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Ryuuou Heika no Gekirin-sama ~Hon Suki Nezumi Himedesuga, Naze ka Ryuuou no Saiai ni Narimashita #1
Die Geliebte des Drachenkönigs - Eine Leseratte an der Seite seiner Majestät 01
In der Welt von Prinzessin Ruiying existieren dreizehn Tierclans. Sie selbst gehört dem schwächsten an, dem Rattenclan. Eines Tages wird sie in den Palast des mächtigen Drachenkönigs gerufen, der auf Brautschau ist. Prinzessin Ruiying ist nicht im Geringsten daran interessiert, seine Königin zu werden, aber umso mehr an der legendären Palastbibliothek, denn sie ist eine wahre Leseratte! Sie macht sich heimlich auf die Suche … und läuft direkt dem Drachenkönig in die Arme!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2021
43 people are currently reading
627 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 28, 2023
Cute, but nothing to write home about. Being partial to cats I like the Cat Princess and wanted to see more of her. Also, as was mentioned in another review, consent is a thing, shame on you Dragon King!
Artwork was pretty, but sometimes hard to follow.
3, it was ok but I’m not rushing out for the next volume, stars.
Artwork was pretty, but sometimes hard to follow.
3, it was ok but I’m not rushing out for the next volume, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
I feel really conflicted on this one because I loved everything about this EXCEPT a few actions by the King. The lack of consent really made it hard for me to enjoy this story to the fullest because I adore Ruiying and how she doesn't care about marrying the King, but just wants to go visit his library. LOL!
It really made my bookish heart happy in that regard, but I think the lack of consent bothered me more than I anticipated despite that I really love the story itself (including even the few times in the beginning I felt confused and the story feeling a little bit everywhere).
Currently undecided if I'll read volume two, but I definitely think if a lack of consent isn't an issue and you love bookish heroines in a fantasy world, this one I would highly recommend checking it out! I'm definitely bummed that I'm not more excited than I am because the art is absolutely gorgeous and the heroine is so fun!
It really made my bookish heart happy in that regard, but I think the lack of consent bothered me more than I anticipated despite that I really love the story itself (including even the few times in the beginning I felt confused and the story feeling a little bit everywhere).
Currently undecided if I'll read volume two, but I definitely think if a lack of consent isn't an issue and you love bookish heroines in a fantasy world, this one I would highly recommend checking it out! I'm definitely bummed that I'm not more excited than I am because the art is absolutely gorgeous and the heroine is so fun!
November 27, 2023
This is a little bit like Fruits Basket by way of The Seven-Starred Country - it incorporates elements of the Chinese zodiac into a fantasy version of Ancient China with a marriage plot. The names feel more like "trying really hard to sound Chinese" than actual Chinese names, which definitely threw me, but the story itself is fairly interesting. Ruiying, the bibliophile rat princess, is a fun character thrown into a world she not only doesn't quite understand, but really doesn't want to understand, and there's an appropriate amount of threat to that here. Definitely worth a second volume, but this one does have its storytelling warts.
January 7, 2026
Review for volume one only
I am sadly a little disappointed with this first volume. Let me start by saying that the art is gorgeous, I especially love the main characters white hair and how fluffy it looks. I also really like the setting - it's very much built around Chinese aesthetic and mythology, most notably the zodiac animals. In saying so, it's not exaclty the zodiacs either; on one hand, I was pleased to see that cats were included as the 13th animal clan and even alluded to the myth of how the cats didn't pass the test to be part of the 12 zodiacs. But then there are other creatures that aren't any of the original twelve, so I am thinking the author took a few liberties there.
The plot does hang on a trope I am not a huge fan of; fated mates. This trope certainly can be done well, but I don't normally like it when the entire relationship is built on that. The basic premise was interesting; Princess Ruiying from the Rat Clan is summoned to the Dragon Clan's kingdom along with other princesses so that the Dragon King may choose a bride. Ruiying is bookish, considered weak and essentially has no interest in being chosen as bride. The king, however, takes on look at her and realises she's his fated mate. And with that, he is essentially in love.
There are hints of political intrigue and perhaps a brewing war. And while this first volume definitely has its merits, I just find that the romance solely relies on the fated mates trope. There is no heart to this and we are just supposed to accept from volume one that he loves her - it wasn't even a meet cute or anything. It is possible that the rest of the series will expand on that but it's hard when the first instalment is underwhelming and I do think how love interests meet plays a crucial role. It doesn't have to be a good meeting by any means, but something that gets you invested, something that makes you want to see them grow and develop.
I am sadly a little disappointed with this first volume. Let me start by saying that the art is gorgeous, I especially love the main characters white hair and how fluffy it looks. I also really like the setting - it's very much built around Chinese aesthetic and mythology, most notably the zodiac animals. In saying so, it's not exaclty the zodiacs either; on one hand, I was pleased to see that cats were included as the 13th animal clan and even alluded to the myth of how the cats didn't pass the test to be part of the 12 zodiacs. But then there are other creatures that aren't any of the original twelve, so I am thinking the author took a few liberties there.
The plot does hang on a trope I am not a huge fan of; fated mates. This trope certainly can be done well, but I don't normally like it when the entire relationship is built on that. The basic premise was interesting; Princess Ruiying from the Rat Clan is summoned to the Dragon Clan's kingdom along with other princesses so that the Dragon King may choose a bride. Ruiying is bookish, considered weak and essentially has no interest in being chosen as bride. The king, however, takes on look at her and realises she's his fated mate. And with that, he is essentially in love.
There are hints of political intrigue and perhaps a brewing war. And while this first volume definitely has its merits, I just find that the romance solely relies on the fated mates trope. There is no heart to this and we are just supposed to accept from volume one that he loves her - it wasn't even a meet cute or anything. It is possible that the rest of the series will expand on that but it's hard when the first instalment is underwhelming and I do think how love interests meet plays a crucial role. It doesn't have to be a good meeting by any means, but something that gets you invested, something that makes you want to see them grow and develop.
April 23, 2024
I just died of the cuteness while curling my toes out of happiness at this story, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
The world-building is slowly expanding - with small entries here and there.
I cannot dive further in otherwise I will have to spoil it.
This is going to be one of my favourites this year.
The world-building is slowly expanding - with small entries here and there.
I cannot dive further in otherwise I will have to spoil it.
This is going to be one of my favourites this year.
August 18, 2024
In the world of this series, thirteen clans rule the land (think animals of the Chinese Zodiac). The Rat Clan is the weakest, while the Dragon Clan is the strongest. The Dragon Clan has summoned a princess from each of the other clans in order to find the Dragon King a bride.
Ruiying isn't interested in becoming the Dragon King's bride - she just wants access to the Dragon Clan's incredible library. However, when the Dragon King, Yawen, encounters her, he instantly declares her his fated mate.
This is one of those series you need to not think about too much, or you'll start to poke holes in it. We have a 500-year-old dragon king who declares a 16-year-old to be his fated mate, which led to me wondering about the other 484ish years. Also, an enemy, the Bird Clan, is introduced out of nowhere right near the end of this volume. I assume the author was asked to add some conflict, because otherwise the only issue would have been that "dragon kings aren't allowed to marry their fated mates for reasons."
The artwork was pretty, and I'm a sucker for devoted romance heroes who smile a lot, so overall I liked this well enough.
Extras:
One full-color illustration and a couple humorous 4-panel comics re-imagining moments from the volume.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
Ruiying isn't interested in becoming the Dragon King's bride - she just wants access to the Dragon Clan's incredible library. However, when the Dragon King, Yawen, encounters her, he instantly declares her his fated mate.
This is one of those series you need to not think about too much, or you'll start to poke holes in it. We have a 500-year-old dragon king who declares a 16-year-old to be his fated mate, which led to me wondering about the other 484ish years. Also, an enemy, the Bird Clan, is introduced out of nowhere right near the end of this volume. I assume the author was asked to add some conflict, because otherwise the only issue would have been that "dragon kings aren't allowed to marry their fated mates for reasons."
The artwork was pretty, and I'm a sucker for devoted romance heroes who smile a lot, so overall I liked this well enough.
Extras:
One full-color illustration and a couple humorous 4-panel comics re-imagining moments from the volume.
(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
May 28, 2023
I loved this. It's a romance with a strong political plot that kept me intrigued. I appreciate that while the princess is reserved, she isn't meek and has a strong sense of self. The joy she brings to the dragon king as his fated mate is also lovely to see. Add in some compelling and lovable side characters, and I'm definitely here for more.
January 4, 2024
As far as romance manga go this wasn't my favourite. Things were rushed significantly with hints to more and whatever else.
Read this if you're bored, not if you're looking for a really fluffy romance or something to hit you in the feels
Read this if you're bored, not if you're looking for a really fluffy romance or something to hit you in the feels
July 7, 2023
As someone who enjoys any story to do with the Chinese and Japanese zodiac animals, I really loved the world behind this story. I noticed some slight variations in the animal species though, so I wish it was a bit more explained. I definitely want to see more of the different zodiac princesses, as we only see the rat and cat princesses in this volume.
The romance wasn’t anything to write home about. We only believe the king is in love with the protagonist because the text says he is, we don’t see it. But from the sneak peek, I believe this will be developed further in the next volume.
Ruiying is one of the most adorable protagonists I have met in a while. She is soft and sweet and so very pretty. Plus she loves books and dark, quiet places. I absolutely adore the way the artist draws Ruiying. Her hair looks so fluffy. The art style of this whole volume is gorgeous!
The romance wasn’t anything to write home about. We only believe the king is in love with the protagonist because the text says he is, we don’t see it. But from the sneak peek, I believe this will be developed further in the next volume.
Ruiying is one of the most adorable protagonists I have met in a while. She is soft and sweet and so very pretty. Plus she loves books and dark, quiet places. I absolutely adore the way the artist draws Ruiying. Her hair looks so fluffy. The art style of this whole volume is gorgeous!
May 24, 2023
This was an amazing start to what is undoubtedly going to be a sweet love story. The characters seem loveable and wholesome in a way that I can only describe as perfect complements to each other. I can’t wait to keep reading this series.
August 1, 2023
We have an clever princess who’s clan has always been considered weak. A dragon king determined to live happily with his fated mate, and a mysterious enemy lurking in the shadows.
The art is pretty and so far everything is promising.
The art is pretty and so far everything is promising.
June 7, 2023
The art is gorgeous. Everything is so beautiful drawn.
June 8, 2023
3.5/5
this read like a chinese historical fantasy with a sarah j maas plot and i don't know how to feel about it
this read like a chinese historical fantasy with a sarah j maas plot and i don't know how to feel about it
June 20, 2024
It’s a fun and cute slow burn Romantasy manga. Honestly I loved it and highly recommend. Read the books that are out currently in one sitting.
March 15, 2025
3.5 stars
Cute! I'm looking forward to where this story will go.
Cute! I'm looking forward to where this story will go.
October 27, 2022
Ich liebe es nicht, ich hasse es aber auch nicht. Als Light Novel hätte es mir vermutlich mehr gefallen.
Ab hier SPOILER:
Meine Kritikpunkte:
1. Das World-Building: ist absolut nicht vorhanden. Uns wird erklärt es gibt 13 Tierclans und der Drachenclan regiert und ist der stärkste. Und die Ratgen sind die schwächsten. Ein bisschen was über ihre Lebenserwartung und das die anderen Clans eben auch den Tierkreiszeichen entsprechen aber das wars. Wir erfahren fast nichts über die Clans, es hätte viel mehr Sinn gemacht beim Rattenclan anzufangen, etwas über deren Lebensweise zu erfahren und dann bekommt sie den Brief dass der König auf Brautschau ist. Stattdessen fangen wir im Palast an
2. Es wird gesagt Katzen- und Rattenclan verstehen sich nicht. Die Katzenprinzessin behandelt die Rattenprinzessin aber wie ihre beste Freundin???
3. Der Male Lead ist 500 Jahre alt und sie ist 16. Yikes. Theoretisch könnte man es noch verzeihen aber dann kommt Punkt 4:
4. Romantisierung von sexueller Belästigung. Der Male lead trifft sie in der Bibliothek und küsst sie. Ohne sie zu fragen. Ohne sich vorzustellen. Sie hat keine Ahnung wer er ist. Das passiert danach tatsächlich noch öfter.
Dann am Ende erfahren wir er hat sie seine "Drachenschuppe" schlucken lassen. Während sie geschlafen hat. Sie wurde nicht nur nicht gefragt, sie weiß nicht einmal etwas davon. Finde ich alles sehr problematisch.
5. Die Erzählzeit und Erzählweise - erst einmal geht alles viel zu schnell und es werden viele Plot Points aufeinander geworfen und kaum erklärt. Die einzelnen Tierclans werden vielleicht noch später vorgestellt, aber wenigstens über den Ratten- und Drachenclan hätte ich mir mehr gewünscht.
Das mit der Drachenschuppe wurde uns von einem Nebencharakter erzählt. Das typische: "Ein Charakter erzählt etwas was jeder im Raum bereits weiß, aber er tut es, weil der Leser es nicht weiß." Es passt nicht rein. Es sticht so heraus aus dem Schreibstil dieses Mangas, dass es fast weh tut.
Dann würde uns am Ende erzählt, dass die Rattenprinzessin in 16 Jahren nur ein paar mal an der Oberfläche war. Wir erfahren es von einem Nebencharakter die das seltsam findet, es wird aber übertönt durch das mit der Drachenschuppe. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn die female lead es dem Male lead erzählt hätte und er daraufhin begonnen hätte Nachforschungen anzustellen.
Noch dazu erwählt der Male lead sie relativ schnell als seine Gefährtin (was das ist und eir das funktioniert erfahren wir auch nicht - nur mal kurz, dass der Drachenkönig eigentlich leine haben sollte weil wohl mal was schlimmes passiert ist??). Und daraufhin verloben sie sich. Da frage ich mich: Wieso gibt es dann eine Brautschau? Wieso muss sie immer noch mit den anderen Prinzessinnen konkurrieren? Sie sind schon verlobt! Er will keine andere, keiner hat was dagegen, dass sie heiraten! Was soll die Farce? Dieser ganze Plotpoint war nach nem halben Band durch, er wird nur gezwungenermaßen am Leben gehalten
6. Die Charaktere: sie erfahren nicht nur keine Entwicklung sie haben keinen Charakter. Angeblich ist die Rattenprinzessin ein Bücherwurm, aber wir sehen sie nur zweimal in der Bibliothek. Ansonsten ist ihr Charakter: "hübsch, sanft, unterwürfig, schüchtern"
Der Male lead ist noch weniger ausgearbeitet. Sein ganzer Charakter besteht darin auf die female lead fixiert zu sein. Es gibt nichts anderes. Er will sie als seine Frau und alles andere interessiert ihn nicht. Das ist sein ganzer Charakter.
Ab hier SPOILER:
Meine Kritikpunkte:
1. Das World-Building: ist absolut nicht vorhanden. Uns wird erklärt es gibt 13 Tierclans und der Drachenclan regiert und ist der stärkste. Und die Ratgen sind die schwächsten. Ein bisschen was über ihre Lebenserwartung und das die anderen Clans eben auch den Tierkreiszeichen entsprechen aber das wars. Wir erfahren fast nichts über die Clans, es hätte viel mehr Sinn gemacht beim Rattenclan anzufangen, etwas über deren Lebensweise zu erfahren und dann bekommt sie den Brief dass der König auf Brautschau ist. Stattdessen fangen wir im Palast an
2. Es wird gesagt Katzen- und Rattenclan verstehen sich nicht. Die Katzenprinzessin behandelt die Rattenprinzessin aber wie ihre beste Freundin???
3. Der Male Lead ist 500 Jahre alt und sie ist 16. Yikes. Theoretisch könnte man es noch verzeihen aber dann kommt Punkt 4:
4. Romantisierung von sexueller Belästigung. Der Male lead trifft sie in der Bibliothek und küsst sie. Ohne sie zu fragen. Ohne sich vorzustellen. Sie hat keine Ahnung wer er ist. Das passiert danach tatsächlich noch öfter.
Dann am Ende erfahren wir er hat sie seine "Drachenschuppe" schlucken lassen. Während sie geschlafen hat. Sie wurde nicht nur nicht gefragt, sie weiß nicht einmal etwas davon. Finde ich alles sehr problematisch.
5. Die Erzählzeit und Erzählweise - erst einmal geht alles viel zu schnell und es werden viele Plot Points aufeinander geworfen und kaum erklärt. Die einzelnen Tierclans werden vielleicht noch später vorgestellt, aber wenigstens über den Ratten- und Drachenclan hätte ich mir mehr gewünscht.
Das mit der Drachenschuppe wurde uns von einem Nebencharakter erzählt. Das typische: "Ein Charakter erzählt etwas was jeder im Raum bereits weiß, aber er tut es, weil der Leser es nicht weiß." Es passt nicht rein. Es sticht so heraus aus dem Schreibstil dieses Mangas, dass es fast weh tut.
Dann würde uns am Ende erzählt, dass die Rattenprinzessin in 16 Jahren nur ein paar mal an der Oberfläche war. Wir erfahren es von einem Nebencharakter die das seltsam findet, es wird aber übertönt durch das mit der Drachenschuppe. Ich hätte es besser gefunden, wenn die female lead es dem Male lead erzählt hätte und er daraufhin begonnen hätte Nachforschungen anzustellen.
Noch dazu erwählt der Male lead sie relativ schnell als seine Gefährtin (was das ist und eir das funktioniert erfahren wir auch nicht - nur mal kurz, dass der Drachenkönig eigentlich leine haben sollte weil wohl mal was schlimmes passiert ist??). Und daraufhin verloben sie sich. Da frage ich mich: Wieso gibt es dann eine Brautschau? Wieso muss sie immer noch mit den anderen Prinzessinnen konkurrieren? Sie sind schon verlobt! Er will keine andere, keiner hat was dagegen, dass sie heiraten! Was soll die Farce? Dieser ganze Plotpoint war nach nem halben Band durch, er wird nur gezwungenermaßen am Leben gehalten
6. Die Charaktere: sie erfahren nicht nur keine Entwicklung sie haben keinen Charakter. Angeblich ist die Rattenprinzessin ein Bücherwurm, aber wir sehen sie nur zweimal in der Bibliothek. Ansonsten ist ihr Charakter: "hübsch, sanft, unterwürfig, schüchtern"
Der Male lead ist noch weniger ausgearbeitet. Sein ganzer Charakter besteht darin auf die female lead fixiert zu sein. Es gibt nichts anderes. Er will sie als seine Frau und alles andere interessiert ihn nicht. Das ist sein ganzer Charakter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
Meh,
- did not like the "I'm not like the other princesses" and "I am so small and dainty" ascpects of the MC.
- did not like the one-sided insta-love. Like 80% of the book, the MC is just confused about what is going on.
- Of course, she is 16, couldnt make her an adult.. like why must the king be 500 years and she 16?! Don't try me with that "rats have shorter lifespan" bullcrap. She could've easily been older.. And he kisses/does the soulbond? Ritual without her consent and when she is asleep? Huge ick
+ liked that she was honest about the fact that the dragon boon would benefit her clan and that she would accept being the queen. But also that she wanted time (hope that time is 2 to 5 years) to get to know the king better..
+ liked the art and the storybuilding. Seems like a lot of things are on the line because of the kings insta-love.
- did not like the "I'm not like the other princesses" and "I am so small and dainty" ascpects of the MC.
- did not like the one-sided insta-love. Like 80% of the book, the MC is just confused about what is going on.
- Of course, she is 16, couldnt make her an adult.. like why must the king be 500 years and she 16?! Don't try me with that "rats have shorter lifespan" bullcrap. She could've easily been older.. And he kisses/does the soulbond? Ritual without her consent and when she is asleep? Huge ick
+ liked that she was honest about the fact that the dragon boon would benefit her clan and that she would accept being the queen. But also that she wanted time (hope that time is 2 to 5 years) to get to know the king better..
+ liked the art and the storybuilding. Seems like a lot of things are on the line because of the kings insta-love.
April 9, 2024
Der Artstyle ist super cute und Ruiying ist so schön gezeichnet. Liebe ihr Aussehen sehr!
Mir macht es persönlich nichts aus, dass die Reihe innerhalb von 3 Büchern abgeschlossen ist. Eine kleine, süße, unkomplizierte Geschichte, die mir bisher sehr gut gefällt.
Bin sehr auf die nächsten zwei Bände gespannt! :)
Mir macht es persönlich nichts aus, dass die Reihe innerhalb von 3 Büchern abgeschlossen ist. Eine kleine, süße, unkomplizierte Geschichte, die mir bisher sehr gut gefällt.
Bin sehr auf die nächsten zwei Bände gespannt! :)
October 31, 2022
Eins der schönsten Zeichnungen! Dieser Art Style ist so schön, dass ich den nächsten Band kaufen MUSS! Und ich bin auch hingerissen von der Story, so niedlich, so süß! 🥺❤️
July 3, 2023
When each of the thirteen clans are asked to send a representative princess to the esteemed Dragon Clan’s palace grounds, they all know it is so the the Dragon King can finally choose a bride!
Ruiying is sure she won’t be a qualified candidate. Coming from the Rat Clan—which is the weakest of the thirteen—she believes she stands no chance.
Still, this selection process offers Ruiying another, more exciting opportunity—access to the palace’s enormous library!
Ruiying immediately takes refuge there, finally getting her hands on all the books she couldn’t at home. So much history, so many stories—she could get lost.
If nothing else, Ruiying will enjoy the time she has almost the shelves.
When the Dragon King himself happens upon Ruiying in the library by chance, though, and immediately feels a connection, everything changes in ways Ruiying could have never anticipated.
Having been chosen as the Dragon King’s bride, Ruiying must now navigate complicated court dealings amongst the thirteen clans and there’s something about soulmates???
All Ruiying wanted was to read her stories—and now, she’s living a fairy tale~
Oh, this is SO SWEET & SO CUTE!
Admittedly, I am such a sucker for a reimagined Cinderella story. The little girl inside me will always revel in that joy of experiencing s new princess story for the first time—and, this story is certainly perfect for that!
I do appreciate a main character like Ruiying who sort of wanders into her destiny while seeking our sone other invested interest. For me, it’s just an added bonus that she’s a bookworm. She’s simply adorable.
I appreciate that we get to seem sone glimpses of a fraught childhood as well. It adds some thoughtfulness and depth to her character.
The Dragon King is simply majestic. His relationship with Ruiying is so sweet and kind and tender so far. He needs to work on his communication skills a tad—but, I’ll let it slide for the magic of it all.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to reading more. I think this is a great pick for fans of historical fiction or fantasy romance series like The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts or The Apothecary Diaries~
Ruiying is sure she won’t be a qualified candidate. Coming from the Rat Clan—which is the weakest of the thirteen—she believes she stands no chance.
Still, this selection process offers Ruiying another, more exciting opportunity—access to the palace’s enormous library!
Ruiying immediately takes refuge there, finally getting her hands on all the books she couldn’t at home. So much history, so many stories—she could get lost.
If nothing else, Ruiying will enjoy the time she has almost the shelves.
When the Dragon King himself happens upon Ruiying in the library by chance, though, and immediately feels a connection, everything changes in ways Ruiying could have never anticipated.
Having been chosen as the Dragon King’s bride, Ruiying must now navigate complicated court dealings amongst the thirteen clans and there’s something about soulmates???
All Ruiying wanted was to read her stories—and now, she’s living a fairy tale~
Oh, this is SO SWEET & SO CUTE!
Admittedly, I am such a sucker for a reimagined Cinderella story. The little girl inside me will always revel in that joy of experiencing s new princess story for the first time—and, this story is certainly perfect for that!
I do appreciate a main character like Ruiying who sort of wanders into her destiny while seeking our sone other invested interest. For me, it’s just an added bonus that she’s a bookworm. She’s simply adorable.
I appreciate that we get to seem sone glimpses of a fraught childhood as well. It adds some thoughtfulness and depth to her character.
The Dragon King is simply majestic. His relationship with Ruiying is so sweet and kind and tender so far. He needs to work on his communication skills a tad—but, I’ll let it slide for the magic of it all.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to reading more. I think this is a great pick for fans of historical fiction or fantasy romance series like The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts or The Apothecary Diaries~
November 30, 2023
A fairly standard Chinese Imperial-inspired underdog-chosen-as-bride story, where each of the princesses in the bride-selection process come from different clans each with characteristics of a different Chinese Zodiac animal. The heroine is the princess of the weakest clan (the Rat Clan), a knowledge-hungry girl who only came for the chance to access the palace library, but her simple plans of keeping a low profile are dashed when the Dragon king unexpectedly recognizes her as his fated mate. It's a one-sided love to start, facing disapproval from many even within the king's own court, but he is determined to pursue it. For her part, if she agrees to become queen, her struggling clan will benefit from the king's blessing, but she's unsure if it's the right thing to do - and her life of being shut away means she doesn't know a lot about what's going on in the Dragon court.
A familiar but enjoyable story so far. The king is portrayed as a mysterious and composed figure, not going the route of a brash or domineering dude forcing himself on his intended bride - he can't help wanting to be near her, but he wants her to choose him too; aside from a couple of surprise kisses, this isn't one of those icky horny-romance-novel fantasies where the guy gropes until she gives in. The main side-characters are two lifelong attendants of the king who are concerned for his well-being, the Rat princess's long-suffering maid who tries to keep her properly-dressed and following protocol, and the rival Cat clan princess.
I'm interested to see where this one goes.
A familiar but enjoyable story so far. The king is portrayed as a mysterious and composed figure, not going the route of a brash or domineering dude forcing himself on his intended bride - he can't help wanting to be near her, but he wants her to choose him too; aside from a couple of surprise kisses, this isn't one of those icky horny-romance-novel fantasies where the guy gropes until she gives in. The main side-characters are two lifelong attendants of the king who are concerned for his well-being, the Rat princess's long-suffering maid who tries to keep her properly-dressed and following protocol, and the rival Cat clan princess.
I'm interested to see where this one goes.
May 24, 2023
Rating: 4/5
A promising first volume, “The Dragon King's Imperial Wrath: Falling in Love with the Bookish Princess of the Rat Clan” offers an intriguing fantasy romance.
Ruiying, the charming but curious princess of the Rat Clan, unintentionally ends up not only attracting the attention of the coveted Dragon King, but also seems to his soulmate? According to him? It’s an instant-love situation but Ruiying’s understandable confusion over it makes it more natural. Indeed, this volume almost sets up two narratives. The first is of Ruiying and her confusion upon receiving a role she didn’t plan for and the more fantasy heavy world of the Dragon King and his sudden fixation on her. The writing, especially by the end, does manage to set up how these two will mesh. If the series overall can keep this balance is yet to be determined, but I’m optimistic so far.
It’s impossible to review this without gushing about the art. Akiko Kawano’s art is fantastic. More fantastical and romantic scenes are gorgeous but the chibi animals, particularly Ruiying’s rat-persona, stole my heart. We’ve gotten a peak at the larger world and potential threats. The supporting characters have been solid so far. Menghua, princess of the Cat Clan, is a standout in both design and personality.
It’s only the first volume, but I’m eager to continue the story!
A promising first volume, “The Dragon King's Imperial Wrath: Falling in Love with the Bookish Princess of the Rat Clan” offers an intriguing fantasy romance.
Ruiying, the charming but curious princess of the Rat Clan, unintentionally ends up not only attracting the attention of the coveted Dragon King, but also seems to his soulmate? According to him? It’s an instant-love situation but Ruiying’s understandable confusion over it makes it more natural. Indeed, this volume almost sets up two narratives. The first is of Ruiying and her confusion upon receiving a role she didn’t plan for and the more fantasy heavy world of the Dragon King and his sudden fixation on her. The writing, especially by the end, does manage to set up how these two will mesh. If the series overall can keep this balance is yet to be determined, but I’m optimistic so far.
It’s impossible to review this without gushing about the art. Akiko Kawano’s art is fantastic. More fantastical and romantic scenes are gorgeous but the chibi animals, particularly Ruiying’s rat-persona, stole my heart. We’ve gotten a peak at the larger world and potential threats. The supporting characters have been solid so far. Menghua, princess of the Cat Clan, is a standout in both design and personality.
It’s only the first volume, but I’m eager to continue the story!
August 6, 2024
*A review of the entire story*
When I grabbed these three books from my library, I assumed it was a longer series. It was both nice and disappointing to find out that there were only three books. I looked up the reviews and noticed it was above 4 stars, and that's typically enough to get me to try it out. Sometimes I skim the first few reviews, but I didn't with this one. I do kind of wish I had, because I probably wouldn't have picked it up, but I also didn't *dislike* the story. The non-consensual romantic aspects really put a bad taste in my mouth and it all happened SO FAST. Like, the king literally kissed her the first time he saw her. There wasn't even conversation. That was weird. It could have been done better. On top of that, the main conflict of the story was solved waaaay too fast. Like really rushed. I would have loved to see the relationship between Ruiying and Yawen develop slower and more deeply. I also would have loved to explore the relationship between the other princesses more too. Overall, it was a short enough read that I don't regret it, but I wouldn't really recommend it or ever read it again.
When I grabbed these three books from my library, I assumed it was a longer series. It was both nice and disappointing to find out that there were only three books. I looked up the reviews and noticed it was above 4 stars, and that's typically enough to get me to try it out. Sometimes I skim the first few reviews, but I didn't with this one. I do kind of wish I had, because I probably wouldn't have picked it up, but I also didn't *dislike* the story. The non-consensual romantic aspects really put a bad taste in my mouth and it all happened SO FAST. Like, the king literally kissed her the first time he saw her. There wasn't even conversation. That was weird. It could have been done better. On top of that, the main conflict of the story was solved waaaay too fast. Like really rushed. I would have loved to see the relationship between Ruiying and Yawen develop slower and more deeply. I also would have loved to explore the relationship between the other princesses more too. Overall, it was a short enough read that I don't regret it, but I wouldn't really recommend it or ever read it again.
August 9, 2024
The art is pretty, but the story leaves a lot to be desired. There’s no chemistry between the leads because they don’t know each other much yet, so their actions feel out of place. The ML also kisses the main character/FL without consent/while she’s asleep more than once, and does what is apparently a significant ritual to the dragon people with/to her while she is asleep and without her knowledge either before or after (at least as far as the first volume is concerned). The pacing is off, so events feel like they just *happen* one after another. They should have been spaced farther apart so that the characters, relationships, and world could be developed in the meantime. Characters who are meant to have been friends since childhood seem like they could have met in the past few years. The bones of something great are in here, but it’s missing the meat that makes it worthwhile. All that said, the art is still very pretty! I don’t dislike it, so much as I find myself disappointed by what it lacks.
May 6, 2025
I like the way this series deals with the idea of soulmates/fated mates and how the culture of the Dragon Clan has rituals and great significance weighted only by their clan tied to it. The worldbuilding in this series is expressed through clan culture and it is very well thought out as it takes the experiences from each clan into consideration when composing their different lifestyles and societal norms or taboos.
It’s also interesting to read more about, similarly to how the bookish Rat Clan princess seeks further knowledge and stimulation from a greater library than the one she knows. Lured in by an expansive and vastly varied library as compared to her own clan’s, Princess Ruiying requests her parents send her to the Dragon King’s banquet held to find a bride. She intends to attend the bare minimum of the ceremonies and spend the rest of her time stealing away in the Dragon Clan’s library. But not everything goes according to plan, and Ruiying finds herself stuck in an environment new and curious.
It’s also interesting to read more about, similarly to how the bookish Rat Clan princess seeks further knowledge and stimulation from a greater library than the one she knows. Lured in by an expansive and vastly varied library as compared to her own clan’s, Princess Ruiying requests her parents send her to the Dragon King’s banquet held to find a bride. She intends to attend the bare minimum of the ceremonies and spend the rest of her time stealing away in the Dragon Clan’s library. But not everything goes according to plan, and Ruiying finds herself stuck in an environment new and curious.
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