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夜明けの唄 [Yoake no Uta] #1
Lullaby of the Dawn, Vol. 1
Super gifted up-and-coming author Ichika Yuno’s debut manga!
“I’ll be by your side forever.”
“You’re a cruel brat.”
Elva is a warrior priest whose life is eroded every time he fights against monsters coming from the dark sea. When he learns this, boy Alto is enraged and vows to stay by his side to look for a way to save him.
After eight years, Alto has grown into a fearless young man. He still hides in his heart a feeling of love that has slowly grown stronger in the days they spent together… Meanwhile, Elva, who seemed to have only a few years left, is showing signs of recovery while spending time with Alto…?
The long-awaited first volume of the fantasy romance between a loyal, caring young man and a cold warrior who doesn’t know how to love.
“I’ll be by your side forever.”
“You’re a cruel brat.”
Elva is a warrior priest whose life is eroded every time he fights against monsters coming from the dark sea. When he learns this, boy Alto is enraged and vows to stay by his side to look for a way to save him.
After eight years, Alto has grown into a fearless young man. He still hides in his heart a feeling of love that has slowly grown stronger in the days they spent together… Meanwhile, Elva, who seemed to have only a few years left, is showing signs of recovery while spending time with Alto…?
The long-awaited first volume of the fantasy romance between a loyal, caring young man and a cold warrior who doesn’t know how to love.
192 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2021
59 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Ichika Yuno
10 books29 followersIchika Yuno (Jap: ユノイチカ is a Japanese mangaka of Boy's Love.
The debut work Yoake no uta (Jap: 夜明けの唄; Eng: Lullaby of the Dawn), a fantasy Boy's Love manga, was first at Kono BL ga yabai! 2022 and BL award 2022.
The debut work Yoake no uta (Jap: 夜明けの唄; Eng: Lullaby of the Dawn), a fantasy Boy's Love manga, was first at Kono BL ga yabai! 2022 and BL award 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
March 7, 2025
2025: just as amazing the second time! I can now read the rest of the series :)
Wow, this is stunning. Great world building, loveable characters, interesting plot and beautiful art! Vol 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I instantly ordered the rest of the volumes!
Wow, this is stunning. Great world building, loveable characters, interesting plot and beautiful art! Vol 1 ended on a cliffhanger and I instantly ordered the rest of the volumes!
October 9, 2022
Absolutely love the artwork, so pretty!!! 😍😍 and the slow burn romance just ahhhh… Alto & Elva are so cuteeeee… i cannot wait to read more
September 10, 2024
I randomly decided to pick this up after seeing it on Hoopla. It’s a part of Tokyo Pop’s Love Love line. What great world building and character development. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this is definitely a good one for those who love fantasy romance. There is also an underlining mystery in regard to the Black Sea that makes it even more intriguing. I think this is one that I’ll definitely continue.
June 12, 2024
A boy forced to protect his town, fighting the curses in the sea every night while his hands and feet blacken with the effort, bringing him ever closer to death. What an interesting premise, one made even more intriguing when said boy, Elva, comes across an eager child named Alto that unknowingly causes the blackness under his skin to recede.
Watching these two strike up a friendship as children, and eventually grow up by each other’s side, was quite possibly the sweetest thing I’ve read all year. I didn’t know what to expect from this manga, but it definitely wasn’t a borderline wholesome romance. The art style is absolutely gorgeous as well, so now I’m completely hooked! Can’t wait to continue with their story.
Watching these two strike up a friendship as children, and eventually grow up by each other’s side, was quite possibly the sweetest thing I’ve read all year. I didn’t know what to expect from this manga, but it definitely wasn’t a borderline wholesome romance. The art style is absolutely gorgeous as well, so now I’m completely hooked! Can’t wait to continue with their story.
October 22, 2023
·˚ ༘♡ ₊˚ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 🧺·˚ˎˊ˗
One of the best romances I’ve read this year.
I’ll start by saying that this is definitely different to the standard romances you can find anywhere. This story is full of mysteries that have yet to be lifted, such as the curse, how Alto is able to heal Elva and why Alto is not affected by the spirits. The development of their relationship is a slow process, although one I really adore.
I can’t wait to see the direction this story takes and the ending that awaits Alto and Elva.
One of the best romances I’ve read this year.
I’ll start by saying that this is definitely different to the standard romances you can find anywhere. This story is full of mysteries that have yet to be lifted, such as the curse, how Alto is able to heal Elva and why Alto is not affected by the spirits. The development of their relationship is a slow process, although one I really adore.
I can’t wait to see the direction this story takes and the ending that awaits Alto and Elva.
September 20, 2025
2025 reads: 259/300
elva is a lonesome warrior who fights the monsters emerging from the dark sea every night. all the villagers he works to protect ignore or harass him…well, all except alto. alto has spent the past eight years serving elva and secretly hoping to find a way to save him from this curse.
this was such a cool book!! the whole kannagi concept was so interesting. elva, the kannagi in this story, has a black mark spreading over his skin. this is representative of how much (how little, rather) time he has left. when alto begins spending time with him, though, the black mark recedes, and elva ends up living much longer than the kannagi before him. elva and alto have such a cute relationship; definitely black cat/golden retriever vibes. i’m really excited to continue the series and see whether the curse can be broken or if they’ll have a different ending…
elva is a lonesome warrior who fights the monsters emerging from the dark sea every night. all the villagers he works to protect ignore or harass him…well, all except alto. alto has spent the past eight years serving elva and secretly hoping to find a way to save him from this curse.
this was such a cool book!! the whole kannagi concept was so interesting. elva, the kannagi in this story, has a black mark spreading over his skin. this is representative of how much (how little, rather) time he has left. when alto begins spending time with him, though, the black mark recedes, and elva ends up living much longer than the kannagi before him. elva and alto have such a cute relationship; definitely black cat/golden retriever vibes. i’m really excited to continue the series and see whether the curse can be broken or if they’ll have a different ending…
August 4, 2024
I don't read tons of fantasy BL, since the worldbuilding tends to be subpar and character development usually gets neglected in favor of plot. So far, this series strikes a good balance between everything. The mystery is intriguing, the leads are lovable, and they have a great dynamic. I'm excited to see how the romance will develop.
February 22, 2023
¿BL favorito de la vida a la vista? Claro que si.
Este primer tomo de este BL de fantasía me ha encantado. La pareja principal es muy GrumpyXSunshine y ver como Alto logra que la gente del pueblo le tenga menos miedo a Elva e intenten convivir más con él me encanta y el como Elva baja sus barreras y permite por fin sentir cariño por alguien.
Quedan muchos misterios por resolver como el pasado de Elva, el porqué después de tantos años batallando contra los monstruos del mar oscuro no se ha encontrado una forma de vencerlos definitivamente y el porqué Alto es al parece ser el único ser humano inmune a ellos y desaparecer las marcas de Elva con solo estar a su lado.
El dibujo es precioso y merece mucho darle la oportunidad
Este primer tomo de este BL de fantasía me ha encantado. La pareja principal es muy GrumpyXSunshine y ver como Alto logra que la gente del pueblo le tenga menos miedo a Elva e intenten convivir más con él me encanta y el como Elva baja sus barreras y permite por fin sentir cariño por alguien.
Quedan muchos misterios por resolver como el pasado de Elva, el porqué después de tantos años batallando contra los monstruos del mar oscuro no se ha encontrado una forma de vencerlos definitivamente y el porqué Alto es al parece ser el único ser humano inmune a ellos y desaparecer las marcas de Elva con solo estar a su lado.
El dibujo es precioso y merece mucho darle la oportunidad
June 21, 2024
This was amazing. it was such a great world building with intering plott. Gonna read vol 2
February 9, 2023
Primo volume di una serie che si prospetta interessante e molto dolce. I protagonisti sono due persone completamente diverse l’una dall’altra: Elva è un sacerdote destinato a scontrarsi ogni notte con i mostri del mare nero, lottando contro un destino che sembra già scritto e una profonda solitudine; Alto è un ragazzino solare, buono e ha un intenso bisogno di amare e di essere amato. I due si trovano per caso e da quel momento le loro vite si intrecciano, dando inizio alla storia. Non vedo l’ora che esca il prossimo volume per sapere come andrà avanti ❤️
September 3, 2023
read in french, published by Taifu - review in french
DONNEZ. MOI. LA. SUITE.
le dessin est fin et beau. l'histoire est adorable. l'univers est hyper intéressant : j'adore !
DONNEZ. MOI. LA. SUITE.
le dessin est fin et beau. l'histoire est adorable. l'univers est hyper intéressant : j'adore !
October 7, 2023
they're so mesmerizing together😭😭💘
September 3, 2025
As far as first volumes go, this manga starts out solid. Sets up the world quickly and effectively, gives lots of background intrigue without being overwhelming. Well-paced and beautiful artwork.
I had a difficult time following some scenes because they seemed to jump around, but that’s possibly just a mistake in the version that I’m reading so I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt.
I’m a sucker for a dog—cat personality type relationship, and Alto and Elva exemplify this 😂 both some very wholesome people, and I’m already rooting for Alto to break this mysterious curse that’s shackling Elva.
I had a difficult time following some scenes because they seemed to jump around, but that’s possibly just a mistake in the version that I’m reading so I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt.
I’m a sucker for a dog—cat personality type relationship, and Alto and Elva exemplify this 😂 both some very wholesome people, and I’m already rooting for Alto to break this mysterious curse that’s shackling Elva.
June 15, 2024
4.5/5. First, the art style is absolutely gorgeous, just that is worth the money you'll spend. Now, the story matches the art, and that's what makes this stand out. This first volume is all about setup. Alto is so dedicated to Elva, but even after 8 years together, he knows, much like everybody else, very little about the kannagi and the dangers of the black sea. The apathy of the guards towards the prisoners is surprising, but a perfect setting for Alto to see there's much more than just the kannagi that he doesn't know. I can't fault him for trying to find knowledge even at the expense of others, and while answers were forthcoming, the apparent "possession" spells all kinds of trouble without a solution in sight.
As for Alto and Elva, the way Alto is so very open to Elva since the start is so sweet and possible only because he was so young. The skips in time don't feel rushed, and the flow of their relationship given how Alto seems to be key to something and the person who's been with Elva all this time make for a tender dynamic. Elva being worried about taking Alto's life away is sad, and I'm glad Alto makes it known that he's there because he chooses to. I hope Elva can truly see and believe that once their relationship takes a definite turn for the romantic. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volumes!
As for Alto and Elva, the way Alto is so very open to Elva since the start is so sweet and possible only because he was so young. The skips in time don't feel rushed, and the flow of their relationship given how Alto seems to be key to something and the person who's been with Elva all this time make for a tender dynamic. Elva being worried about taking Alto's life away is sad, and I'm glad Alto makes it known that he's there because he chooses to. I hope Elva can truly see and believe that once their relationship takes a definite turn for the romantic. I can't wait to get my hands on the next volumes!
March 18, 2025
Me prestaron este tomo y en serio estoy agradecida pue me gusto la historia.
Alto llego a vivir a una isla , la cual es protegida de unos monstruos que salen del mar oscuro por la noche por el sacerdote Elva. Aunque el sacerdote trata de alejarlo Alto sigue presente en la vida del sacerdote logrando un cambio increíble en la vida del mismo.
Tiene una historia muy interesante y la verdad me quede con ganas de más
Alto llego a vivir a una isla , la cual es protegida de unos monstruos que salen del mar oscuro por la noche por el sacerdote Elva. Aunque el sacerdote trata de alejarlo Alto sigue presente en la vida del sacerdote logrando un cambio increíble en la vida del mismo.
Tiene una historia muy interesante y la verdad me quede con ganas de más
January 12, 2025
Se viene una buena historia y un señor manga!!🥰🥰🥰 Que preciosidad y triste a la vez.
February 10, 2023
Incantata...♡♡♡
March 12, 2022
J'aime beaucoup trop, l'histoire est super intéressante, on veut en apprendre plus sur les Kannagi. La relation entre les deux personnages est bien trop adorable et les dessins sont magnifiques !! Je lis de suite le tome 2 !!
April 20, 2025
9/10.
It would have been a masterpiece, if only it didn't have chapters 23-24.
The reverse isekai also sucks.
Everything else is pretty darn good, from the approach to religion, to the artstyle, simple but effective.
This is the review for volumes 1 to 5.
It would have been a masterpiece, if only it didn't have chapters 23-24.
The reverse isekai also sucks.
Everything else is pretty darn good, from the approach to religion, to the artstyle, simple but effective.
This is the review for volumes 1 to 5.
December 6, 2022
Me encanta el estilo de dibujo, pero la historia no llega a llamarme la atención como para engancharme fuerte a los personajes y seguir acompañándoles
February 14, 2023
Una lectura 5 estrellas que recomiendo a todo el mundo.
El primer tomo de La canción del amanecer me ha atrapado desde el inicio y no veo el momento de que salga el nº 2 para comprarlo y devorarlo.
Se desarrolla en una isla en la que cada noche sus costas sufren ataques de monstruos venidos del mar, para ello hay cuatro sacerdotes, uno por punto cardinal, que van cambiando con el tiempo. Son las únicas personas con los poderes necesarios para derrotar esos monstruos. Elva es el sacerdote del sur y lleva años ejerciendo el cargo en soledad, ya que la gente del pueblo cree que sufre una maldición y mantienen las distancias, hasta que Alto se acerca a él y siente curiosidad por sus orígenes y sus poderes, llegando a pedirle a Elva ser su sirviente para ayudarlo en todo lo que pueda y darle compañía.
Lo que más me gusta de este manga es la relación tan preciosa y sana que se va formando entre Alto y Elva, mientras lo leía solo quería abrazarlos y protegerlos, me han dado unos vibes tremendos a Ox y Joe de Wolfsong/La canción del lobo. Elva siempre ha vivido solo por miedo a formar una relación que vaya a romperse en un futuro tras su muerte, por miedo a hacerse daño y hacer daño a las otras personas en la despedida, y Alto entra en su vida de golpe, como un soplo de aire fresco, que busca ayudar y liberar a Elva de su carga como sacerdote.
Otro de los puntos que me atrae de la historia es todo lo que se desconoce sobre los monstruos que salen del mar y cómo llegan las personas con poderes de sacerdote a adquirirlos, además del pasado de Alto y el misterio que rodea a su padre.
Espero que le deis una oportunidad a esta historia porque merece mucho la pena.
El primer tomo de La canción del amanecer me ha atrapado desde el inicio y no veo el momento de que salga el nº 2 para comprarlo y devorarlo.
Se desarrolla en una isla en la que cada noche sus costas sufren ataques de monstruos venidos del mar, para ello hay cuatro sacerdotes, uno por punto cardinal, que van cambiando con el tiempo. Son las únicas personas con los poderes necesarios para derrotar esos monstruos. Elva es el sacerdote del sur y lleva años ejerciendo el cargo en soledad, ya que la gente del pueblo cree que sufre una maldición y mantienen las distancias, hasta que Alto se acerca a él y siente curiosidad por sus orígenes y sus poderes, llegando a pedirle a Elva ser su sirviente para ayudarlo en todo lo que pueda y darle compañía.
Lo que más me gusta de este manga es la relación tan preciosa y sana que se va formando entre Alto y Elva, mientras lo leía solo quería abrazarlos y protegerlos, me han dado unos vibes tremendos a Ox y Joe de Wolfsong/La canción del lobo. Elva siempre ha vivido solo por miedo a formar una relación que vaya a romperse en un futuro tras su muerte, por miedo a hacerse daño y hacer daño a las otras personas en la despedida, y Alto entra en su vida de golpe, como un soplo de aire fresco, que busca ayudar y liberar a Elva de su carga como sacerdote.
Otro de los puntos que me atrae de la historia es todo lo que se desconoce sobre los monstruos que salen del mar y cómo llegan las personas con poderes de sacerdote a adquirirlos, además del pasado de Alto y el misterio que rodea a su padre.
Espero que le deis una oportunidad a esta historia porque merece mucho la pena.
August 8, 2023
3.8/5
So this is defnitely a favorite of the year but for me that flame didn't spark completely.
I was very torn between three and four stars while reading it till the end confirmed the four stars.
Despite everyone saying the drawings are amazing I found them in the everage/good bar but nothing too elaborated. Let's just say some bubbles were better than others.
Now onto the story. It's definitely interesting and a breath of fresh air compared to the standard BL stories. We are facing a fantasy and it's alway interesting to read different stories with different elements. This one in particular felt new and undiscovered.
This cursed theme seems very basic but it was well played throughout the whole manga.
Speaking of the story development tho, it wasn't nothing too crazy. Yes, the story does progress and the pace is kinda fast as well, but till the end it seemed a very long intro of the how the life between these two completely different characters is, starting from kids till becoming teens. We do get a glimpse of what it could turn into, but it's reserved for the next volumes.
Towards the end there's finally a good twist and of course it's when the story is cut.
I will definitely continue this series to see if we progress with the story more and how the author decides to do so. Let's say that for now was a good start, but I didn't find myself loosing track of the time while reading it.
So this is defnitely a favorite of the year but for me that flame didn't spark completely.
I was very torn between three and four stars while reading it till the end confirmed the four stars.
Despite everyone saying the drawings are amazing I found them in the everage/good bar but nothing too elaborated. Let's just say some bubbles were better than others.
Now onto the story. It's definitely interesting and a breath of fresh air compared to the standard BL stories. We are facing a fantasy and it's alway interesting to read different stories with different elements. This one in particular felt new and undiscovered.
This cursed theme seems very basic but it was well played throughout the whole manga.
Speaking of the story development tho, it wasn't nothing too crazy. Yes, the story does progress and the pace is kinda fast as well, but till the end it seemed a very long intro of the how the life between these two completely different characters is, starting from kids till becoming teens. We do get a glimpse of what it could turn into, but it's reserved for the next volumes.
Towards the end there's finally a good twist and of course it's when the story is cut.
I will definitely continue this series to see if we progress with the story more and how the author decides to do so. Let's say that for now was a good start, but I didn't find myself loosing track of the time while reading it.
November 14, 2024
I’d seen photos of panels from later on this series since early this year and forgot it was on my tbr for a while until this week when I saw a mutual of mine rereading it so I ordered a copy before I forgot and I’m so glad I did. The art style is so beautiful, I love the main character Alto, he’s so cheery and sweet without being stupid (not to mention pretty/handsome) and adore his dynamic with elva. elva’s a pretty tragic character from his vibe/quiet personality as well as the tiny hint to his backstory we got and I can’t wait to learn more about him too. The plot is also really engaging and with the way this volume ended, I need volumes 2 and 3 asap
September 9, 2024
Fantasy manga about an island where the sea comes alive with monsters after dark. The people tasked with protecting the island are called kannagi and the role slowly poisons them to death. Kannagi Elva makes friends with a village boy whose close contact starts to reverse the poisoning. Mostly a cute fluffy story, this volume had a lot of slice of life stuff but it’s clear there’s more to the monsters and kannagi role than meets the eye so I’m intrigued to see where this goes.
CWs: death, terminal illness, confinement
CWs: death, terminal illness, confinement
August 31, 2025
This is so peak, what the fuck! Beautiful art style and very intricate storytelling, I am in love! And what makes this introduction (first volume) especially gripping is how it edges the conflict and the relationship with Elva and Alto with deliberate restraint. The threats, secrets, and social themes tighten slowly, pressing closer with each chapter, just as Elva and Alto’s bond inches forward in fragile, tentative steps. And I literally gasped at the last chapter because what is that cliffhanger?! Don't play with me.
July 3, 2023
Finalmente un BL fantasy con una trama accattivante e sviluppata! L’ho amato dall’inizio alla fine, era da tempo che non leggevo un manga così bello. Alto è semplicemente adorabile ed Elva è bellissimo, i disegni che lo riguardano sono il top. Bellissima anche la relazione che si sviluppa tra loro due negli anni e tutta la trama che c’è dietro. Il mistero dell’isola e del passato di Alto mi incuriosisce molto.
Devo correre a leggere i volumi seguenti!
Devo correre a leggere i volumi seguenti!
May 26, 2024
Po pierwsze, kreska tutaj jest PRZECUDOWNA.
Po drugie, sama historia jak i świat jest tak intrygujący, że ciężko odstawić czytanie chociażby na chwilę, gdyż chce się tylko więcej i więcej.
Po trzecie, tworzy się tutaj cudowna relacja, przyjacielska jak i również romantyczna. Jest to zdecydowanie slow burn, ale wydaje się warty całego czekania. Mamy tutaj grumpy x sunshine, chyba nic do tego nie trzeba dodawać;)
Po czwarte, PROSZĘ NIE KOŃCZYĆ W TAKICH MOMENTACH.
Po drugie, sama historia jak i świat jest tak intrygujący, że ciężko odstawić czytanie chociażby na chwilę, gdyż chce się tylko więcej i więcej.
Po trzecie, tworzy się tutaj cudowna relacja, przyjacielska jak i również romantyczna. Jest to zdecydowanie slow burn, ale wydaje się warty całego czekania. Mamy tutaj grumpy x sunshine, chyba nic do tego nie trzeba dodawać;)
Po czwarte, PROSZĘ NIE KOŃCZYĆ W TAKICH MOMENTACH.
November 10, 2025
5/5stars
I've been using Story Graph to track my manhwa/manga reading, but I'm realizing I can put the ones that have official physical books here on Goodreads!
I LOOOOOOOOVE this story so much - I binged all 5 volumes all at once. The story is incredible, the characters are wonderfully endearing, and I just ADORE them
I've been using Story Graph to track my manhwa/manga reading, but I'm realizing I can put the ones that have official physical books here on Goodreads!
I LOOOOOOOOVE this story so much - I binged all 5 volumes all at once. The story is incredible, the characters are wonderfully endearing, and I just ADORE them
August 1, 2023
Un premier tome prometteur (et un coup de cœur) !
Fantasy, mystères et romance : c’était fait pour moi !
Ce premier tome prend son temps pour installer son récit et nous faire découvrir son univers et ses mystères.
Les deux personnages construisent une forte relation d’amitié et de confiance. C’est un slow burn (c’est quelque chose que j’adore lire). La relation avance doucement ce qui est pertinent à mes yeux au vu de la complexité de nos deux personnages.
Elva et Arnór sont des protagonistes solides, bien définis… j’ai hâte de voir leur développement par la suite.
Les dessins sont par ailleurs vraiment beaux ! J’ai adoré les détails et la finesse des traits.
Fantasy, mystères et romance : c’était fait pour moi !
Ce premier tome prend son temps pour installer son récit et nous faire découvrir son univers et ses mystères.
Les deux personnages construisent une forte relation d’amitié et de confiance. C’est un slow burn (c’est quelque chose que j’adore lire). La relation avance doucement ce qui est pertinent à mes yeux au vu de la complexité de nos deux personnages.
Elva et Arnór sont des protagonistes solides, bien définis… j’ai hâte de voir leur développement par la suite.
Les dessins sont par ailleurs vraiment beaux ! J’ai adoré les détails et la finesse des traits.
December 11, 2022
Tiene un dibujo precioso y la historia promete
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews