From Far Away: Vol. 14

by Kyoko Hikawa

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

The End is here! The darkness that has persued Noriko and her tortured warrior Izark descends full force as their corrupt enemies in the government stage a last coup. With Noriko bedridden, Izark must fight alone, but help may come from an unexpected source.

Still, even if they survive, the prophecy can no longer be avoided. The time of the Sky Demon has come -- and no one is ready for the final revelation. Will Noriko truly be the death of her first and only love? Find out all the answers and much more in the incredible conclusion to this epic manga.

Review
This was a really good book. Everything is explained, resolved, understood, and concluded. I don't want to spoil it as it should be experienced, but I thought it was really well done.

Some thoughts I had while reading the end was, first, Noriko stays with Izark. For once. I tire of many stories where two people come together and fall in love, only to leave each other at the end. (Escaflowne, Princess Mononoke) Seriously, no one in their right mind would leave the person that they love, if they didn't have to. It was very refreshing and satisfying that they stay together.

Second, I actually felt sorry for Rachef. He thought the answer to his unhappiness was controlling the world, but in reality he acted out "fixing" his childhood as an adult. Actually, since the author did a good job developing him, I realized that he and Izark were very similar characters who responded to similar stimuli in completely opposite ways. Both were rejected by their mothers, and while Izark came to loathe himself, Rachef came to loathe the world. He never realized that the problem was himself. But, there is a little hope of redemption for him. I really liked him as a villain.

Finally, the message of the story seems to be how interconnected everything is, and if people work together, to help each other, then only good things can happen. Everyone affects everyone else, even if they think their actions are too small.

As I said, this was one of the only manga that never annoyed me. That's difficult to achieve.

Final thought: One of the best manga ever.

From Far Away: Vol. 13

by Kyoko Hikawa

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

When Rachef and Tazasheena kidnap Noriko, Izark is forced to face the fact that the only way to saver her may be to do exactly what they've been trying to avoid: fulfill the prophecy of The Awakening.

Will Clairgeeta's wistful hope that the Sky Demon may not be evil turn out to be true after all? Or is this the end of Izark as we know him?

With their enemies lying in wait just beyond the city walls, and Noriko close to death, Izark may not have time to figure it all out before it's too late!

Review
Some really interesting things happen in this volume. First, Rachef kidnaps Noriko, but doesn't kill her right away, like they were planning to do. Tazasheena is the smart one, wondering why he doesn't, but apparently, he doesn't take criticism well, and slaps her. Then, in a move that shows that he didn't read The Evil Overlord's Handbook, he starts saying odd things like he wants her power, and he becomes angry when she rejects him. This is interesting because in an earlier volume, he mused about what made her so powerful, that it changed Izark in a moment when she arrived. I thought, "well, that sounds like something someone who had never been in love would say." Well, of course, he has no idea what love is, he thinks that she actually has some ability, and didn't seem like he could understand when Noriko said what she had for Izark was love.

Of course, I couldn't stop myself from thinking that perhaps this was just the characters acting stupid so that the heroine could win, but that is very uncharacteristic for this author. She seems to think about events ahead of time, and I think she used this opportunity to show us more about the Rachef character. Namely, how he was rejected by his mother, so he hates for people to reject him, and he wants to rule the world so that he won't feel like something is missing from his life. Apparently if he controls everything, nothing will be missing in his life. I can't help but think there is some flaw in this, but I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.

The rest of the volume is Noriko escaping, because Tazasheena foolishly offered her the teleportation chimos, then she makes it back, but the teleporting took a lot out of her. Finally, Rachef and others make their move, so Izark decides to end it before they can hurt Noriko. We'll see how it turns out in the next book!

Final thought: I have to read the next book!

From Far Away: Vol. 12

by Kyoko Hikawa

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

With the evil Brunei brothers hot on their trail, Noriko and her doomed warrior Izark follow Clairgeeta to the rebel enclave in the fortified city of Ennamarna. But the reunion with old friends is quickly interrupted. Corrupt local officials plan to oust the fugitives and turn the walled city into an enemy miliarty base.

While Noriko and Izark once again use their power to save their friends from the greedy government, their enemies in Rienka are joining forces, mixing up new magic that they hope will bring the prophecy that much closer to coming true.

Review
After the big build-up with the brothers, they were dispatched rather anti-climatically. The rest of the volume consists of the group trying to get to their friends that they split apart from in Ennamarna. In fact, this volume is really just a build-up to the end, as the final battle will be fought very soon. All the pieces move into place.

The insight that Clairgeeta offers is useful. He confirms the idea that the sky demon could be used for good, and that the city of Ennamarna may have more information about the world of light. He also said that good and evil is internal, and whichever the person chooses is the one that will manifest.

Final thought: I can't wait to see what happens!

From Far Away: Vol. 11

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis

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

Hiding from their dark fate in yet another backwater town, Noriko and Izark cross paths with a formidable new foe: Hydran, a corrupt politician with ties to some of their worst enemies. When they discover that Hydran is set to assassinate a potentially powerful ally, our bad of outcasts plans a dangerous mission to spring their fellow fugitive.

All the while, Noriko and Izark must deal with their growing attraction to each other -- and the realization that the closer they become, the closer they are to destroying both themselves and everyone they know!

Review
Another volume where a few small things happen, but nothing extraordinary. Their main enemies are still looking for them, while Noriko and Izark are finding allies in unusual places. This ally believes in the idea that the prophecy has been misinterpreted, and that the sky demon can be used for good. This is what convinces them to rescue him from an imminent execution. Their plan works, but their current enemy won't give him up, and send some freakish inhuman brothers to stop them.

Izark and Noriko have really come to depend on each other, and they seem very close at this point. They are both terrified about losing the other, which is understandable. That's what happens when you're in love. Noriko really has changed Izark, though. In the beginning of the series, he had one expression: serious. But now, he's still serious, but he often smiles, looks worried or sad, and he jokes often with Noriko. It's great to see character development in him, too.

Final thought: I'm almost to the end!

From Far Away: Vol. 10

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
After a terrorist bomb catapults her into an alternate universe full of magic and mystery, teenage Noriko finds herself the central figure in a political power struggle over a dark prophecy she's destined to fulfill, turn 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?

Review
This series continues to be good and interesting. This volume is another bridge volume, where a lot of small things happen, but nothing momentous. The "evil" is growing stronger, and it seems to be able to influence people, and make them disagreeable, more apt to get angry, fight over small things, thus leading to wars, and evil people coming to power.

There was also some information about the light that Noriko's friends saw when Izark transformed the last time. They said that that light was their only hope against the growing darkness. This is interesting, as it's supposed to be Izark who destroys the world, yet he can save it, too? I guess we'll see.

Final thought: I have to finish this series!

From Far Away: Vol. 9

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.

In the past, Noriko has relied on the help of a small cadre of sympathizers to protect her from the constant danger swirling around her. But now she finds herself in a most unusual position. Suddenly, she must rescue a member of her inner circle.

To do this, she enlists the help of the Spirit of the Trees. Together, the young girl and the woodland spectre form an opportune alliance. But alliances made in haste often prove disastrous... especially when secret agendas are finally revealed!

Review
This is another excellent volume. At first, we think the enemy has won, and then something that no one expected happened, except we don't even really know what that is. It's when Izark realizes that Noriko likes him for who he is, something no one has ever done before. He realizes there's more to him than just being the sky demon. We'll have to wait until later to find out exactly what that means, though. It also explains how Noriko is the awakening. She doesn't awaken him to be the sky demon, she awakened him to the "truth." We don't quite know what that is yet, though. But this is good for our characters; it seems like they finally have some hope of changing their future.

So the escape from the enemy, and have their friend, Irk, the forest spirit help keep them hidden from their enemies. One little thing bothered me: later on, while Izark is resting, he can't quite remember exactly what happened, or how he found that part of himself that he didn't know existed. But I trust this author, as she doesn't seem to draw things out unnecessarily, and I'm not really worried, because things will happen when they're supposed to.

The rest of the volume is lighthearted fluff, but it's still good. Noriko also comes to the realization that even though she thinks she's weak and can't help people out, she actually is, just by being herself. It's good to see her develop and be a stronger character.

Final thought: Five books left, must read them all!

From Far Away: Vol. 8

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.

But even with such infinite power, Noriko remains vulnerable to the dangers that swirl around her. Ever so slowly, a small delegation of supporters has rallied to her defense -- most notably a fierce and loyal swordsman by the name of Izark.

Both demon and savior, Izark struggles daily with the good and evil that resides deep inside him. Is he the monster a whole world fears? Or is he the hero who will lead his people to a new and prosperous era? Whether she knows it or not, Noriko is the only one who has the answer to that fateful question.

Review
The antagonists begin to set their plans in motion in this volume. They set a trap so that they can capture both Izark and Noriko, and use Noriko to control Izark. Much of the volume involves this trap, and Izark fighting the "new and improved" Keimos.

One thing I noticed about this volume was how sorry I felt for Izark. He's the kind of character that I totally identify with because his personality is similar to mine: introverted, reticent, sensitive, empathetic, introspective, but also brooding and negative. He didn't ask for this fate, to be the sky demon, nor did he ask for people to reject and punish him for it throughout his life. He really is just a kind, gentle person, who does what he does because he has to, not because he wants to. And then for people to use his personality against him, his need to protect Noriko because he cares about her, is just horrible. They treat him like he's not even a human being, like he's a "thing" that they can use for their own benefit. That's just sick.

Anyway, I suppose we'll see whether Izark's musing about changing the future actually work or not. It's going to be interesting, I'm sure.

Final thought: I have to read to the end!

From Far Away: Vol. 7

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.

But even with such infinite power, Noriko still relies on the help of her faithful companion, a wandering swordsman named, Izark to protect her. There are dangers around every corner and Noriko needs all the help she can get.

So far, Izark has proven himself to be a courageous and dependable bodyguard. But cruel circumstances beyond his control are now tearing him away from Noriko. Despite his love for the vulnerable teenager, he fears he must abandon her... before he destroys her!

Review
The first part of this volume involves Izark rescuing Noriko from the people who kidnapped her. Except this time, he doesn't hold himself back and we see how terrifying he really can become, as he nearly becomes the sky demon. He seems to forget just about everything when he's in that form, and it's only Noriko's presence that brings him back to normal. However, things still aren't perfect, and the enemy seer, Tazasheena, figures out who Izark and Noriko are, and she runs to tell Lord Rachef about it, but they catch up to her, and she tells them what she knows in order to confirm it. This is the first time that Noriko realizes who she is.

Poor Noriko, it seems she had no idea what was going on. After this knowledge, she figures everything out, including why Izark has been treating her the way he has. Out of empathy, she tries to tell him that she doesn't want to be with him anymore, but he doesn't let her. He finally confesses his feelings for her, and together they decide that they will travel alone, to avoid detection and to keep their friends out of trouble.

This is an important volume, as the characters finally decide for themselves what they want to do. They finally have their feelings out in the open, and are now looking for a way to change their future. I was really glad that the author didn't drag these things out, and that they were resolved quickly. It's refreshing for once. I also can't wait to see what the characters do now.

Final thought: I have to read to the end of the series!

From Far Away: Vol. 6

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.

But even with such infinite power, Noriko still relies on the help of her faithful companion, a wandering swordsman named, Izark to protect her. There are dangers around every corner and Noriko needs all the help she can get.

Together for only a short time, Noriko and Izark are beginning to develop romantic feelings for one another. But now, before the spark of passion catches fire, another comrade-in-arms confesses his love for the young schoolgirl. Even in the most dire of situations, love can blossom... twice!

Review
So, after the last volume's big confession, this volume is a bit of a let down. Noriko begins to feel embarrassed about what she said, which I thought was annoying, but then I realized that Izark never gave her an answer or any kind of response to her confession. That would make anyone embarrassed. Now the questions is why didn't Izark give a response? We find out the reason why, later in the book, it's basically because he feels torn in two different directions -- one, she's supposed to make him become the sky demon, which he wants to avoid, and two, he's become attached to her, and doesn't want to leave her. I really appreciate that these characters behave in logical ways. Nothing here feels prolonged or drawn out for the sake of making the story longer, and the characters have believable emotions, reactions and motivations. I really applaud the author for doing such an excellent job telling her story.

Of course, a lot more is going on here, people are still after Izark and Noriko. I wonder when they'll have to stop being on the defensive and go for the offensive. One interesting development, is that one of the seer characters has mentioned that she didn't think the future that she sees is something that must happen. She thinks the future can be changed, which seemed to resonate strongly with Izark. It seems that he thinks now he can change the future, I hope that he can.

Final thought: Great series, I have to read more!

From Far Away: Vol. 5

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds a prophetic power that will awaken a new epoch of staggering uncertainty.

But even with such infinite power, Noriko still relies on the help of her faithful companion Izark to protect her. There are enemies lurking everywhere and Noriko needs all the help she can get. Izark, however, may be the biggest threat of all. Within him lies an evil most unimaginable. When that evil finally reveals itself, Noriko's spontaneous reaction surprises everyone... including herself!

Review
This was an excellent volume. A lot of great things happened. First, Izark's past was explored, and we see how awful people have been to him throughout his lifetime. This is a nice contrast with what we see later: when Izark loses control over his powers, and transforms into a terrible-looking demon. But Noriko doesn't panic or freak out, she stays calm, and actually asks him not to leave her, and then she confides something to him that's very sweet, but I don't want to spoil it. That whole scene just had me entranced and I even got emotional.

The rest of the plot is great too, and everything is moving as expected.

This series is really great, and I can't wait to keep reading.

Final thought: I'm collecting the rest of this series.

From Far Away: Vol. 4

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
A prophecy of doom, passed down from generation to generation, has finally arrived. Manifest in the form of a young girl named Noriko, the awakening promises a new world of frightening uncertainty.

But not everybody lives in fear of this ancient prophecy. Slowly, a group of sympathizers has come together to befriend and protect the vulnerable teenager. One of them, a valorous warrior by the name of Izark, continues to stay by her side despite the danger and complications that lie ahead.

In an attempt to avoid capture, Noriko and her band of allies travel into the White Mist Forest. Danger lurks everywhere, however... especially in this infrequently traveled wildwood!

Review
There is nothing to complain about in this book. I think the events and characters are all logical and normal. I've said before that this is one of the only manga that never annoyed me.

Izark and Noriko finally meet up with each other again, and we learn a strange secret about Izark -- he might be the sky demon. (Actually, I knew this a long time ago, but didn't want to spoil it.) Now I'm really curious exactly how Noriko will "awaken" him. This explains a lot about him too, why he was looking for the awakening, why he wanted to kill her but didn't, and why he left her with a friend. He wanted to kill this awakening because it would do something to him that he didn't want it to do, but when he saw her, he couldn't, because she was innocent, and had no idea what was going on. Finally, I think he left her with a friend because he didn't know what she could do in the future.

The separation wasn't a bad thing, though, as they discovered they could communicate telepathically. Why isn't really explained, but it's interesting, and will probably be useful in the future.

Final thought: I have to keep reading!

From Far Away: Vol. 3

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
With each passing day, Noriko discovers more and more about the strange and chimerical world she now calls home. And the more she learns... the more frightened she gets!

Everyone around her is talking about an ancient prophecy and the awakening that will usher in a new epoch. To some, this foretold era is fraught with uncertainty and danger. To these people, the power of the awakening must be eliminated.

Ever so slowly, Noriko starts to realize that she, somehow, embodies the gift of the awakening. With the help of a valiant hero named Izark, the young teenager has thus far eluded the attention of those who wish to destroy her. But secrets are hard to keep... and with one misspoken word, Noriko could seal her very own death!

Review
Again, the book builds up to something, but I don't know what. It doesn't help that about a third of it is taken up with some other included story, so we're cheated a chapter or two.

Anyway, Izark has finally decided to leave Noriko behind, in the care of a friend of his. This parting is very emotional, especially for her. In previous volumes, Izark has ruminated over what he should do with Noriko. I suppose what made him change his mind is that she accidentally talked about meeting him in the "sea of trees" with some strangers. Fortunately, they didn't figure out what she meant, but since she's learning how to speak better, she's becoming more of a liability.

Noriko takes this all in stride and does her best to move on. She hears about the prophecies of the Awakening and the Sky Demon, and realizes that she may be the awakening, but then reassures herself that she can't be, because she doesn't know any sky demon.

There's more politics in the volume, something that I wish I was more interested in, but the people that Noriko is staying with are being chased by "bad people" (meaning I don't know why they're bad other than they are), and Noriko is left alone again. Meanwhile, Izark gets swept up in some fighting thing against his will, so he can't come to Noriko's aid, even when she calls him telepathically.

Where this volume ends is really frustrating, because I turned the page expecting more, and I get some other story that I don't care about. I never know what to make of these tacked on things, as sometimes they are filler, and other times, more like an advertisement for another story. I usually don't read them, intending to go back later, but I usually forget.

Anyway, I'm dying to read the next book, to find out what happens to Izark and Noriko.

Final thought: I'll keep collecting this series.

From Far Away: Vol. 2

by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis
Transported into a fantastical world of high adventure, a confused and frightened teenager discovers she holds the key to a profound power borne of an age-old prophecy.

Scared and on the run, Noriko strikes up an alliance with a mysterious rogue swordsman named Izark. But now, weakened from a recent battle, this swordsman has become dependant on his young charge to nurse him back to health.

Trapped in a strange world and unable to speak the native language, Noriko must find a way to save her fallen warrior... and save herself, too!

Review
Not much more is revealed in this volume, other than Izark seems to have a mysterious illness that comes and goes at will. Of course, bad people come to take advantage of his weakness at this time, and most of what happens is how Izark and Noriko fight off the bandits. Here again, Noriko shows off her strength and actually protects Izark for a time (not by fighting, of course), something which she doesn't wonder, whine, or cry about. She just does what needs to be done. I'm really loving her character more and more.

Another character, Keimos, is shown a bit more, and it's likely he will become the antagonist. He's arrogant and full of pride, and thinks he can take on Izark by himself. Unfortunately for Izark, a man and his fortuneteller whisk Keimos away from the battle before he can become hurt, as they want to use him for some purpose.

It's not the greatest book, but it's interesting, and it's likely a bridge to other more exciting things.

Final thought: I'll keep collecting this series.

From Far Away: Vol.1

(aka Kanatakara)
by Kyoko Hikawa

Synopsis (from the back of the book)
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.

Review

"Oh, god," I was thinking when I read the synopsis. I picked it up finally, after several passes in the bookstore. Usually stories that begin this way are predictable, and I figured I'd give the first volume a try, just to see.

I was pleasantly surprised. It does have the girl-transported-to-another-world premise – which has been done to death – but at least the heroine, Noriko, isn't annoying, selfish, or whiny. In fact, while she does feel sorry for herself at first, she quickly picks herself up, and throws herself into the strange situation she's been thrust into. She's determined not to be a burden, and she tries her best to learn the language quickly. I have to say that I admire that, and to have a heroine be so decisive is refreshing.

The hero, Izark, is typically reticent and abrupt, but he does do the right thing by saving Noriko from pursuers in the beginning, and after some hesitation, he takes care of her since she is so obviously lost. It's clear that he doesn't really want to, and calls her "the awakening," someone that many others are searching for. He seems to have special abilities, and his own problems though we don't know what they are yet, and his character seems likely to be developed over the course of the series.

As for the story, many threads are being laid down at this point, and will likely lead somewhere, though we are as confused as Noriko is at this point. One thing I didn't expect was how politics-heavy it would be. Many different countries and people are introduced, and they all have their own agendas with each other and the awakening.

One thing that I found interesting about the book was how Noriko didn't understand their language and vice-versa. It's definitely more realistic this way, and keeps her in the dark about what's really going on, and who she is. I have to comment that the mangaka did try to make it easy for the audience to understand which language is being spoken, which I appreciate.

The final chapter leaves us with a cliffhanger, as most books do.

Final thought: I have to get the next book!