This is the third 3-in-1 volume in the Fullmetal Alchemist series and cover the original volume 7,8,9 for the series. I enjoyed this a lot, although a lot of characters were introduced and I felt like it jumped around a lot more than previous volumes.

Al is kidnapped by a rebel group located in Devil’s Nest and it’s up to Ed and his former teacher to rescue him. Although, suddenly Al is getting his memory back and beginning to figure out more Alchemy than he previously knew. When they find out that Greed is running the Devil’s Nest group and that Greed is inhabiting a homunculus, things really get crazy. Then a strange prince shows up from a far off land to yet more politics and mysteries into the mix.

There are a lot of new characters introduced in this volume. There was also a lot more focus on politics and intrigue and less on Al and Ed’s quest to find the Philospher’s Stone. I am not a huge fan of politics/intrigue or tons of new characters. However, it all worked pretty well for this series. It really helps that the author includes pictures of the characters and a synopsis of the story at the beginning of each volume.

The illustration in this manga series is amazing. I love the complex world-building, amazing characters, and story. I do hope the author holds off on adding too many more new characters for a bit.

Overall this is an amazing manga series that both me and my son are really loving. It’s an amazing world, with a lot of action, and both a great story and characters. I would highly recommend!!! ( )