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水神の生贄 [Suijin no Hanayome] #2

The Water Dragon's Bride, Vol. 2

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A modern-day girl gets whisked away to a strange land where she is sacrificed to a water dragon god!

In the blink of an eye, a modern-day girl named Asahi is whisked away from her warm and happy home and stranded in a strange and mysterious world where she is sacrificed to a water dragon god! What plans are in store for her, and what will happen when she comes face to face with this god?

After a ritual in the village leaves her hovering on the brink of death, Asahi is rescued by the power of the water dragon god! Has he awakened to feelings of compassion, or does Asahi need to flee this treacherous world before something even worse happens to her?

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2015

46 people are currently reading
368 people want to read

About the author

Rei Tōma

67 books366 followers
Rei Tōma (Japanese: 藤間 麗,Tōma Rei) has been drawing since childhood, but she only began drawing manga because of her graduation project in design school. When she drew a short-story manga, "Help me dentist" (ヘルプ me デンティスト), it attracted a publisher's attention and she made her debut right away. Her magnificent art style became popular, and after she debuted as a manga artist, she became known as an illustrator for novels and video game character designs.

Dawn of the Arcana is her first long-running manga series, and it has been a hit in Japan, selling over a million copies.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer.
1,512 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2019
description
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

Asahi was a little girl happily living with her parents in modern times until she's pulled through a pond and wakes up in feudal Japan. There she befriends a boy her age, Subaru and becomes the charge of the local water dragon god.

Uuuuuuuhhhhh WOW! I loved this volume! Soooooo good as we get a TON of the water dragon god... I enjoy Rei Tōma even though it isn’t the most happening manga ever... the relationships are super intriguing!

The art is perhaps even better in this volume than the first... delicate, uncluttered frames with light screening and palpable emotions! Why I loved the art even more was the lack of words or thoughts when none was necessary... you literally experience as Asahi experiences, you feel as the water dragon god feels and you defend as Subaru defends.

There is a lovely balance in this manga between our three leads... The water dragon god, Subaru and Asahi each get their own arc within the volume. I LOVE THAT!! How often does a story feel unbalanced with all the events having to do with one character and the others just standing around... that is NOT the case here and it makes for some compelling moments.

This isn't a perfect manga. There could be some more development of story and conflict. There could be more of other characters playing a role... but what there is is nuanced and hits you right in the gut... I just loved the plot... from the clumsy steps the water dragon god takes to protect Asahi from the evil humans, to the wonderful scene where the water dragon god and Subaru face off!!

Tsukihiko is a GREAT addition to those surrounding Asahi. Tōma isn't afraid to hop skip and jump over moments that lack punch... it does make for some time leaps and sketchy connections between past and present but I appreciate the moments that she makes the most of. Tsukihiko is a great example of this... providing Asahi some motivation that helps her to finally accept her role in this new place...

I'm REALLY looking forward to the next volume... I would love more Asahi and water dragon god interaction. I want to see Asahi communicating without having words. I want to see where her relationships are with those secondary characters we've already met... like the other gods, Subaru's sister and mother as well as Tsukihiko!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leads
⋆⭐⭐⭐⭐ Others
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆⭐⭐⭐⭐ Development


BOTTOM LINE: GAH! NEXT ONE, PLEASE NEXT ONE...


This is a multi-volume series and there may be references to the plot of those volumes... SO READ WITH CARE! Here is my review of 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my manga and graphic novel reviews in a special feature called Saturday Morning Cartoons...
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,247 reviews6,428 followers
April 30, 2022
3.5 this was another cute installment into the series. I wish that we would have gotten a little more time with our main characters as kids but I’ll be interested in the story development now that they’re older. One of the main issues that I had with this volume is that the other gods are not well developed. We get some significant interaction with them in this volume, but they definitely aren’t developed in a thorough way. I’m hoping that this changes throughout the rest of the series. Overall, I’m ready to dive into the next volume.
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,396 reviews284 followers
November 27, 2025
The creepy overtones continue as an immortal god with an adult form shows a discomforting interest in the pre-teen girl he has taken as a bride. For instance, there is no subliminal penis in this image as the god teleports away after watching the girl and her friend sleep.



And this is magic dripping from his fingertips onto her face



Fortunately, by the end of the book there is a time jump and the characters seem to be at least somewhere in their teens. Still creepy, but less so maybe? Hrm.
Profile Image for Sarah.
759 reviews17 followers
September 22, 2018

It's more like 3.5 stars.

I think this series has gotten slightly better with the development of both Asahi and Subaru. They are now teenagers/adults. Asahi is a well-done heroine. She's grown up and matured since she has stayed in the world she was transported to for so long. Subaru has matured but his desire to protect Asahi still remains. The Water Dragon god has received some development, but not much. I'm still intrigued to see where the story goes.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,672 reviews45 followers
November 27, 2017
Today's post is on The Water Dragon's Bride volume 2 by Rei Toma. It is the first in her Suijin no Hanayome series. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has two of the main characters on it looking at each other. The intended reader is someone who likes shojo and historical fantasy. There is no foul language, no sex, and violence in this book. The story is told from third person god with characters thoughts added in for character and plot development. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of book- After a ritual in the village leaves her hovering on the brink of death, Asahi is rescued by the power of the water dragon god! Has he awakened to feelings of compassion, or does Asahi need to flee this treacherous world before something even worse happens to her?

Review- The story picks up right the last volume left off with Asahi having been just healed by the Water Dragon God. Humans are not only confusing him but they are starting to anger him. So he summons a flood to destroy the humans that hurt her. In doing so he makes Asahi fear him even more. Her only friend Subaru is starting to hate the Water Dragon because of all the amoral things that he does. But the Water Dragon is starting to change because of his interactions with Asahi, Subaru, and even the other gods that are watching him and Asahi. The Water Dragon is not a good 'person' at the moment but the real problem is he has never interacted with humans or even really the other gods before. So he has so much to learn about how to not be scary to a human or even just not hated by one. The volume ends with a time skip and Asahi is at the youngest an older teenager maybe a young adult. So far a very sad manga with interesting characters and the plot is moving in an interesting way. I look forward to the next volume.

I give this volume Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.
Profile Image for Fern.
639 reviews50 followers
January 25, 2019
This volume was much better than the first, I definitely want to continue this series now!
Profile Image for Michelle.
625 reviews88 followers
August 14, 2018
This series continues to be an intriguing portal fantasy. There’s a sense of dread, what with Asahi being so young and whisked away to a world that’s been nothing but hostile to her up until this point. This spin on the genre is somewhat discomfiting, but it makes it feel fresh and new.

The story drags a bit in this volume. Instead, Toma takes this pause to further characterize the relationship (?) between Asahi and the Water God. There’s some creepy undertones happening, for sure (see this review for some examples), but I’m intrigued to see how it will be further developed in future volumes.

There’s a time-jump at the end of the volume which has made me even more excited to continue with the series. Not only does it add to the pseudo-eerie atmosphere of the series (it looks like Asahi will truly never return to her own world), but it also promises some interesting plot development.

We’re not very far in, but I highly recommend this series (so far) to readers who are looking for an interesting take on the portal fantasy story.
Profile Image for animasoul.
288 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2022
Band 1 konnte mich nicht überzeugen. Doch vielleicht schafft es Band 2?

Es passiert so einiges in Band 2 und es vergeht viel Zeit. Subaru steht der jungen Protagonistin, Asahi, zur Seite und versucht sie auf seine menschliche Art und Weise zu beschützen. Doch dabei stößt er deutlich an seine Grenzen. Asahi hingegen zieht sich immer mehr in sich selbst zurück. Öffnen tut sie sich nur Subaru und Tsukihiko gegenüber. Tsukihiko ist ein neuer Charakter, der auf der Bildfläche erscheint, um sich um die junge Protagonistin zu kümmern und ihr beizubringen, was es bedeutet, die Schamanin des Wassergottes zu sein.

Auch der Wassergott hält sich von Asahi nicht fern. Er greift ein, wenn es brenzlig wird und segnet sie mit einer sehr gefährlichen Gabe. Eine Gabe, die ein solch junges Menschenkind noch nicht einschätzen und beherrschen kann, weil sie mit ihrer emotionalen Situation gekoppelt ist. Ein sehr gefährliches Unterfangen.

Was niedlich ist, ist die Freundschaft von Subaru und Asahi. Trotz dessen die beiden noch Kinder sind, versuchen sie einander beizustehen. Anders wie die Dorfbewohner fürchtet sich Subaru nicht vor Asahi, sondern akzeptiert sie wie sie ist. Er steht ihr bei und widersetzt sich sogar seiner Mutter. Eine tolle Freundschaft, die die beiden entwickeln. Denn auch Asahi setzt sich für Subaru auf ihre Art ein und versucht ihm zu helfen. Die beiden bilden für mich das Herz der Reihe.

Die Charaktere verändern sich mit der Reihe. Asahi wirkt nicht mehr ganz so selbstbezogen und der Wassergott entwickelt menschliche Züge. Dennoch bleibt er ein kaltes Wesen, was auf die Menschen herabschaut und nicht bereit ist, sie zu verstehen. Er protzt mit seiner Macht, obwohl er immer wieder zu verstehen gibt, dass ihn die Menschen doch gar nicht interessieren. Die Entwicklungen sind interessant und haben durchaus Potential. Dennoch fällt es insgesamt noch etwas flach. Es gibt Handlungsstränge, die angedeutet werden, aber nicht weitergeführt werden. Da frage ich mich als Leserin, ob das beabsichtigt ist oder ob diese einfach in Vergessenheit geraten sind. Zumal zum Ende hin ein enormer Zeitsprung stattfindet.

Dennoch konnte mich auch der Band nicht vollkommen überzeugen.

Einerseits hat es damit zu tun, dass mich die Charaktere nicht wirklich einnehmen konnten. Subaru und Asahi werden zwar mittlerweile sympathisch, aber sie sprechen mich nicht an, sodass ich unbedingt wissen will, wie ihre Geschichte weitergeht. Auch der Wassergott bleibt mir an sich noch zu oberflächlich. Ich bin kein Fan von seiner kalten, herablassenden Art. Ich wünschte mir, er würde durch Asahi noch mehr Wärme in sich aufnehmen. Allerdings ist das wohl ein Aspekt, der sehr viel Zeit in Anspruch nehmen wird und seine göttlich kalte Art wird er wohl auch nicht gänzlich ablegen.

Auch der Zeichenstil überzeugt mich nach wie vor nicht. Er wirkt immer noch sehr oberflächlich und zweidimensional. Manchmal sogar eher eindimensional. Emotionen transferieren die Bilder ebenfalls nicht. Das liegt einerseits an der Ausdrucksstärke der Augen der Figuren. Die Augen wirken emotionslos und flach. Dadurch haben auch die Gesichter der Charaktere keinen wirklichen Ausdruck. Für mich sind die Augen der Spiegel der Seele der Figuren. Weswegen die Figuren hier seelenlos auf mich wirken.

Mit Band 3 werde ich der Reihe jedoch eine allerletzte Chance geben, mich von ihr zu überzeugen. Sollte ich dann immer noch nicht weiterlesen wollen, weil mich die Story und Charaktere nicht in ihren Bann gezogen haben, werde ich sie aufgeben. Aufgrund dessen bekommt die Story 3 von 5 Sternen. Etwas besser als Band 1, aber nicht gut genug, um mich vom Hocker zu reißen. *seufz*

Profile Image for Angel White.
21 reviews
February 7, 2024
FMC - Adagio
It’s awful that Adagio is starting to develop an insecure over her natural hair. Although it does make me question, “why does she have pink hair?” It is normal for anime characters to have bright coloured hair, but it isn’t elaborated as to why anime characters from the past have dull hair. I guess it’s to keep the historical characters in their natural state.

It’s strange that Water Dragon separates Adagio from the other humans. Even though he classifies humans as awful or fearful beings, there are other humans who are kind like Adagio. It’s only strange to claim a young girl is different to the other humans since naturally she would be different since she’s only a child. If anyone was in the exact same situation as her, they would want to cry out of sadness too. Especially when her family is out of reach.

Secondary MMC - Subaru
As per usual, Subaru has to compete with a fully grown adult for Adagio’s affection. It seems that both Adagio and Subaru have to suffer since Subaru became sick in this volume. Not only that, but he has to suffer from a mother who is heartless to him. If I were to be in either of the child’s situation, I wouldn’t know what to choose. Because either I would have to experience losing my loving parents or living with a parent who murdered a child. In Subaru’s perspective, Water Dragon has done no good for him except for bringing his friend back to life. It’s saddening to watch him try to protect his friend against an immoral adult.

Primary MMC - Water Dragon
If I’m going to be honest, I’m still unaware if Water Dragon is an actual love interest. As for the time being, I don’t think Water Dragon should be considered as a love interest. Throughout both volumes of this series, he is disconnected from his emotions. He only recently discovered the emotion unpleasant and that only shows he is currently incapable of love and affection.

So far, Water Dragon has only helped Adagio because he believes she “belongs to him” in a sense of being the sacrificed bride. Even if he were to have another reason to help her, it would mostly be out of curiosity. Water Dragon seems to becoming progressively more insane, or perhaps that’s him discovering emotions. Either way, Subaru is still a better love interest for Adagio. Not only does Subaru relate to Adagio through their similar age, but their unfortunate trauma.

Overall
Personally, I think Adagio and Subaru were rushed into their teenage years too early, considering they were only children for such short time. I still believe it is a strange romance manga and the bond between Water Dragon and Adagio is even stranger. They’re not lovers nor friends, they’re close enough to say they’re not strangers yet their bond is almost nonexistent. Water Dragon is mostly observing Adagio like it’s the first time he’s witnessed a baby, while Adagio wants to flee the village and return to her parents. Water Dragon acts like she is different from
the other humans, but she’s just as fearful and naturally so.
-
”Your tears shall…

… Become a shield to protect you.

When you cry, the sky will cry as well.

It shall wash clean those who wish to harm you.” - Water Dragon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for  eve.lyn._.reads.
1,110 reviews22 followers
December 4, 2022
🌊💦💧The Water Dragon's Bride Vol 2💧💦🌊
Subaru's growing suspicions of what went on in The Water Dragon god domain gets closer to the truth. Subaru wants to protect Asahi, yet the inevitable thread of fate she has with The Water Dragon god will be hard to break. Asahi greatly misses her home and longs to be with her family. The people in the village despise her, and Subaru is constantly arguing with his mother and sister about Asahi. The Water Dragon god experiences known emotions and a curious desire to observe Asahi. The second installment of The Water Dragon's Bride is filled with friendship and the power of the gods.

Subaru's character is only getting better and better. His strong moral standing and ability to stand up for what he believes in is admirable. Subaru is determined and consistent, something I think is vital to his character. Subaru and Asahi have an amazing friendship, and I love how dedicated Subaru is.

Volume two explores the themes of the gods' will, and their indifference towards humans. Asahi is constantly being alienated by those around her, and she struggles with her own sense of purpose as well as the expectations of others. The Water Dragon god is still not a character I like. He feels flat and unredeemable. In all honesty, I do not think he should be one of Asahi's love interests because they seem to lack chemistry and felt contrived.

It is stated several times that Asahi should not be a bride of The Water Dragon god at such a young age. In all honesty, The Water Dragon God is probably older than every character's age combined. I can sense a love triangle starting-one I really don't think necessary. But as the title states, the first lead seems quite predictable and who she will end up with.

There are certain plot points in the story I would prefer to explore more. Overall, a great read that I enjoyed!
🌊PLOT
🌊PLOT TWISTS
🌊CHARACTERS
🌊=☑️
Profile Image for Abi.
2,277 reviews
May 17, 2019
This was an enjoyable sequel to the first volume. I like Asahi and Subaru. I'm glad they aged up at the end. It's cool Asahi is going to be the priestess for the water dragon god. I have to say, despite his bad personality, he's ridiculously good looking. Seriously. That aside, this volume was a nice continuation of the story, and I look forward to reading what happens next. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Kris.
1,061 reviews25 followers
August 3, 2018
This was so beautiful TT_TT
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,218 reviews67 followers
October 1, 2021
I'm enjoying this a bit less now that it's becoming more obvious that the Water Dragon is supposed to be a Beast-esque figure, and that there is probably going to be a love triangle. ::shrug:: This is definitely my fault, since I should've been expecting something like this, because this series is shojo.
Profile Image for Tiina.
691 reviews40 followers
August 8, 2025
Jätkuvalt armas; tõeliselt huvitavaks läheb ilmselt järgmisest volüümist alates.
Profile Image for DonutKnow.
3,347 reviews48 followers
December 1, 2019
Yay they’re growing up!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki T.
286 reviews
June 27, 2024
Another interesting installment
I'm loving the character progression
The art just keeps getting better and better!
I'm so happy my library has this whole series!
Profile Image for sameera.
729 reviews5 followers
Read
August 5, 2025
“don’t cry asahi. your eyes are so pretty, it’s like you’re gonna cry them away.”
chapter 6 subaru

omg stoppp they are soooo cute!! i love them as little munchkins and honestly wish we had another volume with them as kids. i’m basically the my shayla meme whenever asahi is on screen. i also like water dragon’s little monologues about the people. overall, v cute<3

august 1, 45²
Profile Image for Dionne Stratton.
10 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2018
💘 it

I love this one too!wish i could just get the whole series as a divine set. Still, it's worth it.
Profile Image for Coribookprincess.
647 reviews24 followers
July 7, 2020
Das Cover ist einfach wundervoll, es gefällt mir sogar noch besser als bei Band 1.

Der Zeichenstil ist wunderschön, ausdrucksstark und bildlich.
Ohne viel Schnick Schnack, doch voller Emotionen.

Wir sind mit Asahi in einer anderen, magischen und auch grausamen Welt gelandet.
Dort wird Asahi nicht sehr herzlich aufgenommen.
Doch trotz allem verliert das junge Mädchen nicht ihren Mut.
In einer fremden Welt mit nicht nur freundlichen Menschen, versucht Asahi ihren Platz zu finden bzw. auch ihren Weg zurück nach Hause.

Die Gefühle konnte man durch die Seiten spüren und waren sehr bildlich veranschaulicht.

Die dargestellten Götter sind einfach umwerfend, alle sehr unterschiedlich und magisch.

Subaru ist Asahis einziger Freund und er ist so gutherzig, stark und liebenswert.

Gegen Ende des Mangas werden die Charaktere alle älter und ich bin unglaublich gespannt was auf die beiden zukommt in dem weiteren Verlauf.

Ich bin schon ganz aufgeregt was alles noch passieren wird und kann gar nicht erwarten Band 3 zu lesen.

Eine magische, gefühlvolle Geschichte die gerade erst begonnen hat.
Mit faszinierenden Charakteren und magischen Göttern.
Profile Image for Ruthsic.
1,766 reviews32 followers
December 30, 2017
Back in the land of humans, Asahi is suffering from burns because well, they tried to test her again. It seems Subaru's mother is very intent on keeping her son away from the strangely charming child that came into their world. But now, the Water God has developed a soft spot for his tribute and when she is about to be harmed again, he unleashes his wrath upon the village. In the process, he also harms Asahi and Subaru, the latter of which becomes sick and has to be nursed back to health by Asahi. Meanwhile, for the pantheon of gods, this is but a drama that they enjoy watching - the fact that Asahi soundly rejected the Water God, him starting to be compassionate towards her, the existence of Subaru - everything is amusing to them.

When the Water God also bestows a boon on her, unasked I may add, he exalts her to a position of respect (well, more likely fear) in the village. She is made into a priestess of the Water God and assigned a caretaker, Tsukihiko, who informs her that there is no way back. (Case study: another person had crossed time and come here). Resigned to her fate, but still hopeful for one day returning back home, Asahi accepts her position. She shows a happy face to everyone else, Subaru especially, but inside she is also despondent over the fact that the Water God has such a big role in her life that she can't even cry without bringing down a flood. (I like this continuous theme of divine 'boons' being not all that great for the one it is bestowed upon). Every action of the gods has a consequence for the humans they think so little of, despite them having disdain for the fact that humans would beseech them as if they are some beings to act according to the whims of humans. Subaru, for his part, is a little afraid of his humanness compared to a god, but is also determined to protect her from harm and this cruel Water God.

This sequel, overall, had a lot of development compared to the first one, but it still did not feel like it was living up to its first book. It tries to be light at times, with the amusement of the other gods, and little Asahi being placated by food and games, but considering her situation of it, it does not feel enough to balance out the dark parts. I am, though, still invested in the storyline, what with Asahi now being a young woman in the last few pages!
Profile Image for Julie (Let's Read Good Books).
1,735 reviews485 followers
February 4, 2018
4.5 stars

Pretty, pretty art. Engaging storyline. Full review to follow

Review

Asahi is terribly ill after Subaru’s mother burned her in a ritual. The water dragon god heals her, making Subaru realize how insignificant he is, when compared to the powers of the god. He’s fearful that the water dragon will take her from him, and he knows that she will always be the bride of the god.

Subaru’s mother proves, once again, just how awful she is. Sure, she’s afraid that Asahi will steal her son away, but even knowing that Asahi has the protection of the water dragon god, she continues to mistreat her. The water dragon god, forced to intervene, quickly proves how powerful he truly is. His distain of humans, who try to force the gods to perform acts to benefit themselves, is on full display. Humans are like insects to him, pests to be exterminated.

When Subaru is hurt while the water dragon god puts on an impressive display of his powers, Asahi is determined to nurse him back to health. A city girl, she has no concept of surviving in the wild, making her task that much more difficult. In a show of benevolence, the water dragon god looks after them and helps Asahi from afar. Is it possible for him to begin to feel emotions?

This was another engaging installment of the series. As Asahi settles into her life in this strange new land, she understands that the probability of her going back home and seeing her parents again are pretty much nil. Thinking that if she becomes the priestess of the water dragon god, he might be moved to help her, she throws herself in learning the village rituals. Both Asahi and Subaru see that the water dragon god has only contempt for humans, and the friction between them grows. Will the water dragon god ever feel anything but distain for humans? Will Asahi ever get her voice back?
Profile Image for Doc.
1,959 reviews30 followers
June 7, 2018
The Water Dragon Bride continues to be a cute story mixed with a bit of tragedy as Asashi is healed by the Water Dragon god (I think I will refer to him as WDG from now on) after Subaru's Mother severely burned her hands in boiling water in the first volume. The other gods find amusement in this act of compassion and even more so that she slapped him lightly when she thought he was simply there to watch her suffer. With the discovery of Asashi being healed Subaru's mother's jealousy is even more noticeable through her internal monologue and demands she stay near the lake since she is the WDG's bride. The WDG shows up in human form to take Asashi with him and she is attacked as she runs away from him by two villagers under orders to kill her. Does this story make you curious what happens next? This book has godly wrath, blessed/cursed (depending how you see it) rainfalls, and a little girl learning that there might really be no way to return home and grows a bit so be sure to pick up this series and experience all the fun and sad things at your own pace. I bet you'll like it too. :)

My favorite part would probably have to be Tsukihiko explaining he is an empath that can understand Asashi's feelings even though she could not talk and explains right at the moment she was feeling he was a shady character to her amazement. :)
Profile Image for Tamara.
508 reviews4 followers
December 12, 2017
While I was leery about this series after the first volume, the second volume has managed to secure my interest. Gone is overly obnoxious Asahi of the first volume, and thank goodness because there is fine line between an awful snot character and a spunky outspoken one.

The cons: the motivations behind Subaru’s mom being a vicious evil person that has it in for Asahi is pretty weak. Honestly, it makes no sense to me at all, and I’m hoping the series gives us a better reason than ‘Asahi is pretty’ for this hatred.

The Pros: Subaru is a fantastic sturdy character. He’s the classic ‘white knight’ and it’s great to see him follow through on his convictions. I look forward to watching him grow as a character.

The Water Dragon God is fantastic. It’s interesting to see his thought process on why he does the things he does. He honestly does not seem to understand humans at all, and I enjoy this approach. Sure he acts on whims and seems clueless, but it’s an interesting take, though it’s sad that Asahi seems to get the brunt of the repercussions of his actions.

The best part? My reservations about reading a ‘romance’ with the lead that appears to be a child is unfounded. By the end of this volume Asahi is grown either as a teen or an adult, so whew!
Profile Image for Mary.
472 reviews91 followers
January 10, 2018
"These creatures may revere the gods but they also wish to force the gods to do their bidding."

Alright, I'm digging this series. The heroine is lovely and she suffers so much it's hard to watch. Yet, she does her best despite having her voice stolen, being a child, and being hunted by those who could help her.


I really like where this is going and if you're a fan of Kamisama Kiss, Yona of the Dawn, or Escaflowne, I HIGHLY recommend checking this one out.

The Water Dragon God is still a creeper here and the mangaka makes no excuse for this and even explores this, which I found interesting. He's slowly starting to form his own opinions and emotions regarding life and humans, but because he's a deity this is all new to him and he's struggling with it. I can get down with a future romance between Asahi and him when he matures and learns how to be a decent individual, but because of that the second lead syndrome's gonna hurt so bad.

Profile Image for Kate.
1,181 reviews86 followers
June 21, 2018
I can't say that I was super impressed with the other series I've read by Rei Toma, Dawn of the Arcana, but I'm happy to say that I've quite enjoyed the first four volumes of this series, The Water Dragon's Bride. I like that the water dragon god is so completely detached from humanity and even with his interactions with our little heroine, he's still detached. He is making progress to find compassion for humans, but it's nice that it doesn't happen immediately. I'm definitely intrigued to see where this story takes us.
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