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黎明のアルカナ [Reimei no Arcana] #4
Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 4
Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat only married each other for the sake of peace between their two warring countries, so no one expected there to be love between the unlikely couple. But just as feelings start growing between them, Nakaba's power, the Arcana of Time, shows her a vision of a young woman's murder. Has the time come for Nakaba to harness her power to change fate?
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2010
37 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Rei Tōma
67 books367 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 5, 2020
Another great entry in the series! :D
Plus Caesar has really stolen my heart *swoons*
RTC
Plus Caesar has really stolen my heart *swoons*
RTC
September 3, 2023
This stakes keep getting higher and higher! What the hell was Bellinus thinking?!? I knew something didn’t sit right with me when he refused to sit down and eat. Nevertheless, it ends on such a hopeful and I’m glad that we’re getting more of Lemiria. She’s such a pleasant addition to the cast and is clearly the catalyst for Bellinus to get his act together. The dynamic as siblings is beautiful and it’s so easy to see that hey have a mutual love and respect for one another. I’m nervous to know what’s going to happen in the next volume!
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March 21, 2023Look who's on the cover!😍
*The following statements contain spoilers.*
Yeah! It's Prince Ahkil. He went back to his country in this volume, though.
Okay, as I observed in the first four volumes of this series, it really focuses on the romance aspect between Nakaba and Caesar. They really changed that quickly from volume one. Nakaba went from feelinghate to being hopeful now. ♥️
And in this volume, Nakaba purposely uses her power to save the younger sister, which is amazing as she is still learning about it.
The manga is okay, but I think I will take a break from it now. 🥺
*The following statements contain spoilers.*
Yeah! It's Prince Ahkil. He went back to his country in this volume, though.
Okay, as I observed in the first four volumes of this series, it really focuses on the romance aspect between Nakaba and Caesar. They really changed that quickly from volume one. Nakaba went from feeling
And in this volume, Nakaba purposely uses her power to save the younger sister, which is amazing as she is still learning about it.
The manga is okay, but I think I will take a break from it now. 🥺
June 8, 2012
Review for volumes 4 - 7
Well, I've given this series 7 volumes to use its potential and by now I'm sure that it's not going to happen. Actually, at this point, we are quite far into the story and I don't expect the series to continue for all that many volumes.
Arcana is an average series, nothing particularly bad, but just nothing special either. There is the occasional scene that makes you think "ah, if only the whole series were like this!", but these stay too sparse.
The main focus of the work is definitely the love story. A pseudo-love triangle, because Nakaba and Ceasar are already 100% "locked in" as couple, but Loki just won't back off. Now the question remains if, when and how he will betray them, and that's about it. The characters on their own are not complex enough to make their love story intriguing, so the main story would have to make up for it.
However, the actual story involving political intrigues and impending war is pretty simplistic. It will be just enough to satisfy young, female readers who read this series for the romance and pretty boys. For me, it's just not complex enough. There are few surprises, everything progresses "according to plan" too easily and many things are resolved in rather cheesy and classic ways.
I haven't observed any notable improvement concerning the art. The color illustrations are beautiful as always, but anything that goes beyond faces and standard poses, like fighting scenes or other movements, is still a too high hurdle for Toma. At one point, a whole army can be seen, and it honestly looks quite amateurish (if you're interested you can compare it to the epic battle scenes of Shin Angyo Onshi). Other things, like fire, horses or carriages, also don't look very good.
To sum it up, Arcana is only recommended to girly readers, who want a love story with pretty boys in a fantasy setting. Anybody who is looking mostly for a really good fantasy story or intriguing characters should look elsewhere, since Arcana is highly unlikely to be a satisfying read in that aspect.
Well, I've given this series 7 volumes to use its potential and by now I'm sure that it's not going to happen. Actually, at this point, we are quite far into the story and I don't expect the series to continue for all that many volumes.
Arcana is an average series, nothing particularly bad, but just nothing special either. There is the occasional scene that makes you think "ah, if only the whole series were like this!", but these stay too sparse.
The main focus of the work is definitely the love story. A pseudo-love triangle, because Nakaba and Ceasar are already 100% "locked in" as couple, but Loki just won't back off. Now the question remains if, when and how he will betray them, and that's about it. The characters on their own are not complex enough to make their love story intriguing, so the main story would have to make up for it.
However, the actual story involving political intrigues and impending war is pretty simplistic. It will be just enough to satisfy young, female readers who read this series for the romance and pretty boys. For me, it's just not complex enough. There are few surprises, everything progresses "according to plan" too easily and many things are resolved in rather cheesy and classic ways.
I haven't observed any notable improvement concerning the art. The color illustrations are beautiful as always, but anything that goes beyond faces and standard poses, like fighting scenes or other movements, is still a too high hurdle for Toma. At one point, a whole army can be seen, and it honestly looks quite amateurish (if you're interested you can compare it to the epic battle scenes of Shin Angyo Onshi). Other things, like fire, horses or carriages, also don't look very good.
To sum it up, Arcana is only recommended to girly readers, who want a love story with pretty boys in a fantasy setting. Anybody who is looking mostly for a really good fantasy story or intriguing characters should look elsewhere, since Arcana is highly unlikely to be a satisfying read in that aspect.
April 27, 2018
Caesar lays down the hard truth for Louise cementing any chance anyone might think he is not absolutely captivated by Nakaba (after all he cut his royal hair as a testament thanks to what they tried to do to her in the last volume.) Next in line for discussions Caesar must find Bellinus to find answers to questions brought up in the tunnels.
In the mean tie Nakaba talks with Akhil who understands her special ability and taps into it to see a girl she doesn't know being murdered by one of the new blades recently discovered. Little does Nakaba know but the girl who is known as Lemiria is the brother loving (see adoring) sister of Bellinus and she is about to become a part of her life.
I am really enjoying the love story between Caesar and Nakaba but Lemiria has her own charms and I hope she stays friends with her for a long time even as everyone tries to save innocents from a king on the verge of being a tyrant. :)
There are a lot of good parts of the book but one of my favorites is Lemiria coming across Loki stares out of the window (can he see Nakaba and Caesar from there?) and she casually calls him an abandoned puppy then describing what she sees on his face including being a little frightening to which Loki seems to smile. I wonder what trouble the poor Ajin man will create now that he is losing his loved one to Caesar. :)
In the mean tie Nakaba talks with Akhil who understands her special ability and taps into it to see a girl she doesn't know being murdered by one of the new blades recently discovered. Little does Nakaba know but the girl who is known as Lemiria is the brother loving (see adoring) sister of Bellinus and she is about to become a part of her life.
I am really enjoying the love story between Caesar and Nakaba but Lemiria has her own charms and I hope she stays friends with her for a long time even as everyone tries to save innocents from a king on the verge of being a tyrant. :)
There are a lot of good parts of the book but one of my favorites is Lemiria coming across Loki stares out of the window (can he see Nakaba and Caesar from there?) and she casually calls him an abandoned puppy then describing what she sees on his face including being a little frightening to which Loki seems to smile. I wonder what trouble the poor Ajin man will create now that he is losing his loved one to Caesar. :)
April 11, 2018
"Prima potevo vedere il mondo solo attraverso quella piccola finestra. Se adesso potessi vederlo con lui...sarebbe stupendo!"
Continua tra colpi di scena e nuovi personaggi l'avventura dell'"arcana del tempo" e del suo consorte Caesar (ma quanto è dolce lui? *ç*). Mi piace come la mangaka riesca a dare un perché e a caratterizzare ogni personaggio che attraversa le vicende dei protagonisti, anche la sorella di Vernas che a prima vista sembra solo una ragazzina infantile, in realtà nasconde molta saggezza e un misterioso potere....e a proposito di misteriosi poteri mi chiedo quando Nakaba sputerà il rospo, visto che sta imparando a controllarlo e utilizzarlo per cambiare il destino! XD
Continua tra colpi di scena e nuovi personaggi l'avventura dell'"arcana del tempo" e del suo consorte Caesar (ma quanto è dolce lui? *ç*). Mi piace come la mangaka riesca a dare un perché e a caratterizzare ogni personaggio che attraversa le vicende dei protagonisti, anche la sorella di Vernas che a prima vista sembra solo una ragazzina infantile, in realtà nasconde molta saggezza e un misterioso potere....e a proposito di misteriosi poteri mi chiedo quando Nakaba sputerà il rospo, visto che sta imparando a controllarlo e utilizzarlo per cambiare il destino! XD
February 2, 2018
Caesar has totally fallen for her. It is so cute. Nakaba is certainly stronger than she looks.
January 13, 2019
Everything is just too simplistic and the Arcana of Time is a poorly executed idea.
1.5 stars.
1.5 stars.
June 2, 2024
Un poco lento, pero mucho chulo
June 25, 2025
Finally got to see some female friendship and Nakaba locking in 😌
September 9, 2012
I'm really getting into this series. Now to get my library to order more of the series. :)
December 18, 2014
Nakaba wins over even more people to her side in this volume. I like to see how far she'll go for people even though she's been treated horribly by most of the people in her life.
June 27, 2015
Prince Caesar & Princess Nakaba are the freaking cutest! <333
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March 5, 2021one of the least exciting volumes since it centers more on the romance, but the twist was nice and unexpected
July 1, 2021
I had a lot of fun with this volume. I feel like things are getting more high stake.
We also get a few more teases as to what Loki has up his sleeve. We know he wants to save and avenge his people but we still aren't sure how far he'll go yet to achieve these goals. Besides a few hints of him in this volume his character was slightly put aside.
We get introduced to a new character, who goes hand in hand with Nakaba's power. We get to see more of this power and how she wields it, since she still isn't sure what it is and how to properly use it at will. I loved this story arc because I think it's going to be the launching point of the bigger 'magic' plot and I'm so excited for it.
This volume gives us a bit more of that romance we've been looking for and waiting for. Though it feels a little main stream and tropey at times, I don't hate it. Yet.
These volumes in this manga feel really fast paced and I feel like I fly through them. I'm really enjoying this series thus far!
We also get a few more teases as to what Loki has up his sleeve. We know he wants to save and avenge his people but we still aren't sure how far he'll go yet to achieve these goals. Besides a few hints of him in this volume his character was slightly put aside.
We get introduced to a new character, who goes hand in hand with Nakaba's power. We get to see more of this power and how she wields it, since she still isn't sure what it is and how to properly use it at will. I loved this story arc because I think it's going to be the launching point of the bigger 'magic' plot and I'm so excited for it.
This volume gives us a bit more of that romance we've been looking for and waiting for. Though it feels a little main stream and tropey at times, I don't hate it. Yet.
These volumes in this manga feel really fast paced and I feel like I fly through them. I'm really enjoying this series thus far!
June 27, 2019
I'm not understanding why Akhil is the face of this cover...but he's still pretty adorable. The plot thickens in volume 4! Bellinus' sister joins the crew and takes a liking to Nakaba; she's really bubbly and girly and is just happy to have another female to be friends with. A plot to kill a tribe of Ajin is discovered and the crew under the guise of a honeymoon travel to the mountain village to stop the plan. Nakaba uses her power of Arcana and sees that Lemira is potentially going to be killed by the same swords they are trying to stop. She uses a dog whistle to get the help of Loki but Nakaba also proves herself in a fight against a band of thieves. Most importantly though, she uses the L-Word when thinking about Caesar! <3 The romance is still slow-burning but the plot is quickly snow-balling into an intriguing fight of rebels vs. the monarchy! Also, Bellinus decides to align himself with Caesar over the King once Nakaba sames Lemira from freezing to death. Adorbs.
December 6, 2023
Reader's Notes:
- this is part of a series and should be read in order
-there is some fantasy violence & discrimination/prejudice against specific peoples (the ajin - people with some animal features and strengthened senses)
Review:
I didn't like Lemiria at first with her assumption that Nakaba was interested in her brother. But she grew on me when she let go of that and I'm very curious about her. She seems to have unconfirmed powers and I'm curious to find out if that's why her brother is so protective of her. That maybe she's part ajin or something else that could get her killed in this world.
As for Nakaba & Caesar's developing relationship, I'm finding myself happy with it! Caesar is fun to watch as he attempts to woo Nakaba while she is trying to come to terms with the fact that she is finding herself falling for him (plus her secret power).
- this is part of a series and should be read in order
-there is some fantasy violence & discrimination/prejudice against specific peoples (the ajin - people with some animal features and strengthened senses)
Review:
I didn't like Lemiria at first with her assumption that Nakaba was interested in her brother. But she grew on me when she let go of that and I'm very curious about her. She seems to have unconfirmed powers and I'm curious to find out if that's why her brother is so protective of her. That maybe she's part ajin or something else that could get her killed in this world.
As for Nakaba & Caesar's developing relationship, I'm finding myself happy with it! Caesar is fun to watch as he attempts to woo Nakaba while she is trying to come to terms with the fact that she is finding herself falling for him (plus her secret power).
July 7, 2017
Quatrième tome celui du voyage de noces de Nakaba et Caesar. Pour déjouer une exaction en devenir le couple princier se lance dans ce voyage. Nakaba est contrainte de cacher ses visions macabres. Elle prouve sa valeur auprès de Bellinus. On rencontre la sœur de Bellinus, Lemiria dans ce tome.
L'intrigue se poursuit en ralentissant un peu mais avec une dose de dramatisme en plus. Ce tome intègre le personnage rafraichissant de Lemiria qui donne de la profondeur et de l'humanité à Bellinus. Un tome émouvant où les liens entre les protagonistes se resserrent en vue de lendemains qui s'annoncent sombres.
L'intrigue se poursuit en ralentissant un peu mais avec une dose de dramatisme en plus. Ce tome intègre le personnage rafraichissant de Lemiria qui donne de la profondeur et de l'humanité à Bellinus. Un tome émouvant où les liens entre les protagonistes se resserrent en vue de lendemains qui s'annoncent sombres.
May 15, 2021
*2.5*
I'm still not over how fast everything progresses in this story, no matter how hard I try to move past it. I wish we could spend some time with Nakaba properly learning how to control her ability, instead she just magically grasps not only how to trigger it (which admittedly does make sense given what we learned in the last volume), but she also knows how to see exactly what she wants, just like that? How unsatisfying. And don't even get me started on how the romance is underwhelming (mostly because of the fact that it's insta-love). Overall I just felt bored and unsatisfied with this volume, I hope the next one will be better.
I'm still not over how fast everything progresses in this story, no matter how hard I try to move past it. I wish we could spend some time with Nakaba properly learning how to control her ability, instead she just magically grasps not only how to trigger it (which admittedly does make sense given what we learned in the last volume), but she also knows how to see exactly what she wants, just like that? How unsatisfying. And don't even get me started on how the romance is underwhelming (mostly because of the fact that it's insta-love). Overall I just felt bored and unsatisfied with this volume, I hope the next one will be better.
July 16, 2017
It's weird every single volume ends with the prince and princess being MOOOSHY
Also it's nice that Bellinus finally got his shit together, although at one part it almost sounded as if Bellinus was a girl?
I'm confused.
I really, really am kicking myself for not getting the rest of these from the library! ASAP! ASAP!
I really enjoy this story, I just wish it were in color. I really like these characters, they're hilarious.
Also it's nice that Bellinus finally got his shit together, although at one part it almost sounded as if Bellinus was a girl?
I'm confused.
I really, really am kicking myself for not getting the rest of these from the library! ASAP! ASAP!
I really enjoy this story, I just wish it were in color. I really like these characters, they're hilarious.
March 22, 2021
Loved this volume. This one introduces Akhil, Bellinus, and his sister Lemira. All characters that enrich the plot. There are also cute scenes with Caesar and Nakaba, and she officially refers to him as “the man she loves” 😭 I’m so soft for these two.
I loved Nakaba here and how selfless she is. She’s inspiring followers left and right without even knowing it. I loved Bellinus saying that he will dedicate himself to a princess who “makes herself bleed to save another”.
I loved Nakaba here and how selfless she is. She’s inspiring followers left and right without even knowing it. I loved Bellinus saying that he will dedicate himself to a princess who “makes herself bleed to save another”.
June 23, 2021
Good, solid story.
Story: ★★★☆☆
Art: ★★★☆☆
I enjoyed this volume, but I felt some of the developments were predictable. The art didn’t catch my fancy either. I was especially disappointed in the action scenes due to their lack of action. However, this volume itself moves the story in a good direction. We’re learning more about an Nakaba‘s powers, and her relationship with Caesar is growing in a believable fashion. I give it 3 1/2 stars
Story: ★★★☆☆
Art: ★★★☆☆
I enjoyed this volume, but I felt some of the developments were predictable. The art didn’t catch my fancy either. I was especially disappointed in the action scenes due to their lack of action. However, this volume itself moves the story in a good direction. We’re learning more about an Nakaba‘s powers, and her relationship with Caesar is growing in a believable fashion. I give it 3 1/2 stars
December 20, 2017
This volume is slightly less interesting than the last. While Nakaba gets to explore her ability more, they introduce a new character who seems woefully unprepared for he court intrigues that she's caught up in, causing Nakaba to put herself in harm's way for her sake. I continue to dislike Loki for the obvious reason of wanting to kill people on the basis that their parents did something bad.
March 17, 2020
Poco a poco creo que voy recordando cosas que he leído antes, pero hay muchas situaciones pequeñas (pero de gran importancia) que no recordaba en absoluto.
Se me hizo super pero super corto este tomo, lo leí logerisimo y sentí que necesitaba algo más. Por suerte el manga ya está completo y puedo seguir leyendo 🥰
Se me hizo super pero super corto este tomo, lo leí logerisimo y sentí que necesitaba algo más. Por suerte el manga ya está completo y puedo seguir leyendo 🥰
January 13, 2023
I love the introduction of new characters that are actually on their side and the progression of them trying to stop a war. Plus Nakaba and Ceasar are so cute together I just love their little moments. It was also interesting how it portrayed the struggle between love and loyalty and choosing what is ultimately the right thing to do.
November 20, 2023
Caesar is starting to grow on me more, but the series is starting to lose me at the same time. There are LOTS of volumes left... and I am not sure. I will give it one or two more I think and see if I am still interested. It's just a lot of repetition and will they/won't they and I am just... a tad bored at times.
May 30, 2019
Nakaba learns more about how to control her powers in this entry, and we meet another new character, who should be a good friend to Nakaba. Loki continues to be kind of shady, but I loved his quote in which he called himself a wolf, not a dog.
December 21, 2023
The way Nakaba just charges into any situation to save those she cares about is not only refreshing to see in a manga, but also so inspiring. I love her. *heart hands*
Content warnings: Blood, classism, confinement, injury/injury detail, sexual content, slavery, and racism.
Content warnings: Blood, classism, confinement, injury/injury detail, sexual content, slavery, and racism.
July 12, 2017
This was overly cute and I simply LOVED the story. The artwork has also had me enthralled since I started this series.
February 5, 2018
An arranged marriage, secret powers and unwanted attraction. An unlikely group of former enemies look to becoming allies!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews