Kaze No Hana Vol. 3 Format: Paperback

A well-planned infiltration of the Mitsurugi house by the Shichijou Group leaves the Tonomori and Himekari unable to use, much less locate, their spiritual swords. They then look to Momoka and the dark secret surrounding her past to help them regain their power. Overwhelmed by the burden of their sudden revelations and expectations, Momoka withdraws into herself. Is this the end of the line for the Eight Masters?

Grade 7 Up–Momoka is, unwillingly, a member of Mitsurugi house, a group representing an ancient Earth Dragon who split his soul into eight swords after being conquered by an enemy. The members of the house fight against the Susami, a group attempting to release an evil god from his bondage, and the Shichijou Group, another band of sword-wielding teens on the side of evil. In this installment in the series, Momoka begins to feel stronger about her own magical abilities. She must call her sword, Suzukaze, out from the ether because the swords of the other members of Mitsurugi house have become trapped in an alternate world and she has to rescue them. The tale is complicated and epic, not unlike Yeo Beop-Ryong&'s &Chronicles of the Cursed Sword& series (Tokyopop), and the fantastical elements in a human world may remind readers of Mark Crilley&'s &Miki Falls& series (HarperTeen). To help those new to Kaze&'s complicated structure, the author provides a glossary, a list of characters with pictures, and a story synopsis. The artwork is rich and detailed, and each character has unique, defining characteristics. Most libraries should consider this engaging shonen manga.–Sarah Krygier, Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA
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