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彼方から / From Far Away #10

From Far Away, Vol. 10

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After a terrorist bomb catapults her into an alternate universe full of magic and mystery, teenage Noriko find herself the central figure in a political power struggle over a dark prophecy she's destined to fulfill, turning the man she loves into a monster that could ultimately destroy the world.

Noriko and Izark are hiding out in the quiet rural region of Aibisk. But their retreat is short-lived as they are soon stalked by both bounty hunters and a powerful new enemy.

As their feelings for each other grow, Noriko must seriously contemplate her fate. Will she end up destroying the warrior she has grown to love?

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

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238 people want to read

About the author

Kyoko Hikawa

60 books339 followers

Name : 冰川京子 (ひかわきょうこ)

Blood type : A

Likes Jackie Chan movies and American movies like BIG. Also cats, but not enough to own one. One of her favorite activities is decorating and creating useful objects for her home. Hates mosquitoes and cockroaches. Has enormous trouble in bicycle parks.

Does mostly light-hearted comedy stories, but very entertaining. She does surprisingly great action scenes (haven't seen many shoujo artists try at a Western before!!).


Her stories ranges from cute to action, but all done unparalled attention - the drawings are refined and the storylines bring the readers into what the characters feel. Her page layouts and camera angles varies a lot, and thus keeps the interest of the reader.

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812 (61%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail.
7,958 reviews262 followers
October 13, 2019
Opening in the same bucolic Aibisk farming village to which Noriko and Izark had fled at the end of the ninth episode of Kyoko Hikawa's fourteen-volume manga fantasy epic, From Far Away, this tenth installment of the series sees our hero and heroine discovering a new set of companions and allies, while the villainous Lord Rachef's source of power, as well as some of his back-story, is revealed. As Irk and the other tree spirits struggle to maintain a protective shield around the village, evil grows ever stronger throughout the world. When three rogue Gray Bird Tribe warriors break through the shield, Izark teams up with Roki (real name: Alef) to fend them off, and then the companions - Izark and Noriko, Doros, Duke Jeida's wife Niana, his daughter Glocia, and their bodyguard, Roki/Alef - flee once again. Back in Rienka, in the meantime, Rachef conducts an impatient Keimos back to the ruins, where he reveals the source of his own strength: the deeply buried crystalized moonstones. The episode closes as Izark, Noriko and company confront yet another set of challenges, in the form of political corruption in their new town...

This was a particularly amusing entry in the series - the scene in which it is revealed just who Roki and company are is particularly hilarious, as Noriko and Glocia keep blurting out the exact same thing at the same time, and then, with great comic timing, turning to one another in surprise; and the exchanges between Izark and Roki are likewise entertaining - and I enjoyed reading it a great deal. I appreciated the brief but chilling glimpse of Rachef's childhood, and the few scenes involving Gaya, Barago and Jeida were quite welcome, although (as always) I wanted to see a little more of their activities. I was very glad to see the map on page 136, as I'd had a difficult time envisioning the physical layout of the countries mentioned, and their geographic relationship to one another. I do continue to wonder, however, whether this world has any specific name. It was quite interesting to witness Rachef's musings about the Awakening, his contemptuous dismissal of Noriko as "just" an ordinary girl. I was reminded of Lord Voldemort's similar feelings about the "ordinary" Harry Potter and his "ordinary" Muggle mother, in J.K. Rowling's fantasy novels.

In sum: exciting, engrossing, and very satisfying, with plenty of action, some heartwarming scenes, and lots of humor. On to the eleventh volume!
Profile Image for Laura A. Grace.
1,966 reviews306 followers
December 7, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/EMxUhGUtHPs

3.5 stars

"Individual small efforts can add up to big changes."

I am so so so conflicted on this volume.

I DEEPLY loved the beginning and was like EEEEEEPPPPP to a surprise action by Izark, but this volume was a lot more text heavy then previous volumes and I felt sort of loss within the plot because of it? Granted, I think that was sort of the point because while things have been great for the ultimate shojo ship, things are definitely not so great outside of this village they've been in. Things are getting worse and it appears that there is a whole lot more at stake then just our couple remaining a couple.

However, even if this wasn't my favorite volume, I feel like we see how Izark's fate can change into something so much more precious and better then what he could ever imagine for himself. I think that one scene with the Gray Bird tribe was AMAZING! It left me hopeful in regards to the ending of the series!

BUT! On the flip side, I had a moment of panic when Izark is talking with Noriko and it SEEMED like she disappeared! GAHHHHHH!! I wanted to rush to the end of this series and see what happens, but told myself I cannot spoil the ending for myself when I have deeply loved this series so so so much! So, going to remain hopeful that Noriko in her determination will be able stop the prophecy and that the ultimate ship will indeed continue to be the ultimate ship and sail smoothly.

Rachef is horrible news! He is indeed shaping up to be a good villain because I don't like him. LOL! I want him gone and Keimos is going to face some horrible end even though nothing in this volume even HINTS at that.

All the rumors surrounding Noriko and Izark have been hilarious! They made the village such a lively place because of it! LOL! Throw in that super sweet and romantic scene and I was done for! LOL!

Alef and Izark's banter and friendship is everything. I love them LOL

All in all, this was a good volume, but at times felt the text was too much at times and felt myself wanting to skim and move on. I did NOT because I don't want to miss anything, but hoping there is a little more of something in the next volume. <3
Profile Image for Katt Hansen.
3,844 reviews108 followers
February 13, 2018
Time to heal, time to make friends...time for peace comes to an abrupt end for Noriko and Izark. What's cool is how different storylines are starting to come together, and the first half the series is now firmly linked to the second half. I love that Izark is laughing more, and teases Noriko. I love the devotion that they have to each other. This is a beautiful series, and I love watching it unfold.
Profile Image for Saba.
193 reviews27 followers
June 14, 2021
GOES CRAZYYY I’M OBSESSED WITH THEM YOU HEAR ME?? OBSESSED

On another note I find it so interesting that izark doesn’t see noriko as his weakness but as someone who reveals to him sides of himself that aren’t necessarily that strong. The way he’s so gentle with her makes me die

GIRLS DONT WANT MEN THEY WANT IZARK 😤
Profile Image for -moonprismpower-.
2,970 reviews15 followers
February 8, 2025
As much as I like Noriko and Izark, I am getting bored! I really want to finish this though so I will continue on! Lol
Profile Image for Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru.
1,544 reviews104 followers
April 6, 2014
Synopsis:

On her way home from school one day, Noriko is unexpectedly plunged into a strange and extraordinary fantasy world. Her troubles compound exponentially when she is rescued and befriended by a handsome young man by the name of Izark. He may be brave and courageous, but inside Izark lurks the darkest evil imaginable. And according to an ancient prophecy, Noriko possesses the power to unleash that evil. Now, inexorably bound together, these two unlikely allies must navigate a world both wondrous and hostile.

My Thoughts:

Still very much enjoying this series.

Noriko, Izark and Doros are still in the village that they have been hiding in, but they get a warning from Irk that an evil presence is coming and that all over the country, the evil presence seems to be gaining a lot of ground. I'm wondering if that evil presence is the entity that has been assisting Rachef and making those that follow him stronger.

Eventually, three men show up in the village looking for someone. Noriko and Izark worry that the men are there for them, but surprisingly, they're there for three others. It really is a small world because it seems that Noriko and Izark have stumbled across the wife and daughter of Duke Jeida and their bodyguard. When the three men attack attempting to bring Glocia, Niana and Alef in, Izark intervenes. It was in a surprising way, too. For once, they were able to stop someone without killing. This scare, though, tells both parties that they can no longer remain in this peaceful village so they go somewhere new.

Noriko, Izark and Doros stay with Glocia and the others since they're related to Duke Jeida. This new city doesn't seem to be too great. Apparently, there are dissidents in the city and people must be beginning to speak out against those in charge there. From what I can tell, they're a corrupt lot save for maybe one police officer. Another officer is conspiring to have something done about Lori and Izark along with him because Izark embarrassed him when he stopped him from taking Noriko and Glocia away after accusing them of being dissidents. It seems Niana had wondered off and the old man she met isn't all that he seems. I'm interested to know where that will go and how Izark and the others will fare in this town considering they are likely to run into problems getting a permit to open their shop in order to make some money.
Profile Image for Luna's Little Library.
1,487 reviews207 followers
February 19, 2016
Overall Series review 3 Stars. I probably should have left it after book 7, because there is a sort of ending there with Noriko and Izark leaving their (first set of) friends behind but I did want to see what the conclusion was.
The second half of From Far Away (books 8-14) is weaker in my opinion but I do like Noriko as a character, she’s endearing, and there are parts that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Vivien.
780 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2021
While Izark & Noriko is living peacefully the rest of the world is getting worse; the source of all evil is spreading his evil. Eventually Irktule informs them of this, as he & the other spirits are growing weaker so Izark decides its time for them to leave.
At the hardware store while getting supplies for their departure, Irktule appears to warn Noriko of the danger approaching, Hanna sees him too & warns Roki of the danger too. Izark & Noriko are shocked that they are on the run too. Irktule is unable to tell who they are after, he was unaware Roki, Hanna & her mother were in hiding.
Roki & Izark goes out to deal with the trio bounty hunters but only Izark can fight against with their special abilities. Black seeds are drawn to Swacka & they begin to transform him into a monster. No1 knew what to do. Hearing they were once members of the Gray Bird tribe, Izark tells him to look deep within himself & remember his founding master's teachings.
When Swacka does, he begins to deform & reunites with his friends. Soon connections are made Gray Bird tribe to Gaya Il Pisca to Banadam to learning Hanna & her mother are Grand Duke Jeida's wife & daughter. Roki is Commander of their protection detail.
The 3 men left & everyone relocated to Hanna/Glocia's house to talk about their situation, meeting Irktule & how they know Jeida. Roki wants Izark & Noriko to join them but they too are on the run & needs to talk to Doros as well.
Noriko talk about her family for the 1st time with Izark, & for a moment Izark thought she disappeared but she was still there & Doros was approaching.
Keimos is angry that Rachef still haven't found Izark. Instead Rachef took him back to the underground temple & down the hole in the ground. To an underground cavern with gigantic crystals (crystallised moonstones). Meanwhile Tazasheena is having another tantrum because Rachef keeps pushing her away so she decides to get back in her good books by finding Izark & Noriko herself.
Izark & Norkio decides to travel with Roki/Alef's group for a while.
Rachef is unsatisfied with what he has & wants more; the source of evil appears before him & tells him he will grant his wish if he does a few things for him, which Rachef agrees to. When Gorya mentions the Awakening, it also makes Rachef wonder about her. How she changed the sky demon so dramatically.
The gang arrive in the next town to sell off the rest of their goods they were unable to sell in the farmer's village but Niana wandered off again & corrupt officials were harassing Glocia & Noriko. Izark solved both problems.
To be continued...
Profile Image for kuristina- tabreez.
1,013 reviews
December 30, 2022
Much like in the last volume, I'm contemplating whether or not the prophecy and the interpretation of it is entirely accurate. Is it true? Is it false and planted by some scheme? Or is it misinterpreted? Noriko and Izark are overcoming fate together but more and more both their fates seem to fall into Noriko's hands more than anyone else's. While Izark is her protector, she is his rock and his comfort. Together, they complete each other. So what may happen if the become separated? I'm also especially interested by the fact that the first time Noriko speaks aloud of her family, she nearly vanishes (though only Izark had noticed). When she awoke and opened her eyes again, it was as if nothing had changed. Is Noriko's position in this world temporary? Once Izark fully awakens the Sky Demon, will she vanish from this world? Do her powers stem beyond clairvoyance and telekinesis? Just what is she capable of? There are so many questions yet to be answered and I trust the story won't disappoint.

Just as importantly as well, I quite like the point the story tries to make that while we feel powerless, we must remember that we are fragments of a process, ripples in a pound. What we can do is our own small parts, and encourage the dominoes to fall in the direction we would hope. This may be the case for mending someone's heart, or for mending a broken country. Many small parts make up a whole, and everything returns to its origin.
Profile Image for MaguiWorld.
1,132 reviews68 followers
September 17, 2021
Mmmmm no me terminó de convencer mucho este tomo. Cómo que pasan cosas pero a la vez no. Tal vez esperaba que fuese un poco más rápido todo teniendo en cuenta que no nos quedan muchos tomos. Pero soy ansiosa y eso me juega en contra jajaja
Profile Image for Dita.
1,132 reviews13 followers
November 15, 2024
Another relaxing volume for Izark and Noriko.
There's still some action but not as intense as previous volumes.
This vol is heavy on the romance and new characters introduction.
Lots of cute, sweet and funny moments
My least fav but still enjoyed it nonetheless, still love Izark and Noriko.
Profile Image for Candi Olsen.
312 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2023
The beginning of this was 4 stars other parts varied down to 2 stars so I'm rating it a 3 star average.
Profile Image for Mary.
472 reviews92 followers
June 29, 2015
"Individual small efforts...can add up to big changes."


This volume introduces us to the terrible strife, corruption and abuse that the world is facing. Much of the government is now filled with self-serving politicians who have incarcerated those that were righteous. And the people can do nothing about it. The idea of even one person rising to protest these actions are considered: Is it truly worth risking your life for a just cause, even if you are alone? Or is it not worth the risk, in the idea that your say is inconsequential?

Noriko has finally started to come into her own strength. While not physically strong, she is capable of whatever she puts her mind to and helps those struggling with conflicting ideals. We finally learn about her family and see that Noriko forced herself not to think of them for she feared it would lead her to being unproductive and worrying constantly about something she cannot change.

Izark himself is starting to notice things. "Have I become a stronger man from knowing her...or is Noriko showing me my weaknesses just as intently...and what will it end up meaning for both of us?" He has her to provide him something his family never gave to him: unconditional love. And knowing this Izark is starting to realize just what it might mean if Noriko ever returns to her world someday. Countless cute moments abound in this volume just as much as the asskicking.


And I actually have to say that given the choice, I myself would like to say I would choose my family. However, Izark seems like he will lose his purpose. Even though he has learned to make friends with many people he always sticks with Noriko. I truly hope somehow a happy ending is the result of this series. I hope Noriko can take him with her (and then he has to adapt lol) or she stays with him. Afterall for over a year Noriko has been living in this world, and her family, sadly, most likely have accepted that she is dead. Were she to suddenly reappear, what could she honestly do to explain the situation?

Lord Rachef also gets some time to shine. Except the dude was a butt. He's literally the foil to Izark (and Keimos could also be). Like Izark, he grew up with a mother who despised having birthed him into the world. Unlike Izark, he pushed his mother down a flight of stairs to her death. And he is still grieving over the fact that he feels as though her hate for him has robbed him of power...And I guess I can empathize-but then again he is a RULER of a country!!! Like wth dude!?

Profile Image for Novia.
Author 2 books27 followers
October 24, 2011
“Can you see it. This is the world of light. Everything has become one in light. I entered the world of light and I found you.
Do you understand? We are the world of light. This is what we have been searching for. I feel a gentle energy that embraces everything. And this energy can be felt anywhere anytime as long as you open yourself to it”

Kanata Kara by Kyoko Hikawa has been my most favorite Shoujo Manga since early 90s till today and I know it will stay as my most favorite for years to come.

Kanata Kara is the only shoujo manga that can come close to shounen manga. Hikawa can beautifully mix love story with interesting adventure and great fighting scenes, she also put some good moral in it.

Continue reading> http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2011...
Profile Image for Soobie is expired.
7,169 reviews133 followers
May 28, 2016
I've bought the whole series second-hand but volume #10 and #11. It was actually cheaper to buy them new rather than finding a second hand copy. It's a bit weird: all the other copies have library stamps everywhere and needed to be de-tagged. Those two are pristine!

Anyway. I keep giving this series three stars but for me it's a positive rating. I mean, manga usually get lower ratings from me, especially when it comes to later volumes.

At the beginning I didn't like the art: it seems a bit too simple for my liking. I hope it would improve but I can't see any difference in volume #10.

I still like the story, even if there are new enemies and new co-protagonists.

There are only four volumes left...
Profile Image for Pingkan Sondak Sondak.
16 reviews
January 20, 2013
Noriko and Izark being saved by Irkutsk. The Asayuge's ghost from the forest. They're hiding from the villain's pursued to heal Izark's really bad wound. They even got themselves a new friends and also meeting with interesting people.
Profile Image for Ana.
56 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2012
Glad I was able to continue reading this series.
The story line is picking up and I can't wait to see what's in store for both main characters
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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