▪	RELEASED BY:		DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		DOU BRAND
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		186
		▪	RATING:		M
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		12/16/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		12/14/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

To say I was impressed with this shonen ai is an understatement. The stories are above and beyond what is normally expected in a BL tale and the artwork is exemplary. Shards begins with the plight of a young chief priest trying to prove himself to his warrior lover. The problem is that he has a unique sensing ability, a sixth sense that allows him to see what goes unseen to the human eye. He fears the creatures that he sees yet refuses to back down. His lover worries and finally makes a simple request – to take the chief priest’s place at the front line of battle. Refusal, confessions and shared understandings converge for a tender conclusion to the story. But the true intrigue of Shards of Affection has only just begun.

The love between a priest and a lab worker is put to the test when each has their feelings downplayed by the other. But when Haruaki is attacked, he goes to El the priest for comfort. The solace he finds in El’s arms is unparalleled, but he doesn’t seem to realize the depths of El’s true feelings, mistaking it for pity. It’s a dramatic story with some harsh and graphic scenes, particularly around Haruaki’s sexual assault, but the underlying story of connection, healing and love is moving.

Although the stories all seem and act as stand alone tales, they each are connected to the others. The manga goes into a description of five special and attractive men who are not human. They appear it, they feel similar to humans, but these men are living spiritual swords who battle evil sprits and the like for the betterment of all. Some have lived thousands of years. The newest member Nanaki however is in trouble. His sword, his “tachi” has gone missing. Without it, he is becoming tainted and soon will fade, disappearing and ceasing to exist entirely. His lover and fellow immortal Ninomiya seems harsh, but his one vulnerability is the thought of losing the man he loves. In desperation, he learns of a risky way to try to save Nanaki but it hinges on one crucial thing – Nanaki’s consent.

In a closely related story and a personal favorite out of the selection, a young man seeks revenge on the demon who he thinks put his brother in a coma. The seductive demon Shenjing taunts Toranosuke with evil words and an even more wicked string of kisses! With a borrowed sword, Toranosuke tracks the demon down but is torn by what he witnesses. Demons aren’t supposed to be sad, are they? Yet this demon seems to have an ulterior motive in seeking his own death. In the end, Toranosuke will have to decide whether to follow his heart or his presumptions.

The next to last story ties in the following two. The demon and the human share a love that depends on the sword lest the demon take his soul. Shenjing cannot control his powers, His touch drains until the one in his arms is dead. Always alone before, now he can at last share warmth only thanks to that sword and his mortal lover’s generous heart and acceptance. When two immortals come demanding the sword, this pair may prove to be star crossed.

The stories are nothing short of fantastic. The intrigue, the supernatural mysteries and action are incredible. They draw you in immediately. The romances are made that much richer by the interesting plots. The art style is just as amazing. Just as rich. It’s easy to picture this manga as an anime. The clothing details, the sword details, the facial expressions are varied and impressive. Duo Brand is a new name to me but it is one I hope to see much, much more work from as Shards of Affection has proven to be a captivating reading experience.  

IN SUMMARY:
Shards of Affection is the yaoi manga every supernatural and shonen ai fans has got to read. If you are a fan of Descendants of Darkness, this is a must have.