Awakened beings rise and fall in volume 25 of Claymore. Priscilla and her mysterious adversary continue their battle under the watchful gaze of two of the Organization’s creepiest members. Nearby, Clare and her misfit crew clash with Cassandra, and the Warrior filled Rabona hopes for the best.

As quoted by Dae in the beginning pages of this volume, “Reality defies prediction. That’s why it’s so interesting.” I myself was surprised by the outcome of the various battles surrounding Rabona.

Cassandra has finally been released from Priscilla’s control by Clare’s quick-sword attack. However, what should grant the Claymores an advantage in their altercation against the Abyssal One instead turns out to be another setback. Cassandra is even more powerful once freed of Priscilla.

“Europa the Lazy” uses this opportunity to flee from the fight with Cassandra in order to feast on easier targets. The Holy City of Rabona, led by Galatea, must take up arms against the fast-approaching Europa, an Awakened Being with power equivalent to an Abyssal One. There were risks in allying with Awakened Beings, and Europa’s desertion is one of the consequences.

It takes the combined efforts of Clarice and Miata to confront Europa. With Galatea’s guidance, Clarice begins the dicey procedure of harmonizing with Miata’s Yoma energy to release her Awakened form. The two young Claymores prove their strength and courage as warriors in the fierce battle. However, their victory comes at a great cost. Miata’s Awakened form is on par with an Abyssal One, but even with the support of Galatea and Clarice, her spirit is nearly consumed by her overwhelming power.

In this volume we dive deeper into the lore of Claymore: We learn nuances of Awakening and its impact on the strength of warriors. Nothing is as it seems—the strengths and weaknesses of the warriors that fill Claymore’s pages are as impacted by their human origins as their experiences in battle.

The battle between Priscilla and her foe takes a surprising turn. Meanwhile the Claymores have their own Awakened ones to deal with. The outcomes of these battles have severe consequences for the Claymores we’ve journeyed with for over 25 volumes. Death is no stranger in this series, but even so, it’s difficult to let go of the characters we’ve come to know. We may be battle weary, but things won’t be slowing down in this volume!

You can pick up a copy of Claymore 25 right here! 

by Cat Rechsteiner