Naruto Volume 18: Tsunade's Choice

I think that Kishimoto is really growing as a story teller through this arc. Naruto's determination to overcome his limitations comes across as "real".

Bleach Volume 20: End of Hypnosis

So this is how evil Gin is. I don't know if Kubo planned where this was going or if he just managed to end up here.

Bleach Volume 19: The Black Moon Rising

Fight Scene. Huge Fight Scene. It's the showdown that's been building up for volumes and it does not disappoint. Ichigo has (of course) mastered the technique but it's interesting to see what his bankai was.

The Fires of Heaven

Another strong book from Robert Jordan. The Fires of Heaven is the one where things really start to move for me. All three of the characters have accepted their roles (though Perrin is barely mentioned in this volume) and the plot is beginning to move forward. Another two of the Forsaken are killed and Rand has returned from the Waste.

Once again, my favourite moments in this book come from Mat. He blossoms as a general here and it's not because he wants to. I enjoy his small steps that inevitably lead to where he's supposed to be.