3.5 stars. There is more world building, more discussion of the male lead's family, and an introduction to his ex-fiancé. I am okay with that, even if it was a bit info-dumpy. What is bothering me is the "quick healing" of the years or trauma and abuse from her childhood home to now her being physically abused at this new place, but it doesn't matter because she protected her dude for a scratch that won't even leave a scar. Lah. So, is it this great act of sacrifice (and switching from not having everyone to be put in front of her well-being to just her husband???), or nothing to comment over. The writing or translation doesn't seem to portray an example of healing but a message of transference while also downplaying that she was physically abused in her husband's home. She had not left the abuse but now is willing to put herself in harm's way for her husband, her savior. And, she is also being bullied and emotionally abused by her husband's mom and brother (and to an extent his father downplaying and gaslighting the situation).
I can take the set-up that he is also abused, and she has continued to be in an abusive, if different, situation, but to act as if she is both just fine, gaining strength, but also the abuse isn't bad--it's a bit much for me to swallow. I will probably give the series one more volume before calling it to see if it gets better or really digs in with this narrative.
Just as conversational thought regarding how fast Nanao is/has recovering(ed) from her trauma: I viewed her as maybe unknowingly emboldened by her spiritual power. Like, they keep talking and hinting that she is *so* strong it's scary and she's with someone who is super strong, as well. I could see, in a supernatural book like this, where an upwelling of spiritual power (and being partnered with someone also strong) could be uplifting for the soul and also create an unending loop where the stronger she is mentally, the stronger she gets spiritually, so she continues to grow in both ways quickly. That doesn't take away from other criticisms or issues, but just something I was thinking about when the gate flew open. Plus, a quick recovery allows for the main story to progress without added emotional weight like in Happy Marriage. I just don't get the feeling this series is going for that kind of depth. It feels like the Ayakashi threat is more the focus.
But mostly, I'm wondering if all the women in this book are stupidly insane and all the men want Nanao like coveted prize. Why are these books like that? Blah blah historical context blah blah - it's fantasy fiction and this series has broken historical context a few times already.
I gave this volume 4 stars instead of the usually glowing 5 because there are panels where Yako doesn't look like Yako (an artistic issue, not a story issue), there are strings of dialogue where I'm not sure exactly who is speaking or the speech bubble attribution doesn't make sense given what is said, and for being overly expositional where it's unnecessary or where the panels could show what's said instead.
The story is still there. I'm not planning to drop the series or anything. This volume just seems to be a bit of a mess.
Once the fiancée of the Byakurenji family, Nanao is now considered tainted after being attacked by an ayakashi. She is shunned and abused until Yako, head of another family, decides to take her for his bride. Yako's motives are unclear but for Nanao this is a way out.
The art is beautiful and it doesn't shy away from depicting the scars Nanao carries. There is a fair bit of world building. At first it seemed as if the romance may be progressing too quickly for my liking, but it seems more transactional at this point and I imagine actual romance will come later down the line. It's definitely an interesting start and I look forward to where this story is headed.
Nanao proves she is healing and doing better yet again when we meet Yako's brother and mother, who seem to have very different opinions than Yako and his father do. Even this Shinobu Saionji appears to be trouble of a different variety, though perhaps not that different from Akemi when it comes to entitlement and not caring about other's opinions or points of view. She doesn't seem to care much for ayakashi either, which matches with Yako's mother and brother when they appear, but does not align with the rest of their family, and is a far cry from how well Nanao has fit into the household. Hopefully they will weather this new storm just as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As much as I am truly enjoying my binge of this series there always seems to be something that annoys me just enough to not make it a perfect read. This volume started off strong and in my opinion the best chapter was the one that focused on Yakos relationship with his mother. It was absolutely tragic and I hope this continues to be a focal point of this arc. I also am satisfied with what happened with Akemi and Reito. The part I was not impressed with was the appearance of the former fiancée. That’s completely unnecessary drama and adds zero depth to the story. Hopefully it won’t last much longer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I would enjoy this series more if the female characters in it weren’t so often placed in competition with each other for male attention. It’s the only trick this writer seems to know. There are other ways to demonstrate qualities about characters though??? More, there are better ways to introduce conflict. Further, female empowerment can be found in places other than male adoration. It’s 2025—why are we still writing stories like this?
Anyway.
This is a beautifully illustrated story—but it makes me want to bang my head against the wall~
Too much evil woman stuff. We have the woman from her group, his mom, and now his former fiancé? That’s kind of boring. Her ex fiancé feels over the top evil too. I love the demons and both main characters. But I really want more about evil demons at this point rather than competition stuff. I really hate other woman drama. Women are the prize in my book not the men.
The momentum is fading. I feel like things are a bit too samey samey and too safey safey. I want a bit more drama - even if it's the melodramatic kind, but I want to feel something, to worry for real, to feel some angst.
Shinobu is gonna need to learn to take no as the full and complete answer it is. But honestly this volume was so good. Yako attempting to “not waste”, aka eat Nanao’s rice ball lunch off the floor, was gold. The forehead kiss before he rushes to work was also a highlight (p 143 bottom panel).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
and here I was, hoping the brother's fiance would be an ally or even a friend to nanao....instead.....she's yako's ex AND is now actively trying to get back with yako??? tf!!!! nanao has grown so much....her standing up to yako's mom/brother was so admirable, I'm excited to see how she handles this new rival!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Pero, qué les pasa a estas niñatas de familia rica? Por otro lado, me encanta como Nanao ha ganado confianza, ahora es capaz de mantenerse firme y defender lo suyo sin pestañear.