Reviews with content warning for Body horror - The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún, Vol. 1

I loved how balanced this book felt, as there were good amounts of both heartwarming fluff and a darker plot whose undercurrent ran throughout the whole book. Super gorgeous art style and just overall a really beautiful atmosphere created.

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vigil's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

a bit of a slow start to this one! if you don't mind or enjoy domesticity in your supernatural books i'd recommend it. i will say, for this volume at least, is primarily concerned with establishing the dynamic between the creature "teacher" and shiva, their day to day routine, banter, and their general ways of interacting. for the beginning and middle sections of the book, the supernatural fantasy element is largely implemented in undertones and implications, or small scenes peppered throughout. towards the late middle of the book, the fantasy portion ratchets up in comparison to the earlier parts. this is where some darker elements that were hinted at in the beginning really begin to come out in full force.

one thing i really loved was the world building, it is very reminiscent of folktales (as an aside, if you read and enjoyed this element you might also like oksi by mari ahokoivu) and i especially appreciate the delivery of the lore, in the form a children's tale read to shiva. it simultaneously managed to deliver the world building in a clear and concise way, as well as enrich the dynamics between the characters.

overall this was a really cute manga, and the ending was absolutely perfect in setting up intrigue for the next volume. i will definitely be continuing with the series.

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pastelkerstin's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

I love the art style and the main characters we are introduced to, and the set-up is intriguing. As with any story about outsiders, fingers crossed it'll do the heavy topic of bigotry and fear of the other justice in further volumes.
This manga scratches a similar itch for me as Witch Hat Atelier: A beautiful, kind but also dark, fantasy manga with a distinctive art style. Will probably pick up the next volumes soon!

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