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Title: Vampire Knight Vol 7

Author: Matsuri Hino

Publisher:  Viz

ISBN:  9781421526768

May Contain Spoilers

Yuki is beginning to wonder if Kaname has something to do with her childhood memories being erased, but she’s too afraid of the truth to ask him.  What are his true intentions toward her, and does he really care about her?  As Yuki grapples for answers, Zero is facing trouble of his own.  First, he and Kaname face off with almost fatal results, and then his brother shows up as the new student on campus.  Is higher education really his only goal?  Even Kaname is being set up for disaster, as another pureblood plans to knock the self-confident vampire down a peg or two. 

I would really love this series if Yuki wasn’t such an indecisive character.  She is too passive for my tastes, though she is supposed to be tough enough to keep the vampires at Cross Academy in check and prevent them from snacking on the human students.  It is too much of a stretch that she is so strong physically, but so weak emotionally.  Just when it seems that she’s starting to get a backbone, she allows Kaname to manipulate her.  Again. I am just not buying into the fantasy of a cold and dangerous love interest calling all of the shots. 

While I haven’t been caught up in the romantic aspects of the story, I really am enjoying the power struggles taking place between the vampires.  I find the power wrangling and intrigue convincing, as the political maneuvering is creating tension for the vampires in the Night class.  Friendships and allegiances are being tested, as new, dangerous obstacles are popping up to challenge Kaname.  Relationships are changing within the Night dorm, and even Zero is getting caught up in the power struggle, whether he wants to or not.  He has set himself up to be a puppet to Kaname, all so that he can protect Yuki from danger.  And yeah, I thought their fight scene was hot, and am starting to wonder why we need Yuki at all – lol.

Matsuri Hino’s dark, moody art is what keeps me coming back for more Vampire Knight.  The panels just sizzle with electric, dangerous illustrations.  The story pales next to the beautiful art, and her gorgeous drawings will continue to entice me back, volume after volume.  The romance doesn’t do much for me, but the art more than makes up for it.

Grade:  B