Ciel convinces Sullivan to choose to live by telling her she could come up with the antidote to SuLIN. However, first Ciel and his group must successfully get her out. While Sebastian is retrieving the samples and killing everyone in sight, Ciel splits everyone else into two groups and acts as a Sullivan decoy. Sebastian catches up in time to save Ciel from a Panzer, although Ciel's father's old friend, Diedrich, also helps. Everyone makes it out, although Sullivan's beloved bodyguard is tragically killed. (Or so it appears!) Also, two German grim reapers are introduced: Ludger and Sascha. The bonus this time around is, I think, "Black Schoolboy" - the library stickers covered up most of the second word.

This volume was loads of fun, even though it didn't technically add much to the story. It was just nice getting to see Sebastian rip loose and Ciel's servants finally get to do the things they're actually good at. It's easy to forget that they aren't all just there for comedic relief.

Sebastian got to scare the crap out of everyone by surviving a massive dose of mustard gas, which he then blew in Sullivan's mother's face. Finny played the role of Sullivan's legs, transporting her faster than anyone except Sebastian could have done. Baldo got to play with explosives, Meyrin put her sniper skills to use, Tanaka cutting a bullet in two with a sword, and Snake got to use his snake-y communication skills to lead one of the groups. Oh, and Sebastian took out the Panzer by literally punching a hole in it and putting an explosive food tin inside it.So much carnage in this volume. Oh, and there's a brief flashback with Ciel's dad in it!

Toboso's manga looks so freaking good after reading bad or mediocre manga. Crisp lines, nicely done screentone, clear facial expressions, and easy-to-follow action.

The ending of this volume was a bit of a gut punch, although it was nice to see that even just one person truly cared about Sullivan.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) ( )

This is the 21st volume in the Black Butler series. I really loved it and thought this was one of the best volumes in this series yet. You get to see a very dark side to Sebastian (he destroys a Panzer by hand which was absolutely awesome). You also get to see a ton of awesomeness from the Phantomhive staff, especially Finnian.

I continued to really enjoy the Emerald Witch and hope she continues to be in the series. I also enjoyed all the female military staff in this story and how they kicked butt as well.

This was one of the most violent and action-packed Black Butler’s in quite some time and I absolutely loved it. I hope future volumes are just as action-packed and edgy.

The illustration remains top notch and I really enjoyed that as well.

Overall one of the best volumes in the Black Butler series; I loved all the action and mayhem in this one. I really look forward to seeing what future volumes bring. I would recommend this manga to those who enjoy paranormal mystery type stories. ( )