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The Dark Earth Manga #1
Devil's Ridge
Aidan has always dreamed of a different life, one that was somehow more than what he knew. Desperate times force him and his adoptive family to move to Grandfather Patrick’s house on Devil’s Ridge, a tiny, rural town, that is far more than what it seems.
On the Ridge, Aidan finds a world filled with magic, monsters and terrifying beauty. He has discovered his “different life” but it isn’t at all what he expected, and not all of it is good.
With most of the townspeople involved in the Clan, a dark cult, and Grandfather Patrick as the Clan’s head, Aidan knows he isn’t just imagining that the whole town is out to get him. When Aidan is lured by an ancient force literally in his own backyard, he is rescued by the mysterious and handsome Asher Vane, who his grandfather calls a “demon”. Is Asher something terrible? More importantly, is Aidan?
On the Ridge, Aidan finds a world filled with magic, monsters and terrifying beauty. He has discovered his “different life” but it isn’t at all what he expected, and not all of it is good.
With most of the townspeople involved in the Clan, a dark cult, and Grandfather Patrick as the Clan’s head, Aidan knows he isn’t just imagining that the whole town is out to get him. When Aidan is lured by an ancient force literally in his own backyard, he is rescued by the mysterious and handsome Asher Vane, who his grandfather calls a “demon”. Is Asher something terrible? More importantly, is Aidan?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
243 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
X. Aratare
90 books704 followersX. Aratare is the pseudonym for Raythe Reign's Gay(M/M) books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
April 21, 2019
I did read this from the website Raythe Reign so nothing was censored by Amazon. Which I prefer, I abhor censorship. So this series does show graphic content. One of the volumes isn't even available on Amazon because it's too racy? I'm not actually sure exactly why it's not as I've not gotten that far into the series.
Not a lot happens in this one. This is really just wetting your appetite while giving you all the details for what is to come! We get a little about Aidan and his family, we see that they are broke and his dad is not in the picture. We also get to know that Aidan is adopted and he's told that he's a lot like the sidhe and that his grandfather is the leader of The Clan..... a group that hates the sidhe. So there's some serious tension there!
We met Ash, who saves Aiden from falling into this sinister well. We also see just how much his grandfather hates the sidhe. Lastly, we learn that Asher is drawn to Aiden which means some wonderful romance is in the future!
The art is stunning! Not one single negative thing to say about it. The art is what drew me into the book but now the story has sunk its teeth into me and won't let go. If you love romance, manga, m/m pairings, and fantasy, you my dear, will freaking LOVE this.
Not a lot happens in this one. This is really just wetting your appetite while giving you all the details for what is to come! We get a little about Aidan and his family, we see that they are broke and his dad is not in the picture. We also get to know that Aidan is adopted and he's told that he's a lot like the sidhe and that his grandfather is the leader of The Clan..... a group that hates the sidhe. So there's some serious tension there!
We met Ash, who saves Aiden from falling into this sinister well. We also see just how much his grandfather hates the sidhe. Lastly, we learn that Asher is drawn to Aiden which means some wonderful romance is in the future!
The art is stunning! Not one single negative thing to say about it. The art is what drew me into the book but now the story has sunk its teeth into me and won't let go. If you love romance, manga, m/m pairings, and fantasy, you my dear, will freaking LOVE this.
January 1, 2014
I quite enjoyed this. It is of course the beginning of a series and so this volume is setting the scene for the adventures to come. The graphics are really clear and I can read this on both my kindle and Ipad with ease.
I really enjoyed the way the graphics convey the malevolence of Aiden's grandfather and the beauty and mystery of the Sidhe. I am please to be able to start 2014 with a new manga series which seems as if it will be mysterious, romantic and engaging.
I really enjoyed the way the graphics convey the malevolence of Aiden's grandfather and the beauty and mystery of the Sidhe. I am please to be able to start 2014 with a new manga series which seems as if it will be mysterious, romantic and engaging.
July 18, 2017
I like the story plot. I give this book 5 stars.
September 2, 2012
2.5 stars. Rounded up for Goodreads for the sake of the illustrator.
I really enjoyed the artwork in this manga, but the story failed to engage my interest. This first volume just set the stage and introduced the central characters. Little actually happened, and what did happen didn't make me all that eager to read more.
I really enjoyed the artwork in this manga, but the story failed to engage my interest. This first volume just set the stage and introduced the central characters. Little actually happened, and what did happen didn't make me all that eager to read more.
May 6, 2012
This was really awesome. On my iPad the artwork was perfect and the story was intense and the beginning of a great plot. A little young (for me!) but overall it was a great find for the $ and I will be reading all the next installments!
November 9, 2021
Devil’s Ridge è il primo volume di un manga yaoi disponibile gratuitamente su Amazon in formato digitale.
Devil’s Ridge è un posto sperduto in cui Aiden e la sorella minore saranno costretti a vivere,dato che il padre ha smesso di occuparsi di loro. Purtroppo Devil’s Ridge è in mano ad un Clan, capitanato dal nonno di Aiden, un uomo che detesta il popolo dei Sidhe, creature bellissime, antiche e fatate. Il problema è che il capo clan è convinto che anche Aiden sia un Sidhe e la convivenza non sarà per nulla facile...
Grafica davvero molto bella, secondo me. La storia è carina, ti cattura fin da subito; nonostante sia un manga yaoi non ci sono scene esplicite. Non nel primo volume, per lo meno. I personaggi al momento sono ben caratterizzati e hanno un loro fascino; molti misteri, domande senza risposta e un cliffhanger che può solo indurti ad acquistare il volume successivo.
Devil’s Ridge è un posto sperduto in cui Aiden e la sorella minore saranno costretti a vivere,dato che il padre ha smesso di occuparsi di loro. Purtroppo Devil’s Ridge è in mano ad un Clan, capitanato dal nonno di Aiden, un uomo che detesta il popolo dei Sidhe, creature bellissime, antiche e fatate. Il problema è che il capo clan è convinto che anche Aiden sia un Sidhe e la convivenza non sarà per nulla facile...
Grafica davvero molto bella, secondo me. La storia è carina, ti cattura fin da subito; nonostante sia un manga yaoi non ci sono scene esplicite. Non nel primo volume, per lo meno. I personaggi al momento sono ben caratterizzati e hanno un loro fascino; molti misteri, domande senza risposta e un cliffhanger che può solo indurti ad acquistare il volume successivo.
September 23, 2022
This was fine, just a random freebie on Kindle (side note, apparently some of the story is missing from the Kindle version, not sure if that counts for this volume or just future ones that get a bit more 'adult')
Yeah, it was ok. The story seems like it could be interesting - a family move in with their estranged granddad who is in a cult like religion called 'The Clan' (no, not that clan, but similar vibes, just towards these magical Sidhe folk) We don't get much in here, mostly meeting the characters, setting up this new town / creepy people thing and setting up a definite romance between the main character Aidan and the mysterious Sidhe prince Asher.
The artwork is quite nice, it's easy to blast through - I will say though, on the kindle version there are several pages that repeat through the book, so you'll be reading and skip to the next page and it's the same page you just read. The formatting could definitely do with a bit of refining
Yeah, it was ok. The story seems like it could be interesting - a family move in with their estranged granddad who is in a cult like religion called 'The Clan' (no, not that clan, but similar vibes, just towards these magical Sidhe folk) We don't get much in here, mostly meeting the characters, setting up this new town / creepy people thing and setting up a definite romance between the main character Aidan and the mysterious Sidhe prince Asher.
The artwork is quite nice, it's easy to blast through - I will say though, on the kindle version there are several pages that repeat through the book, so you'll be reading and skip to the next page and it's the same page you just read. The formatting could definitely do with a bit of refining
October 9, 2019
Contemporary fantasy
A contemporary fantasy that pulls the reader in so quickly; it feels like you know Aidan and like him instantly.
A contemporary fantasy that pulls the reader in so quickly; it feels like you know Aidan and like him instantly.
January 19, 2021
4.5 stars
October 17, 2025
Ngl y'all this was a bit sus
February 23, 2017
I got this for free on the Amazon store and I didn't think there'd be much to the story at all. I am so glad to say I was wrong.
The story line is rather unique, if I do say so myself. Personally, I haven't come across a manga like this before, and it was a joy to read. Characters, in depth with their own personalities already. The artwork that isn't absolutely amazing but it's not horrendous either. I quite like the artwork in this, I find it unique, and it fits the story in it's own way.
I would really recommend this volume, I found it really enjoyable and read it in one sitting (with a brief break for snacks). This is definitely one of those mangas that I can't wait to sit and binge through!
The story line is rather unique, if I do say so myself. Personally, I haven't come across a manga like this before, and it was a joy to read. Characters, in depth with their own personalities already. The artwork that isn't absolutely amazing but it's not horrendous either. I quite like the artwork in this, I find it unique, and it fits the story in it's own way.
I would really recommend this volume, I found it really enjoyable and read it in one sitting (with a brief break for snacks). This is definitely one of those mangas that I can't wait to sit and binge through!
August 28, 2015
This was quite a promising start. I'm intrigued as to what might happen in the next volume. I'm not normally into the fey but I was into this enough for it not to bother me.
Might read the next part at some point soon.
Might read the next part at some point soon.
August 29, 2012
Very intense prologue to what feels like a very interesting story. Beautiful artwork. Really felt for the MC's. Very short, left wanting more. Looking forward to the next installment.
May 27, 2018
4.75* //
Aidan's father has stopped giving child support, which puts them-- he, his mom, and younger sister, Sarah-- in dire straits. This leaves no choice for his mom, who then decided to go back to her childhood home where her father still leaves. On their last leg of the journey, Aidan learns that his grandfather, who's also part of a bizarre and a bit fanatic religious cult, hates him because he thinks that Aidan's a Sidhe. Already feeling uneasy about this move, Aidan secretly wishes that he's somewhere else.
Quite a great, enjoyable read. The art style is beautiful, especially the toners in the background, like in the panels that show the primordial woods-- they're very atmospheric and quite effective for setting up the overall tone of this volume. The storytelling is fluid and each panel serves a purpose in delivering a seamless storytelling without feeling like some details are left out or rushed. I'm quite excited to continue reading this series.
Aidan's father has stopped giving child support, which puts them-- he, his mom, and younger sister, Sarah-- in dire straits. This leaves no choice for his mom, who then decided to go back to her childhood home where her father still leaves. On their last leg of the journey, Aidan learns that his grandfather, who's also part of a bizarre and a bit fanatic religious cult, hates him because he thinks that Aidan's a Sidhe. Already feeling uneasy about this move, Aidan secretly wishes that he's somewhere else.
Quite a great, enjoyable read. The art style is beautiful, especially the toners in the background, like in the panels that show the primordial woods-- they're very atmospheric and quite effective for setting up the overall tone of this volume. The storytelling is fluid and each panel serves a purpose in delivering a seamless storytelling without feeling like some details are left out or rushed. I'm quite excited to continue reading this series.
June 27, 2019
Aidan along with his mother and sister have to move in with his grandfather. It's a small rural town, which is quite different from the city and people don't seem too friendly.
Aidan founds out most of the town is involved in a group called The Clan. Apparently, The Clan hates the Sidhe and according to Aidan's mother, he looks a lot like the Sidhe. Aidan realizes that is probably why his grandfather and others in the town probably don't like him.
Aidan doesn't really want to be in a town that hates him but he thinks it may not be so bad after meeting Asher Vane.
Not the most amazing manga I've read. Art is good but perhaps not all that believable. The plot, however, is quite different. Not much really happens in the first volume. Mostly background about the characters and why they are moving. But honestly, it really intrigued me. It definitely has a fantasy feel, which I love. Not sure if I'll read the rest of the series but I just might.
Aidan founds out most of the town is involved in a group called The Clan. Apparently, The Clan hates the Sidhe and according to Aidan's mother, he looks a lot like the Sidhe. Aidan realizes that is probably why his grandfather and others in the town probably don't like him.
Aidan doesn't really want to be in a town that hates him but he thinks it may not be so bad after meeting Asher Vane.
Not the most amazing manga I've read. Art is good but perhaps not all that believable. The plot, however, is quite different. Not much really happens in the first volume. Mostly background about the characters and why they are moving. But honestly, it really intrigued me. It definitely has a fantasy feel, which I love. Not sure if I'll read the rest of the series but I just might.
July 20, 2020
I am so interested to get to know the characters more,
because there seems to be something brewing. The relationship which seems to be hinted at, will most likely be one of great odds and troubled in a way that it would take getting through something for their happiness.
I don’t want to say this, but the grandfather seems like a rapist if this were to occur in reality and that is quite trippy to read and have his face depicted in such a way.
Sarah knew most for her young age, but as they say young children usually sense things better than grown ups, leaving judgements behind them and just saying things as they are. That annoyed me but it ultimately makes sense, so I cannot be mad at it.
-Kaisy
because there seems to be something brewing. The relationship which seems to be hinted at, will most likely be one of great odds and troubled in a way that it would take getting through something for their happiness.
I don’t want to say this, but the grandfather seems like a rapist if this were to occur in reality and that is quite trippy to read and have his face depicted in such a way.
Sarah knew most for her young age, but as they say young children usually sense things better than grown ups, leaving judgements behind them and just saying things as they are. That annoyed me but it ultimately makes sense, so I cannot be mad at it.
-Kaisy
August 23, 2018
The art is fairly good, though the story is a little hard to buy into. Like the beginning of a bad horror movie, young Aiden and Sarah return with their mother to their ancestral home in the deep wilderness where two factions are at odds with each other. The Clan, and the Sidhe. Creepiness ensues, when the Clan grandfather casts lustful glances at Aiden. More creepiness with a creature in the well, and then apparently a fairy king. Note at the end says that explicit content can't be purchased through Amazon, but visit their website.
August 26, 2021
This may be yaoi but...
There is more heart and story in this book then just hot guys. (But there is hot guys too, don't worry.)
4.5* stars
The plot is promising, the characters are intriguing, and I really like that the family moved from Chicago , my lives near Illinois so we visit there occasionally and it is always nice to feel some local love from an author / artist, even if it's just in passing.
I plan on continuing with the series, I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes, but more importantly, the road on the way there.
There is more heart and story in this book then just hot guys. (But there is hot guys too, don't worry.)
4.5* stars
The plot is promising, the characters are intriguing, and I really like that the family moved from Chicago , my lives near Illinois so we visit there occasionally and it is always nice to feel some local love from an author / artist, even if it's just in passing.
I plan on continuing with the series, I am looking forward to seeing where this story goes, but more importantly, the road on the way there.
November 13, 2021
Monochrome and expurgated... Not exactly what I expected.
The story has its interests (some good horror movies start like this), but my attempt to explore the nature of yaoi manga got off wrongfooted when I discovered it to be only in B&W. Green eyes and red hair don't mean much if the illustrations are not inked in color. After getting to the end of Part 1, I find that Amazon only permits an expurgated version, which rather strangles the point of yaoi. Additionally, my copy had several repeated pages starting about midway. I hope this isn't true in general.
The story has its interests (some good horror movies start like this), but my attempt to explore the nature of yaoi manga got off wrongfooted when I discovered it to be only in B&W. Green eyes and red hair don't mean much if the illustrations are not inked in color. After getting to the end of Part 1, I find that Amazon only permits an expurgated version, which rather strangles the point of yaoi. Additionally, my copy had several repeated pages starting about midway. I hope this isn't true in general.
May 25, 2022
great illustrations
I wanted to give this 3 stars but I’m angry at the fact that there are duplicated pages many many times.
The illustrations are beautiful and the plot has me intrigued but then at the end it says that not all the story content is included in this book but can be found on other servers. Seriously ugh…that is not okay.
I wanted to give this 3 stars but I’m angry at the fact that there are duplicated pages many many times.
The illustrations are beautiful and the plot has me intrigued but then at the end it says that not all the story content is included in this book but can be found on other servers. Seriously ugh…that is not okay.
Want to read
March 27, 2023Read "censored" version of first volume on kindle; documenting this to re-read properly soon and grab the other volumes. Feels like it has some good characters so far, Aidan is a good brother to Sarah and I'm curious to know more about his background with is adopted family and his dad leaving. Just met Asher and am intrigued.
Glad to run into this so I can properly read more!
Glad to run into this so I can properly read more!
August 17, 2018
I liked it.
I thought the art style was nice and the story seemed a lot like Romeo and Juliette with the two fighting sides.
I am curious to see what happens next, I may want to pick up the next volume when I can.
I thought the art style was nice and the story seemed a lot like Romeo and Juliette with the two fighting sides.
I am curious to see what happens next, I may want to pick up the next volume when I can.
December 8, 2018
Very interesting!
It's very interesting , I chose this rate mostly because it's my favorite thing to read. I would love to recommend this to anyone who likes to read Yaoi manga. Speaking of , I LOVE to read Yaoi it's just so... Good in a way , LoL , bye bye.
It's very interesting , I chose this rate mostly because it's my favorite thing to read. I would love to recommend this to anyone who likes to read Yaoi manga. Speaking of , I LOVE to read Yaoi it's just so... Good in a way , LoL , bye bye.
October 28, 2017
Good
Interesting proposals of a tale. The classic group in conflict with other because the power. And the predestination mate. Good graphic
Interesting proposals of a tale. The classic group in conflict with other because the power. And the predestination mate. Good graphic
November 13, 2018
3.6 stars!!
November 23, 2018
This was cute until I realized it was hitting on racism issues and that was when it became awesome.
July 14, 2020
On the fence with this one. The story was interesting but the art just wasn't for me
February 26, 2021
A quick read that introduces the characters, some back story, and the start of an unknown world. I must have picked this up at a Yaoi convention some time in the past.
July 23, 2021
What a tease!
So far this was a great opening and I cannot wait to continue the series! I may just have to order the actual book.
So far this was a great opening and I cannot wait to continue the series! I may just have to order the actual book.
October 30, 2022
Fantastic
Fantastic!! I can't wait to read more! The story is intriguing, and the characters make me excited to read more!!
Fantastic!! I can't wait to read more! The story is intriguing, and the characters make me excited to read more!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews