Blade of the Moon Princess, Vol. 3

月華美刃 [Gekka Bijin] #3

by Tatsuya Endo

Defiant and vulgar, Princess Kaguya Takenouchi is not the heir to the moon’s Silver Court that her mother’s retainers had hoped for. But when the empress falls ill during a wave of terrorist attacks, Kaguya resolves to do right by her people and rise to the occasion.

Stranded on the Tainted World, Kaguya sets out to strike an alliance with the Matsunouchi clan, a branch of the Imperial family exiled generations ago. But Kiruhito Matsunouchi finds her first, and an unexpected confrontation between the two will lay bare the secrets of the Kaguya’s heritage!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2011

About the author

Tatsuya Endo (遠藤達哉 Endou Tatsuya) is a Japanese mangaka.

Reviews

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second volume of a five-book series from Tatsuya Endo, the author behind the fantastic Spy x Family series. This is sort of an updated version of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, a Japanese folklore story about Princess Kaguya, a princess on the moon who is sent down to the Earth.

Princess Kaguya is still down on the "tainted world" (Earth), recovering from her last battle. Also we learn about a third branch of the royal family, the Matsunouchi, whom Princess Kaguya will try to enlist as allies. However, this new clan has some ideas for vengeance for past grievances, leading to another unexpected confrontation, along with a secret in a remote island village.

The story gets better in this chapter, but at times it remains confusing. The new branch of the royal family is an unexpected (unexplained?) twist.

[TheReadingAngel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This volume is action-packed and has some fun new characters and arcs being introduced. I also liked the development of our lead. I think she has so real potential to be an amazing character with some bad-ass future fights. It’s nice to see her struggling to learn her powers though, instead of being an instant master.

I’m sure by the end of the series I’ll understand everything. But there’s still soooo much going on here. The panels are jam packed with action and dialogue. I get a little confused sometimes. But I definitely can’t wait to continue reading this series.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaguya wakes up to find herself safe, but still in trouble. She had gotten overdosed on Halo power and run amok. And before she can recover from that she learns about the third Imperial branch - the Matsunouchi who had twin boys that had run amok at the Wedding Massacre. Now all Kaguya and company need to do is seek their aid and all will be well. Now, you know that won't work out well, will it? Read this title and find out how Kaguya can get herself into even more trouble!

Thanks Netgalley and Viz Media for the chance to read this title!

[The Book Dragon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kaguya's growing horns that make her go berserk so now she's determined to get stronger... alone. Also, apparently there's three branches of Moon royalty, Take, Ume... and Matsu who were exiled to the surface because the empress gave birth to sons instead of daughters and there was a murder wedding and... WHY HAVEN'T WE MENTIONED THIS BEFORE? (Unless I'm just dumb and wasn't paying attention)

So enter the Matsu branch prince... who looks like a Naruto villain... and exit my ability to figure out how this is going to wrap up in two volumes.

This series has 5 volumes.

[Kyle Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Kaguya has attained a power to rival her enemies, but she's having difficulties controlling it leaving foe and allies in the crosshairs. And while the Umenouchi are continuing their dark machinations on the moon, Kaguya must find reluctant allies on planet.

All in all, another banger. Will continue to read. See you in Volume 4.

[T.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 3 was an improvement over volume 2. Less goofy comedy as well as an intriguing secret. Sadly the main character isn't that likable to me. But I am curious what's going to happen next. 3.5 stars.

[Emma (littledollreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok OK, some interesting plot elements have been played, excited to see how some of them are used. Definitely getting into the groove of this story now.

[Caitlyn Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m starting to really like this series. The artwork is gorgeous and although the plot took a while to get going, it’s starting to pick up and become very interesting. Excited for the next volume.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powers unlocked. An old noble house joins the story.

[Columbo Magnum · Rating 5 out of 5]

More questions than ever. Can’t wait to read the next volume!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something just so off about this series, I think it's how the author handles its teenage, female protagonist.