The promised neverland vol 9 by Kaiu Shirai

Thanks to Emma and her pen, the residents of Goldy Pond can finally figure out what Mr. Minerva set up for them so many years ago.  Emma finds the true Goldy Pond, not the hunting ground facade that she first discovered, and within, there is much revealed about The Promise set up between the humans and demons generations ago, as well as important background details on Mr. Minerva himself.  Unfortunately, Goldy Pond is another dead end, and Emma and the rest of the children have to fight their way past some of the worst demons if they are going to continue their journey towards the Human World.

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This volume had some really great world-building reveals.  Throughout the series, Shirai has been really great about giving little pieces of the world in every volume so his world building is not overwhelming.  Not only do we get to learn more about The Promise, we get a major narrative jump to brand new characters that gives some really interesting insight into what Emma and her friends are up against.  I am constantly impressed by the determination and iron-will Emma has.  Every time she finds another set back, she's quick to recover and get everyone moving onto the next part of the plan.  The fight against the demons in this volume is masterfully orchestrated.  I just wonder how Ray is doing in all of this, since we haven't really been involved with him in a few volumes.

The gore, and the dark nature of this story, continue to make this something appropriate for older teens.

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6, vol 7, vol 8

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: April 2, 2019​
ISBN: 9781974704873 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 9/10, Suitability: High School, Manga, Dystopian, Horror, Demons, VIZ Media