the covers for this series are pretty cool. I think that this is turning into a series that I could completely recommend to those unfamiliar with the manga genre and have them enjoy it as a light introduction. I can't wait for the next one.

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this series, but I continue to be surprised. In this volume, we finally get some interaction with Holmes and Watson. We also spend a significant amount of time with them. Though I enjoyed that, I found myself missing the Moriarty brothers, and wondering what mischief they were up to. Looking forward to the next volume for sure.