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Black Bird #17
Black Bird, Vol. 17
A mythical, paranormal romance that has sold through over 280,000 copies in the U.S.
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!
Despite knowing that it spells her doom, Misao is determined to bear her child. But her insistence on enjoying her last days to the fullest only fuels Kyo’s determination to save her. Kyo is so desperate for answers that he’s even willing to listen to his father’s wild ideas, although though they might put Misao as far beyond his reach as death would…
Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen plus audiences.
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!
Despite knowing that it spells her doom, Misao is determined to bear her child. But her insistence on enjoying her last days to the fullest only fuels Kyo’s determination to save her. Kyo is so desperate for answers that he’s even willing to listen to his father’s wild ideas, although though they might put Misao as far beyond his reach as death would…
Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen plus audiences.
192 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2012
20 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Kanoko Sakurakouji
53 books487 followersKanoko Sakurakouji (桜小路かのこ) is a Japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 2, 2016
I didn't like how Kyo wanted to force Misao into that spell, death is coming to all of us, I think it's a right for each person to live till the end the way they see fit, so if she wants to let go and be happy, her partner should respect that. I liked that her mother finally knew the truth.
October 20, 2013
Misao cries some more. Kyo tries to force her to do stuff she doesn't want to. The tengu rally around her. Stuff ensues. One sweet moment happens. I'm glad the final arc is coming soon.
February 12, 2023
5 stars
A teen pregnancy story arc with impending death and demise is so depressing. The artwork in the later volumes continue to be at its best and the story pulled and tagged at my heart strings in many places.
A teen pregnancy story arc with impending death and demise is so depressing. The artwork in the later volumes continue to be at its best and the story pulled and tagged at my heart strings in many places.
March 17, 2017
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It feels like it’s been quite a while since I read a volume of Black Bird. The distance is a good thing. It helped me stay interested. When I was catching up on it, I was getting a little tired of the story. Mostly, it’s because it always feels like it’s about to end, but it never does. Now that we’re in the final story arc, I don’t have to worry too much about how long this manga is going to last.
Kyo is still hell bent on finding a way to save Misao. Not that I blame him, but he’s kind of turned selfish in the process. When his father tell him he might know of a way to give them more time to find a way to save her, he almost demands Misao to do what he says even though she has a lot to lose. This volume really showed me how much these two have grown together in the series. Misao has really learned how to stand up for herself and speak up when she’s feeling hesitant about something Kyo wants her to do. It’s taken Kyo a while to grow because he can be pretty stubborn. I really enjoyed seeing who they’ve become together. Kyo’s father is one character I’m keeping an eye on. He’s still mysterious and I can never tell what his real motives are. In this volume, he’s telling Misao one thing, then contradicting himself by telling Kyo another. We’ll see how that pans out. Over all, this was a good addition to the series and I’m ready to see how things will pan out.
I recommend this series to ages 16 and up due to sexual content. It’s pretty mild, but still.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
It feels like it’s been quite a while since I read a volume of Black Bird. The distance is a good thing. It helped me stay interested. When I was catching up on it, I was getting a little tired of the story. Mostly, it’s because it always feels like it’s about to end, but it never does. Now that we’re in the final story arc, I don’t have to worry too much about how long this manga is going to last.
Kyo is still hell bent on finding a way to save Misao. Not that I blame him, but he’s kind of turned selfish in the process. When his father tell him he might know of a way to give them more time to find a way to save her, he almost demands Misao to do what he says even though she has a lot to lose. This volume really showed me how much these two have grown together in the series. Misao has really learned how to stand up for herself and speak up when she’s feeling hesitant about something Kyo wants her to do. It’s taken Kyo a while to grow because he can be pretty stubborn. I really enjoyed seeing who they’ve become together. Kyo’s father is one character I’m keeping an eye on. He’s still mysterious and I can never tell what his real motives are. In this volume, he’s telling Misao one thing, then contradicting himself by telling Kyo another. We’ll see how that pans out. Over all, this was a good addition to the series and I’m ready to see how things will pan out.
I recommend this series to ages 16 and up due to sexual content. It’s pretty mild, but still.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
December 30, 2017
Kyo didn't get his shitz together in this one either so I'm still not a big Kyo fan... although he did get better towards the end. At least he's trying now. Not just making it more difficult 🤔
Misao is actually acting quite for someone who might die and I was thought of Misao as the weak character but in this volume and some of the other you can see who is more emotionally strong. It's not you Kyo.
Misao is actually acting quite for someone who might die and I was thought of Misao as the weak character but in this volume and some of the other you can see who is more emotionally strong. It's not you Kyo.
March 6, 2024
Souch dramaaaa
July 30, 2024
I can't believe I only have one volume left now. I don't want it to end... :(
October 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this volume!
5 Stars!
I read this for a few readathons:
The Cardcaptor-a-thon - The Light - I class this book as having a light/bright cover, as there's orange, yellow, green and white on it with only a little bit of black. The blue isn't a dark blue either.
Reading Rivalry - A Found Family - Misao, the protagonist of Blackbird, has to put up with a hell of a lot of stuff in this whole series, but she finds solace with a group of Tengus. This is the family she adopts.
Fiction Feud Society (FFS) - Read a book with Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Green or a Shape on the cover - There are orange blossoms on this cover, as well as a bit of yellow and green too.
It explores the grief yet hope of Kyo's and Misao's situation. "One day we'll be able to see you awake again. If we find a solution, we can be together again...As long as there's that hope..." This shows how Kyo will do ANYTHING to save his true love Misao from dying...
Another important point is that Kyo loves Misao beyond anything else. "Sagami...it's not...that you aren't all important to me, but...I don't think...I could live in a world without Misao." This shows his desperation to hold onto her!
At the end of this penultimate volume of the Blackbird manga series Kyo has to save a human close to him that doesn't know about him being a Tengu demon. Which human and do they remember any of the details of their saviour. You'll need to read to find out!
5 Stars!
I read this for a few readathons:
The Cardcaptor-a-thon - The Light - I class this book as having a light/bright cover, as there's orange, yellow, green and white on it with only a little bit of black. The blue isn't a dark blue either.
Reading Rivalry - A Found Family - Misao, the protagonist of Blackbird, has to put up with a hell of a lot of stuff in this whole series, but she finds solace with a group of Tengus. This is the family she adopts.
Fiction Feud Society (FFS) - Read a book with Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Green or a Shape on the cover - There are orange blossoms on this cover, as well as a bit of yellow and green too.
It explores the grief yet hope of Kyo's and Misao's situation. "One day we'll be able to see you awake again. If we find a solution, we can be together again...As long as there's that hope..." This shows how Kyo will do ANYTHING to save his true love Misao from dying...
Another important point is that Kyo loves Misao beyond anything else. "Sagami...it's not...that you aren't all important to me, but...I don't think...I could live in a world without Misao." This shows his desperation to hold onto her!
At the end of this penultimate volume of the Blackbird manga series Kyo has to save a human close to him that doesn't know about him being a Tengu demon. Which human and do they remember any of the details of their saviour. You'll need to read to find out!
May 5, 2024
My former best-friend got me into this series; she loved it, therefore I loved it. Looking back at it, it was horrible; love does not excuse anything. Bad behavior is bad behavior. Toxic bullshit will always be toxic bullshit. I will always regret completing this manga series. At least a few supernatural aspects were okay…ish.
October 13, 2018
I’m really loving these last few volumes. You can really see the bond between Misao and Kyo.
June 27, 2024
This story follows Misao, a high schooler who can see the magical creatures and spirits that are invisible to everyone else. This gift is merely an annoyance until her sixteenth birthday, when she gets attacked by a demon and discovers that she is the Senka Maiden, or bride of prophecy – a human whose blood gives unlimited power to the demon who claims her. Her childhood friend Kyo appears in time to save her, though it turns out he is a demon as well! Kyo is the leader of the Tengu (crow demon) clan, thus the name of the story. His intentions to protect her, however, seem to be pure – and Misao allows him to lick her wounds long enough to fall in love with him herself. Together they must face the challenges that come from courting the Senka Maiden, as well as the curse that befalls her once she bears the child of a demon.
This was a fantastic story! The characters were well done with bold personality traits: we can clearly see Kyo’s determination, his brother Soh’s treachery and underhandedness, the Daitengu’s loyalty, even Misao’s simultaneous naivety and bravery. And I absolutely loved the plot. Unlike Demon Spell (another manga featuring demons of Japanese culture), the story was very complete, with no detail left unexplained or unaccounted for.
*SPOILER ALERT* But my favorite part of all has to be the ending. Misao’s pregnancy is meant to lead to her death, but just when all seems to be lost, hope appears. Even if their ending isn’t perfect, it is happy, and you find yourself happy and grateful for the imperfection because it shows you how much worse things could have been.
I have more to say on this book (and others!) in my blog! Check it out here:
https://www.lynnwallaceauthor.com/blo...
October 16, 2025
It took almost until the end of the series, but a volume of Black Bird finally got better than a 3-star rating from me. Congrats!
Don't get me wrong. The themes expressed here have been dealt with far better elsewhere. Still, I found them effective, and the conclusion the couple comes to is sound. It's a more melodramatic version of a situation that many, many couples and families must cope with at some point in their lives.
I also think that Kyo, after being a complete bonehead pretty much since volume 1, finally seems to be seeing Misao as her own person with her own point of view, rather than the subordinate portion of them as a couple. Took you long enough, jerk!
Toward the end of this volume, the idea that Misao's parents might need to be made aware that Kyo is a demon, on top of being the parent of their grandchild, is mentioned. And wouldn't you know it, a crisis comes up that makes the question moot. This happens in serialized storytelling all the time, but never fails to make me think that it might not be a bad idea for the authors and their editors to plot things out more than one chapter ahead of time.
Don't get me wrong. The themes expressed here have been dealt with far better elsewhere. Still, I found them effective, and the conclusion the couple comes to is sound. It's a more melodramatic version of a situation that many, many couples and families must cope with at some point in their lives.
I also think that Kyo, after being a complete bonehead pretty much since volume 1, finally seems to be seeing Misao as her own person with her own point of view, rather than the subordinate portion of them as a couple. Took you long enough, jerk!
Toward the end of this volume, the idea that Misao's parents might need to be made aware that Kyo is a demon, on top of being the parent of their grandchild, is mentioned. And wouldn't you know it, a crisis comes up that makes the question moot. This happens in serialized storytelling all the time, but never fails to make me think that it might not be a bad idea for the authors and their editors to plot things out more than one chapter ahead of time.
January 25, 2018
I am really loving this series. But I'm starting to feel like the ending is being rushed. This usually happens with manga's that are ending... so I'm hoping the final book isn't too rushed and flows perfectly.
I feel really worried about Misao and the fact that she is pregnant. If she dies I would be really really upset. I really enjoy her character... not once have I hated her in the series.
I feel really worried about Misao and the fact that she is pregnant. If she dies I would be really really upset. I really enjoy her character... not once have I hated her in the series.
May 17, 2018
Kyo and Misao have finally come to a peace with their baby. I am happy they are cherishing their time together as a couple, rather than spending their time fighting.
Baby Soh, I’m excited to meet him. I’m quite certain Misao will live. I don’t think Sakurakouji is that mean, but we shall see. What I am very concerned about is how chill Misao’s mom was about Kyo! I bet she knew about demons. What if her grandma or some crap was a maiden?
This will just solve all of their problems! I haven’t gotten any sleep, but I want to finish this series!
Cheers.
Baby Soh, I’m excited to meet him. I’m quite certain Misao will live. I don’t think Sakurakouji is that mean, but we shall see. What I am very concerned about is how chill Misao’s mom was about Kyo! I bet she knew about demons. What if her grandma or some crap was a maiden?
This will just solve all of their problems! I haven’t gotten any sleep, but I want to finish this series!
Cheers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
Things are looking up - thank god. Besides I don’t see why it won’t in the context of the story. The past girl wasn’t in a love filled marriage or anything, she has no reason to want the child or her life. Misao openly embraces her child there for her child’s power should be able to save her. Or at least my thoughts.
October 19, 2018
Things feel like they are quickly coming to a close in this series, though at the same time not in an overly hurried manner. I should be going to sleep but I have one volume left so I'll finish the series.
December 19, 2018
No se ha presentado ninguna solución y solo quedan dos meses para que el hijo del fruto sagrado Nazca y el final inevitable suceda.
Esperamos el último tomo para ver cómo se desencadenará está historia"trágica" de amor.
Esperamos el último tomo para ver cómo se desencadenará está historia"trágica" de amor.
December 30, 2019
There wasn’t a whole lot to move the plot forward in this one. I also have a feeling that, once again, Misao’s problem will be conveniently solved for her. However, there are some good Kyo and Misao moments, and even some good moments with Sagami.
July 31, 2020
Misao meets her child in a dream, her mom kind of sees her boyfriend in his Tengu demon form for added drama. Kyo deals with Misao’s probable death by making it all about him. Thank god this terrible series is almost over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
For a series it's not bad. I enjoyed most parts of the story, some things were just not needed. I love all the characters. The love story is crazy but it's a book so do not take it seriously! Also, not a book for young readers.
May 29, 2017
This one really tugged at my heart-strings. Oi the feels!! Can't wait to start the next volume!
June 11, 2017
I thought this couldn't get any more emotional than the last one... I was so wrong.
January 22, 2018
Simplemente que terrible situación...
May 21, 2018
Yet more pregnancy drama and oh man, this is just straigh up twilight lmaaaooo
But I'm enjoying it.
But I'm enjoying it.
December 11, 2018
My favorite volume. Beautiful drawings, emotions at their highest but sweet and funny moments too. That is very difficult to pull off. Kudos.
February 21, 2019
Yo solo quiero saber cómo termina, cansa taaaanto drama
April 24, 2019
This review is for the Italian edition.
June 4, 2019
3.5/5
June 21, 2019
Vlog review of entire series here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K45IL...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K45IL...
November 3, 2019
Read earlier this year, adding late oops.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews