Finder Deluxe Edition: Secret Vow, Vol. 8 (8)

V8 continues the Pray the Abyss arc, with Akihito infiltrating a brothel to try and find the missing hostess. But, things go south and he ends up being captured by Sudo – who has become obsessed with Asami and is completely unhinged. Kuroda and Asami come to the rescue, but the situation is far from resolved. Sudo’s buyers want the missing shipment and will do anything to get it – including a massive assault on Asami’s condo. There is a lot of exciting cat and mouse as Akihito and Asami hide from the mercenaries. Asami wants to protect Akihito, but they are vastly outnumbered and the odds are against them.This volume hits the ground running and does not let up. Asami and Akihito have become much closer, but the danger has increased. Akihito has chosen: Asami is his and he will not give him up without a fight. The volume ends with two Finder stories: the first where Akihito accidentally ingests drugs and goes to Asami for “release.” The SuBlime deluxe edition bonus story is another cute interlude, where Asami has a custom suit made for Akihito and they go on a date. And end up naked in a hot tub together. A very sexy way to close the volume.

I don't think there are many readers out there who need a review to tell them how great this series (and Asami x Akihito for that matter) is.So, this review is for the publisher SuBLime's first English translation of the Finder series. That's what the 5 stars are for.The translation is so much better than anything you've read online and greatly improves on what was previously offered. The dialog is more modern, Akihito sounds a lot more what fans have "heard" in their heads. His dialog reflects his age, his street smarts and his attitude to get that scoop at any cost.The illustrations have been cleaned up and look gorgeous and the plot has been expanded on by Sensei and makes more sense. Of course she added extra sm*t for her beloved fans.I can't really cite examples on 1 read through, but Asami and Akihito's relationship seems more fleshed out and emotional. You get the feeling their relationship has progressed and that by this volume they BOTH want to be together.*Spoilers* Sensei has written extra into the ending of this arc that gives it a better resolution; only a few panels, but very satisfying.You get 2 extra side stories (very hot) and beautiful color pages of Asami and Akihito.I even enjoyed Sensei's comments at the end.I'm really looking forward to what SuBLime will do with the other volumes.Don't hesitate to purchase this edition and their future Finder volumes.And if you're new to this series get ready for the all-time hottest couple in Yaoi. I envy you becoming acquainted with this classic series with this fresh and finally realistic dialog.Bravo SuBLime...5 stars!!!

Of course this doesn't need a review based on the story. I bought it to support the mangaka because I would love to see a Volume 9 by the end of the year or early next year. Please buy to support your favorite mangakas!Btw, the poster it comes with isn't really detachable from the manga and you risk ripping it from what I saw so I rather keep it in there but it's a nice little poster. This also comes with more pages than the chapters that are stolen and scanned online. So that's a nice bonus to those who buy it.The story is getting interesting at this point and I want to see Asami's other side that Takaba seems hell bent on finding out. They are much closer than the start of the series. Its sweet.

I devour these. This one is the most recent release in the US that's been officially translated (I think) but I've found that this translator is a bit more relaxed with the lines and you get a more general, easy to understand translation. There are some differences in translation/paper stock between these publications vs. the older ones you could get for Finder, with white binding vs the black so my set looks funny on the shelf, but they're still very nice. Yamane is incredible!

I am just continuing my Finder collection. Focusing more on smut now, but that's not a bad thing! I think the story is floundering a little bit after the Fei Long Liu arc, but it's still very much worth the purchase.

This review was originally posted on the Goldilox and the Three Weres blog.Poor Akihito. He’s still playing the damsel in distress in this volume. But it looks like he has finally accepted his feelings for Asami. Hallelujah!Things are heating up in this arc and it's getting good as things with Sudo and the missing Aoki come to a head! The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! I was so sad when I finished and there was no more pages. I just need to know what happens next after that ending!I don't usually comment on the side stories but I have feelings about both of these. I'm a bit upset that they changed the end of the first side story from what it originally was. We know drugs are bad but this is a mature manga about a photographer and a crime lord. It felt really out of place. I definitely prefer the original ending.The second side story was my favorite where we have Asami dressing Akihito up in a suit and taking him to dinner at a fancy restaurant before heading to Macau for some adult style gaming. My favorite part of the story is that we get to see a new side of Asami! On the surface, he seems impatient with Akihito’s child-like delight in their luxurious accommodations. But the businessman reveals an unexpected playful side to his nature. It was so good to see another side of Asami and his feelings for Akihito!Gah! The English translations are now caught up to the Japanese volumes and we're back to waiting a long time. The wait to find out what's going on might kill me. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume.