Die Braut des Wasserdrachen 04

水神の生贄 [Suijin no Hanayome] #4

by Rei Tōma

Um Asahi näherzukommen, lebt der Wassergott nun in Menschengestalt mit ihr im Dorf. Subaru ist der ungebetene Gast ein Dorn im Auge: er schläft nicht, isst nicht und zeigt keinerlei Willen, der Welt der Menschen Respekt zu zollen. Will Asahi trotzdem die jährliche Zeremonie durchführen? Doch diesmal kommt es anders. Die Schamanin möchte endlich mehr von der ihr unbekannten Welt sehen und statt mit dem Wassergott in den dunklen See hinabzutauchen, nutzt sie die drei Tage, um einen Ausflug in fremde Städte zu machen – mit Subaru und dem Wassergott.

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

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2016

About the author

Rei 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.

Reviews

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out more manga and graphic novel reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...

Asahi was a little girl happily living with her parents in modern times until she's pulled through a pond and wakes up in feudal Japan. It's now been some years and Asahi has grown into a lovely young woman under the protection of the local water dragon god, the young man she befriended whose village she lives in, Subaru and Tsukihiko, the priest teaching her the duties of a priestess.

The art was POW! I loved it! It continues to be the highlight of the volume for me... Rei Tōma is not the absolute best at story (hey she's NO WHERE NEAR bad okay, just saying she's not perfect at creating totally unique story) BUT she MORE THAN MAKES UP FOR IT WITH HER ART! The art ADDS so much to the story... I feel like I'm watching a show with characters that I have TOTALLY FALLEN for!

And BOY DOES SHE KNOW BALANCE!! When a new plot point happens I'm thinking... how in the world is she going to incorporate Subaru... Or the water dragon god!? But when it comes to their part of the story arc... I'm amazed and excited for where she takes the story. Really this manga format is PERFECT for Rei Tōma to work her magic! AND MAGIC IT IS!!

Subaru's part of the story in this volume MADE ME WEEP! How beautiful is this lovely man?! And the water dragon god... GAH!! I have SUCH HIGH HOPES for him!! He is makes teeny tiny changes to himself while also pushing Asahi to become her own woman. To demand things and to make choices about how SHE will act even if the water dragon god won't life a finger!!

I really quite enjoyed the Emperor in this one and his whole entire plot line! The characters around him made me giggle and I loved, loved, loved how Asahi was able to make him understand... Even though this isn't the most creative story, nor is it the most depthful, I am totally UNEQUIVOCALLY captured by Asahi's plight... I feel her pain, I feel her struggles and I marvel at her resilience!

As you can see I didn't see one lack in this volume! I'm fully on board with where Rei Tōma takes us... All I ask is that the series NOT die with a speedy resolution (i.e. too quick to feel satisfaction with everyone's character arc!!)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art


BOTTOM LINE: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET THE NEXT ONE STAT?! (Pssst, you should get volume 1 if you haven't yet!!)

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. This has not influenced my opinion.

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

______________________
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...

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was the one! Rei Toma is about to hook me into another series.

[Dilushani Jayalath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite it being from the same author as Dawn of Arcana which I infinitely loved to the point I bought the books (I generally just read online), this story is just not working for me. My attention is not yet completely caught by this. Hoping it will take a better turn.

[Victoria ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying not to spam people with manga updates but i’m reading this so fast!!

[Alice4170 🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️
It was okay, not as good as the other volumes.

[Ruthsic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth volume of The Water Dragon's Bride has the Water God inserting himself into her life in the village. But despite the fact that he now appears human, he is still a god essentially, something that Asahi is trying to understand. She thinks he is lonely, and doesn't know anything about humans and wants to learn, but I feel she is just a curiosity to him. When this year's ritual come around, she makes him take her and Subaru out for a trip for 3 days - they go to a bigger village, where a wildfire has her remembering never to depend on him, or trust his help. She resolves the situation by her own will, whether it is bringing down a wildfire, taking care of her villagers when they come down sick, or when faced with a child emperor who wants to use her power. Asahi basically embodies the lesson that you don't need a divine power to do things, and in fact, it is foolish to depend on a god to listen to your pleas.

I liked the turn this book took, mainly because I was worried it was going to continue the 'romance'. The gods are all cold by nature, and it is more evident when he talks about how even the seemingly kind Wood Goddess has a warped sense of kindness. In this world, the five gods are all callous beings, for whom humans only exist for amusement, and yet Asahi is stuck with these people who would continuously beseech them for help. As for Subaru, he is obviously in love with her, but also understands that she can only be truly happy when she will get to go back home. But he is also worried about the increasing presence of the god in her life, and whether he would take advantage of her. For the most part, though, Subaru still comes across as passive, except when Asahi is in danger. The other notable character is Tsukihiko, who is sort of like her retainer and I'm interested in what that other woman (who was a traveler like Asahi) meant to him, and how she died.

The artwork is as beautiful as ever, but is a little sparse on details. The story balances out the humor and good times with the serious moments in this one. I am interested in what more lies in wait for Asahi, and how she overcomes those challenges.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

My interest in this series takes a downturn as the heroine confronts another outside force desiring control over her power and her relationship to the water god. Asahi starts taking on Mary Sue qualities as she deals with the emperor and his problems as well as an outbreak of sickness at her own village.

And I really have no interest in watching the asshole water god learn to become human through her ongoing efforts so he can better appreciate what a catch has fallen into his lap.

I think I'm done reading this.

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely addition to the story. A new arc has been introduced in a subtle way. It’s tastefully done.

I like how honest and helpful Asahi is. She’s such a sweetheart. So proud of her! Subaru has this promise to protect her. I wonder how it is so strong.

[Holly Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get more bored with each volume I read. I think I'm just going to have to call it quits with this series.

[eve.lyn._.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊💦💧The Water Dragon's Bride Vol 4💧💦🌊
Asahi is requested by an emperor to visit his kingdom. The Water Dragon god takes on the appearance of a human and travels alongside Asahi and Subaru. A sickness overtakes Subaru's home and the gods do nothing but watch. Asahi treats people throughout the night and helps many in need. While exploring a new place, Asahi's experience of being sacrificed is frequent in many places. Asahi's yearning for her old home and family intensifies as her emotions reach a breaking point. The beloved cast of The Water Dragon's Bride go on another adventure filled with tension, romance, magic, and more!

"She's speaking like she's all alone in the world. Oh Asahi. . . don't be silly. She's sobbing so her hands are shaking and I can hear everything. Asahi I'm not stupid . . . of course I know. You appeared in front of me out of nowhere. If you disappear out of nowhere as well . . . it'll be fine. Because I understand . . . that you have somewhere you want to go home to, Asahi. I'll be okay."
-Subaru
The fourth star is all for Subaru. HE deserves it. Subaru is a character I deeply appreciate; kind, caring, determined, and thoughtful. One particular scene between him and Asahi was fantastically written along with the beautiful illustrations. It was interesting to see The Water Dragon god brush the surface of what it is like to be human, and the meaningful conversations he has with Asahi were intriguing.

The story had an interesting direction that felt different than the first three books. Asahi is a brave and caring protagonist who I love to lead the story! The Water Dragon god has still not grown on me, certain acts like taking her voice, pushing her off of a building, watching her suffer, and treating her like an object are all not great. I felt like The Water Dragon god followed the typical male love interest who was cold and indifferent. Just because The Water Dragon god swoops in to save Asahi, that does not redeem his other actions.

I would love to see more complexity and character growth in his character. I still believe that certain conflicts could be explored more as well as certain parts of the story becoming more relevant.
🌊PLOT
🌊PLOT TWISTS
🌊CHARACTERS
🌊=☑️

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good volume. The series is getting more interesting, especially now that Asahi has her voice back. For me, one of the best parts of this manga is the art. It's quite pretty. I enjoyed the events in this volume, as I think Asahi may have (slightly) made some progress with Shiina, Subaru's sister, and the chapters with the emperor were interesting. I overall had fun reading this book, and will read the next one. 4 stars.

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm kind of midlevel into this? i do like stories of otherworldly beings learning about humanity so i'm enjoying that piece

3 stars

[DonutKnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lesson in giving a helping hand ❤️

[BeckyisBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I’m so in love and the library has no moooore 😭 time to have a yard sale clearly.

[StrawberryShojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's clear now that the Water Dragon God is starting to grow, and his heart is softening for humans because of the continued kindness that Asahi shows him. I personally, don't have a lot of interest in him. I think he's far too aloof and often too mean for me to appreciate any change in his behavior. He's not earned any praise. Asahi on the other hand continues to grow her "power" as a priestess and becomes a force to be reckoned with, which quite frankly is the only reason I've continued reading. I really enjoy her character. Despite being trapped in the past and unable to go home, she still presses forward in life. She doesn't let her woes get her down for too long which is a quality I find admirable.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead for the first three!

The continuing adventures of Asahi in another world, where she has ended up the priestess of the water dragon/god -- and is aware, as people of the world are not, that the gods don't care about people. Show some signs of weakness from episodic nature.

The water dragon stays with Asahi for a time and mimics some human actions, making her aware how non-human he is. Still, later, she insists on a trip. Events include a fair, an item of glass, the emperor's ill health, a fire, a discussion of sacrifice, and more.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the characters, I don't love them. Nothin has made me go wow! but I am enjoying the story for what it is.

[Kurami Rocket · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitley liked this volume more than the last one.

Here we see Asahi decide to travel during the 3 day ritual with the Water God and Sabaru. They end up in another village that is ruled by a young boy who is king. The priestess of that village noticed something odd about the human form of the Water God, thus, she along with others closely watch Asahi and co. However, they manage to leave without incident, but not before the priestess being determined to find them and reporting this to the king.

Upon returning to the village where she lives, Asahi is horrified to find that an endemic is taking place. Rather than praying to the Gods for mercy as the village wants, she takes matters into her own hands and tends to the sick. Soon, they all recover.

Here we can see the village's attitude start to change about her. This also seems to be the case with Sabaru's sister as she was one of the ill Asahi cared for.

Soon, the villagers from the village Asahi had visited arrive and Asahi has no choice but to accompany them to their village. Her own village wishes her to return safely.

Upon arriving, Asahi meets the boy king who wants to know what powers she wields despite Asahi asserting she has no power. Until she speaks she is forced to stay in that village. During the night, however, the king has a sick episode, thus, Asahi cares for him until the episode passes. She tells him that they have to do things themselves rather than relying on Gods and to lend a hand to others in need. With that, Asahi is allowed to return home.

The volume then ends with the Water God accepting and wearing a small trinket Asahi had made with her own two hands.

Overall, as I said previously, this volume was quite enjoyable. The series continues to do a good job in potraying the historical thinking of the time period Asahi finds herself in - people believing in Gods and thinking all problems may be solved with prayers and asking mercy from divine powers, but also that calamities such as natural disasters must be the wrath of the Gods. This is why I really liked seeing Asahi being determined and resourceful in nursing the sick back to health because she knows prayers won't really do anything to help those ill.

Just the inner strength of Asahi is really amazing. Not only does she not allow herself to truly cry because of her tears bringing rain, which is in itself is very sad even though she knows this was the Water God's way of protection, but she has also remained so kind and humble. Despite everything she has gone through, she has not become jaded. She's practical and level headed.

Oh and that's something I forgot to mention! When she visited that other village the mountain had erupted into flames and a girl was going to be sacrificed to appease the 'wrath' of the 'mountain god.' Ofc, Asahi is horrified at this because she knows what that is like. So she instantly volunteers herself as a sacrifice. Despite saying he would not intervene this time, the Water God brings rain to put out the fire.

And so just this other trait of Asahi. I think it's very sad that she is so easily and willing to gamble with her life. Not just for the sake of others, but because it is far more likely the Water God will do something rather than not. Even so. For Asahi to so easily gamble with her life. I just. It gives me all the feels. There's definitely deep layers going on here, I think.

She wants so desperately to go home and does and has wept over the fact as she does not allow herself to forget her parents faces or the place she comes from.

Honestly, at this point I want to hug her. Again she is so kind and strong.

I look forward to the next volume.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today’s post is on The Water Dragon’s Bride, vol. 4 by Rei Toma. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The water is a picture of Asahi and Subaru in water holding hands. As it is the fourth in the series you need to have read the first three volumes to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who has read the first three volumes and likes shojo manga. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main character, Asahi. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Because the water dragon god wants to interact with Asahi more, he descends to the village in the guide of a human. Asahi’s friend Subaru has mixed feelings about this but joins them on a journey to the capital. What adventures are in store, and how will their fates change?

Review- A good volume and we are starting to see the trouble that Asahi will have as she is the god’s chosen priestess and how that power will change others. Asahi is trying to help the water dragon learn how to be more human, to make him more livable for herself and others in the village. He, of course, does not understand why he should care but Asahi is doing her best. Subaru is not helping by having some weird thing with the water dragon but I think that it will play out. The main part of this volume is Asahi being summoned before the emperor and being commanded to use her power but she does not have any herself. I think that we are starting to see what is going to be the main conflict of the story. I am curious about where Asahi is going next.


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

[frau.meln · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aufmachung

Diesmal kommt der wundervolle Zeichenstil auf dem Cover, dem im Innenteil sehr nahe. Die Charaktere sind so wundervoll gestaltet und vor allem die Götter würde ich gern in Farbe sehen.

Der Erzählstil ist sehr bildhaft, was diesmal entscheidend für den Storyverlauf ist.



Protagonisten

Asahi ist in einem Moment noch das unbeschwerte, glückliche Mädchen. Im anderen weiß sie nicht mehr, wo sie ist. An diesem Ort bringt sie ihre offene, gesprächige sowie aufrichtige Art in Schwierigkeiten.

Subaru ist ein tapferer Junge. Seine Eltern sind sehr wohlhabend. Als er herausfindet aus welchem Grund das der Fall ist, trifft er eine sehr mutige Entscheidung

Wassergott. Er bekommt Menschenopfer, mit denen er zumeist wenig anfangen kann und bezeichnet die Menschen als böse. Dabei will er lediglich gut unterhalten werden. Seine eigenen Emotionen sind jedoch mit denen eines Steins zu vergleichen.



Fazit

In Band vier zeigt sich wieder, dass die zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen im Vordergrund stehen. Dadurch wird von Band zu Band eine Weiterentwicklung der Charaktere deutlich.

Inhaltlich gibt es keine großen Sprünge, aber die benötigt man auch nicht, denn diese ist, genau so wie sie ist, bisher eine absolute Wohlfühl-Reihe.

Offiziell läuft es unter Romance, allerdings finde ich, ist dieser Anteil noch nicht sehr ausgeprägt.

[Moriah Venable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to wait a few weeks before this volume finally came in and I finished in within 20 mins lol

I was so excited to see more of Asahi and Subaru.

The Water Dragon Bride has now made himself appear human though he does have all if his god like power. Ashai thinks its because he is curious about humans and wants to learn but I feel its because he's bored and thought it would be entertaining.

When the year end ritual comes instead of the two of them staring at each other for three days, she decides, they should all take a trip a nearby village. But when a fire breaks out in the village, she remembers that she can never trust the Water God for help. She reflects that the villagers all pray to Gods and when they don't answer or feel their plea has been ignored, they believe the God has forsaken them, when in reality the Gods do not bend to their will at all. If the villagers knew that, they wouldn't pray to them all and would use their own hand to help those in need.

Overtime, The Water Dragon God has changed though he still has the presence of being bored or uninterested especially when it comes to human affairs.

I often wonder if Asahi will ever be able to return home and if she does, what will happen?

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great volume exploring the more philosophical aspects of humankind and religion. I love that this series gives us a god completely apathetic and uncaring towards the people who worship him. Through Asahi we get to see that, as well as the struggle it is for her to be human and see it. As a reader we get to see how this affects her character and her growth.

This volume gave Asahi some real strength as a character. We get to see her step up and change fates with hard work and common sense as opposed to prayer. It’s a great story angle to have the priestess not believe in the empathy of the god she ‘serves’.

As for the water god, this volume was a slow burn watching him, for reasons he doesn’t understand, try to connect with Asahi. A lot of times it felt like he was just along for the ride, but that was the point. He doesn’t understand her, so her observes her.

[Doc · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the Water Dragon God (WDG) now deciding to take on a human form to stay with Asashi and she finds herself curious about what she can ask of WDG so he can experience little things that might make him more human. Needless to say even though he looks human now he most decidedly is not still so food gave him no pleasure and when given a gift he wondered if it was an offering. In addition to the continuing facade the WDG takes on to learn more about Asashi, she has been noticed by someone who informed the emperor who wants her power for himself but Asashi has other plans for the young man.

My fave moment is probably when Asashi drops her praying stick and actually using her brain to help everyone in the village feel better. After all the gods don't really care in her mind.

[Zian B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star rating;
This volume made me very curious about Tsukihiko and what his true role in the storyline is. I loved seeing Asahi actually enjoying her time and going on a small trip with the Water Dragon God and Subaru. Seeing her then interacting with a young emperor was adorable, and I hope we see more of the young ruler as an ally. It was also lovely to see Asahi actively going against the villagers’ belief in the gods, and essentially putting herself at risk, when much of the village gets sick. I’m glad things worked out and she was able to help heal the sick villagers, including Subaru’s sister, so hopefully the sister will look at Asahi a bit differently.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say that I was super impressed with the other series I've read by Rei Toma, Dawn of the Arcana, but I'm happy to say that I've quite enjoyed the first four volumes of this series, The Water Dragon's Bride. I like that the water dragon god is so completely detached from humanity and even with his interactions with our little heroine, he's still detached. He is making progress to find compassion for humans, but it's nice that it doesn't happen immediately. I'm definitely intrigued to see where this story takes us.

[Bee.reads__ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich fand es gut, dass ich viel mehr vom Wassergott sehen konnte. So konnte ich ein etwas besseres Verständnis für ihn aufbauen, auch wenn ich nicht alles verstehe. Ich finde es süß, wie Asahi versuchte, den Wassergott zu verstehen, obwohl das eine Herausforderung war. Es ist sehr viel passiert und Subaru... er ist so gut zu ihr, dass ich geschmolzen bin🥹. Asahi hat so ein gutes Herz... Die Interaktion zwischen Asahi und dem Wassergott fand ich auch manchmal putzig. Dieser Band war, wie erwartet, sehr gut.

[Jennifer]

It's refreshing to sese Asahi as an adult and kind of standing up to the water dragon. It's a little bit grumpy versus sunshine beauty and the beast, nbut this series somehow manages not to be creepy even though it is about a little girl who grows up but is still infinitely younger than the supernatural god who takes an interest in her. The philosophical bits, even though in a lighthearted manner about how people need to help themselves, rather than merely pray to gods while they wait to be saved, were unexpected.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute volume and I am glad they have a character/plot summary at the beginning of the volume.
The plot is progressing and I like that Asahi has her voice back. I also like that she is trying to understand the water god and not just have him understand her. I also like he is starting to be there for her a lift more than she was before.
Looking forward to the next volume and the continuation of the series.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost my attention a little with the Emperor story line, but the other parts were still enjoyable. Watching how much Asahi and Subaru care for one another is super sweet. The water dragon god is starting to really come into his own as well. It helps that Asahi is slowly chipping away at his stony exterior and trying to get him to be more accepting of humans. Feels like a slow-burn, but that's the name of the game in most shoujo manga.