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Black Bird #4
Black Bird, Vol. 4
He loves her blood, but does her love her?!
R to L (Japanese Style). He loves her blood, but does her love her?!
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. All that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts--with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves--by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive...and decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.
Volume 4: Despite the constant danger Misao finds herself in, she's determined to stay by Kyo's side no matter what happens. But a chance meeting with one of Kyo's best friends shows her just how hard a human-demon relationship can be. Tadanobu, heir to the Kitsune clan, gave up everything to be with his human girlfriend. But now he is being forced to take on the clan leadership and abandon his love--and it's all Kyo's fault!
R to L (Japanese Style). He loves her blood, but does her love her?!
There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. All that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts--with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves--by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive...and decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.
Volume 4: Despite the constant danger Misao finds herself in, she's determined to stay by Kyo's side no matter what happens. But a chance meeting with one of Kyo's best friends shows her just how hard a human-demon relationship can be. Tadanobu, heir to the Kitsune clan, gave up everything to be with his human girlfriend. But now he is being forced to take on the clan leadership and abandon his love--and it's all Kyo's fault!
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2008
65 people are currently reading
2014 people want to read
About the author
Kanoko Sakurakouji
53 books487 followersKanoko Sakurakouji (桜小路かのこ) is a Japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
January 27, 2021
Black Bird, Volume 4 by Kanoko Sakutakouji is a step up from the previous three books in this series. Let me explain why:
So this series is quite controversial, if I'm being honest. Depending on how you look at this book, it can be quite toxic. If you can put aside that some of the things in this book are creepy, then this specific book starts getting better and is way more of a romantic, fantasy manga that you are seeking. The rape-y comments in past books are kinda weird. Their relationship dynamic is kinda strange. But, you also have to think about where this was made and when - that doesn't make anything okay if you are trigger or think it's not okay, but it's a point of contemplation.
So....
This book was way more romance, action and drama. I honestly thought this book stepped away from the creepy factor and was way more engaging. I want to see the actual romance! I want to see the struggles of the fantasy world that has been created. That was exactly what I wanted out of this series and I can remember why I adored it so fondly when I read it the first time around (when they initially were published).
The illustrations in this series has always blown me away. It's one of the big reasons I jumped back into this book. The art is just magnificent and I truly hope Kanoko has found many jobs using their artistic abilities because WOW.
Overall, this series is taking a step in the right direction and I'm impressed by it. I am anxiously thrilled to continue on reading to see where the story goes.
Four out of five stars.
So this series is quite controversial, if I'm being honest. Depending on how you look at this book, it can be quite toxic. If you can put aside that some of the things in this book are creepy, then this specific book starts getting better and is way more of a romantic, fantasy manga that you are seeking. The rape-y comments in past books are kinda weird. Their relationship dynamic is kinda strange. But, you also have to think about where this was made and when - that doesn't make anything okay if you are trigger or think it's not okay, but it's a point of contemplation.
So....
This book was way more romance, action and drama. I honestly thought this book stepped away from the creepy factor and was way more engaging. I want to see the actual romance! I want to see the struggles of the fantasy world that has been created. That was exactly what I wanted out of this series and I can remember why I adored it so fondly when I read it the first time around (when they initially were published).
The illustrations in this series has always blown me away. It's one of the big reasons I jumped back into this book. The art is just magnificent and I truly hope Kanoko has found many jobs using their artistic abilities because WOW.
Overall, this series is taking a step in the right direction and I'm impressed by it. I am anxiously thrilled to continue on reading to see where the story goes.
Four out of five stars.
July 25, 2025
This review will be the same for all of them-- excluding book seventeen and eighteen-- as I'm going to briefly review books 1-16
I've wanted to read this manga for quite some time, and once I started reading it like a few weeks ago. I couldn't stop. Despite what anyone says, I love this manga. I love the artwork. I love the main character's romance. I love the plot line. And I love all of the characters that make up this manga. There's a lot of people who've said that Hime-sama, the main character in this series, isn't independent, but that she's insufficient and relies on Kyou-sama, which is why this manga isn't good enough to read. Well, okay for one, that's all controversial. And secondly, I don't like my handfuls of dependent girls that can't do anything, in the other genres of books that I read, one example of one of those girls would be, classically, Anastasia Steele from Fifty Shades of Grey.
(I read that series because I wanted to see what all the hub ba baloo was about-- and you can find my reviews here: Fifty Shades of Grey--> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and Fifty Shades Darker--> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Anyways, and since I know what an insufficient girl looks like, I'd just like to get it clear that Himi-sama (or Misao-san) is not one of them. Misao-san wants to be with Kyou so strongly and she wants to be a part of Kyou's life so much because. She. Loves. Him.
obviously.
Not because she's dependent on him. She lived the majority of her life without him. And she didn't die. So? And then for the things that she actually is depend on Kyou for? Like the youkai coming after her because she is the senka? Now that. You actually can't blame Misao for being dependent on Kyou for that because Misao, as a human, can't do anything about that.
Misao differs from girls like Anastasia Steele because as you advance in the stories you blatantly see that Misao wants to help Kyou and the family she has acquired through being the senka and being protected by the great eight. She doesn't want to just sit by and watch people fight her battles. She's strong and independent enough to identify that that's not what she wants and that if she can help in any sort of way- she'll do it.
Beyond that issue-
This anime has a really great romantic factor in it. Beyond the artwork which I absolutely adore (honestly, it's really hard for me to get into an anime or a manga if the artwork is half-assed and illogical like ... a man's arms are past his knees... like that's just weird) the relationship between Kyou and Misao is bitter sweetly adorably and just a relationship that makes my heart cringe. Kyou worked hard for ten years, moving past his older brother, just so he could become the head of the family and he could marry and protect Misao and not let her marry his brother Shou, who she'd been arranged for initially, and whom seemed as if he had many dark secrets of his own.
And Misao who only wants to make Kyou happy and is happiest around him, even though that means she'd have to give up her friends and her family who relentlessly stay by her side.
I just remember smiling so much in response to Misao and Kyou because they really are just a sweet couple- the couple that you have hope for in all the shitty relationships that take place nowadays.
And then, as a whole, the manga's premise is very interesting as it creates a new and interesting world of clans and dark spirits sharing the world among humans.
I definitely recommend this ^^
Happy reading folks
I've wanted to read this manga for quite some time, and once I started reading it like a few weeks ago. I couldn't stop. Despite what anyone says, I love this manga. I love the artwork. I love the main character's romance. I love the plot line. And I love all of the characters that make up this manga. There's a lot of people who've said that Hime-sama, the main character in this series, isn't independent, but that she's insufficient and relies on Kyou-sama, which is why this manga isn't good enough to read. Well, okay for one, that's all controversial. And secondly, I don't like my handfuls of dependent girls that can't do anything, in the other genres of books that I read, one example of one of those girls would be, classically, Anastasia Steele from Fifty Shades of Grey.
(I read that series because I wanted to see what all the hub ba baloo was about-- and you can find my reviews here: Fifty Shades of Grey--> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... and Fifty Shades Darker--> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Anyways, and since I know what an insufficient girl looks like, I'd just like to get it clear that Himi-sama (or Misao-san) is not one of them. Misao-san wants to be with Kyou so strongly and she wants to be a part of Kyou's life so much because. She. Loves. Him.
obviously.
Not because she's dependent on him. She lived the majority of her life without him. And she didn't die. So? And then for the things that she actually is depend on Kyou for? Like the youkai coming after her because she is the senka? Now that. You actually can't blame Misao for being dependent on Kyou for that because Misao, as a human, can't do anything about that.
Misao differs from girls like Anastasia Steele because as you advance in the stories you blatantly see that Misao wants to help Kyou and the family she has acquired through being the senka and being protected by the great eight. She doesn't want to just sit by and watch people fight her battles. She's strong and independent enough to identify that that's not what she wants and that if she can help in any sort of way- she'll do it.
Beyond that issue-
This anime has a really great romantic factor in it. Beyond the artwork which I absolutely adore (honestly, it's really hard for me to get into an anime or a manga if the artwork is half-assed and illogical like ... a man's arms are past his knees... like that's just weird) the relationship between Kyou and Misao is bitter sweetly adorably and just a relationship that makes my heart cringe. Kyou worked hard for ten years, moving past his older brother, just so he could become the head of the family and he could marry and protect Misao and not let her marry his brother Shou, who she'd been arranged for initially, and whom seemed as if he had many dark secrets of his own.
And Misao who only wants to make Kyou happy and is happiest around him, even though that means she'd have to give up her friends and her family who relentlessly stay by her side.
I just remember smiling so much in response to Misao and Kyou because they really are just a sweet couple- the couple that you have hope for in all the shitty relationships that take place nowadays.
And then, as a whole, the manga's premise is very interesting as it creates a new and interesting world of clans and dark spirits sharing the world among humans.
I definitely recommend this ^^
Happy reading folks
November 29, 2018
keep forgetting to mark things off when i actually read them!! ahh!!
April 12, 2023
i found it so funny that the problem, right in this moment of the story, is that they can’t have sex because he’s a tengu and she’s human, and not the fact that she’s 16 and he’s 20
June 30, 2017
RESEÑA COMPLETA ➜ https://goo.gl/qGwNqe
Debo decirles que este cuarto tomo se ha convertido en favorito hasta este momento por varias razones, la primera de ella es que conocemos un poco más del pasado de Kyo gracias a un pequeño capitulo extra donde la autora nos muestra a un pequeño Kyo entrenando duro para poder ser la
cabeza de su familia. Espero en el futuro la autora nos cuente más del camino que Kyo ha tenido que recorrer para poder tener a Misao.
Otra razón es la aparición del mejor amigo de Kyo, gracias al cual veremos una faceta hasta ahora desconocida de él, porque ya sabíamos que era duro, enojón y súper pervertido pero ahora también veremos que tiene un corazón para alguien que no sea Misao. De hecho hay una escena en este tomo donde él la está besando pero como sabe que va a tener que matar a su mejor amigo le dice a ella que disfrute sus besos porque podrían ser los últimos como esos y no lo dice porque cree que va a morir sino porque sabe que al matar a alguien tan cercano para él algo dentro suyo va a morir. Me pareció interesante que la autora nos mostrara este lado débil de él cuando hasta ahora lo habíamos visto ser todopoderoso.
Además la aparición de Tadanobu nos dejó en claro dos cosas, uno que Kyo ha sido un pervertido desde que era niño (lo siento, pero tenía que mencionarlo) y que las relaciones entre Ayakashi y humanos son siempre complicadas. Por ejemplo, Tadanobu ha estado enamorada de una humana
desde hace años y por ella decidió perder ante su hermano menor para poder estar juntos pero ahora que Kyo ha matado a su hermano ha tenido que regresar como cabeza de familia para reclamar a Misao aunque él no tenga interés alguno en ella. Por su parte Ren al ser humana ha tenido que aceptar todo lo que conlleva salir con un Ayakashi, un camino difícil por el cual Misao apenas está caminando...
RESEÑA COMPLETA ➜ https://goo.gl/qGwNqe
September 8, 2025
This one was my favorite so far, but I find it hard to ignore the fact that Kyo’s questionable reasoning for killing one person (and keeping others involved in the same scheme alive) directly caused all the issues in this volume. Which is only bad because I found them not as thought out and valid as everyone else is treating it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
Even more exciting new characters that add layers to the story. I'm going to have to buy more volumes as that was the last one I currently own.
February 21, 2015
Dear Reader,
After finishing four books in the Black Bird series, I’ve come to understand something about Kanoko Sakurakouji: She’s a damn sadist. She loves those horrible cliffhangers that make a reader want to face plant a desk. And yet I can’t get enough!
I really can’t.
I just sjdsfhdsfdldhfg *sob* I’m so addicted it’s painful.
I need to learn her secrets.
❥ ❥ ❥
*breathes deeply* I will try to finish this review without spontaneously combusting.
Some things you should know about the fourth volume of Black Bird:
It starts with a nice and spicy make-out scene between Kyo and Misao. Nothing shows a promising read with some heavy breathing in the first scene. ©_©
The Tengu men are a horny bunch. Though if you’ve been reading my reviews of the previous stories, you’ve probably realized this. Just thought it was worth repeating. I’d totally get along with these dudes if they were real peeps. Why can’t fictional characters be reeaaaal? *sob*
After Kyo completely whoops the last Kitsune leader’s ass, a new heir to the throne appears. An heir whom happens to be Kyo’s best friend, Tadanobu. Did I mention they met when Kyo accidentally dropped his porn stash on Tadanobu’s head? It was bromance at first glance!
In the first two novels, Misao is this timid, shy creature that took great pleasure in slapping away Kyo’s roaming hands (and I take great pleasure watching her slap him around, it’s just too funny), but in the last couple of volumes, we see she is emerging from her timid shell, and expressing some bad-ass bravery. Stupidity as well, but let’s not pretend these two personality traits are in any way mutually exclusive.
Misao makes a new friend! She stumbles into one of her father’s folklore students who can also see the supernatural creatures that Misao has always been plagued by. It’s totally friends for life . . . until she meets her new friend’s boyfriend. ::sad face::
May cause irreversible addiction if not read in moderation. One Curvy Blogger is not responsible for any damage/fees associated with a Back Bird addiction. Read at your own risk.
Did you make any sense out of this review?
No?
Good.
Sorry not sorry.
After finishing four books in the Black Bird series, I’ve come to understand something about Kanoko Sakurakouji: She’s a damn sadist. She loves those horrible cliffhangers that make a reader want to face plant a desk. And yet I can’t get enough!
I really can’t.
I just sjdsfhdsfdldhfg *sob* I’m so addicted it’s painful.
I need to learn her secrets.
❥ ❥ ❥
*breathes deeply* I will try to finish this review without spontaneously combusting.
Some things you should know about the fourth volume of Black Bird:
It starts with a nice and spicy make-out scene between Kyo and Misao. Nothing shows a promising read with some heavy breathing in the first scene. ©_©
The Tengu men are a horny bunch. Though if you’ve been reading my reviews of the previous stories, you’ve probably realized this. Just thought it was worth repeating. I’d totally get along with these dudes if they were real peeps. Why can’t fictional characters be reeaaaal? *sob*
After Kyo completely whoops the last Kitsune leader’s ass, a new heir to the throne appears. An heir whom happens to be Kyo’s best friend, Tadanobu. Did I mention they met when Kyo accidentally dropped his porn stash on Tadanobu’s head? It was bromance at first glance!
In the first two novels, Misao is this timid, shy creature that took great pleasure in slapping away Kyo’s roaming hands (and I take great pleasure watching her slap him around, it’s just too funny), but in the last couple of volumes, we see she is emerging from her timid shell, and expressing some bad-ass bravery. Stupidity as well, but let’s not pretend these two personality traits are in any way mutually exclusive.
Misao makes a new friend! She stumbles into one of her father’s folklore students who can also see the supernatural creatures that Misao has always been plagued by. It’s totally friends for life . . . until she meets her new friend’s boyfriend. ::sad face::
May cause irreversible addiction if not read in moderation. One Curvy Blogger is not responsible for any damage/fees associated with a Back Bird addiction. Read at your own risk.
Did you make any sense out of this review?
No?
Good.
Sorry not sorry.
Impatient and addicted,
☃ One Curvy Blogger
August 13, 2017
I am frustrated by our main heroine - she's childish, stupid, naive, etc. Yet I want to see where is all this going to end.
Introducing Ren was my favourite part, she's gorgeous and - THANK GOD - mature. I'm too old for this kind of manga, it seems. But it has a lot of blood and killing and some sex-like-moments that confuses me. Let's see what happens.
February 1, 2017
I hope that Kyo and misco get married soon even if he's really bossy but you have to admit Edward was bossy in twilight and we didn't complain why should we now.
May 17, 2017
Por fin llegué a un punto donde todo se complica y comienza a tener una explicación.
January 11, 2018
Vaya todos los problemas que aun van tener que afrontar para que sean felices, pero lo vale cada momento y cada situación los hace amarse más...
March 15, 2021
When it comes to romance for young girls, you'll tend to find some popular series that portray very unhealthy relationships that are glossed over and glamorized as normal and acceptable.
Black Bird is one of those series.
There really isn't a plot in this story nor is there any character development within this manga series. Black Bird is about the head of the Tengu clan named Kyo trying to kill anyone who gets in between him and Misao who happens to be this 'Holy Fruit' just so he can sleep with her.
I wouldn't have a problem with this series if Kyo wasn't a controlling, abusive, sex fiend. He touches her when she doesn't want to be touched, makes snide remarks about sleeping with her and is a dominating control freak.
One example is when she is taking a bath and he gives her his clothes because he 'doesn't want her to wear clothes of another man.'
Other examples are when she has her mind on something other than him he 'punishes' her by kissing her and doing what he pleases with her even when she protests.
There are times when she is unconscious and he is kissing her naked body. Folks, if the person is, any way, unable to verbally and mentally give consent, then that's sexual assault.
What's horrible about his whole thing is that it's attempting to be cute and funny when it's not. It's not cute, funny, or romantic when a man makes a woman uncomfortable by touching her when she does not want to be touched.
I did give Misao credit because she doesn't love him at first and wants nothing to do with him even though he is handsome. One thing is that she believes that he doesn't want her for who she is but because she is this 'Holy Fruit' and she has every right to believe that. She has enough brains to slap him, kick his knee, or push him away when she says no every time he advances on her.
The problem with her as the series continues is that she falls in love with him. This is dangerous because this behavior creates societal expectations for men and women. It causes men to think that women say 'no' but never mean it. It's dangerous for women, who actually don't want to be in a relationship because they get unwanted attention with stalking and constant pressure (from men and the rest of society) into saying yes. And can you blame them? After endless, nonstop attempts, of course she's going to give up and stop resisting. Saying no doesn't matter. What a woman says doesn't matter, because she's so 'inconsiderate' of a man's feelings. How dare she say no!
Kyo is a creepy sex fiend. That's all there is to it. During his childhood he made sure he was the head of the house so he could marry her. To physically stay close to her he moved next door to her as her neighbor. He even becomes a teacher at her school.
I know sometimes the manga intends to bring humor when Misao slaps Kyo during his advances but honesty . . . it's not funny. Not even close.
If you look at the setup for this story, it shouldn't be a surprise that it's not good. The story is setup for a failed romance. Think about it. A romance between a girl who is this predestined bride and a demon who makes a choice between loving her for who she is or forcefully taking her to bring prosperity to his clan. It puts the heroine in a scenario where she has to accept one of her competitors or die from a rejected demon who kills her to prevent her from becoming someone else's bride.
So no matter what Misao says, it's a lose-lose situation for her. And all for the 'prosperity' of a demon clan.
And what's alarming is that you have plenty of book and manga series that are similar like this but super popular. Which is sad. I just hope women read this and don't desire a relationship like this because this is not okay.
Black Bird is one of those series.
There really isn't a plot in this story nor is there any character development within this manga series. Black Bird is about the head of the Tengu clan named Kyo trying to kill anyone who gets in between him and Misao who happens to be this 'Holy Fruit' just so he can sleep with her.
I wouldn't have a problem with this series if Kyo wasn't a controlling, abusive, sex fiend. He touches her when she doesn't want to be touched, makes snide remarks about sleeping with her and is a dominating control freak.
One example is when she is taking a bath and he gives her his clothes because he 'doesn't want her to wear clothes of another man.'
Other examples are when she has her mind on something other than him he 'punishes' her by kissing her and doing what he pleases with her even when she protests.
There are times when she is unconscious and he is kissing her naked body. Folks, if the person is, any way, unable to verbally and mentally give consent, then that's sexual assault.
What's horrible about his whole thing is that it's attempting to be cute and funny when it's not. It's not cute, funny, or romantic when a man makes a woman uncomfortable by touching her when she does not want to be touched.
I did give Misao credit because she doesn't love him at first and wants nothing to do with him even though he is handsome. One thing is that she believes that he doesn't want her for who she is but because she is this 'Holy Fruit' and she has every right to believe that. She has enough brains to slap him, kick his knee, or push him away when she says no every time he advances on her.
The problem with her as the series continues is that she falls in love with him. This is dangerous because this behavior creates societal expectations for men and women. It causes men to think that women say 'no' but never mean it. It's dangerous for women, who actually don't want to be in a relationship because they get unwanted attention with stalking and constant pressure (from men and the rest of society) into saying yes. And can you blame them? After endless, nonstop attempts, of course she's going to give up and stop resisting. Saying no doesn't matter. What a woman says doesn't matter, because she's so 'inconsiderate' of a man's feelings. How dare she say no!
Kyo is a creepy sex fiend. That's all there is to it. During his childhood he made sure he was the head of the house so he could marry her. To physically stay close to her he moved next door to her as her neighbor. He even becomes a teacher at her school.
I know sometimes the manga intends to bring humor when Misao slaps Kyo during his advances but honesty . . . it's not funny. Not even close.
If you look at the setup for this story, it shouldn't be a surprise that it's not good. The story is setup for a failed romance. Think about it. A romance between a girl who is this predestined bride and a demon who makes a choice between loving her for who she is or forcefully taking her to bring prosperity to his clan. It puts the heroine in a scenario where she has to accept one of her competitors or die from a rejected demon who kills her to prevent her from becoming someone else's bride.
So no matter what Misao says, it's a lose-lose situation for her. And all for the 'prosperity' of a demon clan.
And what's alarming is that you have plenty of book and manga series that are similar like this but super popular. Which is sad. I just hope women read this and don't desire a relationship like this because this is not okay.
March 17, 2017
http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/black-bird-volume-4/
I’m really enjoying how much closer Kyo and Misao are getting. She’s starting to care for him deeply and he’s starting to let his feelings show instead talking about sex all the time. Speaking of sex, I’m really not sure what’s going on there. It seems like they keep running into this brick wall. Aside from Misao not being ready, there are all these prophecies that say they can have sex or they can’t. It’s weird. If this ends like Chobits I’m going to be disappointed. It’s not so much that I want to them to have sex that I think it’s realistic. With Chobits, she was a robot so that would have been weird anyway. My point is, after all the back and forth about their sex life, they’re told once again that they shouldn’t have sex. That sucks for Kyo considering he talks about it constantly.
It seems Kyo has been best friends with Tadanobu, a member of a rival clan. Now that Kyo has killed Tadanobu’s brother he is the only one that can take on the clan leadership. That means he much leave his human girlfriend, a sweet girl Misao has just met and befriended. Kyo threatens to kill Tadanobu if he plans to go after Misao, but Nobu’s girlfriend threatens to kill Kyo if he tried to harm her boyfriend. Misao knows Kyo doesn’t really want to do this and she know she can’t let Nobu’s girlfriend try to kill him.
I’m still really enjoying this series and liking it more with every volume. I think I’m doing a good job keeping up with the fantasy elements which is always my worry with this particular subgenre.
I’m really enjoying how much closer Kyo and Misao are getting. She’s starting to care for him deeply and he’s starting to let his feelings show instead talking about sex all the time. Speaking of sex, I’m really not sure what’s going on there. It seems like they keep running into this brick wall. Aside from Misao not being ready, there are all these prophecies that say they can have sex or they can’t. It’s weird. If this ends like Chobits I’m going to be disappointed. It’s not so much that I want to them to have sex that I think it’s realistic. With Chobits, she was a robot so that would have been weird anyway. My point is, after all the back and forth about their sex life, they’re told once again that they shouldn’t have sex. That sucks for Kyo considering he talks about it constantly.
It seems Kyo has been best friends with Tadanobu, a member of a rival clan. Now that Kyo has killed Tadanobu’s brother he is the only one that can take on the clan leadership. That means he much leave his human girlfriend, a sweet girl Misao has just met and befriended. Kyo threatens to kill Tadanobu if he plans to go after Misao, but Nobu’s girlfriend threatens to kill Kyo if he tried to harm her boyfriend. Misao knows Kyo doesn’t really want to do this and she know she can’t let Nobu’s girlfriend try to kill him.
I’m still really enjoying this series and liking it more with every volume. I think I’m doing a good job keeping up with the fantasy elements which is always my worry with this particular subgenre.
December 21, 2020
Can’t read these things fast enough clearly.
January 1, 2023
5 stars
This is where I started to become more invested in the romance and believe it. For the last three volumes, I was just kind of nodding my head along and thinking, okay, sure, if you say so. This is where it starts to feel more honest and genuine. I also liked the character development a lot more than there were no huge big baddies in this one looking to assault Misao every chance they got.
This is where I started to become more invested in the romance and believe it. For the last three volumes, I was just kind of nodding my head along and thinking, okay, sure, if you say so. This is where it starts to feel more honest and genuine. I also liked the character development a lot more than there were no huge big baddies in this one looking to assault Misao every chance they got.
August 9, 2016
Gather round, children! This wasn't quite as bad as the previous volume!
Full disclosure: I lived in Japan for a year as a teenager and the only manga I've ever read is Cardcaptor Sakura. In Japanese.
This is not a good second opinion.
What do you recommend as a good manga? I've watched some anime in the past and enjoyed it, and understand Japanese culture well.
Full disclosure: I lived in Japan for a year as a teenager and the only manga I've ever read is Cardcaptor Sakura. In Japanese.
This is not a good second opinion.
What do you recommend as a good manga? I've watched some anime in the past and enjoyed it, and understand Japanese culture well.
December 18, 2014
Another violent shoujo manga. I love it! It was nice this time to see Misao be able to stand up for Kyo a bit. She's a pretty weak heroine but I still root for her especially in volumes like this one.
May 10, 2018
LOL the one thing Kyo yearns for, he can't have (at this point in time 😜)- who know what'll happen in the future.
I loved how Misao was able to protect Kyo in her own way so she isn't just the damsel in distress all the time.
I loved how Misao was able to protect Kyo in her own way so she isn't just the damsel in distress all the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2021
I continue to be impressed by the occasional thoughtful scenes in this manga. It's sweet to see these two genuinely try to meet in the middle despite the prophecy and inter-clan battles trying to keep them apart. Renko is a nice addition to the cast, and I hope we see more of her as the series goes along, because romance manga can often be lacking in same-sex friends for its heroines who aren't just part of the scenery at school.
After a few months away from this series I had no recollection of any of the hangers-on in Kyo's house, and if they continue to be wallpaper (as they are in this volume), I'm sure I'll forget them in the next break, too.
After a few months away from this series I had no recollection of any of the hangers-on in Kyo's house, and if they continue to be wallpaper (as they are in this volume), I'm sure I'll forget them in the next break, too.
March 5, 2024
Gotta take care of the bestie 8^8
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
I begrudgingly admit, I liked the childhood friends to current enemies situation. It was complex and emotionally painful - the oscillation between tender moments and hammed up comedy is sometimes to this series’ detriment. Ren and Tadanobu added a great comparison and foil to Misao and Kyo! And it’s a win for me that they are finally communicating with one another, with Misao admitting a want to stand at Kyo’s side with full awareness, and Kyo learning to express his emotions. Very soft, I like those scenes.
We’re getting more into the fantasy politics and magic aspects of this that had me hooked my first time reading this so long ago. I find it interesting that the person who is supposed to bring such prosperity to a demon clan is almost… doomed to be cast aside? You’d think they’d aim to keep her, but I guess it’s annoying to keep a human alive and try to get them through a birth. Kyo’s consistent refusal to let Misao know how much danger she’s actually in will totally not bite him in the ass later. /s
We’re getting more into the fantasy politics and magic aspects of this that had me hooked my first time reading this so long ago. I find it interesting that the person who is supposed to bring such prosperity to a demon clan is almost… doomed to be cast aside? You’d think they’d aim to keep her, but I guess it’s annoying to keep a human alive and try to get them through a birth. Kyo’s consistent refusal to let Misao know how much danger she’s actually in will totally not bite him in the ass later. /s
December 3, 2017
Okay, so here's what happened:
In vol 3, Kyo (the main character's love interest) killed his rival clan's head. Why? Jeez, I don't know! Something about him trying to rape Misao, maybe??? It wasn't clear to me.
Now in vol 4, we're introduced to that clan's older brother. Turns out he abdicated his rightful place as head of the clan because he was in love with a human girl. Well, now that his younger bro is DEAD, he HAS tobecome the new head because... because uhm...
Because what????????? hell if I know. I'm reading an online scanlation which is badly translated to english (my honest guess is that the group that tried to translate this just copied all the kanji and pasted it straight to google translator), so a lot of the story is me guessing what the characters were trying to say and the other half is me having absolutely NO CLUE whatsoever lol
What I did get, though, is that the Kuzunoha clan has to fight the Tengu (?) clan for Misao. So Kyo has to kill his childhood's bff (the guy I mentioned earlier) or he has to be killed.
I honestly don't understand why can't Kuzunoha just... marry his girlfriend (Ren) and leave Kyo with Misao. And even if I knew about it, I still wouldn't understand, because this just seems like a cheap way to keep the drama going and make Misao think "oh no! I can't be with Kyo because of [whatever bullshit reason]".
I still like this story overall, but damn... some stuff is getting harder to ignore.
In vol 3, Kyo (the main character's love interest) killed his rival clan's head. Why? Jeez, I don't know! Something about him trying to rape Misao, maybe??? It wasn't clear to me.
Now in vol 4, we're introduced to that clan's older brother. Turns out he abdicated his rightful place as head of the clan because he was in love with a human girl. Well, now that his younger bro is DEAD, he HAS tobecome the new head because... because uhm...
Because what????????? hell if I know. I'm reading an online scanlation which is badly translated to english (my honest guess is that the group that tried to translate this just copied all the kanji and pasted it straight to google translator), so a lot of the story is me guessing what the characters were trying to say and the other half is me having absolutely NO CLUE whatsoever lol
What I did get, though, is that the Kuzunoha clan has to fight the Tengu (?) clan for Misao. So Kyo has to kill his childhood's bff (the guy I mentioned earlier) or he has to be killed.
I honestly don't understand why can't Kuzunoha just... marry his girlfriend (Ren) and leave Kyo with Misao. And even if I knew about it, I still wouldn't understand, because this just seems like a cheap way to keep the drama going and make Misao think "oh no! I can't be with Kyo because of [whatever bullshit reason]".
I still like this story overall, but damn... some stuff is getting harder to ignore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2013
This was a great installment in this series. It was emotional, tense, and full of action. From the beginning both characters are their emotional extreme and that pace never really lets us as the plot unfolds. And the plot that unfolds is one of friendship and sacrifice.
Misao really impressed me in this book because so many heroines are 'save me, save me'! Misao doesn't want to always be saved though. she wants to be an equal partner who Kyo. That made me really respect her. I am also pretty impressed with Kyo's character. He isn't the typical guy who wants to know everything about you while giving nothing of himself. He tells Misao what he is thinking, what he wants, and what he is going to too. Talk about refreshing.
So yeah, this story is totally dark and I am loving it.
Misao really impressed me in this book because so many heroines are 'save me, save me'! Misao doesn't want to always be saved though. she wants to be an equal partner who Kyo. That made me really respect her. I am also pretty impressed with Kyo's character. He isn't the typical guy who wants to know everything about you while giving nothing of himself. He tells Misao what he is thinking, what he wants, and what he is going to too. Talk about refreshing.
So yeah, this story is totally dark and I am loving it.
September 14, 2017
The saga continues - Having killed Shuehei last volume to protect Misao, Kyo must now face the new leader of the Kitsune clan - Tadanobu. Only problem is the pair are close friends and neither want to fight to the death. Tadanobu is even in love with another human girl, but knows that his clan will force him to go after Misao. On top of that are of course all the added fears about what will happen if Misao does finally sleep with Kyo... will a child from their union kill her? Only the Senka Roku can shed any light on the subject and it has been conveniently stolen....
Epic YA paranormal romance in manga form. Love it to bits. Melodrama in spades, (seemingly???) doomed love, all with really beautiful art.
Epic YA paranormal romance in manga form. Love it to bits. Melodrama in spades, (seemingly???) doomed love, all with really beautiful art.
December 4, 2018
After the decisive battle between Kyou and Shuuhei, the fox clan is in disarray. Tadanobu, the mild mannered older brother of Shuuhei has been elected as the new leader of the clan, and the pressure for him to steal Misao is crushing him.
The thing is, Tadanobu and Kyou are actually very close friends, which is very unusual in youkai society, and to top things off, Tadanobu has a serious human girlfriend named Renko and wants to marry her.
Knowing that a battle for Misao is inevitable, the two former friends say goodbye to their loved ones and duel. But both Misao and Renko cannot accept losing the youkai that they love and must make a difficult decision. Can love triumph? Or the high expectations of each of their respective clans will rule supreme?
The thing is, Tadanobu and Kyou are actually very close friends, which is very unusual in youkai society, and to top things off, Tadanobu has a serious human girlfriend named Renko and wants to marry her.
Knowing that a battle for Misao is inevitable, the two former friends say goodbye to their loved ones and duel. But both Misao and Renko cannot accept losing the youkai that they love and must make a difficult decision. Can love triumph? Or the high expectations of each of their respective clans will rule supreme?
October 24, 2018
It is nice to see the emotional aspect of Kyo and Misao continues to build even if it creates some very fundamental moral challenges for Misao. It is also interesting to see another human/demon relationship. It is not an easy relationship if you have a grand destiny or not.
Misao may seems weak to some people, but she doesn't have the skill or the supernatural power to fight the demons. However, she is willing to risk herself to stand up for what she believes is right. That does take a particular type of strength.
Misao may seems weak to some people, but she doesn't have the skill or the supernatural power to fight the demons. However, she is willing to risk herself to stand up for what she believes is right. That does take a particular type of strength.
September 20, 2019
A good volume! It had serious moments as well as a few funny moments for the characters. I love how this manga brings out every emotion in me.
I read this for a couple of readathons:
Reading Rivalry: A book featuring flight because there are bird creatures in this series!
Cardcaptor-a-thon - The Silent - Read a Graphic Novel because the Silent card capture takes place in an art museum.
I read this for a couple of readathons:
Reading Rivalry: A book featuring flight because there are bird creatures in this series!
Cardcaptor-a-thon - The Silent - Read a Graphic Novel because the Silent card capture takes place in an art museum.
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