That was just a really good, solid volume and works really well as the conclusion to the first proper arc of the series. I'm looking forward to starting Reload sometime soon and seeing how it picks up all the plot threads set up by these first nine books. ( )

In this final volume of the Saiyuki series (succeeded by Saiyuki Reload), the Sanzo party is suffering from their defeat at the hands of the evil priest. It looks like things are going to fall apart when Goku sits down and whips out a Majiang set and demands to play. Everyone is floored when Goku continually wins, until he explains to them that he's playing to win, and there's no point to it if you're not. This bit of philosophy is just what the doctor ordered, and it revitalizes everyones spirits. They go back to fight the evil priest with a strategy of cooperation in mind, make their way through his castle, and confront him. Of course, they manage to win, and the castle collapses in on itself, but we're left behind wondering who the evil priest's master was, and what he has in store for the Sanzo party. ( )

While this, the last in the regular Saiyuki series, ties up a few loose ends, it leaves more questions unanswered than not. However, it does have demons, lots of fighting, and lots of Buddist priests! ( )