Tenken
In a Japan ravaged by a devastating war, some traditions still persist. Saki has been chosen to be the sacrificial bride in a ceremony based around an ancient folktale, but when her past catches up with her, only the love of Manaka, a man willing to give up everything, can save her. Manaka and Saki’s love is extremely understated from a Western viewpoint, but their respect for one another shines through. Though at times the folklore is overly vague, the unique setting—part postapocalyptic cityscape and part ancient forest—is a strong element that ties the work together. Shirai’s first major manga is a thing of beauty, and in yet another blend of new and old, her lyrical artwork appears to be painted with both ink and a brush. The final third of the book features action scenes that can occasionally be too chaotic and indistinct to fully follow, but readers willing to let the moody tale wash gently over them will enjoy this modern folk story. Grades 9-12. --Snow Wildsmith