Even though I watched the anime first, I still think that the suspense is great. The entire volume is centered on solving one mystery and so it has time to develop depth. The fight scenes look excellent too. The motivations of even the secondary characters are well thought out as well. ( )

This was another fantastic installment in the Claymore series. This book is only the first half of a story arc that continues in volume 3 of the Claymore series (Teresa of the Faint Smile). This is an action packed fantasy manga with excellent characterization and great world-building. I have watched all of the Claymore amine and have been eager to read the Manga in order to get more of the story.

This installment picks up shortly after where the first book left off. Clare is asked to hunt down a Yoma in the Holy City of Rabona. Claymore are illegal in Rabona, so Clare is forced to hide her Claymore abilities with a special pill. Raki, the young boy from the first novel, accompanies her and helps provide cover for her story of being a normal girl who is there to sell antiques in Rabone. Clare faces on her greatest challenge yet when she finds out the Yoma is a Voracious Eater.

As mentioned above this is only the first part of the story, the story of Clare’s battle with the Voracious Eater is continued into volume three.

I enjoyed how the Clare and Raki continue to develop a solid friendship throughout this book. It was also interesting to see Clare dressed and acting as a civilian. Of course when Clare goes out Yoma hunting she seriously kicks butt.

This is again read like a traditional Manga (back to front, right to left). The illustration is very well done. There is nice detail and it is never hard to follow what is going on. I really enjoyed it.

You learn a little more background on Yoma and Claymore as well. The world is definitely expanded beyond what we were introduced to in the first book.

Overall I am really enjoying how action packed this series is while doing an excellent job of having great character development and an engaging storyline. I am really enjoying this manga series so far. The illustration is well done, the world in intriguing, and the characters are likable and engaging. I am excited to see what the next installment brings to the story. ( )

I did like it more than the first volume, so I probably will be continuing the series. But I'm still not wild about the art -- all the characters look the same and it's very difficult to tell them apart. The plot of this volume is also more interesting than that of the first, but it's still not quite captivating. But if the series keeps getting better, it could get pretty cool. ( )