This series does something interesting that I feel haven't seen done in quite the same way where it IS a romantic series, BUT! Our main leads are working on bettering themselves first above being romantically together (at least currently where they are in the series anyway). I definitely don't think that is always by choice of them being separated, but I have found I really enjoyed seeing them grow individually. Shirayuki is doing all she can to stand by Zen's side, BUT that's not all it just is. She has a passion for medicine and I have loved seeing her flourish and grow as a herbalist. On the flip side, seeing Zen really come into his role as prince has been VERY satisfying. I sort of feel he has grown the most or at least we've been able to see that the most as a reader. I don't know if I would say it's my favorite part of their love story, but the trust these two have in each other and the deep bond they share always leaves me confident that their love will only grow stronger and stronger, which is something I DO love to see. (Plus their reunions ALWAYS make up for it! *swoon*)
Anddddd that no one else stands a chance of breaking them apart because this new Lord Shirayuki needs to talk to is something else! So far I'm not a fan of him or his character. I like his aide well enough and that's either because I like him as a character OR because seeing Shirayuki get angry was AWESOME! (Sp probably the latter LOL) Even seeing little Ryu (who really isn't little anymore *cries* HE LOOKS SO GROWN UP!!) state his mind and say not to lie about their services or use them as pawns had me wanting to stand up and give both of them a grand applause!
I would say that especially ties in with how Shirayuki handled her time with the new Lord. She totally slayed in that situation and was so proud of her in really applying Mitsuhide's words from a long time ago. She may think she is taking small steps, but I think she is growing by leaps and bounds throughout this series! <3
Ah, and Obi! I don't think I will ever get over how much he has grown since we first met him! He really has become a dashing knight, though that conversation at the table in the beginning about what Ryu needed to shop for made me laugh! Poor Ryu! LOL!
I LOVED seeing Kiki again! I especially loved seeing her with Hisame because I have shipped them since I first met him! LOL! I'm pretty sure that's an unpopular opinion, but they make a wonderful couple, and have enjoyed seeing this different side of Kiki. Looking forward to seeing more of them again and what kind of plan Hisame will come up with because that was quite the plan of action he encouraged Shirayuki to take in this one! LOL!
I LOVED the bonus chapter!!! Not going to say anything more because of spoilers, but I love this series more and more with each volume I read! Enjoyed seeing some old faces and am VERY curious as to what is going to happen in the next volume!
This was a little confusing, but interesting! I want to know more about the two characters that have been introduced, because my first instinct was to dislike them, but now...I don't really think I do?
And Ryu got a haircut! Aww, he keeps growing up. 😊
I still don't like the Kiki and Hisame storyline...
Things are getting interesting again. Lots of moments that made me smile or stop and laugh. Wish they would adapt more of the manga into anime. It is so refreshingly wholesome and clean.
Don't get me wrong, I still like this series, but am I the only one who wants more obvious romance between Zen and Shirayuki? Yes, there was a moment, but I feel like Shirayuki is not showing her feelings more concerning Zen. In those terms, the anime, although incomplete, was a lot more satisfying. Speaking of satisfaction, I am still on the outs in terms of Kiki and Hisame. I was rooting for Kiki and Mitsuhide so hard, which is why I was surprised the turn of events concerning that relationship. I know there are Shirayuki and Obi shippers, but I am rooting that Shirayuki and Zen are still a couple, due to what I saw in the anime. The only way I would change my mind is if a female character is introduce that seems to be a better fit for Zen. This is similar to what happen in Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass series and Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness Quartet.
While I was a bit unsatisfied by the romance side of things, this volume was exciting in terms of Shirayuki's, Obi's, and Ryu's quest to spread the plant. I would also say the bonus manga at the end gives me hope for Zen and Shirayuki's relationship from an unlikely to a highly unlikely source. In this bonus manga, I was also struck by how similar to people are to each other, which means it is going to be interesting to see how they age, if Sorata Akiduki makes the characters age.
1st complaint: Ryu's new haircut makes him look like a 7 year old, so now I can't help seeing this cross-country flower planting trip as a cute little holiday between a mom & dad with their little son. 2nd complaint: I thought the non-existent excuse the first gate captain gave about not approving the flower planting was stupid and, like previously stated, non-existent. Why does the lord of the area need to be bothered to approve the planting of one stinking plant? This was a very poor push at advancing the plot. I feel like this is the greatest trap of all long running manga, the longer they get the more the plot falls apart as it's stretched to keep the readers' attention. I'm getting bored of this series. The only plus I would end on is that the art style has improved immensely. The clothes look amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As much as I adore this series and the characters, the plot can leave a lot to be desired. Examples: glowing rocks, confusing twins, dead end romance and of course the also glowing flowers. This volume was hit and miss. Kiki and Hisame are my new ship. Ryu is starting to grow on me. Shirayuki and Zen are still PRECIOUS. However there were parts where I felt like I missed something. Characters bring up things that I don’t remember being talked about before. Also as our cast of characters grows it can get insanely confusing. Still love the series and will still keep reading.
Zen is working on political stuff in Wirant. Meanwhile, Shirayuki, Ryu, and Obi have started their mission to get permission to spread the Phostyrias plant along the roads. And their first stop somehow lands them at a party.
Definitely more exciting that the lull of the last few volumes, but there were a few parts where I couldn't quite tell who was talking or what they were talking about. Specific example being around page 50 where it felt like there were panels missing.
There's also a cute bonus chapter featuring King Izana and his potential Queen Haki.
Anyway, we have two new players entering the scene: Shu and Eietstu? I don’t know how to spell the second name (I’m not looking it up), but it is an aid and lord pair that are planning something. Planning what? I don’t know, but the two of the are in cahoots! But, I’m sure will understand what they want in the next volume, so gotta start that today because this left off on a cliff hanger.
I'm glad things picked up a bit in pace since the last volume. Always glad to see Obi and Shirayuki together. My one issue with this series is that a lot of characters look very similar, so it's a little hard to tell them apart when new people get added. I think this volume was particularly tough with how some new people were introduced (I really struggled to keep track of who was in charge of who this time around for a long time).
Watched the anime and knew that the story continued in the manga. It's light fluff. I know that the premise requires Shirayuki and Zen to be together but it would have been more interesting to me if along the way they realized that they are better as supportive friends and she ended up with Obi. Also, she just utters "Zen" way too often.
Finally some more drama! I wanna know if this new guy is actually interested in Shirayuki romantically or if he just wants to use her for a different scheme. Too bad for him that her feelings for Zen aren’t so easily swayed. I did enjoy some of the planned misunderstandings, though. Throw Lugiria off his game. 😆
I don't know much about power games. The latest volume is more interesting than the previous ones, with beautiful clothes and hairstyles. Zen is thoughtful to the point of obsession, while Izana comes across as cold. Ryu is becoming more outgoing.
[ RATING: 3.5 stars ] This was a fun volume. I liked the humorous interactions between characters. I'm interested in seeing how Shirayuki, Ryu, and Obi will complete the first phase of their mission.