Age Rating: Older Teen
Genre: Romance/Drama
Price: $8.99

Just when Ann has adjusted to like in the countryside-and even has a boyfriend!-her father invites her to live with him in Tokyo.  Now she must choose between a father she hardly knows and a young man she is just beginning to know.  But she soon discovers they aren't the only ones vying for her affections!

The love triangle that was hinted at in volume 1 finally finds it way to the forefront with this volume.  Long distance relationships are not easy, as Ann discovers when she decides to go to High School in Tokyo.  They become harder when someone she though of as just a friend suddenly makes his intentions known.

Sand Chronicles is much more about the drama than romance.  Through out this volume, Ann is nearly always crying or about to cry.  From choosing between living in Tokyo with her father and staying with Daigo, to missing Daigo while in Tokyo, a lot, Ann's emotional state is like a rollercoaster ride.  The emotional impact of these moments aren't anything like the moments from the first volume, and do get a little tiring after a while.  But, for the teen years these chapters represent, the overly emotional reaction is appropriate.

With this volume, we start to learn more about Fuji.  Previously, he remained on the fringes of Ann's life, being a friend, but not getting close.  Fuji is very introverted and doesn't talk much about himself or his feelings, except to Ann.  She's the only one he's ever really opened up to.  And now that Daigo isn't around anymore, he sees a chance to get closer to her.

We also see more of Fuji's life away from Ann.  Rumors have swirled around Fuji's legitimacy, and now that he's in Tokyo, he has more freedom.  He trys to find some answers, but his search only brings up more questions.

The development of Fuji's character will hopefully add more dimension to this title.  Right now, watching Ann crying constant is starting to wear a little thin.  Fuji is a complex and interesting character, and his interaction with Ann could help make her to more than just a ball of tears.  We've seen enough of the character's dramas.  It's time to see some growth.

Overall, Sand Chronicles is still an entertaining title.  Even though the drama can seem melodramatic at times, it never feels artificial.  The situations she must deal with could easily send a teenaged girl (or adult woman) into tears.  There's still so much to see and learn about the characters that this title remains a must buy.

8.5