This was a great first volume. The only thing I disliked was the sudden time skip -- I would have rather seen everything occurring in chronological order. Still, I get that it was done to show the stark contrast between Chihiro before and after that event. I like the schtick with the magical blades and how it is both a retrieve quest combined with a revenge one. The characters are pretty well-developed at this point, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes.