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Alice in Kyoto Forest #2
Alice in Kyoto Forest, Volume 2
Imaginez un monde où celui qui ne parvient pas à découvrir la vocation nichée au fond de son cœur vieillit subitement puis disparaît… C'est là, dans une Kyoto bien différente de celle qu'elle connaissait, qu'Alice a nalement regagné son apparence de jeune lle de 15 ans. Mais son histoire est loin d'être terminée : elle doit encore déterminer si le garçon dont elle a été brutalement séparée dans son enfance vit dans ce monde mystérieux… Saura-t-elle retrouver cet être si cher à son cœur ?
208 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 25, 2023
A happy, quick, and tidy conclusion to the manga adaptation of a light novel leaves me content. Too often these things get stretched out, but this one stayed focused and zipped along.
Alice learns how the magic works in this Kyoto version of Wonderland and settles into her place in the community, but of course adventure and intrigue pop up to keep things lively. There are lots of fun little twists and reveals that tie well into the fairy tales that are laced through the story.
Alice learns how the magic works in this Kyoto version of Wonderland and settles into her place in the community, but of course adventure and intrigue pop up to keep things lively. There are lots of fun little twists and reveals that tie well into the fairy tales that are laced through the story.
March 12, 2022
Can we take a moment to appreciate the cuteness fo this cover?!
It is so precious!
I found this to be a pretty satisfying ending to this short series! It had a very good twist and definitely was surprised by certain events that happened! Well done to the mangaka!
I LOVED the continued theme of being true to yourself and finding your true calling. As a book reader, I found it extremely satisfying seeing what Alice's passion was and being able to pursue that with her whole heart. While she seemed frightened to live in this Kyoto in volume one, Alice sees how much of it is a blessing to live there in volume two. I really really enjoyed her change of perspective!
The cartographer was such a fun character! I really really liked him and glad that he was able to not only answer Alice's questions, but mine too because he helped the world make a little more sense.
I think the only thing that made me feel pretty bummed was the use of the pentagram. Considering how unique and different this Kyoto was, I would have expected something different for the evil acts in this Kyoto. I pretty much skimmed that entire scene because it wasn't something I felt comfortable reading.
Overall, I did enjoy this series! There is a special beauty to it and I think it has such a wonderful message for readers of all ages that I would hesitantly recommend (due to the pentagram usage) to those who are looking for a wholesome story with finding your true self, discovering your true passions, and young love.
*(I received an e-ARC from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.)*
It is so precious!
I found this to be a pretty satisfying ending to this short series! It had a very good twist and definitely was surprised by certain events that happened! Well done to the mangaka!
I LOVED the continued theme of being true to yourself and finding your true calling. As a book reader, I found it extremely satisfying seeing what Alice's passion was and being able to pursue that with her whole heart. While she seemed frightened to live in this Kyoto in volume one, Alice sees how much of it is a blessing to live there in volume two. I really really enjoyed her change of perspective!
The cartographer was such a fun character! I really really liked him and glad that he was able to not only answer Alice's questions, but mine too because he helped the world make a little more sense.
I think the only thing that made me feel pretty bummed was the use of the pentagram. Considering how unique and different this Kyoto was, I would have expected something different for the evil acts in this Kyoto. I pretty much skimmed that entire scene because it wasn't something I felt comfortable reading.
Overall, I did enjoy this series! There is a special beauty to it and I think it has such a wonderful message for readers of all ages that I would hesitantly recommend (due to the pentagram usage) to those who are looking for a wholesome story with finding your true self, discovering your true passions, and young love.
*(I received an e-ARC from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.)*
December 13, 2022
This review will cover both volumes 1 and 2 of Alice in Kyoto Forest. TLDR: The world-building and beautiful art style definitely set this manga apart from others. It’s a stand-out read, and perhaps one of the best things I’ve read this year. However, its fast pace and the rushed ending are a disappointment. Overall, I could have easily imagined this being a much longer series, which would have made my investment into the world-building all the more worth it. As is, I feel like I got swept up in a wondrous story that was over much too soon.
The story starts with Alice at her aunt's and her abusive uncle’s house. She was raised by them since her parents’ untimely death. Wanting to strike out on her own and make the most of her life, Alice embarks on a journey to Kyoto Forest in hopes of becoming a Maiko as a means of escaping her abusive uncle. However, when she arrives Kyoto is far different than she remembers. The story that unfolds is sweet, relatable, and even a bit harrowing as Alice navigates the magical world she has stepped into.
In this world, the currency is karma, which is perhaps the most fun element of the story, as it encourages all the inhabitants of Kyoto to live for their passions and be of service to others. Having escaped from an abusive situation, we watch as Alice figures out what she truly wants from her life. Her journey is beautifully told, and I only wish that the series had been longer so that it could have been explored in more detail. The side characters are memorable and compelling in their own way, which is quite an accomplishment in such a short series.
Aside from the hurried pace that happens toward the end of the second volume, my only real criticism is its darker moments, which feel tonally a bit out of place. As in, it feels like the darker parts escalate too quickly and without enough detail and buildup. I think with more groundwork the perilous part of volume two could have been all the more engaging.
The storytelling and art in this series are stellar. It makes me wonder why only two volumes of this story exist. There should be more. The ending of Alice’s journey is rushed and while plot twists are engaging and fun, it feels a bit too hurried for the audience to truly appreciate them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alice’s journey to self-actualization, and only wish there had been more of this to enjoy.
Overall, I think this story is definitely worth trying out. Its fun characters and inspiring leading lady make it a must-read. If you are interested in picking up a copy, and you would like to support my reviews, I encourage you to use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3BwZD8L
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The story starts with Alice at her aunt's and her abusive uncle’s house. She was raised by them since her parents’ untimely death. Wanting to strike out on her own and make the most of her life, Alice embarks on a journey to Kyoto Forest in hopes of becoming a Maiko as a means of escaping her abusive uncle. However, when she arrives Kyoto is far different than she remembers. The story that unfolds is sweet, relatable, and even a bit harrowing as Alice navigates the magical world she has stepped into.
In this world, the currency is karma, which is perhaps the most fun element of the story, as it encourages all the inhabitants of Kyoto to live for their passions and be of service to others. Having escaped from an abusive situation, we watch as Alice figures out what she truly wants from her life. Her journey is beautifully told, and I only wish that the series had been longer so that it could have been explored in more detail. The side characters are memorable and compelling in their own way, which is quite an accomplishment in such a short series.
Aside from the hurried pace that happens toward the end of the second volume, my only real criticism is its darker moments, which feel tonally a bit out of place. As in, it feels like the darker parts escalate too quickly and without enough detail and buildup. I think with more groundwork the perilous part of volume two could have been all the more engaging.
The storytelling and art in this series are stellar. It makes me wonder why only two volumes of this story exist. There should be more. The ending of Alice’s journey is rushed and while plot twists are engaging and fun, it feels a bit too hurried for the audience to truly appreciate them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alice’s journey to self-actualization, and only wish there had been more of this to enjoy.
Overall, I think this story is definitely worth trying out. Its fun characters and inspiring leading lady make it a must-read. If you are interested in picking up a copy, and you would like to support my reviews, I encourage you to use my affiliate link:
https://amzn.to/3BwZD8L
[image error]February 15, 2023
Alice In Kyoto Forest series is such a precious find with such georgous artwork I found the magical story hard not to put down. Only downside is the little werid twist in the middle of the story linked to a satanic cult it took a darker side to such a cute story about love way too far as it had no place in the storyline.
Bonus story at the end is so cute I wished for more as it was only a little snipet of how Alice's magical adventure first started. I adore volume one but volume two felt so rushed most of the magic started to fade as the story was concluding. It is a bit mixed but I over all reading Mai Mochizuki version of Alice In Wonderland I just not sure if it is a keeper or not.
Bonus story at the end is so cute I wished for more as it was only a little snipet of how Alice's magical adventure first started. I adore volume one but volume two felt so rushed most of the magic started to fade as the story was concluding. It is a bit mixed but I over all reading Mai Mochizuki version of Alice In Wonderland I just not sure if it is a keeper or not.
July 14, 2022
4.5
This review is based on a digital ARC sent by Tokyo Pop!
Another delightful installment of this intriguing story. This story further develops the premise set up in the first volume in a really awesome way.
The art is still so magical, and I enjoy that Alice was able to find her purpose fairly quickly, as it was fairly obvious from the get-go, and that that wasn't really the main plot of the manga. Not that purpose journey stories aren't great, I just feel like it would have been a waste in this cool world the author and illustrator have created.
I'm completely enamored with this story and I think it could easily become a classic.
This review is based on a digital ARC sent by Tokyo Pop!
Another delightful installment of this intriguing story. This story further develops the premise set up in the first volume in a really awesome way.
The art is still so magical, and I enjoy that Alice was able to find her purpose fairly quickly, as it was fairly obvious from the get-go, and that that wasn't really the main plot of the manga. Not that purpose journey stories aren't great, I just feel like it would have been a waste in this cool world the author and illustrator have created.
I'm completely enamored with this story and I think it could easily become a classic.
September 19, 2022
Wish this series had made it to more volumes so there could have been more time for explanations and less rushed but I enjoyed the reveal towards the end, it surprised me. 😀
April 18, 2023
I'm probably not gonna remember I read this but it was definitely a cute whimsical retelling of Alice in Wonderland. I especially loved the world building.
December 28, 2024
so cuteness
December 4, 2022
Was a cute story in first book and then in the first and third thirds of this book. Unfortunately it was marketed at the store as being manga for kids and I was pre-reading it for my sensitive 13 yr old. So I was surprised when the storyline included a satanic cult with lots of satanic imagery about to sacrifice two girls on a giant inverted pentagram. No thanks. If this dark part of the storyline would have been left out it would have been a really sweet story.
June 21, 2024
Après un premier tome à la jolie atmosphère étrange et brumeuse mais au scénario un peu mince, j’ai été agréablement surprise par cette suite et fin qui a su totalement transformer l’essai.
Plus proche pour moi d’un Magicien d’Oz que d’une Alice au pays des merveilles, l’aventure vécue par notre Alice m’a enchantée cette fois parce qu’elle mêlait belle ambiance victorienne, fantastique japonais et développement psychologique des personnages. Enfin ! Le cadre n’est plus juste le prétexte à de folles aventures, il est celui par lequel se déploient les thèmes souhaités par l’autrice et ils sont charmants comme tout.
J’ai beaucoup aimé percer à jour la nature de ce lieu, plus proche d’ailleurs d’une sensibilité japonaise qu’occidentale, contrairement à ce que le titre veut nous faire croire. Il y est question de palais avec prince et princesses un peu à la mode Kaguya, cartographe veuf qui regrette leur femme devenue déesse grâce à ses bonnes actions, où encore âme qui doivent se trouver pour ne pas disparaître (un petit air de Chihiro pour moi). Et c’est ce mélange qui m’a touchée et séduite, bien plus que dans le premier tome.
J’ai aimé voir Alice prendre son envol, oublier pourquoi elle était là, et se focaliser sur elle, ce qu’elle aimerait être. Le chapitre sur sa quête personnelle est probablement le plus réussi de l’oeuvre avec celui où elle perce à jour les mystères de cet univers. Et c’est un beau message que celui d’apprendre à se trouver soi-même et non à travers les autres.
Il y a certes un volet romantique tout mignon qui forcément émouvra les amateurs du genre, entre l’histoire du cartographe qui pleure encore sa femme partie trop tôt, ou la quête de Ren et les retrouvailles si particulières avec Alice, qui fleurent si bon les contes de fées. C’est mignon tout plein et le dessin rond et lumineux de Niwa Haruki y contribue bien avec ses fleurs, ses rubans et autres motifs très « shojo mignon ».
Finalement c’est par cette suite que la série a su révéler toute sa richesse en nous sortant de cette brume abstraite pour nous offrir une histoire avec une vraie thématique : la recherche de soi. J’ai aimé la façon dont les autrices ont marié leurs influences japonaises et occidentales pour ce résultat onirique à la brume fantastique poétique et si jolie. C’est au final un nouveau fort joli conte de fée un peu hors du temps.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
Plus proche pour moi d’un Magicien d’Oz que d’une Alice au pays des merveilles, l’aventure vécue par notre Alice m’a enchantée cette fois parce qu’elle mêlait belle ambiance victorienne, fantastique japonais et développement psychologique des personnages. Enfin ! Le cadre n’est plus juste le prétexte à de folles aventures, il est celui par lequel se déploient les thèmes souhaités par l’autrice et ils sont charmants comme tout.
J’ai beaucoup aimé percer à jour la nature de ce lieu, plus proche d’ailleurs d’une sensibilité japonaise qu’occidentale, contrairement à ce que le titre veut nous faire croire. Il y est question de palais avec prince et princesses un peu à la mode Kaguya, cartographe veuf qui regrette leur femme devenue déesse grâce à ses bonnes actions, où encore âme qui doivent se trouver pour ne pas disparaître (un petit air de Chihiro pour moi). Et c’est ce mélange qui m’a touchée et séduite, bien plus que dans le premier tome.
J’ai aimé voir Alice prendre son envol, oublier pourquoi elle était là, et se focaliser sur elle, ce qu’elle aimerait être. Le chapitre sur sa quête personnelle est probablement le plus réussi de l’oeuvre avec celui où elle perce à jour les mystères de cet univers. Et c’est un beau message que celui d’apprendre à se trouver soi-même et non à travers les autres.
Il y a certes un volet romantique tout mignon qui forcément émouvra les amateurs du genre, entre l’histoire du cartographe qui pleure encore sa femme partie trop tôt, ou la quête de Ren et les retrouvailles si particulières avec Alice, qui fleurent si bon les contes de fées. C’est mignon tout plein et le dessin rond et lumineux de Niwa Haruki y contribue bien avec ses fleurs, ses rubans et autres motifs très « shojo mignon ».
Finalement c’est par cette suite que la série a su révéler toute sa richesse en nous sortant de cette brume abstraite pour nous offrir une histoire avec une vraie thématique : la recherche de soi. J’ai aimé la façon dont les autrices ont marié leurs influences japonaises et occidentales pour ce résultat onirique à la brume fantastique poétique et si jolie. C’est au final un nouveau fort joli conte de fée un peu hors du temps.
Article complet : https://lesblablasdetachan.wordpress....
July 19, 2025
Cute little end :3
I liked the fairytale references in it, of course a retelling of a fairytale is going to have fairytale references in it. I wish there was a bit more, but the end was satisfying enough
Though, towards the end when the princess is kidnapped by the religious group (what I assume to be the nice way of saying cult) devil’s star as a sacrifice made me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, I really wasn’t expecting that. The leader is pure evil, admitting to Alice that he enjoys killing little girls and boys to sacrifice to the shadow god. But at least the good won, Alice and the princess were saved and all of ds’ members were apprehended :)
A more better surprise to me was that Hachisu was Ren the entire time! I really didn’t see that coming, which I feel like I should’ve because there were subtle hints to it and.. Frog prince. The frog is the prince ;w; (it never crossed my mind)
Anyway I think it was well done and the art was really nice. I’m not sure if I’d recommend this or not, it’s not that it’s bad or anything.. I just feel that there are better options out there :>
I liked the fairytale references in it, of course a retelling of a fairytale is going to have fairytale references in it. I wish there was a bit more, but the end was satisfying enough
Though, towards the end when the princess is kidnapped by the religious group (what I assume to be the nice way of saying cult) devil’s star as a sacrifice made me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, I really wasn’t expecting that. The leader is pure evil, admitting to Alice that he enjoys killing little girls and boys to sacrifice to the shadow god. But at least the good won, Alice and the princess were saved and all of ds’ members were apprehended :)
A more better surprise to me was that Hachisu was Ren the entire time! I really didn’t see that coming, which I feel like I should’ve because there were subtle hints to it and.. Frog prince. The frog is the prince ;w; (it never crossed my mind)
Anyway I think it was well done and the art was really nice. I’m not sure if I’d recommend this or not, it’s not that it’s bad or anything.. I just feel that there are better options out there :>
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
Alice is getting her bearings in the fantastical land she's found herself in. She learns how things work there - it's karma, defined by doing things for others. Interesting look at karma, or life: you do things for others in order to help yourself, but in the process, you also help others.
At the beginning of the book, Alice gets to meet the cartographer she was searching for in the previous book, and he turns out to be a very interesting person. She also finds out what she wants to do/be in her heart. No surprise, it has to do with books. She's also still looking for her childhood friend Ren. Turns out he may closer than she thinks. Oh, and in the process she meets a young princess and encounters s a child-killing cult.
It's refreshing to red a series that fits it all into two books. This book adds more people and situations and ties up all the story's loose ends neatly. And Kyoto Forest (of which we see the cartographer's very cool map) is a delightful magical realm.
At the beginning of the book, Alice gets to meet the cartographer she was searching for in the previous book, and he turns out to be a very interesting person. She also finds out what she wants to do/be in her heart. No surprise, it has to do with books. She's also still looking for her childhood friend Ren. Turns out he may closer than she thinks. Oh, and in the process she meets a young princess and encounters s a child-killing cult.
It's refreshing to red a series that fits it all into two books. This book adds more people and situations and ties up all the story's loose ends neatly. And Kyoto Forest (of which we see the cartographer's very cool map) is a delightful magical realm.
January 3, 2023
The binds that transform
As is pointed out by the mangaka this volume concludes the first of the novels (of which there were three as of release) so technically this is the end of the series at the moment it seems but what a series it is. Beautiful artwork, fun characters, magic, and an evil to overcome while two hearts find themselves binding tighter realization exposes the truth. :)
In fact the only thing that really bother me is after Alice get's a shop of her own and calls it Alice's Place the English wording on the sign was not very uniformed even sliding off the sign at one point. It probably would have been better to leave the original Japanese image and referenced it with side notes instead.
As is pointed out by the mangaka this volume concludes the first of the novels (of which there were three as of release) so technically this is the end of the series at the moment it seems but what a series it is. Beautiful artwork, fun characters, magic, and an evil to overcome while two hearts find themselves binding tighter realization exposes the truth. :)
In fact the only thing that really bother me is after Alice get's a shop of her own and calls it Alice's Place the English wording on the sign was not very uniformed even sliding off the sign at one point. It probably would have been better to leave the original Japanese image and referenced it with side notes instead.
March 26, 2022
The story takes off where the first volume left off and things really pick up action/plot wise. Alice finally discovers her true purpose in this world, and makes some new friends along the way. The story still loosely follows Alice In Wonderland,but this volume I found a few more similarities. There’s a HUGE plot twist towards the ending that I didn’t even see coming or think of haha. I’m sad this story is over, I didn’t realize it would be only a 2 part story, but it was wholesome and cheerful nonetheless. Definitely one for all ages to enjoy
•The publisher was kind enough to allow me a [Digital-ARC] to review, however my thoughts are unbiased and my own•
•The publisher was kind enough to allow me a [Digital-ARC] to review, however my thoughts are unbiased and my own•
January 6, 2023
A manga novel about a lover of books written by a lover of books and read by a lover of books! A wonderfully perfect combination, I must say.
This story was everything! A perfect, light-hearted fantasy read about a lovely girl who is strong, smart and loves her fairytales.
A sweet story of young love. I enjoyed the short extra at the end of the physical English print – gave us a little more of an insight into Ren's journey too.
I didn't expect the plot twist so it was nice for me!
This story was everything! A perfect, light-hearted fantasy read about a lovely girl who is strong, smart and loves her fairytales.
A sweet story of young love. I enjoyed the short extra at the end of the physical English print – gave us a little more of an insight into Ren's journey too.
I didn't expect the plot twist so it was nice for me!
March 27, 2023
This was actually a good end for this story. The mystery of Ren was solved in a delightful way and Alice found a new purpose and joy. I do think the mystery at the end was a bit rushed but overall it was a good book to read and the artwork is excellent. It is a good manga series to read if you like the retelling of familiar stories and fairytale.
Copy provided by Tokyo Pop in exchange for an unbiased review.
Copy provided by Tokyo Pop in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 26, 2023
7/23 A sweet 2-volume contemporary romance story (apparently an adaption of the first book in a novel series), but it read choppy with a lot crammed in but little actually told, especially about a seemingly complicated world we barely scratched the surface of with very confusing rules. Might re-read the first two volumes just to see what I didn't catch the first time about the surprise twist, but the world doesn't interest me so I'll probably skip the rest of the series if there is any.
November 8, 2023
4.5/5
Volume 2 of Alice in Kyoto Forest does a great job of wrapping up the story. Alice begins to find her place and we get some answers regarding the prince and where he is in this current day and age. This is ultimately a very sweet, cozy duology that would be perfect for Studio Ghibli fans. I'm sad that the other light novels have not been turned into manga as I would love to delve further into this series.
Volume 2 of Alice in Kyoto Forest does a great job of wrapping up the story. Alice begins to find her place and we get some answers regarding the prince and where he is in this current day and age. This is ultimately a very sweet, cozy duology that would be perfect for Studio Ghibli fans. I'm sad that the other light novels have not been turned into manga as I would love to delve further into this series.
January 1, 2023
I enjoyed this mini series- so much so I wish Mochizuki had stretched it out over another volume or so! The second half felt so rushed and abrupt!
I love the themes and little plot twist (though again, if this had been developed over a longer period I think it could've been even better). There's some good Studio Ghibli vibes throughout, which is a-ok with me.
I love the themes and little plot twist (though again, if this had been developed over a longer period I think it could've been even better). There's some good Studio Ghibli vibes throughout, which is a-ok with me.
May 25, 2024
Volume two of Alice In Kyoto Forest concludes Alice's adventures in the otherworldly 'Wonderland'. There are dark forces to be overcome. The connections between the otherworld and the 'real' world are explained. A reunion takes places. A charmingly told, beautifully drawn, entertainingly quick and fun read.
July 8, 2024
Well, this took a turn.
It started out fine. Alice learning about the new world she's in, discovering that her vocation has to do with books. She wonders when Ren, the crown prince, will recognize her. (They played as children once).
Then the princess gets kidnapped....by devil worshiping occultists?
What? This totally jumped the shark, as they say.
It started out fine. Alice learning about the new world she's in, discovering that her vocation has to do with books. She wonders when Ren, the crown prince, will recognize her. (They played as children once).
Then the princess gets kidnapped....by devil worshiping occultists?
What? This totally jumped the shark, as they say.
October 10, 2024
The antagonist in this story was short-lived and unnecessary. I was happy with this being a cozy slice-of-life fantasy story. I like the way the seemingly random frog character was foreshadowed and explained in this volume.
I would have been happy to have more volumes of this manga but I think this volume left the story in a good place.
I would have been happy to have more volumes of this manga but I think this volume left the story in a good place.
November 11, 2024
J'ai faillit abandonner ma lecture. Les événements s'enchaînent à un rythme affolant à tel point que l'histoire perds tout son charme. L'univers n'est pas cohérent et tout y est justifié par "c'est normal c'est comme ça dans ce monde". Le seul point positif et la thématique de la recherche identitaire et l'affirmation de soi. Une lecture bien laborieuse juste pour ça.
October 23, 2023
The ritual human sacrifice bit really came out of nowhere. And ending with Ren as a child - with Natsume commenting that they looked like siblings - is weird. A strange little duology that didn’t quite land for me.
July 4, 2024
What the heck happened to this cute and clever series? Volume 1 and the first part of volume 2 were really good, but they totally lost me when the satanic cult showed up in Kyotoland. What a random way to ruin the story. Disappointing.
June 24, 2022
beautiful art & story
August 19, 2022
4.5 stars
A bit of a dark turn, but a delightful ending! The art style remains gorgeous, and the incorporation/ honourable mention of classic fairy tales transports me to my happy place.
A bit of a dark turn, but a delightful ending! The art style remains gorgeous, and the incorporation/ honourable mention of classic fairy tales transports me to my happy place.
December 29, 2022
Same as review for the first volume
January 17, 2023
The artwork is pretty but the world is super confusing. Granted I wasn’t able to read the 1st book so that probably has something to do with it.
March 25, 2023
So cute! I like the way the plot flowed in this one a bit better than the first, but it's still a little disjointed. That said, I'll happily read more if more ever appears!
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