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王の獣 [Ō no Kemono] #1
The King's Beast, Vol. 1
Ajin boys who show signs of special abilities are conscripted to serve in the imperial palace as beast-servants—status symbols and shields for their royal masters, to be kept or discarded on a whim. When they were children, Rangetsu’s twin brother Sogetsu was ripped from her arms and sent to the palace to attend Prince Tenyou as a beast-servant, where he quickly fell victim to bloody dynastic intrigues. Now in a world that promises only bitterness, Rangetsu’s one hope at avenging her brother is to disguise herself as a man and find a way into the palace!
Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings?
Prince Tenyou is not what Rangetsu expected, and the political currents in the palace run deep and strange. Does Rangetsu have any chance of finding justice for her brother, or will she become just another Ajin casualty in the game of kings?
168 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2019
79 people are currently reading
4044 people want to read
About the author
Rei Tōma
61 books367 followersRei Tōma (Japanese: 藤間 麗,Tōma Rei) has been drawing since childhood, but she only began drawing manga because of her graduation project in design school. When she drew a short-story manga, "Help me dentist" (ヘルプ me デンティスト), it attracted a publisher's attention and she made her debut right away. Her magnificent art style became popular, and after she debuted as a manga artist, she became known as an illustrator for novels and video game character designs.
Dawn of the Arcana is her first long-running manga series, and it has been a hit in Japan, selling over a million copies.
Dawn of the Arcana is her first long-running manga series, and it has been a hit in Japan, selling over a million copies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
September 2, 2023
Oooo what a pleasant surprise! I’ve read Toma before but this was a great reading experience. While I haven’t read Dawn of the Arcana, I was able to dive into this series without having an previous knowledge of the world. I love a good revenge story, but this was on a different level. Nothing turned out the way I anticipated. There is so much political intrigue with fascinating characters and world building. This is one that’s definitely worth the hype. I cannot wait to continue the rest of the series. This is definitely on the darker side so I would recommend checking out CW before diving in,
December 9, 2020
It's easy to look at Rei Toma's art and forget just how dark her stories can get. This one is no exception. Set in the same world as Dawn of the Arcana the story follows Rangetsu, an Ajin (human with animal features, like ears and tails, and superior senses and healing abilities) as she seeks revenge against the human(s) who killed her twin brother years ago. And if you thought things were bad for the Ajin in Dawn of the Arcana, prepare yourself for them to be even worse here in a different nation. Ajin are absolutely second class citizens, with families only allowed one child (excluding multiple births), men and boys conscripted into either the army or as body guards known as Beast-Servants, and women are forced into sex work when they're young and switched over to menial labor when they age out of that. Rangetsu's brother dies in service to the Fourth Prince, and she flees the brothel her mother takes her to, cuts her hair, and learns to fight in order to hunt down his killer. It's brutal, and Toma doesn't shy away from that.
But it also is a good story, one where very few people are what they seem to be, the system of oppression is looking like it might be ripe for being shredded, and change clearly lurks just around the bend. I don't anticipate this being an easy series, but I'm willing to be on it being a good one.
But it also is a good story, one where very few people are what they seem to be, the system of oppression is looking like it might be ripe for being shredded, and change clearly lurks just around the bend. I don't anticipate this being an easy series, but I'm willing to be on it being a good one.
August 23, 2021
Pretty dark, interested to see how the murder mystery aspect plays out.
February 4, 2021
Ajin are beast people who live a second class life to their human overlords despite having fantastic powers. When her twin brother is killed, Rangetsu renounces her gender and earns her way into the entourage of her killer. And in a world of political backstabbing, it goes without saying that nothing is quite as cut and dry as all that...
A brisk read with some stellar art. I do love Rei Toma’s style and that livens up what might be a somewhat dreary read otherwise. So far this book’s not as big on correcting social injustice as it is marinating in it, so trigger warnings for an understated yet savage panel of sexual assault.
It’s pretty bleak - Rangetsu is literally a killing machine and it is definitely by her own choice that she has become such. She’s thrown away everything for her vengeance and I like the way her single-mindedness comes through in the story.
She’s largely the reason to follow this series thus far - she’s skilled, mostly confident (please do not betray this next volume, please), can take care of herself, and looks totally vicious in that fox mask. That she’s so capable without a special power is a good touch.
The story itself, however, feels wafer-thin. I don’t think it’s a big shock that there’s more going on than we suspect, but it almost feels like it wants to be a murder mystery without offering any clues and just slowly checking off suspects (I have my suspicions, but they are based on experience).
Nobody gets much development, so it’s not terribly engaging on a cast level, as they’re largely there to have special abilities and quirks. Prince Tenyou is a little too nice for his own good and I’m pretty sure the book is headed exactly where I think it’s headed. Still, I thought this was only two volumes and it is significantly more, so I am hoping this will develop somewhat.
It ends with a bonus epilogue for the Water Dragon’s Bride, which is pretty much nothing for anybody who hasn’t read it and spoilers for those who haven’t finished it. It’s fine - honestly it makes me want to read that book a bit more because it apparently ended in a far different place than it started.
3 stars. It’s not bad, but I wasn’t floored by it. It feels like a mystery with not enough mystery and a tale that’s a little too obvious in its intentions. It might also be that I’m not terribly in the mood for a story where an out of touch ruling class dumps hardship on those below them for some reason. Still, since change might come and it has solid art and a great lead, I am willing to give it another volume.
A brisk read with some stellar art. I do love Rei Toma’s style and that livens up what might be a somewhat dreary read otherwise. So far this book’s not as big on correcting social injustice as it is marinating in it, so trigger warnings for an understated yet savage panel of sexual assault.
It’s pretty bleak - Rangetsu is literally a killing machine and it is definitely by her own choice that she has become such. She’s thrown away everything for her vengeance and I like the way her single-mindedness comes through in the story.
She’s largely the reason to follow this series thus far - she’s skilled, mostly confident (please do not betray this next volume, please), can take care of herself, and looks totally vicious in that fox mask. That she’s so capable without a special power is a good touch.
The story itself, however, feels wafer-thin. I don’t think it’s a big shock that there’s more going on than we suspect, but it almost feels like it wants to be a murder mystery without offering any clues and just slowly checking off suspects (I have my suspicions, but they are based on experience).
Nobody gets much development, so it’s not terribly engaging on a cast level, as they’re largely there to have special abilities and quirks. Prince Tenyou is a little too nice for his own good and I’m pretty sure the book is headed exactly where I think it’s headed. Still, I thought this was only two volumes and it is significantly more, so I am hoping this will develop somewhat.
It ends with a bonus epilogue for the Water Dragon’s Bride, which is pretty much nothing for anybody who hasn’t read it and spoilers for those who haven’t finished it. It’s fine - honestly it makes me want to read that book a bit more because it apparently ended in a far different place than it started.
3 stars. It’s not bad, but I wasn’t floored by it. It feels like a mystery with not enough mystery and a tale that’s a little too obvious in its intentions. It might also be that I’m not terribly in the mood for a story where an out of touch ruling class dumps hardship on those below them for some reason. Still, since change might come and it has solid art and a great lead, I am willing to give it another volume.
March 13, 2022
Rei Toma never disappoints! I always go into her manga knowing I'll get beautiful artwork and an amazing cast of characters. I'm very excited to see where the story goes from here!
February 7, 2021
A bit too melodramatic and over the top in emotion for what I want right now. Ostensibly a court mystery with a gender-hidden love story and cross-species liberation, it seemed like so much was packed into the initial chapters that the plot and characters didn't have time to breathe. Everything was at the highest emotional intensity, like a Yu gi oh episode right before or after the commercial break, and the intrigue seemed more about intense looks than rational plotting.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2020
I was so excited when I heard we were getting a new Rei Toma title, let alone another one in the world of Dawn of the Arcana.
This chinese inspired story is fantastic. We have a rich political climate, characters that you are rooting for, and an enemies to lovers kind of romantic subplot that I am shipping HARD after this first volume.
I am so excited to see this revenge story unfurl. I am anxiously awaiting volume 2!
This chinese inspired story is fantastic. We have a rich political climate, characters that you are rooting for, and an enemies to lovers kind of romantic subplot that I am shipping HARD after this first volume.
I am so excited to see this revenge story unfurl. I am anxiously awaiting volume 2!
July 12, 2021
I know it’s too early for this but I have a feeling that this is going to be one of my favorite series. I devoted this in one sitting and ordering the next volume tomorrow. The story flowed and was completely understandable. Highly recommend you pick this up.
October 8, 2021
This review will be for the whole series; read at your own risk!
Read 3 volumes
Uh oh... I’m in love with the fourth prince.
Edit 10/8/21: Rei Toma is one of my favorite mangakas! The story, the art, the subtlety! I love the direction the plot is going in. It's an intriguing murder mystery. I love that even though Rengetsu is prickly, she draws all these characters in with her honesty and hope.
Read 3 volumes
Uh oh... I’m in love with the fourth prince.
Edit 10/8/21: Rei Toma is one of my favorite mangakas! The story, the art, the subtlety! I love the direction the plot is going in. It's an intriguing murder mystery. I love that even though Rengetsu is prickly, she draws all these characters in with her honesty and hope.
June 9, 2021
I absolutely adored this volume!! Even though it was only 3 chapters I was so amazed by how much the author fit in! I instantly had to read volume 2 straight afterwards I'm so invested!!
(I read Dawn of the Arcana but I don't really think that's a requirement to read this one so if u haven't I'd just recommend diving straight into this series! I think its better than arcana anyway :)) )
(I read Dawn of the Arcana but I don't really think that's a requirement to read this one so if u haven't I'd just recommend diving straight into this series! I think its better than arcana anyway :)) )
September 12, 2025
I see another Apothecary Diaries here 🙂↕️
June 23, 2023
Terminado el primer tomo de La bestia del rey, un manga de fantasía cuya trama se desarrolla en los palacios de la China imperial.😍
Me ha gustado mucho. La atención se centra enseguida, el ritmo es ágil y los dibujos me han encantado!!
En un mundo en el que coexisten los humanos y los semihumanos, criaturas con atributos de bestia, estos son considerados esclavos y sometidos por duras leyes: no pueden formar clanes, solo pueden tener un hijo (a menos que nazcan gemelos), los varones se convierten en soldados y las mujeres en sirvientas.
Sin embargo, cuenta una leyenda que una bestia sagrada aparece durante la regencia de un gran rey. A causa de ello, a cada miembro varón de la familia imperial se le asigna un semihumano, conocido como "bestia sirviente". Cuanto más poderosa la bestia, mayor es el prestigio del señor, por lo que todos andan en busca de las escasas bestias que tienen poder sobrenatural.
Rangetsu tenía un hermano mellizo al que se llevaron de niño para servir al cuarto príncipe, pero fue asesinado al poco tiempo por eso, o es es lo que dicen los rumores. Para vengarlo, ocultará su identidad de mujer y se convertirá en el mejor guerrero entre las bestias, para ser capaz de entrar a servir en el palacio imperial. Cuando lo consigue, justo entra como sirviente de su enemigo, el cuarto príncipe. Pero las cosas no son siempre lo que parecen.😍
Como veis, parte de una premisa interesante. Si os gustan los mangas de fantasía con un toque histórico, guerreros y rivalidades, además de romance, os gustará esta serie publicada por Distrito Manga. ❤️❤️
Me ha gustado mucho. La atención se centra enseguida, el ritmo es ágil y los dibujos me han encantado!!
En un mundo en el que coexisten los humanos y los semihumanos, criaturas con atributos de bestia, estos son considerados esclavos y sometidos por duras leyes: no pueden formar clanes, solo pueden tener un hijo (a menos que nazcan gemelos), los varones se convierten en soldados y las mujeres en sirvientas.
Sin embargo, cuenta una leyenda que una bestia sagrada aparece durante la regencia de un gran rey. A causa de ello, a cada miembro varón de la familia imperial se le asigna un semihumano, conocido como "bestia sirviente". Cuanto más poderosa la bestia, mayor es el prestigio del señor, por lo que todos andan en busca de las escasas bestias que tienen poder sobrenatural.
Rangetsu tenía un hermano mellizo al que se llevaron de niño para servir al cuarto príncipe, pero fue asesinado al poco tiempo por eso, o es es lo que dicen los rumores. Para vengarlo, ocultará su identidad de mujer y se convertirá en el mejor guerrero entre las bestias, para ser capaz de entrar a servir en el palacio imperial. Cuando lo consigue, justo entra como sirviente de su enemigo, el cuarto príncipe. Pero las cosas no son siempre lo que parecen.😍
Como veis, parte de una premisa interesante. Si os gustan los mangas de fantasía con un toque histórico, guerreros y rivalidades, además de romance, os gustará esta serie publicada por Distrito Manga. ❤️❤️
September 22, 2021
4.5/5 stars (rounded up to 5)
What a promising start to this series! It's rather dark, but I can already tell that I'll love these characters! And, as usual with Rei Toma's works, the artwork is gorgeous! I look forward to continuing this series!
Content: a character is nude, but all private parts are covered; the premise of the story is dark and mentions prostitution; no major violence but blood is shown
What a promising start to this series! It's rather dark, but I can already tell that I'll love these characters! And, as usual with Rei Toma's works, the artwork is gorgeous! I look forward to continuing this series!
Content: a character is nude, but all private parts are covered; the premise of the story is dark and mentions prostitution; no major violence but blood is shown
March 26, 2021
3.5 I like the intrigue of what's going on. The forced prostitution of the Ajin was uncomfortable but also it should be. I haven't read the other series set in this universe but I am interested now.
March 5, 2022
Good start! I enjoyed her Water Dragon's Bride series and can't wait to continue this.
June 17, 2022
Rei Toma art is so beautiful, I'm in love!
February 7, 2021
Plot - 4.5 ☄
Character - 4.5 ☄
Writing Style - 4.5 ☄
World Building - 4.5 ☄
Art - 4.8 ☄
Cover - 4.8 ☄
Overall - 4.6 ☄
Wow...for such a beautiful art...this story had a very dark setting. The story set in the same world of Dawn of Arcana manga (which I really really need to read it!) but tolds in a different nation. The story tells a female Ajin (man with animal traits characteristic) who lives a boy in order to kill the prince who she taught killed his twin brother.
I love it, the main character are not some kind of damsel in distress type...which for me is unique. You don' t usually find this of character in mostly shoujo manga. And I personally in love with Toma Rei's art. I hope in the future they will be an anime adaption from her works.
Character - 4.5 ☄
Writing Style - 4.5 ☄
World Building - 4.5 ☄
Art - 4.8 ☄
Cover - 4.8 ☄
Overall - 4.6 ☄
Wow...for such a beautiful art...this story had a very dark setting. The story set in the same world of Dawn of Arcana manga (which I really really need to read it!) but tolds in a different nation. The story tells a female Ajin (man with animal traits characteristic) who lives a boy in order to kill the prince who she taught killed his twin brother.
I love it, the main character are not some kind of damsel in distress type...which for me is unique. You don' t usually find this of character in mostly shoujo manga. And I personally in love with Toma Rei's art. I hope in the future they will be an anime adaption from her works.
April 15, 2023
This manga is absolutely beautiful. The story is quite dark, but Rangersu and Prince Tenyou carry this story in very powerful ways.
I will admit that I read this in one sitting because it’s so short. However, I’m still blown away by the emotional depth that this story has managed to convey in such a short time. The character’s expressions are compelling and heartbreaking and I adore the artwork of this book so so much.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys manga, Mulan vibes, siblings who love each other more than anything, and beautiful artwork.
Content warnings: Slavery, classism, bullying, blood, grief, violence, sexual assault (prostitution is referenced and includes one non-graphic image, murder, and child death (referenced frequently, but never actually shown).
I will admit that I read this in one sitting because it’s so short. However, I’m still blown away by the emotional depth that this story has managed to convey in such a short time. The character’s expressions are compelling and heartbreaking and I adore the artwork of this book so so much.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys manga, Mulan vibes, siblings who love each other more than anything, and beautiful artwork.
Content warnings: Slavery, classism, bullying, blood, grief, violence, sexual assault (prostitution is referenced and includes one non-graphic image, murder, and child death (referenced frequently, but never actually shown).
October 22, 2025
I’ve been influenced by apothecary to find more like minded series and characters which has led me here. This was a fun read (believe it or not, I love me some vengeful beasts). Maybe because my expectations have been overlapped by my desire to find something specific but it was a nice/okay read. Perfect for a little wine in the evenings.
Read
January 29, 2021I love reis worlds and characters and can’t wait to see how this one progresses (and that bonus water dragons bride epilogue was everything)
Read
December 2, 2022I read it for its cover.
December 9, 2023
I'm pleasantly surprised by this one! I kept seeing it on Goodreads but always thought I wouldn't like it. I was easily sucked into the story and am curious to see more about the inner workings of this palace.
March 15, 2024
I’m a simple soul: I see a white haired fox boy on the cover of a manga and I buy it. Easy peasy.
This one turned out to be a girl, though, but oh well.
I found the story in this to be kind of disjointed. I couldn’t really get emotionally invested…but the art is gorgeous and I am interested to see if it improves as it goes on so if I see more volumes when I’m at Barnes and Noble I’ll probably pick them up.
This one turned out to be a girl, though, but oh well.
I found the story in this to be kind of disjointed. I couldn’t really get emotionally invested…but the art is gorgeous and I am interested to see if it improves as it goes on so if I see more volumes when I’m at Barnes and Noble I’ll probably pick them up.
January 17, 2021
Check out this review over on my blog too!:
https://hdsreadinglife.wordpress.com/...
arc provided by the publisher via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
I really liked this first instalment in this series!
I initially was drawn to that stunning cover. I love the aesthetic of it, from the colour palette to the main character’s pose and how fierce their expression is. This cover really tied in with the story.
We follow Rangetsu who is an Ajin which are people who bear the attributes of beasts. They are looked down upon and abused by humans. In this first volume, we discover that Rangetsu’s twin brother was taken away from her side when they were kids and he was killed after belonging to the fourth son of the Imperial Family. Rangetsu vows to get her revenge for his death.
I loved her determination to avenge her little brother. She had a very tough journey to get to where she is now, amid the Imperial Family. I loved the plot twist with the Fourth Prince and how their relationship shifted from enemies to partners, with a common goal.
I really hope we get more action and more answers in later volumes! I’m super excited to read more from this series. A fantastic start.
4.5/5 ⭐️
TW: sexual assault, assault, abuse, child abuse, child death, death, violence, slavery.
https://hdsreadinglife.wordpress.com/...
arc provided by the publisher via edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
I really liked this first instalment in this series!
I initially was drawn to that stunning cover. I love the aesthetic of it, from the colour palette to the main character’s pose and how fierce their expression is. This cover really tied in with the story.
We follow Rangetsu who is an Ajin which are people who bear the attributes of beasts. They are looked down upon and abused by humans. In this first volume, we discover that Rangetsu’s twin brother was taken away from her side when they were kids and he was killed after belonging to the fourth son of the Imperial Family. Rangetsu vows to get her revenge for his death.
I loved her determination to avenge her little brother. She had a very tough journey to get to where she is now, amid the Imperial Family. I loved the plot twist with the Fourth Prince and how their relationship shifted from enemies to partners, with a common goal.
I really hope we get more action and more answers in later volumes! I’m super excited to read more from this series. A fantastic start.
4.5/5 ⭐️
TW: sexual assault, assault, abuse, child abuse, child death, death, violence, slavery.
April 7, 2024
Picked this up on a whim because the whole series is available on my libby and I was sufficiently intrigued.
It's a solid introduction to the series and I'm wholly invested! The art is pretty, the story sounds so good, and I'm ready for the tension to be dialed up. It's been a while since I've consumed any content with the Chinese Dynasty setting and I've missed it!
FMC masquerades as a male to become the prince's beast in order to avenge her brother's murder.
Reveal, common ground, hot spring.
It's a solid introduction to the series and I'm wholly invested! The art is pretty, the story sounds so good, and I'm ready for the tension to be dialed up. It's been a while since I've consumed any content with the Chinese Dynasty setting and I've missed it!
FMC masquerades as a male to become the prince's beast in order to avenge her brother's murder.
Reveal, common ground, hot spring.
February 7, 2021
2021 Read #58
I’m a bit lukewarm on this series for now, but I do want to support Rei Toma’s works regardless.
I’m a bit lukewarm on this series for now, but I do want to support Rei Toma’s works regardless.
February 17, 2024
"You seem depressed."
"If it's that obvious, there's no need for you to say it aloud." — Taihaku and Fourth Prince Tenyou
Warnings: Racism
This is a story of vengeance. This is a twin wanting vengeance for the loss of his twin brother. This is a person giving up everything to get what he needs, including his whole identity.
To avenge the death of Sogetsu, his twin brother, Ko Rangetsu become one of the best beast-servents in the country just to get close to the man his believes killed him, Fourth Prince Tenyou. To do this is even more impressive for Rangetsu, he is powerless Ajin, and he has had to do it on wits and strength. While hiding the fact that he is biologically female. Only surprise! Prince Tenyou didn't kill Sogetsu and continues to mourn his passing and his role in Sogetsu's death. So the story begins. I like this. I feel like I will continue the series for a while yet. I like the character designs and the characters themselves. Rei Toma's illustrations are lovely I appreciated the way she has presented moods through posture. There are times when Rangetsu has a stronger mood than Tenyou, Rangetsu is put on a higher plane than Tenyou.
Some comments:
• I'm so suspicious of Prince Tenyou's attendant, Taihaku. There is just something disconcerting about him and the way he feels to be playing both sides.
• Ajin have basic racism rules. Segrgation, females end up in sexual slavery and males into the military.
• If I'm only going to waste my life until I die...
then I'm willing to gamble.
I'll give up being a woman. I'll take up a weapon.
And my vengeful fangs... will pierce my little broher's enemy. — This is set against one of the lovliest transformations, from not quite broken girl to fighter Ajin. It is a shown as a shedding of clothes like the shedding of skins.
• We see a flash of one of Tenyou's brothers. The unnamed Third Prince, he's a wildcard to me. He appears to be the one I worry about the most. There is a conversation with Second Prince Reiun and his beast-servent, Youbi. That is the first time we get an understanding of the conversations and the dynamics between the brothers. They are strange and as expected more is not said than said.
• The volume starts and ends the same way. With a vow.
• I have chosen to use male pronouns for Rangetsu given the openning line I ceased to be a girl.
Legend says that a sacred beast apears in the time of a great king. Take a page from tht legend.
Use him and attend to him well. — King
A representative gif:
May 29, 2021
4.5/5
Okay, so I would first like to say how absolutely stunning Rei Toma's artwork is. I mean it is out of this world gorgeous and I have never seen such beautiful scenes. My jaw dropped so many times when I would turn the pages to such gorgeous scenes and her characters are in such detail. I am also ashamed to say this is my first manga series by Toma that I have read. I heard The Water Dragon's Bride, Vol. 1 and Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 1 are amazing as well and I have put them at the top of my to buy/to read list.
This story follows Rangetsu an Ajin (human with animal features, like ears and tails, and some have special abilities/gifts) who has disguised herself as a boy to infiltrate the imperial palace as a King's Beast to avenge her twin brother's death. Toma also delves into the second class nature that these Ajin face. If young boys show that they have special abilities as Ajin they are enlisted into the army and young girls tend to be sold into sex work, brothels, or other awful situations. Which is exactly what Rangetsu escapes from when her mother attempts to sell her to a brothel.
Since I have not read Dawn of the Arcana I don't entirely know if I am missing any background information; however, Toma does an amazing job at explaining the world in this manga and the classism of the Ajin and Humans.
The story flowed so wonderfully and I found myself turning the pages so fast wanting to know what happens and see the relationship between Rangetsu and Prince Tenyou develop. I want to know more about Rangetsu's past, her time in the training camps, and how she came to be one of the best fighters amongst most of the Ajin.
I can't wait to delve into the next volume, it definitely was a great start to a new series!
Okay, so I would first like to say how absolutely stunning Rei Toma's artwork is. I mean it is out of this world gorgeous and I have never seen such beautiful scenes. My jaw dropped so many times when I would turn the pages to such gorgeous scenes and her characters are in such detail. I am also ashamed to say this is my first manga series by Toma that I have read. I heard The Water Dragon's Bride, Vol. 1 and Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 1 are amazing as well and I have put them at the top of my to buy/to read list.
This story follows Rangetsu an Ajin (human with animal features, like ears and tails, and some have special abilities/gifts) who has disguised herself as a boy to infiltrate the imperial palace as a King's Beast to avenge her twin brother's death. Toma also delves into the second class nature that these Ajin face. If young boys show that they have special abilities as Ajin they are enlisted into the army and young girls tend to be sold into sex work, brothels, or other awful situations. Which is exactly what Rangetsu escapes from when her mother attempts to sell her to a brothel.
Since I have not read Dawn of the Arcana I don't entirely know if I am missing any background information; however, Toma does an amazing job at explaining the world in this manga and the classism of the Ajin and Humans.
The story flowed so wonderfully and I found myself turning the pages so fast wanting to know what happens and see the relationship between Rangetsu and Prince Tenyou develop. I want to know more about Rangetsu's past, her time in the training camps, and how she came to be one of the best fighters amongst most of the Ajin.
I can't wait to delve into the next volume, it definitely was a great start to a new series!
September 2, 2021
VIZ Media Sampler Summer '21 showcased the first "chapter" of this book and it took me a while to get my hands on it. The story itself was interesting enough, the royal family is served by male "beast servants" who have special powers and in this world female Ajin are relegated to servant class or worse. Humans are only the ruling class because of strength in numbers.
Rangetsu, our protagonist, is out to solve the mystery of how her brother died in service of a prince. Sogetsu was her twin and she has disguised herself as a man to take his old position and avenge him.
The pace of the story telling was slower than I think I would have liked and this suffered from a lot of 'sameness' in the faces of many characters. In black and white it's tough to tell some people apart when all I have to go on is their haircut. - I might come back for more of this, but it wasn't exactly riveting and the tropes are all pretty tired. If the magic in this book interested you that might be a reason to check it out, but you barely get a sense of what it might actually be or look like here.
Rangetsu, our protagonist, is out to solve the mystery of how her brother died in service of a prince. Sogetsu was her twin and she has disguised herself as a man to take his old position and avenge him.
The pace of the story telling was slower than I think I would have liked and this suffered from a lot of 'sameness' in the faces of many characters. In black and white it's tough to tell some people apart when all I have to go on is their haircut. - I might come back for more of this, but it wasn't exactly riveting and the tropes are all pretty tired. If the magic in this book interested you that might be a reason to check it out, but you barely get a sense of what it might actually be or look like here.
August 18, 2022
Having read the first 4 volumes I think this is series is quite good but it is a 3.5 stars not a 4 stars type of good. It is better than the last fantasy shoujo series I read, Prince Freya, but it isn't as good as others. What's stopping this series being more than just quite good is that the characters, particularly the main character, don't have much of a personality and the plot is very minimal; the plot consists of the the main character Rangetsu wanting to get revenge for her brother's murder however in the first 4 volumes she hasn't actually done much to find the killer or anything. The art is very nice but so far the series hasn't done anything to hook me but it also hasn't done anything that massively annoys me either (yet!).
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