The second-to-last volume of Shugo Chara! surprised me by how wonderful it was. It managed to not only wrap up the Easter arc (which means revealing the head of the corporation, something that may well surprise readers) and build up the resolution for the series as a whole - specifically, Amu's relationship with Ikuto as well as her own heart's Guardian Characters. In this volume, we also see the back story of a character that has acted mostly on the periphery of the main story up to this point - and I must admit, I read it while fighting back quite a few tears. Peach-Pit knows how to tug at the heart strings like a pro.

One question keeps nagging at my mind: will the follow-up one volume manga Shugo Chara! Encore! be licensed for English language release by Kodansha once the 11th and final volume of the main SC! series is published? We can only hope! I'd rather not leave the world of Amu and friends so soon. ( )

As usual, a charming volume to read with very engaging characters.

However, being this close to the end, the deus ex machina factor to the various plot points resolutions stretch credulity a bit, as things seem too convenient for everything to wrap up so neatly.

Still, if you can get past that and the fact that elementary school students seem to be dealing with graduation and relationship issues that usually junior high and high school students face, then this series should continue to charm you without any problems. ( )