The Earl and The Fairy, Vol. 3

The Earl and The Fairy #3

by Ayuko (Illustrator), Mizue Tani (Original Creator), 香魚子 (Illustrator)

Lydia Carlton is a fairy doctor,one of the few people with the ability to see the magical creatures who share our world. During one of her rare trips to London to visit her father, Lydia’s quiet life is suddenly transformed when she is rescued from kidnappers by a mysterious young man!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Historical, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Shojo

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[DianaRose · Rating 3 out of 5]

not sure how everything will be resolved in one final volume?!

[ℓуηη_σƒ_νєℓαяιѕ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new adventure is just as interesting as the previous, if not more so. We get more backstory on Edgar and his friends.

The storyline in this one involves fairy eggs, trapped demons, a missing girl, a creepy fairy called Fogman and someone from Edgar's past who may be coming for Lydia.

Rosalie, a new character, is a selfish nasty twit who treats Lydia like crap.

Raven, who is my second favorite character, is his usual calm shabby self.

And my favorite scene happens between Edgar & Nico. Edgar can't understand him, but knows he just got scolded 😂 So he makes amends with liqueur filled chocolates 🍫 Totally loved that scene!

This volume ends in a cliffhanger with Lydia getting into a sticky situation with no one aware of where she is. Sooo I'm off to read the next volume to see how that works out.

I definitely recommend this series to anyone who wants to try out manga. It's got interesting plots, great characters, and lovely artwork. I'm so glad I picked this series to try as my first foray into this literary medium 😊

[Angigames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pensavo in un ulteriore salto di qualità, ma forse sono io a questo punto a pretendere troppo. Il Conte è, come sempre, affascinante… Lydia è, come sempre, troppo ingenua, si fa infinocchiare pure da quella Stronzetta dai capelli color carota e con la puzzetta sotto il naso!
Grrr… che rabbia! 😠

[Librarian Jessie (BibliophileRoses) · Rating 5 out of 5]

That cliff-hanger still pulls at my heartstrings... What will happen next!

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this part of the story! Got a bit more background on the hero and what drives him. Also got to see the heroine's skills in action. I liked this one a lot.

[Glasdow Teacosy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After manipulating Lydia to serve as his official fairy doctor (by announcing her position to the court without asking her), Edgar sets up shop in London as the Blue Knight Earl. In this volume, the legend of the Fogman is explored, Edgar is up to something again, and new female characters (the loverly Doris Walpole, and the repulsively selfish, Rosalie) are introduced who have a mysterious connection to Edgar. Is he romantically interested in them?

Lydia struggles with her attraction to Edgar, but because of Edgar's poor communication skills, she constantly feels he is manipulating her while romancing other women. Lydia doesn't have time to worry about that, however. Doris Walpole has been taken by the Fogman and Lydia's first case as a London fairy doctor is to find her. The shame is that Edgar truly has fallen for Lydia. If only she trusted the scoundrel…

Pacing in this volume is much better than the previous one. There is a good balance between character development with action & plot development. The artwork by Ayuko is busier, which is natural since the story takes place in the city amidst the hustle and bustle of high society, yet still competent, though not as beautiful as it was in volume two.

The world building, however, was fantastic. I especially enjoyed the "history" of the fairy eggs. In this alternate Victorian England, fairy eggs are glass stones said to contain a trapped fairy. The egg is placed on top of a fortune telling board, and the players move a coin around to spell out answers from the fairy trapped in the glass. I researched this a bit, and the game is an interesting combination of a Ouija board with the Japanese game of Kokkuri San. There are no legends of glass fairy eggs in England that I could find, but there are water filled agate stones. The author, Mizue Tani, has done a wonderful job of taking disparate elements and weaving them into a fictional, but believable, tradition.

[Laura A. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/s74vpRedzBw

Good volume!

I didn't enjoy quite it as much as the previous two and don't think it was quite as strong, but I LOVE the potential romance in this one! That has been my favorite part! LOL!

However, I have really enjoyed seeing Lydia in a fairy doctor role! That has been fun and would also say it's one of my favorite parts!

The ending was quite the cliffhanger and hoping all will end well! This volume definitely was more intense…I think that's the right word. There seems much more at stake this time around or maybe it's the darker "vibes"? Not sure what the right word is but just feels more ominous than the previous volumes.

Really bummed the next volume is the final! *sobs*

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn that Rosalie. Great volume!

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how in one panel from one of the first few pages of the second chapter featured in this volume, when Lydia broaches the subject of Edgar’s past with child slavery, it’s his face illustrated against a black backdrop with a border made up of twinkles and sparkles patterned to look like dripping or floating blood. It was a nice, obviously experimental for this artist, touch. (Experimental for this artist because it seemed a bit choppy or unsure.) But I do like how it also blended into the last of Lydia’s thoughts before being interrupted.

For the overall story though, this seems to be the start of the second arc. It’s certainly interesting, albeit a bit aggravating. While some things have changed, others have stayed the same. Edgar remains mildly unpredictable except in that he’s always plotting something which he won’t speak about.
He seems to have developed (or perhaps continues to foster) a potential affection for Lydia which he wishes to pursue, but is unable to until she makes the first move. I don’t blame her for consistently pushing him away, however. One of the only types of people who would likely find Edgar attractive is probably among the same type of people who found Hans from Frozen attractive. Edgar has some redeeming qualities, but his faults outweigh them, at least in terms of a potential romantic partnership. He’s very conniving and manipulative, and the one attribute of his that you can put the utmost faith in is that he will always have a hidden agenda, with the truth only coming out during his weakest, most tender moments. But he’s perfected the ability to act out these moments in order to pretend to be emotionally exposed, when he’s always telling a lie.
I just can’t like Edgar.
I just can’t like the story very much.
So many elements feel mildly disconnected, just enough to bother me. If only the writing or editing had been a bit better, this story would have been more cohesive and enjoyable. But for a brisk read at any time of day, it’s decent, and it’s easily read when randomly put down and picked up again, which is a plus in some type of way.


I don’t like Rosalie.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third volume in the Earl and the Fairy series, there are four volumes in this series. I continue to enjoy this light and easy historical fantasy read. There is an interesting mystery in here as well as some fun banter between our characters.

In this volume Edgar has claimed his position as duke and Lydia is settling in as Edgar’s personal fairy doctor. Lydia is a bit frustrated by the lack of work she is getting and is worried that Edgar is using her as arm-candy persay.

Meanwhile children are going missing and it is supposedly the Fogman that is responsible. Lydia starts an investigation into the case and suspects that the Fogman is actually a fairy of some type.

The story didn’t make quite as much progress as I had hoped for and I am a bit worried about how everything will wrap up; especially given that there is only one more manga in the series.

The illustration is decent but not great throughout. This series remains a fun and quick read. It’s sweet and light and fluffy and a quick fun diversion.

Overall this was a good book in the Earl and the Fairy series. I have been enjoying this series. It’s not exceptional...but it is a fun, light read that is entertaining and cute. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical/Victorian manga with some fantasy in it.

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the first two volumes were like one complete “story”, volumes three and four are the same in the story and tone they tell. (which makes sense now that I noticed each of the two of these volumes were adapted from the same light novel, respectively) And this one took a more dark turn as Lydia and Edgar try to track down a missing girl that is also entangled with Edgar’s dark past.

I feel that even though Lydia doesn’t grow as dramatically as say, Yona (from Yona of the Dawn), she grows in a more silent way as she comes to terms with who Edgar is and what he’s been through even though he’s a flirt and annoys her (most likely on purpose, haha). Edgar’s dark side was more explored here too and rather than turn me off, I felt sorry for him and how his mind’s trapped in a repetitive cycle he’s desperately trying to get out of in the worst way possible, and I do hope he can break free of it soon.

I also didn’t expect this volume to touch on human trafficking and the emotional traps of how such a horrible thing scars people and just how horrible and disgusting it is to trap and enslave a human soul. The reality of it is touched on just enough to convey the horror but not go into the more graphic side which I appreciated and must have been hard to pull off as a writer/mangaka.

This is my favorite volume yet, and make sure you have volume four when you read this as this one ends on a cliffhanger. You’re welcome. ☺️😉

Content: magic and magical creatures; blood and violence (nothing over PG-13); talk of fortune telling; girls are kidnapped/disappear; a character is called a witch (she isn’t); talk of human trafficking/child slavery

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lydia is now officially Edgar's fairy doctor. Lydia and Edgar's help is enlisted to find a missing aristocratic girl, Doris Walpole. Her disappearance seems to be linked to her cousin, Rosalie, and something called a "fairy egg." Also, the girls and the egg are somehow connected to Edgar being kidnapped and sold into slavery when he was a child.

The mystery was relatively interesting, and I enjoyed Edgar's flirtiness (he keeps wanting Lydia to be jealous of the time he spends with other girls). Also, Nico was great as usual.

This is still only so-so for me - not bad, but not particularly memorable.

Extras:

A brief "story thus far" section with character profiles, three humorous four-panel comics, and a short note from the author.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

[Erin H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite volume yet. I felt certain things progressed and some mysteries are starting to wrap up. I'm curious with how this series is going to end because I've enjoyed it so far.

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot - 4 🌟
Character - 4🌟
Writing Style - 4 🌟
World Building - 5 🌟
Art - 5 🌟
Cover - 5 🌟

Overall - 4.5 🌟 / 5🌟

[Detroit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edgar is still an insufferable prick though IMO.

[Libby Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not this casually being one of the best manga series I've ever read

[Amy Keeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume feels like a build-up to something greater.

For those of you who have read the first two volumes, the story is still good. This volume doesn't contain the high drama of the first two, but it's solid storytelling, nonetheless. Rosalie strains credulity as a girl who wants Edgar all to herself (some of the dialogue made me shake my head) and Lydia sounds more like those "feisty" romance heroines who don't have much strength in and of themselves than the strong heroine she began this series as. However, it's a fun ride, and we get to see a little more of Edgar's duality and angst, which is a nice change. There are also tantalizing rumblings from his past, and more information about his distant enemy, Prince.

There are also hints that Edgar is becoming truly infatuated by Lydia. There is no love, though. Not yet.

That said, this feels like the beginning of a longer arc. It's slower than the first two in pace and yet it's a fast read. It also ends on a cliffhanger.

What frustrated me the most about this book was that I also learned, around the time volume three came out, that the series (manga) is only four volumes long. The anime runs longer, and the light novels just recently concluded. This took away a lot of my motivation from continuing the series, and is a large part of why I took so long to continue reading it. Prince is set up as a strong threat to Edgar's continued safety and, by extension, Lydia's. One volume doesn't seem like enough space to deal with that threat without giving the series an anticlimactic ending.

So, the story is good, but be warned that this series may not satisfy.

Now, on to volume four so I can find out for myself.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well... this little side story seems unnecessary for the overall story line of this book series, but at the same time, I suppose it is interesting to learn a bit more about Edgar's back story. We'll see how it all plays out.

[Bianca Tarkelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do think that Raven and Edger a not bad anymore i do like how it ended but I am sad because it is all coming to an end. I am still sad about the incident with Raven I would read this book a million times but the Fogman hahaha is a very bad guy hehe but I do think that Edgar is up to something suspicious again. But the beast part of the book is when Lidya and Edgar are on a boat all alone but Roseola had to come and mess it up. Raven finally smiled for the first time so that was amazing if you like this book let me know and have a good day. bye bye

[Intisar Khanani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better pacing than Vol 2, and a whole new mystery (although it's not really new, since history has a way of catching up with you). Talk about a cliffhanger ending! Good thing I've got Book 4 sitting next to my bed...

Also loved the running gag of Nico (the fairy cat) and the "haunted" can of tuna...

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story continues to interest me. What I thought was going to be light and silly actually has some dark undertones. The more I read, and the more I think about it, the more likely I am to suggest this book to older teens, rather than the younger st.

[◼Zaky◼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Luana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

Vabbè, ma Lydia è proprio scema: capisco che sia giovane e ingenua, ma si fa prendere per il naso anche dal primo pirla che passa per la strada. Edgar è bravissimo a raccontare balle, ma quella Rosalie si vedeva lontano un miglio che la stava pigliando per il culo...
Andiamo con ordine: la stordita è stata formalmente assunta dal nuovo conte di Ashenbert per lavorare come fairy doctor. Dopo un inizio un po' stentato, arriva forse un caso su cui indagare: la scomparsa di una giovane nobile (cugina della stronza sopra citata), una sparizione legata all'uovo delle fate - un gioco da ragazzine, ma anche il nome di un particolare tipo di agata in grado di intrappolare fate e altre creature pericolose. Una pietra legata a doppio filo anche con il passato di Edgar...forse è la volta buona che scopriamo l'identità di questo Principe e di chi ha venduto come schiavi i ragazzini fatti sparire da Londra.

[Ziα Đαdiпα · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rovinosa caduta verso il basso......
La trama che conoscevamo sul cavaliere blu e la spada si è "conclusa" il volume scorso ed effettivamente ero curiosa di sapere il continuo, magari sperando si incentrasse di più sui protagonisti.. invece direi che è proprio l'opposto, si parte con un nuovo "caso" da risolvere: curioso visto che il prossimo volume sarà l'ultimo..

A sto punto mi domando perchè, vista l'evidente mutazione di questa serie in mini puntate su (parecchi) avvenimenti e misteri da sciogliere riguardanti le fate, non abbiano anche proseguito il manga in tal senso (tipo detective conan) anzichè concluderla solo al quarto volume.
Non che mi aspettassi 70 volumi per carità, ma una decina ci potevano anche stare eh! Magari approfondire un pò anche la parte romantica, che speravo fosse andata di pari passo con la scoperta del cavaliere blu... e invece, serie rovinata -.-

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'll just review the third and fourth books as a whole since they are pretty much their own story arc separate from the first two. I still liked them a lot, despite the fairy lore aspects kind of taking a back seat. Edgar just keeps getting more and more interesting, although (spoiler alert) I did think it was very strange that he would use Lydia as bait if he wanted so badly for her to like and trust him. Plus, the sword played such a huge part in the first two books, but aside from a brief mention it doesn't come up at all in these two. Apart from those odd bits, I enjoyed the mystery behind the Fogman, and the conclusion of the series.

[Maraya21 (The Reading Dragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new adventure begins as Lydia begins her employment under Earl Edgar in London. Rumors and mysterious disappearances happen in foggy London town. Is it fairies? Or is it something else?

And in the meantime, jealousy is sparking from both Edgar and Lydia even as she denies ever having feelings in the first place.

Meanwhile, Raven is just doing his thing in the background. He's mostly confused.

This series has 4 volumes.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here we are back at it again with this frustrating relationship.

Can Edgar please, for the love of god, just tell Lydia he likes her and stop lying about/hiding EVERYTHING from her?!

And I like Lydia, she's sweet, but MY GOD GIRL, stop trusting this man.

loved the art, love the plot, I'm super sad it ends in the next book!

[Ting Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story continues to be surprisingly multi-layered; nothing rly is a coincidence in this series. also rly enjoy the complexity of edgar and lydia, both imperfect but understandable in their actions and motivations.

[Kristin ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

The introduction of the new love interest that basically is a cartoon villian just feels unecessary at this point in the story. Feels like there were more interesting things that could have been focused on. The main couple is as frustrating as ever.