Grab der Engel

by You Higuri

Die junge Mary Vetsera ahnt noch nichts von ihrem dunklen Schicksal, als sie versehentlich ein paar Bücher in der kaiserlichen Bibliothek zu Boden wirft. Denn mit dem Aufschlagen eines alten Buches befreite sie unwissentlich einen uralten Gott, Seth, dessen Aufgabe es nun ist, Marys Leben ins Unglück zu stürzen...

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Shojo, Romance, Comics, Graphic Novels, Comics Manga

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

You Higuri (氷栗優) is a Japanese shōjo and yaoi manga artist. She is known especially for her drawings of beautiful fantasy men in romantic storylines set in historical Europe, such as Gorgeous Carat in early 20th-century France and Cantarella during the Italian Renaissance.

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[The Local Spooky Hermit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think the blend of paranormal and history worked to well. Felt like too much or a short one off. Would have liked it more if it was one or the other. Probably just stuck to the history for me.

[Kyla Sixkiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, quick read. It is a one shot manga- so there isn’t nearly as much world building and explanations to every character you would usually get in other mangas that have the ability to do so. This story is set in the late 1800s and mixes historic fiction with fantasy. Marie is an 18 year old princess who unknowingly releases a demon from a cursed book. Seto is freed and must fulfill his contract with Baphomet and make the person’s life who freed him absolutely awful- so that Baphomet can feast on their anguish. He initially starts off doing so, but falls in love with Marie while she gets the relationship she always wanted with Prince Rudolph. There’s undertones of taking down the empire- organized by Rudoplh- and blind conviction and love from Marie. The story ended as expected, but since it was so short it doesn’t pull at your heartstrings nearly as much. The short story at the end also shows a completely separate love line from the prince’s right hand man- and he just wants the prince to be happy but realizes he isn’t the one who can do that for him- and never will be.

[Tina Olah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first manga I've read by You Higuri. Super sad, with great artwork!

[Starbubbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's a good book. mixes historical fiction with fantasy and places it in 19th century austria. i can't exactly say how accurate it is in regards to the royal family and group affiliations, but it probably isn't something i will research on my own to verify anyway. i get frustrate with any story dealing with infidelity being okay and acceptable, regardless of what circumstance they were married. i just wanted marie to give up on rudolf. i mean, how special can she think she is if he has always had a string of "lovers?" you end up hoping seto can save them from committing a romeo and juliet (star-crossed lover) style double suicide, but fails. suicide is never a means to an end that should be glorified in this manner, it's just a way to run away, nothing more. rulers shouldn't be so self-focused, but many end up being that way anyway. he decides to send his country to war with his death, the death of the "old style" of ruling a country. i guess it boils down to my personal issues with suicide and my dislike of rudolf's character. but that's how history rolls, you don't always like the people and the actions they take when you read about them.

[Scarlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one shot manga.
The story is based on real life events: Mayerling-incident.
Marie release unknowing a demon out of a book. The demon named Seto must graned her a wish knowing that it will bring her disaster. Marie's wish is that she can meet the Crown prince of Austria just once, she is in love with him.
In the manga Rudolph looks a whole lot better then he ever in real life. The two stars that I gave are just solely for the art.

[Nina Miteva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty love story from one of my favourite mangaka. I'd loved a different ending, but it was satisfying nevertheless

Романтична демонична история по времето на дългите рокли и балове - от типа, който най-много обичам, подкрепена с арта на една от любимите ми мангаки. Бих предпочела различен и по-щастлив край, но и така завърши задоволително.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fantasy with dark overtones. I'm not quite satisfied with the book, feeling that Marie was vapid and flat. I liked the hints of depth to Seto but wish the story could have gone deeper. Good but not great.

[Audry]

One-shot story contained in a single volume. Tragic love story between a wicked supernatural boy and a famous historical figure.

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sucked.The girl was an annoying idiot,the bad guy was stupid and an asshole and the onky good part of the book (the dude) nothing good happened to.UGH!!

[Kelly D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate that no matter how silly the love element can be I can still make me go "Awwwww".

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even after turning the last page I felt as if something was missing and that there was more to be read...