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暁のヨナ [Akatsuki no Yona] #18
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 18
A Kai Empire soldier fatally strikes Zeno, but he doesn’t die! Yona and her friends are shocked by the Yellow Dragon’s power as well as what he reveals about both his past and the Crimson Dragon King…
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
75 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Mizuho Kusanagi
113 books872 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
July 3, 2023
Why on earth was this so sad?
August 19, 2022
Ugh i love zeno sm that broke my heart😭😭
April 1, 2024
thanks for RIPPING MY HEART OUT!!
January 28, 2026
after the revelation at the end of volume 17, i’m so glad this volume revolved around zeno and shared more of his (tragic) backstory! this series is really shaping up to be a favorite🩵
June 1, 2025
Great installment! We learn more about Zeno's background and why he doesn't die in battle. Really interesting if a brutal start.
July 31, 2019
Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
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, Suwon 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.
The Premise
Yona of the Dawn vol 18 was totally unexpected! At the end of the previous volume we learn something unexpected about Zeno, the yellow dragon, and now we find the mysterious dragon's past totally revealed! And boy is it a doozy. Leave it to Mizuho Kuisanagi to totally blow us out of the water with this unexpected back history. We thought the other three dragons had pretty intense histories but they have nothing on the yellow dragon. You may think that volume 18 is too late in the series to be revealing this but that is what I love about it. Right when things were out of control we find out that our dragons have a secret weapon they didn't even know they had!
The Buzz
I was super excited to finally learn more about this most mysterious dragon! And to spend all of Yona of the Dawn vol 18 exploring that past is just like Mizuho Kuisanagi. It's a bold choice, and I really appreciate how the past builds each chapter. I'm always amazed at the details that she develops. And this time around some major holes were filled in and things revealed that I never thought I would get to learn more about. I'll always love Hak the most but Zeno is not the throw away character I thought he was. He's deep and a little creepy but so inhumanly human too.
The Feels
Zeno's relationships before Yona, and her gang were pretty fascinating in Yona of the Dawn vol 18. I won't reveal their identities but they were a tough group that you know cared immensely about each other. One reminds me of Yona and he created this mindset in Zeno that I think is totally false but that stems from a place of immense care. I love that his relationship with Yona's dragons is similar but also better...? It would be incredible for him to step out and take his place as an equal among dragons.
The Visuals
It's hard to tell in these digital snaps of the art but Yona of the Dawn vol 18 has art better than ever! It's creepy and haunting and gorgeous. You need to check out this and the Yona of the Dawn series in bookstores because you will be hooked. Visually we see some of the difficult situations that Zeno is a part of and it'll blow you away. I love, love, love when Mizuho Kuisanagi showcases characters we know as kids and we see that for the dragons and its sooooo adorkable! Well worth the interruption to the regular plot!!
Yona of the Dawn vol 18 is a surprise that readers and lovers of this series didn't know they were jonezing for... I adored getting to know Zeno and really understanding his nature and how his past shaped him. We get to meet some neat characters that I never thought we would and it rounds out the world in a fun way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Edelweiss and VIZ Media for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
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 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18
______________________
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...
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!
March 24, 2023
OMG OMG OMG OMG ..... my heart!
November 28, 2021
THIS VOLUME BROKE MY HEART!!!
I wanted answers but at what cost???
I wanted answers but at what cost???
October 16, 2019
Me moría por conocer la historia de Zeno, sabía que no podía ser tan simple como para que ni siquiera se mencionara su ausencia de poder... y he sufrido tantísimo con este tomo: conocer su vida antes de Yona, por todo lo que tuvo que pasar, y todo lo que se guardaba dentro... ¡EL SUFRIMIENTO ES REAL!
January 28, 2022
All. The. Feels. 😭😭😭
I think Zeno may be my new fave dragon and this is def one of my fave volumes. Ugh my heart can’t take how much I loved this one. 💛
I think Zeno may be my new fave dragon and this is def one of my fave volumes. Ugh my heart can’t take how much I loved this one. 💛
August 23, 2023
This volume made me cry. .zenos backstory was so sad 😭😭😭😭
January 14, 2023
quite literally sobbed my eyes out for the entirety of this volume
March 23, 2023
Zeno 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
November 10, 2020
This. Volume. Broke. My. Heart. Even though I'd already seen the OVA, this was just...*chops onions to hide tears*
** spoilers alert **
AND THE LOOK ON EVERYONE'S FACES WHEN HIS HEAD IS CHOPPED OFF HOLY FUUUUU-
** spoilers alert **
AND THE LOOK ON EVERYONE'S FACES WHEN HIS HEAD IS CHOPPED OFF HOLY FUUUUU-
August 29, 2016
AMO DEMASIADO A ZENO! este volumen me hizo llorar mucho mucho mucho!
pd: la portada es hermosa❤
pd: la portada es hermosa❤
May 6, 2023
This volume…Zeno’s backstory…it hurts me so much every time…*crying*
January 8, 2022
Okay, I didn't expect Zeno's story to be this sad 😭
September 18, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/iT5HciwzgJw
3.5 stars
I'm not even sure how to rate this volume. I suppose it IS five-star worthy, but this has been harder to read then even the past two volumes and felt it was extremely hard to see everything unfold. (Hard to say its "amazing" per Goodreads rating when my heart is getting ripped out, so the lower rating doesn't mean this was a "bad" volume.)
What an emotional, heart-breaking volume! Sometimes I forget with volumes like this that it still IS a shojo manga. This volume didn't feel like it though. While I wouldn't say the continued battle is gruesome, it was not easy to see and the hug that his friends gave at the end of the battle was everything. Zeno's ability to smile despite (again, just referring to the beginning of this volume) is mind-blowing. The shock and horror on everyone's faces as Zeno endures sword point after sword point truly reflected my own facial expressions.
Of course it doesn't stop there because we finally see his backstory and I pretty much hated the first dragons. LOL! They are awful and the current dragons are 100 times better than them, but the first dragons DID change and my awful distaste of them and their actions dimmed significantly thanks to Zeno.
Zeno's struggle is a…unique one? I'm not even sure how to put it into words because his heartache and pain was so real and couldn't help but get washed in compassion for him. This was especially true at the end when he visits the current dragons when they were little. There is so much I want to say on his story because its one is full of pain, but also happiness (even if briefly).
I'm glad that among this crew he has found friendship. I wouldn't say he deserves friendship the most, but seeing him (hopefully!) be able to heal is something I would definitely like to see at some point. I think that giant hug at the end is just the beginning. <3
Also, I'm thankful that unlike last volume, we ended with a chapter that brought a smile and a laugh. I think it was rightfully deserved after we learned the Yellow Dragon's secrets.
3.5 stars
I'm not even sure how to rate this volume. I suppose it IS five-star worthy, but this has been harder to read then even the past two volumes and felt it was extremely hard to see everything unfold. (Hard to say its "amazing" per Goodreads rating when my heart is getting ripped out, so the lower rating doesn't mean this was a "bad" volume.)
What an emotional, heart-breaking volume! Sometimes I forget with volumes like this that it still IS a shojo manga. This volume didn't feel like it though. While I wouldn't say the continued battle is gruesome, it was not easy to see and the hug that his friends gave at the end of the battle was everything. Zeno's ability to smile despite (again, just referring to the beginning of this volume) is mind-blowing. The shock and horror on everyone's faces as Zeno endures sword point after sword point truly reflected my own facial expressions.
Of course it doesn't stop there because we finally see his backstory and I pretty much hated the first dragons. LOL! They are awful and the current dragons are 100 times better than them, but the first dragons DID change and my awful distaste of them and their actions dimmed significantly thanks to Zeno.
Zeno's struggle is a…unique one? I'm not even sure how to put it into words because his heartache and pain was so real and couldn't help but get washed in compassion for him. This was especially true at the end when he visits the current dragons when they were little. There is so much I want to say on his story because its one is full of pain, but also happiness (even if briefly).
I'm glad that among this crew he has found friendship. I wouldn't say he deserves friendship the most, but seeing him (hopefully!) be able to heal is something I would definitely like to see at some point. I think that giant hug at the end is just the beginning. <3
Also, I'm thankful that unlike last volume, we ended with a chapter that brought a smile and a laugh. I think it was rightfully deserved after we learned the Yellow Dragon's secrets.
April 18, 2022
Thanks for BREAKING MY HEART 😭😭 One of the best volumes so far
August 1, 2024
this is the first volume to make me cry 😭😭😭
December 27, 2025
Ooof-
OOF GUYS MY HEARTTTTTTTTT
WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER
I‘ll repeat:
WHAT
A
ROLLERCOASTER
First of all, don‘t mind my puffy eyes from all the crying, because this volume was alMOST THE END OF ME OHMYGOD-😭
This was quite a heavy, depressing - but at the same time wonderful read (if that makes any sense??)🥹
Zeno‘s backstory, the things he had to endure and navigate through untill Yona was born (and even after as well - taking care of other dragons as kids); everything was masterfully presented and drawn-
I‘m-
*grabs a tissue box*
*sobs*
gimme a sec to wipe those tears away🤧
Zeno will always be a small bby istg I can‘t
(don‘t mind him being 2000+ years old-)
Man, this definitely isn‘t for the weak-hearted, my heart‘ll give out eventually during this series lmaoooo😭
The ✨found family✨ trope is saving my sanity over and over again ahhhh - seeing all of them hug on multiple occasions in this volume had absolutely warmed my heart🥹🫶🏻
OOF GUYS MY HEARTTTTTTTTT
WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER
I‘ll repeat:
WHAT
A
ROLLERCOASTER
First of all, don‘t mind my puffy eyes from all the crying, because this volume was alMOST THE END OF ME OHMYGOD-😭
This was quite a heavy, depressing - but at the same time wonderful read (if that makes any sense??)🥹
Zeno‘s backstory, the things he had to endure and navigate through untill Yona was born (and even after as well - taking care of other dragons as kids); everything was masterfully presented and drawn-
I‘m-
*grabs a tissue box*
*sobs*
gimme a sec to wipe those tears away🤧
Zeno will always be a small bby istg I can‘t
(don‘t mind him being 2000+ years old-)
Man, this definitely isn‘t for the weak-hearted, my heart‘ll give out eventually during this series lmaoooo😭
The ✨found family✨ trope is saving my sanity over and over again ahhhh - seeing all of them hug on multiple occasions in this volume had absolutely warmed my heart🥹🫶🏻
September 10, 2019
Menudo tomo! Si el anterior me pareció bueno, este es espectacular. En este se explica el pasado de Zeno y menuda sorpresa!
October 8, 2019
Can't really say anything without spoiling this series at this point... just read it! The art is amazing, the characters are well developed and there is even a wee bit of romance.
February 1, 2022
Zeno 🥺🥺
March 22, 2023
Emotional. Perfect. ZENO!
January 1, 2026
What a gory start! Zeno’s origin is so heartbreaking—and that bit with the explanation on why he’s talking in third person, referring to himself as his name instead of I… I want to cry! Now, I know why he always wants a group hug, poor old boy. Give this poor baby a plentiful of hug!!
February 24, 2024
This review contains spoilers
May 30, 2020
4.5/5 stars
The battle against the Kai soldiers continues, with Zeno at its forefront and later on Zeno’s backstory is explored.
We finally get our much awaited Zeno volume! Kusanagi chose a really gruesome and horrific way of introducing Zeno’s power that definitely had the shock factor going for it. It’s pretty twisted that the only way for Zeno’s power to activate requires a lot of violence. I do think Zeno’s background was worth the wait though, especially because of the fantastic world building and insight it provided into the first dragons. It was super interesting learning the origins of the priests as well. I especially liked Zeno's backstory for showing that although the dragons' personalities sometimes clash, their bond is strong enough that they’re able to work past that. I also liked that it took a very long time for Zeno to truly learn what his power is. Of all the dragon powers I’ve always thought Zeno’s to be the biggest burden, and I loved that we were alongside him when he was discovering the true nature of his powers, and were able to see him try to cope with his reality. Zeno really is the best fit for such a power as I can’t imagine him ever abusing it, and its actually really refreshing having a dragon who doesn’t like to fight. We also got mention of a queen and a prince, and I’m hoping that we eventually get to meet the Crimson Dragon King’s wife. Zeno’s scenes with his own wife were really touching, but I don’t think enough page time was given for me to be truly invested in Kaya. My favourite part of the volume was seeing Zeno visit our current dragons, I love seeing them as babies, they’re adorable!
As for Zeno’s character, I’ve never really brought him up because he’s a character I’ve always struggled with. Until this point in my reread I had a hard time connecting with Zeno’s character, especially knowing I preferred him in the flashbacks when he’s being more serious. I think he goes through a definite character change between flashbacks and current day (I’m not even referring to the really old flashbacks). I do expect my feelings to change on his character though, because now that everyone knows his secret he can be more open with them and interact with them more naturally. And getting to know Zeno more is allowing me to better appreciate how much he takes care of Shin-ah, and how attached Shin-ah is to him.
2015
4.5/5 stars
Blog | Instagram (main account) | Instagram (manga account) | Twitter
May 30, 2020
4.5/5 stars
The battle against the Kai soldiers continues, with Zeno at its forefront and later on Zeno’s backstory is explored.
We finally get our much awaited Zeno volume! Kusanagi chose a really gruesome and horrific way of introducing Zeno’s power that definitely had the shock factor going for it. It’s pretty twisted that the only way for Zeno’s power to activate requires a lot of violence. I do think Zeno’s background was worth the wait though, especially because of the fantastic world building and insight it provided into the first dragons. It was super interesting learning the origins of the priests as well. I especially liked Zeno's backstory for showing that although the dragons' personalities sometimes clash, their bond is strong enough that they’re able to work past that. I also liked that it took a very long time for Zeno to truly learn what his power is. Of all the dragon powers I’ve always thought Zeno’s to be the biggest burden, and I loved that we were alongside him when he was discovering the true nature of his powers, and were able to see him try to cope with his reality. Zeno really is the best fit for such a power as I can’t imagine him ever abusing it, and its actually really refreshing having a dragon who doesn’t like to fight. We also got mention of a queen and a prince, and I’m hoping that we eventually get to meet the Crimson Dragon King’s wife. Zeno’s scenes with his own wife were really touching, but I don’t think enough page time was given for me to be truly invested in Kaya. My favourite part of the volume was seeing Zeno visit our current dragons, I love seeing them as babies, they’re adorable!
As for Zeno’s character, I’ve never really brought him up because he’s a character I’ve always struggled with. Until this point in my reread I had a hard time connecting with Zeno’s character, especially knowing I preferred him in the flashbacks when he’s being more serious. I think he goes through a definite character change between flashbacks and current day (I’m not even referring to the really old flashbacks). I do expect my feelings to change on his character though, because now that everyone knows his secret he can be more open with them and interact with them more naturally. And getting to know Zeno more is allowing me to better appreciate how much he takes care of Shin-ah, and how attached Shin-ah is to him.
2015
4.5/5 stars
Blog | Instagram (main account) | Instagram (manga account) | Twitter
January 14, 2026
Guys I physically cannot keep updating because of how many of these I have read now. I’m almost done. Yona became such a badass. I will be gutted once it’s over
Omg that was from December but to update I still love this series and am so excited for season 2 to be renewed of the show. The right person (people) not enough time trope is disgusting and makes me sick
Omg that was from December but to update I still love this series and am so excited for season 2 to be renewed of the show. The right person (people) not enough time trope is disgusting and makes me sick
September 2, 2020
I have finally gotten the Zeno content I have been asking for and I'm sad!!! I just want to wrap Zeno up and protect him. What an angel. I love him. This entire volume was just about Zeno and his backstory :(
October 10, 2021
Sin duda alguna el mejor tomo hasta el momento. Nos han revelado muchísimos más misterios y explicado mucho parte del pasado de todos los dragones, me encanta, si pudiera ponerle más estrellas se las pondría porque 😭💘 precioso.
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