I first heard of this series from a TV Tropes description of Black Butler, in which they likened that series to this one. Their entry on Godchild [also known as Count Cain] intrigued me enough to pick up the first book. (Apparently the series came out in two separate parts; the first series was "Count Cain" and the second series is "Godchild".) I came across this good-condition copy of Vol. 2 on the used-manga shelf in Harrison's Comics, and couldn't resist it.

The series is VERY angst-ridden and more than a little violent, with loss and trauma everywhere one turns, but it has a lush romantic look that appeals to me. [Not least because of the relationship between the main characters, young Cain and his "faithful handyman" - er, manservant - Riff, both of whom are lovely to look at...] In this volume we get glimpses of Cain's insanely dysfunctional family history, toggling with specific mysteries that he attempts to solve. The main story, "Butterfly Bones", brings together another troubled family with the reappearance of sinister figures from Cain's past.

The next story, "Bloodberry Jam", is - by the standards of the series - almost sweet, with an entire household doing their best to protect their aging and delusional mistress.

And "Lion Crest" is more like a straightforward murder mystery, but features a startling scene in which Cain loses his temper with Riff; turns out Riff was right and Cain eventually comes to understand this, but it was painful to see.

I plan to leave this book on the book-swap shelf in the post office lobby at around 11:30 or so; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released for the 2015 World Diabetes Day release challenge. More information at the World Diabetes Day site. ***

*** Released as part of the 2015 E-less release challenge. ***