This thirteenth entry in Kyoko Hikawa's fourteen-volume fantasy manga epic opens as Zena, having related the ancient legends concerning the evil priest who unnaturally elongated his life, before eventually becoming a powerful evil spirit and the source of much of the current misfortunes besetting the world, in the twelfth episode, concludes here that Izark is not truly a monster, nor a force for evil. The affirmation from their circle of friends, and the support offered to Izark and Noriko, mark the beginning of the final phase of the battle between good and evil raging in their world, as all parties finally know who they are. When Noriko is kidnapped by Lord Rachef, while Izark is off defending Ennamarna from the armies of Donya, his worst nightmare seems to be coming true, and he can barely suppress his inner monster. Noriko's escape reunites them, but she is terribly weakened by her solo synchronization with the chimos, and is bed-ridden within the walls of Ennamarna as Izark heads out to confront the maniacal Keimos. Can Izark prevail against such a strong enemy, without calling upon his own inner demon? Will the citizens of Ennamarna stay strong, when Rachef and Gorya issue an ultimatum, demanding that they turn over Noriko? It all concludes in the final fourteenth volume...

It was worth staying up late last night to read this volume, even if I do feel a bit groggy today - I'm just surprised that I was able to get to sleep at all, with just one episode left in the saga, and the fate of Noriko, Izark and their world hanging in the balance! Immensely engaging, this entry in the series had it all: intense action scenes, heartwarming moments, frightening developments, and further revelations. Lord Rachef, determined to claim whatever power the Awakening confers, offers Noriko the chance to save her life by becoming his, reflecting in the process on his eternal sense of emptiness - the lack of fulfillment that seems to grow stronger, the higher he rises in the world. Izark and Noriko's companions give important moral support, in their various ways, each expressing their belief that the couple are not agents of evil. I loved the opening scenes, when we finally see the fruits of their many good deeds, of all the help they have offered to others. All in all, a volume I raced through in record time, determined to get to the finale! ( )

Very good book. It's sad that it is no longer printed. This made the price rise and now others cant enjoy this exciting installment to the enchanting story.

Noriko is kidnapped by Lord Rachef who is determined to make her give him whatever power she endows Izark with not knowing that it is their feelings for each other that makes him strong. Questionable help comes from an unexpected quarter but can Noriko trust it?

Yes, much more happens in this volume (second to last in the series) but I don't want to give too much away. Although I haven't enjoyed the second half of this series as much as the first, I'm still very curious to see how all this will work out in the end. Overall I think this is a great fantasy/adventure manga series which I certainly have no trouble recommending. ( )