Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 4

Asagiri, Kafka. Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 4. 2017. 176 p. ISBN 9780316468169. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following a confrontation between Ryuunosuke and Atsushi on a boat, Atsushi and Kyouka escaped from the clutches of the Port Mafia and returned to the Armed Detective Agency, and new lodging arrangements have both of them living together. Kyouka’s lineage is questioned by the police, but Agency President Fukuzawa claims her as his daughter.

Dazai has traced the name of the group behind the ransom for Atsushi. It is a North American group called the Guild, which is made up of rich and famous politicians, military, and cultural leaders. As the members of the Agency discuss how to deal with this new threat, the Guild arrives at their door and proposes a deal to Fukuzawa: Sell the Agency so that the Guild can use the precious Operations License, or see themselves wiped out. Fukuzawa refuses, but within 24 hours agents begin to disappear.

Atsushi himself falls prey to a trap set by Lucy Montgomery, a Guild member able to create an extradimensional space and use her rag doll Annie to crush her opponents. Atsushi finds himself outclassed and outmaneuvered. Fortunately for him, the Port Mafia is about to fight back against the Guild, and the enemy of their enemy is about to temporarily become their friend...

Land of the Lustrous, Vol. 1

Ichikawa, Haruko. Land of the Lustrous, Vol. 1. 2017. 192p. ISBN 9781632364975. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

All of Earth’s intelligent life was wiped out eons ago, leaving the planet bare. Over time a crystal-based life form evolved and returned to inhabit the planet. Called the Lustrous, each crystal humanoid is a gem made of precious material. They can be chipped and broken, but not destroyed as long as enough pieces of them remain to be put back together and healed.

Descendents of the humans who escaped to the moon before the collapse of their civilization on Earth are bent on capturing the Lustrous to use them for decorations and as ornaments. The Lunarians launch successive attacks, hoping to catch the Lustrous unable to defend themselves, but roaming patrols of Lustrous protect their home against these attacks.

Phosphohyllite would really like to fight. She would love to be useful. But the most brittle of gems, Phos is instead tasked with creating a natural history of Earth. Ignoring where to even begin with writing such a story, Phos talks to all of the gems, and discovers that Cinnabar, due to her unique ability to focus light and function at night, has been effectively banished to the night to patrol, when the Lunarians never attack. What makes her different is also deadly to the other gems, tarnishing their brightness.

When she finally meets Cinnabar, Phos makes a promise she may not be able to keep: She will find her a new job, one that uses her talents and that don’t involve having to work the night shift.

The Lunarians are crafty, however. When they return to Earth to launch yet another attack, this time they bring a giant snail with them ...

The Case Study of Vanitas, Vol. 2

Mochizuki, Jun. The Case Study of Vanitas, Vol. 2. 2017. 239. ISBN 978-0-316-47168-8. Available in the Graphic Novels section of the library.

Noé and Vanitas are now guests of Count Orlok after proving to him the power that the Book of the Vanitas grants Vanitas to remove the curse that afflict vampires. During a meeting with the Count, Noé tells the assemble individuals that he’s an archivist, a vampire with the ability to remember memories of other people simply by drinking their blood. He drinks Amelia’s blood and reveals that the Charlatan, the leader of a masked group resembling a carnival troupe, is behind the curse.

Dominique, the granddaughter of Noé’s teacher, interrupts the proceedings and informs Noé he needs to travel with her back to the Paris of vampires, across the Babel border. The vampires are holding a masquerade, and Dominique hopes to connect with Lord Ruthven, who is also investigating the curse-bearers. Vanitas follows, though he is only human. He reveals himself in front of the assembled participants, who promptly decide to bring him down for his impertinence. Amid the turmoil, however, several curse bearers manifest themselves, and even the Charlatan appears on the scene.

With the vampires in disarray and violence everywhere, will Noé manage to save Vanitas, or is Vanitas strong enough to protect himself?

Musnet: The Flames of the Limelight. Book 3

Kickliy. Musnet: The Flames of the Limelight. Book 3 of the Musnet series. 2017. 56p. ISBN 978-1-941250-15-0. Available in the graphic section of the library.

Musnet has not made much progress in his quest for becoming the best painter. Rémi is ill and has been concealing it since the beginning. Musnet parted ways with him, but still cares. He has troubles of his own, however, for Mya’s family, with whom he lives, is being evicted by Mr. Rattison. Musnet comes up with a clever way of preventing this tragedy by striking a deal for art with Rattison. Caught by Monet’s cat, Musnet fears the worse but after saving its life, he realizes that the Cat is actually friendly and knows a lot about painting. Will the help of his friends be enough to complete his project and save Mya and her family from eviction?

Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 6

Adachitoka. Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 6. 2015. 181p. ISBN 978-1-61262-996-4. Available in the Graphic Section of the library.

The long awaited confrontation between Bishamon and Yato has now erupted, and the war goddess is overpowering the stray god with her strength and weapons. In Noragami Stray God Vol. 5, Yukiné was sliced in half, destroying Yato’s shinki. However, Yukiné’s single-minded devotion suddenly transforms him into a blessed vessel, and he regains form, this time in the shape of two swords. Bishamon’s shinkis are shocked that such as lowly shinki as Yukimé would be able to achieve such a high status.

Kugaha, Bishamon’s medicine man, continues to observe the titanesque combat between the two gods. Soon, the medicine he gave Bishamon will wear off, and her true blighted nature will reveal itself. To speed the process, he releases an angry Ayakashi amid Bishamon’s shinki, and the Ayakashi proceeds to devour them.

Kazuma and Hiyori, who were emprisoned in Bishamon’s dungeon by Kugaha, manage to escape and join the fray. As Bishamon weakens, Yato is poised to deliver the killing blow. Will the stray god triumph over the war goddess?

Adventure Time, Vol. 1

Corsetto, Danielle and Meredith McClaren. Adventure Time, Vol. 1. 2016. 120p. ISBN 978-1-61398-180-1. Available as an eBook from Overdrive.

Based on the television animated series of the same name, this graphic novel tells the story of Finn and his trusted best friend Jake the dog, who has the ability to transform into anything he wants. Finn likes the Fire Princess, but having a relationship with a being who is able to ignite anything on fire just by touching it can be difficult at times.

Finn’s soul is kidnapped by a powerful being, Jake and the Fire Princess must team up so they can free him. Unfortunately, the path to freedom is littered with puzzles that need to be solved, and to the Fire Princess every solution involves burning down the door and moving on to the next challenge. Only, one of the challenges involves traveling down a lake filled with … water. Can the Fire Princess manage to control her fiery impulses long enough to discover a solution that does not involve fire?

Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 3

Asagiri, Kafka. Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 3. 2017. 188 p. ISBN 9780316468152. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following Atsushi’s rescue of Port Mafia assassin Kyouka Izumi after she made an attempt on a train, he must deal with the consequences of sparing her life. After all, she is wanted by the authorities for over 35 lives lost during the bombing, and at the same time the Port Mafia wants to kill her to prevent her to talk. Having spared her life, he is now responsible to decide what to do with her. Before he can decide, however, he is ambushed by Ryuunosuke and is thrown in the back of a truck. Hoping to deliver Atsushi’s head to a bidder, Ryuunosuke boards a ship with the shapeshifter and congratulates Kyouka’s unwilling role as an accomplice.

The Armed Detective Agency does not react well to Atsushi’s disappearance. The president of the Agency himself orders all personnel to participate in their newest recruit’s rescue. At the same time, Dazai finds himself in the hands of the Port Mafia, chained to a wall. Carrying a death wish, Dazai is visited by his ex-partner, Chuuya Nakahara. Dazai and Chuuya have a tense confrontation, but Chuuya suddenly realizes that Dazai meant to be here at this specific time. Dazai frees himself and investigates who would put such a high price on Atsushi’s head.

Meanwhile, a battle between a damaged Atsushi and a powerful Ryuunosuke erupts aboard the ship carrying them out of the country. Will Atsushi manage to resist Ryuunosuke’s attacks and save Kyouka?

The story continues in Bungo Stray Dogs, vol 4.

Black Butler, Vol 11

Toboso, Yana. Black Butler, Vol 11. 2012. 176p. ISBN 978-0-316-18967-5. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

With the storm abating and all of the guests gone, Sebastian reveals to the Professor what his role was in the murders of three people at Phantomhive Manor. Sworn to protect Ciel Phantomhive, Sebastian had anticipated all but the death of the young Mister Phelps. Which leads him to finding the real thirteenth member of their group during the storm. Having escaped Noah's Ark Circus, Snake has been hunting Ciel and Sebastian for their role in making his adopted family disappear. Ciel convinces him to abandon his quest of revenge and tells Snake he should stay close, as his missing family will surely turn up. Snake agrees to join the staff as a footman, much to the dismay of the personnel below.

Meanwhile in London, a hospital has accomplished the miracle of defeating death. The Aurora Society, led by Rian Stoker, has managed to bring people back from the death. Warned by his agent of the potential for paranormal activity, Phantomhive decides to investigate. The Aurora Society plans a demonstration of its skills aboard a luxury liner heading to New York, so Phantomhive agrees to board the ship, knowing that his fiancee, Elizabeth, who had tried to convince Ciel to take a vacation with her aboard the same ship.

Joining the members of the Society, they witness the impossible. A young woman is brought back from the dead in front of the assembled audience. Unfortunately, she is very hungry ...

Musnet: Impressions of the Master. Book 2

Kickliy. Musnet: Impressions of the Master. Book 2 of the Musnet series. 2016. 54p. ISBN 978-1-94125013-6. Available in the graphic section of the library.

Musnet pursues his studies of painting, but all is not well at home. First, his home has been hijacked by a spider who attacks him. Rémi continues to slow Musnet’s training down. Mya’s family is being bullied by the rat landlord. Mya is mad that he’s not spending any time with her. And Monet’s cat has closed many of the access points to Giverney, making Musnet’s life harder.

Musnet tackles his spider problem, and he soon realizes that Chiby the Japanese spider is friendly and ready to help him. He’d been gone on vacation for a while, but upon his return had discovered that Musnet had taken over the room. He’s more than willing to share with Musnet. The two intrepid companions intervene when Mya’s father is mousenapped by a red-eyed owl. They develop an effective plan and manage to free him, and Musnet is even able to regain his paints that the owl had stolen in the first book.

The relationship with Rémi is harder to mend. Clinging to his classical style, Rémi is upset to discover that Musnet continues to take lessons by observing Monet. He gives him an ultimatum: classical, or impressionism, but not both. He also breaks Musnet’s brush. Rémi is not well, however, and Musnet soon discovers that the old master is dying ...

Nimona

Stevenson, Noelle. Nimona. 2015. 266p. ISBN 978-0-06-227824-1. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

The kingdom has been kept safe from supervillains by the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, who enforces actions against vigilantes and villains alike. Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin is the posterboy for the Institution, beloved by all and always ready to serve and protect. Lord Ballister Blackheart trained with Goldenloin many years ago, but following a joust he lost an arm to the good knight. Ever since then he has vowed revenge on Goldenloin and on the Institution.

When Nimona shows up on his doorstep, Blackheart doesn’t know what to do with her. She looks way too young to be a sidekick. Soon, however, he realizes that Nimona is a shapeshifter who’s very interested in villainy. He takes her on, and together they plan to bring down the Institution, for it is in fact not so much concerned to protect the kingdom as to rather control it. Nimona is useful and determined, but her lack of villainous etiquette means many civilians are getting hurt. As Blackheart’s plan moves forward, casualties are mounting and he learns more about Nimona and her dark past, he realizes that Nimona powers and abilities come at a cost that might exceed what he’s willing to pay.

Originally a web comic, Nimona and Blackheart’s tale is engaging and provides a different look at villains being the “heroes” of the tale. Blackheart’s dark castle is balanced by the colorful sceneries of the town. Blackheart, Goldenloin and Nimona share similar characteristics and their relationships become complicated as the story progresses. Fans of fantasy and of villains will appreciate this tale of destruction and redemption.

Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 5

Adachitoka. Noragami: Stray God, Vol. 5. 2015. 164p. ISBN 978-1-61262-995-7. Available in the Graphic Section of the library.

Hiyori is concerned that Yato has not yet released her tie to the spirit world. She promises she will not forget him, but she needs to stop falling asleep at a moment’s notice as very important exams are coming up soon. Yato meanwhile is still escaping the clutches of Bishamon and her shinkis. When Kazuma’s treachery is discovered, he is imprisoned along with a captured Hiyori in Bishamon’s realm.

Meanwhile, Kugaha’s plot to overthrow Bishamon continues apace. His plan is simple. He has already weakened the goddess of war, and now, with Hiyori’s capture he can use her as bait to attract Yato. An encounter between the two should lead to Bishamon’s death, or at least her complete weakening. Yato has already destroyed her household once upon a time, after Bishamon has fallen victim to an ablution that had not cured her infection. Kazuma’s prayer to Yato to rescue Bishamon from the Ayakashi resulted in her shinkis’ death, which save her life. Since then, however, Bishamon has vowed to destroy Yato for what he did.

As the two confront each other, Yato’s shinki Yukiné is ready, but Bishamon’s myriad of shinki provide her with multiple options. Can the Stray God survive her relentless assault and desire for revenge?

The story continues in Noragami Stray God, Vol. 6.

Thornhill

Smy, Pam. Thornhill. 2017. 533p. ISBN 978-1-62672-654-3. Available at FIC SMY on the library shelves.

It is 2016, and Ella and her father just moved to Midchester, in a house abutting the extensive grounds of an abandoned orphanage named Thornhill. Her father works a lot, and Ella often finds herself at home alone. She doesn’t know anyone in town, so she spends a lot of time looking out her window at the ruins that is Thornhill. When she spots a light in the top floor, Ella is curious. Who lives there?

In 1982, Mary is an orphan who lives in Thornhill. Suffering from selective mutism, Mary has no friends and spends most of her time in her top floor bedroom, creating masterful puppets out of fabric and clay. These are her true friends. Unfortunately for Mary, a bully she thought had been adopted for good has been returned to the orphanage for poor behavior. This unnamed bully has been harassing Mary and turning all of the other girls against her. When she was here Mary could not sleep at night and had to watch her every step. Now that she’s returning, Mary confides in her diary that she will never have a moment’s peace.

As Ella investigate the property next door, she finds old broken dolls. She begins fixing them, and eventually she meets Mary. Then Ella discovers that Mary died at Thornhill back in 1982. Mary, meanwhile, tries to deal with her bully but the conditions at the orphanage grow worse as kids are adopted out and the facility readies for closing. When Mary discovers that she and her bully will become roommates in a new institution, it is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. She needs to take matters into her own hands. Will present-day Ella assuages past Mary’s ghost and become her friend?

Mary’s perspective is told through a diary, while Ella’s view is presented through images only. The two stories combine in a beautifully written sad tale of bullying and its consequences.

Musnet: The House of Monet. Book 1

Kickliy. Musnet: The House of Monet. Book 1 of the Musnet series. 2016. 56p. ISBN 978-1-941250-09-9. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

On his own since birth, Mouse travels from place to place looking for work and for his next piece of cheese. Arriving at Giverny, Mouse meets a sassy mouse girl named Mya who directs him towards a hole in the tree where he might find employment. Mouse discovers the hole is inhabited by Rémi, a squirrel painter who is keen on the old ways of the masters. Rémi is cantakerous, but he grudgingly agrees to take Mouse on as an apprentice. Mouse bargains with the old squirrel and in exchange for his work he expects to receive painting lessons.

Worried about him, Mya finds Mouse camping in the back yard. She warns him about the cat that lives here, and invites him to dinner with her parents. After a hearty meal, Mya’s parents invite Mouse to stay with them in this large manor house. Mya guides Mouse to his own room, filled with books and paintings. She also shows him where the human of the house works. His name is Monet, and he is creating huge canvases with unique color schemes filled with light. Right then and there, Mouse decides that’s how he will paint.

Rémi, however, has other ideas as to what constitutes a classic painting. Over the next few days, Mouse learns more about painting, and he even gets some paints of his own. When he creates his first painting, Mya tells him that his signature is missing. But Mouse has never had a name. So Mya says it’s time to pick one, so he selects Musnet, in honor of Monet and his amazing collection of colors.

Drawn in a style made famous by French artists, Musnet is illustrated with the beautiful colors that made impressionism famous. The story is attractive and its illustrated nature provides a visually appealing complement to Musnet and Mya’s tale.

Musnet's adventures continue in Musnet: Impressions of the Master.

Black Butler, Vol 10

Toboso, Yana. Black Butler, Vol 10. 2012. 176p. ISBN 978-0-316-18967-5. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Ciel Phantomhive and his guests are confined to the Phantomhive manor due to the storm, and three murder victims lay in the wine cellar, covered with white sheets. The death of two of Ciel’s guests was dreadful, but the loss of Sebastian was worse. Without the elite butler, the household staff is left to its own devices and must pick up the slack.

Phantomhive and his guests continue their investigation of the murders, knowing full well that the murderer or murderers are among them. When the staff catch vicar Jeremy Rathbone in the kitchen, they are convinced they have their thirteenth man and the prime murder suspect. Unfortunately, it is soon revealed that the vicar received a note from Sebastian the night of his murder, and came as quickly as he could from London to assist. Taking control of the investigation, Jeremy soon makes startling discoveries which could endanger Phantomhive and his guests ...

Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 2

Asagiri, Kafka. Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 2. 2017. 197 p. ISBN 978-0-316-55470-1. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Rendered unconscious during his battle with Akutagawa, Atsushi Nakajima comes to back in the offices of the Armed Detective Agency. His actions led to the death of two agents, and Atsushi feels even more cursed than before. He remembers the words of the adults at the orphanage that he should not continue to live. As the realization that the mafia will continue to come for him hits him, he decides he can no longer place the other members of the Agency in danger. He departs, and contacts the mafia to let them know he’s no longer with the Agency, but the mafia still orders a hit on their office.

Fortunately, the Black Lizard group, the mafia’s enforcement arm, is swiftly defeated by the detectives of the Agency. Atsushi accompanies Ranpo to solve the murder of a police detective. Returning to the Agency, Atsushi is reunited with those two agents whom he thought were dead. Thanks to the Agency’s doctor, they have been saved. Atsushi becomes tasked with accompanying her to the shops. Along the way they board a train, but the mafia has set up a trap for them. With bombs on board and many innocent civilians will Atsushi and Yosano be able to save their own lives?

The story continues in Bungo Stray Dogs, vol. 3.

American Born Chinese

Yang, Gene Lueh. American Born Chinese. 2006. 233p. ISBN 978-1-59643-208-6. Available in the Graphic Novels section of the library.

Jin Wang’s parents are Chinese, and arrived in America only a week apart, yet did not meet until a year and a half later. They dated and married, and eventually Jin was born. The family lived in San Francisco’s Chinatown for nine years before moving out. Jin went to a new elementary school, where he was the only Asian student in 3rd grade, aside from Suzy Nakamura. Jin had to acclimate to a hostile classroom where many of the kids picked on him. In 5th grade, he meets Wen Chen, a new student from Taiwan. Wen tries to make friends with Jin, but Jin is not interested, until Wen takes out a new Transformer. They then become best friends.

The Monkey King is one of the many deities of the Chinese. Rulers of all monkeys in Flower Fruit Mountain, he was denied entry at a deity party, and took it out on all of them by fighting them and winning. Already a Kung Fu master but feeling excluded, he decided to learn more and achieved even more enlightenment. Angry with him, the other gods try to arrest him, only to be defeated again. Eventually, Tze-Yo-Tzuh, He who was, is, and will ever be talked to him. In his hubris, the Monkey King defied his wishes, and was sentenced to lay under a pile of rocks for 500 years.

Cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit Danny once a year, and every time he manages to embarrass Danny so profoundly that he has to change school. This year is no exception. Danny is furious that his cousin is here. A perfect Chinese stereotype, Chin-Kee is smart, too eager, and mispronounces his Ls and Rs. And he manages to humiliate Danny at every turn by being too Chinese.

These three stories all merge to form one tale of acceptance of oneself and one’s ethnic heritage. In this fast-paced graphic novel, Jin discovers that to be happy he needs to be true to himself and his Chinese origins.

Wires and Nerve

Meyer, Marissa. Wires and Nerve. Part of the Lunar Chronicles series. 2017. 238p. ISBN 9781250078261. Available at FIC MEY on the library shelves.

With Cinder now the rightful queen of Luna, there is high hope that peace can finally be restored. However, many of Queen Levana’s wolf-hybrid soldiers have gone rogue and refuse to accept the order to return to Luna. They instead have disappeared, and they are striking Earth targets at random, keeping fear and terror alive.

With Lunar personnel suspect on Earth, Cinder decides to send Iko to chase down the wolf soldiers. In many respects, she’s the best person for the job. She’s as quick as a human, and is nearly indestructible. Plus, she can’t be mentally manipulated. Iko relishes the opportunity to prove that robots can be more than helpful servants.

The wolves are not as disorganized as they were. Alpha Steele, a former Operative, seeks to unite all wolves and take the war back to Cinder and Luna. Seeking a cure for their wolfness, the former Lunar soldiers come up with a simple plan: Capture Cinder and Kai at the upcoming Commonwealth ball.

Meanwhile Cinder’s other friends all have missions to accomplish on Earth, from delivering the Letimosis vaccine to negotiating agreements. But the wolf problem could throw everything in disarray.

This graphic novel explores Iko’s quest for humanity and her desire to escape the limitations of her programming. Cinder’s friends all appear in this book, but the story focuses on Iko and her development into a major character. Fans of the Lunar Chronicles will thoroughly enjoy watching their favorite characters move on the pages of this fast-paced book.

All’s Faire in Middle School

Jamieson, Victoria. All’s Faire in Middle School. 2017. 217p. ISBN 978-0-525-42998-2. Available in the Graphics Novels section of the library.

Imogene’s family is rather unique. Both her mother and father live for the Florida Renaissance Faire, and they work there throughout the year, she as one of the shop owners, and he as Sir Hugo, Lord of the Dragon and the villain of the story. Imogene has grown up among the Renaissance Faire folks her entire life, and she has been homeschooled. This year, she decides she wants to go to middle school with other normal kids instead of pursuing her education with the Faire people. Simultaneously, Impy has been promoted at the Faire to the role of Squire to Sir Hugo.

Impy now finds herself in uncharted waters. Middle school is not what she expected. The kids are mean and vindictive. They bully each other. As the outsider, Impy does not fit in any cliques but manages to acquire some friends. At the Faire, being a squire is hard work and she has trouble adjusting to her new role. Anita, a student at her school, is bullied because she is smart and doesn’t hide it, but at the Faire she dresses as a princess. Impy feels she can connect with her there, but not at school where Anita is treated as a pariah. Trying to fit in with odd clothes and odder manners, Impy does everything she can to ingratiates herself to her crowd, even if it means drawing mean pictures of teachers and students, including one of Anita. But when that picture spreads around school, following the knight’s code of chivalry, honesty and bravery proves harder than she thought, both at school and at the Faire.

Beautifully illustrated, Imogene’s tale of woes and redemption when joining middle school will entertain readers experiencing similar adaptation to a new environment as well as those who lived through those awkward years.

Dog Night at the Story Zoo

Bar-El, Dan. Dog Night at the Story Zoo. 2017. 99p. ISBN 978-1-10191838-8. Available in the Graphic Novel section of the library.

When night falls and humans return to their houses, the animals at the zoo get ready to host their own open mike night. Animals from all around the neighborhood, as well as zoo residents, attend and enjoy stories told by other animals. Tonight, at the Story Zoo, it is Dog Night and all of the presenters will be neighborhood dogs.

Throughout the night, a bloodhound tells the story of the day she lost her ability to track bandits and criminals and was helped by Surelick Holmes, a brilliant dog. A bulldog explains that he doesn’t want to be judged by the way he looks. After all, it’s not his fault. A poodle describes how much energy she has and how bothersome she was, until all the right conditions were met and she became the best companion ever. Finally, a stray dog presents how he became the best fetcher ever and saved a man’s emotional well-being, finding a home in the process.

Sometimes sad, sometimes sweet, always entertaining, the illustrated Story Zoo awaits your presence!

The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 4

Houoto, Aya. The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 4. 2016. 176p. ISBN 978-1-4215-8048-7. Available in the graphic section of the library.

Following the bizarre ceremony in which the Nue gave her a four leaf clover, Himari returns to school the next day only to be immediately stopped by Hayato Hidaka, who notices the ring. It strangely reminds him of his best friend that disappeared years ago. Hidaka is rumored to be cursed. Everyone he becomes friends with ends up hurt or worse. Himari can’t help but be intrigued. During her investigation she discovers that an ayakashi is threatening the whole family, but no one can see it. This ayakashi attempts to seize the ring from Himari but she escapes his clutches.

The boy Hidaka remembers turns out to be Aoi, his best friend who became the Nue when Momochi selected him to protect the gateway to the spirit world. Now Himari must discover a way to remove the ayakashi’s influence on Hidaka so he can finally lead a normal life. But with Aoi unable to leave the house, she can only rely on herself to solve this problem.