Kaori Yuki

Note: I'm reviewing the whole series, because I tend to group manga arcs all into one book mentally, and I can't be bothered to ungroup it for reviews.

I think this is actually my favorite Kaori Yuki manga in a lot of ways. It's nonstop melodrama to an even further degree than normal in her manga; there were times when I was counting a dramatic revelation per page, and I'd seriously guess it averages one dramatic revelation every three pages or so. Everyone has a terrible past, everyone has show more feelings for someone, there are birdcages, spies, loyal knight-musicians, zombie love, crossdressing nuns, musical zombie thrones, long-lost siblings, etc. I mean, it's a series about traveling secretly royal musicians battling a zombie doll plague. If that doesn't give you an idea of the tone of the series, I don't know what would. show less

Warning - Review does contain some spoilers, including ones for Godchild
I found this second volume to be both horrifying and compelling. As much as the end of this saga disturbed me in Godchild this particular volume I found even more extreme. I'm actually rather glad I'm reading this series after the conclusion because I find it fascinating how the manga-ka set the scene. Considering how many years between the two series passed I'm amazed at how well she set everything up and maintained the show more continuity.

The title of "The Sound of a Boy Hatching" is quite apropos here as we view Cain's disillusionment of his relationship with his father. The heartbreak the reader witnesses is made all the worse as we see how Cain is reborn by becoming a murderer himself. At the same time there is almost a triumphant feeling while watching Cain's father denounce him, telling the child that he will take away all that Cain loves so that he will die alone, as I know that is not the case. There is also a lot of groundwork set for the developing relationships between Riff and Cain as well as Mary Weather and Cain, background on Cain's past as well as some stand alone stories. I think basing some of the stories on Mother Goose Rhymes certainly amped up the creepiness factor, a device she uses even into the Godchild series. I never realized how troubling some of those rhymes were until used in this context.

As intriguing as I am finding the story I still have to admit that after reading it I felt vaguely sick. For me it is difficult to read stories of horror and abuse without being so affected. It makes me wonder why I do read them. I can only think that it has to be the same reason I watched the X-Files, I'm willing to overlook much in the pursuit of a good story. I will say that the artwork did a good job of illustrating the story without becoming completely vulgar while at the same time not completely glossing over the character's actions. There are images here that stick with me while managing to not traumatize me.

While I do not actively go out and seek horror manga I do not really regret continuing on with this series. This remains a wickedly bent psychological drama that is compelling enough to keep this non-horror buff interested despite herself. show less

After Caine's epiphany in volume 3, he is now actively seeking out the members of Delilah and his diabolical father. However, his personal quest may cost him the life of most esteemed butler in return.

Despite the fact that this manga series seems to be evolving into more of a horror story than an urban fantasy, it still remains fascinating. Here we get to see more of Riff and Caine together as well as Riff's continued willingness to sacrifice everything for his master. I really enjoy the show more dynamic between Caine and Riff, I’ve been hoping for more of a Holmes and Watson feel and I wasn’t at all disappointed in this volume. This is the first of the series that came with an "Explicit Content" warning which I pretty much chalk up to the dog scene, although I really found Mikaila in general to be way eerier and more disturbing. Also, I can't help but wonder if something more is going on with Riff than we've seen after his encounter with the doctor.

Overall this continues to be a very intriguing tale which steadily reels you in more as it goes on. This is one that I’m kind of afraid I might be re-visiting in my sleep, as I seem to do with any well done creepy tale. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next! show less

Yes, this book is for mature audiences (incest, sex, death) but it is without question one of the best manga that I have ever read. No joke. I read this one and was sucked in, and have since then collected the rest of the series. It's rather exciting and thought-provoking, with a creative plot and some rather startling ideas as well as exploration into religion, mythology, and morality. It's not for everyone, but it's still good.