Sand Chronicles Vol 8

After her parents get divorced, Ann Uekusa and her mother move from Tokyo to rural Shimane. Accustomed to the anonymity of city living, Ann can't get used to the almost overbearing kindness of the people in her mother's hometown. But when personal tragedy strikes, Ann discovers how much she needs that kindness. -- VIZ Media

After her parents get divorced, Ann Uekusa and her mother move from Tokyo to rural Shimane, where Ann has difficulty adjusting to the overbearing kindness of the people in her mother's hometown.

Ann's junior high school reunion is coming up, and she hasn't seen Daigo in two years. How will their reunion go? Then, finally, the story behind Ann's engagement. Who is her fiancé...? -- VIZ Media

Revisiting scenes and people from earlier days drives Ann to an impulsive act of desperation. Who will stand by her now? And will she ever make peace with her past...and herself? -- VIZ Media

Can the sands of time heal all wounds? Twelve-year-old Ann and her divorced mother move from big city Tokyo to her mother's rural hometown. As the years pass, Ann learns to trust and depend on her new friends--Daigo and aristocratic siblings Fuji and Shika. But when Ann moves back to Tokyo to be with her father, will she be able to maintain a long-distance relationship with Daigo? What were our parents like at our age? We'll never really know... But now you can get a glimpse into the teenage years of the mothers of Ann, Daigo, Fuji and Shika. How was their destiny shaped? Plus, Ann's little sister visits Shika--and Ann's ex-fiancé!--in New York City.

What were our parents like at our age? We'll never really know... But now you can get a glimpse into the teenage years of the mothers of Ann, Daigo, Fuji and Shika. How was their destiny shaped? Plus, Ann's little sister visits Shika--and Ann's ex-fiancé!--in New York City. -- VIZ Media

Blood and Magic continues the adventures of Celecia and Dakoran in Verdan's future. While they attempt to find a way back home, they must also deal with the growing threat from North Maroa and resurgence of an ancient enemy, the vampires. The demonic creatures from Jamut's realm are once again led by the demon who inhabits the body of Celecia's former sister, Tathiel. And with the growing presence of magic, these mystically fueled creatures will no longer be contained. In North Maroa, Wendy leads a band of rebels seeking to depose the president who came from Verdan's past. Mriccon travels to Parthea to learn the state of the religion he founded. And while the world reels from unfolding events, a forced reunion causes enemies to reveal past secrets and work together if they are to survive. Their efforts result in a better understanding of each other and of themselves. All of this leads to a cataclysmic confrontation and sets the stage for The Fifth Age.