Steel of the Celestial Shadows, Vol. 3

太陽と月の鋼 [Taiyō to Tsuki no Hagane] #3

by Daruma Matsuura

Down-and-out samurai Ryudo Konosuke has a supernatural gift, but it is a power that has ruined his life. After fighting off a bizarre attack by a troupe of manzai comedians, Konosuke and Aki realize the forces of the Tsuchimikado clan are after them. The Tsuchimikado oversee all of the onmyoji and the gifted throughout Japan, and finding Tsuki means Konosuke must confront the powerful clan. But to do so, he will have to travel to Kyo, the capital. As Konosuke and Aki decide to put Edo behind them, another strange assassin comes calling, and life or death will depend on Konosuke controlling his power to warp metal, or losing himself to it...

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance, Graphic Novels, Seinen, Japan

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2021

About the author

Daruma Matsuura (松浦だるま) is a Japanese mangaka.
She is the author of Kasane.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.

This was a one-note volume. Nothing really seemed to move and the bugs and violence in this one were incredibly gross and off-putting for me. We get a LOT of background on the Bug Baddy, I guess to make her seem sympathetic and understandable to the reader, but it was too much for a minor level bad guy that didn't have a lot to do with the plot, unless her existence ties in somewhere in a future volume.

The only thing I liked about it was the vision we see at the end of the book. That was pretty cool, but too little too late to save this from being both "meh" and "icky" to me. The pacing was off, it dragged too much. I was unable to follow the action scenes, so glossed over them in a state of confusion and annoyance. All me reading this wrong, I have been in a bit of a reading slump recently.

I do want to read further in the series, I want to see the samurai get his girl back, but I will be looking forward to it with cautious optimism rather than the bated breath I had for the last few volumes.

2, it's probably me take this review with a grain of salt, stars.

[Libbie · Rating 4 out of 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.

[Lucille · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'aime bien cette série mais ça avance un peu trop lentement à mon goût pour le moment



Avertissement de contenu : viol, beaucoup d'insectes

[Krk · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story continues to be interesting, and I like all the historical/folklore elements. The art is sometimes a bit confusing, though. I feel like this might make a better anime than manga. Will be reading the next volume.

[Junior · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many bugs in this volume. 😖 But Aki’s vision on the last page was really cool! 😮 My least favorite volume so far (art is still incredible) but it ended on a great note, so I’ll keep going with vol. 4 when it releases. I’m still pretty confused about what is going on (a lot of the history and fortune teller groups are getting lost on me) and I thought this volume’s action and story beats went on for a bit too long. But the final chapter got me reinvested again!

[Melisande · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://accrocdeslivres.blogspot.com/...

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steel of the Celestial Shadows continues with Konosuke and Aki facing attackers sent to kill Konosuke. This volume focuses on a fight with a specific opponent with the ability to control bugs, so for readers sensitive to insects, especially insects used to kill people, it might be a good idea to just read a summary of this volume.

This volume gives me the impression that the story will focus on Konosuke and Aki's journey through Edo Japan to find Tsuki while facing a host of threats and supernatural opponents. I wonder if we will ever get back to some of the slower, romantic moments in the earlier volumes between Tsuki and Konosuke.

Overall, I'm looking forward to the next volume.

[TheReadingAngel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Volume 3 continues Konosuke and Aki’s journey in their search for Tsuki. New enemies and new revelations are abound as they fight to save all their futures and hopefully live to see their fates come true.

Brutal. Some of the scenes are so violently drawn if you know what I mean. This art does not shy away from the gory at all. So do be warned.

The story is shaping up to be very typical to me. Meet one enemy, defeat them, get a new ally, move on. I also miss the romance aspect from volume 1 but hopefully that will return in the future. Or who knows, maybe that’ll be the last chapter at the end of the series. There’s only one way to find out.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questo volume mi è piaciuto tantissimo. Madara è un'antagonista che riesce a lasciare il segno sotto molti aspetti. Ho trovato originale il suo potere e a tratti decisamente ripugnante. Grazie alla sua imboscata che ha costretto il nostro duo a combattere, Konosuke comprende che la sua maledizione forse non è veramente tale e, soprattutto, che non è da denigrare. Ancora una volta il ragazzino con la maschera di demone li strappa da una situazione critica, qual è il suo vero ruolo in tutto questo?
Comunque, l'accoppiata Aki-Konosuke funziona dannatamente bene. Sappiamo ancora pochissimo di entrambi e dei loro rispettivi poteri, ma il viaggio, dopotutto, è appena iniziato.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 read, rounded down.
The bulk of this volume was Konosuke and Ichiko having to deal with different characters trying to get them but mostly dealing with a new character Madara, who can control bugs.

Personally I hate bugs so cheers to Ichigo for doing what she does even as I sympathize with Madera thanks to her backstory. All in all Madara's backstory introduces more of the overall arc and I think someone we'll see again later as the story moves forward.

I'm intrigued by Konosuke and can't wait to see what happens in the next installment.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Konosuke and Aya are under attack from Tsuchimikado mercenaries... the Tsuchimikado clan being the ones who regulate all onmyoji sorcerers and traveling performers...

Why was Tsuki kidnapped? We don't know! We only know that Konosuke will do anything to get her back (including unlocking his own onmyoji powers) and Aya is going to help him. But first they have to survive the Bug Princess. (I really liked this character, she was pretty and had a sad backstory)

[Adam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an outstanding series that gets better and more intriguing with each volume. The characters are compelling and I appreciate the speed at which we are being presented new information as it never feels overwhelming. I recommend this book to a lot of different types of readers as it covers a lot of ground and I have high hopes for where it is heading in the future.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryudo and Aki battle a woman who controls insects and Ryuodo's gift expands.

I find myself liking the idea of these more than I do the actual read. The artwork and layout is so cluttered and confusing that at one point I was reading a scene as a flashback when it was actually just more of the story. I am ok with not reading more in this series.

[Moon_Beanzz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bugs! The story was still good but I honestly had trouble reading it due to the bugs. Disregard my rating being a little low unless you have issues with bugs. (Weirdly I’m fine with Jungle Juice?)

[Zamg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆
On retombe parce qu'on est sur un tome avec que 1 seul combat
Le pouvoir de Aki à l'air très grand aussi c'est intriguant

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Dan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a volume of manga that's basically one long decompressed DBZ-style fight scene it's got surprising emotional moments and decent worldbuilding too. Enjoying this series a lot so far!

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un tome qui est beaucoup dans l’action et qui commence à dévoiler une partie des tenants et aboutissants.
Le dessin est magistral, c’est un régal pour les yeux.

[Irene ➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Non c’è praticamente progresso in questo volume.
Bellissimi però i disegni come sempre.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this Edo historical fiction manga got me reading each book in one sitting! this bug girl gave me the creeps!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3 of Steel of the Celestial Shadows continues the story very well. We're getting more information on who the Big Bad of the story might be, and we meet a new villain who has the ability to control bugs. This particular volume is not for those who dislike bugs. In additional content warnings, there's one panel alluding to sexual assault as well. The main "fight" presents our hero with a possible end game, which leads to a new application for his effect on steel. I'm looking forward to the fourth volume. (I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Les paravers de Millina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je suis ravie de me replonger dans l'univers de Daruma Matsuura avec le troisième tome de la série. J’étais impatiente de retrouver les personnages d'Aki et de Konosuke, et découvrir s'ils vont réussir à retrouver Tsuki, la prêtresse itinérante enlevée. J'espèrais que Konosuke sera prêt à accepter l'aide d'Aki, car leur duo improbable est explosif et leur quête est emplie d'espoir.
Cependant, les ravisseurs de Tsuki ne sont pas prêts à la laisser partir si facilement, et la présence de Madara, une femme en haillons dangereuse et manipulatrice, ne fait qu’acroitre leur complexité. Les scènes de combat sont captivantes, même si j'aurais aimé avoir plus de détails sur certaines d'entre elles. L'univers surnaturel se dévoile peu à peu, mais les questions restent nombreuses et je suis impatiente de découvrir les réponses. Bien que l'intrigue principale avance lentement, je suis persuadée que Daruma Matsuura met en place les fondations pour la suite de la série, et j'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome.
En somme, ce tome est à la fois frustrant et addictif, avec suffisamment de mystère pour me garder en haleine.
Mon avis détaillé : https://lesparaversdemillina.com/la-d...

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.

Konosuke and Aki the Ichido fight off a band of assassins masquerading as performers, and finally make it out of Konosuke's house. Even though they don't have a travel permit, they decide to go after Tsuki anyway. They are almost immediately attacked by Madara, a terrifying gifted being who controls all manner of deadly bugs. She has had a tragic life full of persecution in her village and has a fierce loyalty to Haretake of the Tsuchimikado clan who have been ordered to kill Konosuke. As he is ferociously attacked, Konosuke starts to unlock some of his power and control over metal in order to save himself and Aki.

There is tons of action in this volume as Konosuke and Aki escape one battle only to be thrown into another. Konosuke has a little bit of development as he steps further into this world of supernatural people, but we didn't really get time enough to delve fully into why Aki is helping Konosuke because they keep getting interrupted. Hopefully, they'll get a moment in the next volume where she can fully explain to him what happened so it's not just the readers who are in on it. There is also an attempted rape in Madara's backstory, so this volume earns its older teen rating yet again.

​Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 10-12