The Demon Prince of Momochi House Vol. 4by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Aoi's childhood friend, Hayato Hidoka, is plagued by a fox spirit and incomplete memories. Himari decides to help him and the fox spirit (and his pipe fox spirit brothers). Kasha brings a strange gift to Aoi, and the fox spirit goes through some growing pains adjusting the life at Momochi House.I was excited to see that all of the non-human main (and main-supporting) characters made an appearance in this volume, even briefly. I also like the introduction of Hayato. He provides another school friend, but since he's also Aoi's childhood friend, there's a larger picture at play. I hope he continues to be an active friend for Himari, especially as she can help show others that he's not cursed, but given how his section ends in this volume, he probably won't have a large role moving forward. The way the young fox spirit was able to grant Hayato's wish makes sense, but what really got me was how it messed up happiness for both of them. I love that the fox spirits get invited to live at Momochi House! This means we get to see more of them, especially the eldest (the main one). The way Himari tackles the issue with the pipe foxes is a familiar trope of cleaning up an abandoned shrine to appease the spirits within, but I like how it opens the eyes of Hayato and his mother while also showing how much Himari cares. Her actions continue to give me hope that, while Aoi is the Nue, she will have a strong and powerful role in Momochi House. After the fox spirits move in, Kasha brings by a strange present -- and anyone who holds it tells their secrets! This is played for some laughs as the fox spirit tells his name and what he's thinking after having run away to hide. There's a tender seriousness to it as well, as Himari relates to the fox spirit in a similar way that she did with the other kids in the orphanage she grew up in. The gift also makes Himari confess something! She, of course, turns it into nothing. But we get to see how her doing that makes Aoi feel. I hope we get to see her bond some more to Aoi and Nue in the next volume, or at least play with this hint of romantic angst some more. A fun volume! I like how it expanded the world view while also developing characters and introducing new ones. This volume made me like the series as a whole a lot more, and I'm actually excited to see what's next. Written: June 19, 2016
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