The plot thickens as another Homunculus appears and the soldiers serving under Armstong's sister Olivier Armstrong get involved - because their outpost is the place were the next bloodshed is supposed to happen. The new cast of characters is really cool. Olivier figures out that Ed is hidng something pretty quickly and makes it possible for him to talk without being overheard. Meanwhile General Raven makes Olivier an offer to join their consipracy, so their plan can move along smoothly, and Kimbly is acting under King Bradley's direct orders and tries to keep Ed and Al in line.The byplay between Miles and Kimly is excellent. Miles has family ties to Ishwar and Kimbly tries to wind him up a little. But it often seems like Miles has the upper hand even if he soes resent the man.And I love the way Roy uses his "onna asobi" as a cover to get information, and how more than one character can play that game of intelligence. Also there is a beautiful flash back about Hohenheim leaving his family. It makes Trisha an amazing woman. So many pieces of the puzzle fall into place with volume 17. We finally get some explanation on how the alchemy in Xing works and we even find out some history on how the alchemy in Amestris works. Several groups of people also finally figure out what Maes Hughes died for way back in volume 4. The time when all of the homunculis’ scheming finally comes to fruition is close and things are more dire than anyone could have thought.I'm really liking some of the new characters. Miles, an Ishbalan solider serving in the Amestrian army, is so rough and tough in amongst all of the crap he has to put up with because of his race and the history the Amestrians have with his country. He's not afraid to flash his red eyes at someone to shake them and their preconceptions up a bit. I also really liked the Major General Olivier Armstrong, she is tough as nails and doesn't take any crap from anyone. I also really admire her commitment to her job guarding the border and to the troops defending it. The women in this series are all portrayed in an empowering way, whether they are generals in charge of a fort, mechanics and doctors helping put people back together, or even mothers and wives who are shown with a unique strength and empowering love and devotion all of their own. Don't forget that it was for the love of their mother that Ed and Al started on this crazy adventure in the first place.With the dastardly plans of the homunculi finally being revealed things are coming to a head for the characters in this book, but the enemy still has as many hands tied as possible and makes sure the heroes know it. It's your move, Fullmetal.
What do You think about Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 17 (2008)?
This whole series and its anime are awesome!
—adolph
