OVERVIEW Shadows House is back in season 2 and it is a banger of a season. Picking right up from the Debut arc (remember the final arc in the show was filler), this season hits us with a bunch of new characters and relationships that will leave you wanting more after each episode. I for one, started delaying watching on release day, just so that I could binge out more episodes and learn more of the shadowy secrets that enshroud the shadows house. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee (non-soot preferably), and let’s get into the review!STORY Unlike last season which covered several arcs, this season focuses on one longer arc. I am going to avoid going into too much detail, but this arc covers the backstory of other characters. This means that there are several flashbacks, some which occasionally take most of the episode. While saying that, the flashbacks happen at good intervals in the story, giving you hints as to what is happening in the larger story. In the present, following our favorite shadow/living doll pair, we learn about new quirky characters that have extremely enjoyable interactions with the main cast. While this arc does take a couple episodes to really get going, once it starts, it starts barreling towards the cliff, sometimes leaving you shocked after several stunning reveals.CHARACTERS The characters are where Shadows House season 2 really shines. Characters that were briefly introduced in season 1 are finally given some light, and they really take advantage that. The main addition being the star bearers that have been shrouded in mystery. Of the star bearers, Oliver in particular was a great addition to the story, as his interactions with Emilico are just adorable. Kate/Emilico and John/Shaun also get some good character development this season. Kate gets the most out of our main characters, but upon watching this season, that should make the most sense. In addition to the main cast, we also see development in the other two pairs of shadows and living dolls that debuted along with Kate and Emilico. That episode probably had the cutest relationship developments, and I encourage you to watch it so that you can see that episode! Finally, I will just briefly mention that you see some more adults, which hopefully should pique your interest further to watch this season.ART & MUSIC To the best of my knowledge, this season reuses a lot of the soundtracks that played in season 1. However, this is not a complaint, as I think that the season 1 OST was very fitting for the themes of the show. There are a few new tracks that take place at pivotal moments, and when they do play, they are recognizable and leave an impact. ReoNa also returns, this time doing the opening theme of "Shall We Dance?" which has a happier theme and absolutely slaps. ▶ ClariS does the ending theme of "Masquerade". Initially, I was not a big fan of it, as I can only see ClariS as the artist who did the opening themes for OreImo and Eromanga Sensei. However, as I continued watching the show, I started enjoying it more. I also started to see the themes represented in it and started appreciating it a lot more.

For the art and animation, I do not have much to say outside of it being good, and I did not see any flaws in it. I think Shadows House is one of those shows where the art style and animation do not need to be Kyoto Animation levels. I do think that the atmosphere needs to be correct, and in that case, CloverWorks knocked it out of the park again.

Conclusion I think all of you who read this have probably already concluded (especially if you read my review of season 1) that I love this show, and honestly, I do. It hits extremely well in all aspects, and I hope that you agree with me and watch season 2 if you haven't already. So, grab a bread roll, dust the soot off your clothes, and watch Shadows House season 2 because it’s a good one.

I mean, or not. Soot yourself.