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汐風と竜のすみか [Shiokaze to Ryuu no Sumika] #1
汐風と竜のすみか 1 [Shiokaze to Ryuu no Sumika 1]
同居人は 竜人の少年でした
父を亡くした瑞花は叔父に引き取られ、竜人伝説のある街に引っ越すことに。
新天地でうまくやろうと意気込むも、叔父の家に下宿している“竜人”の少年・天辰は不愛想で反りが合わない。
しかし一緒に暮らすうちに、天辰の不器用な優しさや“竜人”ゆえの傷に触れてゆき――…?
2025年4月刊
父を亡くした瑞花は叔父に引き取られ、竜人伝説のある街に引っ越すことに。
新天地でうまくやろうと意気込むも、叔父の家に下宿している“竜人”の少年・天辰は不愛想で反りが合わない。
しかし一緒に暮らすうちに、天辰の不器用な優しさや“竜人”ゆえの傷に触れてゆき――…?
2025年4月刊
160 pages, Comic
First published April 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.75/5
Vibes: Grumpy x Sunshine 🐉 Shōjo 🐉 Slice-of-Life 🐉 Supernatural
The first volume of Asato Shima’s The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is a charming blend of clever world-building and dynamic character chemistry, all presented in stunning black-and-white illustration. The inclusion of concept art, biographies, and an end comic makes for a welcoming addition to the main story.
Even with a few rushed moments, the story doesn't shy away from deeper themes. Most notably, the portrayal of the Dragonfolk offers a thoughtful reflection on the real-world impact of exoticization.
Warm, funny, and grounded in a sweet message about staying true to yourself and those you care about, The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell earns itself 3.75 out of 5 stars (complete with a handsome dragon hero!)
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for accepting my e-ARC request in exchange for an honest review!
Vibes: Grumpy x Sunshine 🐉 Shōjo 🐉 Slice-of-Life 🐉 Supernatural
The first volume of Asato Shima’s The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is a charming blend of clever world-building and dynamic character chemistry, all presented in stunning black-and-white illustration. The inclusion of concept art, biographies, and an end comic makes for a welcoming addition to the main story.
Even with a few rushed moments, the story doesn't shy away from deeper themes. Most notably, the portrayal of the Dragonfolk offers a thoughtful reflection on the real-world impact of exoticization.
Warm, funny, and grounded in a sweet message about staying true to yourself and those you care about, The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell earns itself 3.75 out of 5 stars (complete with a handsome dragon hero!)
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for accepting my e-ARC request in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
YOUTUBE FIRST IMPRESSION VIDEO: https://youtu.be/V0ad3l9OpBk
This was very enjoyable to read, even if I felt it took a little bit of getting into!
I really didn’t know how to feel about our male lead at first. While I wasn’t afraid of him or for our dear heroine, it did make me a little grumpy that he wasn’t simply kinder to her in the beginning. LOL! Poor girl is in a new, unfamiliar place, is told her roommate is a dragon folk, gets spooked by said dragon folk, and then he decides to “run away”?? I really was with her when she asked him why he just couldn't be nicer to her!
Anyway though, I ended up liking him more as the volume went on and seeing him soften towards her! It was also very touching seeing how much these two can relate to one another and how they’re both sort of struggling with feeling like outsiders. 🥺 I was surprised at how it was more and more emotionally moving as I read on, and I think it really led to me enjoying the volume a lot by the end! It also had me increasingly curious about what’s happened to Tenshin for him to seem to have issues with his family...
When it comes to our female lead, I liked her! My heart hurt for her at a few different points, and I can deeply relate to her over worrying! It’s hard not to when you’ve experienced loss, and certain situation(s) can put you into hyperdrive of thinking that you’ll lose more than you already have. I also admired her for standing up to others when she could have easily let it go and chose to focus on being friends. It spoke a lot about her character, and I enjoyed seeing her not afraid to speak up even if she knows it can make things awkward.
The art was extremely lovely! I enjoyed seeing this little town come to life and wish, too, alongside the creator, that it was real and could visit!
Overall, this was a great first volume! I’m very interested in seeing what happens next and would recommend it if you like dragons and want a "softer" shoujo!
*(I received an e-copy via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
This was very enjoyable to read, even if I felt it took a little bit of getting into!
I really didn’t know how to feel about our male lead at first. While I wasn’t afraid of him or for our dear heroine, it did make me a little grumpy that he wasn’t simply kinder to her in the beginning. LOL! Poor girl is in a new, unfamiliar place, is told her roommate is a dragon folk, gets spooked by said dragon folk, and then he decides to “run away”?? I really was with her when she asked him why he just couldn't be nicer to her!
Anyway though, I ended up liking him more as the volume went on and seeing him soften towards her! It was also very touching seeing how much these two can relate to one another and how they’re both sort of struggling with feeling like outsiders. 🥺 I was surprised at how it was more and more emotionally moving as I read on, and I think it really led to me enjoying the volume a lot by the end! It also had me increasingly curious about what’s happened to Tenshin for him to seem to have issues with his family...
When it comes to our female lead, I liked her! My heart hurt for her at a few different points, and I can deeply relate to her over worrying! It’s hard not to when you’ve experienced loss, and certain situation(s) can put you into hyperdrive of thinking that you’ll lose more than you already have. I also admired her for standing up to others when she could have easily let it go and chose to focus on being friends. It spoke a lot about her character, and I enjoyed seeing her not afraid to speak up even if she knows it can make things awkward.
The art was extremely lovely! I enjoyed seeing this little town come to life and wish, too, alongside the creator, that it was real and could visit!
Overall, this was a great first volume! I’m very interested in seeing what happens next and would recommend it if you like dragons and want a "softer" shoujo!
*(I received an e-copy via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I think the word for this may simply be "lovely."
November 8, 2026
This is a gorgeous slice-of-life fantasy manga with all the Ghibli vibes. I would love to see it receive an adaptation of some kind in future, as I could see it being an absolute hit. The art is beautiful, the emotions understated yet true. I enjoyed the seaside setting and the undercurrent of grief that touches the heroine’s interactions with her new home.
If you love feel-good stories with kind, thoughtful heroines and adorably awkward monster boys—while maintaining wholesome vibes appropriate for YA audiences—this series is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review.
If you love feel-good stories with kind, thoughtful heroines and adorably awkward monster boys—while maintaining wholesome vibes appropriate for YA audiences—this series is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review.
November 2, 2026
[Thanks to Viz and Edelweiss for a copy of this manga in exchange for an unbiased review.]
So, I will be honest, I didn’t plan to read this book. However, a good friend whose taste I trust gave it a solid review and here we are. It’s a good reminder that sometimes something you think might not be interesting can be pretty great.
Mizuka has lost her father and comes to live with her uncle in a town that is home to a bunch of dragon folk. I think the most unbelievable part of the story is thinking that said town wouldn’t be swarmed with tourists constantly or that the dragon folk wouldn’t be in a lab somewhere. Maybe I’m just cynical.
At any rate, this house hosts a boarder, Tenshin, a dragon boy who just happens to be Mizuka’s age. This being a shojo manga, you will not be shocked that they don’t get off on the best foot but things slowly begin to change.
What starts a bit okay turns into really good by the end. I had already been won over by this point, but later on Mizuka has a fantastic conversation with Tenshin about how the two of them are both outsiders in her uncle’s home.
Nice gesture or not, Mizuka has nowhere else to go. Tenshin, meanwhile, is squabbling with his family who live shockingly close by. The other dragon folk we meet are great, from the icy girl (whose name I forgot) to Kairi, who is worshipfully overprotective of Tenshin.
You’d be surprised how often this gets forgotten, but it really does help when a story has two interesting lead characters. Tenshin may be a brat at times, but he becomes quietly protective of Mizuka and she treats him like an actual person instead of a revered figure on a pedestal.
It blends nicely with the more fantastical elements, which are not overdone and add a little bit extra without becoming the whole thing. It is not a substitute for these two being believably written and throws some wrinkles in at the same time.
Mizuka is a lot more bold and blunt than we usually see in our female leads and it really works for her. Between her scooter and her ‘take no crap’ attitude and dogged determination to stand up for what she thinks is right, she has personality to spare.
It helps freshen up some of the parts that are maybe less original, like the snooty girls giving way to a friendship with the icy girl (fine, that hasn’t happened yet, but mark my words). Then again, even things like the dreaded manga cold are given a jolt of originality here, so things do get tweaked.
I like a story where two people who are not perfect are something more when they’re together. Neither Mizuka nor Tenshin is perfect and that makes them interesting to both one another and the audience.
4.25 stars - overall, I really liked this and it grew on me quickly. By the end I was both impressed and invested and I’m looking forward to seeing more of both these two and their world.
So, I will be honest, I didn’t plan to read this book. However, a good friend whose taste I trust gave it a solid review and here we are. It’s a good reminder that sometimes something you think might not be interesting can be pretty great.
Mizuka has lost her father and comes to live with her uncle in a town that is home to a bunch of dragon folk. I think the most unbelievable part of the story is thinking that said town wouldn’t be swarmed with tourists constantly or that the dragon folk wouldn’t be in a lab somewhere. Maybe I’m just cynical.
At any rate, this house hosts a boarder, Tenshin, a dragon boy who just happens to be Mizuka’s age. This being a shojo manga, you will not be shocked that they don’t get off on the best foot but things slowly begin to change.
What starts a bit okay turns into really good by the end. I had already been won over by this point, but later on Mizuka has a fantastic conversation with Tenshin about how the two of them are both outsiders in her uncle’s home.
Nice gesture or not, Mizuka has nowhere else to go. Tenshin, meanwhile, is squabbling with his family who live shockingly close by. The other dragon folk we meet are great, from the icy girl (whose name I forgot) to Kairi, who is worshipfully overprotective of Tenshin.
You’d be surprised how often this gets forgotten, but it really does help when a story has two interesting lead characters. Tenshin may be a brat at times, but he becomes quietly protective of Mizuka and she treats him like an actual person instead of a revered figure on a pedestal.
It blends nicely with the more fantastical elements, which are not overdone and add a little bit extra without becoming the whole thing. It is not a substitute for these two being believably written and throws some wrinkles in at the same time.
Mizuka is a lot more bold and blunt than we usually see in our female leads and it really works for her. Between her scooter and her ‘take no crap’ attitude and dogged determination to stand up for what she thinks is right, she has personality to spare.
It helps freshen up some of the parts that are maybe less original, like the snooty girls giving way to a friendship with the icy girl (fine, that hasn’t happened yet, but mark my words). Then again, even things like the dreaded manga cold are given a jolt of originality here, so things do get tweaked.
I like a story where two people who are not perfect are something more when they’re together. Neither Mizuka nor Tenshin is perfect and that makes them interesting to both one another and the audience.
4.25 stars - overall, I really liked this and it grew on me quickly. By the end I was both impressed and invested and I’m looking forward to seeing more of both these two and their world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an odd one…art work is fine and it’s refreshing seeing a seaside setting not be relegated to a beach episode/chapter. That said……the set up for the romance never really found its footing. There’s shades of grumpy x sunshine here but, it never fully commits nor is it purely a shifter romance either. Tensions sarcastic tone doesn’t really land in many instances at least in the first volume. Who know!? Character development could happen later on! The best character is the quirky, forgetful uncle.
And before I forget why exactly was this so short?
ARC received from Viz Media. thanks so much!
And before I forget why exactly was this so short?
ARC received from Viz Media. thanks so much!
November 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for this ARC!
I loved this! It’s dreamy and lovely, with a hint of nostalgia and just a pinch of sadness.
Reading it gave me a little bit of Fruits Basket nostalgia, which happens to be one of my absolute favorite manga/anime EVER! So if you love shōjo this will be right up your alley!
I actually was looking up when the next volume would be published while I was still reading this one!
The beginning was a little confusing and slow to get into, but once the story got going I was golden!
February can’t come soon enough. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume!
I loved this! It’s dreamy and lovely, with a hint of nostalgia and just a pinch of sadness.
Reading it gave me a little bit of Fruits Basket nostalgia, which happens to be one of my absolute favorite manga/anime EVER! So if you love shōjo this will be right up your alley!
I actually was looking up when the next volume would be published while I was still reading this one!
The beginning was a little confusing and slow to get into, but once the story got going I was golden!
February can’t come soon enough. I’ll definitely be picking up the next volume!
April 28, 2026
A very interesting start!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cute manga! It hasn’t been published yet, but I want to read volume 2 already!
Tenshin is such a marshmallow inside his scary exterior. Mizuka is the opposite side of the coin. Sunshine exterior, with a tragic past.
Mizuka is such a complex character that I fell in love with her immediately. With her father passing, she comes to live with her uncle to find Tenshin also living with him. Tenshin is stand-off at first because he thinks he scares her by being dragon folk. I love that he begins to thaw out as Mizuka’s kindness shines through.
I can’t wait to get more of Tenshin’s backstory. He is so interesting, I get Mizuka’s wonderment of him. The lore is so neatly written, that it leaves me wanting more. The pace is excellent (even if I want the whole story given to me RIGHT NOW), and really sets up the anticipation of more of the story.
For now I will wait patiently (yeah right, I want it NOW) until volume 2 comes out. Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this awesome manga!
Tenshin is such a marshmallow inside his scary exterior. Mizuka is the opposite side of the coin. Sunshine exterior, with a tragic past.
Mizuka is such a complex character that I fell in love with her immediately. With her father passing, she comes to live with her uncle to find Tenshin also living with him. Tenshin is stand-off at first because he thinks he scares her by being dragon folk. I love that he begins to thaw out as Mizuka’s kindness shines through.
I can’t wait to get more of Tenshin’s backstory. He is so interesting, I get Mizuka’s wonderment of him. The lore is so neatly written, that it leaves me wanting more. The pace is excellent (even if I want the whole story given to me RIGHT NOW), and really sets up the anticipation of more of the story.
For now I will wait patiently (yeah right, I want it NOW) until volume 2 comes out. Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this awesome manga!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for the ARC!
Volume 1 is really good, Mizuka and Tenshin meet under strange and sad circumstances.. She suffered a loss, he is just boarding in this house her uncle owns and he is part of the Dragon Folk ( people descendants from Dragon and human). She is intrigued, he is kind and welcoming but her curiosity can come across harsh at times and that throws Tenshin off, causing him to act too standoffish at times. Still, many opportunities come up for these two teens to get closer, get to know each other and l experience life and dragons in the seaside town. Art was great and the story is so promising. Cannot wait to read more.
Volume 1 is really good, Mizuka and Tenshin meet under strange and sad circumstances.. She suffered a loss, he is just boarding in this house her uncle owns and he is part of the Dragon Folk ( people descendants from Dragon and human). She is intrigued, he is kind and welcoming but her curiosity can come across harsh at times and that throws Tenshin off, causing him to act too standoffish at times. Still, many opportunities come up for these two teens to get closer, get to know each other and l experience life and dragons in the seaside town. Art was great and the story is so promising. Cannot wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This looks to be the start of a fun story! Mizuka is a young girl who goes to live with her uncle after her dad died. Her uncle Yoshiharu lives in a town with "Dragon Folk," people who are descended from when a dragon and a woman mated. Also living with her uncle is a boarder named Tenshin, who is dragon born. He's estranged from his family. The dragon born have special abilities and are worshiped by some in the village. Tenshin has a gruff manner but a kind heart. Mizuka is friendly and outspoken. She is trying to fit in and get along, but also remain true to her values. The uncle is rather absentminded. So far, the story is rather sweet.
September 16, 2026
The art was so beautiful in this manga! Mizuka comes to live with her uncle, who has a boarding house, which includes a dragon folk teenager. Tenshin is at first somewhat standoffish with her, but she wins him over in this manga. The adventures she had as she becomes more embedded in the town, and how the author writes how the character deals with loss is poetic. This looks like it has good promise as a slice of life x fantasy in the mind of fruits basket. Looking forward to the next volume!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super cute story, great artwork and I can't wait to see where the story and characters end up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ll always love the grumpy x sunshine trope especially if it’s involving dragons with the two main characters obviously so different but bond over their similar feelings of not belonging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This manga is well-written and drawn. The story is compelling with interesting characters. I look forward to future volumes.
August 23, 2025
What I liked most about this volume
❤️ I LOVE a good slow burn, and this series is certainly giving! This volume introduced us to the various character dynamics that we will be seeing in the coming volumes. I’m excited to see how they grow and change!
🧡 Tenshin slowly growing to trust Mizuka – I enjoyed watching their relationship start awkwardly sour, and slowly but surely get better. It felt much more realistic than had they been really close right from the start.
💛 The mystery – I am curious to learn more about Tenshin! I have so many questions about him – his tail moves on its own? how? ; If he can turn his hand into a claw, and pull out his wings, can he fully transform into a dragon? Are there limits? ; Is he actually the strongest out of all the dragon-people?
💚 The art is really very pretty, I’ll never get tired of looking at it.
💙 Tenshin’s sarcastic personality. Once he finally came out of his shell, I grew to love his personality so much! He’s such a uniquely funny character!
Read my full review on my blog here!
❤️ I LOVE a good slow burn, and this series is certainly giving! This volume introduced us to the various character dynamics that we will be seeing in the coming volumes. I’m excited to see how they grow and change!
🧡 Tenshin slowly growing to trust Mizuka – I enjoyed watching their relationship start awkwardly sour, and slowly but surely get better. It felt much more realistic than had they been really close right from the start.
💛 The mystery – I am curious to learn more about Tenshin! I have so many questions about him – his tail moves on its own? how? ; If he can turn his hand into a claw, and pull out his wings, can he fully transform into a dragon? Are there limits? ; Is he actually the strongest out of all the dragon-people?
💚 The art is really very pretty, I’ll never get tired of looking at it.
💙 Tenshin’s sarcastic personality. Once he finally came out of his shell, I grew to love his personality so much! He’s such a uniquely funny character!
Read my full review on my blog here!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is the kind of shojo story that reminded me why I loved the genre so much in the first place.
There is an immediate softness to this manga, but what made it work for me was that the story never mistakes softness for simplicity. The premise is whimsical and charming, while the characters are introduced with enough nuance to make them feel layered from the beginning. Rather than spelling everything out, Asato Shima gives us small reactions, habits, and details that hint at who these characters are under the initial impression and who they may become. Some of those moments feel like they could matter greatly later, but the story never becomes predictable because of them.
I especially appreciated the way Mizuka’s grief is handled. She is trying to stay cheerful and move forward after loss, but that effort does not erase her frustration, loneliness, or the moments when maintaining that optimism becomes difficult. Her emotions feel very human because the manga allows her to be hopeful and hurting at the same time.
Tenshin was just as compelling to me. His initial standoffishness feels believable for someone who has spent his life being different and has reasons to be cautious around newcomers, but we also get to see the softer and more considerate side to him. He is a wonderful mix of brooding and compassionate, even if that compassion comes out in adorably awkward ways.
What stood out to me was his humility. In a world where there is clearly some tension between humans and dragon-born, Tenshin never feels defined by superiority. There is something very appealing in the idea that real strength can also mean gentleness, restraint, and choosing the softer side of their reactions.
I also loved the character notes and concept details between chapters. They made the world feel more lived-in and gave the volume an extra layer of charm without interrupting the pacing.
Most of all, this manga has such a distinct atmosphere. It is wholesome without being overly sweet, fantastical without losing its emotional grounding, and with a hint of potential romance without rushing the connection between its characters. I finished the volume genuinely excited to see how the relationships, mythology, and larger story will unfold.
This is exactly the kind of story that could bring me back to reading shojo regularly again. I would also be over the moon if this was adapted into an anime someday; the seaside setting, dragon mythology, warmth, and beautiful character designs feel made for animation.
At the end of the volume, Asato Shima writes, “As I worked, I wished that there really could be a town like this.” Me too…me too. I’m already looking forward to the publication and future volumes.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is the kind of shojo story that reminded me why I loved the genre so much in the first place.
There is an immediate softness to this manga, but what made it work for me was that the story never mistakes softness for simplicity. The premise is whimsical and charming, while the characters are introduced with enough nuance to make them feel layered from the beginning. Rather than spelling everything out, Asato Shima gives us small reactions, habits, and details that hint at who these characters are under the initial impression and who they may become. Some of those moments feel like they could matter greatly later, but the story never becomes predictable because of them.
I especially appreciated the way Mizuka’s grief is handled. She is trying to stay cheerful and move forward after loss, but that effort does not erase her frustration, loneliness, or the moments when maintaining that optimism becomes difficult. Her emotions feel very human because the manga allows her to be hopeful and hurting at the same time.
Tenshin was just as compelling to me. His initial standoffishness feels believable for someone who has spent his life being different and has reasons to be cautious around newcomers, but we also get to see the softer and more considerate side to him. He is a wonderful mix of brooding and compassionate, even if that compassion comes out in adorably awkward ways.
What stood out to me was his humility. In a world where there is clearly some tension between humans and dragon-born, Tenshin never feels defined by superiority. There is something very appealing in the idea that real strength can also mean gentleness, restraint, and choosing the softer side of their reactions.
I also loved the character notes and concept details between chapters. They made the world feel more lived-in and gave the volume an extra layer of charm without interrupting the pacing.
Most of all, this manga has such a distinct atmosphere. It is wholesome without being overly sweet, fantastical without losing its emotional grounding, and with a hint of potential romance without rushing the connection between its characters. I finished the volume genuinely excited to see how the relationships, mythology, and larger story will unfold.
This is exactly the kind of story that could bring me back to reading shojo regularly again. I would also be over the moon if this was adapted into an anime someday; the seaside setting, dragon mythology, warmth, and beautiful character designs feel made for animation.
At the end of the volume, Asato Shima writes, “As I worked, I wished that there really could be a town like this.” Me too…me too. I’m already looking forward to the publication and future volumes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After the sudden passing of her father, Mizuka is taken in by her uncle who lives in the small seaside town of Komorisaki. But there is something unique about this village - occasionally, a child is born with dragon-like features or abilities. While moving in, she see's a strange tail up the stairs, which is how she discovers her new housemate is dragonfolk!
It did take most of the first chapter to feel like I had a sense of what was going on, because we are thrown right into things. There's no easing into the story, and things move pretty quickly from the start which made the first few pages feel clunky to get through. Once I got past the initial struggle and had a better idea of the main characters, things smoothed out did get easier to understand. Tenshin and Mizuka make for strong character and I enjoyed the awkward first interactions, with Mizuka trying to figure out her place and fit in while Tenshin appeared hesitant or a bit standoffish. They both seem fairly independent and stubborn but I foresee more common ground being found due to their past which should make for a great story. I'm particularly interested to learn more about Tenshin's history moving forward, and why he is at the uncle's house in the first place.
This volume is largely setting up the world and establishing our main characters. It is very slice 0f life and at least thus far pretty cozy. If there is a romance meant to take place between these two, it is no doubt going to be a slow burn but they have a lot of common ground to find before anything like that can take place.
The art is beautiful, particularly with the dragon attributes (like that scales!) and the outdoor backgrounds. The translations were all clear and concise, although the translation of the title is a bit odd/misleading as there is at least one dragon girl. Not sure why it isn't "Dragonfolk" instead of "Boys" but maybe that's just me being pedantic.
Another reviewer mentioned being reminded of Fruits Basket, which is funny because I had similar thoughts while reading. While it did feel abrupt in the beginning, by the end of chapter four I was intrigued and ready for more. If you're looking for a gorgeously drawn manga with what I expect will be a slow friends to more arc, some fun dragon lore, and probably some familial angst, you're in the right place. I'll definitely be keeping up with series in the future. ⭐4 Stars⭐
Thanks to Netgalley, VizMedia, and the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
It did take most of the first chapter to feel like I had a sense of what was going on, because we are thrown right into things. There's no easing into the story, and things move pretty quickly from the start which made the first few pages feel clunky to get through. Once I got past the initial struggle and had a better idea of the main characters, things smoothed out did get easier to understand. Tenshin and Mizuka make for strong character and I enjoyed the awkward first interactions, with Mizuka trying to figure out her place and fit in while Tenshin appeared hesitant or a bit standoffish. They both seem fairly independent and stubborn but I foresee more common ground being found due to their past which should make for a great story. I'm particularly interested to learn more about Tenshin's history moving forward, and why he is at the uncle's house in the first place.
This volume is largely setting up the world and establishing our main characters. It is very slice 0f life and at least thus far pretty cozy. If there is a romance meant to take place between these two, it is no doubt going to be a slow burn but they have a lot of common ground to find before anything like that can take place.
The art is beautiful, particularly with the dragon attributes (like that scales!) and the outdoor backgrounds. The translations were all clear and concise, although the translation of the title is a bit odd/misleading as there is at least one dragon girl. Not sure why it isn't "Dragonfolk" instead of "Boys" but maybe that's just me being pedantic.
Another reviewer mentioned being reminded of Fruits Basket, which is funny because I had similar thoughts while reading. While it did feel abrupt in the beginning, by the end of chapter four I was intrigued and ready for more. If you're looking for a gorgeously drawn manga with what I expect will be a slow friends to more arc, some fun dragon lore, and probably some familial angst, you're in the right place. I'll definitely be keeping up with series in the future. ⭐4 Stars⭐
Thanks to Netgalley, VizMedia, and the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First I'd like to thank the publisher for a digital arc of this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. I have heard good things about this series from someone who has read it in Japanese so it was on my wishlist to try. It sounded good and the art I've seen for the series looked gorgeous, but I tried to temper my expectations in case I ended up disappointed. I was not disappointed, in fact I was pleasantly surprised because I enjoyed this even more than I expected too! It has all the elementsyou want in a series. To start it has a slightly sober/emotionalstoryline. Our FL has just lost her father and is now going to be living with her uncle in a seaside town where dragonfolk reside (people who have scales and other unique characteristics passed down from an ancient dragon bloodline) I liked that our FL isn't just immediately fine with everything that's happened to her. She worries and seems a little down at times. My only slight complaint would be that I would expect her to be a little more devastated by what happened but I can also understand that it's only the first volume and the mangaka wants to get the readers interested in the story and the mysterious elements right away. I feel like her grief might be explored a bit more later on. I'm also glad that she wasn't just immediately like "oh look a cute guy" and love magically solves her problems. No. This starts out with a rocky start between the FL and the ML. They slowly develope a friendship. It has more found family vibes than romantic ones right now and I love it. If a romance develops later I will totally be here for that, but I love a good slow burn! The ML is one of those somewhat prickly characters that doesn't trust easily but he isn't mean or cruel and he has valid reasons for being guarded. But I like that there is a lot more to his character than just being grumpy, he's also responsible and has older sibling/mom vibes which was amusing. The story also a nice sprinkling of humor, lots of mysterious elements and characters that I'm very curious to learn more about especially the ML. It was a really solid start to a series and I'm excited to keep reading. Eagerly awaiting volume 2! The story also reminded me a little bit of Fruits Basket, with the mysterious dragonfolk and their abilities, and some of the sober/serious moments.
🌊 seaside setting
🐉 mysterious dragon boy
💔 painful pasts?
😂 sprinkle of humor
🤔 mystery elements
🩵 found family/friendship vibes
🌊 seaside setting
🐉 mysterious dragon boy
💔 painful pasts?
😂 sprinkle of humor
🤔 mystery elements
🩵 found family/friendship vibes
September 8, 2026
Review of advanced copy received.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is about a highschooler, Mizuka who gets invited to live with her uncle after the passing of her father. Not knowing the full details she learns she will be living in a house already occupied with a boarder, and a dragonbore at that.
This first volume started off a little rocky for me and I had to research if maybe this was the first work of Asato Shima. Seeing they have another well rated series, I put aside all the trope filled and normal manga cliches from the first two chapters and tried to ride the volume out until it got its footing. Around chapter 3 it felt like the characters of Mizuka and Tenshin were starting to really find their way and the plot was getting interesting and not as predictable. But the end of the volume, I was upset at how short the volume felt and I wanted to know more immediately. The manga definitely grasped me by the last page and I'm excited to see where the rest of the story is going and how things play out between Mizuka and Tenshin.
*Spoilers after here*:
I was very excited to see a new take on what I had assumed was going to be the old "runaway child" manga trope or the "one of the main characters has an enemy in the first couple chapters" take. But while we learn of this new character, Mabuchi and how he and Tenshin share some kind of past, Tenshin doesn't seem to hold that much hostility for him and even agreed upon the request Mizuka gave for them all to enjoy dinner together. I thought that was a nice breath of fresh air with the tropes normally given and it made me see the manga in a better light. Instead of thinking I knew where the manga was going with this, I'm now intrigued to see how the story between Tenshin and Mabuchi plays out and I'm even more interested in the tail (pun intended) of why Tenshin ran away and why Mabuchi has all these negative emotions towards him.
Thanks to NetGalley, VizMedia and the mangaka Asato Shima for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is about a highschooler, Mizuka who gets invited to live with her uncle after the passing of her father. Not knowing the full details she learns she will be living in a house already occupied with a boarder, and a dragonbore at that.
This first volume started off a little rocky for me and I had to research if maybe this was the first work of Asato Shima. Seeing they have another well rated series, I put aside all the trope filled and normal manga cliches from the first two chapters and tried to ride the volume out until it got its footing. Around chapter 3 it felt like the characters of Mizuka and Tenshin were starting to really find their way and the plot was getting interesting and not as predictable. But the end of the volume, I was upset at how short the volume felt and I wanted to know more immediately. The manga definitely grasped me by the last page and I'm excited to see where the rest of the story is going and how things play out between Mizuka and Tenshin.
*Spoilers after here*:
I was very excited to see a new take on what I had assumed was going to be the old "runaway child" manga trope or the "one of the main characters has an enemy in the first couple chapters" take. But while we learn of this new character, Mabuchi and how he and Tenshin share some kind of past, Tenshin doesn't seem to hold that much hostility for him and even agreed upon the request Mizuka gave for them all to enjoy dinner together. I thought that was a nice breath of fresh air with the tropes normally given and it made me see the manga in a better light. Instead of thinking I knew where the manga was going with this, I'm now intrigued to see how the story between Tenshin and Mabuchi plays out and I'm even more interested in the tail (pun intended) of why Tenshin ran away and why Mabuchi has all these negative emotions towards him.
Thanks to NetGalley, VizMedia and the mangaka Asato Shima for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4'5★ | it really has a nice structure, it reminded me a lot of old mangas and animes like Kamisama Kiss or Fruits Basket. But this one is a shōjo manga with sons of a dragon deity! (I'd love to see this plot coming to life too, this first volume has awakened that manga and anime lover in me, not gonna lie)
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell centers around a girl named Mizuka who moves to a seashore town to live with his uncle after his father dies. There, he starts to live alongside his uncle, a scientist in the dragon folk research team on the island, and with Tenshin, a half dragon himself.
The manga has a slice of life vibes, you can see the hints of a possible future romance, and this first volume makes clear the manga will explore the topics of belonging, personal growth and family.
The evolution of the plot also has this tone you can find in older and long mangas, where you can see it'll slowly revolve around Mizuka and Tenshin relationship, their highschool life, the drama inside the dragon folk family (two of Tenshin's "sisters and brothers' (so far)also going to school with them) and the nature of the dragon folk, the culture of the town around dragons, and Tenshin's, to discover, importance inside the family of the dragonkind.
The art style on his part is very pretty, it shines in its fine line, details in eyes and hair, close ups, and in several instances in the backgrounds.
It has a breathable and light style to it, it's simple but fairly well detailed all around, and it accompanies the dialogue well. It's beautiful to look at, especially when it hints at being intricate if the author wants it to be. Can't wait to read more of the story and watch more of the authors style in the future.
—
The translation seems fine enough, especially because the dialogues and texts aren't long in its format, or seem difficult in their vocabulary so far.
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell centers around a girl named Mizuka who moves to a seashore town to live with his uncle after his father dies. There, he starts to live alongside his uncle, a scientist in the dragon folk research team on the island, and with Tenshin, a half dragon himself.
The manga has a slice of life vibes, you can see the hints of a possible future romance, and this first volume makes clear the manga will explore the topics of belonging, personal growth and family.
The evolution of the plot also has this tone you can find in older and long mangas, where you can see it'll slowly revolve around Mizuka and Tenshin relationship, their highschool life, the drama inside the dragon folk family (two of Tenshin's "sisters and brothers' (so far)also going to school with them) and the nature of the dragon folk, the culture of the town around dragons, and Tenshin's, to discover, importance inside the family of the dragonkind.
The art style on his part is very pretty, it shines in its fine line, details in eyes and hair, close ups, and in several instances in the backgrounds.
It has a breathable and light style to it, it's simple but fairly well detailed all around, and it accompanies the dialogue well. It's beautiful to look at, especially when it hints at being intricate if the author wants it to be. Can't wait to read more of the story and watch more of the authors style in the future.
—
The translation seems fine enough, especially because the dialogues and texts aren't long in its format, or seem difficult in their vocabulary so far.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mizuka moves in with her father after her father passes. There she finds out he is a researcher of dragon folk and has a boarder who is a teenage dragon born. Thus begins the story. Mizuka is a very mature teenager who is dealing very well with her father's passing. Tenshin is a grumpy, prickly, teen. We soon meet his groupies and two more dragon born.
The characters are interesting although not completely fleshed out. Perhaps this is cultural, but they seem a little too reserved for teenagers with major changes in their lives. Mizuka's father just died, yet we never see her feel it. Her uncle's brother died; he is the only one who seems to be feeling things, not the teenage girl. Tenshin is grumpy and prickly as someone who has lived his life being watched may be, but that's it. He doesn't act out. He reserves his lashing out for his own kind, not the humans who watch him. We aren't given an explanation for this. The other two dragon-born are almost stereotypes. The aloof girl who doesn't talk to anyone and instead glares and scoffs. And the handsome boy who thinks he is better than everyone because he is from the superior race.
It is clear that this first volume is merely the start of the story. I don't know how many volumes it will take to get into the full story. This is a decent start. I'm interested in where it goes from here, although I'm not sure if I would be willing to pay full price to read the full story.
The characters are interesting although not completely fleshed out. Perhaps this is cultural, but they seem a little too reserved for teenagers with major changes in their lives. Mizuka's father just died, yet we never see her feel it. Her uncle's brother died; he is the only one who seems to be feeling things, not the teenage girl. Tenshin is grumpy and prickly as someone who has lived his life being watched may be, but that's it. He doesn't act out. He reserves his lashing out for his own kind, not the humans who watch him. We aren't given an explanation for this. The other two dragon-born are almost stereotypes. The aloof girl who doesn't talk to anyone and instead glares and scoffs. And the handsome boy who thinks he is better than everyone because he is from the superior race.
It is clear that this first volume is merely the start of the story. I don't know how many volumes it will take to get into the full story. This is a decent start. I'm interested in where it goes from here, although I'm not sure if I would be willing to pay full price to read the full story.
September 3, 2026
Milky se ha convertido poco a poco en una de mis editoriales favoritas y me encantan las licencias que últimamente han lanzado y cuando vi esta el dibujo me conquisto.
En esta historia tenemos de prota a Mizuka, una chica que perdió a su padre de manera repentina y se va a vivir con a un pequeño pueblo en el cual también viven personas dragón. Al llegar a su nuevo hogar descubre que su tío vive con un joven dragón llamado Tenshin con el cual entablar una amistad no será nada fácil.
Me ha gustado mucho esta ciudad donde conviven personas normales con personas dragón y aunque la convivencia es pacifica las personas dragón son bastante recelosas porque muchas veces se sienten como atracciones vivientes para los demás pobladores. Por ese motivo la relación con Tenshin empieza un poco distante pero a medida que conviven se van acercando más y Mizuka es una chica que se preocupa mucho por sus personas más cercanas porque no quiere perder a nadie más y teme quedarse sola.
Tenshin por ahora es un misterio y en general todo lo relacionado con las personas dragón, me genera mucha curiosidad leer más de la historia para descubrir como son los primeros años de los dragones y la convivencia en el templo donde viven.
Es una historia a la que le veo mucho potencial y tengo muchas ganas de continuar.
En esta historia tenemos de prota a Mizuka, una chica que perdió a su padre de manera repentina y se va a vivir con a un pequeño pueblo en el cual también viven personas dragón. Al llegar a su nuevo hogar descubre que su tío vive con un joven dragón llamado Tenshin con el cual entablar una amistad no será nada fácil.
Me ha gustado mucho esta ciudad donde conviven personas normales con personas dragón y aunque la convivencia es pacifica las personas dragón son bastante recelosas porque muchas veces se sienten como atracciones vivientes para los demás pobladores. Por ese motivo la relación con Tenshin empieza un poco distante pero a medida que conviven se van acercando más y Mizuka es una chica que se preocupa mucho por sus personas más cercanas porque no quiere perder a nadie más y teme quedarse sola.
Tenshin por ahora es un misterio y en general todo lo relacionado con las personas dragón, me genera mucha curiosidad leer más de la historia para descubrir como son los primeros años de los dragones y la convivencia en el templo donde viven.
Es una historia a la que le veo mucho potencial y tengo muchas ganas de continuar.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely adored this!
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is a shoujo romance with supernatural elements (dragons, in case the title didn't give it away). Mizuka finds herself pretty suddenly in a new, mysterious town after the surprising death of her father. There she starts living with her uncle and a grumpy dragon boy named Tenshin.
This volume is about Mizuka settling in and getting to know her new surroundings. I thought it was a great setup to the rest of the story. It introduced a bit of mystery, a bit of family drama, and a bit of romance. The chemistry between Mizuka and Tenshin felt great. From Mizuka's perspective, they became pretty fast friends, but from Tenshin's side there was definitely still a bit of hesitancy to open up. But it feels like he's a bit lonely and desires that connection, so I can't wait to see that developed.
Mizuka's character seems very upbeat and confident, despite the rough time she's had recently. It's very reminiscent of Ruri from RuriDragon. Tenshin, of course, balances this with his grumpy exterior, but no doubt squishy interior.
The art was also stunning, it felt very similar to Yona of the Dawn. A bit ethereal, with light lines and soft backgrounds. It just looks a bit romantic, you know?
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the advanced copy for review! I can't wait to add this to my physical collection :)
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell is a shoujo romance with supernatural elements (dragons, in case the title didn't give it away). Mizuka finds herself pretty suddenly in a new, mysterious town after the surprising death of her father. There she starts living with her uncle and a grumpy dragon boy named Tenshin.
This volume is about Mizuka settling in and getting to know her new surroundings. I thought it was a great setup to the rest of the story. It introduced a bit of mystery, a bit of family drama, and a bit of romance. The chemistry between Mizuka and Tenshin felt great. From Mizuka's perspective, they became pretty fast friends, but from Tenshin's side there was definitely still a bit of hesitancy to open up. But it feels like he's a bit lonely and desires that connection, so I can't wait to see that developed.
Mizuka's character seems very upbeat and confident, despite the rough time she's had recently. It's very reminiscent of Ruri from RuriDragon. Tenshin, of course, balances this with his grumpy exterior, but no doubt squishy interior.
The art was also stunning, it felt very similar to Yona of the Dawn. A bit ethereal, with light lines and soft backgrounds. It just looks a bit romantic, you know?
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the advanced copy for review! I can't wait to add this to my physical collection :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Seaside Where Dragon Boys Dwell, Vol. 1 by Hiroya Tanaka offers a cozy, mythical slice-of-life premise set in a quiet coastal town where young dragon-human hybrids live alongside humans.
The highlight of this debut volume is undeniably the artwork. Tanaka’s linework is delicate and incredibly detailed, capturing everything from the gentle ocean breezes and rustic seaside atmosphere to the subtle, expressive dragon features of the cast. Visually, every page is a joy to look at. However, the story itself takes quite a while to get going. The narrative pacing is very slow-burn, spending a heavy amount of time on setup and light exposition rather than driving a clear plot forward or deepening the character dynamics right away.
It’s a gorgeous, atmospheric manga that shows a lot of promise, but it needs a bit more narrative momentum in future volumes to truly hook the reader.
Thank you to Seven Seas Entertainment and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
The highlight of this debut volume is undeniably the artwork. Tanaka’s linework is delicate and incredibly detailed, capturing everything from the gentle ocean breezes and rustic seaside atmosphere to the subtle, expressive dragon features of the cast. Visually, every page is a joy to look at. However, the story itself takes quite a while to get going. The narrative pacing is very slow-burn, spending a heavy amount of time on setup and light exposition rather than driving a clear plot forward or deepening the character dynamics right away.
It’s a gorgeous, atmospheric manga that shows a lot of promise, but it needs a bit more narrative momentum in future volumes to truly hook the reader.
Thank you to Seven Seas Entertainment and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2026
Upon her uncle’s invitation, Mizuka goes to live with him at a seaside town after her father passes away. Little did she know that her uncle also has a boarder “Tenshin” who attends the same high school as she. Things are a bit awkward in the house despite Mizuka’s repeated friendly attempts to make conversation with Tenshin. However, he shuns her repeatedly for a reason. He is “dragon born”, born in Komorisaki, with the ability to produce dragon scales and wings, shapeshift, track scents, jump from high places and fly. Mizuka observes these changes in Tenshin first hand and at first is intimated which turns into awe. Tenshin meanwhile seems insecure about being dragon born as he is viewed as a showcase, not a human, by his peers to the point of exploitation. Tenshin’s cool demeanor starts to thaw once Mizuka tells him a bit about her childhood.
I love the characters in this story and the plot is pleasantly different. I enjoyed the black and white illustrations. The book seemed to go pretty quickly. I am looking forward to reading the next volume.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
I love the characters in this story and the plot is pleasantly different. I enjoyed the black and white illustrations. The book seemed to go pretty quickly. I am looking forward to reading the next volume.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A tragedy leaves Mizuka needing a fresh start, so she moves to a town with legends of half human, half dragons called Dragon-kin. What Mizuka doesn’t expect is to have a Dragon-kin living in her uncle’s house. The Dragon-kin boy is distant and blunt, and, at first, Mizuka fears that they might never get along. The longer they live together, the more she learns about Dragon-kin and he learns about her, the closer they get. Maybe there’s a chance for them to get along after all!
Gorgeous art. So. Pretty. Something about the vibes of going to a new place and meeting new, supernatural creatures gave me a sort of Spirited Away vibe. This is a great start to a series, and I am always impressed when a fantasy or magical realism book can explain the world to me without a huge and awkward info dump.
Eagerly awaiting the next volume! Hopefully that will be on Netgalley, too?
Thanks to Netgalley and VIZ Media for the DRC!
Gorgeous art. So. Pretty. Something about the vibes of going to a new place and meeting new, supernatural creatures gave me a sort of Spirited Away vibe. This is a great start to a series, and I am always impressed when a fantasy or magical realism book can explain the world to me without a huge and awkward info dump.
Eagerly awaiting the next volume! Hopefully that will be on Netgalley, too?
Thanks to Netgalley and VIZ Media for the DRC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A super cute manga that is a rollercoater of emotions.
While grieving her father Mizuka moves In with her Uncle I'm a small seaside town. Along with navigating a new town and trying to make new friends she must also deal with an unexpected housemate, Tenshin, The aloof dragon-born teen who is boarding with her Uncle.
This first volume offers a good balance between introducing the reader to the town, including it's history and beliefs, and how the dragon folk fit into it all, and starting to flesh out the main characters and their relationship to each other.
While there is a good dose of drama in this volume, and some obvious tension between some characters, this is a book full of kindness. At its core this first volume is a story of two teens trying to find their place in the world, and trying their best to understand the challenges facing each other. It is a story with a gentle heart, and a lot of promise, and I'm excited to see what volume 2 has to offer.
While grieving her father Mizuka moves In with her Uncle I'm a small seaside town. Along with navigating a new town and trying to make new friends she must also deal with an unexpected housemate, Tenshin, The aloof dragon-born teen who is boarding with her Uncle.
This first volume offers a good balance between introducing the reader to the town, including it's history and beliefs, and how the dragon folk fit into it all, and starting to flesh out the main characters and their relationship to each other.
While there is a good dose of drama in this volume, and some obvious tension between some characters, this is a book full of kindness. At its core this first volume is a story of two teens trying to find their place in the world, and trying their best to understand the challenges facing each other. It is a story with a gentle heart, and a lot of promise, and I'm excited to see what volume 2 has to offer.
November 6, 2026
YES FINALLY IT IS HERE!! Wanted to read this ever since I first saw it existed.
Such a cool concept! It reminds me a bit of Fruits Basket a little bit... with the whole "outsider meets magical family that has drama" Except they're dragons <3 and... not secret. And the Heroine is spunkier than Tohru.
The drama at the start where the ML was being offish was a bit frustrating, but thankfully it was short. (And also it wound up being weirdly sweet once you get to know him and kind of realize what was happening? Like... he was actually trying to be considerate... thinking that if he tried talking to her about him staying she'd polite about but still very uncomfortable with his presence, so he figured he'd just leave.)
Actually this kind of satisfies my "OMG JUST TALK IT OUT" feelings whenever I see ConflictTM between leads. FL had to soft bully him into having that conversation, but they had it and everything was resolved in a single chapter rather than at the end of a full on arc.
Such a cool concept! It reminds me a bit of Fruits Basket a little bit... with the whole "outsider meets magical family that has drama" Except they're dragons <3 and... not secret. And the Heroine is spunkier than Tohru.
The drama at the start where the ML was being offish was a bit frustrating, but thankfully it was short. (And also it wound up being weirdly sweet once you get to know him and kind of realize what was happening? Like... he was actually trying to be considerate... thinking that if he tried talking to her about him staying she'd polite about but still very uncomfortable with his presence, so he figured he'd just leave.)
Actually this kind of satisfies my "OMG JUST TALK IT OUT" feelings whenever I see ConflictTM between leads. FL had to soft bully him into having that conversation, but they had it and everything was resolved in a single chapter rather than at the end of a full on arc.
November 9, 2026
Mizuka is a 2nd-year high school student who has to move to a seaside town to live with her Uncle after her father passed away. Her Uncle is a researcher of dragonfolk, a part-human, part-dragon people native to the seaside town. Her Uncle also has a dragon boy, Tenshin, boarding with him, so Mizuka quickly encounters these folk and is curious to learn more about them while remaining polite. Mizuka and Tenshin go to the same school, and there Mizuka meets a few more dragonfolk her age. She looks to try and make friends in her new town while also learning to share a living space with Tenshin.
This was just so cozy and cute! I half-expected the dragon nature of Tenshin to be hidden, but it was a pleasant surprise that it was casually incorporated into the story. So far it's a cute slice of life, and it'll be interesting to learn more about Tenshin, like why he doesn't live with his family, and more about the dragonfolk abilities overall.
This was just so cozy and cute! I half-expected the dragon nature of Tenshin to be hidden, but it was a pleasant surprise that it was casually incorporated into the story. So far it's a cute slice of life, and it'll be interesting to learn more about Tenshin, like why he doesn't live with his family, and more about the dragonfolk abilities overall.
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