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gio_shelves's review
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-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
monaluffy's review
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jackiehorne's review
3.0
3.5 Interesting ideas about what gender dynamics might be like in a society where men are scarce, and thus women take on the dominant position. Not sure how the palace machinations will play out, feminism-wise, but am eager to see how Yoshinaga explores this intriguing "what if..." in later volumes.
yokorie's review
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
therealkathryn's review
4.0
A creative imagining of an alternate medieval Japan in which most men die of a mysterious plague, leaving women to take on more roles and become dominant in society. Beautiful illustrations. Not my typical read, the story really grabbed me.
dynamicdylan's review
4.0
This is a great start to a very well thought out intriguing historical fiction manga. Yoshinaga created this whole world, complete with a made up disease, and does so masterfully. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is also very beautiful and fits the tone of the series. I'm looking forward to reading more, because I'm so fascinated by this world and time period!
And yes, it did take me that long to finish reading it. I didn't dislike it, it just had a lot of information at the start and I needed a break. I do recommend it if you're a fan of Historical Fiction, and the time of the shogunate, with a twist!
And yes, it did take me that long to finish reading it. I didn't dislike it, it just had a lot of information at the start and I needed a break. I do recommend it if you're a fan of Historical Fiction, and the time of the shogunate, with a twist!
_stephany_'s review
4.0
Love it. I really enjoy the historical and traditional setting. Had to start reading it after watching the anime.
Since English is not my first language I had trouble understanding some parts in the beginning. Because it's modeled on the Edo Period in Japan they speak like this:
"Didst thou not hear me? I said thou art dismissed! Now get thee gone from my sight!"
But with time I got used to it.
I also really like the art style. It really suits the traditional setting.
Since English is not my first language I had trouble understanding some parts in the beginning. Because it's modeled on the Edo Period in Japan they speak like this:
"Didst thou not hear me? I said thou art dismissed! Now get thee gone from my sight!"
But with time I got used to it.
I also really like the art style. It really suits the traditional setting.
thearchitect's review
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
peelspls's review
3.0
It's been years since I read a graphic novel, but somehow the premise drew me in. There's definitely a commentary to be made about sexual identity and the necessary socioeconomics associated with sexual availability and roles. The vaunted old English dialog was a little inconsistent in some parts but I'm excited to see where the sequels go.