Review by Frank Plowright

The Ancient Magus’ Bride 3 opens where The Ancient Magus’ Bride 2 signed off. Of course, no-one really expected Chise to be dead, and it turns out she’s inside the memories of the tormented Isabel, although not for long. The story of the black dog begun in the previous volume is long and complex, and it’s used by Kore Yamazaki to display the Magus as he can be, which is utterly inhuman and terrifying. It’s also used to provide Chise with Ruth, a companion who swears loyalty to her and can understand the isolation that she’s experienced throughout her life. It’s an addition to the profound sadness running through the series, yet also offers the hope of some happiness for both despite the conditions attached to their union.

While Yamakazi’s art is atmospheric, evocative and accomplished, there are frustrations associated with her writing, yet these frustrations occur because she’s already ensured readers care about Chise. Much of the plot involves her being placed in dangerous situations where a little more knowledge would either see her safe or ensure she avoids the danger in the first place, yet despite throwing her into a magical world, Elias has the attitude of serving up piecemeal, after the event advice.

Despite his not actually playing as large a role in this volume as earlier, in another way this volume is all about Elias as his character and motives are considered by various people. Chise has so far remained steadfastly loyal, but even those Elias might believe his friends have words of warning about her dependency becoming too great.

Melancholy prevails throughout, but in shades. An effective standalone chapter has Chise visit a lonely old man tending his garden, yet she’s able to see something he’s unaware of, and the shadow of tragedy hangs over their entire meeting. Despite this a sort of accord has been reached, with one partner unknowing, and it’s a very tender story.

A big revelation is dropped near the end. In this continuity magic is possible by borrowing power from faeries and spirits, and with the whole volume concerning Elias in one way or another it’s only fitting that it ends with him once more as seemingly sinister. There will certainly be more revelations in The Ancient Magus’ Bride 4, but this has been a very satisfying emotional journey.