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太陽と月の鋼 [Taiyō to Tsuki no Hagane] #1
Steel of the Celestial Shadows, Vol. 1
It is said that a samurai’s spirit rests in their sword—and Konosuke can’t even pick one up thanks to a cruel curse that repels anything made of metal that gets near him. Destitute and hopeless, he decides to end it all. But when a beautiful and mysterious woman saves his life and his soul, it is the beginning of Ryudo’s journey into a strange world of magic that exists a step away from his own.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2020
14 people are currently reading
3562 people want to read
About the author
Daruma Matsuura
32 books31 followersDaruma Matsuura (松浦だるま) is a Japanese mangaka.
She is the author of Kasane.
She is the author of Kasane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 28, 2024
I had no idea what to expect, but it sure wasn't that! The art, the story, the characters, the mystery, I was HOOKED. I NEED to know what happens next. Who is his wife really, who took her and why, what is his curse/power all about and will he be able to get his wife back?
This was different from other historical manga that I've read, it seems more serious and mystical, but I haven't read much historical manga, so take that as you will. I 100% enjoyed this and will be reading the next volume for sure!
5, highly recommend if you are looking for something a little bit different and will grab you, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this to read and review.
This was different from other historical manga that I've read, it seems more serious and mystical, but I haven't read much historical manga, so take that as you will. I 100% enjoyed this and will be reading the next volume for sure!
5, highly recommend if you are looking for something a little bit different and will grab you, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
This is an odd one - it's fantasy masquerading as straight historical fiction and a bit of a slow burn. I'm very curious about Tsuki and who/what she truly is, but I didn't get hooked until the very end of the volume. I do, however, love the way that characters refer to the same power as a "curse" and a "gift," depending on their perspectives, though. I'll almost certainly give this a second volume.
January 7, 2024
*metal chinks* can't wield a sword? Can't be a samurai; you're just a samurain't.
January 15, 2024
Samurai + un po’ di azione + un po’ di romanticismo + un po’ di fantasy = 😍
Sono stata rapita dalla copertina e la trama sembrava interessante ma comunque non credevo che mi piacesse così tanto! Primo volume approvato: scorrevole, non solo combattimenti e più profondo di quel che sembra con un protagonista un po’ diverso dal solito! Forse un po’ frettoloso ma comunque un bel volume.
L’unica cosa negativa forse i disegni, vista la copertina stupenda mi aspettavo disegni più dettagliati. Non li trovo brutti però giusto un po’ “semplici”.
Sono stata rapita dalla copertina e la trama sembrava interessante ma comunque non credevo che mi piacesse così tanto! Primo volume approvato: scorrevole, non solo combattimenti e più profondo di quel che sembra con un protagonista un po’ diverso dal solito! Forse un po’ frettoloso ma comunque un bel volume.
L’unica cosa negativa forse i disegni, vista la copertina stupenda mi aspettavo disegni più dettagliati. Non li trovo brutti però giusto un po’ “semplici”.
July 1, 2025
4.5✨
✨ Writing a grouped review for the volumes I've read at the time of writing. It's been a few months since I've read this and can't remember specifics about each volume other than overarching story and my ratings. ✨
A samurai who can't wield a sword? Historical fantasy? Mystery elements? Curses and abilities?
This series is right up my alley and would highly recommend to anyone who agrees with that sentiment.
✨ Writing a grouped review for the volumes I've read at the time of writing. It's been a few months since I've read this and can't remember specifics about each volume other than overarching story and my ratings. ✨
A samurai who can't wield a sword? Historical fantasy? Mystery elements? Curses and abilities?
This series is right up my alley and would highly recommend to anyone who agrees with that sentiment.
January 10, 2022
Ohhhhh j'ai adoré !! Le mélange d'histoire de samouraï raté, de magie, de cette femme mystérieuse : parfait ! Et les dessins sont très beaux. Très hâte de lire la suite
February 1, 2024
3.8/5
Buon inizio anche se la parte più interessante è sicuramente il finale del volume.
Una storia che parte un po' in sordina, soprattutto nella sua parte centrale.
C'è sempre un velo di mistero che avvolge la trama anche se verso metà è come se ci si dimenticasse di tutto quello che si era previsto all'inizio, per poi ritrovarsi tutto su un colpo in mezzo a quasi un fanta-horror.
La piega che ha preso verso la fine ha decisamente salvato l'intero volume che ha avuto un buon inizio ma mi si è perso un po' qua e là. La storia per fortuna sembra aver trovato la sua rotta, diventando molto interessante e nel suo particolare.
Sicuramente da continuare.
Buon inizio anche se la parte più interessante è sicuramente il finale del volume.
Una storia che parte un po' in sordina, soprattutto nella sua parte centrale.
C'è sempre un velo di mistero che avvolge la trama anche se verso metà è come se ci si dimenticasse di tutto quello che si era previsto all'inizio, per poi ritrovarsi tutto su un colpo in mezzo a quasi un fanta-horror.
La piega che ha preso verso la fine ha decisamente salvato l'intero volume che ha avuto un buon inizio ma mi si è perso un po' qua e là. La storia per fortuna sembra aver trovato la sua rotta, diventando molto interessante e nel suo particolare.
Sicuramente da continuare.
March 29, 2022
Oh que voici une histoire de samouraï et de magie plus originale que ce que j'ai lu auparavant! Konosuke est un guerrier qui se sent profondément humilié par sa "malédiction". Jusqu'à ce que son pouvoir attire une étrange dame qui ne voit pas du tout ses capacités comme un problème... Qui est-elle? Konosuke pourrait-il la garder près de lui?
Le premier tome prend son temps, on place le contexte, les personnages, le mystère. Les dessins sont très beaux, le synopsis est bien écrit, bien organisé, magnifiquement maîtrisé. Le seul reproche que j'aurais à faire est peut-être qu'on termine ce premier tome sans en savoir vraiment plus sur cette étrange dame qui vit avec lui. On est, comme Konosuke, un peu désemparé. Est-elle bonne ou mauvaise? Les clés ne sont pas encore données.
Je continuerai cette série.
Merci à Interforum pour le manga.
Le premier tome prend son temps, on place le contexte, les personnages, le mystère. Les dessins sont très beaux, le synopsis est bien écrit, bien organisé, magnifiquement maîtrisé. Le seul reproche que j'aurais à faire est peut-être qu'on termine ce premier tome sans en savoir vraiment plus sur cette étrange dame qui vit avec lui. On est, comme Konosuke, un peu désemparé. Est-elle bonne ou mauvaise? Les clés ne sont pas encore données.
Je continuerai cette série.
Merci à Interforum pour le manga.
February 8, 2024
Wow, it was great!
Drawing style, story and the story hit right in the feels!
Drawing style, story and the story hit right in the feels!
August 29, 2024
A fun concept and a fun manga. I didn't know what to expect and assumed there would be only light fantasy. This wasn't the case, and I'm pretty pleased with the opening world building. The art is pretty good, and Matsuura is particularly good at drawing people who look utterly surprised.
March 17, 2024
interesting premise! will probably read more
February 28, 2025
Wasn’t bad, just not my cup of tea
February 11, 2025
Super intriguing, especially right at the end! This seems like it's gonna be a cool world.
February 16, 2022
Cette nouvelle sortie signé Ki-oon est hyper intrigante. Le titre est hyper poétique je trouve. Et j’ai adoré cette lecture. C’est un premier tome très intéressant que l’on a là. En plus de son titre qui donne envie de se plonger dans la lecture, on a une couverture que je trouve vraiment merveilleuse. J’ai de suite été embarqué dans cet univers. L’histoire même si elle a des côtés assez dramatique tout de même, je la trouve fantastique et tellement belle. Elle est pleine d’émotions et hyper touchante. Ce premier tome nous promet une série vraiment incroyable, d’autant plus que la fin de ce tome est tellement frustrante! Il me faut la suite est vite désormais!!
On va suivre le personnage de Konosuke. Ce samouraï veut vivre selon les valeurs de sa caste. En effet, les samouraïs l’honneur est plus important que tout. Sauf que pour Konosuke, il cache un secret plus que honteux qui l’empêche de vivre comme il l’entend. Le métal se tord lorsqu’il est à proximité de sa peau.. Il est donc impossible pour lui de tenir le moindre sabre hormis son sabre en bois.. Avec ce handicap il ne peut prétendre à un travail digne de son rang. Le pire c’est qu’il est vu par les autres comme un lâche qui a peur de se battre.. Seul et désargenté il n’a plus qu’un seul désir: mourir honorablement par le sabre. Il provoque les autres au combat mais les armes s’écartent au niveau de sa peau, il est roué de coups et laissé dans la rivière.. alors qu’il glisse lentement vers la mort il sent un présence féminine. Il se réveille chez lui complètement déboussolé quand un vieil homme lui annonce qu’une femme à la beauté ensorcelante veut l’épouser.. Il se demande donc pourquoi cette femme l’a choisi lui le samouraï raté..
Cette histoire m’a touché en plein coeur. Le personnage de Konosuke m’a tellement touché et m’a fait tellement de peine. La façon dont il est traité par les autres m’a vraiment brisé le coeur. Il est vraiment traité comme de la merde et j’ai trouvé ça tellement méprisable de la part des autres. Juste parce qu’il est différent, qu’il ne rentre pas dans les normes il est jugé et j’ai vraiment trouvé ça horrible. Vraiment ce personnage m’a vraiment énormément touché. Lui aimerait pourvoir réussir, il aurait aimé réussir à protéger sa mère, il aimerait être un véritable homme. Il est très sensible aux regards des autres et on voit qu’il en souffre énormément. Mais sa vie va prendre un autre tournant quand il va épouser sa femme. Bien qu’il soit « réticent » au début et qu’il a tendance à la repousser, elle ne se laisse pas faire et persiste pour qu’il ouvre son coeur. Et ça va véritablement le changer dès ce moment. Il va mettre du temps à s’ouvrir mais finalement il se laisse faire et va prendre un peu plus confiance en lui. C’est un couple pour le moins atypique. Mais ils finissent par s’apprivoiser au fil du temps et c’est une très belle relation qui commence.
Ce premier tome était tout bonnement excellent à découvrir. Et surtout il nous promet une série vraiment palpitante et incroyable. Surtout quand on voit cette fin! C’est typiquement le genre de fin qui nous fait nous poser un million de questions, qui nous donne envie d’avoir la suite sous la main directement. Je sens que cette histoire n’a pas fini de nous surprendre et que l’on est pas au bout de nos peines! Je suis vraiment impatiente de découvrir la suite. Je me suis tellement attachée aux personnages il me tarde de découvrir ce qui va leur arriver!
On va suivre le personnage de Konosuke. Ce samouraï veut vivre selon les valeurs de sa caste. En effet, les samouraïs l’honneur est plus important que tout. Sauf que pour Konosuke, il cache un secret plus que honteux qui l’empêche de vivre comme il l’entend. Le métal se tord lorsqu’il est à proximité de sa peau.. Il est donc impossible pour lui de tenir le moindre sabre hormis son sabre en bois.. Avec ce handicap il ne peut prétendre à un travail digne de son rang. Le pire c’est qu’il est vu par les autres comme un lâche qui a peur de se battre.. Seul et désargenté il n’a plus qu’un seul désir: mourir honorablement par le sabre. Il provoque les autres au combat mais les armes s’écartent au niveau de sa peau, il est roué de coups et laissé dans la rivière.. alors qu’il glisse lentement vers la mort il sent un présence féminine. Il se réveille chez lui complètement déboussolé quand un vieil homme lui annonce qu’une femme à la beauté ensorcelante veut l’épouser.. Il se demande donc pourquoi cette femme l’a choisi lui le samouraï raté..
Cette histoire m’a touché en plein coeur. Le personnage de Konosuke m’a tellement touché et m’a fait tellement de peine. La façon dont il est traité par les autres m’a vraiment brisé le coeur. Il est vraiment traité comme de la merde et j’ai trouvé ça tellement méprisable de la part des autres. Juste parce qu’il est différent, qu’il ne rentre pas dans les normes il est jugé et j’ai vraiment trouvé ça horrible. Vraiment ce personnage m’a vraiment énormément touché. Lui aimerait pourvoir réussir, il aurait aimé réussir à protéger sa mère, il aimerait être un véritable homme. Il est très sensible aux regards des autres et on voit qu’il en souffre énormément. Mais sa vie va prendre un autre tournant quand il va épouser sa femme. Bien qu’il soit « réticent » au début et qu’il a tendance à la repousser, elle ne se laisse pas faire et persiste pour qu’il ouvre son coeur. Et ça va véritablement le changer dès ce moment. Il va mettre du temps à s’ouvrir mais finalement il se laisse faire et va prendre un peu plus confiance en lui. C’est un couple pour le moins atypique. Mais ils finissent par s’apprivoiser au fil du temps et c’est une très belle relation qui commence.
Ce premier tome était tout bonnement excellent à découvrir. Et surtout il nous promet une série vraiment palpitante et incroyable. Surtout quand on voit cette fin! C’est typiquement le genre de fin qui nous fait nous poser un million de questions, qui nous donne envie d’avoir la suite sous la main directement. Je sens que cette histoire n’a pas fini de nous surprendre et que l’on est pas au bout de nos peines! Je suis vraiment impatiente de découvrir la suite. Je me suis tellement attachée aux personnages il me tarde de découvrir ce qui va leur arriver!
May 28, 2022
Ce n’est pas parce que j’ai beaucoup trop de sagas en cours que je ne peux pas en débuter encore une autre et celle-ci, avec son titre, sa belle couverture et son résumé à base de samouraï, de malédiction et d’épouse mystérieuse, ne pouvait que m’attirer.
Ce premier tome met du temps à démarrer et est très introductif. C’est plutôt une bonne chose à mon sens puisqu’on apprend ainsi à bien connaitre Konosuke, notre héros maudit, expert en maniement du sabre même si le sien se trouve être en bambou puisqu’il repousse le métal. Ne voulant pas mourir de faim puisqu’il ne trouve pas de travail, même la mort se refuse à lui puisque la lame de ses adversaires ne peut pas l’atteindre.
C’est alors que Tsuki débarque chez lui et se propose de devenir sa femme. Le ton du récit change alors complètement et j’ai pris grand plaisir à voir se développer une romance entre cet homme qui a toujours vécu dans la solitude et cette femme qui apporte de la bonne humeur sur son passage.
Cependant, malgré mon plaisir de lecture, de me demandais bien vers quoi l’histoire allait tendre. J’ai énormément aimé le retournement de situation avec l’introduction du personnage de Dosuke. Ca nous rabat encore une fois les forces en présence et ça nous ouvre les portes d’un drame qui dépasse bien plus que la seule malédiction de Konosuke.
Sans en avoir l’air, ce tome a servi à nous faire aimer les personnages, à développer leur relation et leur attachement pour que, quand le grand drame arrive, chacun d’eux ait envie de sauver l’autre et que nous aussi, en tant que lecteur, on soit suffisamment accroché pour avoir envie de les suivre au bout du monde. Ce qui est brillant.
Ce premier tome met du temps à démarrer et est très introductif. C’est plutôt une bonne chose à mon sens puisqu’on apprend ainsi à bien connaitre Konosuke, notre héros maudit, expert en maniement du sabre même si le sien se trouve être en bambou puisqu’il repousse le métal. Ne voulant pas mourir de faim puisqu’il ne trouve pas de travail, même la mort se refuse à lui puisque la lame de ses adversaires ne peut pas l’atteindre.
C’est alors que Tsuki débarque chez lui et se propose de devenir sa femme. Le ton du récit change alors complètement et j’ai pris grand plaisir à voir se développer une romance entre cet homme qui a toujours vécu dans la solitude et cette femme qui apporte de la bonne humeur sur son passage.
Cependant, malgré mon plaisir de lecture, de me demandais bien vers quoi l’histoire allait tendre. J’ai énormément aimé le retournement de situation avec l’introduction du personnage de Dosuke. Ca nous rabat encore une fois les forces en présence et ça nous ouvre les portes d’un drame qui dépasse bien plus que la seule malédiction de Konosuke.
Sans en avoir l’air, ce tome a servi à nous faire aimer les personnages, à développer leur relation et leur attachement pour que, quand le grand drame arrive, chacun d’eux ait envie de sauver l’autre et que nous aussi, en tant que lecteur, on soit suffisamment accroché pour avoir envie de les suivre au bout du monde. Ce qui est brillant.
December 20, 2023
*I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5
Steel of the Celestial Shadows follows Ryudo Konosuke, a samurai wanting to prove himself a strong warrior, except that he was cursed with the inability to wield metal. Any metal. Ever. Destitute and desperate, Ryudo agrees to marry a beautiful stranger but soon becomes embroiled in a magical world of power beyond anything he’s ever known.
This surprised me. I was not expecting to like this story as much as I did.
First of all, the art was amazing. The facial details and expressions were so unique and mesmerizing to see. I LOVE how Daruma draws eyes. The magnitude of emotions they’re able to portray in the eyes alone is insane. Tsuki is also drawn so beautifully every frame.
From the get go, this story has captivated my attention. I can’t wait to read the next and future volumes.
4.5/5
Steel of the Celestial Shadows follows Ryudo Konosuke, a samurai wanting to prove himself a strong warrior, except that he was cursed with the inability to wield metal. Any metal. Ever. Destitute and desperate, Ryudo agrees to marry a beautiful stranger but soon becomes embroiled in a magical world of power beyond anything he’s ever known.
This surprised me. I was not expecting to like this story as much as I did.
First of all, the art was amazing. The facial details and expressions were so unique and mesmerizing to see. I LOVE how Daruma draws eyes. The magnitude of emotions they’re able to portray in the eyes alone is insane. Tsuki is also drawn so beautifully every frame.
From the get go, this story has captivated my attention. I can’t wait to read the next and future volumes.
October 10, 2025
Currently one of my favorites!! This book is amazing ^^ I love the art style so much! And the characters are very interesting. The end of book 1 had such an illegal cliffhanger 😤 can’t wait until April for volume 2!!
May 21, 2024
In concept a cool idea but the execution eh. It took way too long to get to "magic". Also the fact that Ryudo kept thinking of his mother in relation to the woman(I don't remember her name), Freud would love that.
January 12, 2022
Irgendwie noch ganz schön merkwürdig, aber hat was oo
February 20, 2024
Konosuke Ryudo è un uomo che non sa dare una direzione alla sua vita. Non può essere un samurai degno di suo padre e della sua famiglia, ormai in declino che stenta a sopravvivere. L’uomo viene anche preso in giro per il suo aspetto e per la sua spada di legno. Ma Konosuke convive con una triste maledizione: qualsiasi oggetto di metallo, katane comprese, si scioglie e quindi non può tenerlo in mano. Non può neanche essere ferito da una spada e quindi non riesce ad uccidersi degnamente, trascinandosi giorno dopo giorno incerto sul suo futuro.
Un giorno si salva miracolosamente dall’annegamento in un fiume e alla sua porta compare una misteriosa donna che lo vuole sposare. La donna si chiama Tsuki, è pacata ma determinata e sta al fianco di Konosuke anche se lui la vorrebbe allontanare. Ma lei continua a vivere con lui, tenendo molti misteri al suo stesso marito… La luna e l’acciaio, titolo di quest’opera sono i due protagonisti e la loro strana convivenza che porta vantaggi e svantaggi.
Sono due personaggi agli opposti, con in particolare Konosuke è ben caratterizzato. Sono raccontati i suoi tormenti del passato e anche questa maledizione che non gli permette di vivere normalmente al di là dell’essere un samurai e non compiere il suo dovere. Un tormento che non si placa subito con l’arrivo di Tsuki. Ma indirettamente grazie a lei si renderà conto di poter esprimere quei valore di coraggio e protezione verso i più deboli anche senza un’arma consona. Si affeziona alla donna che gli ricorda l’animo puro della madre defunta, e Konosuke si troverà ad agire presto a difesa della moglie quando in pericolo.
La luna e l’acciaio infatti mostra una grande attenzione all’ambientazione storica, anche per quanto riguarda la società e il pensiero dell’uomo di quell’epoca, tra il 1830 e il 1844. Nella seconda metà del volume però diventa più palese che l’alone di mistero riguara fenomeni anche paranormali che si collegano in particolare a Tsuki e a chi sia davvero. In tal senso cresce la tensione del lettore fino al suo culmine e alla conclusione del volume.
Lo stile di disegno contribuisce a queste atmosfere oscure e misteriose della storia, con uno stile pulito ma molto bello. L’abilità della sensei Matsuura è evidente sopratutto nelle pagine a colori molto ad effetto. Del resto basta ammirare la copertina del volume per poter cogliere la bravura e l’intensità che il disegno trasmette nelle sue pagine. Per l’insieme di elementi artistici e narrativi La luna e l’acciaio è un primo volume che conquista subito e si è portati a desiderare il successivo volume della serie e scoprire quali altri misteri ed emozioni ci riserverà questa storia.
Recensione scritta per il sito NerdPool e che trovate anche al seguente link: https://www.nerdpool.it/2024/01/27/la...
#gifted
Un giorno si salva miracolosamente dall’annegamento in un fiume e alla sua porta compare una misteriosa donna che lo vuole sposare. La donna si chiama Tsuki, è pacata ma determinata e sta al fianco di Konosuke anche se lui la vorrebbe allontanare. Ma lei continua a vivere con lui, tenendo molti misteri al suo stesso marito… La luna e l’acciaio, titolo di quest’opera sono i due protagonisti e la loro strana convivenza che porta vantaggi e svantaggi.
Sono due personaggi agli opposti, con in particolare Konosuke è ben caratterizzato. Sono raccontati i suoi tormenti del passato e anche questa maledizione che non gli permette di vivere normalmente al di là dell’essere un samurai e non compiere il suo dovere. Un tormento che non si placa subito con l’arrivo di Tsuki. Ma indirettamente grazie a lei si renderà conto di poter esprimere quei valore di coraggio e protezione verso i più deboli anche senza un’arma consona. Si affeziona alla donna che gli ricorda l’animo puro della madre defunta, e Konosuke si troverà ad agire presto a difesa della moglie quando in pericolo.
La luna e l’acciaio infatti mostra una grande attenzione all’ambientazione storica, anche per quanto riguarda la società e il pensiero dell’uomo di quell’epoca, tra il 1830 e il 1844. Nella seconda metà del volume però diventa più palese che l’alone di mistero riguara fenomeni anche paranormali che si collegano in particolare a Tsuki e a chi sia davvero. In tal senso cresce la tensione del lettore fino al suo culmine e alla conclusione del volume.
Lo stile di disegno contribuisce a queste atmosfere oscure e misteriose della storia, con uno stile pulito ma molto bello. L’abilità della sensei Matsuura è evidente sopratutto nelle pagine a colori molto ad effetto. Del resto basta ammirare la copertina del volume per poter cogliere la bravura e l’intensità che il disegno trasmette nelle sue pagine. Per l’insieme di elementi artistici e narrativi La luna e l’acciaio è un primo volume che conquista subito e si è portati a desiderare il successivo volume della serie e scoprire quali altri misteri ed emozioni ci riserverà questa storia.
Recensione scritta per il sito NerdPool e che trovate anche al seguente link: https://www.nerdpool.it/2024/01/27/la...
#gifted
May 18, 2024
Review summary: The romance was too fast and the exciting part was right at the end. But the art style was top-notch and the story idea is unique and original.
• • • •
In Depth Discussion/The Review
Likes:
Drawing style was great. Especially the covers, they were top-notch! Really cool the art style!
The story was interesting. Never heard of a story of a samurai, who can't use his samurai sword. All things are against the protagonist, but still he fights and doesn't give up. That's what I would call determination!
Dislikes:
Slight spoiler for the next 2 paragraphs.
Otsuki got violated by Konosuke. There was a reasoning, but it was unnecessary and just wrong. He just met her and right away disrespects her personal space and grabs her by her hair, I think.
That's also the reason why I dislike the romance in this manga. As he disrespected her there can't happen any romance. As soon as one disrespect someone enough to grab them against their will it won't be undone. You can't change your behaviour, once disrespectful always disrespectful. And you need respect for a healthy relationship. Also, the romance was way too fast and she kissed him out of nowhere which made me feel like it was perhaps harassment and then they were already mingling, like what? First hating on her and then this? Easy to have. Way too easy to have.
Not was only the romance fast but his backstory got told way too early and was told to Otsuki also way too fast. It's like oversharing with someone you barely met and it was annoying honestly. Even though the written and art style showed us that he had a hard time about it, it didn't seem so from the way he shares it so easily and also speaks so freely about it. Poorly represented.
There was a drawing mistake at the last chapter when they said their flued got removed from their body, but Konosuke was sweating on the face.
• • • •
Rating
How it works: Only everything that is lower than 9 gets reduced from the final rating. Depending on how strong it inflicted the overall enjoyment of reading it effects differently.
[ Story 6 / 10 ]
[ Characters 5 / 10 ]
[ Triggering 0 / 10 ]
[ Topic/Genre 9 / 10 ]
[ Art style 9 / 10 ]
[ Grammatic and spelling 10 / 10 ]
[ Ending 10 / 10 ]
Final Rating
3/5
• • • •
Final thoughts/Questions
If the art style wouldn't have been so good, I would actually have given this book a 2 star rating. The ending got exciting, but the other things were kinda mid and the romance was annoying me a lot.
Started the book: 18. May 2024
Finished the book: 18. May 2024
Wrote the review: 18. May 2024
• • • •
In Depth Discussion/The Review
Likes:
Drawing style was great. Especially the covers, they were top-notch! Really cool the art style!
The story was interesting. Never heard of a story of a samurai, who can't use his samurai sword. All things are against the protagonist, but still he fights and doesn't give up. That's what I would call determination!
Dislikes:
Slight spoiler for the next 2 paragraphs.
Otsuki got violated by Konosuke. There was a reasoning, but it was unnecessary and just wrong. He just met her and right away disrespects her personal space and grabs her by her hair, I think.
That's also the reason why I dislike the romance in this manga. As he disrespected her there can't happen any romance. As soon as one disrespect someone enough to grab them against their will it won't be undone. You can't change your behaviour, once disrespectful always disrespectful. And you need respect for a healthy relationship. Also, the romance was way too fast and she kissed him out of nowhere which made me feel like it was perhaps harassment and then they were already mingling, like what? First hating on her and then this? Easy to have. Way too easy to have.
Not was only the romance fast but his backstory got told way too early and was told to Otsuki also way too fast. It's like oversharing with someone you barely met and it was annoying honestly. Even though the written and art style showed us that he had a hard time about it, it didn't seem so from the way he shares it so easily and also speaks so freely about it. Poorly represented.
There was a drawing mistake at the last chapter when they said their flued got removed from their body, but Konosuke was sweating on the face.
• • • •
Rating
How it works: Only everything that is lower than 9 gets reduced from the final rating. Depending on how strong it inflicted the overall enjoyment of reading it effects differently.
[ Story 6 / 10 ]
[ Characters 5 / 10 ]
[ Triggering 0 / 10 ]
[ Topic/Genre 9 / 10 ]
[ Art style 9 / 10 ]
[ Grammatic and spelling 10 / 10 ]
[ Ending 10 / 10 ]
Final Rating
3/5
• • • •
Final thoughts/Questions
If the art style wouldn't have been so good, I would actually have given this book a 2 star rating. The ending got exciting, but the other things were kinda mid and the romance was annoying me a lot.
Started the book: 18. May 2024
Finished the book: 18. May 2024
Wrote the review: 18. May 2024
December 2, 2023
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This ended up being far more interesting than I had expected. As with most supernatural manga series, we get the groundwork laid and a lot of mysteries without a lot of answers. But what is here is quite interesting and I look forward to volume 2.Story: Konosuke is down to his last bushel of rice. He is a failed samurai - seemingly unwilling to take up a blade, scruffy and unkempt, and consequently finding no one will hire him. When he decides he is tired of life, an accidental drowning seems just as fine as any other death. But he is saved and wakes up next day in his own bed. Even stranger, a woman shows up at his door as his betrothed. She is perfect - beautiful, kind, patient, a good housekeeper, and with money. At first, Konosuke wants nothing to do with her. But as they spend time together, it becomes clear that she is far more than she seems - and so is he. It turns out he doesn't have a fear of metal; rather, he destroys it upon touch. How can Konosuke defend his new wife if he cannot even pick up a blade without destroying it?
The art here is quite decent. I think many will be put off by the depiction of Konosuke - bug eyed, messy, and very sad sack. But I expect that will change as he learns more about his own supernatural talent as well as the mystery surrounding his new wife. There is a fascinating supernatural battle in here as well as some other action scenes as Konosuke tries to defend not only his own life but that of his new bride.
In all, I wanted more after this first volume. Reviewed from an advancer reader copy provided by the publisher.
February 16, 2024
Un samurai e una maledizione: il primo volume di una nuova serie manga edita Jpop che mi ha conquistata.
Siamo in epoca Tenpo, negli anni quindi della prima metà del 1800.
Il nostro protagonista è un samurai di basso rango, discriminato da tutto e da tutti a causa di una maledizione. L'uomo infatti, da sempre sogna di diventare un vero e proprio samurai, un eroe senza macchia e senza paura, capace di tenere testa ai nemici e di proteggere coloro che ama.
Ma, fin da bambino, gli è impossibile maneggiare (e persino toccare) i metalli, che rifuggono da lui.
La vita di Kounosuke cambia drasticamente un giorno, quando una donna misteriosa sostiene di volerlo sposare.
La storia, partenendo un po' in sordina, si rivela essere fitta di misteri e intrighi. Il finale, più di tutto, mi ha lasciata sbalordita: entrano in gioco forze e poteri sovrannaturali sconosciuti, facendo comparire un nemico estremamente misterioso. Dopo aver letto l'ultima pagina del manga, avrete solo una gran voglia di avere il secondo tra le mani!
L'ambientazione storica è estremamente interessante, soprattutto perché vi sono inseriti all'interno elementi sovrannaturali come poteri e maledizioni, sostenuti da una sana dose di mistero.
E come non parlare dei disegni, che sono spettacolari?
Un manga assolutamente da continuare.
Siamo in epoca Tenpo, negli anni quindi della prima metà del 1800.
Il nostro protagonista è un samurai di basso rango, discriminato da tutto e da tutti a causa di una maledizione. L'uomo infatti, da sempre sogna di diventare un vero e proprio samurai, un eroe senza macchia e senza paura, capace di tenere testa ai nemici e di proteggere coloro che ama.
Ma, fin da bambino, gli è impossibile maneggiare (e persino toccare) i metalli, che rifuggono da lui.
La vita di Kounosuke cambia drasticamente un giorno, quando una donna misteriosa sostiene di volerlo sposare.
La storia, partenendo un po' in sordina, si rivela essere fitta di misteri e intrighi. Il finale, più di tutto, mi ha lasciata sbalordita: entrano in gioco forze e poteri sovrannaturali sconosciuti, facendo comparire un nemico estremamente misterioso. Dopo aver letto l'ultima pagina del manga, avrete solo una gran voglia di avere il secondo tra le mani!
L'ambientazione storica è estremamente interessante, soprattutto perché vi sono inseriti all'interno elementi sovrannaturali come poteri e maledizioni, sostenuti da una sana dose di mistero.
E come non parlare dei disegni, che sono spettacolari?
Un manga assolutamente da continuare.
January 12, 2024
Steel of the Celestial Shadows starts the story of Ryudo Konosuke, a samurai who cannot touch or be touched by metal. This strange affliction leaves him in despair and unable to find work, but his life takes a different turn when a mysterious and beautiful woman saves his life and marries him.
The art style is clear and stylish, with some beautiful panels throughout the volume. Action sequences are easy to follow, and characters are drawn distinctly but without exaggeration.
The story is heart-warming as Konosuke comes to life with his new wife, and the way she brings him out of his despair through understanding and kindness is sweet to read. By the end of the volume though, the mystery behind Konosuke's metal affliction and who his new bride really is come to the forefront. It seems like this volume has been the slow start to what may be a more action-oriented adventure.
I am curious to see how the story continues to play out and look forward to the next volume!
The art style is clear and stylish, with some beautiful panels throughout the volume. Action sequences are easy to follow, and characters are drawn distinctly but without exaggeration.
The story is heart-warming as Konosuke comes to life with his new wife, and the way she brings him out of his despair through understanding and kindness is sweet to read. By the end of the volume though, the mystery behind Konosuke's metal affliction and who his new bride really is come to the forefront. It seems like this volume has been the slow start to what may be a more action-oriented adventure.
I am curious to see how the story continues to play out and look forward to the next volume!
April 14, 2024
This is such an unassuming story!
From the cover, it looks like it’s going to be this very traditional, historical fiction manga. But, this first volume reveals an intriguing world of samurai, uncanny powers, and magical beings beyond our realm.
I love a story with unconventional leading characters—and this story has two. We’ve got a down-on-his-luck, would-be samurai Konosuke who can’t hold a sword. In fact, he repels all metals. And, we’ve got mysterious and beautiful Tsuki—who appears suddenly in Konosuke’s life, offering to be his bride! Her favorite thing about him seems to be his inability to world a blade.
These two have such a charming chemistry—Tsuki’s lightheartedness playing well off Konosuke’s anxiety and nihilism. It makes for some very entertaining banter.
I’m very interested in reading where this story goes. It has so much potential to be a unique standout in the genre~
From the cover, it looks like it’s going to be this very traditional, historical fiction manga. But, this first volume reveals an intriguing world of samurai, uncanny powers, and magical beings beyond our realm.
I love a story with unconventional leading characters—and this story has two. We’ve got a down-on-his-luck, would-be samurai Konosuke who can’t hold a sword. In fact, he repels all metals. And, we’ve got mysterious and beautiful Tsuki—who appears suddenly in Konosuke’s life, offering to be his bride! Her favorite thing about him seems to be his inability to world a blade.
These two have such a charming chemistry—Tsuki’s lightheartedness playing well off Konosuke’s anxiety and nihilism. It makes for some very entertaining banter.
I’m very interested in reading where this story goes. It has so much potential to be a unique standout in the genre~
May 22, 2024
A down-on-his-luck samurai is almost penniless and unable to get employment because of a curse that makes him unable to handle metal - including warping any sword that comes near him (a huge problem for a samurai!). Just when he's on the verge of ending it all, a beautiful stranger saves his life an marries him. The bride-price she brings with her pulls him out of immediate trouble, and his life starts to turn around, but he remains suspicious of this mysterious stranger who would tie herself to him. And just when it seems they might get close, something from her past comes to interfere!
Middling art, but an interesting premise for this historical fantasy. A cliffhanger ending makes readers want to see what happens in vol.2.
Content concerns: suicidal thoughts, bullying, samurai violence (sword fights, bloodshed), death of a parent, one discreet (married) sex scene (single panel, you don't see anything but one exposed breast)
Middling art, but an interesting premise for this historical fantasy. A cliffhanger ending makes readers want to see what happens in vol.2.
Content concerns: suicidal thoughts, bullying, samurai violence (sword fights, bloodshed), death of a parent, one discreet (married) sex scene (single panel, you don't see anything but one exposed breast)
March 13, 2024
This is one of the best manga that I have read this year. In this we follow Ryudo Konosuke, an outcast samurai that can't touch any kind of metal, including swords. After witnessing his mom die and not being able to defend her, Konosuke, decides that he doesn't want to live any more. But before he can end his life a strange woman shows up with a marriage proposal for him. He reluctantly accepts and she slowly starts to help him improve his life. But when a mysterious man shows up and tries to take her away, will Konosuke be able to save her like he was unable to save his mom?
This was such a fantastic manga! I cannot wait to read the next volume as this one left on a huge cliffhanger. The pacing of this was great, I liked that we got time to know the two main characters before a bunch of crazy stuff started happening. The artwork was amazing as well.
This was such a fantastic manga! I cannot wait to read the next volume as this one left on a huge cliffhanger. The pacing of this was great, I liked that we got time to know the two main characters before a bunch of crazy stuff started happening. The artwork was amazing as well.
May 30, 2024
Che bello questo primo volume. Che bello stile. La traduzione del titolo un po' meh, però il resto è bello.
E la storia funziona. Un samurai che non può toccare nessun oggetto di metallo (quindi nemmeno una katana) e una donna misteriosa che prima lo salva dall'annegamento poi diventa sua moglie e che nasconde qualcosa. Qualcosa di soprannaturale. Sarà interessante vedere come evolverà la storia, il primo volume si conclude con i due in lotta con uno sconosciuto che sembra conoscere Tsuki e avere il compito di riportarla da qualche parte e da qualcuno. Come può Konosuke difendere sua moglie se possiede solo una katana di legno?
La mia ipotesi è che Konosuke abbia dei 'poteri' particolari, magari legati a creature soprannaturali, e che inizierà a sfruttare altre abilità per potenziare la sua spada di legno.
E la storia funziona. Un samurai che non può toccare nessun oggetto di metallo (quindi nemmeno una katana) e una donna misteriosa che prima lo salva dall'annegamento poi diventa sua moglie e che nasconde qualcosa. Qualcosa di soprannaturale. Sarà interessante vedere come evolverà la storia, il primo volume si conclude con i due in lotta con uno sconosciuto che sembra conoscere Tsuki e avere il compito di riportarla da qualche parte e da qualcuno. Come può Konosuke difendere sua moglie se possiede solo una katana di legno?
La mia ipotesi è che Konosuke abbia dei 'poteri' particolari, magari legati a creature soprannaturali, e che inizierà a sfruttare altre abilità per potenziare la sua spada di legno.
April 10, 2024
I was intrigued by the blurb on this one and I am so excited to have picked it up because it was everything I didn't expect.
I'm intrigued by both Konosuke and Tsuki. This is Konosuke's story as he's the down and out samurai that is at his wits end before the mysterious Tsuki finds him and makes an interesting proposition but nothing is really given about her. She is a mystery and the author chooses to shape the story in such a way that by as these two are finding themselves in a comfortable union and are getting to know each other, all hell breaks loose and I'm left with a cliffhanger!!!!
Like excuse me, I was just getting into the rhythm of this and that's how volume 1 ends!! So of course I checked my library to see about the next volume 😂
I'm intrigued by both Konosuke and Tsuki. This is Konosuke's story as he's the down and out samurai that is at his wits end before the mysterious Tsuki finds him and makes an interesting proposition but nothing is really given about her. She is a mystery and the author chooses to shape the story in such a way that by as these two are finding themselves in a comfortable union and are getting to know each other, all hell breaks loose and I'm left with a cliffhanger!!!!
Like excuse me, I was just getting into the rhythm of this and that's how volume 1 ends!! So of course I checked my library to see about the next volume 😂
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