Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

I just loved this second installment of Yokaiden. Even better than the first, I think. The plot is pretty simple, your basic fantasy quest. Hamachi set out alone on his hunt for the kappa he believes may have killed his grandmother, but has picked up two travelling companions along the way, both yokai: a paper lantern and an umbrella who have complete opposite personalities and are adorable characters. Along his journey they meet other yokai, some troublesome, some helpful, some dangerous, whom they must deal with. There is a side quest in this book as Hamachi heads for the ninetailed fox who is all knowing and can tell him where the kappa can be found. She will give him the answer he seeks if he brings her three items she has lost first. The yokai we meet in this book are fabulous. I really enjoyed meeting them, some were cute and funny. One was very dangerous and I was thrilled that I had already read about her, the slit-mouthed woman. She's appeared in another manga series I've read, though I couldn't tell you which one, but to think I've now read enough fantasy manga that I'm starting to become familiar with Japanese folklore is exciting! Loved the book, love the series. Too bad it got cancelled due to publishing whims and I hope the author finds a way to continue the story and bring it to print format. I'd pre-order vol. 3 in a heartbeat!