Black Butler Vol. 19 - Manga
Yana's confidence and fearlessness as an author are stunning in Vol. 19. She boldly takes Sebastian, Ciel, and the household staff to new levels of darkness, danger, emotional pain and turmoil, while deepening the Cursed Forest/Werewolf arc.
Years ago I read a well known author's reply to a question from a newly published author. IIRC the well known author was Lisa Scottolini (best selling legal mysteries). The new author asked for advice from this well established author. Ms. Scottolini replied, "Don't be afraid of your story or characters!". This quote came to mind as I read Vol. 19.
Sebas, Ciel and staff are offered refuge in the village of Wolfscluct by 11 year old Lady Sullivan, Emerald Witch and liege of the forest, over the vehement protests of weapon-wielding, angry villagers.
The Emerald Castle's poisonous flowers and displays of creepy occult objects unsettle Ciel and his companions, but Ciel's discomfort soon grows in leaps and bounds.
In a fun bit of comic relief, Lady Sullivan's sudden and overt sexual advances toward Ciel outrage and embarrass him, but he must smooth things over to gain information about the wolfman, who once protected the village, but now holds it hostage.
*No Spoilers* Ciel is plunged into physical and emotional pain and turmoil, and can only bear the company of Finney, the gardener. Finney's backstory, and how he became acquainted with Ciel, is revealed. I enjoyed learning more about Finney, as difficult as it was to read. Ciel's traumatic episode is heartwrenching. :-( I was almost in tears, and I've only cried reading one book in my entire life.
Amid more danger and chaos, Ciel makes a demand that Sebastian must follow, ratcheting up the suspense to a new level.
Yikes, I like my paranormal/urban fantasy with a darker edge, but this was a tough read. Superb writing.
Yana's BEST EVER, SEXIEST Sebastian drawing imo - Oh.My.God! Across from the Table of Contents at the beginning -- Sebas embracing a very shapely, sexy woman, on the verge of their lips meeting ... her lips are shown, but her face is hidden ... their joined hands embrace an apple.