This is the second volume in what will be a 3 volume set. The plot has thickened for Chikane and Himeko, as has the love triangle that includes Souma. Himeko has been a lifelong friend with Souma and has started to fall in love with him although he appears to be an enemy to the Lunar Priestesses. Chikane, the Solar Priestess, let’s jealousy creep into her feelings for Himeko which leads to some rash and uncharacteristic judgments. All of this is playing into the hands of the Orochi. Also in this volume, you meet Suomo’s long lost brother, who is also an Orochi. You also learn the reason for his disappearance. The most important aspects of this volume is how Suomo will deal with the fact that his brother is the enemy and how the affections of Chikane will finally manifest themselves in her relationship with Himeko. The true pain and joy that arose from the first volume are intensified 10 fold in this volume and make this all the more powerful a viewing. I highly recommend this for any fan of mystical and robot anime. (Geneon, 2265 East 220 th ST, POB 22782, Long Beach, CA 90801) - Myk