Millennium Snow

Gr 7 Up—Chiyuki was fated to die from birth. Despite her condition, she remains optimistic for the sake of others and always strives to see the next snowfall. Fate may have other plans though, when Toya, an anemic vampire whose blood could save her, drops into her life. Only the most powerful of bonds will heal his wounded heart. Even with the possibility of living 1,000 years, Chiyuki never seems self-serving, making her a delightfully conceived counterpart to Toya. The tone never becomes tragic, thanks to some nicely interspersed humor and the addition of the werewolf Satsuki. For years, fans longed for the conclusion to Millennium Snow, and with it now complete, Viz has reprinted the first two volumes in omnibus format. While the screentones are expertly employed to portray emotions, Bisco's pre-hiatus bishounen style is not yet fully developed, this includes some inconsistent facial proportions. By comparison, the final volumes show a marked improvement. This title has a tenderness to it that other vampire romances lack; it chooses to focus on the time people share together within their allotted lifespan. It is only by understanding and saving one another that Chiyuki and Toya can build a true bond and find eternal love.—Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada