NOOOOO AUNTIE NOOOOO. I'm not crying you are. ( )

Shiva's aunt tells Teacher the story of how she found baby Shiva Outside, next to her dead parent. She also tells Teacher that the true horror of the curse isn't just how it changes people, but that it makes those it affects immortal (which is why soldiers kill everyone while that's still possible). After that, she grows more and more protective of Shiva, even going so far as to urge Shiva to run away with her. Meanwhile, Teacher feels lonely, and like an interloper. Shiva and her aunt come back, however. Auntie begins to lose her memories and ends up leaving. The volume ends with the Outsider from earlier in the series bringing back her head. Does this mean she has somehow died, despite telling Teacher that Outsiders are immortal? I guess I'll find out later.

This volume is heart-wrenching on multiple levels. First there was Teacher, who was clearly distressed at the possibility of being left alone but who, at the same time, wanted what was best for Shiva. Then there was Auntie and her deterioration. I wonder why it started so suddenly and progressed so quickly? Do all Outsiders find themselves forgetting the people and things they loved and moving on? It doesn't seem to affect relationships formed after they become Outsiders, or Teacher would have forgotten Shiva and moved on already. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, Teacher seems to do better when Shiva is around. If Shiva's aunt had stuck around, could she have learned to love Shiva again? Or maybe it would have been too upsetting for everyone involved.

Extras: a couple full-color pages and a few four-panel comics, one of which revealed that Teacher managed to learn how to bake a pie from Shiva's aunt before she forgot how to make pies. Aww. Speaking of pie-baking, I loved the artwork during the scene where the flour got dumped everywhere. It was the first clear view of what Teacher and Auntie's facial structures were like.

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

Beautiful, creepy, well-paced addition to the series. I am always left wanting more and to share this with anyone who enjoys gothic ominousness of any age. ( )

Tras el nombre de Nagabe se esconde un joven y talentoso mangaka que se estrena editorialmente a este lado del mundo gracias a La pequeña forastera: Siúil, a Rún, su cuarto trabajo en lo profesional pero su primer título en lo internacional. La pequeña forastera es un manga de género fantástico, una fábula de estética infantil que recuerda a los exquisitos cuentos ilustrados que rondan el mercado editorial actual. En cuanto al tema, no obstante, bajo su amable corteza encontramos algo más oscuro y enigmático. La historia nos sitúa en un lugar alejado en el tiempo y en el espacio, donde coexisten dos países: el Interior, donde los humanos viven seguros y en paz, y el Exterior, donde habitan seres oscuros que pueden maldecirte con tocarte. Allí se produce un encuentro que nunca debería haberse producido; el de una niña con uno de esos seres oscuros. (Reseña de Zona Negativa)

I continue to love this fantasy manga series. It is just so different both in art and story than many other fantasy manga series. This book is an excellent continuation of this mysterious fairy-tale like story.

In this volume Shiva and Auntie return to Teacher. Auntie reveals Shiva’s past to Teacher. Shiva, Teacher, and Auntie finally come to terms and try to live as a cohesive family. However, those that are cursed have a horrible fate in store for them and Autie is not immune to it.

I love the drawing style of this manga series. It manages to be simple, unique and very detailed all at once. It’s incredibly creative and supports the story beautifully.

The story presented here is unique and engaging and I am always completely drawn into these volumes. My whole family (including 11 year old son) has been reading this series and enjoys is.

Overall an amazing continuation of this beautiful and unique fantasy manga series. I can’t wait to see what happens next! ( )