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heyjudy's review against another edition
3.0
~3.5 Stars
I had a hard time getting into the anime for this series, and I wasn't all that impressed with the first volume. I'm happy to say that this volume was better.
The first half was still very ehh. Shirayuki is getting into her role as herbalist, and Zen is the prince but also staying close when he can, trying to be around her without showing too much favoritism. They go on a trip that turns into Shirayuki helping him cure a town of sick people, in which they both have to understand their roles and do what's right. This was actually interesting in the second half.
We got a little more characteristics from his guards, but they're still just kind of background right now, there for some friendship fun moments.
But in the second half, Zen's older brother shows up, and that adds some drama. Izana and Zen don't quite get along, though I think we'll get more of that story in the future. Right now, this causes some issues for Shirayuki, as it's obvious Zen likes her and thus is a weakness for him.
This volume ended on a small cliffhanger that actually has me intrigued to read more.
A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!
I had a hard time getting into the anime for this series, and I wasn't all that impressed with the first volume. I'm happy to say that this volume was better.
The first half was still very ehh. Shirayuki is getting into her role as herbalist, and Zen is the prince but also staying close when he can, trying to be around her without showing too much favoritism. They go on a trip that turns into Shirayuki helping him cure a town of sick people, in which they both have to understand their roles and do what's right. This was actually interesting in the second half.
We got a little more characteristics from his guards, but they're still just kind of background right now, there for some friendship fun moments.
But in the second half, Zen's older brother shows up, and that adds some drama. Izana and Zen don't quite get along, though I think we'll get more of that story in the future. Right now, this causes some issues for Shirayuki, as it's obvious Zen likes her and thus is a weakness for him.
This volume ended on a small cliffhanger that actually has me intrigued to read more.
A review copy was provided by the publisher, VIZ Media, for an honest review. Thank you so, so much!
jbayer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
adotplot's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
gkat4's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
elstinn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
saramarie08's review against another edition
4.0
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Shirayuki has achieved a status of court herbalist apprentice, and her mentor is a twelve-year old prodigy named Ryu, who has vast amounts of knowledge that can’t be found in books. Zen’s envoy from a fort under his jurisdiction hasn’t reported back, so Zen decides to personally investigate. The Court Herbalists need some medicines in that direction, so Shirayuki tags along. It’s a good thing she does, because all of the soldiers AND the envoy have become sickened, and all the weapons in the fort have been stolen! Shirayuki must suss out the problem and find a remedy for all the men before she becomes afflicted. After Zen and friends return to the palace, they discover that Zen’s older brother, Izana, has returned, and he doesn’t particularly care for how close Zen and Shirayuki have become.
This series continues to have some narrative choppiness that might be the result of an unpolished translation. I keep re-reading thinking I’m missing some bits in between speech bubbles, but it really is that the flow is off. The characters are interesting though, and the overall story is a decent read. In this volume, we get a few more side characters fleshed out, and this introduction of the first prince Izana livened the narrative up a bit. Pound for pound, Dawn of the Arcana and Yona of the Dawn are a little more interesting and compelling of fantasy romance stories starring a main character with red hair.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12
Shirayuki has achieved a status of court herbalist apprentice, and her mentor is a twelve-year old prodigy named Ryu, who has vast amounts of knowledge that can’t be found in books. Zen’s envoy from a fort under his jurisdiction hasn’t reported back, so Zen decides to personally investigate. The Court Herbalists need some medicines in that direction, so Shirayuki tags along. It’s a good thing she does, because all of the soldiers AND the envoy have become sickened, and all the weapons in the fort have been stolen! Shirayuki must suss out the problem and find a remedy for all the men before she becomes afflicted. After Zen and friends return to the palace, they discover that Zen’s older brother, Izana, has returned, and he doesn’t particularly care for how close Zen and Shirayuki have become.
This series continues to have some narrative choppiness that might be the result of an unpolished translation. I keep re-reading thinking I’m missing some bits in between speech bubbles, but it really is that the flow is off. The characters are interesting though, and the overall story is a decent read. In this volume, we get a few more side characters fleshed out, and this introduction of the first prince Izana livened the narrative up a bit. Pound for pound, Dawn of the Arcana and Yona of the Dawn are a little more interesting and compelling of fantasy romance stories starring a main character with red hair.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12
ceciliabereadin's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5