Dazzle Volume 1
Grade 9 Up In this engaging manga, Rahzel is a headstrong, magically gifted 14-year-old whose father has kicked her out of the house so that she might travel and grow from adversity. Alzeid is a reserved and mysterious young man bent on avenging his father's death. The two are drawn together when she inadvertently interferes with Alzeid stopping a thief. Despite his reluctance to take on a partner, they are soon fighting criminals, exorcizing ghosts, and protecting the innocent, but, through inexperience, Rahzel frequently reacts in ways that are unwisely arrogant. Unfortunately, the plot falls a little short. Some episodes occur disjointedly and are not illustrated coherently, and occasionally a character appears without preamble and then disappears just as quickly. However, this weakness can be overlooked in light of the skillful way in which the relationship between the main characters is developed. Against his better judgment, isolated Alzeid begins to care for the unruly Rahzel, and while he expresses exasperation at her frequently over-the-top responses to situations, he is genuinely, if reluctantly, affectionate. Despite appearing scantily clad and suggestively posed in many illustrations, Rahzel is a confident and fully self-aware female. Alzeid's character is a little flat, but hints as to his history are intriguing and show great promise for future books.Heather M. Lisowski, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, COCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.