Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 5: The Ties That Bind [Paperback]

Makoto Inoue (Author), Masumi Washington (Editor), Hiromu Arakawa (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 18, 2007

It's only been a year since the Elric brothers set out on their journey to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. But a lot has happened in that short time. For one thing, Edward has become an official State Alchemist. And, as such, he often finds himself in the thick of one dangerous situation after another.

Now, sidelined with a fever in a remote village, Edward is unexpectedly reunited with a childhood friend. Even though he's become a valuable member of his country's military organization, Edward can't help feeling a pang of jealousy. While he and his brother's fate is inexorably bound to recent life-altering events, his friend is busy studying to become a doctor and making his dreams come true. Suddenly, Edward starts questioning the purpose of his life.

Stories from the childhood of Edward and Alphonse Elric--not seen in either the manga or anime! Also includes the heartwarming story, "Roy's Holiday," featuring Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Colonel Hughes.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; 1 edition (December 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1421514311
• ISBN-13: 978-1421514314
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,105,543 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 30, 2010

By 

Joey (Kirkland, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 5: The Ties That Bind (Paperback)

In the world of Fullmetal Alchemist there are many alchemists, two of which are the main characters: Ed and Al Elric. These two brothers broke one of the sacred laws of alchemy, using it on a body. They performed human alchemy, trying to bring a dead person back to life. They paid dearly for that crime. Ed lost his right leg but Al lost his whole body. Ed gave up his left arm as well, so that he could put Al's soul in a suit of armor.

During the years after that, Ed and Al sought to break that rule again so that they could restore their bodies. They returned to their teacher and found a clue to what they sought, a picture that had been taken in front of a bookstore. In the photo they saw the book that they needed, a tome that was available when the picture was taken but later banned everywhere. They hoped there would still be a small chance they could find it if they traveled there.

The Elric brothers secretly left their teacher because they knew she would disapprove of their plan. While walking to the train station they were attacked by a pack of chimera, monsters created by alchemy. Before the chimera could strike, a voice warned the brothers to run away. The chimeras chased the voice, so they were able to escape.

They safely arrived in the town where the bookstore was located. Luckily they bumped into a boy named Kip who was the adopted son of the store's owner. His parents were killed in the Ishbalan war. His father Luon was best friends with Kip's real parents. Luon was the assistant to a crazy doctor who was working on a formula that he hoped could make him eternally young and bring dead people back to life.

The book wasn't there, so they decided to seek out the doctor and see if he would be willing to share his research. On the way there they met Ed's friend Colonel Roy Mustang. Roy worked for Luon when they served in the military together. He asked Ed to convince Luon leave the doctor and return to the side of justice.

Will Ed be able to save Luon from the darkness? Will he find the research he needs? To find out, read this excellent book!