A reminder of how good this series can be when it isn’t busy being a soap opera, basically. This volume is set entirely in the desert kingdom of Lindorm and backburners the major plot for some palace intrigue.
Nina attempts to meet/rescue a star person being held in the palace, after one of the princes decides to crack down on star people for the crime of being different, which turns out to be pure propaganda (the more things change, sigh…).
There are some real twists and turns to this one, including a villain that reminded me of G.I. Joe cartoons from the 80’s, so bonus points for that. All while Nina is aided by the reliable Hikami and whiny Toat.
They make for an engaging trio and not having much of anything to do with the bigger political picture means that this doesn’t get bogged down and moves with a swift pace that’s refreshing. It makes for a rather rewarding read.
There are a few mentions and insertions of the bigger plot and, whatever my feelings on that point, I have to say that the real Alisha remains one of the most punchable villains I’ve read in ages. She’s just smirking malice all the time.
As always, Nina remains optimistic and hopeful, continually trying to find the best in people and believe that she can make things right. It’s a little earnest, but these days I’ll take that versus the alternative. Besides, she doesn’t take a back seat here to the action and watching her push forward with her convictions is Nina at her best.
One thing that hasn’t changed is this story having no concrete lore that makes an iota of sense. Magic eyedrops this time, random power stealing… anything necessary to do what the mangaka wants, basically. I don’t mind a little of this, but the ‘on the fly’ feeling has dogged this series forever.
Still, it’s an overall engaging experience and another upswing that continues on from last time and will hopefully keep improving on itself. It may have lost that whole love triangle, but it doesn’t feel like anything is missing here.
4 stars - fun, with some suspense, some action, sneaking around, and bits of derring-do. It’s a lot of the best parts of the series without the chaff and a fun volume.