Prince Freya, Vol. 4

偽りのフレイヤ [Itsuwari no Freja] #4

by Keiko Ishihara

The unexpected arrival of horned warriors at Fort Leren is all that saves the Tyrish troops from the Sigurdian seige. But the Kelds have no interest in joining forces with Tyr—they only intervened to cause pain to their old foe. While it is a disappointing decision, it opens Freya’s eyes to other paths of resistance. Tyr might have no allies, but Sigurd has many enemies!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Shojo, Historical, Graphic Novels

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

Reviews

[Yub Yub Commander · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
For the story, solid 4 stars. For the craft and flow? A 2 at best.

This is one of those series that I have a lot of feelings about. On one hand I'm invested because I love Freya and I'm genuinely curious about the fate of Tyr and the people. On the other hand I'm bothered by this weird lolita complex thing that's going on between Freya and Julius as well as the fact that the pacing is all over the place.

It has moments where I'm fully involved and invested and then the next scene isn't as well done or feels so out of place. The scenes don't flow well between one to the next.

I'm going to keep reading it, but something needs to change to make this story better than "meh. "

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh!! I can’t wait till October for vol 5 I can’t! I n e e d more!!

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was practically perfect in every way. I loved this so much! There were some amazing things going on, and I see a love triangle brewing! I can't wait for the next volume!!

[DesertSkyCacti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good ending to an arc and I can tell I'm gonna enjoy where the story is headed. Especially since I'm getting hints of a possible love triangle! I do hope there is more time spent on character development than there is on war in the next coming issues! My favorite part of the manga so far has been the artwork, it is absolutely beautiful! I am eagerly anticipating volume 5!

[jasmine ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠`⁠ʔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno if freya is just innocent or dense, but I'm team aleksi

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myślałam że po przeczytaniu tych mang sprzedam je, bo druga część mnie trochę wynudziła, ale 3 i 4 sprawiły że będę czytać dalej!!

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just a chill volume of everyone recovering from the previous events and planning their next move. It was good (though what the heck, Alek?!?! You don’t tell Freya that! 🤦🏼‍♀️) and I enjoyed quite a bit of it, but the reason it got docked was because Julius (I really don’t like him 😡) had to go and say to Freya about how she dominates the men in her life, and I’m just like really? Do we have to make everything like this? Also, I don’t like how all these men like lOvE Freya (the only one I’m okay with is Alek and at least they’re both around the same age).

I’m not very confident volume five will be any better.

Content: violence and blood (hard PG-13 to R); war; a hand is cut off; talk of a stag god; a kiss; a man is hung; characters drink wine; mild suggestive hints; mention that a character would only live to warm someone’s bed

[Niina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prinssi Edwardia esittävän Freyan tarina jatkuu hyvin verisenä. Hän ei halua luopua valeroolistaan ihan heti, sillä hän haluaa auttaa kansaa, jota uhkaa sota Sigurdin kanssa. Freya ei halua luovuttaa maata, vaan pyrkii etsimään liittolaisia suurta vihollista vastaan. Mukana sopassa on myös yksi tai useampi hahmo, joilla on romanttisia ajatuksia tyttöprinssiä kohtaan.

Erittäin sujuvasti saatiin taas yhden pokkarin verran edistettyä tarinaa. Kiinnostaa kyllä mitä Aleksi meni sopimaan, minulla on arvaus ja pakkohan se on lukea lisää, kuinka lähelle totuutta osuin.

[April Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is more focused on diplomacy, and less on battle. The fort has been saved, thanks to last minute help arriving with a surprise, and the Prince is able to return in some sort of triumph. When he discusses the matter with his advisors, he is ridiculed for thinking anything but submitting to Sigurd's demands is the way to go, and is told he must get the King's permission. Freya must now try to fool the Prince's father, and make him believe she is Prince Edvard, to save Tyr. Will she be able to do it?
The art, as always, is lovely, with that dreamy, sparkly quality I've come to expect from Keiko Ishihara. The story has intrigue going on all over the place; while there's not really any action, there's plenty happening behind the scenes. There are some swoony moments, some bittersweet moments,and I do hope we get to see more of the King next time, I like him! A good addition to the series.

#PrinceFreyaVol4 #NetGalley

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for review from Viz Media and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

*sigh* This series is so good! This volume is a little shorter than the previous three, but still manages to cover a lot of ground and hit you right in the heart.

This picks up right after Vol.3, so the castle is still under siege and they are in a critical moment when mysterious reinforcements arrive with someone unexpected. Freya's growth has been fantastic and I love just how much she is learning about her own strength and what it means to be a pillar for so many. She is so adorable and I love how infectious her joy is, but I also love just how opposite this is to the ruse she must continue as the prince.

The love triangle is one that I am surprisingly enthralled with now. I wasn't quite sure on it to be completely honest, as it usually fairly frustrating, but even with the fact that I have a favorite I'm loving the differences between the two and how they offer support.

[justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 🌟

[Reading Through the Lists · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Prince Freya: Vol. 4 after the very enjoyable Vol. 3.

Overall, I would say I was only moderately let down. As usual, the plot advances at lightning speed, but I was happy to see the return of characters like Aleksi and Minister Lars. We are also given the set-up for future volumes: Freya discovers the existence of five powerful gems that could ignite a civil war in Sigurd...if Freya can only convince Sigurd’s allies to betray their country. It’s a good set-up for a quest, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

However, I do have some complaints. Given that Alek returns with a literal army of deer-skull people, I would have expected him to be about 5000% cooler than he was before. But he’s not really--he returns with the exact same motivations and interests (Freya) as he did before. Don’t be a coward--make him the leader of the deer-skull army! Give him something to do!

In this volume, we are also introduced to Edvard’s father, King Erik: a childlike monarch who lost his mind years ago and whose memories of his son are hazy at best (meaning he will not recognize Freya as an imposter). This would be another perfect chance for more backstory on Edvard. What was the prince’s relationship with his father like? Did he love him? Was he ashamed of his father? Did he blame him for losing his mind and leaving the responsibilities/burdens of the throne to him? There’s so much potential for backstory here, but it doesn’t get developed.

Still, this series has been steadily growing on me since the beginning, and I look forward to Vol. 5.

[eve.lyn._.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

♔█♕▓ꝒⱤƖƝƇƸ☩ƑⱤƸƳ𐤠░♚▒ ♛
The horned warriors who wear bones and mysterious capes will not be allies with Tyr, but are enemies of Sigurd. Alekis reunites with Freya but struggles with his emotions with a secret deep within him. Freya must be given a special jewel from Prince Edvard's father to achieve her goal. Julius misses the old Prince while also being pleased at how Freya has learned and grown. Sigurd's forces have retreated but it will take more than alliances to defeat them.

Prince Freya Vol 4 adds a lot of intrigue to the story. I love how this volume was more fun and relaxing, spending time after the battle. The tension between the opposing kingdoms was not lessened in this book, but was taken away as a focal point to lead to some more character-growth.

I love how Alek asks if he can touch Freya or gives her a chance to turn away if she doesn't want something. Julius' character was explored more and I was able to understand how he took his duty seriously after he lost the Prince he loved and honored. Julius still does things I don't like. The way he treats Freya and what he says is irritating and disrespectful.

I can see a love triangle happening. . . one I really wish I didn't have to. I don't think romance has to be a big aspect of the story, nor is there any use in giving our female protagonist many suitors. Freya is a girl dealing with a lot of responsibility and I quite like how her protagonist has progressed from volume one.

Excited to continue on with the series.
👑PLOT
👑CHARACTERS
👑PLOT TWIST
👑=☑️

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's manga post is on Prince Freya, Vol. 4 by Keiko Ishihara. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has Freya and Julian on it. As it is the fourth volume in the series, you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. There is no foul language, no sex, and action violence in this manga. The intended reader is someone who likes political manga with a strong female lead. The story is told from third person following the characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the manga- The unexpected arrival of horned warriors at Fort Leren is all that saves the Tyrish troops from the Sigurdian seige. But the Kelds have no interest in joining forces with Tyr—they only intervened to cause pain to their old foe. While it is a disappointing decision, it opens Freya’s eyes to other paths of resistance. Tyr might have no allies, but Sigurd has many enemies!

Review- This volume picks up where the last left off with Freya pulling her men together and they withstand the siege. But the cost was high and not just to Freya but to her friend, Alex. He was saved by a god and made a pact with it. Then Freya meets the king and while he knows that she is not his son, the king gives her his blessing. The politics is starting to get thick now with the villains getting more time on page. But their true motives are still unknown. Freya has a long road in front of her and I am pulling for her and her soldiers.

I give this manga a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[LaPommequirougit · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://lapommequirougit.com/2020/12/...

Je remercie les Éditions Doki doki pour l’envoi de cette lecture. Je l’attendais, mais tellement cette suite ! On n’avait aucun autre tome depuis janvier et il a su se faire attendre ce petit coquin !

Freya est en plein dans la bataille. Elle doit absolument repousser l’ennemi si elle veut sauver ses hommes et son peuple. Pourtant, d’étranges guerriers parés de bois de cerfs, vont venir, mais le plus étrange là-dedans, c’est qu’elle croit reconnaître parmi eux Alexis… Pourtant, elle l’a vu mourir…

Bon, ce tome a clairement apporté son lot de rebondissements et d’émotions. Il sert de transition pour l’arc qui suivra, mais également d’introduction pour un nouveau personnage : le père du Prince Edward. Il ne sera sans doute pas présent dans les autres tomes, mais avoir une part de l’histoire dédiée à ce dernier et sa découverte était intéressante, car je me demandais justement qui était le roi.

En bref, un tome qui m’a apporté beaucoup de plaisir durant ma lecture. C’est un manga que j’aime vraiment particulièrement et l’attente de la suite fut longue, mais elle valait clairement le coup. Une suite des plus captivantes et une fin des plus intrigantes ! 😉

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best boy Aleksi is back, five stars. Haha, alright, it's not just for that although I did really enjoy the scenes he was in. But oof, what does that "pact" he referred to mean? He doesn't need any more trouble! And listen boy, saying *that* was a joke was just cruel! Btw, I was really happy when Freya was thinking about Aleksi and Julius' behaviour and decided she needs to talk about it with them later because she sees something is bothering them. In general, I liked that Freya was making decisions in this volume. You're being a fine prince!

So, they are thinking of a way to strike back at Sigurd but it's difficult because all their allies have fallen under Sigurd's power. But there may still be a way and Freya is determined to make it work.

There was quite many things packed into this volume but I enjoyed it a lot. And again many pretty big panels, especially two with Alek: the hug and the scene in the tree. Oh and the king and the mysterious new baddie are total eyecandy too, haha.

P.S. Olin vähän niin kuin unohtanut miten hupaisaa on, kun tuon lapsuudenystävän nimi on Aleksi. :D

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Freya vol. 4 sees Freya and companions right where we left them off at in volume 3 at the castle under siege and reinforcements and allies hopefully arriving and on their side. Freya takes the win at the fort as her next stepping stone on her goal to save Tyr.
Tyr may not have allies because of Sigurd, but Sigurd has many enemies. Enemies that might be willing to cooperate with Tyr, and so with the story of an old oath and jewelry helping her find those potentially committed to the oath Freya begins her next adventure.
I’m really, really loving this series. The last time I got this committed to a storyline was the manga Basara by Yumi Tamura (seriously, check it out if you’re loving Prince Freya).
***
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I was able to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[elfqueenvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with the previous volume, thid volume was better than the last volume story wise.

My one of main complaints about this series is the scenes dont flow from one to the other well and it feels disconnected. The first volume had its pacing issues too, but Its easier to overlook in a first volume. But at this point that issue should be fixed.

I do like Freyas growth as a character and that is what keeps me reading, however Julius infatuation with Freya is very creepy/pedo. Also the final line spoken by the king of Sigurd was eye rolling.

Edvards father is precious and must be protected at all costs.

Thanks Netgalley for the review copy.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume felt a bit short (and it actually is as Ishihara-sensei mentions in her notes that she was hospitalized during the production of this volume in Japan causing a lack of material and chaos for her and her assistants) and the pace is a bit frenetic. This manga in only four volumes in and already there have been so many plot points introduced (also, the body count...) and it keeps on charging ahead. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing, since I'm certainly engaged, but periodically I do wish we'd stay in one place for a little longer so characters and motives can be fleshed out better.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel more optimistic about this story. There is such sadness and sacrifice but in this volume there was such a cute scene with a sardine sandwich which eased the grief. The story continues to be very good with excellent art and characters. Keiko Ishihara, the author and artist, mentions she was ill and required hospitalization. This year there have been so many authors and animators who have worked themselves into exhaustion and illness. She mentions she is now using computers to assist with her drawing. I hope that will ease her work load.

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume is a turnaround. It was fun and engaging, and Aleksi makes a bold move until he takes it back in usual shoujo fashion. It’s only volume 4, y’know. Pacing is still fast and Julius is still inappropriate, but I’m curious to see where the story is going now that the gang has to go on a journey.

We also meet the Prince’s father, who has regressed to the mentality of a child, who knows more than he lets on. I thought their interaction was very heartwarming.

Also, the artwork has improved and become exceedingly beautiful.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is beautiful but this is probably the weakest volume so far. It's shorter than the others (though I believe the author was sick at the time so that's understandable) and some of the characters do frustrating things. However, the overall story is interesting and it's fun seeing new characters and scheming. I'll still read the next volume when it releases!

[luna xx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Prince Freya series because it's dramatic, has some romance in it, but at the same time it's also serious. In each volume there are some people that die because they're in a war so if you don't really like death and a little bit of bloodshed then maybe this isn't for you. But to me this series is my world and volume 5 is expected to be released on September 7, 2021

[Sobbin’ Scenes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was alright, but the pacing is a bit off in this one. The volume is also a bit shorter, but the author mentions she went to the hospital while writing it so I have no qualms about it. Health over art always!

Still excited for the next volume :)

[Glow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fight is over, so there is some more relaxing stuff. Of course there are another things building up, but no real action (in my perspective). There are some things that was kinda strange for me, but I still love the characters and the story.

[Briana Saucedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we can get past this Lolita complex between Freya and Julius that would be great. Other than that, the pacing was pretty good. I personally wish romance would build up more than to just going straight into kiss scenes. Let's build up to it. Please and thank you.

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quieter volume, with the solid beginnings of a quest.

[Ridah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This keeps going places that are better and better and I'm sad this volume was so short but it was still really good content and I can't wait for the next one!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok I was mainly backing aleksi before but I'm starting to see the appeal of julian

just want more mikal content honestly

[Dorcas · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many mysteries keep being introduced. No real step forward in the romance area either.