A Stepmother's Marchen Vol. 4

어떤 계모님의 메르헨 [Eoddeon Gyaemo-nim-eui Märchen] (Comic) #4

by ORKA (Illustrator), Spice&Kitty

TWISTED FATES

Before the marchioness Shuri Von Neuschwanstein was granted a redo of her last seven years, she was ambushed on her way to a new life on the morning of Jeremy’s wedding. For the first time, the events leading up to her death and rebirth are revealed—along with the aftermath of the horrific event. Shuri’s death causes an uproar in the empire, especially when blame is placed on refugees from the country of Safavid. It seems the empire will go to war, unless Jeremy, Norra, and others close to Shuri can find the true culprit. Are the events of Shuri’s previous life connected to her second chance life in some way? Who, or what, brought her back from certain death—and to what end?

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

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

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2022

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one I really liked. We got the flashback of the end of her previous life and some background about the prince and cardinal. The prince…. Seems creepy. But Norria as an adult was so handsome and his feelings were so sweet. I hope they are end game.

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

This volume had me hooked. There’s just something so emotionally satisfying about seeing the aftermath of Shuri’s first life—especially from the POV of those she left behind. The flashbacks hit hard, especially Nora’s heartbreak and the twins’ grief. You really feel the weight of her absence and how deeply it shaped everyone.

Adult Nora? Handsome. Tender. Respectful. Sweet. Honestly, I’m praying he’s endgame because that man has earned it. His unwavering devotion gives this volume a soft core amid all the looming chaos. And Shuri’s found family? The best. The empress is hilarious and unexpectedly adorable, and their dynamics add levity to an otherwise heavy storyline.

We also got deeper dives into Prince Theobald and Cardinal’s backstories… and YEAH. I get it. Childhood trauma. But that doesn’t excuse how unhinged they are as adults. The prince especially gives off creepy, possessive energy, and the cardinal’s cult origin story is… wild. Like, imagine nearly dying, seeing the light, and then still choosing to be evil. Make it make sense 😭

The political tensions are ramping up, and the time skip was handled so well. It’s refreshing to see the characters mature emotionally and forge deeper bonds. The subtle growth in the children-now-young-adults makes the world feel alive and moving forward.

I’m loving the direction this is going. Just protect Shuri at all costs please—and someone throw the priest in the trash where he belongs 🙏

[و · Rating 5 out of 5]

they are the best family, btw i adore the queen she is so funny and cute hehe

[Shaun Trinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is mad sinister

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

This volume we find ourselves in the past (which is technically the future?) where we witness the events surrounding Shuri's leaving and death from her family and Nora's POV, and the subsequent downfall of the world. There's such vivid imagery and emotions depicting those left behind, including Jeremy, Nora and the twins.
We get more of Prince Theobald's backstory which makes one sad for the kid, but the adult him is still creepy and possessive.
We also get culty priest's backstory and turns out he was born a creep, almost died, but his enlightening moment failed so drastically he continued his creepy cult just under a different tag.
I loved seeing their more adult selves after a time-skip and I can't wait to see their future, though I wish only death on cult man and anyone who is evilly plotting against our leading lady, Shuri.

[R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of backstory in this volume, even going into events that took place after Shuri's death in her first life, which would be a complete mystery to her. Despite the new challenges with the political factions, it seems that at least the core group of characters are growing up well and forging new bonds that are good to see. Hopefully, this will continue to have a positive downstream effect, even though it seems at least the church and the crown prince have various hidden agendas that could cause more than a few problems along the way.

[Anastasia Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

the found family, politics, romance, characters and lore are very interesting and blend together BEAUTIFULLY. The amount of depth given to each character other than being 'petty and mean' or 'generic evil' is so refreshing to read in the isekai community.

This genuinely has to be one of my favourites of all time. It's obvious how much detail and care the author put in this story compared to other isekai/reincarnation manhwas and I adore them for it. The art style is STUNNING.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting to see the backstories of so many key characters (though it is a lot at once to get those and the details of the end of Shuri's first life), and Shuri's original death is so tragic each time I read it.

As always the art is exquisite, and I root even harder for Shuri and Norra to get together!

[Miss Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

the sudden switch to backstory was surprising but provided interesting context on shuri's past life! her second round seems to be going much better for her, shuri really clocked the importance of building supportive relationships. i love her little mom talk sessions with nurnberger and the queen, her favored niece energy is coming through strong

4 stars

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite volume yet, so I’m glad to own a hard copy. The backstory is something I wish was provided for a lot of these regression type stories when there are unanswered questions. To be honest in reading this story I hadn’t considered what emotions they were feeling in the past but the recap really exceeded by expectations. Beautiful art as always

[Lemoona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her death in her past life… absolutely dreadful. This volume was quite dark. I don’t know that I wanted the details of Shuri’s death, and what followed. It’s upsetting that her children are filled with so much regret after she dies, and that Norra lost the only person he truly loved. Did Norra’s prayers bring her back?

[Skye (Skye's Scribblings) · Rating 2 out of 5]

9/24 I did not enjoy the sudden drop into lengthy backstories for most of this volume, and was glad when it finally returned to the main story at the end - took way too long to get there tho, and now I'm wary for the next volume.

[K Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy reading the flashbacks and found this volume boring because of it. However I understand it is important for me to know. The saving grace was the final chapter where we were back in the present.

[ri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um hello?? Adult Nora and shuli??

[alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

el arte de esta autora es uno de los mejores 💗

[nas · Rating 5 out of 5]

AARGGHH IM IN LOVE WITH THEMMM

[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
A Stepmother's Marchen, Vol 4 (57-69): 4.5 stars

[ju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol 4 ( 57 - 69 ) —> 4.25

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

For every girl who wanted a redo.

[nibha ⋆˚꩜｡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

my babies on the cover 😭🫶🏻

[Love Veridian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gets me more and more twisted every time. I love the chase and the mystery, the characters really have me in a sense of awe.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the flashback to after she died i think i might throw up

[VI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminado de leer 25/02/2025

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the backstory actually making me sad 😭

[A.A.K · Rating 5 out of 5]

i ascended.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

back stories as more!

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't really a huge fan of most of it being a flashback of what happened in the previous life. I feel like we should have been limited to what Shuri knew from that timeline.

[BookTrovert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was interesting. The writer gave more information, and the plot thickens.

[padma · Rating 5 out of 5]

review written of season 1 (ep 57-69): the angst 🫠 (but also there was a timeskip, so nearly adult norra and shuri ahhh!)

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While I could not reveal myself to you, I developed a yearning for every single fiber of you. If you had been my lover, if I had been able to protect you, I wouldn’t have made you live a life riddled with criticism.”