A Stepmother's Marchen Vol. 3

어떤 계모님의 메르헨 [Eoddeon Gyaemo-nim-eui Märchen] (Comic) #3

by ORKA (Illustrator), Spice&Kitty

TRIAL BY FIRE

The marchioness Shuri Von Neuschwanstein got the chance to redo the last seven years of her life, and managed to mend her broken relationship with her four stepchildren. Her devotion is tested, however, when the eldest stepchild, Jeremy, commits an act that could be considered treason, and receives a harsh punishment from the Empress. Shuri’s only recourse to save Jeremy is to find a way to declare him the head of the household, effectively removing herself from the Neuschwanstein estate entirely. And to do that, she must mend a number of bridges she’d long ago burned, and visit the family of her late husband’s first wife. Can Shuri convince them to offer their aid, and, if so, will she ever see her stepchildren again?

The hit webtoon also known as The Fantasie of a Stepmother !

Genres: Manhwa, Manga, Romance, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Webcomic, Comics

296 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2022

Reviews

[aleksandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

I LOVE THEM SOOOOOOO MUCH.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a fan of the political machinations and I HATE the head priest (why is the head religious leader always a power-hungry douche canoe?!?), but I am LOVING the theme of family and friends and having each other’s back.

They are all so precious and they need to have a happy life. I am SO GLAD that she is living her best (second) life, since her first attempt went poorly. At just 16, it’s not hard to understand. Wish I could have a do-over for some stuff. I guess that’s why the isekai/portal/time reversal stories resonate with me so much.

4, not a fan of the politics though I understand the reason for it, I just want to see Mai Babies happy, stars.

[Molin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We're family."


😭🤧🤧🤧

[BookTrovert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story, and Shuri is a badass.

[S. Alberto ⁻⁷ (yearning) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When I think about whether I, in some other place, would meet other people, live well, and be able to endure it again, Fear is the first thing that comes to mind now. —But you know, Jeremy, truthfully, there’s something even more important. For the first time, I… felt happy. In the beginning, it might have been obligation. However, no matter how many times I wander through my dreams, no matter how many times I live this life, I will choose to stay by your side. That is the life I want.”

“Together, we can overcome any difficulties, Nothing anyone says matters, because we are family.”

This volume (covering chapters 40–56 of the manhwa) had me stressed, invested, and finally a little emotional by the end.

Let’s talk about the setup in chapter 41—because wow. The priest really engineered the perfect emotional trap. He had Jeremy so mentally primed to think something would happen to Shuli that the moment he saw her hurt on the floor with the Crown Prince nearby, it was over. And honestly?? I get it. Jeremy’s young, scared, and trying his best to protect his mother. Of course he throws a punch. The heartbreaking part is watching how quickly that moment spirals into a full-blown conspiracy trial for treason. Like... be serious. It was a punch. A set-up punch. Bruv.

And the way the New Empress checked Shuri? Insane. Questioning her authority as the head of Johanne’s household, when Shuri’s been holding that entire family together for years? It’s disrespectful—but it makes sense in a world where optics and legacy matter more than truth. Shuri staying composed in the face of that scrutiny just reminds me how far she’s come.

What really made this volume hit, though, was the emotional weight. Watching Jeremy carry the guilt and confusion of his actions, while Shuri fights to hold the family’s honour together in court and out in society—it all landed. I also loved that we got moments of reflection and warmth woven in, especially with the snowy vacation at the Nuremberg estate. That soft ending was such a tender, well-placed pause after all the tension. A well-earned breath of peace.

And now that we’re heading into a timeskip? I’m so ready. If this is how good the story is while they’re still teens, I can’t wait to see the emotional maturity and political drama that’s coming post-timeskip.

Volume 3 was a major turning point, and one of my favourite arcs so far. From court drama to soft snowball moments, this series continues to be THAT GIRL. Bring on Volume 4!

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I loved the stuff with the family growing in their love of one another but the tail and prep leading up to it kind of had me struggling through. I was concerned about how they would get out of this.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ So good!!! I love the political plot, and how much love the family has for one another. I want to know more about why the church is doing what it is doing, and I love how Shuri is winning everyone over. Also, reading again has me really rooting for Shuri and Norra's relationship all over again!!!

[Shaun Trinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesomeeeee this is so wholesomeeee even if it has nafarious undertones its wholesomeeee

[｡⋆☂ Polaris {Gone for exams} ☽˚｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liking this way more than I expected to. And the art is gorgeous!!! (I need more family scenes tho ☹️)

[nas · Rating 5 out of 5]

the vacation was heartwarming.... oh lord please let them have a happy life....

[ju · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol 3 ( 38 - 56 ) —> 4.5

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things very nearly got really dark there for a bit. Shuri really is putting her best foot forward trying to do right by the children this time around, though it seems perhaps in her determination to save Jeremy she might have forgotten to talk to the children about what would happen after given their promise to stay together. They're smart kids though and they seem to understand what was going on and that she didn't actually want to leave them. Jeremy also seems to be realizing some things, especially with more truth revealed about Shuri's relationship with his father (or lack thereof) combined with her age. Still a little strange how the crown prince seems to be fixated on her, but he does have some odd if distorted points given the similarities in their ages. He does seem to be forgetting one key things though, Jeremy and the other children are family to Shuri, where he is the crown prince. Norra also seems to be opening up and getting closer. While Norra and Jeremy still argue, it would be possible to see them becoming friends, especially as these events and Jeremy's realizations seem to have driven him closer to Shuri's side and away from devoting himself to the crown prince as he did in Shuri's previous life.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little late night read. I am truly enjoying A Stepmother’s Märchen. In volume 3 we see Shuri’s mama bear come out as she tries to save her oldest son Jeremy from a crime he committed under a misunderstanding. The lengths Shuri will go to protect her kids is shown in this volume and her character truly shines as she finds allies in unlikely places and help in places she didn’t think she needed.

This volume shows what everyone is lacking in order to survive in the noble society and how much power they do and don’t have according to their station. Jeremy especially starts to see what he lacks to help his mama and Norra also starts to realize he has some ability to not only help Shuri but also himself. The Prince sees he is doing more harm than good in trying to get Shuri affections and the Queen test Shuri to see why Shuri’s late husband chose her to run his household.

All in all I need the next volume!

[Hannah (Fully Booked Penguin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros: Excellent Family Vibes, Smart FMC, Gorgeous Art, Fun Political Intrigue That's Not Too Confusing
Cons: Creepy Priest Man

So much plotting, so much politics, Intrigue and backstory galore, and through it all our family is bonding and learning.
Jeremy was one of the focal points of this volume (obviously why he's the main focus of the cover) and it was interesting to see him come to certain realisations.
Those around Shuri are also learning and changing due to her subtle influence, even though she just does everything for her own little family and it's adorbs.
Absolutely love this series!

[Lemoona · Rating 5 out of 5]

UGH THIS SERIES IS TOOOOO GOOD!!! I felt so bad for Jeremy during this volume. He had to come to terms with the fact that Shuri gave up her rights to a free life at his expense. Him pledging himself to her was such a powerful moment and it showed his dedication to her, and his promise to repay her for protecting him so far. As for Norra, it seems his father has his own reasons for choosing to raise his child the way he did. Regardless, I hope he comes to appreciate his precious child before it is too late, and Norra fully detaches from his family. I commend his mother for taking a stand for him.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did everyone love Ludovika or something…? I cried a bunch while reading this volume. I love their little family. And poor Norra deserves better because he’s literally a sweetheart.

“Only you believed in me and told me it was all right to be myself. “Because you give others courage.” That’s what I want to be. A warmth even greater than what I have felt… so I can give even more than I have received.”

“If in the future you find that, once again, the world is against you, I hope you can look to where I’ll be… standing next to you… and be at peace.”

[Cress · Rating 5 out of 5]

The political intrigue gymnastic that Shuri has to perform is just impeccable.

Is this by far a perfect or original story? No. But I want to watch her succeed against those who aim to thwart her. I don't care if a lot of the side characters read like almost cartoonish, mustache-twirling villains.

I'm here for the power-fantasy that is Shuri girl-bossing against everyone.

[L. Luck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Jeremy, his best friend and his rival both want his mom either as a mom or girl. Rough stuff… Hate that Jeremy might no longer call her “mother” out of respecting her as a person 😭 It was so cute and respectful of her position to call her that…

[Miss Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

god job shuri! i'm proud of my girl's political abilities!

(i also appreciate that this story clearly understands that the marquess was a shady guy! raising a sixteen year old to sacrifice herself for your family is sinister behavior!)

4 stars

[Sue-Is-READING · Rating 4 out of 5]

The babies sneaking into the trial haha we need more of their precious chaotic moments

Not gonna lie all the annoying ppl against the fl who is a child is so hard to read ugh annoying not obsessed with the politics but I guess we need it since they introduced the royal family

[Vianka Carrasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Para mí estos libros son una obra maestra, con un dibujo increíble, todo en ellos me parece perfecto 💘✨
Cap. Actual: 93

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Stepmother's Marchen, Vol 1 (1-17): 4.5 stars
A Stepmother's Marchen, Vol 2 (18-37): 4.5 stars
A Stepmother's Marchen, Vol 3 (38-56): 4.5 stars

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

For every girl who wanted a redo.

[Love Veridian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful ♥️

[Aurora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never thought I’d be so enthralled with what has ended up being a volume mostly full of courtroom drama. 😂 I am really enjoying this series!

[Melinda Sixtos · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the volume where so much happens and I love every bit of it. Also, super enjoy seeing the presence of strong women whether it be the Empress, the matriarch of Reihe, or Shuri herself.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love jeremy so bad oh my godddd

[VI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminado de leer 25/02/2025

[Emily Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, stunning art, a favorite, read