XXXHolic volume 9

Today's post is on XXXHolic volume 9 by CLAMP. It is 176 pages long and is published by Del Rey. As it is the ninth in the long series you need to have read the first eight to understand the story. The cover has Yuko on the front and Watanuki on the back looking cool. The intended reader is someone who likes mythology, ghost stories, and great art. There is no sex, no language, and no violence in this volume. The story is told from Watanuki's perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Without realizing it, Kimihiro Watanuki has purchased a dream. According to Yuko Ichihara, the mysterious time-space witch, people usually buy good dreams- but Kimihiro's dream is a man-eating nightmare. Even worse, it has come true! Then Kimihiro meets a wistful girl who, like him, can see the spirit world. Together they try to prevent a harmless ghost from being exorcised from its beloved resting place, an ancient cherry tree. The girl's mother wants to have nothing to do with Kimihiro, but the spirits say otherwise...

Review- I love mythology and the first story is all about it. It has to do with the first dream of the new year and what it means. Of course Watanuki gets into some trouble but nothing that Yuko and Domeki's dream cannot get him out of. The second part is a bit more normal for this manga. Watanuki meets a young girl who like him can see spirits and like him is very alone because of it. We do not get to see the ghost they talk to but the way she is dressed is very lovely. I hope that we get to see more of the girl. She is in a very bad place and needs someone with a compassionate heart like Watanuki. Watanuki is starting to see some value in himself but not enough. It is interesting to to watch this very serious subject, self-worth, play out.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this book with my own money.