Just as the cover suggests, the main focus of this book is Bel and Citrina. Mia still plays a prominent role, but since Citrina is a close friend of Bel's, their friendship becomes the highlight of this Yellowmoon-centric volume. In vol. 4 we learned about the Greenmoons, and in vol. 5 we were introduced to the Redmoons via Ruby. The Yellowmoons have been mentioned since the beginning of Mia's summer vacation, but it is only in this book that we finally meet them, learn about their role, and also see the consequences said role has brought upon their lineage.
As you might expect from the previous volume, Mia is preparing for her impending death during the Holy Eve Festival. It wasn't that hard to predict who's behind this whole ordeal, the narrative makes it clear enough from the beginning. What I didn't see coming, however, is how their plan links to the mass poisoning that caused Rafina to go mad in Bel's alternate future. I think it's a really nice way of tying up that loose end rather than just labelling it as the Chaos Serpents' plan and not divulge the details. Since Mia actually does get in danger this time, we also see quite a lot of action scenes. The last time Mia got this much action was back in vol. 2, so it's a nice change of pace.
Since the book takes place in autumn, there's also quite a lot of fun seasonal activities. Mia goes mushroom hunting. And eats a poisonous mushroom. And eats... other food. A lot of food. Truly the season for eating. Unfortunately, this leads to quite a lot of fat jokes, so that's the only thing I'd suggest to keep in mind if you're sensitive about that. We also didn't get to experience the Holy Eve Festival itself since Mia is busy trying to save Bel, but hopefully we'll get to see more fun events in the next books.
The bonus short story this time is showing Ruby joining the Princess Guard with a number of female warriors provided by her father. We already got the hint that Ruby and Vanos will get a happy ending in the future, but it seems like they're not the only ones with a budding romance. There are new characters, one of which is a guard who proved to be loyal to the empire in the previous timeline. It's a rather cute addition, which makes it quite exciting to see who will get developed next in the bonus stories.
Also, I'm now caught up with the series and it's a long wait until March for vol. 7. Cries.
Mia's Death Day Approach Approaches...Time to Eat!
Warning, this volume (like so many thus far) makes me want to pig out on sweets! And I don't need the F.A.T. issue Mia struggles with. But in this volume Mia struggles with the impending death the Chronicles foretold, and then bravely (haha) faces it down. Our fabulous heroine must choose between mushrooms, love and life...wait no, she'll take them all. You'll be turning pages like mad as her battle with the Chaos Serpents speeds up!
This was a jam packed volume, there was humour, drama, action, tension, time-travel shenanigans, character development and just... I LOVED this volume! You can really see how the characters have developed and changed from the first volume and I continue to love how that development is progressing and how it effects everyone's relationships with each other. Can't wait to read more of Mia's sage-ness in the next volume!
This was a fun installment in the series! I love Mia, Bel, Abel, and the rest of the crew so much, and both the overarching plot and the plot of each book are entertaining and interesting. This book had some rather fantastic and satisfying scenes! 4.5 stars!
Reread in Japanese December 7th-17th, 2022 This was a really fun reread! It packs a lot in, with Mia's love for food vying for screentime with the rest of book, which is full of action, intrigue, drama, and heart-warming scenes - exactly what I love about this series. It's exciting and full of feels. 4.5 stars.