(4) YA Mio (The Name of the Blade; Darkness Hidden), her friends, and family must join together to fight a last epic battle against the ancient Japanese gods taking over London. Considerations of rebirth and revelation are added to the trilogy's previous themes of love, trust, and loss. More nuanced character development, as compared to prior installments, helps flesh out the protagonists in this pat conclusion to a familiar urban-fantasy trilogy.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA In this sequel to The Name of the Blade, Mio must fight demons, both inner and outer, if she wants to protect herself, her friends, and the city of London from supernatural havoc. Japanese mythological monsters, other dimensions, demonic possession, and magical swords all find a place in the modern-set fantasy. Exciting action sequences may distract readers from lazy character development.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(2) YA On an extended trip to Japan with his mother, Japanese American Ichiro's mixed-race heritage makes him feel like an outsider. In this satisfying and thought-provoking graphic novel, Inzana investigates the human tools of war-mongering and propaganda by interweaving mythological and historical examples. The fluid, expressive brushwork brings both the real world and the mythical Japanese creatures to life.

Reviewer: Robin Brenner | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012

(4) 4-6 World of Mythology series. This series provides a glimpse at mythologies of ancient cultures from around the world. After a short introduction to the specific civilization, various gods and heroes are presented. Each deity is given a short section, so only the most cursory treatment is provided. Reproductions of ancient artwork as well as modern illustrations provide colorful portraits of the featured gods. Glos., ind. Review covers these World of Mythology titles: Indian Mythology, Japanese Mythology, Mayan and Aztec Mythology, and Middle Eastern Mythology.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo