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雪と墨 [Yuki to Sumi] #1
Snow & Ink Vol. 1
Sentenced to death for the crime of sadistically killing his entire village, Neneo is all but ready to accept his unfortunate fate when he is mysteriously bought and saved by the wealthy heiress Freya. Emotionless and numb to the world, Freya is also an outcast, hiding deep wounds of her own. Unfazed by the tales of Neneo's crimes, she enlists him to accompany her in her exile to the far north. As this unlikely pair, both shunned by a cold world, venture together into the deep snow, they begin to find warmth in each other. But the past won't let itself be so easily forgotten…
Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
October 14, 2025
I devoured this first volume in no time, thoroughly enjoying the engaging narrative. As expected, the focus is on introducing the characters and establishing their relationships, laying the groundwork for the series. While I appreciated the character development, I'm eager to see Freya grow stronger in future volumes. My only critique is that the romance happened a tad too quickly, feeling somewhat rushed. Nevertheless, I'm excited to continue the series and see how the story unfolds.
Also my fav character is Halvard lmaoo
— ARC provided by the publisher Kodansha Comics
Also my fav character is Halvard lmaoo
— ARC provided by the publisher Kodansha Comics
July 1, 2025
2.5✨
This unfortunately was a disappointment...
Snow and ink follows Freya, an heiress who is escaping her family after her sister becomes the family's head who buys Neneo, a murderer, to be her bodyguard to save him from execution.
The plot of this volume is confusing and a little convoluted. One minute Neneo is being cruel to her and the next minute she's kissing him. By the end of the volume several months have passed and they're saying I love you to each other.
I feel like I read the beginning and the end of a story and missed everything in the middle. There are some large leaps in logic, big time skips with no explanation and the plot feels very rushed.
The art style is what is to be expected of similar manga. I liked the nuance with Neneo's "murders" and the slight discussion of the ethics there. Wish this was explored a little more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
This unfortunately was a disappointment...
Snow and ink follows Freya, an heiress who is escaping her family after her sister becomes the family's head who buys Neneo, a murderer, to be her bodyguard to save him from execution.
The plot of this volume is confusing and a little convoluted. One minute Neneo is being cruel to her and the next minute she's kissing him. By the end of the volume several months have passed and they're saying I love you to each other.
I feel like I read the beginning and the end of a story and missed everything in the middle. There are some large leaps in logic, big time skips with no explanation and the plot feels very rushed.
The art style is what is to be expected of similar manga. I liked the nuance with Neneo's "murders" and the slight discussion of the ethics there. Wish this was explored a little more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC copy for review. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2024
2.75 Stars!
I can see that this manga has lots of potential, the beginning reminded me of so many books that I have read a long time ago and loved. The tropes that were included in Snow & Ink are good as well. It was the pacing and how quick everything was happening in the first volume that made me a bit uneasy.
I definitely see myself continuing this manga.
I can see that this manga has lots of potential, the beginning reminded me of so many books that I have read a long time ago and loved. The tropes that were included in Snow & Ink are good as well. It was the pacing and how quick everything was happening in the first volume that made me a bit uneasy.
I definitely see myself continuing this manga.
August 28, 2024
This is HILARIOUS and at the same time serious and ROMANTIC out of nowhere!
I love this manga so much! The presentation, the art sequence, the quiet and the chaotic characters, the unassuming romance quite surprised me!
Love the main characters as well as the prickly side characters!
It IS the story of a romance between a killer and the heiress who saved him from being killed. Both are outcasts and had to leave their past but the past isn’t easy to let go even after all the escape!
Perfect read!
I am so happy the romance is NOT AT ALL CHEESY!
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
I love this manga so much! The presentation, the art sequence, the quiet and the chaotic characters, the unassuming romance quite surprised me!
Love the main characters as well as the prickly side characters!
It IS the story of a romance between a killer and the heiress who saved him from being killed. Both are outcasts and had to leave their past but the past isn’t easy to let go even after all the escape!
Perfect read!
I am so happy the romance is NOT AT ALL CHEESY!
Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the ARC.
August 24, 2024
3.5 rounded up. If this isn't somehow working with the Brevik Mission, Alaska Spanish flu outbreak, I will be shocked.
September 11, 2024
[Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.]
The withdrawn (and banished) Freya buys the convicted murderer Neneo and the two of them head elsewhere to make a new life for themselves. But their pasts seem to follow them around, even as they grow very close in the present.
Bit of a mixed bag this one, succumbing to some wobbly storytelling while also being as manga as all get out at places, which is a feature for some and a bug for others. It ends stronger than it starts, but it’s reasonably good.
Our characters are both broken souls who end up together and I’m glad they don’t drag that out too long, nor do they gloss over the desperation of two people who both genuinely enjoy one another’s company, but are also partly together from sheer desperation.
Freya’s interesting for her failures; she is from an affluent family, but her kind nature lead to her being taken advantage of and that slowly caused her to harden as her bad decisions had wide consequences for more than just herself.
Neneo has reasons for his murders, no big shock there, but he’s also living with the knowledge that he left home with a dream and never really looked back until it was far, far too late. They make a good pairing, especially when Freya comes into her own towards the end.
The storyline feels entirely too choppy for my liking, however, especially at the start. When they are collapsed outside of a cottage and then shortly teleport inside and are warming up, it might have been nice to have at least something transitional there.
And whatever this is leading to won’t be nearly as interesting as our leads themselves, I fear. They fall in with Freya’s fiancé, Halverd, who is more grating than he is gentlemanly. His motivations and such don’t work for me either.
It’s a great romantic coupling, basically, let down by a subpar story that doesn’t appreciate the fine details. As much as I liked the way the relationship hit the ground running, it wouldn’t have hurt to let it breathe a bit more. It feels like a response to all those multi-volume arcs that take forever, just too much the opposite way.
3.5 stars - that extra half is entirely because of how interesting Freya gets by the end and some residual appreciation for her and Neneo. I might give it a second volume, but it didn’t wow me quite as much as I’d hoped.
The withdrawn (and banished) Freya buys the convicted murderer Neneo and the two of them head elsewhere to make a new life for themselves. But their pasts seem to follow them around, even as they grow very close in the present.
Bit of a mixed bag this one, succumbing to some wobbly storytelling while also being as manga as all get out at places, which is a feature for some and a bug for others. It ends stronger than it starts, but it’s reasonably good.
Our characters are both broken souls who end up together and I’m glad they don’t drag that out too long, nor do they gloss over the desperation of two people who both genuinely enjoy one another’s company, but are also partly together from sheer desperation.
Freya’s interesting for her failures; she is from an affluent family, but her kind nature lead to her being taken advantage of and that slowly caused her to harden as her bad decisions had wide consequences for more than just herself.
Neneo has reasons for his murders, no big shock there, but he’s also living with the knowledge that he left home with a dream and never really looked back until it was far, far too late. They make a good pairing, especially when Freya comes into her own towards the end.
The storyline feels entirely too choppy for my liking, however, especially at the start. When they are collapsed outside of a cottage and then shortly teleport inside and are warming up, it might have been nice to have at least something transitional there.
And whatever this is leading to won’t be nearly as interesting as our leads themselves, I fear. They fall in with Freya’s fiancé, Halverd, who is more grating than he is gentlemanly. His motivations and such don’t work for me either.
It’s a great romantic coupling, basically, let down by a subpar story that doesn’t appreciate the fine details. As much as I liked the way the relationship hit the ground running, it wouldn’t have hurt to let it breathe a bit more. It feels like a response to all those multi-volume arcs that take forever, just too much the opposite way.
3.5 stars - that extra half is entirely because of how interesting Freya gets by the end and some residual appreciation for her and Neneo. I might give it a second volume, but it didn’t wow me quite as much as I’d hoped.
October 25, 2024
binge read on:
(24.10.24.)
this was my first arc and also my first manga (after spyxfamily) and i'm pleased to say i enjoyed it. it's a really cute and sweet story, with some semblance of a plot developing as we get through. your girl devoured this cute, fast-paced arc in 30 minutes!! it's just 5 chapters, encompassing one volume, so there isn't much i can say yet, but i'll give the other volumes a shot whenever they come out!
˚₊‧ the characters: i won't go into them in-depth, since we really only get to know anything about three characters. freya, our fmc; neneo, our mmc; and freya's fiance whose name i've already forgotten!! on a serious note though, i feel like the characters were much more surface-level than i'd like to have seen. we barely get to see any of their backstories, just a bit, like a sneak-peek, but not much. don't take that to mean much, though - it's just 5 chapters.
˚₊‧ the plot: it's the well-known trope of an heiress + a killer!! but i feel like it was done pretty well. it's really cute, but probably a little too fast paced for my liking. on one page, freya had just bought neneo, and in the same chapter, they've already kissed?? um, i fear that's moving a little too quickly, but alright.
all in all, it's a cute story, but nothing special and/or memorable.
thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
this was my first arc and also my first manga (after spyxfamily) and i'm pleased to say i enjoyed it. it's a really cute and sweet story, with some semblance of a plot developing as we get through. your girl devoured this cute, fast-paced arc in 30 minutes!! it's just 5 chapters, encompassing one volume, so there isn't much i can say yet, but i'll give the other volumes a shot whenever they come out!
˚₊‧ the characters: i won't go into them in-depth, since we really only get to know anything about three characters. freya, our fmc; neneo, our mmc; and freya's fiance whose name i've already forgotten!! on a serious note though, i feel like the characters were much more surface-level than i'd like to have seen. we barely get to see any of their backstories, just a bit, like a sneak-peek, but not much. don't take that to mean much, though - it's just 5 chapters.
˚₊‧ the plot: it's the well-known trope of an heiress + a killer!! but i feel like it was done pretty well. it's really cute, but probably a little too fast paced for my liking. on one page, freya had just bought neneo, and in the same chapter, they've already kissed?? um, i fear that's moving a little too quickly, but alright.
all in all, it's a cute story, but nothing special and/or memorable.
thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2024
3.5/5! ⭐⭐⭐
"So long as it's a path you've chosen, I'll follow you even to a dead end."
A villager condemned to death for the murder of his entire village, only to be saved last minute by a wealthy heiress, fighting her own battles.
This was cute! I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the back stories we get. The romance was fast and I do wish it was a little more slow burn. However, it was a great start to a series and will definitely be continuing!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for the arc!
"So long as it's a path you've chosen, I'll follow you even to a dead end."
A villager condemned to death for the murder of his entire village, only to be saved last minute by a wealthy heiress, fighting her own battles.
This was cute! I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the back stories we get. The romance was fast and I do wish it was a little more slow burn. However, it was a great start to a series and will definitely be continuing!
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for the arc!
September 26, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this volume.
Freya is trying to get away. She has made some mistakes and wants out of the spotlight. So she purchases a criminal to serve as her bodyguard. She didn't expect to fall in love.
This is a lot of fun. I don't see this being a long series, but I am definitely wanting more from this. The story is interesting and the characters are great. The artwork is stunning as well.
Freya is trying to get away. She has made some mistakes and wants out of the spotlight. So she purchases a criminal to serve as her bodyguard. She didn't expect to fall in love.
This is a lot of fun. I don't see this being a long series, but I am definitely wanting more from this. The story is interesting and the characters are great. The artwork is stunning as well.
Read
September 2, 2024(i don’t rate manga)
It’s a really good start to the series but I feel it could be misinterpreted as the wrong thing. I feel it’s more of a romantic drama than a mysterious, good girl bad guy, enemies to lovers type of manga. The bond between the two characters happened really fast and I feel there was no time for yearning or deep rooted chemistry and feelings to come into play. The storyline does have potential and it definitely isn’t the worst thing I’ve read. I feel like it could really be something in the future.
It’s a really good start to the series but I feel it could be misinterpreted as the wrong thing. I feel it’s more of a romantic drama than a mysterious, good girl bad guy, enemies to lovers type of manga. The bond between the two characters happened really fast and I feel there was no time for yearning or deep rooted chemistry and feelings to come into play. The storyline does have potential and it definitely isn’t the worst thing I’ve read. I feel like it could really be something in the future.
August 25, 2024
Rating: 4.96 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 5/5
-Story: 4.75/5
-Writing: 5/5
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Romance
-Comedy: 5/5
-Mystery: 5/5
-Romance: 5/5
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
What a refreshing story and by that I mean something I haven't read a million times. It had romance, mystery, and comedy. The pacing was a bit... fast. I won't lie. It did catch me off guard but it wasn't anything to bring down the story.
And for the people rating it low are the same people who either don't really read manga or like to read the same basic crap that is regurgitated. I don't usually make comments on the people who rate low, but this? This just boils my blood a bit.
-Characters: 5/5
-Story: 4.75/5
-Writing: 5/5
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Romance
-Comedy: 5/5
-Mystery: 5/5
-Romance: 5/5
Type: Manga
Worth?: Yes
Hated|Disliked|Meh|It Was Okay|Liked|Really Liked|Loved
Want to thank Netgalley and publishers for giving me the chance to read this book.
What a refreshing story and by that I mean something I haven't read a million times. It had romance, mystery, and comedy. The pacing was a bit... fast. I won't lie. It did catch me off guard but it wasn't anything to bring down the story.
And for the people rating it low are the same people who either don't really read manga or like to read the same basic crap that is regurgitated. I don't usually make comments on the people who rate low, but this? This just boils my blood a bit.
September 7, 2024
My gratitude to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this series in exchange for an honest review.
Hands-down one of the best, unputdownable manga series I’ve read in a while. There’s not even a moment to pause and breathe air—you’ll devour this in one whole. That’s how readable the series is with its interesting dynamics, hooking, fitting misfit of a couple. This is sweet, melancholic at times, cute, and just flavorful. Just perfectly told in a beautiful art style.
EVEN HALVARD IS PERFECT. I thought he’s going to start a conflict or something that will make me curse him but no. He’s a cinnamon roll!
Hands-down one of the best, unputdownable manga series I’ve read in a while. There’s not even a moment to pause and breathe air—you’ll devour this in one whole. That’s how readable the series is with its interesting dynamics, hooking, fitting misfit of a couple. This is sweet, melancholic at times, cute, and just flavorful. Just perfectly told in a beautiful art style.
EVEN HALVARD IS PERFECT. I thought he’s going to start a conflict or something that will make me curse him but no. He’s a cinnamon roll!
August 31, 2024
This is the love story of a condemned criminal, sentenced to death for the brutal murder of his entire village, and a wealthy heiress who rescues him from his fate.
Snow and Ink delves into themes of redemption, the lingering effects of past traumas, and the quest for warmth and connection. Set against a harsh, snowy wilderness, the setting serves as both a physical and metaphorical backdrop for the characters’ journey.
While there were moments of humor, I didn’t particularly enjoy the manga because it felt rushed and underdeveloped, especially the romance. The transition from strangers to lovers happened too quickly! It felt more like a tale of a couple with tragic pasts who eloped, leaving room for further character development.
That said, fans of dramatic, character-driven stories will find plenty to appreciate in this first volume.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy of this manga. This in no way impacts the rating of the book and all of my reviews contain my honest opinions.
Snow and Ink delves into themes of redemption, the lingering effects of past traumas, and the quest for warmth and connection. Set against a harsh, snowy wilderness, the setting serves as both a physical and metaphorical backdrop for the characters’ journey.
While there were moments of humor, I didn’t particularly enjoy the manga because it felt rushed and underdeveloped, especially the romance. The transition from strangers to lovers happened too quickly! It felt more like a tale of a couple with tragic pasts who eloped, leaving room for further character development.
That said, fans of dramatic, character-driven stories will find plenty to appreciate in this first volume.
Thanks to Netgalley for the digital copy of this manga. This in no way impacts the rating of the book and all of my reviews contain my honest opinions.
December 18, 2024
While I understand while so many readers struggled with this first volume, I really enjoyed it. The scene transitions could have been smoother, but I loved these two broken people. There's a desperation in their connection because both are so hated and misunderstood by society, but there is also a gentleness and a strength that they develop through each other. I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship grow.
September 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC.
It’s always hard to rate the first volume of the series, as not much has gone on as of yet. I enjoy the art style greatly. The characters have depth to them and I liked the allusions to what might happen next. It was a little down on the events to my taste, but I’d like to pick one or more volumes to see where the storyline goes next.
It’s always hard to rate the first volume of the series, as not much has gone on as of yet. I enjoy the art style greatly. The characters have depth to them and I liked the allusions to what might happen next. It was a little down on the events to my taste, but I’d like to pick one or more volumes to see where the storyline goes next.
September 5, 2024
This was okay. The story felt very rushed and it didn’t feel like anything was actually happening. The summary made it sound like it would be a fun story, but the execution wasn’t the best in my opinion.
October 10, 2024
Absolutely loved this manga!!! The story and the characters just touched my heart. Two misfits wronged by the world and people, finding love and acceptance in each other…Can’t wait to see their story progress in the upcoming volumes!
May 4, 2025
Cute and sweet. Next one plz.
5/5
5/5
May 6, 2025
Very curious start to a new series.
October 7, 2024
Thank you, Kodansha Comics and NetGalley, for this entertaining-for-all-the-right-reasons romantic drama featuring a criminal and a disowned rich woman. This 100% is NOT a slow burn and the relationship is founded on some trauma bonding. I enjoyed it, despite knowing this isn't healthy for me. Neneo is hot: What can I say?
October 17, 2024
This book was addictive I love that they see the best in each other and always try to protect each other I do believe that the relationship moved to fast
September 30, 2024
Special thanks to the author(s), publisher, Goodreads and/or NetGalley for the review copy. All views and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
Two misfits finding each other in the oddest situation, only to be each other’s safe place.
This was a fast paced manga and I mean this quite literally. Neneo is sentenced to death for killing his entire village; however is saved by Freya, a wealthy heiress. Freya hires Neneo as a guard as she treks up to the far, cold north for her exile. As they travel and stay together they find warmth in each other but the past starts trickling back.
I enjoyed this volume because it was straight to the point and fast. Freya and Neneo met under awkward circumstances and it shows in their first few interactions. I liked how realistic this was because Neneo was still suffering and coming to terms with what he did when he was given freedom by Freya. At first, Freya is only looking for someone to accompany her to the north, but slowly her feelings begin to change and she falls for Neneo. The romance was sudden and although Neneo doesn’t show it, I don’t think I can see these two apart.
The underlying plot captures Freya and Neneo’s past. Although both are revealed in volume one it’s surprising that there is a mystery to solve. I liked how simple yet complex there stories were. I could relate with Freya’s past because people can be kind yet devious. And it only hurts more when they betray you so it was understandable that Freya became numb and cold to pain. That said, Neneo suffers from trauma and although it’s not prominently depicted, the few scenes we witness are heartbreaking.
So far, there are only a handful of characters introduced and they have been kind to our two misfits. I’m hoping it stays like that without any unnecessary drama or love triangle.
The artwork is surprisingly good. I liked the simplicity in the backgrounds coupled with the detailed character design and expressions. I liked how this volume plays with the angles by sometimes showing the scene from a top angle and then switching from a side or bottom angle.
Overall, I enjoyed this volume but I can also see how some may not like it. Its fast pacing may be offsetting because the story moves fast. Personally, I recommend giving it a read.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
Two misfits finding each other in the oddest situation, only to be each other’s safe place.
This was a fast paced manga and I mean this quite literally. Neneo is sentenced to death for killing his entire village; however is saved by Freya, a wealthy heiress. Freya hires Neneo as a guard as she treks up to the far, cold north for her exile. As they travel and stay together they find warmth in each other but the past starts trickling back.
I enjoyed this volume because it was straight to the point and fast. Freya and Neneo met under awkward circumstances and it shows in their first few interactions. I liked how realistic this was because Neneo was still suffering and coming to terms with what he did when he was given freedom by Freya. At first, Freya is only looking for someone to accompany her to the north, but slowly her feelings begin to change and she falls for Neneo. The romance was sudden and although Neneo doesn’t show it, I don’t think I can see these two apart.
The underlying plot captures Freya and Neneo’s past. Although both are revealed in volume one it’s surprising that there is a mystery to solve. I liked how simple yet complex there stories were. I could relate with Freya’s past because people can be kind yet devious. And it only hurts more when they betray you so it was understandable that Freya became numb and cold to pain. That said, Neneo suffers from trauma and although it’s not prominently depicted, the few scenes we witness are heartbreaking.
So far, there are only a handful of characters introduced and they have been kind to our two misfits. I’m hoping it stays like that without any unnecessary drama or love triangle.
The artwork is surprisingly good. I liked the simplicity in the backgrounds coupled with the detailed character design and expressions. I liked how this volume plays with the angles by sometimes showing the scene from a top angle and then switching from a side or bottom angle.
Overall, I enjoyed this volume but I can also see how some may not like it. Its fast pacing may be offsetting because the story moves fast. Personally, I recommend giving it a read.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
September 19, 2024
I just finished Snow & Ink 1, and I was honestly surprised by how heartwarming it was! The story follows an exiled heiress and the killer she buys from jail, and while you’d expect it to be dark, it’s actually more about dealing with trauma and finding love in the most unexpected people.
Both characters are struggling with their own issues, and watching them figure things out while stuck together in the north made for such a great story. It’s a quick read, as most manga's are, but it really packs a punch. I’m definitely picking up future volumes if they continue with this series.
Both characters are struggling with their own issues, and watching them figure things out while stuck together in the north made for such a great story. It’s a quick read, as most manga's are, but it really packs a punch. I’m definitely picking up future volumes if they continue with this series.
August 24, 2024
3.75
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
I haven't read somrthing like this in a while and i really enjoyed it.
The characters had the much-needed depth in them and the story is really interesting.
The art is really good. The relationship between them is sweet. The way they defend each other is wholesome.
I look forward to the 2nd volume.
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
I haven't read somrthing like this in a while and i really enjoyed it.
The characters had the much-needed depth in them and the story is really interesting.
The art is really good. The relationship between them is sweet. The way they defend each other is wholesome.
I look forward to the 2nd volume.
October 23, 2024
3.5
Snow and Ink is a story of a disgraced noble and the criminal she buys to protect her. It starts of bleak and depressing, with our MC being chased by angry citizens, and her new slave mocking her and threatening to kill her. But once the MC discovers that he’s hurt and tries desperately to get him help within a cold wasteland, the story takes a sudden turn toward more hopeful and lighthearted.
Honestly, it felt a little like the beginning and the rest of the story were somewhat disconnected, and that the romance moved a little too fast. It kind of didn’t make sense that the guy was being a total jerk and then does a complete 180 after she tries to help him and suddenly, they love each other? I don’t know, I found it very odd.
Of course, our criminal has a sad backstory, and I am intrigued to know more of just what happened that caused everything, but I kind of wish that the mangaka had added more of his kindness in the beginning to make his later flip make more sense instead of him constantly treating her like the dirt on his shoes. (And honestly, the trope of being a snarky, bad-mouthing guy who is just a total dirtbag to the FMC but will protect her nonetheless just doesn’t sell it for me. It just tells me he's someone who’s good at his job but isn’t paid enough to pretend to like his employer.)
The beginning aside, I did enjoy the later chapters of them living together in isolation and caring for one another as they try to rebuild their lives. From that point on, the story takes off and is much more enjoyable. I found it cute how they were both trying their best to support one another, and give each other what the other needs.
Overall, I think Snow & Ink has potential to be a really good story. But the beginning kind of sells it short.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Snow and Ink is a story of a disgraced noble and the criminal she buys to protect her. It starts of bleak and depressing, with our MC being chased by angry citizens, and her new slave mocking her and threatening to kill her. But once the MC discovers that he’s hurt and tries desperately to get him help within a cold wasteland, the story takes a sudden turn toward more hopeful and lighthearted.
Honestly, it felt a little like the beginning and the rest of the story were somewhat disconnected, and that the romance moved a little too fast. It kind of didn’t make sense that the guy was being a total jerk and then does a complete 180 after she tries to help him and suddenly, they love each other? I don’t know, I found it very odd.
Of course, our criminal has a sad backstory, and I am intrigued to know more of just what happened that caused everything, but I kind of wish that the mangaka had added more of his kindness in the beginning to make his later flip make more sense instead of him constantly treating her like the dirt on his shoes. (And honestly, the trope of being a snarky, bad-mouthing guy who is just a total dirtbag to the FMC but will protect her nonetheless just doesn’t sell it for me. It just tells me he's someone who’s good at his job but isn’t paid enough to pretend to like his employer.)
The beginning aside, I did enjoy the later chapters of them living together in isolation and caring for one another as they try to rebuild their lives. From that point on, the story takes off and is much more enjoyable. I found it cute how they were both trying their best to support one another, and give each other what the other needs.
Overall, I think Snow & Ink has potential to be a really good story. But the beginning kind of sells it short.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 12, 2025
So, this is a bit edgy and dramatic—but I like it.
In this first volume, readers meet the wealthy and disgraced heiress, Freya, and the convicted murderer, Neneo. On the cusp of being sentenced to death, Neneo is spared when Freya intervenes on his behalf, requesting to buy him and make him a body guard as she goes into exile in the north.
Despite them being an unlikely pair, the two quickly realize they have more in common than not. Both have suffered traumas that have them feeling outcasted and shunned from their homes.
Together, the two embark on a journey of renewal.
There are many relationship pairings I appreciate. “Hot and cold” is certainly one of them. Here, we get a bit of that dynamic between Freya and Neneo. With Neneo, we also get a some of the “talk, dark, handsome, and brooding man who’s soft only for his beloved”. Which—I can’t lie—I enjoy.
Do I think the storytelling itself is particularly good? Not exactly. It’s a bit contrived and o think the initial pacing is too fast.
But, I also think this story revolves around a relationship more than it does any particularly compelling incident. So, there’s that.
Anyway.
If you enjoy a bit of gritty romance story, I think you’d enjoy this series. I can definitely see it being something that fans of “morally grey” love interests in the romance genre would be interested in~
In this first volume, readers meet the wealthy and disgraced heiress, Freya, and the convicted murderer, Neneo. On the cusp of being sentenced to death, Neneo is spared when Freya intervenes on his behalf, requesting to buy him and make him a body guard as she goes into exile in the north.
Despite them being an unlikely pair, the two quickly realize they have more in common than not. Both have suffered traumas that have them feeling outcasted and shunned from their homes.
Together, the two embark on a journey of renewal.
There are many relationship pairings I appreciate. “Hot and cold” is certainly one of them. Here, we get a bit of that dynamic between Freya and Neneo. With Neneo, we also get a some of the “talk, dark, handsome, and brooding man who’s soft only for his beloved”. Which—I can’t lie—I enjoy.
Do I think the storytelling itself is particularly good? Not exactly. It’s a bit contrived and o think the initial pacing is too fast.
But, I also think this story revolves around a relationship more than it does any particularly compelling incident. So, there’s that.
Anyway.
If you enjoy a bit of gritty romance story, I think you’d enjoy this series. I can definitely see it being something that fans of “morally grey” love interests in the romance genre would be interested in~
October 10, 2024
ARC Review
The premise of Snow and Ink had so much potential, offering a unique and intriguing setup that drew me in right away. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that the execution didn’t live up to its initial promise. The plot felt underdeveloped, with key elements and character arcs not given the time or attention they needed to fully grow. Pacing was a major issue, as the narrative felt rushed, especially toward the end, where conflicts were resolved too quickly without proper buildup.
That being said, the artwork was stunning. The visuals were vibrant and beautifully detailed, bringing the world to life in ways that the story, unfortunately, couldn’t. The illustrations truly stood out, making each scene visually captivating, even when the plot struggled to keep pace.
Overall, while the foundation of a great story is there, Snow and Ink left me wanting more in terms of depth and development. If the storytelling had matched the brilliance of the artwork, this could have been a standout read.
The premise of Snow and Ink had so much potential, offering a unique and intriguing setup that drew me in right away. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that the execution didn’t live up to its initial promise. The plot felt underdeveloped, with key elements and character arcs not given the time or attention they needed to fully grow. Pacing was a major issue, as the narrative felt rushed, especially toward the end, where conflicts were resolved too quickly without proper buildup.
That being said, the artwork was stunning. The visuals were vibrant and beautifully detailed, bringing the world to life in ways that the story, unfortunately, couldn’t. The illustrations truly stood out, making each scene visually captivating, even when the plot struggled to keep pace.
Overall, while the foundation of a great story is there, Snow and Ink left me wanting more in terms of depth and development. If the storytelling had matched the brilliance of the artwork, this could have been a standout read.
October 9, 2024
As much as I liked this book I wished there was more to it. But to be fair it in the start so this in itself was a good way to introduce the main characters. I did like getting to know them and their backstories on why they way they were the way they were. I kinda feel like the feelings/relationship between the two are rushed but maybe I'll feel better about that in the later books when I get to see them more as a pair. It was hard to see how people were reacting to Freya considering she was a pretty good person dealing with the aftermath of something. That even goes for what's going on Neneo who's whole situation is a misunderstanding and he has to deal with his sentence when it really wasn't his fault. Man I keep wanting to say more about this book but hard to do so without giving much away but from what I've gotten outta this book its and overall pretty good one. Looking forward to seeing what's next for these characters.
September 10, 2024
So… arc review. The artwork was beautiful I really enjoyed it! I’m trying to get into mangas so I don’t really know how they typically go but I was confused with this one. The premise of it sounded really good but it felt rushed and underdeveloped. The romance came out of nowhere and I’m still confused on what the storyline is. Maybe it’s just me since I’m just starting out with the genre.
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