The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Burn My Shadow Issue #2 by Sebastiano Lanza

Book Details:

Author: Sebastiano Lanza
Release Date:
September 22, 2025
Series: Burn My Shadow (Book 2)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Format: E-book 
Pages: under 100 pages
Publisher: Markosia Enterprises
Blurb:
In Leipzig, Tharmas devises a plan to kidnap Thomas Crowley. To do so, he’ll need assistance from a quite extravagant tech wizz, a rather inhumane amount of patience, and a very light footstep. Even so, plans rarely unfold as first imagined.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Burn My Shadow #2 takes readers deeper into its dystopian, cyberpunk-inspired world, where surveillance and control dictate every aspect of existence. This issue ramps up the tension by placing Tharmas and young K in the thick of shadowy deals, infiltration missions, and encounters with faceless enforcers. At the same time, we see propaganda speeches from the ruling elite, dripping with doublespeak that reframes oppression as progress. The contrast between the cold sterility of those in power and the grim desperation of those in the streets makes for a sharp and unsettling read.

The writing is dense with themes of compliance, resistance, and survival, while the artwork excels at amplifying the mood. Stark whites and clean lines dominate the scenes of propaganda, while the rain-soaked cityscapes and back-alley dealings pulse with grit and urgency. Tharmas, weary yet determined, is fleshed out further as a morally complex anti-hero, while K brings both innocence and moral tension to the story.

Issue #2 successfully balances world-building with forward-moving plot, setting up the confrontation with Crowley that promises bigger stakes ahead. Though some of the political speeches may feel lengthy, they reinforce the chilling reality of this authoritarian future. With its mix of noir tension, political allegory, and cinematic visuals, Burn My Shadow #2 is a gripping continuation that solidifies this series as one to watch out for.


You can also read this review at:

Goodreads


Amazon


I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

Book of the Month

Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
You can get it here.
September 2025
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Author Interview: Cathleen Cohen

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author Cathleen Cohen for an author interview with The Reading Bud. About The Author Cathleen Cohen Cathleen Cohen was the 2019 Poet Laureate of Montgomery County, PA. A painter and…

  • Book Review: Into the Violet Gardens by Isaac Nasri

    Book Details: Author: Isaac NasriRelease Date: 16th August 2021Genre: Science-Fiction, CyberpunkSeries: Format: E-book Pages: 252 pagesPublisher: Blurb:The year is 2024. A ruthless cartel dominates Latin America, and the FBI’s Troy Levi gets commissioned to intervene. A cyborg for the bureau’s…

  • Book Review: 50 States: A Collection Of Short Short Stories by Richard R. Becker

    Book Details: Author: Richard R. BeckerRelease Date: 21st June 2021Genre: Short Story Collection, Literary Fiction, Psychological FictionSeries: Format: E-book Pages: 358 pagesPublisher: Copywrite, Ink.Blurb:50 States is a debut collection of short stories that reflect on the human condition. The book…

  • Author Spotlight: Richard R. Becker

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Richard R. Becker on The Reading Bud and his upcoming book 50 States. About The Author Richard R. Becker is an award-winning American writer. His debut collection of literary, psychological, and…

  • Author Interview: Richard R. Becker

    Welcome to TRB Lounge. Today, I’d like to welcome author Richard R. Becker for an author interview with The Reading Bud. About The Author Richard R. Becker Richard R. Becker is an award-winning American writer. His debut collection of literary,…