▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / CONCEPT		MAKOTO INOUE / HIROMU ARAKAWA
		▪	PAGES:		227
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		12/18/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		12/17/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

An immersing story of the tragedy of war, the consequences of fate and the ties that bind all people together are explored with poignant effect in the fifth novel inspired by the manga and anime series. It starts off innocently enough with the Elric brothers returning to their old mentor Izumi to receive further training. Once there, Edward continues to look for information about the Philosopher’s Stone and any information that might help undo the alchemy that robbed his brother of his body and Ed of his arm and leg. A stray name, a lost book, and a hidden past will lead Ed and Al on a journey that will horrifying secrets unveiled and a tragic thread of fate that binds an otherwise unconnected group of individuals together.

Out of all the novels so far in the series, this fifth one is the strongest and most involving so far. Ed and Al end up discovering unusual connections with an Ishbalan orphan, a bookkeeper, and of all people – Roy Mustang. Rather than having this novel split into two stories, this is one full tale with Roy’s story as he investigates a mysterious report of wild chimeras, interwoven with Ed and Al’s. It is cleverly blended together and the overall impact emotionally of the story is well done. The author Makoto Inoue does an excellent job of imparting the sorrows of war in its fullness while adding new horror to it with the terrible choices those affected by the war have made. It gives some inside explorations to not only Ed and Al’s life but also a peek into Roy’s. It’s a dramatic and moving piece.

In addition to the story there is a full cover color page and some few but well done illustrations from FMA creator and manga-ka Hiromu Arakawa. This includes an illustration of Roy Mustang standing proud and tall in full uniform with his sword drawn at attention.

IN SUMMARY:
The fifth novel offers one of the most dramatic tales yet about the Elric brothers.