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Fullmetal Alchemist: Light Novels #5
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Ties That Bind
This is an alternative cover for ISBN 1421514311 / ISBN-13 9781421514314.
It's only been a year since the Elric brothers set out on their journey to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. But a lot has happened in that short time. For one thing, Edward has become an official State Alchemist. And, as such, he often finds himself in the thick of one dangerous situation after another.
It's only been a year since the Elric brothers set out on their journey to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. But a lot has happened in that short time. For one thing, Edward has become an official State Alchemist. And, as such, he often finds himself in the thick of one dangerous situation after another.
Now, sidelined with a fever in a remote village, Edward is unexpectedly reunited with a childhood friend. Even though he's become a valuable member of his country's military organization, Edward can't help feeling a pang of jealousy. While he and his brother's fate is inexorably bound to recent life-altering events, his friend is busy studying to become a doctor and making his dreams come true. Suddenly, Edward starts questioning the purpose of his life.
Stories from the childhood of Edward and Alphonse Elric--not seen in either the manga or anime! Also includes the heartwarming story, "Roy's Holiday," featuring Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes.
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2005
18 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 28, 2025
This was a solid side story for the brothers.
3.5/5
3.5/5
January 29, 2019
Back in 2016, when I bought the Fullmetal Alchemist box set, I got this book as a bonus. It isn't a manga volume, like the original series, but a light novel - more precisely, it's a text-only novella with a couple of illustrations, which is about the shape and size of a manga volume.
Somehow, I managed to put it on my "to read soon" shelf and leave it there for two years. Yesterday, after reading Eoin Colfer's "Iron Man: The Gauntlet" and feeling sorely disappointed by that comic book tie-in story, I decided to read "The Ties That Bind", either to wash the disappointment away or to get more disappointment over with, whichever.
In short, it's not bad. It isn't mind-blowing, either, but it's cute and it's entertaining, and the book is a pleasure to hold in your hands.
"The Ties That Bind" wasn't written by the author of the original series, Hiromu Arakawa, but by Makoto Inoue, about whom I know nothing - and Google isn't helping. From the afterword, though, it's pretty clear that Arakawa had some editorial input.
The story takes place right before Roy Mustang is transferred to Central. Ed and Al found discover a new possible trail towards getting their bodies back, in the shape of a forbidden book which they spot in the background of a photo. Unwilling to leave any stone unturned, the two go visit the town where the bookstore holding the book used to be.
The bookstore is still there, but the original owner has died, and now it's run by his daughter-in-law, while her husband is perpetually running across the country to find new books, leaving her and her adopted Ishballan young son to take care of things alone. Ed and Al get invited to stay until they find the book they're looking for and get to know their two hosts.
Of course, things are never as simple as they seem - the original author of the forbidden book is still alive and running his highly illegal and completely mad experiments on blood and bodily regeneration, sending his creepy chimeras to attack people for spare ingredients. And naturally, Ed, Al and even Mustang get involved for an adventure that's more about family ties than about illegal experiments.
Somehow, I managed to put it on my "to read soon" shelf and leave it there for two years. Yesterday, after reading Eoin Colfer's "Iron Man: The Gauntlet" and feeling sorely disappointed by that comic book tie-in story, I decided to read "The Ties That Bind", either to wash the disappointment away or to get more disappointment over with, whichever.
In short, it's not bad. It isn't mind-blowing, either, but it's cute and it's entertaining, and the book is a pleasure to hold in your hands.
"The Ties That Bind" wasn't written by the author of the original series, Hiromu Arakawa, but by Makoto Inoue, about whom I know nothing - and Google isn't helping. From the afterword, though, it's pretty clear that Arakawa had some editorial input.
The story takes place right before Roy Mustang is transferred to Central. Ed and Al found discover a new possible trail towards getting their bodies back, in the shape of a forbidden book which they spot in the background of a photo. Unwilling to leave any stone unturned, the two go visit the town where the bookstore holding the book used to be.
The bookstore is still there, but the original owner has died, and now it's run by his daughter-in-law, while her husband is perpetually running across the country to find new books, leaving her and her adopted Ishballan young son to take care of things alone. Ed and Al get invited to stay until they find the book they're looking for and get to know their two hosts.
Of course, things are never as simple as they seem - the original author of the forbidden book is still alive and running his highly illegal and completely mad experiments on blood and bodily regeneration, sending his creepy chimeras to attack people for spare ingredients. And naturally, Ed, Al and even Mustang get involved for an adventure that's more about family ties than about illegal experiments.
June 16, 2025
"Being different from somebody isn't a good enough reason to leave. It's not a reason at all."
I just finished reading Fullmetal Alchemist: The Ties That Bind. This novel was included in the manga box set, and honestly, I didn’t even know there were five light novels for the series until now. This particular story takes place somewhere in the middle of the manga timeline, adding an original side adventure to Ed and Al’s journey.
The plot feels true to the spirit of the series, with plenty of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Ed and Al's bond remains the emotional core, as always, and it was great seeing how they work together through new challenges. There's a subplot about loyalty, trust, and betrayal that added depth to the story. The novel captures the moral complexities that make Fullmetal Alchemist so compelling without feeling repetitive.
What surprised me most was how well the novel expanded the world without messing up the canon. The pacing was a bit uneven at times, but it still kept my attention. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s worth checking out to experience more of Ed and Al’s journey. It might not be essential reading, but it adds an enjoyable layer for those who love everything Fullmetal Alchemist.
Date Read: 2025.01.29
I just finished reading Fullmetal Alchemist: The Ties That Bind. This novel was included in the manga box set, and honestly, I didn’t even know there were five light novels for the series until now. This particular story takes place somewhere in the middle of the manga timeline, adding an original side adventure to Ed and Al’s journey.
The plot feels true to the spirit of the series, with plenty of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Ed and Al's bond remains the emotional core, as always, and it was great seeing how they work together through new challenges. There's a subplot about loyalty, trust, and betrayal that added depth to the story. The novel captures the moral complexities that make Fullmetal Alchemist so compelling without feeling repetitive.
What surprised me most was how well the novel expanded the world without messing up the canon. The pacing was a bit uneven at times, but it still kept my attention. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s worth checking out to experience more of Ed and Al’s journey. It might not be essential reading, but it adds an enjoyable layer for those who love everything Fullmetal Alchemist.
Date Read: 2025.01.29
August 30, 2020
Do not read this book unless you've at least made it through volume 4 of the manga, episode 10 of FMA: Brotherhood, or episode 25 of the first FMA anime.
Edward and Alphonse are training with Izumi in Dublith when they spot a book, The Evolution of the Body by Balerea Dell, in an old photograph. The book was banned, and all copies of it should have been destroyed, but the brothers decide to travel to the town of Lambsear in the hope that the bookstore and that particular book are still there. It might contain a clue that could lead them to the Philosopher's Stone, or information relating to successful human transmutation. Meanwhile, there have been a bunch of chimera attacks in the area, and Roy Mustang has been tasked with investigating and putting a stop to them.
Man, this was kind of weird to read right after the fourth book and its "Roy, Armstrong, and Hughes go on a trip and end up doing chores for children" story. This fifth book very clearly takes place after
Of all the Fullmetal Alchemist light novels, this was probably the best, despite the almost B-movie monster ridiculousness at the end. It had heavy ties with one of the more emotionally impactful events in the series' timeline, the Ishbalan massacre, and dealt with more serious issues than I expected, considering what the last few FMA light novels had been like.
When Ed and Al found the bookstore, it was being run by the wife of the son of the original owner. She and her husband had taken in Kip, the son of an Ishbalan couple, when he was just a baby - he'd become separated from his parents during the chaos of the Ishbalan massacre. Shelley had come to think of Kip as her own son, and Kip thought of her and her husband, Luon, as his parents, but Luon was determined to reunite him with his birth parents. Kip was caught between worlds - he looked like an Ishbalan and had a few Ishbalan friends, but he'd been raised by Amestrisian parents and didn't have the gut level hatred of state alchemists that most Ishbalan survivors had.
I correctly guessed some of the ways Edward and Alphonse's part of the story would overlap with Roy's, but not all. While the revelations were good and had decent emotional impact, it was all a bit too similar to things that happened in the original manga. It took me a bit, but I finally realized that the reason why Luon and Kip gave me such a sense of deja vu was because they reminded me of a couple pairs of characters in the manga.
The whole "augmented blood" thing was so-so, and the one character's plans had holes you could drive a bus through. Also, the monster at the end wasn't so much horrifying as just ridiculous.
Well, I've now read all of the FMA light novels, or at least all of the ones that were translated into English. I'm pretty sure they all had slight typos and errors, and the writing was never more than serviceable, but overall I'm glad I read them. One of these days I need to reread (and actually finish!) the manga.
Extras:
One full-color illustration, several black and white illustrations throughout, an afterword by Makoto Inoue (who now has a Java Sparrow in addition to a chipmunk), and an afterword by Hiromu Arakawa with a four-panel comic featuring a scene from the book and a sketch of Roy.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Edward and Alphonse are training with Izumi in Dublith when they spot a book, The Evolution of the Body by Balerea Dell, in an old photograph. The book was banned, and all copies of it should have been destroyed, but the brothers decide to travel to the town of Lambsear in the hope that the bookstore and that particular book are still there. It might contain a clue that could lead them to the Philosopher's Stone, or information relating to successful human transmutation. Meanwhile, there have been a bunch of chimera attacks in the area, and Roy Mustang has been tasked with investigating and putting a stop to them.
Man, this was kind of weird to read right after the fourth book and its "Roy, Armstrong, and Hughes go on a trip and end up doing chores for children" story. This fifth book very clearly takes place after
Of all the Fullmetal Alchemist light novels, this was probably the best, despite the almost B-movie monster ridiculousness at the end. It had heavy ties with one of the more emotionally impactful events in the series' timeline, the Ishbalan massacre, and dealt with more serious issues than I expected, considering what the last few FMA light novels had been like.
When Ed and Al found the bookstore, it was being run by the wife of the son of the original owner. She and her husband had taken in Kip, the son of an Ishbalan couple, when he was just a baby - he'd become separated from his parents during the chaos of the Ishbalan massacre. Shelley had come to think of Kip as her own son, and Kip thought of her and her husband, Luon, as his parents, but Luon was determined to reunite him with his birth parents. Kip was caught between worlds - he looked like an Ishbalan and had a few Ishbalan friends, but he'd been raised by Amestrisian parents and didn't have the gut level hatred of state alchemists that most Ishbalan survivors had.
I correctly guessed some of the ways Edward and Alphonse's part of the story would overlap with Roy's, but not all. While the revelations were good and had decent emotional impact, it was all a bit too similar to things that happened in the original manga. It took me a bit, but I finally realized that the reason why Luon and Kip gave me such a sense of deja vu was because they reminded me of a couple pairs of characters in the manga.
The whole "augmented blood" thing was so-so, and the one character's plans had holes you could drive a bus through. Also, the monster at the end wasn't so much horrifying as just ridiculous.
Well, I've now read all of the FMA light novels, or at least all of the ones that were translated into English. I'm pretty sure they all had slight typos and errors, and the writing was never more than serviceable, but overall I'm glad I read them. One of these days I need to reread (and actually finish!) the manga.
Extras:
One full-color illustration, several black and white illustrations throughout, an afterword by Makoto Inoue (who now has a Java Sparrow in addition to a chipmunk), and an afterword by Hiromu Arakawa with a four-panel comic featuring a scene from the book and a sketch of Roy.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
May 23, 2018
Fullmetal Alchemist covers a wide expanse of emotions. The previous FMA light novels by Makoto Inoue have hit mostly the realm of fun adventures and good laughs, making us cackle when Mustang coerces Ed to do his work, Winry dumps bugs down Ed's back, Ed learns the much-taller Russell Tringham is a year younger than him, or Hughes sends Team Mustang a blackmail photograph of Roy ineptly peeling vegetables in an apron. While "The Ties that Bind" feels appropriately in-line with the FMA vibe that the previous light novels give, it's also one that's less humorous and more focused on the imperfections inside Amestris.
"The Ties That Bind" is a story about uncomfortable pasts. It's the uncomfortable past of the Elrics' father leaving them forever. It's the uncomfortable past of Mustang's time in Ishval. It's the country's uncomfortable past of a region bloodied in a massacre. And it's how all those uncomfortable pasts still have ties in the present. They tie us together as people, and all of us have to live from the consequences of an unpleasant past.
I'm appreciative that this story covers such content as a young Ishvalan boy, adopted by Amestrians, being told by his countrypeople that he should be living with his own ethnicity. I'm appreciative that this story covers the ongoing racial tensions, discomfort, and distrust between Ishvalans and Amestrians. I'm appreciative that this story covers the dual nature of a . I'm appreciative that the story says those like Mustang who were involved in the massacre can have no atonement for what they have done, and the memories will forever be shackles chained to their feet. I'm appreciative we do get a few Ishvalan War flashbacks, just as uncomfortable and unpleasant as every time FMA gives us information on the genocide, but just as important to understand and respect. This IS the grittier side of FMA, and while it's written in the more pleasant tone of a light novel for younger audiences, it still resonates with the unpleasant truths of Amestris' past, racial discrimination, and a recent genocide.
While there's a LOT to be desired in the realm of scientific plausibility, and the antagonists could feel a little more realistic in their motivations and emotions, what makes this light novel good is how it connects all the uncomfortable pasts together into a cohesive story. And I feel like it nails the good guys' emotions well, from Mustang's mostly-hidden internal discomfort of the past to Ed's insecurity about the Elric's lost father.
And on top of it, there IS good fun to be had, adventure, laughter, and more, with a good balance of focus on Ed, Al, and Roy. It's another adventure in line with the rest of the light novels. As I've said in other reviews, if you like one of Makoto Inoue's books for FMA, then you will enjoy the others. I like "Under the Faraway Sky" and "The Abducted Alchemist" best for fun-times humor, "The Land of Sand" and "The Valley of the White Petals" best for plot structure, and "The Valley of the White Petals" and "The Ties that Bind" best for emotional and thoughtful content.
"The Ties That Bind" is a story about uncomfortable pasts. It's the uncomfortable past of the Elrics' father leaving them forever. It's the uncomfortable past of Mustang's time in Ishval. It's the country's uncomfortable past of a region bloodied in a massacre. And it's how all those uncomfortable pasts still have ties in the present. They tie us together as people, and all of us have to live from the consequences of an unpleasant past.
I'm appreciative that this story covers such content as a young Ishvalan boy, adopted by Amestrians, being told by his countrypeople that he should be living with his own ethnicity. I'm appreciative that this story covers the ongoing racial tensions, discomfort, and distrust between Ishvalans and Amestrians. I'm appreciative that this story covers the dual nature of a . I'm appreciative that the story says those like Mustang who were involved in the massacre can have no atonement for what they have done, and the memories will forever be shackles chained to their feet. I'm appreciative we do get a few Ishvalan War flashbacks, just as uncomfortable and unpleasant as every time FMA gives us information on the genocide, but just as important to understand and respect. This IS the grittier side of FMA, and while it's written in the more pleasant tone of a light novel for younger audiences, it still resonates with the unpleasant truths of Amestris' past, racial discrimination, and a recent genocide.
While there's a LOT to be desired in the realm of scientific plausibility, and the antagonists could feel a little more realistic in their motivations and emotions, what makes this light novel good is how it connects all the uncomfortable pasts together into a cohesive story. And I feel like it nails the good guys' emotions well, from Mustang's mostly-hidden internal discomfort of the past to Ed's insecurity about the Elric's lost father.
And on top of it, there IS good fun to be had, adventure, laughter, and more, with a good balance of focus on Ed, Al, and Roy. It's another adventure in line with the rest of the light novels. As I've said in other reviews, if you like one of Makoto Inoue's books for FMA, then you will enjoy the others. I like "Under the Faraway Sky" and "The Abducted Alchemist" best for fun-times humor, "The Land of Sand" and "The Valley of the White Petals" best for plot structure, and "The Valley of the White Petals" and "The Ties that Bind" best for emotional and thoughtful content.
January 7, 2021
Probably a 2.5. It was... pretty bad in the way I imagine most light novels are (I especially want to personally fight whoever translated this book but the Japanese author is far from blameless either) but the story came together in a kind of interesting way at the end and gained back that half star. It was also cool to see Arakawa's illustrations and some official art scattered throughout.
January 8, 2023
As another reviewer has stated, this is slightly better than the volume before this one, as it has a continuous story arc and isn't loosely connected stories. I did appreciate that.
I also loved that Ed and Al were seeking out a bookstore and that they stayed and went through all of the books. Siiiiigh...books... They even took a train to get to the town the store was in and it brought me back to when I took a train on one of my most recent forays on a "Book Trail" with a friend.
For me, this was good for about the first two thirds or so and then it fell apart towards the end. I didn't quite buy the reason why certain characters acted the way that they did and the end monster was just...kind of weird.
I haven't watched the anime or read the manga in a LOOOOONG time, so I am sure I am missing lots of connections to prior parts of the story, so I wouldn't recommend jumping into this completely blind, but it's not so complicated that it can't be followed with a basic idea of the story.
I felt that Ed and Al were characterized properly and the storyline in this wasn't half bad, but that ending, OOF.
Not bad, not a waste of time to read and definitely something I would recommend to those who like the series or who want to try something slightly different.
3, middle of the road I need to re-watch the series so I catch more, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I also loved that Ed and Al were seeking out a bookstore and that they stayed and went through all of the books. Siiiiigh...books... They even took a train to get to the town the store was in and it brought me back to when I took a train on one of my most recent forays on a "Book Trail" with a friend.
For me, this was good for about the first two thirds or so and then it fell apart towards the end. I didn't quite buy the reason why certain characters acted the way that they did and the end monster was just...kind of weird.
I haven't watched the anime or read the manga in a LOOOOONG time, so I am sure I am missing lots of connections to prior parts of the story, so I wouldn't recommend jumping into this completely blind, but it's not so complicated that it can't be followed with a basic idea of the story.
I felt that Ed and Al were characterized properly and the storyline in this wasn't half bad, but that ending, OOF.
Not bad, not a waste of time to read and definitely something I would recommend to those who like the series or who want to try something slightly different.
3, middle of the road I need to re-watch the series so I catch more, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
I think its hovering somewhere between a 2.5-3 for me but I'm so sad about it. I wanted to love this, I was so excited starting this I didn't know too much about what the plot was supposed to be or what the characters were up to (I also wasn't sure exactly where in the timeline this was set) but either way I was just looking for a fun time.
Unfortunately the words that comes to my mind when describing this book is "let down" - I don't think there is anything awful or bad about it per se, but in the same breath there also isn't anything that is great about it either?
I will say that there is one thing that im not sure if its because of the translation from manga storytelling to novel storytelling (which are two completely different skills which is why I think its great they asked a different author to write it) or if its just a translation issue as in from Japanese to English but there were just some things that read oddly to me. Its fine tho, like if you want a fun story featuring Ed & Al before the FMA manga storyline.
Unfortunately the words that comes to my mind when describing this book is "let down" - I don't think there is anything awful or bad about it per se, but in the same breath there also isn't anything that is great about it either?
I will say that there is one thing that im not sure if its because of the translation from manga storytelling to novel storytelling (which are two completely different skills which is why I think its great they asked a different author to write it) or if its just a translation issue as in from Japanese to English but there were just some things that read oddly to me. Its fine tho, like if you want a fun story featuring Ed & Al before the FMA manga storyline.
August 20, 2024
I think it's safe to say that Makoto Inoue really gets the vibe of the world and characters created by Hiromu Arakawa. TV tie-in novels have always been a hit-or-miss, often barely feeling authentic but this one feels like it could be the kind of a filler anime episode that no one would suspect of not being based on the manga.
April 11, 2018
Boy was this one hard to find. I had given up hope of ever finding this one When i stumbled upon it.
I have read the entire manga, have seen both the anime series and have read my fair share of fanfictions So you can say I am a big fan. So when i got my hands on it. I finished reading it in no time at all.
The ties that bind (the name on my copy) stands completely alone from the manga and the anime. So a completely new story for everyone! This time Ed and Al are looking for a book concerning some forbidden alchemy. On their journey they meet Kip (That was confusing in the beginning in dutch kip means chicken :P) Kip is an young ishbalan boy whose parents dissapeared during the massacre.
What follows is a beautiful fast paced story about the family breaking apart and how they with the help of Ed, Al and a little Roy come back together again.
If you are a fan of the FMA fandom or want to try something new, But don't have a lot of time this is perfect for you!
I have read the entire manga, have seen both the anime series and have read my fair share of fanfictions So you can say I am a big fan. So when i got my hands on it. I finished reading it in no time at all.
The ties that bind (the name on my copy) stands completely alone from the manga and the anime. So a completely new story for everyone! This time Ed and Al are looking for a book concerning some forbidden alchemy. On their journey they meet Kip (That was confusing in the beginning in dutch kip means chicken :P) Kip is an young ishbalan boy whose parents dissapeared during the massacre.
What follows is a beautiful fast paced story about the family breaking apart and how they with the help of Ed, Al and a little Roy come back together again.
If you are a fan of the FMA fandom or want to try something new, But don't have a lot of time this is perfect for you!
November 9, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
Fullmetal Alchemist takes place in the fictional country of Amestris which is heavily based on the Industrial Revolution. Amestris is a unitary state under the rule of a parliamentary republic, run by state alchemists that serve the king utilizing the mystifying arts of alchemy. Alchemy is the power to alter the physical world utilizing its natural elements, performing magic and miracles in the form of science. Alchemy follows the law of equivalent exchange, you must sacrifice something that is of equal value to what you create. You must sacrifice a life to create a life, you must extinguish one flame to ignite another, you have to sacrifice one home to build another, etc...
After being abandoned by their father as children and subjected to watching their mother die, Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse once attempted to utilize the power of alchemy to bring their mother back from the grave, ignoring the dangers of creating a life by offering something of equal value. Edward loses an arm and a leg while Alphonse loses his entire body; his soul placed in a hollow suit of armor that can't feel the touch of others. As neither of them sacrificed their lives in their entirety, the exchange failed and the boys created an abomination in place of their dead mother.
After burning their own home down and dealing with the abomination they created, Edward and his brother enlist themselves in the military to atone for their sins and learn more about the many secrets of alchemy; potentially learning how to recover their original bodies in the process. While serving in the military, the brothers begin to realize how the wonders of alchemy can be abused for nefarious purposes. Immortal life can be gained by sacrificing hundreds of innocents souls, wars can be staged and foreign nations can be annihilated under false charges, human experimentation aided by alchemy can lead to unnatural mutations, the world of alchemy is more dark and dangerous than either of them could've bargained for.
Fullmetal Alchemist grew on me the longer I read it. When I first started reading, it seemed like it was going to be generic shounen material, but it gets deeper and darker the further it goes on. The way it handles political and religious corruption, the dangers of advanced states abusing their technology and resources at the expense of foreign nations caught in the turmoil, and the sad futility of revenge are all very well done.
The characters all bear the weight of what alchemy is capable of. Edward and Alphonse carry the burden of abusing alchemy for selfish purposes. Their master Izumi loses her womb after attempting to resurrect her dead child. Scar takes many lives after his entire country is desecrated and gets trapped in a pointless cycle of revenge. Roy and Riza endure the regret of committing brutal war crimes for the sake of protecting their own nation. Alchemy creates and destroys in equal measure and no one is free from the consequences of tipping the balance.
The fight scenes are flashy and exciting without being too over-the-top because of the dangerous limitations that alchemy involves. The law of equivalent exchange keeps the power scaling in check and adds plenty of tension to the action. The female characters are especially well done, all of them are strong and unique in their own way. The lead heroine Winry being a skilled mechanic, Riza being an honorable warrior of the military, Olivier Armstrong as cold and vicious as the snowy fortress she guards, and that's just a few of them.
The villains are an interesting parody of the seven deadly sins. Each of them represent the darkness and regrets of each of the main characters and they can only be conquered by coming to terms with their own flaws and sins. The characters having to overcome their personal demons to take on the greater demons trying to overthrow the world from the shadows made the struggles of every single person in the story feel personal. Every character, no matter how minor had their moments to shine. Everyone had a vital role to play and the camaraderie between friend and foe alike never felt cheesy or forced.
Unlike most shounen series I've read, the final arc was my favorite. A lot of long-running shounen series have a habit of being dragged out, losing touch with what made them great or breaking their own rules in messy, plot-hole-filled final arcs that leave a lot to be desired. Fullmetal Alchemist has no lose ends, all characters have complete arcs where they learn and grow from their dark pasts, the romance and comedy are handled well without relying on cheap fanservice, the action scenes are great but they don't overshadow the plot and the final chapters tie everything together beautifully. It's not my favorite manga by any means as I usually tend to favor seinen, but it's definitely one of the greatest stories to ever come out of the shounen demographic in my opinion. The ending is a tearjerker but it left me in good spirits.
***
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Fullmetal Alchemist takes place in the fictional country of Amestris which is heavily based on the Industrial Revolution. Amestris is a unitary state under the rule of a parliamentary republic, run by state alchemists that serve the king utilizing the mystifying arts of alchemy. Alchemy is the power to alter the physical world utilizing its natural elements, performing magic and miracles in the form of science. Alchemy follows the law of equivalent exchange, you must sacrifice something that is of equal value to what you create. You must sacrifice a life to create a life, you must extinguish one flame to ignite another, you have to sacrifice one home to build another, etc...
After being abandoned by their father as children and subjected to watching their mother die, Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse once attempted to utilize the power of alchemy to bring their mother back from the grave, ignoring the dangers of creating a life by offering something of equal value. Edward loses an arm and a leg while Alphonse loses his entire body; his soul placed in a hollow suit of armor that can't feel the touch of others. As neither of them sacrificed their lives in their entirety, the exchange failed and the boys created an abomination in place of their dead mother.
After burning their own home down and dealing with the abomination they created, Edward and his brother enlist themselves in the military to atone for their sins and learn more about the many secrets of alchemy; potentially learning how to recover their original bodies in the process. While serving in the military, the brothers begin to realize how the wonders of alchemy can be abused for nefarious purposes. Immortal life can be gained by sacrificing hundreds of innocents souls, wars can be staged and foreign nations can be annihilated under false charges, human experimentation aided by alchemy can lead to unnatural mutations, the world of alchemy is more dark and dangerous than either of them could've bargained for.
Fullmetal Alchemist grew on me the longer I read it. When I first started reading, it seemed like it was going to be generic shounen material, but it gets deeper and darker the further it goes on. The way it handles political and religious corruption, the dangers of advanced states abusing their technology and resources at the expense of foreign nations caught in the turmoil, and the sad futility of revenge are all very well done.
The characters all bear the weight of what alchemy is capable of. Edward and Alphonse carry the burden of abusing alchemy for selfish purposes. Their master Izumi loses her womb after attempting to resurrect her dead child. Scar takes many lives after his entire country is desecrated and gets trapped in a pointless cycle of revenge. Roy and Riza endure the regret of committing brutal war crimes for the sake of protecting their own nation. Alchemy creates and destroys in equal measure and no one is free from the consequences of tipping the balance.
The fight scenes are flashy and exciting without being too over-the-top because of the dangerous limitations that alchemy involves. The law of equivalent exchange keeps the power scaling in check and adds plenty of tension to the action. The female characters are especially well done, all of them are strong and unique in their own way. The lead heroine Winry being a skilled mechanic, Riza being an honorable warrior of the military, Olivier Armstrong as cold and vicious as the snowy fortress she guards, and that's just a few of them.
The villains are an interesting parody of the seven deadly sins. Each of them represent the darkness and regrets of each of the main characters and they can only be conquered by coming to terms with their own flaws and sins. The characters having to overcome their personal demons to take on the greater demons trying to overthrow the world from the shadows made the struggles of every single person in the story feel personal. Every character, no matter how minor had their moments to shine. Everyone had a vital role to play and the camaraderie between friend and foe alike never felt cheesy or forced.
Unlike most shounen series I've read, the final arc was my favorite. A lot of long-running shounen series have a habit of being dragged out, losing touch with what made them great or breaking their own rules in messy, plot-hole-filled final arcs that leave a lot to be desired. Fullmetal Alchemist has no lose ends, all characters have complete arcs where they learn and grow from their dark pasts, the romance and comedy are handled well without relying on cheap fanservice, the action scenes are great but they don't overshadow the plot and the final chapters tie everything together beautifully. It's not my favorite manga by any means as I usually tend to favor seinen, but it's definitely one of the greatest stories to ever come out of the shounen demographic in my opinion. The ending is a tearjerker but it left me in good spirits.
***
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June 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I thought it had some nice explorations into Ed's emotions surrounding his father and also showed more on the reactions to the Ishvalan massacre through the eyes of a new character with yet another point of view. I liked the characters that were introduced. They had a very full and in depth story that was all there own and they well played against and with Roy and Ed and Alphonse. It was also cool to see a very different drive for getting power over death (like with the philosopher stone but not) which mixed together the usual lacking regard to life with Ed and Al's somewhat blind, naive desire for the bonds that were lost to them.
It was strange to read this story without the visuals for the manga. The story suffered from that change a little. Sometimes I couldn't tell who it was speaking or when they stopped talking and put in a narrative sentence. I would read a description and I found it a very lacking summary for a picture that was usually found in the manga. It was nice at times to hear read about thing that the characters wouldn't have put said.
Reading instead of looking also allowed me to input my own voices and tones for dialogue. It did cause trouble when I would read certain characters were very different from myself, to the point where sometimes I had to reread them in order to put them back into the voices of these familiar characters. It made it a bit harder to fall into pace and get into the story. I did find it very interesting to experience and notice how differently the characters could be by changing the tones of the same words.
It was strange to read this story without the visuals for the manga. The story suffered from that change a little. Sometimes I couldn't tell who it was speaking or when they stopped talking and put in a narrative sentence. I would read a description and I found it a very lacking summary for a picture that was usually found in the manga. It was nice at times to hear read about thing that the characters wouldn't have put said.
Reading instead of looking also allowed me to input my own voices and tones for dialogue. It did cause trouble when I would read certain characters were very different from myself, to the point where sometimes I had to reread them in order to put them back into the voices of these familiar characters. It made it a bit harder to fall into pace and get into the story. I did find it very interesting to experience and notice how differently the characters could be by changing the tones of the same words.
July 9, 2023
The verdict of „it was ok” seems to say it all. The novelization of a manga thread that didn't make it in the series itself, or at least that's what it feels like. While visiting Izumi Curtis, the boys discover a book that might help them get their bodies back. They see it in a picture of a bookshop, a picture taken many years prior, before the book was forbidden and recalled, and they assume that that bookshop might still have that book. So they go there and discover an Ishbalan child, a (neglected?) housewife that takes care of the book store and a travelling salesman I guess .
This story relies on the cinematic, it tries to transpose action in writing, and it doesn't leave a good impression. At least it didn't leave to me, and also a turnoff was the amount of coincidence needed for this sort of thing to happen (the instigation, Ed and Al seeing the picture of the bookshop, is in no way linked with the culmination of the alchemists' plan). But yeah, it was an ok story in the FMA universe, so it gets a passing grade :)
This story relies on the cinematic, it tries to transpose action in writing, and it doesn't leave a good impression. At least it didn't leave to me, and also a turnoff was the amount of coincidence needed for this sort of thing to happen (the instigation, Ed and Al seeing the picture of the bookshop, is in no way linked with the culmination of the alchemists' plan). But yeah, it was an ok story in the FMA universe, so it gets a passing grade :)
November 4, 2017
If you are a fan of the manga, you will enjoy this book. It's not the best but it is an easy and interesting read. It adds new characters and helps you get a better look to the inner motivations of the characters we love from the series. The writing isn't like the manga, so don't go expecting for a really complex story or for the original creator to write the book herself.
I would like to see this book turned into an OVA series someday.
I would like to see this book turned into an OVA series someday.
May 17, 2020
Much better than the last one. This was one continuous story. The plot was kind of simple and predictable but still a good story overall. There was the classic humor that is present in the manga source, the brotherly love, and the strange alchemy research and resulting creatures. I enjoyed the humor of Ed at the book shop, it even made it into Arakawa's illustrated afterword. This was a simple enjoyable story, glad that the novels got back on track for the last english translated one to-date.
August 7, 2020
Decent little side story in the Fullmetal universe. It's not the most compelling read - a little too much showing and telling (which I didn't think was possible, but the author would tell you something and then in the next paragraph, describe it - a little off putting). But you know, it's fun and I love Ed and Al, so sure, have at it.
September 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this addition to the Fullmetal series. I loved seeing Edward and Alphonse in between all the chaos of the original series. Also loved learning more about Mustang and the other state alchemists time during the war. It was such a sad yet heartwarming story and I look forward to the others written by this author.
September 17, 2024
The writing was a bit bland a repetative at times, but I assume the issues stem from this book being a translation. The story was interesting enough, and gave some extra backstory for Mustang but not much else for the other characters in fullmetal. I could still have seen it being a couple of episodes of the anime or manga which is a good thing. I probably wouldn't read it again though.
July 2, 2018
While I loved the hints of depth that were certainly there - I was left wanting for more. the story itself is enjoyable and fun to read - but could have been so much better....
October 14, 2019
After reading all the manga volumes I should say it's just not the same.
March 24, 2021
I really liked the complexities of how the Ishbal massacre and the aftermath were handled here. I thought all the plots tied together nicely. The beginning and end were both a little weak though.
April 20, 2021
Good book it was very much in the full metal alchemist realm.
September 4, 2021
Even though it was not written by Hiromu Arakawa, the story was amazing. It was nice to spend some more time with Ed and Al, and of course my favourite colonel Mustang 🥰
October 30, 2022
I read this novel as my introduction to the full metal alchemist series. It was OK but it's obviously designed for someone who is already a fan of the series. It was acceptable as a standalone.
December 3, 2023
It was nostalgic to read Fullmetal Alchemist and revisit the adventures of brothers. It had a wholesome conclusion, I even teared up a bit.
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September 5, 2024Uuuuh this was so good. A nice way to include a "filler" to a story that I really love. I would love Al to be more involve in the stories, but I actually happened to enjoy this one way lot.
May 12, 2025
interesting to see another perspective on the ishvallen war, and who helped Mustang become such a monster in the war
December 14, 2025
Not bad, but also entirely skippable. The characters don’t feel quite like themselves.
April 29, 2022
This one as more interesting than the last one. I feel like this book had more character development in it compared to the other books.
September 27, 2013
It's funny, the copy of this book that I have in my hands has the exact same cover illustration, but the title reads "The Ties That Bind." Same difference, I guess?
Anyway, this is a fascinating little story about three blood-sucking chimeras, a banned book, an old friend of Roy's, and how they all tie together. It dips into the backstory regarding the Ishvallan/Ishballan war, and does well to expand on the series' themes of regret and guilt, circulating around the state alchemist veterans of the Ishvallan rebellion. It also explores a further aspect of biological alchemy.
I had fun putting together the pieces of the puzzle during the book's initial mystery-like setup (it all culminates, of course, into a nice big battle at the end), although I might have done it more quickly than I should have. Overall, I got what I came for: another fun adventure with Ed, Al, and Roy. I recommend this for FMA fans 12 years and up.
Anyway, this is a fascinating little story about three blood-sucking chimeras, a banned book, an old friend of Roy's, and how they all tie together. It dips into the backstory regarding the Ishvallan/Ishballan war, and does well to expand on the series' themes of regret and guilt, circulating around the state alchemist veterans of the Ishvallan rebellion. It also explores a further aspect of biological alchemy.
I had fun putting together the pieces of the puzzle during the book's initial mystery-like setup (it all culminates, of course, into a nice big battle at the end), although I might have done it more quickly than I should have. Overall, I got what I came for: another fun adventure with Ed, Al, and Roy. I recommend this for FMA fans 12 years and up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews