What do you think?
Rate this book
暁のヨナ [Akatsuki no Yona] #10
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 10
A red-haired princess loses her family and her kingdom… Now she must rise and fight for her throne!
Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!
Yona and her friends have taken to calling themselves bandits and have been protecting Fire Tribe villages from cruel government officials. Meanwhile, Kang Tae-jun, the Fire Tribe chief’s second son, goes to Katan Village with orders to eliminate the bandits there. He still believes that he’s killed Yona—but suddenly, he hears her voice! What will happen when they come face-to-face again?
Princess Yona lives an ideal life as the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Su-won. But everything changes on her 16th birthday when tragedy strikes her family!
Yona and her friends have taken to calling themselves bandits and have been protecting Fire Tribe villages from cruel government officials. Meanwhile, Kang Tae-jun, the Fire Tribe chief’s second son, goes to Katan Village with orders to eliminate the bandits there. He still believes that he’s killed Yona—but suddenly, he hears her voice! What will happen when they come face-to-face again?
192 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2018
130 people are currently reading
1116 people want to read
About the author
Mizuho Kusanagi
113 books866 followersKUSANAGI Mizuho (草凪みずほ) used to work as an assistant for Yoko Matsushita.
Circle(s): JAKE
Loves: drawing and considers herself to have a 'super fetish' for voices. As such, she loves seiyuu (voice actors) but also actors with good voices.
Favorite Food: Ramen. Prefers vegetables to meat.
Favorite Movies: Anything by Miyazaki, whom she loves! Also, The Sound of Music and Lord of the Rings.
Circle(s): JAKE
Loves: drawing and considers herself to have a 'super fetish' for voices. As such, she loves seiyuu (voice actors) but also actors with good voices.
Favorite Food: Ramen. Prefers vegetables to meat.
Favorite Movies: Anything by Miyazaki, whom she loves! Also, The Sound of Music and Lord of the Rings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
April 2, 2021
ugh i love a good redemption arc so much!
April 17, 2023
Ughhhh, SO good!! The redemption arc was *chef's kiss*
November 20, 2025
November 2025 Reread: I love this arc so much, it’s hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
******
May 2021 Review: I...honestly didn’t expect Tae-Jun to get a redemption arc, but he does and it’s excellent and so, so funny! He’s really a character I DID NOT like in the first few volumes (he tried to kill Hak!) but after this I can honestly say he’s growing on me and I like him a lot more now.
(Though he still should have apologized to Hak for almost killing him, but I guess we can’t expect THAT much out of him...)
One of my fave parts was when he’s with Yona and Hak, Gija, and Jaeha are silently stalking them from behind, not to mention the shoulder massage, ahem, LESSON (#ifyouknowyouknow) which cracked me up.
And that last little bonus piece with Hak and Yona? Priceless. 🤣🥰
Love this volume, and I can’t wait to see where they go next!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a woman hits a couple guys
Sexual: “perv”; a man’s called sexy
Other: death and grief; reincarnations of spiritual dragon warriors and king; magical powers; starvation and deep poverty
******
May 2021 Review: I...honestly didn’t expect Tae-Jun to get a redemption arc, but he does and it’s excellent and so, so funny! He’s really a character I DID NOT like in the first few volumes (he tried to kill Hak!) but after this I can honestly say he’s growing on me and I like him a lot more now.
(Though he still should have apologized to Hak for almost killing him, but I guess we can’t expect THAT much out of him...)
One of my fave parts was when he’s with Yona and Hak, Gija, and Jaeha are silently stalking them from behind, not to mention the shoulder massage, ahem, LESSON (#ifyouknowyouknow) which cracked me up.
And that last little bonus piece with Hak and Yona? Priceless. 🤣🥰
Love this volume, and I can’t wait to see where they go next!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: a woman hits a couple guys
Sexual: “perv”; a man’s called sexy
Other: death and grief; reincarnations of spiritual dragon warriors and king; magical powers; starvation and deep poverty
July 18, 2018
as always, i really loved mizuho kusanagi's artwork and humour- but i can't say where the story is going now after yona having met all the dragons. is she going to go back to the capital? i can't imagine her sitting on a throne and i also think that she doesn't want to neither.
but i am definitely going to continue reading the manga since i haven't heard of a new season for the anime. o (^‿^✿)
but i am definitely going to continue reading the manga since i haven't heard of a new season for the anime. o (^‿^✿)
August 15, 2022
This was so cute
July 16, 2016
Kan Tae-jun? You got to be on the cover? :D :D
April 22, 2023
Yona is so incredible as she leads the group to protect the village from those officials, a heroine and a princess. 💓
But what I did not expect is how much I appreciated how the second son redeemed and changed himself for the better. 🥺 And he is also so funny. 🤣
But what I did not expect is how much I appreciated how the second son redeemed and changed himself for the better. 🥺 And he is also so funny. 🤣
January 15, 2026
this volume heavily focuses on the reappearance of tae-jun, who believes he has accidentally killed princess yona. i love how he realizes his privilege and uses it to assist yona in helping the townfolk
October 22, 2018
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
This is a review of volumes 9-10 which I read together back to back. See the plot section for my thoughts on the individual volumes.
Princess Yona is the pampered daughter of her kingdom's king. Isolated and doted on she has two childhood friends, Hak, a general who also protects her and her cousin, Soo-won who helped her mourn her mother's passing and who she is crushing on big time. On her 16th birthday her entire world implodes to to a crippling betrayal... She must decide if she will fall in line or rise up and take back her kingdom.
Yona of the Dawn vol 9-10 feature a character we met briefly in an early volume when he tried to assault Yona and Hak has to pull him off. He's a pretty despicable character, Lord Tae-jun but I totally fell for him!! I think he is just so real... he's a mealy guy because he's always been under the thumb of his martial father and brother who make Su-won look like an angel! His growth isn't hurried either and I really appreciated that... it started with small things, he witnessed Yona's example and he is accepted warily by the dragons, Hak and Yun.
A lot of why you'll fall for him too is how he is drawn by the mangaka even though he is too pathetic! Seriously, his frames are packed with humor from his facial expressions, to his exaggerated actions, the the little hopping way he walks as he hurries to help the villagers!! Even his assistant who is to look after him contributes to how amusing Tae-jun is because he is so dry and reactionless at all that his master does, lol. We also get some PERFECT shots with Yona that take your breathe away at how much she's grown!! (These are the cherry on top...)
Yona of the Dawn vol 9 starts with us and Yona and her gang totally puzzled at what to do next... It's a brave way to continue now that we have all the dragons gathered. And it was quite organic to what is going on with Yona emotionally. It's one thing to lead in the moment when the right thing to do is pretty clear in front of you... It's a whole different thing when we're talking about war and fighting for something when there is someone equally as passionate of the other side!
I was just going with the flow of the story (I enjoyed the scenes with Yona defending the Blue Dragon!) when Lord Tae-jun was introduced! He made Yona of the Dawn vol 10 pop!! Like Su-won Yona will need people in position who trust her to know what to do for the people. It's actually pretty essential she show why her perspective is one for others in the kingdom to adopt. And we see such a pathetic person become a person of note because of her perspective. And the Yellow Dragon actually has a unique relationship with Tae-Jun that was cute!
There were so many little moments with different dragons, between Hak and Tae-jun, the dragons and Tae-jun, that the tension was really high! I actually really rooted for the entire gang to somehow do there magic and inspired the people to help themselves... and that they did the same for Tae-jun was a really neat bonus! This is really a story about leadership and inspiring others with the right perspective, one with hope and confidence, something they didn't have under her father...
I'm sad to say goodbye to Lord Tae-Jun at the end of Yona of the Dawn vol 9-10, but he has work to do in the Fire Tribe and Yona has to figure out what her next move is... The dragons support her no matter how small or large her desires... Even Hak has made to move to show that he will even do things to support her that he is totally against... It makes for a powerful vote of confidence!
I was really impressed as a writer how Mizuho Kusanagi used Tae-jun as a way to give this part of Yona's story, a rather formless and aimless plot, body and direction! First, she admits that no one knows what Yona needs to do next, what?! Really though why would Yona know?! She hasn't wanted to think about Su-won and everything that's happened so she's been taking it day by day. Now putting one foot in front of the other isn't enough! She has to decide and start leading... And she starts that with Tae-jun, it was brilliant!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
______________________
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...
September 18, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/iT5HciwzgJw
Absolutely beautiful and moving volume!
I was anticipating Tae-Jun having some kind of redemption with the previous volume and I was NOT disappointed! The way he transforms from beginning to end is one that had tears starting to form in my eyes because his story is far from easy in the sense that he really is a spoiled rich boy but grows into something so much more.
Yet just as Zeno says "People are mirrors.", I saw Yona's own journey mirrored in his. No, she was not anywhere near as selfish, hurtful, uncaring in her actions, but the way they both reacted to those poor and sick in the sense of unsure of what to do and not wanting to make eye at first really reminded me of her beginning journey. (Maybe more specifically the shock of things being as bad as they were and not realizing.) It made me thankful that SHE was the one who showed Tae-Jun what it means to be humble and help serve those around you regardless of personal status through her actions. He was able to see what it means to serve and it was deeply moving.
The closer I got to the ending the more powerful his story becomes. I love seeing the new work he is doing and how the fire tribe is becoming something so much more then what even I thought they could be. I am excited for all these young men! <3
Definitely a very very good volume!!
Absolutely beautiful and moving volume!
I was anticipating Tae-Jun having some kind of redemption with the previous volume and I was NOT disappointed! The way he transforms from beginning to end is one that had tears starting to form in my eyes because his story is far from easy in the sense that he really is a spoiled rich boy but grows into something so much more.
Yet just as Zeno says "People are mirrors.", I saw Yona's own journey mirrored in his. No, she was not anywhere near as selfish, hurtful, uncaring in her actions, but the way they both reacted to those poor and sick in the sense of unsure of what to do and not wanting to make eye at first really reminded me of her beginning journey. (Maybe more specifically the shock of things being as bad as they were and not realizing.) It made me thankful that SHE was the one who showed Tae-Jun what it means to be humble and help serve those around you regardless of personal status through her actions. He was able to see what it means to serve and it was deeply moving.
The closer I got to the ending the more powerful his story becomes. I love seeing the new work he is doing and how the fire tribe is becoming something so much more then what even I thought they could be. I am excited for all these young men! <3
Definitely a very very good volume!!
April 25, 2024
“i was running in circles…just trying to stay alive, the thought that she truly is alive is like a dream, like a dream…”
February 20, 2023
4 ⭐️ this cast is fun to be with, but I am starting to wonder if there will ever be a meta plot or are we just going to keep bopping around with the crew? 🤔
October 10, 2021
Review:
This series is becoming so much more than it started as. I love the character arcs in this series. Everybody is given such care and attention. Even characters that were previously in the background. The bratty second son of the Fire Tribe, he was thought to be just that. But in this book volume, he steps up, at first in hopes that Yona is alive while he thought he had caused her death. And then as he sees the damage his father has caused his land, he steps up and starts to improve things under the guise of trying to stop bandits.
I am really loving this manga, I already loved it from the anime. These characters and the story are so good and deserve more love.
This series is becoming so much more than it started as. I love the character arcs in this series. Everybody is given such care and attention. Even characters that were previously in the background. The bratty second son of the Fire Tribe, he was thought to be just that. But in this book volume, he steps up, at first in hopes that Yona is alive while he thought he had caused her death. And then as he sees the damage his father has caused his land, he steps up and starts to improve things under the guise of trying to stop bandits.
I am really loving this manga, I already loved it from the anime. These characters and the story are so good and deserve more love.
March 11, 2021
I would have *never* expected a character like Tae-jun to get a redemption arc. Slimy, selfish, spoiled...he is pathetic in every sense of the word, and the beginning of a new life for him is when he comes to recognize his wretchedness.
The writing manages to both be truthful and tender about the sins of his past vs his clumsy attempts to do better, while also being HILARIOUS because HIS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE PRICELESS.
I will forever love Mizuho Kusanagi's ability to weave drama and humor so effortlessly.
The writing manages to both be truthful and tender about the sins of his past vs his clumsy attempts to do better, while also being HILARIOUS because HIS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS ARE PRICELESS.
I will forever love Mizuho Kusanagi's ability to weave drama and humor so effortlessly.
April 11, 2023
This was good! Somehow, every character is endearing themselves to me even though I want to see more of Yona and her crew. And Hak, more of Hak please. But still I really loved the development in this volune.
November 3, 2019
Read earlier this year, adding late oops.
August 8, 2023
ce manga est vrm trop drôle
December 29, 2025
Tae-jun’s character development, I simply have no words, I’m just crying here.
April 21, 2023
“It’s too late. 'Someday' is too late.”
This was Tae-Jun's volume without a doubt, and how satisfying it was.
If someone had told me before that I would end really liking and sympathizing with this man I would not have believed them; and yet, now, I find myself being immeasurably happy that we got to expend so much time with him.
Honestly, Tae-Jun has a long road ahead of him, he is still a little pathetic and his intentions aren't entirely pure but his heart is in a good place, and with just a little bit more time it's plain to see that he will be a great man. As surprising as that sounds.
While I laughed a lot through the volume, this man can be hilarious by sheer mistake, I also found myself deeply moved and in awe in such a neatly balanced way that it just made it all super easy to read. Which seems to be the MO of this series.
Really, I just want to see more of this man and I hope that we'll have other volumes centered on him.
“I had the luxury to last anyone a lifetime when I was a child. I’ve been thinking about it lately. If the extravagant things I had thrown away back then were brought here, if that had happened, would that have made the country more equal? As if. I’ve come to understand that even something like that is not so simple.”
July 5, 2022
Now this is a great volume with a good balance of comedy and the seriousness of Yona's dream for helping her people. I didn't quite expect that Taejun would be the focus here, but it absolutely makes sense and creates a great way for Yona to make a lasting impact that will actually help.
There's a cute bonus page here where Yona & Hak read comments from readers in the magazine it's serialized in, mostly questioning the lack of romance. I kind of love that there's no romance so far - or at least, there's obviously going to be a Yona & Hak romance, but the focus of the story is mainly on Yona & the Dragons working to do better for their land. The romance adding to the story and not being the main focus of it is really nice and I appreciate it.
There's a cute bonus page here where Yona & Hak read comments from readers in the magazine it's serialized in, mostly questioning the lack of romance. I kind of love that there's no romance so far - or at least, there's obviously going to be a Yona & Hak romance, but the focus of the story is mainly on Yona & the Dragons working to do better for their land. The romance adding to the story and not being the main focus of it is really nice and I appreciate it.
September 1, 2019
Estoy in love con estos mangas, y les daría todas las estrellas posibles, pues no hace más que mejorar, con historias conmovedoras, bonitas, divertidas o dramáticas, y con mucha acción y sentimiento. Os lo recomiendo una y mil veces.
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
September 19, 2022
Ten tomik był jednocześnie przezabawny i taki smutny aaaa, cudowne! Nawet polubiłam Tae-juna i w ogóle strasznie mi się wszystko podobalo 💛
November 21, 2022
Loved this volume!!!! Don't wanna spoil anything for those who haven't read it yet. But I'm loving where this series is going so far!!
June 23, 2023
That redemption arc was sweettttt
March 4, 2024
This is by far my favorite book out of the series so far!
July 5, 2025
Lord Tae-jun 😱🤭
Hak has my heart, but I see you, Lord Tae-jun 🤭❤️
Hak has my heart, but I see you, Lord Tae-jun 🤭❤️
May 19, 2021
absolutely incredible, as always. funny, romantic, and a great new perspective.
December 31, 2025
“No matter who you’re with, no matter what your allegiance is, none of that matters in the least. You are alive. I’m so grateful. And you’re doing well. I am so very thankful for that.”
The book takes a break from the usual group focus and gives Tae-jun the spotlight—and surprisingly, it really works. His obsession with finding Yona and the way he throws himself into this mission feels both sad and kind of sweet. He's definitely not the same guy we met earlier in the series. His growth is slow, awkward, and full of funny moments, but it’s also honest. You can tell he’s trying, even if he doesn’t always get it right.
This volume leans more into character moments than action or romance. Tae-jun ends up seeing what life is actually like for the people outside his cushy world, and it really messes with him in a good way. The humor lands well too, especially whenever Gija and Hak are involved, but it never overshadows the emotional bits. Yona doesn’t even show up that much at first, but when she does, her presence hits hard, not because of any big romantic moment, but because of how much she’s changed and how much she changes others.
There’s not much romance going on here, but you still feel everything building under the surface. Tae-jun’s feelings are pretty obvious, but it’s more about how they push him to be better. Yona continues to be the quiet force that inspires everyone around her without even trying. This volume doesn’t move the main story too far forward, but it really shines when it comes to growth, warmth, and how people start to change when they finally step outside of their bubble.
Date Read: 2025.07.26
The book takes a break from the usual group focus and gives Tae-jun the spotlight—and surprisingly, it really works. His obsession with finding Yona and the way he throws himself into this mission feels both sad and kind of sweet. He's definitely not the same guy we met earlier in the series. His growth is slow, awkward, and full of funny moments, but it’s also honest. You can tell he’s trying, even if he doesn’t always get it right.
This volume leans more into character moments than action or romance. Tae-jun ends up seeing what life is actually like for the people outside his cushy world, and it really messes with him in a good way. The humor lands well too, especially whenever Gija and Hak are involved, but it never overshadows the emotional bits. Yona doesn’t even show up that much at first, but when she does, her presence hits hard, not because of any big romantic moment, but because of how much she’s changed and how much she changes others.
There’s not much romance going on here, but you still feel everything building under the surface. Tae-jun’s feelings are pretty obvious, but it’s more about how they push him to be better. Yona continues to be the quiet force that inspires everyone around her without even trying. This volume doesn’t move the main story too far forward, but it really shines when it comes to growth, warmth, and how people start to change when they finally step outside of their bubble.
Date Read: 2025.07.26
September 24, 2021
This is the best volume until now. I love but absolutely love the redemption arc, it's beautiful, I'm glad Tae-Jun finally has development. Ths simply was a top volume. Tae-Jun it's so cute and a piece of cake. And I love how he try to helped the poor, and how Yona marked him. And obviously, the four dragon, Hak and Yun and Yona are amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews