Aria: Volume 1    by Kozue Amano Order:  USA  Can TOKYOPOP, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Aria, the sequel to Kozue Amano's two-volume Aqua, continues the story of Akari and her path to becoming an Undine in Neo-Venezia. Just as in Aqua, the artwork in Aria makes it worth the read. As autumn comes to Neo-Venezia - the replica of Venice created on Aqua (the planet that was Mars before it was terraformed into the water planet) - Akari is working her way towards becoming a full-fledged Undine, or gondola rower/guide. While her best friend Aika is working hard to make the move from Journeyman to Undine, Akari is busy just enjoying the scenery that Neo-Venezia has to offer, especially in the Fall. Amano keeps the pace of Aria slow, which perfectly complements Akari's outlook on life. Each chapter just sort of drifts along, allowing readers plenty of time to take in the beautiful artwork. While Akari is a very likable character and the story is cute, it is the artwork that makes Aria stand out. Amano's drawings are always very well done, but the larger panels are breathtaking. The one thing I do not understand about Aria is why it is separate from Aqua. The action picks up where Aqua leaves off and nothing really differentiates the two. Though Kozue Amano gives enough backstory in the first volume of Aria for readers to enjoy it without having read Aqua, I suggest reading both, simply for the stunning artwork. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews