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太陽よりも眩しい星 [Taiyō Yori mo Mabushii Hoshi] #1
A Star Brighter than the Sun, Vol. 1
You don’t have to be a star to shine.
Sae has always been taller and stronger than the average girl. Koki used to be smaller and weaker than the average boy. But now that he’s in high school, he’s tall and super popular! Will their childhood friendship rekindle…and maybe develop into something more?
Sae and Koki have been friends since childhood. One fateful day at the end of middle school, she has a revelation: Koki has grown up! Now they’re in high school, and she has another revelation: she has feelings for Koki! But Sae isn’t the only girl who does… The question is, who does Koki have feelings for?!
Sae has always been taller and stronger than the average girl. Koki used to be smaller and weaker than the average boy. But now that he’s in high school, he’s tall and super popular! Will their childhood friendship rekindle…and maybe develop into something more?
Sae and Koki have been friends since childhood. One fateful day at the end of middle school, she has a revelation: Koki has grown up! Now they’re in high school, and she has another revelation: she has feelings for Koki! But Sae isn’t the only girl who does… The question is, who does Koki have feelings for?!
216 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2021
19 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Kazune Kawahara
164 books289 followers• Birth Date: March 11th, 1972
• Blood Type: A
• Zodiac: Pisces
Kazune Kawahara (河原和音) made her manga debut at age 18 with Kare no Ichiban Sukina Hito (His Most Favorite Person). Also, while thinking of her manga, she often spaces out and brings grocery baskets home. Adores her nieces.
• Blood Type: A
• Zodiac: Pisces
Kazune Kawahara (河原和音) made her manga debut at age 18 with Kare no Ichiban Sukina Hito (His Most Favorite Person). Also, while thinking of her manga, she often spaces out and brings grocery baskets home. Adores her nieces.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 14, 2025
FIRST IMPRESSION VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/URvDUhAjBzs
4.5 stars
SO CUTE!! SO WHOLESOME!!
I have to laugh at myself because I recently told people I wouldn't buy manga just for the art, but with Kawahara Sensei, I definitely would! It was so very wonderful to be reading one of her works again as I have deeply loved all her stories thus far, and this one of course is no exception!
I think the thing that surprised me most about this volume though is how slowburn it is compared to her other series. It sort of gave me Kimi ni Todoke vibes in the sense that Sae is very much an internalizer and a lot of her thoughts are only voiced to us the reader, not the characters around her. I don't think that's a bad thing and didn't mind at all, but I think it does create a slower pace when reading because there isn't quite as much engagement with other characters.
However, I feel that slowly changed the more the volume continues because Sae makes friends and begins to have "girl talk," which was so cute! Though admittedly I was nervous about these "friends" and if they would REALLY be Sae's friend, but I shouldn't have worried because they have both been amazing! I love how each girl is very different from the other yet they still have this fun trio together. It's great!
When it comes to Koki, I'm pretty sure my heart felt all the warm fuzzies every time he smiled because he has a smile made of gold and sunshine! It's so bright and I couldn't help but be happy and smile with him! Plus, he truly is a very wonderful character and I am believing that the girl he likes is for sure Sae. Like there can't possibly be anyone else! LOL!
I'm so excited for the next volume and see what happens next! This first volume might have been slower than I anticipated, but I loved the art and story deeply!
4.5 stars
SO CUTE!! SO WHOLESOME!!
I have to laugh at myself because I recently told people I wouldn't buy manga just for the art, but with Kawahara Sensei, I definitely would! It was so very wonderful to be reading one of her works again as I have deeply loved all her stories thus far, and this one of course is no exception!
I think the thing that surprised me most about this volume though is how slowburn it is compared to her other series. It sort of gave me Kimi ni Todoke vibes in the sense that Sae is very much an internalizer and a lot of her thoughts are only voiced to us the reader, not the characters around her. I don't think that's a bad thing and didn't mind at all, but I think it does create a slower pace when reading because there isn't quite as much engagement with other characters.
However, I feel that slowly changed the more the volume continues because Sae makes friends and begins to have "girl talk," which was so cute! Though admittedly I was nervous about these "friends" and if they would REALLY be Sae's friend, but I shouldn't have worried because they have both been amazing! I love how each girl is very different from the other yet they still have this fun trio together. It's great!
When it comes to Koki, I'm pretty sure my heart felt all the warm fuzzies every time he smiled because he has a smile made of gold and sunshine! It's so bright and I couldn't help but be happy and smile with him! Plus, he truly is a very wonderful character and I am believing that the girl he likes is for sure Sae. Like there can't possibly be anyone else! LOL!
I'm so excited for the next volume and see what happens next! This first volume might have been slower than I anticipated, but I loved the art and story deeply!
May 29, 2025
I completely LOVED this one. Sweet, gentle and childhood friends to maybe more??? We only see from the MC h's POV and the angst was the perfect amount for me. I don't like overly dramatic stuff, but this felt realistic and who hasn't had an unrequited crush before? Took me back to my impressionable youth, with rose colored glasses, lol. Living through it once was enough for me, thankyouverymuch! I am rooting for the MC h and can't wait to continue the series. Though the MC H needs to step up his game. I would even welcome a love triangle, with her ending up with the new love interest. The MC H is that stand-offish re: feeling more than friendship.
Ok, so maybe a want a little more drama, lol.
5, this just hit the spot with me, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
Ok, so maybe a want a little more drama, lol.
5, this just hit the spot with me, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
It’s been a few years since I read Kazune Kawahara’s High School Debut, which was one of the first shojo I ever read. I didn’t venture very far into the genre at the time, but I’ve come a reeeeally long way.
Kawahara, however, after scoring a pretty popular hit with that series, followed up with My Love Story and another series as well. The former was also very popular and is still running, though I didn’t get around to it.
When a new series launched, however? Heck yes, in theory. And we start out with the taller, larger Sae, who is very self-conscious and conspicuous due to her size. Suddenly, the possibility of another I Wanna Do Bad Things With You seemed likely. Or even a Lovely*Complex, if you want to go farther back.
But not so much, unfortunately. Oh, I like Sae, a lot, as a character. She’s got confidence issues to overcome and having her childhood friend Koki suddenly back in the frame means that things are going to get teenage awkward as they figure themselves out.
Seeing Sae being there for Koki when he was young was a really fun starting place and a nice way to show how she liked him and why he just might like her (a possibility that’s left pointlessly vague; Sae’s confidence will keep them apart long enough). She’s kind of a badass during that dodgeball scene.
No, Sae is not the problem. Koki is. He is apparently attractive, but the art is cripplingly wonky at times and he has the personality of a damp saltine with the salt removed. That’s a one-two punch that the manga suddenly introduces and cannot get past - his smile feels ghastly by the end of the book.
He’s a little shy and pretty kind and fiercely loyal, but there’s nothing about him that makes me at all interested in learning more about him. I kept trying, Sae sees something in him after all, but it just never clicked.
The supporting cast is largely a big nothing as well, except for that one stone-faced girl that enters their friend group. She is the best part of the whole volume; she delivers a line about bears that had me in stitches it was so deadpan.
Otherwise it’s the annoying guy who goes too far ragging on Sae so he gets put in his place by Koki, and the super attractive girl in class who follows the least interesting path by immediately going after Koki.
It’s almost too traditional. Combined with cardboard boy and the really ungainly art at times, it just doesn’t make me half as pleased with it as I was hoping. I was so excited, but ultimately rather let down. It’s decent, but you’d have no trouble at all finding a variety of shojo that do this same thing, or at least various parts of it, but way better.
3 stars - I’ll give this a second volume out of respect and because there are some bright spots here and there. Also, Sae is a great hero who probably deserves better. I hope next time she gets it.
Kawahara, however, after scoring a pretty popular hit with that series, followed up with My Love Story and another series as well. The former was also very popular and is still running, though I didn’t get around to it.
When a new series launched, however? Heck yes, in theory. And we start out with the taller, larger Sae, who is very self-conscious and conspicuous due to her size. Suddenly, the possibility of another I Wanna Do Bad Things With You seemed likely. Or even a Lovely*Complex, if you want to go farther back.
But not so much, unfortunately. Oh, I like Sae, a lot, as a character. She’s got confidence issues to overcome and having her childhood friend Koki suddenly back in the frame means that things are going to get teenage awkward as they figure themselves out.
Seeing Sae being there for Koki when he was young was a really fun starting place and a nice way to show how she liked him and why he just might like her (a possibility that’s left pointlessly vague; Sae’s confidence will keep them apart long enough). She’s kind of a badass during that dodgeball scene.
No, Sae is not the problem. Koki is. He is apparently attractive, but the art is cripplingly wonky at times and he has the personality of a damp saltine with the salt removed. That’s a one-two punch that the manga suddenly introduces and cannot get past - his smile feels ghastly by the end of the book.
He’s a little shy and pretty kind and fiercely loyal, but there’s nothing about him that makes me at all interested in learning more about him. I kept trying, Sae sees something in him after all, but it just never clicked.
The supporting cast is largely a big nothing as well, except for that one stone-faced girl that enters their friend group. She is the best part of the whole volume; she delivers a line about bears that had me in stitches it was so deadpan.
Otherwise it’s the annoying guy who goes too far ragging on Sae so he gets put in his place by Koki, and the super attractive girl in class who follows the least interesting path by immediately going after Koki.
It’s almost too traditional. Combined with cardboard boy and the really ungainly art at times, it just doesn’t make me half as pleased with it as I was hoping. I was so excited, but ultimately rather let down. It’s decent, but you’d have no trouble at all finding a variety of shojo that do this same thing, or at least various parts of it, but way better.
3 stars - I’ll give this a second volume out of respect and because there are some bright spots here and there. Also, Sae is a great hero who probably deserves better. I hope next time she gets it.
March 15, 2025
Great start to the series! Love all the blushy boy faces!! Sui was getting on my nerves but then she turned out to be ok since she didn’t turn out to be rivals with Iwa! I’m excited to read the next volume!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2025
A sweet but slow high school romance. Iwata has had a crush on Kamishiro since elementary school when he used to be smaller than her. Now they’re first years in high school and finally in the same class. But Iwata has an inferioirty complex because she’s bigger and stronger than others, so she doesn’t dare to approach Kami, no matter how friendly and kind he is, especially since he’s now tall, strong and handsome. But she finds it kind of annoying that others are crushing on him.
This wasn’t much of a romance, yet, just one-sided pining. Iwata makes new friends in her new school, and manages to confess her crush on Kami to one of them, but that’s as far as it goes here. The volume ends with her learning that he has a crush on someone. I’m pretty sure it’s her, but neither manages to get their mouth open and get matters cleared.
Chapters were long and slow, but nice slices of life. The focus is very much at school life, so there’s nothing about the home life of either character. Art was nice. I might read another volume, but I hope the story picks up the pace a little.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This wasn’t much of a romance, yet, just one-sided pining. Iwata makes new friends in her new school, and manages to confess her crush on Kami to one of them, but that’s as far as it goes here. The volume ends with her learning that he has a crush on someone. I’m pretty sure it’s her, but neither manages to get their mouth open and get matters cleared.
Chapters were long and slow, but nice slices of life. The focus is very much at school life, so there’s nothing about the home life of either character. Art was nice. I might read another volume, but I hope the story picks up the pace a little.
I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
خیلی کیوت و عشقن😭❤️
June 9, 2025
I hate to admit that the first chapter in this first volume made me cry. I don’t think any story has made me emotional this quickly. Sae was relatable to me, so I connected with her immediately and was rooting for her throughout this volume. This series is going to wreck me once it ends.
The plot of this manga is a common one. An unrequited love story told in the protagonist’s perspective, unknowing that it is quite possible for their love to be requited. The story’s pacing is quick and it doesn’t shy away from depicting characters that are realistic. There is a bit of drama but I liked how it’s quickly resolved, leaving no room for love triangles, misunderstandings or negative emotions.
Sae is relatable to me and I liked how she’s slowly taking the steps to overcome her insecurity and pursue her childhood friend, once again. Her thoughts are the driving force behind volume one and it’s interesting to witness how they change as time goes by. There are multiple external factors that make Sae realize and act upon her feelings and it was an overall positive progress. I absolutely enjoyed how this volume interwove Sae’s thoughts while ensuring the plot moved with the help of other characters.
The other characters were all good, except one who made rude remarks about Sae. I’m glad Koki kicked him. The rest are all supportive and inclusive and I liked how they didn’t make any remakes about Sae’s above average height. I liked how they each had a different personality because it made the story more colorful as well as it made a good group of friends.
The artwork is simplistic but has a magic touch to it. It’s expressive and leans into depicting character emotions through their body language, facial movements, speech bubbles and iconographic backgrounds. The overall artwork is soft and subtle and yet, it feels pointed.
Overall, this was an intriguing and enjoyable read. I liked how it was focused on Sae and whether or not she’ll allow herself to accept and act on her feelings for Koki. I also liked how Koki isn’t an airhead and didn’t give mixed signals to any other girls to cause any greater misunderstandings. It’s really a sweet story and I definitely recommend reading this one!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
The plot of this manga is a common one. An unrequited love story told in the protagonist’s perspective, unknowing that it is quite possible for their love to be requited. The story’s pacing is quick and it doesn’t shy away from depicting characters that are realistic. There is a bit of drama but I liked how it’s quickly resolved, leaving no room for love triangles, misunderstandings or negative emotions.
Sae is relatable to me and I liked how she’s slowly taking the steps to overcome her insecurity and pursue her childhood friend, once again. Her thoughts are the driving force behind volume one and it’s interesting to witness how they change as time goes by. There are multiple external factors that make Sae realize and act upon her feelings and it was an overall positive progress. I absolutely enjoyed how this volume interwove Sae’s thoughts while ensuring the plot moved with the help of other characters.
The other characters were all good, except one who made rude remarks about Sae. I’m glad Koki kicked him. The rest are all supportive and inclusive and I liked how they didn’t make any remakes about Sae’s above average height. I liked how they each had a different personality because it made the story more colorful as well as it made a good group of friends.
The artwork is simplistic but has a magic touch to it. It’s expressive and leans into depicting character emotions through their body language, facial movements, speech bubbles and iconographic backgrounds. The overall artwork is soft and subtle and yet, it feels pointed.
Overall, this was an intriguing and enjoyable read. I liked how it was focused on Sae and whether or not she’ll allow herself to accept and act on her feelings for Koki. I also liked how Koki isn’t an airhead and didn’t give mixed signals to any other girls to cause any greater misunderstandings. It’s really a sweet story and I definitely recommend reading this one!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
May 6, 2025
It's not bad, but it's a pretty typical teen school romance manga so far. Would love a meaningful depiction of characters addressing their body image issues, but nothing yet.
July 2, 2025
An absolute delight of a first volume. I ended up devouring it in mostly one seating because I couldn't put it down. Compared to My Love Story!!, this series is more introspective. However, it's every bit just as sweet and earnest.
Sae is an endearing protagonist. She's kind but also very oblivious. She's reluctant to act on her feelings because she doesn't think they're requited, even though judging from the way Koki is acting, all signs are pointing to yes. Personally, I'm a sucker for love stories about people are too in their heads. Most of the time, it's not external factors keeping people apart but their own insecurities and hangups. I find that realistic, not to mention relatable.
The art is great. Kazune Kawahara is clearly a veteran mangaka who's been doing this for a long time. With many panels and pages, it's obvious that we're seeing Sae or Koki from the other's point of view. Kawahara takes so much care in drawing her characters that you can feel love and tenderness they have for each other. It's enough to my heart ache.
There are also some panels that stood out to me. For instance, the flashback set in the gym class, which Sae is overlaid with her younger self. Another one is of Sae is being talked at by Sui and gets bandoozled with speech bubbles. It's such a smart and fun way of capturing Sae's disorientation visually.
Currently waiting for my library hold on Vol. 2 to come in so I can devour it just as fast.
Sae is an endearing protagonist. She's kind but also very oblivious. She's reluctant to act on her feelings because she doesn't think they're requited, even though judging from the way Koki is acting, all signs are pointing to yes. Personally, I'm a sucker for love stories about people are too in their heads. Most of the time, it's not external factors keeping people apart but their own insecurities and hangups. I find that realistic, not to mention relatable.
The art is great. Kazune Kawahara is clearly a veteran mangaka who's been doing this for a long time. With many panels and pages, it's obvious that we're seeing Sae or Koki from the other's point of view. Kawahara takes so much care in drawing her characters that you can feel love and tenderness they have for each other. It's enough to my heart ache.
There are also some panels that stood out to me. For instance, the flashback set in the gym class, which Sae is overlaid with her younger self. Another one is of Sae is being talked at by Sui and gets bandoozled with speech bubbles. It's such a smart and fun way of capturing Sae's disorientation visually.
Currently waiting for my library hold on Vol. 2 to come in so I can devour it just as fast.
November 22, 2025
Cute and saccharine. Iwata and Koki are super adorable and I can’t wait to see this yearning play out charmingly 🤭🤭
March 31, 2025
2.5. Sae is fine I like that she is. Or super socially awkward even though people make her feel a type of way about her height but Koki is kind of dull. He seems nice I suppose but just dull.
April 2, 2025
3.25. This is a great time. My idea of what classic shoujo looks like, minus any of the problematic dynamics you used to find in older shoujo (I’m looking at you Boys Over Flowers…).The protagonist has mild Sadako from Kimi ni Todoke energy, a total sweetie in ways obvious to all but her, which is part of this volume’s humor and charm; she’s a big sister to everyone and her shy crush will speak up to defend her.
April 9, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for providing me a copy of this manga. So excited to read some shoujo manga. 😌💛💫
July 2, 2025
This was really cute. I've been looking for a low stakes manga and I'm intrigued to see how this goes....
July 12, 2025
3.5/5 stars — Daww the cute, like and double tap so it can live to the cute! Not to get overly tropey but I do enjoy “slowburn friends to lovers”stories where the male love interest isn’t an asshole or overly aloof so this checks all the right boxes. Sae’s friend Sui is the goat, I like how much she’s rooting for Sae and trying to initiate moments between Sae and Koki. The ending was really sweet! I just kinda wish Sae would stop professing her love inside her head like girl I get it
July 26, 2025
ahhhhh it is so cute! I love it! But also... this is so definitely requited love... I wonder how long this is going to drag on.
August 22, 2025
4 stars. Great start. I love the set-up and budding friendship of the girls
January 16, 2026
Super duper cute 🥰
December 24, 2025
This is such a cute manga! I really like all the characters. I’m not the biggest fan of the artwork, but oh well, the story makes up for it.
February 20, 2025
Super cute!
I received an e-copy from Viz Media via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sae (Iwa) and Koki were basically best friends all through elementary school. Koki used to be kind of short and people would make fun of him a bit for his fussiness regarding food and, obviously, his height. Sae was always kind of tall, especially for a girl, which wasn't a problem when she was young, but start to be as they enter their final junior high year. Sae has been secretly crushing on Koki since elementary school, but didn't think he was interested in her that way.
In junior high they were no longer in each other's classes, which is covered briefly, but then high school hits and they are reunited...and Koki grew. And got hot. She discovers that she still has those feelings, but rapidly comes to realize she's not the only one. Koki keeps reaching out to her, claiming that he needs to 'get even' with her for all the help she gave him when they were younger. Something like a friendship blooms, but when a humor goes around that Koki likes someone, she's not so sure where she stands. But even if he's not interested in HER, she hopes he will find his feeling requited.
So what did I think?
This manga reminds me of another I read quite awhile ago. The one where the girl is tall and the boy is short so they both think they are no good for the other because they deserve better or whatever. This reminds me a lot of that one, only both Sae and Koki are kind, thoughtful, non-prickly people. The short guy was prickly about people making fun of his height. lol To the outside viewer it's pretty obvious that Iwa and Koki are probably crushing on each other, but they are too self-conscious or shy to just come out with it.
The support characters are a bit of a mixed bag, but I'm relieved the author didn't go for all the high school slice-of-life clichés and didn't make Sae's new friend, who is also crushing on Koki, an underhanded love-rival posing as a friend. Instead, she seems like a genuine friend who respects Sae's feeling as much as Sae respects hers. And I like the friend with the glasses. lol Zero interest in boys, kinda of literal in how she perceives things. Koki's one friend needs to be smacked though. He really likes picking on Iwa and thinks there's nothing wrong with it.
The art was pretty nice, but nothing to write home about. The story is interesting and I had no issue sitting down and powering through this volume in a single lunch break! So that should say something to you. I hope to read additional volumes in the future!
I received an e-copy from Viz Media via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sae (Iwa) and Koki were basically best friends all through elementary school. Koki used to be kind of short and people would make fun of him a bit for his fussiness regarding food and, obviously, his height. Sae was always kind of tall, especially for a girl, which wasn't a problem when she was young, but start to be as they enter their final junior high year. Sae has been secretly crushing on Koki since elementary school, but didn't think he was interested in her that way.
In junior high they were no longer in each other's classes, which is covered briefly, but then high school hits and they are reunited...and Koki grew. And got hot. She discovers that she still has those feelings, but rapidly comes to realize she's not the only one. Koki keeps reaching out to her, claiming that he needs to 'get even' with her for all the help she gave him when they were younger. Something like a friendship blooms, but when a humor goes around that Koki likes someone, she's not so sure where she stands. But even if he's not interested in HER, she hopes he will find his feeling requited.
So what did I think?
This manga reminds me of another I read quite awhile ago. The one where the girl is tall and the boy is short so they both think they are no good for the other because they deserve better or whatever. This reminds me a lot of that one, only both Sae and Koki are kind, thoughtful, non-prickly people. The short guy was prickly about people making fun of his height. lol To the outside viewer it's pretty obvious that Iwa and Koki are probably crushing on each other, but they are too self-conscious or shy to just come out with it.
The support characters are a bit of a mixed bag, but I'm relieved the author didn't go for all the high school slice-of-life clichés and didn't make Sae's new friend, who is also crushing on Koki, an underhanded love-rival posing as a friend. Instead, she seems like a genuine friend who respects Sae's feeling as much as Sae respects hers. And I like the friend with the glasses. lol Zero interest in boys, kinda of literal in how she perceives things. Koki's one friend needs to be smacked though. He really likes picking on Iwa and thinks there's nothing wrong with it.
The art was pretty nice, but nothing to write home about. The story is interesting and I had no issue sitting down and powering through this volume in a single lunch break! So that should say something to you. I hope to read additional volumes in the future!
December 2, 2025
"It's just a crush. She's totally out of my league. You know how uncool I am, Iwata. I used to be scrawny, and I'm not that smart. For now, I'm just doing my best to catch up to her level. To me, she's a star that shines brighter than the sun."
3,5
Quanti volumi ci vorrano prima che i due protagonisti capiscano che la persona di cui sono innamorati è proprio lì davanti a loro e non uno sconosciuto qualsiasi? Sui sentimenti di Sae, ci sono pochi dubbi, visto che vengono ripetuti più volte nel corso di questo primo volume - sentimenti che hanno preso forma fin dai tempi delle scuole elementari, quando Koki non era il ragazzo popolare e di bell'aspetto che è adesso. Era piccolo, gracile e veniva spesso protetto da Sae. Un sentimento che non è venuto meno durante gli anni delle scuole medie, quando i contatti tra i due si sono ridotti, e che si fa sempre più forte adesso che si sono riavvicinati e sono di nuovo compagni di classe alle superiori.
A dirla tutta, il lettore non sa molto dei sentimenti di Koki (la storia è dal punto di vista di Sae), però si possono cogliere degli indizi da certi suoi atteggiamenti (ovviamente, come da copione, Sae non coglie un tubo 🤣 un atteggiamento legato a doppio filo anche alle insicurezze che la ragazza si porta dietro, soprattutto per via del suo fisico - è decisamente più alta e forte delle compagne -, cosa che va un po' a minare la sua autostima e la consapevolezza del suo valore...peraltro, nemmeno Koki fa dell'alta autostima il suo cavallo di battaglia, come si può ben notare dalla citazione sopra).
Insomma, siamo di fronte al classico caso di due personaggi convinti di provare un amore non corrisposto, quando la verità non potrebbe essere più diversa 😩 già che Sae è riuscita a confidarsi con un paio di compagne e ad ammettere ad alta voce i propri sentimenti, è un passo avanti non da poco. Vorrei capire se sarà Koki a prendere il coraggio a due mani o se qualcuno li aiuterà a venirsi incontro.
Comunque ho iniziato questa serie dopo aver visto i primissimi episodi dell'anime. I due protagonisti mi fanno tanta tenerezza, spero solo di non trovarmi davanti a troppo drama gratuito. Vedremo se i prossimo volumi riusciranno a convincermi del tutto 🤔
3,5
Quanti volumi ci vorrano prima che i due protagonisti capiscano che la persona di cui sono innamorati è proprio lì davanti a loro e non uno sconosciuto qualsiasi? Sui sentimenti di Sae, ci sono pochi dubbi, visto che vengono ripetuti più volte nel corso di questo primo volume - sentimenti che hanno preso forma fin dai tempi delle scuole elementari, quando Koki non era il ragazzo popolare e di bell'aspetto che è adesso. Era piccolo, gracile e veniva spesso protetto da Sae. Un sentimento che non è venuto meno durante gli anni delle scuole medie, quando i contatti tra i due si sono ridotti, e che si fa sempre più forte adesso che si sono riavvicinati e sono di nuovo compagni di classe alle superiori.
A dirla tutta, il lettore non sa molto dei sentimenti di Koki (la storia è dal punto di vista di Sae), però si possono cogliere degli indizi da certi suoi atteggiamenti (ovviamente, come da copione, Sae non coglie un tubo 🤣 un atteggiamento legato a doppio filo anche alle insicurezze che la ragazza si porta dietro, soprattutto per via del suo fisico - è decisamente più alta e forte delle compagne -, cosa che va un po' a minare la sua autostima e la consapevolezza del suo valore...peraltro, nemmeno Koki fa dell'alta autostima il suo cavallo di battaglia, come si può ben notare dalla citazione sopra).
Insomma, siamo di fronte al classico caso di due personaggi convinti di provare un amore non corrisposto, quando la verità non potrebbe essere più diversa 😩 già che Sae è riuscita a confidarsi con un paio di compagne e ad ammettere ad alta voce i propri sentimenti, è un passo avanti non da poco. Vorrei capire se sarà Koki a prendere il coraggio a due mani o se qualcuno li aiuterà a venirsi incontro.
Comunque ho iniziato questa serie dopo aver visto i primissimi episodi dell'anime. I due protagonisti mi fanno tanta tenerezza, spero solo di non trovarmi davanti a troppo drama gratuito. Vedremo se i prossimo volumi riusciranno a convincermi del tutto 🤔
February 6, 2025
More Good (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
This subtle slice-of-life romance has a great set of characters and a lot of heartfelt moments. I never felt bored and enjoyed reading through the entire volume. There's nothing flashy here - just a straight-forward high school romance.Story: Sae is a bit awkward - taller than most of the girls and more plainly spoken, she's the one everyone depends upon. Her childhood friend, Koki, grew from a shy and short kid to the most popular guy in the school. They still sort of have their friendship but Sae has little hope that Koki would reciprocate her now grown up feelings for him. But a fresh start in high school means new possibilities for both Sae and Koki.
The story starts as Sae hasn't seen Koki for awhile and now they end up in the same school - much to her delight and despair. But she is a positive person and we get to see their relationship change and mature now that both are older.
The illustration work is solid and conveys the story well. Nothing over-the-top or silly/comedic; just plenty of sweet moments as both Koki and Saw explore their feelings for each other. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
September 22, 2025
Please, my heart can’t take this. The slow burn is going to kill me, I can feel it.
Art - Not my favorite, but cute at times
Characters - I FEEL for Iwa so hard. I want to wrap her up in a blanket. She's always been tallest in her class and gets lightly bullied for it. She grew up best friends with this small boy and protected him throughout their childhood. That is, until middle school where he gets a growth spurt and is all of a sudden, the popular kid. Now he's also darling. Not much about him is shown present day until they start HS together. There we see some protectiveness from him.
Plot - I'm just living my life.
I need to read more and see where these knuckleheads end up.
Recap: introduction, childhood friendliness, pining from Iwa, graduate from middle school and he gives her a red/white bun, no contact during summer, start of school and they're in the same class! Trash pick up, she reveals she has a crush on him to her two new friends, school trip where she asks if he likes anyone and he admits he has a crush on someone out of his league.
UGH I'M GONNA SCREAM.
Art - Not my favorite, but cute at times
Characters - I FEEL for Iwa so hard. I want to wrap her up in a blanket. She's always been tallest in her class and gets lightly bullied for it. She grew up best friends with this small boy and protected him throughout their childhood. That is, until middle school where he gets a growth spurt and is all of a sudden, the popular kid. Now he's also darling. Not much about him is shown present day until they start HS together. There we see some protectiveness from him.
Plot - I'm just living my life.
I need to read more and see where these knuckleheads end up.
Recap: introduction, childhood friendliness, pining from Iwa, graduate from middle school and he gives her a red/white bun, no contact during summer, start of school and they're in the same class! Trash pick up, she reveals she has a crush on him to her two new friends, school trip where she asks if he likes anyone and he admits he has a crush on someone out of his league.
UGH I'M GONNA SCREAM.
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
If you loved the author’s other manga series, My Love Story or High School Debut, then I’m sure you’ll love this volume!
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t read My Love Story but I have read High School Debut and so I found this volume sweet and wholesome (similarly to HSB). It’s a great start to the series, however, it felt like everything was moving too fast imo. But I guess this gets the ball rolling, because I feel an ache in my heart already!! There’s bound to be miscommunication here and I’m preparing myself 🤣
The art is beautiful as always… the story is green flags so far. I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
—
Throughout elementary and middle school, Sae Iwata was in love with Koki Kamishiro. Now that they attend the same high school, Sae’s love grows. But the boy she’s helplessly in love with, doesn’t know how she feels. What will become of this unrequited love? Will he see her in a new light now that they are in the same class?
—
If you loved the author’s other manga series, My Love Story or High School Debut, then I’m sure you’ll love this volume!
Thank you NetGalley and Viz Media for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t read My Love Story but I have read High School Debut and so I found this volume sweet and wholesome (similarly to HSB). It’s a great start to the series, however, it felt like everything was moving too fast imo. But I guess this gets the ball rolling, because I feel an ache in my heart already!! There’s bound to be miscommunication here and I’m preparing myself 🤣
The art is beautiful as always… the story is green flags so far. I can’t wait to see where the story goes.
—
Throughout elementary and middle school, Sae Iwata was in love with Koki Kamishiro. Now that they attend the same high school, Sae’s love grows. But the boy she’s helplessly in love with, doesn’t know how she feels. What will become of this unrequited love? Will he see her in a new light now that they are in the same class?
—
March 22, 2025
If your fantasy is to have an oversized, golden retriever partner who adores you for all your unique qualities and makes you feel special, then this story is for you.
This is SO SWEET.
In this first volume, we’re introduced to Sae and Koki—who are childhood friends. Sae has always been taller than her classmates while Koki was on the short side. The pair were often teased—but Koki never let that affect their relationship.
Now that the two are in high school and Koki has grown into a tall and handsome young man, Sae has realized she has special feelings for her friend.
But, does he feel the same?
****Spoiler—YES???? I mean, obviously—we would t have a story otherwise. But, we have to work our way there.
Anyway.
This is definitely a great choice for shoujo fans—especially if you have enjoyed Kazune Kawahara’s other stories. He’s so talented at crafting these lovely, thoughtful stories with unconventional characters.
I can’t wait to read more~
This is SO SWEET.
In this first volume, we’re introduced to Sae and Koki—who are childhood friends. Sae has always been taller than her classmates while Koki was on the short side. The pair were often teased—but Koki never let that affect their relationship.
Now that the two are in high school and Koki has grown into a tall and handsome young man, Sae has realized she has special feelings for her friend.
But, does he feel the same?
****Spoiler—YES???? I mean, obviously—we would t have a story otherwise. But, we have to work our way there.
Anyway.
This is definitely a great choice for shoujo fans—especially if you have enjoyed Kazune Kawahara’s other stories. He’s so talented at crafting these lovely, thoughtful stories with unconventional characters.
I can’t wait to read more~
June 27, 2025
Sae is a large sized girl (no, not fat, just taller and bulkier than others) and she’s got a huge crush on her childhood friend Koki who grew up from a scrawny kid to a teenage heartthrob. Despite him being friendly with her, she’s convinced that he wouldn’t like a large girl or still thinks of her as just a friend. So she’s content to love him from afar.
But if I’m reading between the lines, he has a crush on her too and they’re both dancing around the issue as only high school shojo characters can. I mean, I relate to Sae (I’m also a big girl) and this is very reminiscent of My Love Story!! but my favorite character is Kagawa.
But if I’m reading between the lines, he has a crush on her too and they’re both dancing around the issue as only high school shojo characters can. I mean, I relate to Sae (I’m also a big girl) and this is very reminiscent of My Love Story!! but my favorite character is Kagawa.
January 30, 2025
I came into this with high expectations, as I loved the author's other works High School Debut and My Love Story!!, and I was not disappointed. At 5'6 (which is not all tall here in the states, lol) Sae is often treated very differently than her female classmates. One person that's an exception to that is her childhood crush, Koki, who used to be shorter than her but is now much taller and super handsome/popular (in true shoujo fashion).
This first volume covers their last days in middle school and their first few months in high school. It was syrupy-sweet in the best way. All the cute moments you'd expect from a good shoujo and from this author were hit, and I can't WAIT to continue this series!
Thank you to Viz and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This first volume covers their last days in middle school and their first few months in high school. It was syrupy-sweet in the best way. All the cute moments you'd expect from a good shoujo and from this author were hit, and I can't WAIT to continue this series!
Thank you to Viz and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2025
Kazune Kawahara has a way with romance stories. You might have read some of her previous works, My Love Story and High School Debut. This story has similar vibes as My Love Story, imo - with a lot of similarities between Takeo (My Love Story) and Sae (A Star Brighter than the Sun).
It starts out in a very cute fashion, and the characters are really likable. The female friendships made early on are great as well, there seems to be true friendship growing and not petty fighting over boys which happens in a lot of manga. This first volume seems like its going to be a great series and I can't wait to see how the love and friendship bloom.
Thanks to #NetGalley and VIZ media for an advance c-copy of #AStarBrighterthantheSunVol1 by Kazune Kawahara to read and review.
It starts out in a very cute fashion, and the characters are really likable. The female friendships made early on are great as well, there seems to be true friendship growing and not petty fighting over boys which happens in a lot of manga. This first volume seems like its going to be a great series and I can't wait to see how the love and friendship bloom.
Thanks to #NetGalley and VIZ media for an advance c-copy of #AStarBrighterthantheSunVol1 by Kazune Kawahara to read and review.
February 11, 2025
(I received an ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.) The curse of the childhood friend looms large over A Star Brighter than the Sun. The story starts with our two main characters in their last year of middle school, with plenty of flashbacks to their childhood. When they reach high school, that's when the tension (plot) really kicks in. Sae feels like she could be a thematic cousin of Sawako from Kimi ni Todoke. Even though she's the big girl, I feel the need to protect her at all costs. The unknown quantity is Koki, who is still friendly with Sae, but what else is going on in his head? Kawahara did well by introducing supporting characters but not giving anything away just yet, and making the readers anticipate the second volume.
February 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Star Brighter Than The Sun by Kazune Kawahara was so cute! I loved that Iwata was an extremely tall girl! It seemed like a captivating backstory as to why the character frequently tries to make herself smaller (literally and figuratively). Moreover, the backstory friendship for Iwata and Koki is adorably done and stems all the way back to elementary school. I’m excited to read more in the series and find out if the girl Koki likes is actually someone else OR Iwata who is already in love with him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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