Children of the Whales, Vol. 7 by Abi Umeda

 Children of the Whales, Vol. 7 by Abi Umeda-200 pages

Much is revealed about the origins of the Mud Whale in this seventh volume. It is revealed that the original inhabitants were exiled because of rebellion against the Empire. That is the crime of which they were guilty. Also, the origins of the first mayor and the first Council are revealed. It is an enlightening volume. I am enjoying this Manga series, but I want to read other things and I'm not sure I'll be finishing this series. Currently, there are 20 volumes in this series with a 21st set to be published next year. 

Children of the Whales, Vol. 6 by Abi Umeda

 Children of the Whales, Vol. 6 by Abi Umeda-200 pages

The story of the Mud Whale and its inhabitants continues. The Mud Whale is finally free of the current on the Sea of Sand called "The Cage of Falaina." Its inhabitants are now free of the Empire's control and headed toward Sir Rochalizo's home country of Suidelasia to take refuge. A secret has been revealed about the Nous Falaina and its effect on the Marked. It explains why the Marked live such short lives. The Unmarked keep the secret, but it could be for selfish reasons or it could be to protect the Marked. Along the way, they come upon a tower that reaches so high that it touches the sky. What is this strange tower? I enjoyed reading this sixth volume of the series. I look forward to continuing this series as I get the chance. 

Children of the Whales, Vol. 5 by Abi Umeda

 Children of the Whales, Vol. 5 by Abi Umeda-200 pages

The story of Chakuro and the other inhabitants of the Mud Whale continues. A new potential ally (or threat??) arrives onboard the Mud Whale. His name is Sir Rochalizo and the inhabitants of the Mud Whale aren't sure whether he is friend or foe. It turns out he and his party are from a nation that is sworn enemy to the Empire that exiled the Mud Whale. Not much happens in this volume to advance the story other than Sir Rochalizo's arrival on the Mud Whale. I enjoyed reading this, but not as much as the previous volumes in the series. 

Children of the Whales, Vol. 3 and Children of the Whales, Vol. 4 by Abi Umeda

Children of the Whales, Vol. 3 by Abi Umeda-200 pages

The third volume continues immediately following the events of volume 2. Chakuro, Ouni, and the inhabitants of the Mud Whale (Falaina) are preparing for an attack from Skyros. The Empire and Lykos' brother plan to eradicate all the inhabitants of the Mud Whale, who are descendants of criminals sent into exile nearly a century earlier. The Mud Whale's new mayor, Suou, and others come up with a plan to save the Mud Whale and its residents. Will they survive the attack from Skyros? I continue to enjoy reading this manga series.

Children of the Whales, Vol. 4 by Abi Umeda-200 pages

Volume 4 continues the story of the Mud Whale and its residents right where volume 3 ended. Chakuro and the rest of the Mud Whale's inhabitants fight for survival against the empire and Skyros. The battle concludes and the Mud Whale's residents are victorious, but not without cost. Many survive, but a few have died. This battle may have gone in their favor, but the Mud Whale isn't clear of the empire yet. As I stated above, I continue to enjoy reading this series and am eager to read more of the volumes. However, I will turn my attention to other books on my to-read list first.

Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 by Abi Umeda; Children of the Whales, Vol. 2 by Abi Umeda

 Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 by Abi Umeda- 200 pages

This is the first volume of a Manga series that NoveList suggested as a read-alike to a different Manga series I've previously read (I think Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle). I enjoy reading some Manga and I found this to be a good read. Chakuro and most who live on the Mud Whale are "marked." This means that they can use Thymia (which means that they can move things with their minds). Nearly 500 people live on the Mud Whale, but all who are "marked" don't live beyond 30. Those who are unmarked live to old age and rule over the inhabitants of the Mud Whale via a Committee of Elders. Chakuro is the archivist of the Mud Whale and has hypergraphia (he feels compelled to write things down). The Mud Whale comes near another island in the sea of sand and scouts are sent out to do reconnaissance. Chakuro is among them and he finds a young woman on the island. This young woman changes everything for the inhabitants of the Mud Whale. Again, I found this a good read. 

Children of the Whales, Vol. 2 by Abi Umeda-192 pages

This continues the story of Chakuro and the others who live on the Mud Whale. The Mud Whale is attacked and secrets are revealed. Secrets of the origin of the Mud Whale and why its inhabitants' ancestors were exiled here 93 years ago. The Committee of Elders makes a decision that shocks the survivors of the attack and inspires Chakuro and others to stand up and fight. I found this second volume a good, engaging read, also.