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Servant & Lord
Christian has always admired handsome, talented composer Daniel. Their shared appreciation for music marked the beginning of a friendship between a willful boy and a sophisticated young man... But when tragedy strikes and circumstances twist around to put Daniel in the service of Christian's wealthy family, their bond is tried in unexpected ways.
Years ago, the universal language of music drew them toward one another. Now, Christian has to hope it's still enough to bridge the gap between their vastly different lives.
Years ago, the universal language of music drew them toward one another. Now, Christian has to hope it's still enough to bridge the gap between their vastly different lives.
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
110 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 4, 2019
I was pretty excited for this one based on the artwork—which is absolutely gorgeous from start to finish, no doubt—but sadly, the art is kind of where my love for this manga ended. The plot is just okay, the panels are a bit hard to follow at times as things jump around and characters' motives are hard to understand at times (mainly Dan's—he frustrated me to no end), and the relationship definitely has some toxicity issues (Christian's threats of stalking, Dan's "prank" at the end, etc.). The biggest thing that annoyed me is that Christian keeps "waking up" from events, so it was hard for me to know what all actually happened and what didn't.
Bottom line is: the art is gorgeous and the author has definite potential, but this story needed cleaning up. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, though!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Bottom line is: the art is gorgeous and the author has definite potential, but this story needed cleaning up. I'd definitely give this author another try in the future, though!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 8, 2025
Honestly, the art carried this one so hard!!
It’s absolutely gorgeous, like, stop-and-stare gorgeous and you can tell there’s real emotion behind some of those panels (Christian crying on the plane? Yeah, that one got me). But story-wise, it felt a little thin. Not bad, just... undercooked. The pacing was kind of weird and there wasn’t much room for deeper character development, especially considering this started out as a one-shot and then got expanded. You can feel that shift, it doesn’t fully land as a complete arc.
I really wish we got more of Christian and Daniel figuring things out together after deciding to actually try. That part kind of got skipped over in favor of more dramatic reveals (or non-reveals—Daniel’s dad scene turning out to be a dream was a letdown). Daniel especially felt like he needed more depth. His grief, his motivations, his inner world, it was all kind of blurry. I wanted to understand him better, not just see him as the guy scared to disappoint his dad.
And while Daniel’s last big gesture was sweet in theory, I wish it had come from a real conversation between them rather than being some dramatic surprise. Like, talk to each other maybe?
That said, I don’t regret reading it. The emotional beats that did land were lovely and the potential is definitely there.
It’s absolutely gorgeous, like, stop-and-stare gorgeous and you can tell there’s real emotion behind some of those panels (Christian crying on the plane? Yeah, that one got me). But story-wise, it felt a little thin. Not bad, just... undercooked. The pacing was kind of weird and there wasn’t much room for deeper character development, especially considering this started out as a one-shot and then got expanded. You can feel that shift, it doesn’t fully land as a complete arc.
I really wish we got more of Christian and Daniel figuring things out together after deciding to actually try. That part kind of got skipped over in favor of more dramatic reveals (or non-reveals—Daniel’s dad scene turning out to be a dream was a letdown). Daniel especially felt like he needed more depth. His grief, his motivations, his inner world, it was all kind of blurry. I wanted to understand him better, not just see him as the guy scared to disappoint his dad.
And while Daniel’s last big gesture was sweet in theory, I wish it had come from a real conversation between them rather than being some dramatic surprise. Like, talk to each other maybe?
That said, I don’t regret reading it. The emotional beats that did land were lovely and the potential is definitely there.
September 28, 2025
I really liked this but that was an abrupt and incomplete ending in my opinion.
June 20, 2019
I’m so glad TokyoPop is back and publishing boys’ love titles! On the flip side, TokyoPop is back and publishing boys’ love titles…so you know up front this is pretty G-rated for a yaoi manga and that’s not really my cup of tea.
The manga opens with 7 gorgeous full-color pictures. Unlike SuBLime, Yen Press, and Juné Manga, TokyPop chose to print them on regular paper instead of glossy paper, so the images aren’t as sharp as you might normally expect.
The story follows Daniel and Christian, who have an age difference of eight years, throughout their youth and adulthood. It takes them literally a decade to get together, and it actually feels like you’re reading this book for ten years just waiting for something to happen between them. The manga is a sizable 224 pages long, but the two men are only civil to each other in the last 24.
While the artwork in this manga is absolutely stunning, the story contained all my most-hated yaoi tropes, including:
1. The two guys are supposedly into each other, but they treat each other like garbage.
2. The two guys flaunt other lovers in each other’s faces to rouse jealousy.
3. The gay men are (supposedly) engaged to women or dating girls.
4. Being gay, even in a contemporary story like this, is treated like something to be ashamed of. Whenever two males are portrayed to be in a relationship, they always refer to their partners as their "girlfriends" and actually use female pronouns. What even were the authors thinking? (No, they are not trans or genderfluid or genderqueer. It's like the idea of portraying two men as gay is so wrong that they have to straight-wash it or something. It is just bizarre.)
5. The stereotypical third wheel who keeps coming between the two of them, except in this story there is also a fourth wheel to make it extra annoying.
If this were the first volume in a series, I’d be into it; I’d want to see where Chris and Dan’s relationship goes. Sadly, this is a one-shot and they do not actually have a relationship until the dead end of the book, and by that point, who cares?
The manga opens with 7 gorgeous full-color pictures. Unlike SuBLime, Yen Press, and Juné Manga, TokyPop chose to print them on regular paper instead of glossy paper, so the images aren’t as sharp as you might normally expect.
The story follows Daniel and Christian, who have an age difference of eight years, throughout their youth and adulthood. It takes them literally a decade to get together, and it actually feels like you’re reading this book for ten years just waiting for something to happen between them. The manga is a sizable 224 pages long, but the two men are only civil to each other in the last 24.
While the artwork in this manga is absolutely stunning, the story contained all my most-hated yaoi tropes, including:
1. The two guys are supposedly into each other, but they treat each other like garbage.
2. The two guys flaunt other lovers in each other’s faces to rouse jealousy.
3. The gay men are (supposedly) engaged to women or dating girls.
4. Being gay, even in a contemporary story like this, is treated like something to be ashamed of. Whenever two males are portrayed to be in a relationship, they always refer to their partners as their "girlfriends" and actually use female pronouns. What even were the authors thinking? (No, they are not trans or genderfluid or genderqueer. It's like the idea of portraying two men as gay is so wrong that they have to straight-wash it or something. It is just bizarre.)
5. The stereotypical third wheel who keeps coming between the two of them, except in this story there is also a fourth wheel to make it extra annoying.
If this were the first volume in a series, I’d be into it; I’d want to see where Chris and Dan’s relationship goes. Sadly, this is a one-shot and they do not actually have a relationship until the dead end of the book, and by that point, who cares?
May 2, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/02/14/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
I received a copy of Servant & Lord from Tokyo Pop via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
I received a copy of Servant & Lord from Tokyo Pop via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
This would be good as a series!
This would be good as a series!
February 8, 2019
I was really excited to pick up "Servant & Lord" by Lo Yu and Lorinell Yu because the synopsis sounded interesting and it was a long time since I read manga.
Sadly this wasn't for me. The fact that Daniel seemed to have fallen in love with Christian when he only was a boy is to me quite disturbing. Perhaps Daniel wasn't much older than Christian but the art makes him seem to be an adult (not a teen) while Christian is a child. Maybe Daniel is under 18 and Christian is older than he looks but it would be interesting to know how old both of them actually are.
The love story itself (when both guys are no longer underage) is not exactly unique but it is cute from time to time. If "Servant & Lord" started out when both Christian and Daniel were adults I might have enjoyed their romance and I might enjoy the sequel more because of it as well.
I am a big fan of flashbacks as I find it to be a really interesting way to get to know the characters in a book better, but in "Servant & Lord" I found them very confusing at times. Perhaps it's easier to understand when it is a flashback when you read the manga in physical form and not as an ebook. But reading it in Aldiko I found it quite hard to understand.
Something I did enjoy was the art! The illustrations were fun to read and I liked the way the characters were drawn. I did find it a tad hard to see the difference between Christian and Vic at times but perhaps that was just me.
Overall "Servant & Lord" was not my cup of tea even though it had it good parts. The story does get better once both guys are off age and therefor I'm sure the sequel will be more up my alley.
Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!
Sadly this wasn't for me. The fact that Daniel seemed to have fallen in love with Christian when he only was a boy is to me quite disturbing. Perhaps Daniel wasn't much older than Christian but the art makes him seem to be an adult (not a teen) while Christian is a child. Maybe Daniel is under 18 and Christian is older than he looks but it would be interesting to know how old both of them actually are.
The love story itself (when both guys are no longer underage) is not exactly unique but it is cute from time to time. If "Servant & Lord" started out when both Christian and Daniel were adults I might have enjoyed their romance and I might enjoy the sequel more because of it as well.
I am a big fan of flashbacks as I find it to be a really interesting way to get to know the characters in a book better, but in "Servant & Lord" I found them very confusing at times. Perhaps it's easier to understand when it is a flashback when you read the manga in physical form and not as an ebook. But reading it in Aldiko I found it quite hard to understand.
Something I did enjoy was the art! The illustrations were fun to read and I liked the way the characters were drawn. I did find it a tad hard to see the difference between Christian and Vic at times but perhaps that was just me.
Overall "Servant & Lord" was not my cup of tea even though it had it good parts. The story does get better once both guys are off age and therefor I'm sure the sequel will be more up my alley.
Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!
March 6, 2019
I received this comic from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I just ADORE BL, and I was excited to see a manga-style BL comic on Netgalley. Of course I had to try it out, plus the idea that it was Servant x Lord made it all the more tempting. :P
The story starts with Daniel coming into Christian’s life when he is around 9/10 years old, which see that Christian is instantly happy with Daniel and that they both have a great bond. Something happens and we skip over to the next time which comprises of the next two chapters, when Christian is around 16/17 (at least I would guess so given how he looks and acts). Next up is 3 years later and I am guessing Christian is now 19/20. Which made me finally be able to root for these two to get together. Yes, sorry, I have my principles. I don’t care about age differences as long as both characters are 18+ otherwise it is just a no. It was cute that they both had feelings in chapters 2 and 3, but it made me slightly uncomfortable given their ages. So I was glad that nothing happened/that Daniel was able keep his feelings in check (because you could see he was tempted when Christian was licking his arm).
I had a laugh when Christian came back and found out that his love had other interests now. Yep, that is what happens, plus I can imagine that Daniel didn’t go after Christian. He was still the servant, and Christian the higher-up. He didn’t want to lose his job or reputation. But oh my! We find out some juicy things from Victor. Before that moment I loved Victor, especially had a laugh when he was called Christian’s girlfriend by Daniel. Later on Victor shows he just really cares about his friend, and I can imagine, but that is just not the way to do things.
I was expecting it to be a bit longer before Christian found out about what Victor is hiding, but nope, just a few pages after the juicy things… Christian also finds out. You may now all take a good guess at his reaction, and how his friendship with the guy is now.
Ohhhhhhhhhhh yes, go go Christian! I was rooting for this guy to finally tell Daniel how he felt and also to find out if Daniel felt the same way (yes, duh, everyone can see that he is just trying to not feel that way). On the one hand I loved the couch scene, on the other hand, not that much. I am getting a bit tired of things having to be forced in BL. :|
I had a laugh at how Daniel reacted when he found out Christian was working in his workplace. And then what he did after that. His other employees were all wondering what was going on and what their boss relationship was with Christian (a very hot one, well as soon as Daniel finally decides that a relationship with Christian is good and he finally accepts his feelings. I get that he wants the best for Christian, but come on!!!!!!!!!).
“Wait a minute.. is my birthday today? Thought too much about Chris and totally forgot.” snorts Oh Daniel, you are in so deep. :P
Daniel in reaction to what Christian said: “Haha, you’re asking for my permission to stalk me for the rest of my life? Who would agree to that?” That look on Daniel’s face was just too precious.
Yayyyyyy! Finally!!!!!! I was already wondering when it would happen, we only had so little time left in this book, and I needed them to finally confess and see their feelings.
Oh my, Christian:”I don’t know what’s going on… but if you change your mind tomorrow, and try to escape again… I’ll handcuff you to the bed.”
The ending was fabulous, haha what a brilliant plan by Daniel. That is one way to get Christian to go to LA. :P
*bleeds to death due to that character page at the end*
All in all, a very well written BL story about two guys who were meant to be together and finally found each other again. Finally managed to confess, finally could be together. EEEEEEEPPPP! *swoons* Fantastic characters, lots of cute scenes.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just ADORE BL, and I was excited to see a manga-style BL comic on Netgalley. Of course I had to try it out, plus the idea that it was Servant x Lord made it all the more tempting. :P
The story starts with Daniel coming into Christian’s life when he is around 9/10 years old, which see that Christian is instantly happy with Daniel and that they both have a great bond. Something happens and we skip over to the next time which comprises of the next two chapters, when Christian is around 16/17 (at least I would guess so given how he looks and acts). Next up is 3 years later and I am guessing Christian is now 19/20. Which made me finally be able to root for these two to get together. Yes, sorry, I have my principles. I don’t care about age differences as long as both characters are 18+ otherwise it is just a no. It was cute that they both had feelings in chapters 2 and 3, but it made me slightly uncomfortable given their ages. So I was glad that nothing happened/that Daniel was able keep his feelings in check (because you could see he was tempted when Christian was licking his arm).
I had a laugh when Christian came back and found out that his love had other interests now. Yep, that is what happens, plus I can imagine that Daniel didn’t go after Christian. He was still the servant, and Christian the higher-up. He didn’t want to lose his job or reputation. But oh my! We find out some juicy things from Victor. Before that moment I loved Victor, especially had a laugh when he was called Christian’s girlfriend by Daniel. Later on Victor shows he just really cares about his friend, and I can imagine, but that is just not the way to do things.
I was expecting it to be a bit longer before Christian found out about what Victor is hiding, but nope, just a few pages after the juicy things… Christian also finds out. You may now all take a good guess at his reaction, and how his friendship with the guy is now.
Ohhhhhhhhhhh yes, go go Christian! I was rooting for this guy to finally tell Daniel how he felt and also to find out if Daniel felt the same way (yes, duh, everyone can see that he is just trying to not feel that way). On the one hand I loved the couch scene, on the other hand, not that much. I am getting a bit tired of things having to be forced in BL. :|
I had a laugh at how Daniel reacted when he found out Christian was working in his workplace. And then what he did after that. His other employees were all wondering what was going on and what their boss relationship was with Christian (a very hot one, well as soon as Daniel finally decides that a relationship with Christian is good and he finally accepts his feelings. I get that he wants the best for Christian, but come on!!!!!!!!!).
“Wait a minute.. is my birthday today? Thought too much about Chris and totally forgot.” snorts Oh Daniel, you are in so deep. :P
Daniel in reaction to what Christian said: “Haha, you’re asking for my permission to stalk me for the rest of my life? Who would agree to that?” That look on Daniel’s face was just too precious.
Yayyyyyy! Finally!!!!!! I was already wondering when it would happen, we only had so little time left in this book, and I needed them to finally confess and see their feelings.
Oh my, Christian:”I don’t know what’s going on… but if you change your mind tomorrow, and try to escape again… I’ll handcuff you to the bed.”
The ending was fabulous, haha what a brilliant plan by Daniel. That is one way to get Christian to go to LA. :P
*bleeds to death due to that character page at the end*
All in all, a very well written BL story about two guys who were meant to be together and finally found each other again. Finally managed to confess, finally could be together. EEEEEEEPPPP! *swoons* Fantastic characters, lots of cute scenes.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 28, 2024
Žádné velké wow se nekonalo 😏
January 31, 2024
I really liked this. This is not going to be for everyone. It depends how you feel about this kind of power imbalance. There is also that at the completion of the book the servant, Daniel, is 26 while the lord, Christian, is 18. But they meet when Christian is 8. There are multiple imbalances between them. Daniel is usually the one shown to be in a stronger position. Age and childhood love trumps social position (especially when the one in a superior position isn't willing to weaponise it). It works for them. The format of the book manga is great. each volume (so chapter as it presented here) is from a different time in Daniel and Christian's lives. I appreciate the way we see them age and the way their relationship changes them and changes with specific moments. They teach each other and only this sort of formatting could show you this with as much effect.
There are only really two characters that pop up multiple times that I want to comment on, Vic and Steve. Vic is a whole thing. I like him, but I can see him being a little divisive. He is just trying to protect his friend. Yeah he has a selfish motivation as well but it doesn't feel like it is the main one. Also his whole style vibe is fantastic. As if it needs to be said Steve, Christian's father, is a bit of a d**k. As Chris gets older you can see Steve is trying to him or at least get him the best possible future but... this is all seen through the eyes of Chris. A headstrong teenager is not going to see that. He is going to see isolation and control. Steve lost his wife he never expected to actually have to take an active interest in how to raise his son and that shows. (Or at least that is my reading)
oor review because I'm writing it so long after reading the book.
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January 29, 2023
I really loved this story. The artwork was phenomenal! I know there are things that will trigger some readers, but I still enjoyed the manga.
March 7, 2023
I enjoy it a lot❤️
January 13, 2022
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
So I have some pretty big issues with gay relationships in manga. They tend to be over the top when it comes to dramatics, rape being normalized/romanticized, and a ton of other issues. This manga doesn’t do most of my issues, so I am impressed.
The art is great. Christian ages wonderfully in the book. He starts as a kid and by the end he is in college or high school. There is mention of Stanford so I am thinking college. The way he aged and was still recognizable was wonderful. I am always impressed when an artist can age a character in a realistic way. However, Daniel’s character didn’t really age. I don’t get why he doesn’t appear older at all by the end. He just seems more stiff.
The age gap was a bit problematic. Christian was much too young to be staring in a romance when the book started. It was a cute mentor/mentee sort of relationship, but it got really unhealthy really quick. So while I wanted to ship it, I couldn’t ship it physically. There was too much room for grooming and it gave me really negative vibes.
The adult side of the romance was a bit forced. If this had been multiple volumes, the story would have been more fleshed out. The characters were very much flat. There wasn’t time to really make them whole and to give this the heat it really needed. I have seen shorter pieces that were able to be perfect. So I think the author needed more space to tell this story. Some stories can be told with less pages, this one to really have an impact and be great would need more.
So while this story avoids the idea that rape is romantic and the only way that two males can have sex, I was still disappointed that there was a fake sexual assault situation set up. There was so much jealousy and bad intentions. It was just a super unhealthy relationship. So I wanted to ship it, because what else is the point of a romance, but I couldn’t. There was just so much standing in the way of me caring or wanting the relationship to happen.
I got an ARC of this book.
So I have some pretty big issues with gay relationships in manga. They tend to be over the top when it comes to dramatics, rape being normalized/romanticized, and a ton of other issues. This manga doesn’t do most of my issues, so I am impressed.
The art is great. Christian ages wonderfully in the book. He starts as a kid and by the end he is in college or high school. There is mention of Stanford so I am thinking college. The way he aged and was still recognizable was wonderful. I am always impressed when an artist can age a character in a realistic way. However, Daniel’s character didn’t really age. I don’t get why he doesn’t appear older at all by the end. He just seems more stiff.
The age gap was a bit problematic. Christian was much too young to be staring in a romance when the book started. It was a cute mentor/mentee sort of relationship, but it got really unhealthy really quick. So while I wanted to ship it, I couldn’t ship it physically. There was too much room for grooming and it gave me really negative vibes.
The adult side of the romance was a bit forced. If this had been multiple volumes, the story would have been more fleshed out. The characters were very much flat. There wasn’t time to really make them whole and to give this the heat it really needed. I have seen shorter pieces that were able to be perfect. So I think the author needed more space to tell this story. Some stories can be told with less pages, this one to really have an impact and be great would need more.
So while this story avoids the idea that rape is romantic and the only way that two males can have sex, I was still disappointed that there was a fake sexual assault situation set up. There was so much jealousy and bad intentions. It was just a super unhealthy relationship. So I wanted to ship it, because what else is the point of a romance, but I couldn’t. There was just so much standing in the way of me caring or wanting the relationship to happen.
February 6, 2019
This was my first experience with manga and I'm still not quite sure what to make of it but I'm willing to give another shot. The artwork for Servant & Lord is beautiful, but I found the story a bit hard to follow - it just jumped a bit too much and there was not a lot of explanation as far as what the characters were doing and feeling. I followed that Dan was older than Chris (though we don't know how much older) and that Chris gets the acceptance and attention that he did not get from his father from Dan. However, there are a lot of transitions that occur and it was difficult for me to follow along with all of the abrupt changes. This is another case of all's well that ends well though. 2.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
February 2, 2022
Well, this had pretty much everything I like in a BL.
December 16, 2022
I.... what. lmao. points were made. i think...
February 4, 2019
Disjointed and confusing story-wise. I kept having to reread bits because it felt like panels were missing. Also, I was unable to get over the age difference of the characters in the beginning of the story and the fact that their feelings originally developed when one was a teenager and the other a pre-teen. Just...no. Ick.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.
May 30, 2023
ARC was given by NetGalley & Tokyopop in exchange for an honest review.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mentions death of parents (in the past), child neglect, depictions of blood, mentions of plane crash, depictions & mentions of hospitalization, depictions of depression, depictions of a toxic relationships
I was so excited about this manga just based off the cover alone. The color pallet was stunning and the artwork was stunning. However, the art style is pretty much the only thing I really enjoyed about this manga. The majority of it had me so frustrated to the point that I was skimming and I couldn't find a reason to care about any of the characters. The biggest thing any reader will notice about this manga is the toxic relationship between Dan and Christian. Christian's obsession with Dan, threats, stalking, and constantly fighting with Dan about everything, the constant use of physical force and weaponizing sexual tension during arguments, Dan's "prank" at the end, etc... And don't even get me started on the whole love triangle, pissing contest between Dan and Vic that took place. I just wasn't here for any of the things that took place between the two main characters. The plot was okay, but it could have been better. It was really hard to follow at times because there's constant time jumps and there's almost this consistent theme of Christian "waking up," almost like everything was all one bad dream.
Overall, this book had a lot of potential, but the execution just wasn't there. The plot was fine, the character development was lacking, the romance wasn't healthy in any way, and the pacing just wasn't my personal cup of tea. I'm chalking this up to it's the book, not me. I would still be willing to read more from this author in the future especially because the art is so beautiful!
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mentions death of parents (in the past), child neglect, depictions of blood, mentions of plane crash, depictions & mentions of hospitalization, depictions of depression, depictions of a toxic relationships
I was so excited about this manga just based off the cover alone. The color pallet was stunning and the artwork was stunning. However, the art style is pretty much the only thing I really enjoyed about this manga. The majority of it had me so frustrated to the point that I was skimming and I couldn't find a reason to care about any of the characters. The biggest thing any reader will notice about this manga is the toxic relationship between Dan and Christian. Christian's obsession with Dan, threats, stalking, and constantly fighting with Dan about everything, the constant use of physical force and weaponizing sexual tension during arguments, Dan's "prank" at the end, etc... And don't even get me started on the whole love triangle, pissing contest between Dan and Vic that took place. I just wasn't here for any of the things that took place between the two main characters. The plot was okay, but it could have been better. It was really hard to follow at times because there's constant time jumps and there's almost this consistent theme of Christian "waking up," almost like everything was all one bad dream.
Overall, this book had a lot of potential, but the execution just wasn't there. The plot was fine, the character development was lacking, the romance wasn't healthy in any way, and the pacing just wasn't my personal cup of tea. I'm chalking this up to it's the book, not me. I would still be willing to read more from this author in the future especially because the art is so beautiful!
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
July 9, 2024
Servant & Lord
This is my 3rd time reading through the manga today. I absolutely loved it.
It was kind of sad on two fronts. Christian's father never gives him attention or love except to say he is sending him away to California for school. It was also sad for Dan when his whole family died at the height of his music career. Christian's Dad took him in and paid all his debts but now he was responsible for Christian who was not just crushing on Dan but in love with him.
Three years later he returns with one of his bandmates to find Dan.
And you should totally read the rest. It is hot. Both grown Christian and grown Dan are super hot! They lead you to believe the passion, and eroticism that goes on between Dan and Christian is anything but dead!
If I am reading this a third time, take a chance and make this your first of many reads as well!
OVERALL: 10/10 ++
CHARACTERS: 10/10 ++
STORYLINE: 10/10++
EROTICISM/PASSION: 10/10+
This is my 3rd time reading through the manga today. I absolutely loved it.
It was kind of sad on two fronts. Christian's father never gives him attention or love except to say he is sending him away to California for school. It was also sad for Dan when his whole family died at the height of his music career. Christian's Dad took him in and paid all his debts but now he was responsible for Christian who was not just crushing on Dan but in love with him.
Three years later he returns with one of his bandmates to find Dan.
And you should totally read the rest. It is hot. Both grown Christian and grown Dan are super hot! They lead you to believe the passion, and eroticism that goes on between Dan and Christian is anything but dead!
If I am reading this a third time, take a chance and make this your first of many reads as well!
OVERALL: 10/10 ++
CHARACTERS: 10/10 ++
STORYLINE: 10/10++
EROTICISM/PASSION: 10/10+
December 30, 2022
3,5 stelline che arrotondo a 4
Un manga molto carino e che riesce ad intrattenere il lettore dall'inizio alla fine. Si sarebbe potuto fare a mio avviso un po' di più creando magari non uno ma due volumi e sviluppando maggiormente la storia personale dei due protagonisti inserendo ad esempio i flashback di entrambi i protagonisti, soprattutto durante gli anni di lontananza, ma il risultato mi è comunque piaciuto. Consigliato nella sua semplicità e dolcezza
Un manga molto carino e che riesce ad intrattenere il lettore dall'inizio alla fine. Si sarebbe potuto fare a mio avviso un po' di più creando magari non uno ma due volumi e sviluppando maggiormente la storia personale dei due protagonisti inserendo ad esempio i flashback di entrambi i protagonisti, soprattutto durante gli anni di lontananza, ma il risultato mi è comunque piaciuto. Consigliato nella sua semplicità e dolcezza
January 30, 2021
A romantic BL manga centered around a rich boy and his love for his music teacher. I enjoyed reading the "will they or won't they" banter between Christian and Daniel. The artwork was very nice and the romance was absolutely adorable.
May 28, 2020
The art of the manga was good, but sometimes I wasn't a fan of the author's attitude in her comments on tapas. The story was pretty simple but still interesting and the angst low. Probably, when they finally got together the book eneded too fast, but it was still worth reading.
November 3, 2021
Can't believe I didn't put a read date or review for this?? I guess I really didn't care for this book lol.
Honestly it wasn't that great. I didn't like their relationship. Like it was toxic, but not in the way I like. I don't remember much except that.
Honestly it wasn't that great. I didn't like their relationship. Like it was toxic, but not in the way I like. I don't remember much except that.
February 16, 2023
Loved it
I thoroughly loved this. You could tell they've been in love with each other for a while and that ending was something.
I thoroughly loved this. You could tell they've been in love with each other for a while and that ending was something.
June 8, 2020
This one was an absolute masterpiece and I am so happy that at last I decided to read it. I went into it pretty blind and expecting a lot of things different than what I received. I also went into it not intending to finish it one sitting and yet I couldn't bare to peel myself from its pages longer than absolutely necessary. Servant & Lord blends so many beautiful elements which were all carefully and thoughtfully crafted from the pacing of the story to the very positioning of their fingertips or the expression in their eyes. I don't believe I ever noticed a single panel that looked as though the art was rushed or flawed in some manner that would distract from the story or lessen its near flawless quality. Furthermore, I loved Dan in the beginning but once he changed, I was sure that I would hate him. Because I had seen those tropes before and almost always, I develop a dislike for the character. But no, not in this. I loved Dan just as much as everyone else, and I really loved all the characters- Christian, Dan, Vic, even the dad, Catherine, the maids, Paul- everyone was such a joy and I became truly attached. Multiple times as well, much of the imagery, the scenes, the story, the reactions, they all made me smile or giggle, they inspired true emotion in me and I was happy the entire time I read it. I also was genuinely invested in the story, which, I thought this was going to be more sexual and less story oriented at first. But it was in fact very story heavy and I genuinely enjoyed it. I enjoyed watching these characters grow and progress together throughout their lives and I was happy to see that unlike many other stories, it wasn't just the two of them in a world of their own, even if thoughts of the other was always consuming their minds. It was very realistic in the sense that there are people in the world besides yourself and your love, and that relationships and hookups will happen outside of that too. Also, it made me happy to see that all Christian's father ever wanted was the best for him. Everything he did was for his son's best interest, he was merely too loose tongued at times and it cut his son like a knife, causing him to recoil away from his father (not to mention his father never took the time to truly bond with him).
This is a beautiful love story with a fulfilling end that tantalizes the reader for wanting more, and also satisfies us that everyone has a new beginning- a happy end (and that Dan FINALLY said "my love" and is FULLY accepting of their love for each other). This has more parallels to it than just their respective careers, however. Homosexuality is widely accepted in Los Angeles far more than London, and there are so few people they know there too aside from Christian's friends, and so they'll be completely free to pursue their mutual love that had been brewing for 8 years, as well as to move forward successfully in their lives. I love to see a story unfurl in such a way where they'll give it all up only to gain it all back and more. And we did get some fan service too, the kiss scenes were just as marvelous as everything else, I'm so glad that they put so much thought and effort into those as well.
This is most certainly a story which I will come back to again someday. I want to read it over and over, because I love the story and even more so the characters. I also absolutely love stories with the lavish high society life being a pivotal role in it (but the main character not caring, haha)
I must say again though that every single expression shown was so full of whatever emotion they meant to convey so strongly and truly, it moved me every time.
One of the authors said there was so very much she wanted to pour into this that a lot of it still wasn't able to make it in. I hope that someday they'll make a sequel series to this, I'd love to see it long running, and I don't mind waiting a long time. They said this volume/these 6 chapters took them two years? I'm perfectly willing to wait that long or however long it takes. I'd absolutely love more, and this book will stay on my shelf for a very decent number of years. Thank you, authors, for this gift to the community. I hope I'll love this just as much every time I read it.
This is a beautiful love story with a fulfilling end that tantalizes the reader for wanting more, and also satisfies us that everyone has a new beginning- a happy end (and that Dan FINALLY said "my love" and is FULLY accepting of their love for each other). This has more parallels to it than just their respective careers, however. Homosexuality is widely accepted in Los Angeles far more than London, and there are so few people they know there too aside from Christian's friends, and so they'll be completely free to pursue their mutual love that had been brewing for 8 years, as well as to move forward successfully in their lives. I love to see a story unfurl in such a way where they'll give it all up only to gain it all back and more. And we did get some fan service too, the kiss scenes were just as marvelous as everything else, I'm so glad that they put so much thought and effort into those as well.
This is most certainly a story which I will come back to again someday. I want to read it over and over, because I love the story and even more so the characters. I also absolutely love stories with the lavish high society life being a pivotal role in it (but the main character not caring, haha)
I must say again though that every single expression shown was so full of whatever emotion they meant to convey so strongly and truly, it moved me every time.
One of the authors said there was so very much she wanted to pour into this that a lot of it still wasn't able to make it in. I hope that someday they'll make a sequel series to this, I'd love to see it long running, and I don't mind waiting a long time. They said this volume/these 6 chapters took them two years? I'm perfectly willing to wait that long or however long it takes. I'd absolutely love more, and this book will stay on my shelf for a very decent number of years. Thank you, authors, for this gift to the community. I hope I'll love this just as much every time I read it.
August 25, 2021
This manga had so much potential, oh my God! The art style was stunning and I really appreciated the five colored illustrations in the beginning. Unfortunately, it fell short and doesn't deserve anything higher than two stars.
For one, the story drug out far too long. It wouldn't have been an issue if this was the first book in a series but, since this a one shot, the main character should have gotten with his love interest a lot sooner. Christian and Daniel don't get together until the very end of the story and even then we don't get to see them spend any time together. To be honest, I felt duped. Though I was losing patience, I continued on with the story in hopes of finally getting to see them together... only to be completely disappointed. I mean, seriously, we are given nothing! And there was no excuse because there was a time skip of at least a week from when they got together to when the story ended so we could have gotten a few moments, but, okay fine.
Also, I didn't understand what was going on with Daniel. As I understand it, he, at some point during the five years he lived with the Ives, had the money to pay off his debts but decided to continue working there. Did he do it because he didn't want to be apart from Christian? And if so, why was he so cold toward him? If the reason was that he thought that Christian was too young then what about when he returned to Japan after being away for three years? Other than his initial greeting, he acted like he didn't want anything to do with him. It would have been nice to see some inner struggle on his part while he was the estate manager or at least an explanation of why he was behaving the way he was. But, we get nothing.
Finally, (spoilers ahead) the ending. Wow, could it have been any worse? It was so unfulfilling! Like, why have Daniel leave without telling Christian his plans? I'm sure Christian would have happily accompanied him to Los Angeles if Daniel had explained what he was trying to do. Christian's ultimate goal was to be with Daniel, even it it meant leaving his band behind. He would have been thrilled to know he could have Daniel and continue to perform, so why the secrecy? It didn't make sense.
Overall, this manga left me completely feeling frustrated. Frustrated because I actually spent money buying it, frustrated because it really could have been a better story, and frustrated because the whole thing felt like a major waste of time. The only reason it didn't get 1 star was the art. It was very pretty to look at; Christian and Daniel were too good looking for this story.
For one, the story drug out far too long. It wouldn't have been an issue if this was the first book in a series but, since this a one shot, the main character should have gotten with his love interest a lot sooner. Christian and Daniel don't get together until the very end of the story and even then we don't get to see them spend any time together. To be honest, I felt duped. Though I was losing patience, I continued on with the story in hopes of finally getting to see them together... only to be completely disappointed. I mean, seriously, we are given nothing! And there was no excuse because there was a time skip of at least a week from when they got together to when the story ended so we could have gotten a few moments, but, okay fine.
Also, I didn't understand what was going on with Daniel. As I understand it, he, at some point during the five years he lived with the Ives, had the money to pay off his debts but decided to continue working there. Did he do it because he didn't want to be apart from Christian? And if so, why was he so cold toward him? If the reason was that he thought that Christian was too young then what about when he returned to Japan after being away for three years? Other than his initial greeting, he acted like he didn't want anything to do with him. It would have been nice to see some inner struggle on his part while he was the estate manager or at least an explanation of why he was behaving the way he was. But, we get nothing.
Finally, (spoilers ahead) the ending. Wow, could it have been any worse? It was so unfulfilling! Like, why have Daniel leave without telling Christian his plans? I'm sure Christian would have happily accompanied him to Los Angeles if Daniel had explained what he was trying to do. Christian's ultimate goal was to be with Daniel, even it it meant leaving his band behind. He would have been thrilled to know he could have Daniel and continue to perform, so why the secrecy? It didn't make sense.
Overall, this manga left me completely feeling frustrated. Frustrated because I actually spent money buying it, frustrated because it really could have been a better story, and frustrated because the whole thing felt like a major waste of time. The only reason it didn't get 1 star was the art. It was very pretty to look at; Christian and Daniel were too good looking for this story.
March 23, 2022
Art: 4*
Plot: 2½*
Characters: 3*
Total rating: 3*
One-shots are always hard to write and can be very hit or miss, in my opinion. Trying to squeeze an engaging plot, interesting character development, and make the story memorable into 200-odd pages is a feat in itself, and I understand why it might be difficult for manga artists in particular. Still, I expected a bit more "oomph" from a TokyoPop title, and instead I got a "meh, it's okay" feeling out of it. The story isn't particularly engaging, and the characters don't have much depth to them, but I guess that's because of the format of a one-shot instead of a series.
For those wondering, this is a very light BL (this is not a yaoi manga, contrary to what the tags on this site say) that focuses more on Christian'sobsession infatuation with Daniel, and his need to defy his dad all the time. The story starts with Chris as a child and his meeting with a teenage Dan, and follows their growth as friends, then servant and master, and finally as lovers (by then, Chris is 18 and Dan is 26). Personally, I liked Dan just a little bit more because he was the mature and level-headed one whereas Chris was often petty and childish.
The art is definitely pretty. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but Dan and Chris' "empty" pale eyes were especially interesting in terms of the art.
Weirdly enough, this style reminded me of Yuu Watase, particularly in Ayashi no Ceres 01 (maybe it's because of the stringy, spaghetti hair?).
All in all, it wasn't a bad manga by any means; it just didn't grab my attention all that much.
Plot: 2½*
Characters: 3*
Total rating: 3*
One-shots are always hard to write and can be very hit or miss, in my opinion. Trying to squeeze an engaging plot, interesting character development, and make the story memorable into 200-odd pages is a feat in itself, and I understand why it might be difficult for manga artists in particular. Still, I expected a bit more "oomph" from a TokyoPop title, and instead I got a "meh, it's okay" feeling out of it. The story isn't particularly engaging, and the characters don't have much depth to them, but I guess that's because of the format of a one-shot instead of a series.
For those wondering, this is a very light BL (this is not a yaoi manga, contrary to what the tags on this site say) that focuses more on Christian's
The art is definitely pretty. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but Dan and Chris' "empty" pale eyes were especially interesting in terms of the art.
Weirdly enough, this style reminded me of Yuu Watase, particularly in Ayashi no Ceres 01 (maybe it's because of the stringy, spaghetti hair?).
All in all, it wasn't a bad manga by any means; it just didn't grab my attention all that much.
April 13, 2021
The best part of this manga is definitely the artwork. Since there are two authors, I'm guessing one of them is the artist and the other the author; manga doesn't tend to have author biographies, so that's all guesswork. The story itself is pretty thin and predictable, without a ton of character development, but since this was their first foray into the genre - originally planned as a one-shot and developed into a full-length story - it's not too surprising that it doesn't feel immensely polished.
I would've liked to have seen a lot more of their relationship developing once they'd decided to make it work, and it was disappointing that the "reveal" to Christian's father was just a dream sequence. Since Daniel was so fixated on not disappointing Steve, that felt like a loose thread that's still dangling by the end. Daniel in general needed more fleshing out. What were his motivations? What was he thinking most of the time? What was his grieving process like after he lost his famiy?
Christian and Daniel also need to spend a lot more time talking to each other. While Daniel's final decision was certainly a romantic one that was focused on Christian's longterm happiness, it didn't have to be such a dramatic surprise; I would've rather seen them discussing this next step in their lives, and choosing to take it together.
But it's such beautiful art with some nicely emotional bits of storytelling. The panel of Christian crying on the plane was one of my favorite parts. I just wish there'd been a little bit more substance to the story, and to their characterizations, because this had a lot of potential. If these two authors pair up for another story, I'm betting it'll be an improvement now that they've learned what works and what doesn't.
I would've liked to have seen a lot more of their relationship developing once they'd decided to make it work, and it was disappointing that the "reveal" to Christian's father was just a dream sequence. Since Daniel was so fixated on not disappointing Steve, that felt like a loose thread that's still dangling by the end. Daniel in general needed more fleshing out. What were his motivations? What was he thinking most of the time? What was his grieving process like after he lost his famiy?
Christian and Daniel also need to spend a lot more time talking to each other. While Daniel's final decision was certainly a romantic one that was focused on Christian's longterm happiness, it didn't have to be such a dramatic surprise; I would've rather seen them discussing this next step in their lives, and choosing to take it together.
But it's such beautiful art with some nicely emotional bits of storytelling. The panel of Christian crying on the plane was one of my favorite parts. I just wish there'd been a little bit more substance to the story, and to their characterizations, because this had a lot of potential. If these two authors pair up for another story, I'm betting it'll be an improvement now that they've learned what works and what doesn't.
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