This seems to be one of the most character development heavy volumes so far, and it is excellent. While I found the "big reveal" quite obvious quite a while before it showed up (I actually thought this might be the case when a previous volume first hinted at it), it did not lose any significance and impact for me. In fact, the foreknowledge of it with just that hint of uncertainty of whether I had guessed correctly may have enhanced the effect. That takes some good storytelling.

It continues to be clear (thanks to the translation notes) that some of the excellence of the ongoing series is attributable to the efforts of the translators, though of course the lion's share lies with the original artist and author team. As always, I look forward to the next volume. ( )

For whatever reason, I know I read through 16 but goodreads doesn't reflect that, so I'm going back to read 12-16 again and make it official.

I really love this series. It's playful and ominous and mythological and beautiful and engrossing. This volume was definitely on the plot development, dark past side, rather than the lighter joyjoy kind. Gooooood stuff. ( )