A review by mehsi
The Promised Neverland (Volume 1 of 16) by Posuka Demizu

4.0

A lovely house in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a wall with a gate, happy kids playing around... but are they really happy? And why can't they leave?

I will try to skirt around most of the details as possible. :P

From the start of the manga I just knew something was up, but what? Well, we don't find out until Conny leaves. After that, and the shocking revelation that came with it (and gruesomeness), our MC and her friends are going to do everything they can to get the hell out of this place. As you can see I am keeping it nice and vague. I don't want to spoil too much of the surprise.

I have to say the first chapters were the best, after that it kind of lost its momentum at times, and there was A LOT of talking. At times I was tuning out because there was just too much chatting and too little doing. I get that they need a good plan, especially considering all the facts they have, but really, gee, wiz, if they keep on talking like this they will never be able to leave.

I am really curious about the world these kids live in. Are there places just like the one they are in? Where do the new kids come from? Is the whole world like this? Is it safe anywhere? How did it all come to this? We get some hints here and there, like that everything was still rosy and cute in 2015 (the current time is 2045), or about Mama (which peaks my interest, why was she selected?).

The MC, Emma, is a pretty nice girl. Very energetic, and I was amazed at how well she could stand up against what happens in this book. How hard she worked, how even though her friends told her of the dangers if she wanted x, she kept on going. She is sweet towards the kids, really helping out, and making them smile.

We also have Norman and Ray, both are decent characters, though I am not too sure if I trust both of them that much. As they are with Emma I like them, but when they are alone... there are just too many flags going up.

The manga is pretty creepy, it definitely had a Higurashi/Umineko vibe.

The art though... eh, not my favourite, not the style I like.

But will I keep on reading? Yes, though I hope the next volume will bring a bit more action and more excitement. Maybe a bit more on the world/what is going on, and maybe the escape, or at least a try at escaping.

I would recommend this book to everyone.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/