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tsukinohana's review
This volume was all over the place trying to set up plot and characters in a way that feels very inexperienced, which is odd since Rei Toma has quite a few manga already. It's trying to be in-media res, but then has to play a lot of catch up to get you to understand every character's motivation; then it whips out its action to try to worldbuild, but it all happens so fast that it makes no sense in terms of human being actions and such. Perhaps if I had read Dawn of the Arcana this would be perfect, but as the stand-alone series it's supposed to be, it's just giving whiplash.
The art is very gorgeous and detailed; the backgrounds are simply stunning. I love the main character's design-the Ajin's ears are very appealing. The imperial China clothes and hairstyles add a lot to the character designs, too-because despite the gorgeous art, characters (apart from the protagonist) are somehow bland.
An epilogue to The Water Dragon's Bride is included at the end. Why, I will never understand, since it relies on you having read 11 volumes of that series to know what's going on and understand the callbacks.
All this said, though, I'm definitely continuing this series.
The art is very gorgeous and detailed; the backgrounds are simply stunning. I love the main character's design-the Ajin's ears are very appealing. The imperial China clothes and hairstyles add a lot to the character designs, too-because despite the gorgeous art, characters (apart from the protagonist) are somehow bland.
An epilogue to The Water Dragon's Bride is included at the end. Why, I will never understand, since it relies on you having read 11 volumes of that series to know what's going on and understand the callbacks.
All this said, though, I'm definitely continuing this series.
bethanycrowepowell's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
While I have some reservations about the essential worldbuilding, this was a fast paced manga with a compelling central problem.
I do like that the love interest is actually a cinnamon roll... After finishing available volumes of the series so far, I went back to read Dawn of the Arcana and discovered that was a connected series.
I do like that the love interest is actually a cinnamon roll... After finishing available volumes of the series so far, I went back to read Dawn of the Arcana and discovered that was a connected series.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Child death, Trafficking, Colonisation, and Classism
The set-up of this world is that there is a species with animal-like features who have special powers who are kept as an underclass through constant abuse, with the forms of slavery taking a gender-binaried form of soldier work for males and sex work for females. The main character has emerged somewhat preserved by going into disguise as a boy and becoming a noted warrior, but in successive volumes deals with assault and racism.raccoonsinatrenchcoat's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
blue_reader's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bookish_manatee's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
haruarus's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
breedawnwriter's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This manga is absolutely beautiful. The story is quite dark, but Rangersu and Prince Tenyou carry this story in very powerful ways.
I will admit that I read this in one sitting because it’s so short. However, I’m still blown away by the emotional depth that this story has managed to convey in such a short time. The character’s expressions are compelling and heartbreaking and I adore the artwork of this book so so much.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys manga, Mulan vibes, siblings who love each other more than anything, and beautiful artwork.
I will admit that I read this in one sitting because it’s so short. However, I’m still blown away by the emotional depth that this story has managed to convey in such a short time. The character’s expressions are compelling and heartbreaking and I adore the artwork of this book so so much.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys manga, Mulan vibes, siblings who love each other more than anything, and beautiful artwork.
Graphic: Bullying, Slavery, Blood, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Child death and Murder
Prostitution is referenced and includes one non-graphic image.palmkd's review
4.0
Set in the same world of Dawn of the Arcana, this is a new story focused on Ajin and the Royal Princes.
destiel74's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was pretty stunning. I loved the world of the ajiun. I'm hoping to read the Water Dragon's Bride soon and this book made me more eagered to do so. The slow trust between Tenyou and Rangetsu is quite compelling and I can't wait to see it blossom into something more.
locpressedbooks_'s review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0