What do you think?
Rate this book
黎明のアルカナ [Reimei no Arcana] #2
Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 2
Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat only married each other for the sake of peace between their two warring countries, but things take a surprising turn when Caesar finds himself falling for his strange wife! Caesar tries to get Nakaba to return his feelings, but she maintains that he is her enemy and that she hates him. So when Nakaba has a vision of Caesar getting killed, will she say anything to save him?
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2009
37 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Rei Tōma
66 books368 followersRei Tōma (Japanese: 藤間 麗,Tōma Rei) has been drawing since childhood, but she only began drawing manga because of her graduation project in design school. When she drew a short-story manga, "Help me dentist" (ヘルプ me デンティスト), it attracted a publisher's attention and she made her debut right away. Her magnificent art style became popular, and after she debuted as a manga artist, she became known as an illustrator for novels and video game character designs.
Dawn of the Arcana is her first long-running manga series, and it has been a hit in Japan, selling over a million copies.
Dawn of the Arcana is her first long-running manga series, and it has been a hit in Japan, selling over a million copies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
September 2, 2023
Okay! The chemistry between our two characters has changed significantly since the first volume. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make things interesting for all parties involved. Caesar was looking for someone who believed in him and didn’t want him to give up and whether it was intentional or not, Nakaba provided him that encouragement. It seems to be the catalyst for why so much has changed for him. We have the introduction of new characters, new revelations and more political intrigue. I’m telling y’all, don’t miss out on this series!
Read
March 1, 2023The turn of events here in this volume is so fast!🏃
*The following statements contain spoilers.*
Prince Caesar's attitude toward Princess Nakaba changed really swiftly. He became kinder than in their first meetings.🌹
His moves are making our princess feel torn. She wants to open her heart for him. That ending scene in the well!🙊
And there's Loki, who keeps reminding Nakaba that Caesar is an enemy.
About the power of arcana, it is something; one can see time. That's why the king doesn't want it.
By the way, Rito is so cute!
*The following statements contain spoilers.*
Prince Caesar's attitude toward Princess Nakaba changed really swiftly. He became kinder than in their first meetings.🌹
His moves are making our princess feel torn. She wants to open her heart for him. That ending scene in the well!🙊
And there's Loki, who keeps reminding Nakaba that Caesar is an enemy.
About the power of arcana, it is something; one can see time. That's why the king doesn't want it.
By the way, Rito is so cute!
May 18, 2016
Wow.
So... volume one was enough to get me interested in volume two. Volume two just made me go "OMG NEED NEXT VOLUME NAOOOOO!"
I'm not sure what about it makes me love it so much. I like the characters a lot, and I think the intrigue has me intrigued. :D
So... volume one was enough to get me interested in volume two. Volume two just made me go "OMG NEED NEXT VOLUME NAOOOOO!"
I'm not sure what about it makes me love it so much. I like the characters a lot, and I think the intrigue has me intrigued. :D
Read
May 29, 2022General Rating: 7/10
Personal Rating:6/10
This volume was boring most of the time. However the romance started to grow and become even cuter
Personal Rating:6/10
This volume was boring most of the time. However the romance started to grow and become even cuter
April 16, 2022
i think i’m obsessed bc it took me like twenty minutes to read this i should have checked more volumes out from the library-
April 29, 2020
AH, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT! <3
RTC
RTC
July 7, 2021
Very dramatic this is lol.
Nakaba is starting to have feelings for Caesar. Loki reminds her that he is the ENEMY! I'm not too happy with the way Caesar treats Nakaba. Grabbing her hair and pulling it and such I'm not a fan of it, and not too sure why she likes him. But of course his rough nature turns her on and they get it on by the end.
I mean, it's not a horrible story or anything. I actually like the characters by themselves, art is stellar, and the pacing is solid. But the actions are like "He treats you bad yet you like him? What?" Never make sense to me.
Still, fun read. As 3 out of 5.
Nakaba is starting to have feelings for Caesar. Loki reminds her that he is the ENEMY! I'm not too happy with the way Caesar treats Nakaba. Grabbing her hair and pulling it and such I'm not a fan of it, and not too sure why she likes him. But of course his rough nature turns her on and they get it on by the end.
I mean, it's not a horrible story or anything. I actually like the characters by themselves, art is stellar, and the pacing is solid. But the actions are like "He treats you bad yet you like him? What?" Never make sense to me.
Still, fun read. As 3 out of 5.
April 11, 2018
"Le sue morbide labbra mordicchiano le mie come se volesse punirmi per aver mentito....Calore. Confusione. Cuore. Respiro. Tutte queste sensazioni... fanno male. Ma allo stesso tempo....mi fanno sentire bene."
Anche questo secondo volume è denso di avvenimeti, tra tentati omicidi, rivelazioni e tanto romanticismo! *ç* Comincia a delinearsi il passato di Nakaba e i suoi straordinari poteri, mentre la figura di Loki si fa sempre più ambigua (e diciamolo, anche un po' meschina!). Ceasar lo adoro sempre più, la maschera del principe tiranno è caduta quasi subito e ora tra lui e la moglie il rapporto pian piano sta diventando sempre più stretto e sembra che nemmeno i vecchi rancori del passato e le bugie riescano a separarli... speriamo bene! *ç*
Anche questo secondo volume è denso di avvenimeti, tra tentati omicidi, rivelazioni e tanto romanticismo! *ç* Comincia a delinearsi il passato di Nakaba e i suoi straordinari poteri, mentre la figura di Loki si fa sempre più ambigua (e diciamolo, anche un po' meschina!). Ceasar lo adoro sempre più, la maschera del principe tiranno è caduta quasi subito e ora tra lui e la moglie il rapporto pian piano sta diventando sempre più stretto e sembra che nemmeno i vecchi rancori del passato e le bugie riescano a separarli... speriamo bene! *ç*
December 17, 2014
Another really good installment. I feel bad for Nakaba. She really seems to be torn into two. Longstanding friendship that may turn into love on one hand and a new husband who is beginning to change and love her on the other.
When I originally red this I think I rooted for Loki but now...maybe Caesar.
When I originally red this I think I rooted for Loki but now...maybe Caesar.
June 26, 2015
OMFG! SO AMAZING <333
May 14, 2022
they really locked her up her whole life for being a redhead as if hair dye wasn't right there
March 13, 2018
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
I had mixed feelings about Vol. 1 of Dawn of the Arcana, and decided to give Volume 2 a chance to see if it would get better.
The general premise of the story is that a red-haired princess named Nabaka is forced into a political marriage to Prince Caesar in order to prevent war between the two countries. Nabaka is alone in a strange land, and the only friendly face is her half-dog servant Loki.
Caesar hates Nabaka and hates that he’s been forced to marry her. He sees her as inferior. But in this volume he starts to come around and actually develop feelings for her. Meanwhile, Loki also likes Nabaka, and has some major jealousy issues regarding Caesar. To be fair, Caesar has treated Nabaka pretty terribly, but now Loki wants to kill Caesar, and the whole love triangle is muddled and frustrating. I hate both male love interests, which I think is the biggest reason why this series isn’t working for me. Neither of them respects Nabaka’s agency as a person, and I think they’ve both treated her unforgivably.
Even getting to learn more about Nabaka’s superpower (her red hair marks her as part of a race that Caesar’s father exterminated because he saw their time magic as a threat) wasn’t enough to draw me into the series. I wanted the blend of fantasy and romance, but the romance fell so flat as to overshadow everything else.
Verdict: I gave this one a chance and read two books. I don’t think I’ll continue.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
I had mixed feelings about Vol. 1 of Dawn of the Arcana, and decided to give Volume 2 a chance to see if it would get better.
The general premise of the story is that a red-haired princess named Nabaka is forced into a political marriage to Prince Caesar in order to prevent war between the two countries. Nabaka is alone in a strange land, and the only friendly face is her half-dog servant Loki.
Caesar hates Nabaka and hates that he’s been forced to marry her. He sees her as inferior. But in this volume he starts to come around and actually develop feelings for her. Meanwhile, Loki also likes Nabaka, and has some major jealousy issues regarding Caesar. To be fair, Caesar has treated Nabaka pretty terribly, but now Loki wants to kill Caesar, and the whole love triangle is muddled and frustrating. I hate both male love interests, which I think is the biggest reason why this series isn’t working for me. Neither of them respects Nabaka’s agency as a person, and I think they’ve both treated her unforgivably.
Even getting to learn more about Nabaka’s superpower (her red hair marks her as part of a race that Caesar’s father exterminated because he saw their time magic as a threat) wasn’t enough to draw me into the series. I wanted the blend of fantasy and romance, but the romance fell so flat as to overshadow everything else.
Verdict: I gave this one a chance and read two books. I don’t think I’ll continue.
November 9, 2025
The second volume of Dawn of Arcana gives us more information about our characters and their motivations. Although it felt quite repetitive at times, especially with Loki’s vengeful act, we get a new character who, for now, only acts as a mascot, but you get the feeling there is more to him than that.
In this volume, we also find out what the Arcana is: Nakaba’s powers, so to speak, that allow her to see glimpses of the future, which, for now, mostly focus on Caesar and his well-being, as there seems to be an assassination plan at court.
The story is picking up some steam now, and the buildup is paying off. Having our characters in danger is making this story more interesting.
In this volume, we also find out what the Arcana is: Nakaba’s powers, so to speak, that allow her to see glimpses of the future, which, for now, mostly focus on Caesar and his well-being, as there seems to be an assassination plan at court.
The story is picking up some steam now, and the buildup is paying off. Having our characters in danger is making this story more interesting.
January 30, 2019
Volume 2, and the story is beginning to pick up! I’m beginning to actually like Caesar a tiny bit, which is an improvement from volume 1.
Also, I love Rei Toma’s illustrations. The facial expressions are perfect for the dialogue.
Also, I love Rei Toma’s illustrations. The facial expressions are perfect for the dialogue.
August 16, 2022
Umm... How did I end up quitting this manga before?! I don't remember any of it and I'm just eating it up. Volume 2 I just flew through. The relationship between Loki, Nakaba, and Caesar is everything.
September 21, 2017
Caesar, he is developing so many feelings for her. I love him!
November 6, 2020
So much dramaaaa. But truly it's stories like this where I'm like "why can't she have both!?!?". Unfair, but I'm excited for more.
June 25, 2022
Sie nähern sich an, doch ausgerechnet von Loki droht Gefahr
June 2, 2024
Fuah, ese momento del matrimonio por conveniencia que empieza siendo enemies que se quieren matar pero luego se besan y manosean al susurro de "eres mi mujer" JAJAJAJA vivo para esos momentos
August 1, 2023
things are definitely picking up since volume 1
May 14, 2021
*3.5*
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first volume, and that has a lot to do with how rushed certain aspects feel. I don't understand why it seems like Nakaba and Caesar (more so Nakaba) are so quick to trust and like each other, even though the other person could very well be secretly plotting their death. It's a bit odd. Obviously the romance has to built up, but I feel that based on what happened at the end of volume one, Caesar would be slightly more trusting of Nakaba first, and that would eventually grow to love on his part. But Nakaba should be extremely wary of everyone in this new country, and not so quick to fall for the prince's charms. At least there were some cute scenes to come out of it. I just hope the next volume fixes these major pacing issues.
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first volume, and that has a lot to do with how rushed certain aspects feel. I don't understand why it seems like Nakaba and Caesar (more so Nakaba) are so quick to trust and like each other, even though the other person could very well be secretly plotting their death. It's a bit odd. Obviously the romance has to built up, but I feel that based on what happened at the end of volume one, Caesar would be slightly more trusting of Nakaba first, and that would eventually grow to love on his part. But Nakaba should be extremely wary of everyone in this new country, and not so quick to fall for the prince's charms. At least there were some cute scenes to come out of it. I just hope the next volume fixes these major pacing issues.
September 17, 2016
Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat marry to seal a peace treaty between the 2 nations sharing the same island. Caesar is ready to hate Nakaba before he even really meets her simply because this is a political marriage and she has red hair instead of the royal black. Then he starts to get to know Nakaba and she totally changes his point of view. And he realizes maybe red hair is something special after all...
The story continues as Caesar tries to bridge the chasm between him and Nakaba. I really am loving this series, the drawings are so compelling besides being beautiful and the story drags you in. One of the other reviewers said she is loving the endings and I do to! They certainly end at a point where I'm like: "where is the next volume?!" This story is just so sweet, Caesar basically has little knowledge of love. His parents obviously try to buy his love and that is all he knows at this point. I hope this is explored more too. Love is more than giving the other person their way, but baby steps for the boy learning about love.
Love the new character Rito! Those ram horns are so cute! This isn't just your token cute kid character either. He seems to have been threatened to come her to be Nakaba's attendant and I'm sure Loki will not leave the kid underutilized... especially now that he's made it clear to Nakaba that he has plans of his own.
The relationship is actually advancing too quickly for the amount of events there are around it. Both Caesar and Nakaba's feelings changed really quickly without any sort of drama. Loki is trying to throw a wrench in there but his own plans are keeping that wrench from being more effective. I actually don't mind that the relationship is advancing quickly. I suspect with series won't pass 20 volumes so actually we need it to hop, skip and jump to be where we want it to be in the end. You kind of have to imagine the connective tissue that is forming their relationship. I actually don't downgrade for this because such is the nature of manga. It is too slow or too fast depending on the number of volumes.
Love that she learned about her ability more, at least where it came from, and that the gift keeps procing and letting her try to use it.
BOTTOM LINE: A lovely couple with an intriguing dilemma paired with some cool details.
The story continues as Caesar tries to bridge the chasm between him and Nakaba. I really am loving this series, the drawings are so compelling besides being beautiful and the story drags you in. One of the other reviewers said she is loving the endings and I do to! They certainly end at a point where I'm like: "where is the next volume?!" This story is just so sweet, Caesar basically has little knowledge of love. His parents obviously try to buy his love and that is all he knows at this point. I hope this is explored more too. Love is more than giving the other person their way, but baby steps for the boy learning about love.
Love the new character Rito! Those ram horns are so cute! This isn't just your token cute kid character either. He seems to have been threatened to come her to be Nakaba's attendant and I'm sure Loki will not leave the kid underutilized... especially now that he's made it clear to Nakaba that he has plans of his own.
The relationship is actually advancing too quickly for the amount of events there are around it. Both Caesar and Nakaba's feelings changed really quickly without any sort of drama. Loki is trying to throw a wrench in there but his own plans are keeping that wrench from being more effective. I actually don't mind that the relationship is advancing quickly. I suspect with series won't pass 20 volumes so actually we need it to hop, skip and jump to be where we want it to be in the end. You kind of have to imagine the connective tissue that is forming their relationship. I actually don't downgrade for this because such is the nature of manga. It is too slow or too fast depending on the number of volumes.
Love that she learned about her ability more, at least where it came from, and that the gift keeps procing and letting her try to use it.
BOTTOM LINE: A lovely couple with an intriguing dilemma paired with some cool details.
June 26, 2021
In this second volume we get more history and backstory of our princess and her guard. Where they came from, why they're so important to each other, heartbreak shared and so much more. Toma really starts to dive into her characters and give us a really developed cast. Though I think we can learn more about said characters, I am very happy that she's not informing us of their entire personalities and characteristics all at once. This gives for a better story and gives the reader the sense of learning as the plot develops.
We start to get more of a romance, or sense of romance in this volume as well. I can tell that this will definitely be some sort of slow burn and I'm here for it. Maybe even a long triangle, though it's too soon to tell.
The political intrigue is definitely present in this volume as it was in volume one, but there wasn't much development on this end besides learning about some of the injustices done to some people in the past. I think this is another part of the plot that will move along slowly with the rest of the story.
We still haven't seen a big part of the magic aspect of the series but there are hints of it every once in a while and I'm so excited to get to this part of the series!
We start to get more of a romance, or sense of romance in this volume as well. I can tell that this will definitely be some sort of slow burn and I'm here for it. Maybe even a long triangle, though it's too soon to tell.
The political intrigue is definitely present in this volume as it was in volume one, but there wasn't much development on this end besides learning about some of the injustices done to some people in the past. I think this is another part of the plot that will move along slowly with the rest of the story.
We still haven't seen a big part of the magic aspect of the series but there are hints of it every once in a while and I'm so excited to get to this part of the series!
December 7, 2018
This volume was also pretty good. I found this volume first at the library (and then put the first volume on hold) because I recognized the authors name, I had previously started reading "The Water Dragon's Bride" which I also enjoyed.
I like Rei Toma's artwork and so far seem to really enjoy the stories she writes.
I like that this volume developed more of the world and plot, as well as I introducing a few new characters.
This volume is a really quick read and it was over before I even realized it, which made me a little sad, but hopefully i'll be able to read the rest of the series soon.
I still really quite like Caesar over Loki. I mean neither one of them is exactly perfect (which I suppose is good because no one is) and I understand partially Loki's reasons for being how he is, but Caesar seems to care more about Nakaba than Loki does, he seems to care about her happiness more, not just his own.
One final note, I like the character/plot summary at the beginning of this volume, I hope it continues through the other volumes. I always find them useful as a refresher even when I haven't taken a break between reading volumes, but especially when it takes a while to get the next volume.
I like Rei Toma's artwork and so far seem to really enjoy the stories she writes.
I like that this volume developed more of the world and plot, as well as I introducing a few new characters.
This volume is a really quick read and it was over before I even realized it, which made me a little sad, but hopefully i'll be able to read the rest of the series soon.
I still really quite like Caesar over Loki. I mean neither one of them is exactly perfect (which I suppose is good because no one is) and I understand partially Loki's reasons for being how he is, but Caesar seems to care more about Nakaba than Loki does, he seems to care about her happiness more, not just his own.
One final note, I like the character/plot summary at the beginning of this volume, I hope it continues through the other volumes. I always find them useful as a refresher even when I haven't taken a break between reading volumes, but especially when it takes a while to get the next volume.
June 11, 2021
Politics ruin everything, even good romances.
Story: ★★★★☆
Art: ★★★½☆
The art is solid and well executed. The character faces are distinct from each other, and the main character, Nakaba, has fun expressions. I can tell that Toma likes drawing her. I take a star away, however, because the backgrounds are screentone emptiness. All the characters stand before walls of white or gradated gray. There is no depth beyond the space behind them.
The story is where this manga shines. We have a princess pawn who is paired with a cynical prince. Both of them are guarded and cold to each other, but slowly their passion is warming. In this volume, first Caesar yields, then Nakaba. However, it seems that politics will snuff the spark of their love before it ever gets to become a flame.
If you think you’ve read that sort of conflict before in classical literature, then you are correct. However, in this tale, there are anthropomorphized soldiers, burgeoning powers over time, murder, intrigue, cute sheep boys, and a mystery behind the extermination of Nakaba’s ancestors. Fantasy fans will love this story.
Story: ★★★★☆
Art: ★★★½☆
The art is solid and well executed. The character faces are distinct from each other, and the main character, Nakaba, has fun expressions. I can tell that Toma likes drawing her. I take a star away, however, because the backgrounds are screentone emptiness. All the characters stand before walls of white or gradated gray. There is no depth beyond the space behind them.
The story is where this manga shines. We have a princess pawn who is paired with a cynical prince. Both of them are guarded and cold to each other, but slowly their passion is warming. In this volume, first Caesar yields, then Nakaba. However, it seems that politics will snuff the spark of their love before it ever gets to become a flame.
If you think you’ve read that sort of conflict before in classical literature, then you are correct. However, in this tale, there are anthropomorphized soldiers, burgeoning powers over time, murder, intrigue, cute sheep boys, and a mystery behind the extermination of Nakaba’s ancestors. Fantasy fans will love this story.
June 26, 2022
I don’t know what this manga wants me to think of its characters. I don’t like any of them…? Is that fair to say? Nakaba, our redhead princess is anxious and insecure (trauma of a forced marriage and leaving your home could do that to you) and one of her coping mechanisms is to hit people as a means of getting her point across. Is it any wonder that then her husband the prince responds to violence with more violence. Considering this newly-wedded couple has been trading barbs and slaps since volume one, am I supposed to believe that she’s suddenly falling in love with him? Because he’s suddenly nice to her? Smells like Stockholm Syndrome.
And Loki, who I thought was going to be the redeeming gem of this unlikely trio, is also too angry and out for revenge because of the mistreatment of his race. And instead of helping Nakaba adjust to her new married life, he’s almost actively encouraging her to commit treason by killing her husband. Uhhh. Maybe one more volume and then I’ll move on.
And Loki, who I thought was going to be the redeeming gem of this unlikely trio, is also too angry and out for revenge because of the mistreatment of his race. And instead of helping Nakaba adjust to her new married life, he’s almost actively encouraging her to commit treason by killing her husband. Uhhh. Maybe one more volume and then I’ll move on.
July 15, 2017
Alright so I still am in love with the idea that red hair is so taboo, mainly because I am a redhead.
But I hate the fact she seems to have feelings for this jerk, Prince Caesar. He is rude to her, but in this second volume he actually seemed to be trying to make her happy. He even tried to help her feel better after a nightmare.
I thought the little boy coming into the picture was a bit out of place, but he is so cute I cannot complain.
I also thought that her best friend Loki, came way out of left field with this whole wanting to I know he isn't from this land, and he has some anger about the situation, but I did not see that coming!
There is also definitely a love triangle in this.
But I hate the fact she seems to have feelings for this jerk, Prince Caesar. He is rude to her, but in this second volume he actually seemed to be trying to make her happy. He even tried to help her feel better after a nightmare.
I thought the little boy coming into the picture was a bit out of place, but he is so cute I cannot complain.
I also thought that her best friend Loki, came way out of left field with this whole wanting to I know he isn't from this land, and he has some anger about the situation, but I did not see that coming!
There is also definitely a love triangle in this.
June 11, 2023
TWs: blood, death, violence, classism, physical abuse.
Although this was quick and easy to read, this volume was for me a little too fast paced and lacking in much plot. I'm so confused about Caesar and Loki and their motives and I wonder if Loki will turn out to be the villain and manipulate Nakaba into hurting Caesar at a later point. I will be continuing on with this series since I love the art style, politics and Nakaba and Caesar's dynamic but this volume was a lot of information at once during Loki's explanation of Nakaba's arcana power and felt like a roundabout of Nabaka starting to like Caesar, Loki telling her not to and then Nakaba trying to close her heart to him but not being able because she likes him too much, I hope that the plot is further fleshed in later volumes.
Although this was quick and easy to read, this volume was for me a little too fast paced and lacking in much plot. I'm so confused about Caesar and Loki and their motives and I wonder if Loki will turn out to be the villain and manipulate Nakaba into hurting Caesar at a later point. I will be continuing on with this series since I love the art style, politics and Nakaba and Caesar's dynamic but this volume was a lot of information at once during Loki's explanation of Nakaba's arcana power and felt like a roundabout of Nabaka starting to like Caesar, Loki telling her not to and then Nakaba trying to close her heart to him but not being able because she likes him too much, I hope that the plot is further fleshed in later volumes.
February 12, 2026
Encore un très bon tome. À peine avais-je fini le premier que je me suis jeté sur sa suite. Les dessins sont toujours aussi beaux et l'ambiance très bien ménagée. Nakaba qui a un pouvoir spécial est obligé de faire profil bas pour ne pas dévoiler ses facultés.
La relation entre Caesar et elle est mignonne comme tout. Ils se cherchent, se chamaillent et finissent par se trouver. Le problème, c'est que Loki est contre cette relation et ce royaume qui détestent les gens comme lui. Ça commence à devenir tendu. Loki cache des choses à sa protégée, je suis curieuse de savoir quoi.
Sinon, ce deuxième volume reste un bon page turner. J'ai kiffé et l'intrigue qui se met en place a l'air bien solide. À voir avec la suite ^^.
La relation entre Caesar et elle est mignonne comme tout. Ils se cherchent, se chamaillent et finissent par se trouver. Le problème, c'est que Loki est contre cette relation et ce royaume qui détestent les gens comme lui. Ça commence à devenir tendu. Loki cache des choses à sa protégée, je suis curieuse de savoir quoi.
Sinon, ce deuxième volume reste un bon page turner. J'ai kiffé et l'intrigue qui se met en place a l'air bien solide. À voir avec la suite ^^.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews