▪	RELEASED BY:		DEL REY
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		KIRIKO YUMEJI
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / BW
		▪	PAGES:		206
		▪	RATING:		OT
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		12/26/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		01/24/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

Lia faces one of her most violent battles yet, but it’s the clues to her past and her fate that truly shake her to her core. As Lia gets closer to the truth, her brother D’Eon has his own plans on how to help his sister. But when the famous mistress of the king, Madame de Pompadour, is abducted by the Poets, Lia and D’Eon must put aside their fears to save the king’s beloved mistress and patriot of France.

This manga portrays gruesome violence with much more action, a different atmosphere and far faster pacing than the anime series. It holds just as much mystery, particularly involving the psalms and the ties to Lia. Quite ominous clues are given this volume regarding Lia’s role and fate in it all. The Bride of Salamandre and the Sphinx are linked and it drives icy chills through Lia’s ghostly heart. Just what was she intended for and who betrayed her so foully, so horrifically?

This volume also holds a heartbreaking moment between mother and daughter when a link between Sophie and a famous lady is made.  More fodder for angst is D’Eon’s struggle on how best to serve France and help his sister’s vengeful spirit find peace. It may go counter to her wishes, her lust for blood, but he yearns more than anything for her to find eternal salvation. To save her from damnation, he may have to ultimately betray her in order to save her.

The unique and wonderfully gothic art style and riveting storytelling in this fast paced thriller have been captivating. With each step wherein they grow closer to the truth, they bring themselves ever closer to the horrors hiding in the shadows of the revolution.

Manga extras include translation and cultural notes that also contain English translations of the French terms used in the book, as well as a preview of the next volume in Japanese.

IN SUMMARY:
Le Chevalier D’Eon is an enthralling and fast paced ride into action, horror, and irresistible mystery.