Manga Review – Black Butler Vol 16 by Tana Yoboso (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Older Teen
Genre: Paranormal/Manga
Length: 176 pages
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: January 21, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0316369022
Stand Alone or Series: 16th volume in the Black Butler series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the 16th volume in the Black Butler series. It was well done but not my favorite of the series.

Ciel and Sebastian have infiltrated Westen College and are trying to figure out the cause behind the mysterious disappearance of some of the students there. However the Headmaster seems to be key in these disappearances and the only way for Ciel to get a meeting with him is to attend the mysterious Midnight Tea Party. Only the most prestigious of students are allowed to attend the Midnight Tea Party, so Ciel contrives a plan to have his house win the annual Cricket match…by whatever means necessary.

While this wasn’t my favorite book of the series, I did enjoy it. I just don’t like the boarding school setting and plot as much as some of the previous ones. That being said there are still a number of things I enjoyed here.

We have a whole new cast of interesting (and handsome) characters which I enjoyed. I also found everyone’s blind obedience to the Headmaster to be intriguing. The mystery surrounding the missing students also remains engaging and interesting.

As with previous books there are some funny bits in there too. For example how Ciel’s house deals with the cricket match is funny and so is the scene where Elizabeth’s mother realizes that Sebastian is present at the boarding school.

The illustration remains absolutely beautiful and top-notch. I really love it.

Overall a great addition to this series. I enjoyed the new characters and the main mystery here. I am not as fond of the boarding school setting and was a bit disappointed we don’t see as much as Sebastian’s demonic abilities. However, it was an interesting read and overall I continue to enjoy the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fantasy type graphic novels.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge