Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom

by Nao Iwamoto

Roll out the red carpet for this critically acclaimed and self-contained fantasy rom-com that inspired an anime film (also known as Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom )!

Once upon a time, two kingdoms, one rich in gold, the other rich in water, shared a border. The two nations were always fighting until an agreement was the most beautiful girl in the gold kingdom would marry the smartest man in the water kingdom, binding the two nations together. However, both sides tried to renege on the deal by sending animals instead! Sarah, a low-level princess, is selected to wed the man from the water kingdom, but is sent a puppy in place of a groom! Meanwhile, the candidate from the water kingdom, Naranbayar, is saddled with a kitten!

When Sarah and Naranbayar meet, they decide that, in order to stop a war between their countries, they will pretend to be in love. Will their plan work? And what if real romantic feelings blossom between them?

Genres: Manga, Romance, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Josei, Drama

292 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2016

Reviews

[Estanteriadecho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un thriller político aderezado con comedia y romance recogido en un tomo único.

La historia se centra en dos países enfrentados que llegan a un acuerdo de reconciliación en el que la chica más guapa de un país tendrá que casarse con el chico más inteligente del otro. Sin embargo, ambos países hacen trampas, pero cuando nuestros protagonistas se dan cuenta, harán lo posible para que sus países no vuelvan a entrar en conflictos ni guerras.

Este tomo único me ha sorprendido por su tono de humor, ya que no esperaba encontrar tantos gags divertidos. La trama gira en torno a las relaciones diplomáticas y políticas de dos países, en el que uno es muy pobre y el otro muy rico. Aunque aborda conflictos políticos, me ha gustado esta historia por la ternura y bondad de sus protagonistas que buscan el bienestar del pueblo. Además, el romance me ha parecido adorable.

En referencia al dibujo, este manga tiene fondos muy recargados y requiere de mucha atención para apreciar cada detalle arquitectónico, el entorno o la propia indumentaria de los personajes. En general, Nao Iwamoto tiene un estilo muy decoroso que me ha encantado, pero también dificulta la lectura, ya que contiene mucho texto y al superponerse con los dibujos, no se aprecia con nitidez.

En definitiva, es un manga con un trasfondo reflexivo medioambiental muy interesante, ya que trata sobre la escasez de recursos y el gran problema que supone para la sociedad.

Reseña: https://laestanteriadecho.blogspot.co...

[Nymphie (Cynthia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is interesting and cute, but rushed and quite difficult to follow. I’m confused by the conclusion. However, I am very happy to see a plus-size female protagonist in a manga. Sarah is beautiful, compassionate, and pure. We need more women like her in this genre.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.
The only thing I didn't like?
It's too short!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the art, but it feels a little rushed towards the end.

[Yunebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Que tomo más bonito, divertido e interesante. No tenía muchas expectativas pero me ha ganado por completo. Este tomo único tiene todo lo que necesito: drama social y político, amor, humor, mascotas y dos protagonistas adorables. Ojalá nos lleguen más trabajos de la mangaka. Recomendadísimo.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dos reinos enfrentados, uno muy rico al que le falta agua y otro muy pobre al que le sobra, desde hace años por nimiedades están a punto de entrar en guerra cuando se decide que una guapa princesa de un reino y un inteligente chico del otro han de casarse para así hermanar los dos reinos.

Ambos jefes de estado hacen trampas y no envían a quien deben, pero la suerte acaba juntando a un ingeniero de caminos con una buena idea y a una princesa bonachona que tiene fe ciega en lo que cree. Se ayudarán el uno al otro para darle la vuelta a las tretas de los reyes y salvar así el destino de ambos reinos. Mientras se cocina una bonita y tierna relación entre ambos.

Intriga política, conflicto social, explotación de recursos, complejos de identidad y toques de humor en este manga de un solo tomo muy condensadito.

[La Gran Biblioteca de David · Rating 4 out of 5]

El País A y el País B son vecinos y llevan años enemistados hasta que una guerra estalló entre los dos. En este punto intervinieron los dioses y obligaron a los dos países a firmar un pacto. El País A tendría que mandar a la joven más guapa al País B y el País B al joven más inteligente al País A. Una joven princesa y un chico de ambos países se conocerán y comenzará una fuerte amistad , surgiendo poco a poco el amor y, con ello, la solución a este conflicto entre vecinos.

Este manga parece el típico shojo de chico conoce a chica, pero la realidad es distinta. En esta historia vamos a encontrar una trama de intrigas palaciegas, conspiraciones políticas y una fuerte crítica social muy interesantes. También es interesante la situación de ambos países: ya que ellos tienen recursos en abundancia que al otro les hace falta para sobrevivir. Al mismo tiempo entremezcla muy bien el romance con la comedia. Una historia muy completa. La lectura es muy fluida y sencilla, a la par que entretenida.

En cuanto al apartado artístico, este es una mezcla de estilos y técnicas distintos. Por lo general suele ser un dibujo de trazos sencillos, tiernos en ocasiones y muy expresivos. Encontramos viñetas muy recargadas, otras con muchísimos detalles, sobre todo en los fondos y vestuarios, y en otras unos personajes simplificados y con pocos detalles. Me ha gustado muchísimo el estilo o toque árabe que tiene, un mundo más acorde con Las mil y una noches.

https://lagranbibliotecadedavid.blogs...

[Chawanat · Rating 4 out of 5]

มังงะเล่มเดียวจบนี้มีประเด็นเกี่ยวกับการเมืองที่โดดเด่นกว่าเรื่องความรักเสียอีก เรื่องเปิดมาด้วยความขัดแย้งของ 2 อาณาจักรที่มีมาช้านาน จึงทำให้เกิดข้อตกลงเพื่อที่จะยุติไม่ให้เกิดสงครามโดยการที่อาณาจักร A จะส่งเจ้าหญิงที่สวยที่สุดไปให้อาณาจักร B ส่วนอาณาจักร B ก็จะส่งชายหนุ่มที่ฉลาดที่สุดมาให้กับอาณาจักร A แต่ด้วยความที่ราชาของทั้งสองอาณาจักรเกลียดขี้หน้ากันและอยากจะทำสงครามกันอยู่แล้ว พวกเขาจึงยื่นหมายื่นแมวให้กัน (ในความหมายว่าส่งแมวจริงๆ ไปแทนเจ้าสาว ส่วนอีกฝั่งก็ส่งหมาจริงๆ มาแทนชายหนุ่ม) แต่ประชาชนใน 2 อาณาจักรต่างไม่อยากให้เกิดเรื่องราวบานปลายเป็นสงครามจึงทำเงียบๆ ไว้เสมือนว่าต่างฝ่ายต่างไม่ผิดข้อตกลง แล้วเจ้าหมากับเจ้าแมวนี่แหละที่เป็นเหตุนำพาให้เจ้าหญิงลำดับท้ายๆของอาณาจักร A ผู้ที่ไม่มั่นใจในรูปร่างของตัวเองแต่มีจิตใจดี ได้มาเจอกับหนุ่มวิศวกรตกงานของอาณาจักร B และสานต่อความสัมพันธ์ขึ้น

สิ่งที่เราชอบมากๆ ในเรื่องนี้คือความพยายามหาทางออกให้กับความขัดแย้งในการเมืองระหว่างประเทศของเหล่าตัวละครที่ไม่ใช่แค่คู่พระ-นาง เราจะเห็นข้อดี-ข้อเสียของ 2 อาณาจักรและมุมมองของผู้คนในหลายระดับทั้งชาวบ้าน ชนชั้นปกครอง และปัญญาชน ในการรับมือกับสถานการณ์ยุ่งเหยิงบางอย่างที่อาจชี้นำไปสู่สงครามระหว่างประเทศได้ ทั้งหมดนี้ถูกเล่าผ่านลีลาของโรแมนติกคอมเมดี้ (ดังนั้นมันจะไม่ซีเรียสขนาดนั้น จะมีความบ๊องๆ ชวนอมยิ้มอยู่มากกว่า) นอกจากเรื่องการเมืองก็ยังมีประเด็นเกี่ยวกับ beauty standard และการทูตที่น่าสนใจไม่แพ้กัน

ส่วนตัวคิดว่าเป็นมังงะที่อ่านได้สนุกเพลิดเพลินระดับนึงเลย (แม้จะรู้สึกว่าจบเร็วไปนิด) ส่วนงานภาพนั้นเรียกได้ว่าสวยหยดและมีเสน่ห์มาก ได้ข่าวว่าได้รับการทำเป็นอนิเมะแล้วด้วย

[Tamma :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tengo poco que decir de este manga. Creo que debería ser una serie de al menos unos 3 tomos, o dos porque en un solo tomo...la historia se desarrolla muy muy rápida.

Los personajes no son muy profundos pero el que más me ha gustado es Sara, la protagonista. Ha sido un buen manga para esperar a leer El Pozo de la Ascensión.

[• Meldie • · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pues entre que la historia se desarrollaba muy rápido y la trama romántica era demasiado lenta para mí gusto, pues me he quedado con un regusto agridulce al terminar de leer éste manga, me esperaba otra cosa, la verdad 😅

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish more time was spent with Sarah and Naranbayer.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Getting married and starting a family is not some sort of fairy tale. It can bring pain and sadness. They come and go like waves. And over the tears, it will wear away at the love and passion you first felt. Eventually, it will become something entirely different. So rather than picking based on fleeting beauty or based on a moment's worth of fun you should find someone who will cherish you at least as much as they cherish their own family."

This was a cute read! It was very different then I expected it to be as I fully assumed this would be similar to an exotic romantic story with an arranged marriage being the start of said romance. It didn't quite unfold in that way, but having thought about it, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I was surprised that while there is some romance, it does not seem to be the main focus of the story? It's a major plot point, sure, but the greater importance seems to be reconciling these two kingdoms together. Despite the misunderstandings that take place (and could it even be called misunderstandings due to the two rulers' actions? LOL), both our female and male leads are determined to see these nations not be at war. They are willing to do whatever it takes to see that become a reality, and it just so happens that a romance is woven in.

While I felt it was a slower read in the first quarter, I found myself more and more invested the further I read. Some of the politics lost me a little (which is not uncommon for me at all LOL), but I found it to be interesting, especially later on when it came to the Sultan. Our hero indeed has a silver tongue! LOL!

And speaking of him, he is such an incredible lead! I really appreciated how much he was willing to help Sarah and how he came to care for her. Despite the little time our leads are actually together, there is no doubt that he respects and cares for her.

I would also say that's true for Sarah! Though goodness my heart broke on her behalf a few times, especially when she was more or less told rudely of how could SHE be a fair maiden of Kingdom A and look like THAT. Ugh, so frustrating and upsetting! But I'm thankful that our hero encouraged her when she needed it. She truly has a beautiful heart and that showed through all her actions.

One of the most amazing things about this read was definitely the art! I very much loved the Middle Eastern vibe and tone throughout this story and how the art really brought to life the grandness of Kingdom A. There were many times I had to stop and simply appreciate the art because the scene was so breathtaking!

Overall, this story WAS different than I expected, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

[Ana Gasca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me ha gustado mucho este manga.
Es un único tomo, por lo que se lee rápido, y que nos cuenta, más que una historia, un bonito y entrañable cuento.
Tenemos por un lado a dos países vecinos enfrentados, uno rico en recursos naturales pero pobre y devastado tras la última guerra, y otro con una economía boyante y epicentro comercial, aunque rodeados de arena y desierto. Harto de esta absurda enemistad que dura siglos, Dios les obliga a unir en matrimonio a miembros de ambos países.
Y aquí es donde entran nuestros protagonistas, la nonagésimo tercera princesa, inocente y de corazón puro, pero acomplejada, y por otro lado a un pobre ingeniero en paro.
No es una historia sobre grandes gestas, es de ternura y pequeños gestos que nos hacen sonreír.
Los dibujos son de líneas delicadas, con detalle, y que sabe transmitir los sentimientos de los personajes.
Es un shojo narrado como un cuento de las mil y una noches, que recomiendo leer.

P.D.: terminarás enamorándote de la dulce Sara.

[bow down to our ace king victor vale · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.77!

the transition/time skip as the puppy becomes older TT and!! they have kids!!

(also , why did no one question why he stopped wearing the fake mustache lmao)

ahh i wish this was longer. in terms of characterization, i liked the ML^^; well-spoken and such a gentleman <3 ☹️. i also liked the FL too; she’s just precious ><, tho I wish her charac was more established (?). actually, i wish we saw more scenes of them together in general😖 i don’t mind politics given that the main leads are well-grounded but. taking in that the length of this manga is only 8 chps, i wish we saw more focus on the cast and not just to the progression of the plot.

that being said! i did enjoy it regardless. it was cute and a nice read ^^. all the characs presented grew on me in such a short span of time. (ahem ahem jauhara <3333). and i can’t wait to see the movie!!

(I don’t think you will die, but I will say this. Don’t die.” LOL)

[Alma Lectora · Rating 3 out of 5]

un manga diferente por sus personajes fuera de los cánones normales de las historias de amor, además de tierno. Con un trasfondo político en su historia muy interesante. Y el dibujo diferente y cuidado en los detalles. Si estáis pensando en introduciros en el manga esta podría ser una buena opción.

Más sobre mi opinión en la reseña del blog
https://almalectora.wordpress.com/201...

[Rosy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Fat body representation is pretty rare in Manga, and I was grateful to see fat characters that were not just the butt of a joke. The book focused a lot on architecture and city designing, which I found interesting.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of this worked, other parts didn’t.

[Luana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

Il paese A e il paese B. Due nazioni in perenne conflitto, che mal si sopportano; ma dopo l'ennesima guerra, gli dei propongono una soluzione: un'alleanza matrimoniale, con il paese A che deve offrire la ragazza più bella, mentre il B deve presentare il ragazzo più intelligente. Detta così, sembra facile. Peccato solo che il sovrano del paese A decide di mandare un gatto, mentre gli altri spediscono un cane. Di fatto non c'è alcuna intenzione di trovare un accordo pacifico, manca la fiducia tra le due parti. Il paese A è conosciuto anche come il Paese dell'Oro, una nazione apparentemente prospera, che ha saputo sfruttare la sua posizione strategica a livello commerciale. Ma dietro questa apparenza di prosperità, si nasconde molto altro: una famiglia reale divisa in due, tra i fautori della guerra e i sostenitori della pace, e, cosa ancora più inquietante, c'è il problema della penuria di acqua. Una risorsa che invece non manca ai concorrenti, ma si tratta comunque di un paese uscito distrutto dall'ultima guerra. Unire le risorse delle due nazioni sarebbe la cosa migliore, ma non sembrano esserci i presupposti per procedere.

In questo contesto, si incontrano Sara, giovane principessa del paese A, e Naranbayar, figlio di un bibliotecario del paese B (sono i due che hanno ricevuto gli animali come promessi sposi). È un incontro casuale, ma che finirà per mettere in moto tutta una serie di eventi. Forse nessuno dei due risponde perfettamente alle richieste degli dei (ragazza più bella/ragazzo più intelligente), ma entrambi sono mossi dal desiderio di cercare un punto di incontro - punto di incontro che potrebbe coincidere con un'imponente opera architettonica/idraulica che unirebbe le due nazioni. Al loro fianco si muovono altri personaggi che la pensano come loro, ma anche molti che cercano di fomentare il conflitto. E così, da un incontro fortuito, arriverà la spinta per il cambiamento decisivo.

La storia è molto carina e tratta con delicatezza temi di una certa attualità - tipo il classico atteggiamento "muro contro muro", quando le due parti in conflitto non fanno nessuno sforzo per venirsi incontro, quando si trincerano dietro i relativi pregiudizi. Sara e Naranbayar mi hanno fatto molta tenerezza: mi sarebbe piaciuta qualche scena in più per vedere meglio l'evoluzione del loro rapporto. Sara, a livello fisico, non risponde ai canoni di bellezza tradizionali (a parte che io la trovo carinissima), ma ha un grande cuore e una buona dose di coraggio; nemmeno Naranbayar è un adone, ma ha una gran parlantina, che saprà colpire anche il padre di Sara, il re del paese A, e fede nel suo progetto per un futuro di pace e collaborazione.
Volume unico super approvato!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two long-warring kingdoms (referred to only as Kingdom A and Kingdom B, but one has an Ottoman-style aesthetic, wealthy but low on water, and the other somewhat late-Mongol-empire aesthetic, poorer but rich in water) are commanded by a god to make peace by marrying the smartest man from one to the prettiest woman of the other. But the sultan and the khan are prideful snots, so one sends a dog and one sends a cat, expecting to kick off more war. But the recipients from each kingdom (a jobless engineer and a plump ninety-third princess) would rather not start a fuss, and decide to keep it quiet. The two stumble across each other's paths, however, and decide to act out the part, hoping they can do something to assure continued peace. If they can get it past troublemakers on both sides.
A cute and hopeful standalone story about underdog nobodies working to make a difference, if you can suspend disbelief at the rulers' childish behaviour and don't mind the blend of historical-looking details (costumes, architecture, some names) with decidedly un-historical everything else. Suitable for middle-schoolers and up.
Representation note: one significant side-character wears a niqab (never peeked under or commented on). I wouldn't call it exemplary real-world-like representation or Representation with a capital R, but just in the sense that it's rare to see a niqab just *there* and not treated like a mark of repression

Content concerns: no swearing, no nudity or sex (though there is mention that one princess has a male concubine, and one leader mentions desire/intent to sexually exploit different characters, though in non-explicit terms that would go over most younger readers' heads); alcohol, including an (off-screen) drinking contest

[Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

「任何時候都請你選擇困難的道路走，
之後，你就會慶幸自己做了正確的決定。」

趁這次讀墨上尖端的折扣活動，重溫了2017年《這本漫畫真厲害》女性篇第一名的作品《金之國水之國》，再看一次還是很喜歡這篇全一册的架空故事，每次看都有內心被療癒的感覺。

經濟繁榮卻缺乏水資源的Ａ國，與有豐富資源卻貧窮的Ｂ國相互交鄰，兩國卻處於交惡狀態，最後由神明仲裁介入，要求Ａ國要將最美麗的女性嫁給Ｂ國，Ｂ國則是要讓國內最聰明的青年當Ａ國的女婿。然而，雙方的國王都堅信自己的國家是更高人一等之處，悄悄地用狡猾的方式迴避承諾並想羞辱對方，殊不知也就此開啟了Ａ國的邊緣公主沙拉和Ｂ國青年納蘭巴耶爾的相遇。

聰明但失去工作也沒有體魄的納蘭巴耶爾，與並非眾所期待那般美麗外表的沙拉，因為國王們的一意孤行，分別收到一隻貓和一隻狗替代約定好的伴侶，溫和聰明的兩人很快掌握狀況，知道這樣的情況一旦露餡，國家間的衝突勢不可擋，便默默接受並努力維持著這個秘密。在偶然下，兩人仍然相遇，被彼此純然的心互相吸引。然而，兩個國家其實都沒有彼此的王所想的強盛，兩國之間的衝突與衰亡再這樣下去勢在必行，為了改變這樣的下場迎來大家可以變得幸福的結局，相遇的兩人開始了一場想讓兩國再次合作的計畫⋯⋯。

作者描繪的畫面有很多細節，除了在故事中輕悄地帶出讓人會心一笑的各種梗之外，男女主角聰慧的特性和純粹的心意讓兩人的互動在故事中讓人看得心裡暖暖。在故事中將兩國談判與資源分配的議題深度拿捏得宜，不至於太複雜或太兒戲。每個出場人物的定位鮮明且各有特色，讓人覺得很討喜。是部節奏讓人舒服的作品。

「如果我能守護好，那個我希望能永遠持續下去的『昨天』，
現在應該就沒時間感到悲傷或害怕了。就這麼簡單而已。」

⚠️以下個人小感含有微雷

個人特別喜歡這部作品其中幾個片段：


1.納蘭巴耶爾回覆王女出難題「如何選擇互訂終生的人」的片段

「與別人結婚共組家庭並非像做夢那樣美好，需要忍耐和悲傷事會接腫而來。
最初的戀愛感覺會隨著歲月流逝而轉淡，漸漸昇華為其他感情。
所以不要被一時的美貌，以及短暫的快樂所迷惑。
要尋找珍惜自己如親兄弟，或是把自己看得比親兄弟還重要的人。
也就是說⋯不要去選擇在下午茶時間，默默把最後一塊餅乾吃掉的人吧？」

講完這段話之後，還默默的把餅乾讓給沙拉的他真的很有魅力。

2.沙拉誤打誤撞到納蘭巴耶爾家遇到領導人的片段

誤解納蘭巴耶爾已經被許配妻子的沙拉本來就對自己的信心有限，然而聽到納蘭巴耶爾被Ｂ國領導者講壞話之後仍然接下挑戰的她也非常帥氣。
在回程的橋上與納蘭巴耶爾相遇，鼓勵他選擇困難的道路，並給予支持的複雜心境也讓人看了十分深刻。

在納蘭巴耶爾遇到危機時刻想起當時請他優先面對困難道路的沙拉，默默想到「當初自己不惜將大小姐留在黑夜中也要選擇這條路」而繼續努力的氣魄，以及在兩人心意相通前，納蘭巴耶爾知曉內向又缺乏自信的沙拉曾為了自己被羞辱而挺身而出的感動，都是讓我��第一次看跟重溫這部作品時特別喜歡的部分。

3.作者的各種小搞笑與細節
作者在這部作品刻畫的小細節很多也很可愛，體魄壯碩的學者罪人群、皇后宮殿的後宮佳麗叫做ＱＰＳ48、後宮利用身懷鉅額保險的優勢讓士兵害怕一旦碰到賠償金就要付到子孫那一代的設定等，很多細節讓人會心一笑卻也讓人有些感觸。



據說電影版預計在今年春季上映，真的是讓人很期待呀。

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingdom A and Kingdom B are always at each other’s throats until a god declares that Kingdom A would send their prettiest girl to Kingdom B and Kingdom B would send their smartest boy. Unfortunately, Kingdom B sent a puppy and Kingdom A sent a kitten. The recipients of these “brides and grooms” decide to keep it a secret lest a war is started. When they bump into each other, things get complicated!

This was delightful! The illustrations were lavish and the kitten and puppy were super cute. I was really rooting for Princess Sarah and Naranbayar to end up together! I did find some of the court politics to be confusing. I always struggle a little with keeping track of people in black & white mangas because they look similar to me. I think I ultimately got the gist though. I would liked to see a little more time spent on the pets and the romance than on the court politics but still a great manga…and it’s self contained which is rare!

Potential Challenges:

I was reading this with middle school eyes and besides a few swear words (like shit) there is one line about someone having his way with an unwilling woman. I still think this might work for middle school

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

One shot romance with a lot of political intrigue. The unimaginatively named Kingdom A and Kingdom B are commanded by the gods to make peace by sending the smartest man from one kingdom and the most beautiful woman from the other to marry. In truly hilarious self owns, the first kingdom decides to send a dog instead of the smartest man, and the other a cat instead of the smartest woman. This should be where hijinks ensue, and they kind of do. Mostly in that the unlucky recipients of the prank spouses find each other, and fall in love. Their romance, like everything else in this book, is really rushed. More precisely, this feels like it was gearing up to be a lengthy series and was cut short, because the last chapter is a lot. Everything escalates at an unbelievable pace, leading to a pat, tidy little happily ever after that doesn't fit with the rest of the book to this point.

[Lou]

An enjoyable read! While I think the story pretty much works, I agree it would be cool to see a longer serialization for this story. The world is interesting and there’s a lot that could be even further explored and fleshed out with the politics and the central romance. There’s a little bit of a third act misunderstanding in the romantic relationship that I don’t totally buy, but otherwise I think the story does a solid job of setting up and bringing together a few different plot lines.

(Also the translation I was reading was okay but occasionally just bad enough that it was hard to follow. RIP)

[Curious Madra · Rating 2 out of 5]

So basically I found out about this "fairytale-ish" story from it being announced as an anime and I was quite intrigued by it because the cover with our main heads here looked cute and fun. I did give it a go and I really didn't mind the drawings but the plot had no flow. It was like everyone looking at each other with silence, it had no emotion or attachment I can have for each character. It even made the story drag out, it made my eyes want to go into a deep sleep than continuing on the next 4 chapters. I think reading the 4 chapters is good enough to know the story was pretty meh to be honest...

[Chechu Rebota · Rating 4 out of 5]

He leído este manga sin saber exactamente que me iba a encontrar y ha sido una gran sorpresa.

Con una ambientación de cuento exótico gracias a ese toque árabe que tiene, nos encontramos ante una historia que se mueve entre una encantadora inocencia naïve y un humor socarrón que sirve para criticar las actitudes beligerantes y racistas de cierta sección de la sociedad. Me gusta mucho la ligereza con la que la autora trata estos temas tan delicados, porque sin restarles importancia logra transmitir que es el orgullo y la estupidez lo que finalmente está tras unos conflictos que podrían evitarse con cultura, sensatez y humildad.

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Una mena de llegenda fantàstica que em recorda en certa manera a Sant Jordi perquè implica l'intercanvi d'un hereu i una pubilla de dos països per assegurar la pau. Els monarques de tots dos regnes envien un animal en comptes d'una persona per provocar un conflicte que faci esclatar el conflicte. Per una sèrie de raons massa complicades d'explicar, els dos joves s'acaben enamorant i fan progressar la societat. La llàstima és que el darrer quart del llibre fa baixada, és massa previsible i el ritme decau d'una manera que fa perdre tot l'interès... Li poso 2 estrelles pel regust agredolç i la sensació que no s'explica res de nou :/

[A B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This started off really good, but I got confused and lost interest due to too many characters and political side plots that didn't really add anything to the story except more pages. I was also never quite sure if each kingdom sent AND received someone from the other kingdom - it would seem they'd have to in order to have a representative in each country for peace purposes - but we only learn about the one couple. Would probably work better as a movie or mini-series.

Nice artwork though! Especially the puppy and kitten.

[Alejandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two neighboring kingdoms with a strained relationship must now send their smartest and fairest to marry, to improve their relationship, but the rulers are so bent on hating each other that they do their best to sabotage the arrangement. And thus begins an adorable story that does not get enough of a chance to develop in a single volume. I liked the two main characters, and it was refreshing to see a shoujo heroine that did not fit conventional beauty standards.

[Aden Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was overall quite good the art was fun and the characters were interesting (I particularly liked Leopoldine), but the ending felt rather abrupt. Alongside that the fact that the kingdoms are literally called kingdom A and kingdom B really took me out of it. That made it feel like it couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a comedy or not. I do think a sequel could be good.

[Yordi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiene un inicio que hace presuponer una historia desenfadada, con humor algo absurdo y simpático. Pero se va diluyendo pronto.

Cuando la pareja prota no está junta (o cerca), mi interés decae. El tercio final, con persecuciones por el castillo, no logra entretenerme.

Detallismo en la arquitectura palaciega otomana.