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クジラの子らは砂上に歌う [Kujira no kora wa sajō ni utau] #8
Children of the Whales, Vol. 8
Nacimos aquí, en este lugar rebosante de recuerdos y emociones...
Chakuro y sus amigos se internan en las profundidades de la Ballena de Arcilla y llegan a una extraña habitación. En sus paredes encuentran una crónica que habla de Miden, un daímonas nacido en esa misma estancia, así conocen la triste historia de una sombra que ansiaba convertirse en luz.
Chakuro y sus amigos se internan en las profundidades de la Ballena de Arcilla y llegan a una extraña habitación. En sus paredes encuentran una crónica que habla de Miden, un daímonas nacido en esa misma estancia, así conocen la triste historia de una sombra que ansiaba convertirse en luz.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 3, 2019
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
In an endless desert floats the Mud Whale, an island city of clay moving by magic, containing a small community where most die young their life spans cut short by their own magic. Chakuro diligently chronicles their lives... This all changes when he meets a young girl and they are suddenly attacked by an Empire! What will be the citizens of Falaina do?!
I got to check out Children of the Whales vol 8 in stores and boy is the cover super, super gorgeous!! The color is so perfect and there are glossy bits on the magic. I totally needed a copy!! I also really loved the art of Ouni's magic going out of control... I LIVE for moments like these in the series... The marked are pretty special magic users and the look of thymia ought to be as beautiful.
Children of the Whales vol 8 is certainly a transitional volume as we are super close to Amonlogia. You really don't think about that though when you read it... We see the end to our mother and son from the past and it makes you weep! Tensions rise as Shuan and Ouni face some truths about their role on the mud whale... And time is running out for Masoh, a marked who is beloved by all.
Honestly I was crying so much in Children of the Whales vol 8... It's the end of an era on the mud whale and there is an equally big event to mark to occasion. It's bittersweet, but it reminds us why its so important that everything work in Amonlogia. I feel most though for Shuan and Ouni who don't know what their fate will be in the new land. I too worry about that...
Ever since we learned why the marked die so young I have felt like the unmarked... that urgency and need to finally DO something about it, to try to save them. In Children of the Whales vol 8 there is such anticipation that Amonlogia is the answer. And, of course, nothing is that easy... especially when rivaling nations are involved.
Children of the Whales vol 8 brings us to Amonlogia and whatever the future may hold for the marked and unmarked of the mud whale... Will is be easy? Probably not, when they will live to hope for more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
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January 17, 2025
When will they get some peace... sigh
May 20, 2019
FR
Oh le choc ! J'avais oublié que cette série était si forte en émotions et si belle !
EN
What a shock! I had forgotten how moving and how beautiful this series is!
Oh le choc ! J'avais oublié que cette série était si forte en émotions et si belle !
EN
What a shock! I had forgotten how moving and how beautiful this series is!
May 6, 2020
Read as part of the OWLs Magical Readathon, for Defence Against the Dark Arts.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
October 30, 2024
Arrêter de me faire pleurer.
Les dessins vraiment à chaque fois je suis scotchée.
Les dessins vraiment à chaque fois je suis scotchée.
August 24, 2025
J’AI PLEURÉ AU TAFF 😸😸😸😸😸
April 4, 2023
It’s interesting to finally find out the truth to the hand clasping ritual. Apparently, sasa is said to spill out from the fingertips, and so to try to minimize this, during bouts of great emotion, people are meant to clasp their hands together to keep the sasa from flowing out. Furthermore, I remember early on, someone had said that if you allow yourself to succumb to your emotions and cry for the dead, the sea of sand (the dead) will pull you in to join the deceased. I wonder if this tale might have taken original inspiration from Dyo and her demise given how she succumbed to her own emotions and was pulled into the sea of sand by her would’ve-been lover, Ekato. Then again, I wonder how many people would have actually surmised such a thing versus people simply saying she had gone insane. The latter is far more likely since the former comes from a place of compassion, something victims are unlikely to have for a murderer.
And I’m actually quite glad that we got to see more of Orca, Liontari, and their group, their world. I feel that if this manga had taken place with the perspective of Orca’s side opposed to the Mud Whale’s perspective, this serious would have been just as interesting. The idea of a world where your emotions are eaten by the very “earth” you live on, which isn’t even that, it’s a series of living ships ruled by a Emperor you plan to overthrow so that you may make your ideal paradise… that’s just profoundly interesting, to put it simply. There’s so much care and thought out into all the little details and aspects of their stories and characters as well. They feel just as prominent and important, and their plight just as urgent as those on the Mud Whale. The people on the Mud Whale have very little besides their happiness and emotions, whereas Orca’s people have very little besides their technological advancements and conveniences. Funny how heavily they rely on status and how easily they throw other people away, when the reason they said emotions were volatile is because they cause people to, in essence, hurt each other. Whether a person feels it or not, do they not also hurt each other by some definition?
In a way, both sides are just the same, except that one lacks what the other wants. But this isn’t the entire world. It’s only one nation— the Empire, as seen by Rochalizo and his people. The Empire must fall and I hope to see Orca succeed, without needless bloodshed of innocents (especially considering the inhabitants of the Mud Whale are already attempting to leave. Just let them and collect the nous).
As for events happening on the Mud Whale… Commander Shuan is an artificially created, incomplete daimonas of the mud whale. I suspected he was something of a daimonas,and now this all makes sense. His prowess and how he was one of the two most powerful individuals in the Mud Whale, the true born daimonas being the other. How he seemed to know everything ahead of everyone else, how all his knowledge seemed to come firsthand, how the only emotion he seemed to express or understand when it came to himself was curiosity, guilt and a bit of longing. But what does this mean for himself, for the Mud Whale, and for Ouni when everyone is able to finally leave? Or rather, what with the twins do?
Also, I just have to say that Kuchiba and Ginshu are my two favorites. No matter what is currently happening, seeing either of them do anything lifts my heart and regains any attention that might’ve waned. I really love these two and their personalities. And it’s not just because they’re uplifting, at times comedic characters. If they were real people, I’d admire them then too. I just think they’re really wonderful people that I feel attracted toward and I’m invested in their stories/journey.
A large part in why I admire these two is in how they both handle adversity. Ginshu has been through a lot for her age but she’s still one of the most happy-go-lucky people on the Mud Whale besides the small children who aren’t old enough to process most of what’s happening.
As for Kuchiba, he’s twice Ginshu’s age, yet he’s also been through quite a lot, even more than her but differently than her. And he holds himself with maturity yet also childishness. I like that he isn’t out of touch with himself, but he remains just distant enough *when necessary* to do the right thing. The only time I’ve seen him waver in his principles was at the death of Mayor Taisha. So very many inhabitants of the Mud Whale are strong, but I love these two the most.
Speaking of strong inhabitants, I hope Masoh is able to rest peacefully. The line “Masoh’s funeral was held the day before we arrived in Amonlogia.” really twisted the knife in my heart, however. But as we can see on following pages, this doesn’t mean the last day before then is going to be peril free. Not just yet, no.
Lastly, I really like how Abi Umeda names her character on the Mud Whale after colors. I can tell that she puts a lot of thought into who is named what as it really fits, complements, or encompasses their personalities extremely well. I must say, by the way, that Shinono being named after the dawn, and the fact that Masoh’s last desire was to see one more sunrise on the Mud Whale… Goodness, my heart. He was able to visit Kuchiba through the influence of the Mud Whale. It’s really amazing how the Mud Whale can lend its power to the Marked if only they are able to know how to tap into it with more control. I’m not sure if Masoh even fully knew what he was doing. He probably just figured out he could do it, didn’t question it, just rolled with it.
Furthermore, he *did* get to experience one final sunrise. That kiss shared with Shinono might have been one of the warmest sunrises he had ever experienced.
And I’m actually quite glad that we got to see more of Orca, Liontari, and their group, their world. I feel that if this manga had taken place with the perspective of Orca’s side opposed to the Mud Whale’s perspective, this serious would have been just as interesting. The idea of a world where your emotions are eaten by the very “earth” you live on, which isn’t even that, it’s a series of living ships ruled by a Emperor you plan to overthrow so that you may make your ideal paradise… that’s just profoundly interesting, to put it simply. There’s so much care and thought out into all the little details and aspects of their stories and characters as well. They feel just as prominent and important, and their plight just as urgent as those on the Mud Whale. The people on the Mud Whale have very little besides their happiness and emotions, whereas Orca’s people have very little besides their technological advancements and conveniences. Funny how heavily they rely on status and how easily they throw other people away, when the reason they said emotions were volatile is because they cause people to, in essence, hurt each other. Whether a person feels it or not, do they not also hurt each other by some definition?
In a way, both sides are just the same, except that one lacks what the other wants. But this isn’t the entire world. It’s only one nation— the Empire, as seen by Rochalizo and his people. The Empire must fall and I hope to see Orca succeed, without needless bloodshed of innocents (especially considering the inhabitants of the Mud Whale are already attempting to leave. Just let them and collect the nous).
As for events happening on the Mud Whale… Commander Shuan is an artificially created, incomplete daimonas of the mud whale. I suspected he was something of a daimonas,and now this all makes sense. His prowess and how he was one of the two most powerful individuals in the Mud Whale, the true born daimonas being the other. How he seemed to know everything ahead of everyone else, how all his knowledge seemed to come firsthand, how the only emotion he seemed to express or understand when it came to himself was curiosity, guilt and a bit of longing. But what does this mean for himself, for the Mud Whale, and for Ouni when everyone is able to finally leave? Or rather, what with the twins do?
Also, I just have to say that Kuchiba and Ginshu are my two favorites. No matter what is currently happening, seeing either of them do anything lifts my heart and regains any attention that might’ve waned. I really love these two and their personalities. And it’s not just because they’re uplifting, at times comedic characters. If they were real people, I’d admire them then too. I just think they’re really wonderful people that I feel attracted toward and I’m invested in their stories/journey.
A large part in why I admire these two is in how they both handle adversity. Ginshu has been through a lot for her age but she’s still one of the most happy-go-lucky people on the Mud Whale besides the small children who aren’t old enough to process most of what’s happening.
As for Kuchiba, he’s twice Ginshu’s age, yet he’s also been through quite a lot, even more than her but differently than her. And he holds himself with maturity yet also childishness. I like that he isn’t out of touch with himself, but he remains just distant enough *when necessary* to do the right thing. The only time I’ve seen him waver in his principles was at the death of Mayor Taisha. So very many inhabitants of the Mud Whale are strong, but I love these two the most.
Speaking of strong inhabitants, I hope Masoh is able to rest peacefully. The line “Masoh’s funeral was held the day before we arrived in Amonlogia.” really twisted the knife in my heart, however. But as we can see on following pages, this doesn’t mean the last day before then is going to be peril free. Not just yet, no.
Lastly, I really like how Abi Umeda names her character on the Mud Whale after colors. I can tell that she puts a lot of thought into who is named what as it really fits, complements, or encompasses their personalities extremely well. I must say, by the way, that Shinono being named after the dawn, and the fact that Masoh’s last desire was to see one more sunrise on the Mud Whale… Goodness, my heart. He was able to visit Kuchiba through the influence of the Mud Whale. It’s really amazing how the Mud Whale can lend its power to the Marked if only they are able to know how to tap into it with more control. I’m not sure if Masoh even fully knew what he was doing. He probably just figured out he could do it, didn’t question it, just rolled with it.
Furthermore, he *did* get to experience one final sunrise. That kiss shared with Shinono might have been one of the warmest sunrises he had ever experienced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
I keep thinking about the heartbreaking ending of this volume... damn. We’ve come full circle with the Mud Whale just days away from landfall at Amonlogia. We end, as our story began, with a burial on the Sea of Sand. I must have gotten something in my eyes because they just kept watering... It turns out there is just a minor connection to the king story that ended the last book. I was glad that that thread was tied quickly rather than left loose as we already have so much going on. The cover, spectacular as always, had me worried about what Shuan, Commander of the Vigilantes, might have in store for Ouni. I thought Shuan’s (mostly) one-sided conversation with his unmarked mother was quite powerful and tragic. The long awaited return of Orca (and the revolting Liontari) to these pages has me afraid for the future of the Children—Ouni especially. Looks like a shaky start to further relations with Amonlogia too...
December 29, 2021
Me da mucha lástima sentir que esta serie solo me gusta a mí, cuando es una historia de aventuras y fantasía muy original que puede sorprender a muchos (a veces se pone un poco esotérica, pero esas escenas le dan mucha personalidad a esta historia y es justo lo que hace que sea la típica historia que en una novela no se podría contar transmitiendo el mismo aura porque pide ser visual).
Este tomo aunque ha sido de transición y ha sido bastante tranquilo, sigue manteniendo el interés (y Shuan ha salido bastante, que ya sabéis que el hater de la Ballena es mi fav, por favor, MIRAD QUE MARAVILLA DE PORTADA PROTAGONIZA EL SEÑOR COMANDANTE).
A los que aún no la habéis leído: os animo a darle una oportunidad para conocer la historia porque creo que pasa muy desapercibida para lo buena que es.
Este tomo aunque ha sido de transición y ha sido bastante tranquilo, sigue manteniendo el interés (y Shuan ha salido bastante, que ya sabéis que el hater de la Ballena es mi fav, por favor, MIRAD QUE MARAVILLA DE PORTADA PROTAGONIZA EL SEÑOR COMANDANTE).
A los que aún no la habéis leído: os animo a darle una oportunidad para conocer la historia porque creo que pasa muy desapercibida para lo buena que es.
November 23, 2019
Warnings: violence, suicide
Rep: neurodiverse main character
With Amonlogia days away, the Mud Whale has a new set of worries. They have learned the truth about the Daimones, and it has simultaneously triggered Ouni's powers to come back in an uncontrollable manner. As they are all looking towards their future, the Mud Whale is having their past pour out in a torrent. We learn about the fate of Dyo and Miden, about what the Commander Shuan is and why he is LIKE THAT, and a heartbreaking end for one of the secondary characters. Also, am I crying about the heartbreaking twist to Ouni's story, with his desire to one day see the world aside from the Mud Whale being crumbled? Yes. The story on the Mud Whale is tinged with tragedy and the hope it nevertheless grew out of it. Meanwhile, over in the Empire, part of Orca's past is revealed as we learn more about his current machinations. There seems to be a storm on the horizon for the Mud Whale, as they are unknowingly rushing into an ambush that could be set up by the Empire's forces or their very existence being perceived as a threat by Amonlogia. In all, a volume that answers many questions about the past, and raises new fears for their future.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media LLC, via Edelweiss.
Rep: neurodiverse main character
With Amonlogia days away, the Mud Whale has a new set of worries. They have learned the truth about the Daimones, and it has simultaneously triggered Ouni's powers to come back in an uncontrollable manner. As they are all looking towards their future, the Mud Whale is having their past pour out in a torrent. We learn about the fate of Dyo and Miden, about what the Commander Shuan is and why he is LIKE THAT, and a heartbreaking end for one of the secondary characters. Also, am I crying about the heartbreaking twist to Ouni's story, with his desire to one day see the world aside from the Mud Whale being crumbled? Yes. The story on the Mud Whale is tinged with tragedy and the hope it nevertheless grew out of it. Meanwhile, over in the Empire, part of Orca's past is revealed as we learn more about his current machinations. There seems to be a storm on the horizon for the Mud Whale, as they are unknowingly rushing into an ambush that could be set up by the Empire's forces or their very existence being perceived as a threat by Amonlogia. In all, a volume that answers many questions about the past, and raises new fears for their future.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media LLC, via Edelweiss.
January 13, 2023
J’ai eu beaucoup de mal à lire ce huitième tome. En fait, il ne se passe quasiment rien, c’était chiant à mourir.
J’ai trouvé le récit brouillon : beaucoup de blablas pour meubler, mais peu d’intérêt… je n’ai même pas réussi à avoir de la peine pour le sort de Masso ou pour l’angoisse d’Ohni. Tout m’a laissée indifférente.
Les dessins sont toujours aussi beaux, mais je n’ai pris aucun plaisir à m’y attarder sans pouvoir l’expliquer vraiment… je crois que ça manquait d’âme.
Je n’ai pas aimé ce huitième.
https://psylook.kimengumi.fr/2023/01/...
J’ai trouvé le récit brouillon : beaucoup de blablas pour meubler, mais peu d’intérêt… je n’ai même pas réussi à avoir de la peine pour le sort de Masso ou pour l’angoisse d’Ohni. Tout m’a laissée indifférente.
Les dessins sont toujours aussi beaux, mais je n’ai pris aucun plaisir à m’y attarder sans pouvoir l’expliquer vraiment… je crois que ça manquait d’âme.
Je n’ai pas aimé ce huitième.
https://psylook.kimengumi.fr/2023/01/...
July 5, 2020
I really like when the Jester is mentioned. I like how he is included in the story. Although I did think the dude was torn apart 🤔 I guess the dude saw wrong.
It was interesting to find out what the commander was.
It was interesting to find out what the commander was.
November 26, 2017
Coup de coeur perpétuel pour cette série! Ce tome-ci est ultra émouvant, l'histoire passionnante continue sa progression et nous démontre toujours plus sa richesse. Et ce visuel <3
December 7, 2018
Menudo tomo. Las intrigas y los secretos siguen al igual que el sufrimiento en la Calle a de Arcilla. Tomo intenso con un final. Pronto llegarán a Amonlogia.
January 30, 2019
This series never stops hurting me.
May 5, 2019
Pretty good. I want the next one.
October 11, 2019
Not my favourite in the series, but after reading the last 5 pages, I really need the next one!
September 16, 2020
¿Obi puede dejar de ser el mejor personaje creado? Tengo muchas ganas de ver como se desarrolla todo cuando lleguen. Creo que se masca la tragedia, otra vez.
Read
April 30, 2021Trigger & Content Warnings:
Suicide
Suicide
July 15, 2021
3.5 stars
October 29, 2021
Andres quedando 🤡 pensando que ese personaje sí se podía salvar en la historia contada en papel 💔
April 17, 2022
I bawled my eyes out by the end of this 😭
April 26, 2024
Beaucoup d'émotions dans ce tome. Et Orca qui fait son retour, il ne m'avait pas manqué celui-là...
August 17, 2021
he’s so hot
December 26, 2023
« Je crois que mon âme est restée sur cette île… »
Encore un tome très émouvant. On suit Ohni, Orca et le Caporal qui, chacun à leur façon, possède des fragilités. C'est triste, touchant et cruel.
Orca me fascine, d’ailleurs. J’espère le voir davantage : c’est le genre de personnages qu’on a dû mal à cerner mais qu’on adore voir apparaître.
Ce tome 8 est peut-être un peu plus plat que les autres ; il n’en reste pas moins excellent.
Encore un tome très émouvant. On suit Ohni, Orca et le Caporal qui, chacun à leur façon, possède des fragilités. C'est triste, touchant et cruel.
Orca me fascine, d’ailleurs. J’espère le voir davantage : c’est le genre de personnages qu’on a dû mal à cerner mais qu’on adore voir apparaître.
Ce tome 8 est peut-être un peu plus plat que les autres ; il n’en reste pas moins excellent.
January 21, 2021
Volume 8 wraps up the backstory that began in volume 7. We also see the people of the mud whale prepare to go to a new world. However, there might be a mutiny about to break out. 4/5 Stars.
This mini-review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wor...
This mini-review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wor...
August 25, 2022
3,5 ⭐️
Het was een interessant deel. We zijn weer een paar dingen te weten gekomen...
Het was een interessant deel. We zijn weer een paar dingen te weten gekomen...
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