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I hate that I read this because now I’m invested in what is otherwise a mediocre story full of tropes, flat character writing and an annoying headband wearing childhood “friend”. 3 starts not because it’s amazing writing or art, but because I’m invested. It tugged at my shojo anime heartstrings.
3.5
This graphic novel honestly has an interesting premise, but it feels like too was way too much talking and not enough doing. The main character Clove, is the heir and host to the Cerulean dragon. Her clan and dragon have been locked in a war for several hundred years with their enemies, the Crimson Dragon clan. In an effort to put an end to the war and ensure peace on both sides, she agrees to marry the heir and host of the Crimson Dragon, Kyro. Naturally, they butt heads and don't see eye to eye in the slightest. This story was very trope-heavy in my opinion. I'm not saying that's a negative, but it feels a little bland. I was surprised that there was more political intrigue than I originally assumed there would be. But aside from a lot of conversations, I feel like little to nothing happens in this volume I understand it's only the first volume, and they need to set up the longer plot arcs. But, at least something could be happening, you know?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
This graphic novel honestly has an interesting premise, but it feels like too was way too much talking and not enough doing. The main character Clove, is the heir and host to the Cerulean dragon. Her clan and dragon have been locked in a war for several hundred years with their enemies, the Crimson Dragon clan. In an effort to put an end to the war and ensure peace on both sides, she agrees to marry the heir and host of the Crimson Dragon, Kyro. Naturally, they butt heads and don't see eye to eye in the slightest. This story was very trope-heavy in my opinion. I'm not saying that's a negative, but it feels a little bland. I was surprised that there was more political intrigue than I originally assumed there would be. But aside from a lot of conversations, I feel like little to nothing happens in this volume I understand it's only the first volume, and they need to set up the longer plot arcs. But, at least something could be happening, you know?
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Webtoons Ch. 1-25
Slow burn enemies to lovers, mmm. Readers are immediately aligned with Princess Clove, the blue dragon, as she moves from her homeland and is betrothed to the ruthless Crimson Dragon, Prince Kyro. It’s difficult not to be enthralled as the Prince and Princess navigate each other, the 300 year resentment of their kingdoms, their royal duties, and the confusing feelings that are blooming. As the story continues, the character growth and development is fascinating, although it does initially run into tired YA tropes like unrequited (and requited) love triangles. Towards the end of this book, we see subplots unravel and side characters shift into beloved characters, which readers will eagerly learn more about in subsequent volumes.
I am not an art critic, but I am here to say that the art is incredible. As Junepurr describes in the Webtoons SZ Special #2, this “is a very shiny comic.” It’s clear immense time is dedicated to the artwork here.
*ARC copy provided via NetGallery
Slow burn enemies to lovers, mmm. Readers are immediately aligned with Princess Clove, the blue dragon, as she moves from her homeland and is betrothed to the ruthless Crimson Dragon, Prince Kyro. It’s difficult not to be enthralled as the Prince and Princess navigate each other, the 300 year resentment of their kingdoms, their royal duties, and the confusing feelings that are blooming. As the story continues, the character growth and development is fascinating, although it does initially run into tired YA tropes like unrequited (and requited) love triangles. Towards the end of this book, we see subplots unravel and side characters shift into beloved characters, which readers will eagerly learn more about in subsequent volumes.
I am not an art critic, but I am here to say that the art is incredible. As Junepurr describes in the Webtoons SZ Special #2, this “is a very shiny comic.” It’s clear immense time is dedicated to the artwork here.
*ARC copy provided via NetGallery
SubZero has such stunning artwork and a very entertaining storyline. This is a fast paced fantasy romance about two dragon shifters from separate clans at war. Clove and Kyro have been influenced to marry to make peace between the two clans. There is enemies to lovers tension with a possible love triangle.
This graphic novel was a lot of fun to be honest! Dragon shifters, a k drama-esque romance. The art is also great!
I would love to see more by Junepurr, especially on something like comixology so that we e-readers can enjoy more of this series!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this!
I would love to see more by Junepurr, especially on something like comixology so that we e-readers can enjoy more of this series!
Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this!
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reviewed for Booklist Magazine. This is a visually beautiful, full-color story about enemies-to-lovers (I'm assuming?) where there aren't a lot of redeemable characters in Clove's new home. There's a lot of political intrigue and maneuvering, with some love-triangle kind of situation going on too. Lots to unpack! Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought that the artowk for this was pretty good, and the set up that this graphic does was also pretty good. I just think that there are other webtoon comics that I have started this year that I was immediately more invested in, with Suitor Armor being the thing that comes to mind.