Jack was super sweet and I could relate with Elsie and that made everything a lot of fun.
Seems like Ali Hazelwood doAlright, I liked this one.
Jack was super sweet and I could relate with Elsie and that made everything a lot of fun.
Seems like Ali Hazelwood doesn't disappoint.
RTC. ________________
Now, I can resume my scheduled reading!
It is a rare thing that I find myself in a mood to read romance, so I have to capitalize whenever the mood strikes, and I plan to do exactly that with an Ali Hazelwood book.
Reading The Love Hypothesis was a blast, and I'm hoping this one will carry the same fun. Plus, my very wonderful Parabatai, Syl vouched for it, and that is all the reassurance I need.
Here's to a fun read to soothe my heart after The Sunshine Court. ...more
“I made that wish once. I wanted to show her off. I wanted to tell the bastards that chased her out of the castle, ‘Look. This is Princ
4.5 stars.
“I made that wish once. I wanted to show her off. I wanted to tell the bastards that chased her out of the castle, ‘Look. This is Princess Yona. She hacked off her hair and took up the sword in order to protect this country. She’s the strongest person I know. Feast your eyes on our Princess’. At long last, he probably sees the princess as his equal. Why does he again make my dream come true in the worst possible way imaginable?”
At this point, I've come to accept that Yona of the Dawn is not exactly happy and sunny right now, but I was still not prepared for the heartbreaking pain that this volume would inflict on me.
I've been nursing this feeling of impending doom for a little while, but it feels like said doom is coating every page now, and it really makes it hard to read through every new chapter.
Not to say that the story is not as incredibly compelling and meaningful as it has always been, because it is, and with every new development things only become more and more revelatory and intriguing; maybe it is precisely because of how deep we're on the lore and mystery that everything else feels so highly, deeply fated and claustrophobic.
“In the first place, you say that the princess back then wasn’t good enough, but isn’t it just that you couldn’t see her potential? It’s not that the princess couldn’t do anything. She worked herself to death and made her dormant abilities her own! You chase her away, and once she comes back, you want to selfishly make her ruler now that you can use her?! When will you be done toying with her?!”
While there is so much that I appreciate and down-right adore about this volume, the interactions between Hak and Soo-won take front and center this time around.
Calling emotionally charged what there is between these two would be an understatement, and it certainly does nothing but become more and more complicated, and maybe it's because of exactly that reason that I can never get enough of them.
They certainly know how to always break my heart.
Both of them were so vulnerable and raw, and despite myself, even Soo-won really struck my heartstrings with his parts.
“There is no going back to the childhood memories, when I thought we would be running in the same direction.”
As dark as things can get in this series, and lately they've really been on a roll, I'm grateful to Kusanagi for always sneaking a dash of humor to make everything that little bit more palatable.
Sure, there weren't many occasions for laughter to sprout this time around, but the few situations that lend themselves to it were nothing if not completely hilarious and heartwarming in the most unique of ways.
It just really seems impossible to not find a kernel of enjoyment when I love the characters so dearly.
One thing is for certain, though, I'm not looking forward to continue in this path we've been on lately, even if I am really invested and desperate for things to go back to the happy old days.
“Lineage barely matters. There are even enemies who you feel bowing your head at because after all is said and done, we just happened to be born in different places.”
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt the reassuring presence of my friends by my side, and the conviction that we would prevail…”
4.75 stars.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt the reassuring presence of my friends by my side, and the conviction that we would prevail…”
I felt nothing if not unadulterated dread through this whole volume.
All through this volume, my heart was racing and squeezing painfully in my ribcage, and while there were some definite triumphant moments scattered here and there the feeling never really left and is still clogging my throat and lungs.
The dark clouds that have been hanging almost out of sight for some volumes now are starting to creep into view and they don't bring glad tidings.
“A member of the royal family like myself cannot exist without the people. Even if it’s hard, by thinking about and working to build a world where there isn’t a need for strife in the future, I’ve found a meaning to my life for the first time.”
While my heart has yet to recover from the existential dread that it was inundated with through the pages of this installment, there were some nice moments that made me euphoric with pride and incandescent with victory. Enough so that they softened the blows, if only a little bit.
As unexpected as it is, seeing Soo-won and Yona work side-by-side, bouncing ideas and strategies from one another is a sight to behold. There is a sharp tang to it that will never go away and makes everything more complicated, but it was a moment of undiluted triumph and wonder.
More than anything, however, seeing the evolution of Yona, who was nothing if not badass and an absolute queen through this whole affair, and Hak's dynamic and how far they both have come was the ultimate highlight, everything else felt opaque in comparison.
“The princess who only receives protection is long gone.”
“Self-sacrifice. I see, so she’s a sacred princess who loves the people as much as they love her.”
“I’m powerless, dragging everyone down with me. At a time like this, if it were them, if it were Yona… if it were Yona, I’m sure she would have reb
“I’m powerless, dragging everyone down with me. At a time like this, if it were them, if it were Yona… if it were Yona, I’m sure she would have rebelled ages ago already! Hasn’t she overcome everything in her way, after all?”
“The bonds forged by Yona, and her friends on their journey have become Kouka’s strength.”
Chagol is actually the worst. Which is interesting, because aside from Gobi, Kusanagi has started pretty clear of the downright awful characters and given us much more complexity. Which, in contrast, makes him a mystery and interesting.
More than anything, I enjoy how this later part of the story has been fleshing Yoon out more and showing the importance, strength, and width of his character. This is brought even more to light with his dynamic with Mei-nyan, which might have just become one of my favorites.
The kindness that has permeated these characters from the very beginning, the kindness that has propelled them to where they are right now, having the time to shine once more, and contrasting the cruelty of Chagol is quite the interesting play in dynamics and themes.
Certainly, I like the Kai Empire Generals and I hope we can get more on them and of them.
While things are looking a little on the bright side there are so many shadows lurking in the corners, so much going on, and so many terribly ominous signs that I am starting to deeply dread what the crux of the matter will be this time around.
“We are by nature a peaceful people who scorn upon war, but let us answer their summon, and repay Yona’s generosity.”
“No matter how unbearable the pain, I thought I could claim victory, but Hak risked his life to protect Kin Province, and the tide of
4.80 stars.
“No matter how unbearable the pain, I thought I could claim victory, but Hak risked his life to protect Kin Province, and the tide of battle was turned by the power of the four dragons and Yona. I was saved by the things I discarded.”
The way this tugged on my heartstrings and destroyed my soul is not even funny, but it is expected at this point.
I will never grow tired of saying that I appreciate, tremendously so, the way that Kusanagi takes time to show the natural reactions of the characters after traumatic, important, impactful events. It might hurt my soul to incredible degrees but those moments are so raw and realistic that I can never help it but be mesmerized by their sheer beauty and humanity.
While the trio of Hak, Yona, and Soo-won are mostly chief, as always, in bringing me the most bittersweet, heartbreaking interactions the ones we got between Val and Mei-nyan were quite the contestants.
Yes, both Mei-nyan and Val might seem like extra characters with little context to the story but in a story built upon the relationship and dynamics of its characters, with so much weight and importance trust upon each interaction, theirs becomes more significant and quite beautiful. Even if it is more straightforward than some of the other bonds that we've seen through the story, I can say with certainty that I ended up quite liking them.
Now, because this is Yona of the Dawn and we cannot have quiet, simple happy moments anymore there was quite a bit of strife and heart-stopping suspense going on too.
“We fought and got hurt together. These days are so far away now.”
“[Why would you help an enemy?] I just don’t want to go out of my way to kill a living person.”
And so, war, in all its ugliness, h 4.75 stars.
“[Why would you help an enemy?] I just don’t want to go out of my way to kill a living person.”
And so, war, in all its ugliness, has broken out.
I have so many mixed feelings about this volume it's not even funny.
For one, I really liked the way that some of the themes of the story come together a little bit more now. It truly feels like the story is starting its final charge and it could come to a head soon enough, that most of the work has been done to explain all these ideas and now they just need to be put together. And Hak being the one to witness such a moment was quite meaningful.
On the other hand, we have the development of the war and Soo-won's character, and how one affects the other. I've not had rest about Soo-won's character from the very beginning and right now is no different, except for the fact that I'm leaning towards distaste more than ever.
While I appreciate the complexity and the dimension given to his character, there is a fine line between complexity, grayness, and just simple disinterest that just put me off quite fast.
That being said, the story has a history of making my blatant distaste and anger turn more mellow and slightly understanding as the characters develop and grow themselves, so I know that my opinions are not fixed in stone just yet.
Lastly, the element of war is depicted as horridly as it deserves and it chills my bones every time a battle of this scale happens, as they are never pretty, simple affairs in this story.
“The great unifiers. Princess Yona and the Four Dragons now symbolize the kingdom.”
“This makes no sense. A bloodied, worn out, armorless pauper, that’s on the verge of collapse. And yet, somehow, he is majestic to beh
4.75 stars.
“This makes no sense. A bloodied, worn out, armorless pauper, that’s on the verge of collapse. And yet, somehow, he is majestic to behold.”
What. Was. That. Ending?!
Just when I think there's nothing else this manga can throw out that can hurt me, there is something that it throws at me that hurts me more than anything.
Volumes that are mostly focused on Hak are always so full of sentiment and the same passion that he carries in his vein and, thus, they make me get sucked right into the story and feel everything that everyone feels.
The little bit we get with the South Kai generals was pretty interesting but I particularly liked Ra-an and his appreciation of Hak even though they are enemies.
As always, Yona and Soo-won's relationship is nothing if not heartbreakingly complicated, messed up, and so incredibly bittersweet. I can never quite make my mind as to how I want them to interact but whatever this whole thing has been is not it.
Even through everything, with my heart shattering in so many different ways and my emotions nothing but a rolling mess, nothing prepared me for the emotional blow that this volume would give me. I might not think the worst, but it is still not something that didn't stop my heart, chilled my veins, and shocked me to my core.
“Stop. We can’t just suddenly become childhood friends again.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t be trying to protect someone who’s killed others. I’m sure none of them wanted to die, and I hate violence. This might cause pro
“Maybe I shouldn’t be trying to protect someone who’s killed others. I’m sure none of them wanted to die, and I hate violence. This might cause problems for a lot of people, and I don’t know what’s right. So I’m sorry but I’m studying medicine at this castle. I came here because I wanted to heal people. That’s all that matters to me.”
One character we haven't gotten a lot of focus on is Yoon, so it was nice seeing him take more center stage this time around. His philosophy in the story is so refreshing and brave, a bravery to uphold his different views that it makes for an interesting change of pace.
Mei-nyan is a character that I'm starting to find intriguing in her own right, especially as it seems that she is quite intertwined with this Val character.
Getting to see more of Kai, of Chagol, and how things are on the other side of the coin is interesting. Generally, when we have gotten to see some of the enemy it has signaled that there is something to be rescued from them and I can't wait to see what. Plus, the inklings that the story might be more connected to the neighboring kingdom make everything a little more complicated.
Because we can never rest for long the bigger-than-life setting is back and I'm not ready for another full-blown conflict to take place so soon. These poor characters need some time to rest.
“Excluding mine, your disease is like that of the dragons. It condemns the afflicted to die young. There is a price to be paid for a human possessing blood that transcends humanity. Regardless of whether the next dragon wants it, the toll will be exacted.”
“You, too, are obsessed with the phantom of Uncle Yu-hon. I don’t intend to say anything more regarding my mother. Maybe my words will
4.25 stars.
“You, too, are obsessed with the phantom of Uncle Yu-hon. I don’t intend to say anything more regarding my mother. Maybe my words will mean nothing to you, but, don’t take Hak’s life. I don’t want to hate any more.”
After the heart-stopping couple of volumes we had, all one father the other, having this more mellow one was much appreciated. Of course, it still made my heart race at points but it was definitely calmer than previous installments.
Once more, we set up mirrors and parallels in the story to highlight and drive home the point; in this case, it is Soo-won who finds himself in that position with Mei-nyan as his mirror image, and it's quite the interesting reflection.
Mostly, this was a bit of an odd one precisely because it was setting up what will develop later, presumably, and thus it feels a little bit bewildering sometimes.
Yona's composure and dignity in the face of overwhelming opposition were breathtaking to witness and quite addictive. Because of the location this all is happening at, the contrast of who she used to be, her growth feels all the sharper and more cutting as well.
There are some really good seeds planted for the future, especially with the relationship between Hak and Soo-won that has been somewhat stagnant for a little while, and it all makes for a very alluring picture to follow.
“So the dragons and the Thunder Beast both belong to you, Princess Yona. For you to receive so much, even though you’re not the King, how unfair.”
“If I had never met you, could I have stopped it? Stopped everyone from being hurt? Stopped everyone from dying? If I were
1oo heartbroken stars.
“If I had never met you, could I have stopped it? Stopped everyone from being hurt? Stopped everyone from dying? If I were not of King Hiryuu’s bloodline. If I had not been born. You are terrifying. Yet you are so dear to me.”
If I thought I knew the meaning of the words pain and suffering before I've come to the rude realization that I was sorely mistaken. This story is the physical incarnation of both those words.
After the terrible set up we got the resolution of this terrible story was even more heartbreaking than I was expecting. I might have known how the pieces needed to be for the story to unfold as it has, but understanding why those pieces are as they are is one of the most tragic and painful things I've ever experienced. They make my heart hurt many times over.
The fact that we can get this level of deep understanding of the situation, however, is incredibly welcomed.
One thing needed to be said, though, I am a firm King Il apologist and will not be swayed.
“I know this letter will not reach you, but my tears would not cease when I read your words. I hope to face you, to face myself, by writing this.”
Now, I need to follow that statement with the disclaimer that I don't think he made no mistakes, the beauty of this story, the heartbreak, resides precisely in all the mistakes everyone made, but it does mean that I understand, and sympathize, with his side the most and thinking of the many injustices done to him by a blinded, caustic, and hedonistic society make my blood boil.
The two brothers, however, are very tragic in nature and I wish their story could have been much different.
However, it cannot escape my notice the beautiful way that the story itself has built up this moment, this most centric and history-altering development by slowly building it up and presenting to us similar situations that ended in different ways, happier and not-quite-harmonic-but-caring, situations, relationships that mirror and parallel the one that set the world ablaze.
It made this whole ordeal punch my gut all the harder.
And, of course, the current situation between Yona, Soo-won, and even Hak is the ultimate mirror of it; presumably, the one that will set it all right, if they manage to disentangle all the betrayal, scheming, pain, and suffering that has twisted their lives for so long, the vicious cycle of violence that has perpetuated itself in their hearts. If the kindness of their parents can only win over the bloodshed.
“I wonder why, this diary only recalls painful memories, yet when I find myself searching for traces of those who are no longer here, I do not wish to let it burn.”
Just like that, in one fell swoop, this story became a completely different beast than what it originally presented itself as, and I couldn't be more in love with it.
My heart remains in shambles, yes, but my appreciation for the beautiful story that Kusanagi has been crafting for so long just shot up about a hundred steps, and it was already quite sky-high.
Truly, I just want to wound back the clock and have none of this tragedy and heartache have happened and let them all be happy and bright and young, truly and without shadows, each and every one of them.
“If one day Yona is to be left alone, I want to leave someone by her side who treasures her above all else. Someone who will never betray her.”
“While a blood descendant, you are just one normal person. That child also has no special powers. All she gains from here on, she will grasp with her own hands. You are the same.”
“Hearts drawn together, and her own blood, even when shaken by conflict, fate marches on.”
While things have steadily been getting more and more
“Hearts drawn together, and her own blood, even when shaken by conflict, fate marches on.”
While things have steadily been getting more and more complicated I was not expecting for things to get so heavy, twisted, dark, and oppressing terrifying any time soon. And yet, this volume made my stomach plummet to the floor and hollow out.
The hints and crumbs that have been dropped about the past are finally uniting and forming a fuller picture and I wish it would stop.
From the beginning, the story of Yona, Hak, and Soo-won has done little else than break my heart with how things break and tarn over time but realizing how much more twisted and heartbreaking this story really is, how it spans so much more than we ever thought, just makes of this the greatest tragedy I've read.
Certainly, there is nothing crueler than fate.
One thing I'm certain of is that I don't like Yu-hon one bit and my distaste for him is only making me conflicted feelings over his son all the more sour and bitter.
“She really is King Hiryuu’s reincarnation. At the time, I could only wonder how on earth one could prove that but ‘resounding with a soul’; with how the dragons said it, it must be true. King Hiryuu, the most unnecessary being in this world.”
“Even if you kill me, you cannot become King Hiryuu. Just try it. Then turn and look behind you. And there, the true red-haired king sh
4.5 stars.
“Even if you kill me, you cannot become King Hiryuu. Just try it. Then turn and look behind you. And there, the true red-haired king shall surely deliver your death.”
Secrets are uncovered, destinies are revealed, and old, dark wounds are reopened; all in one swift move.
My brain literally screeched to a halt at the revelation that was had in this volume. Casually and without fanfare, we are gifted a discovery that does nothing but bestow more questions. And just how will all fall into the puzzle we've slowly been building?
Consequences, devastations, mixed feelings, and an even murkier and uncertain future, all of it yet to be seen; one thing is certain, wherever this path leads it's not what I had pictured at the beginning and it reshapes everything that we have known to this point.
While there are smaller changes to the status quo being made, changes that gave me some hope and restored a bit of my faith in humanity, changes that are important and significant, they were promptly overshadowed by the huge weight of what we now know. And while my faith in humanity was somewhat restored, I was left shattered and scared by the end of it all, all the same.
“A girl who has never even held a weapon before can practice with the bow every day and become plenty skilled. [Can we become like that?] No. She was just more desperate than anyone to get stronger.”
“Before I knew it, it was more happiness than I could hold. Yoon calling out ‘good morning’ Hak and I doing morning practice. Kija an
4.75 stars.
“Before I knew it, it was more happiness than I could hold. Yoon calling out ‘good morning’ Hak and I doing morning practice. Kija and Shin-ah going fishing. Jae-ha helping with the cooking. Zeno waking up to an angry earful from Yoon. All of us eating a small breakfast around the fire. Beginning our days in a meager way, but so happy. But soon, those days will be over.”
If dread were incarnated it would be this volume.
Things are never exactly calm in this series, there's always something or other happening, but while things can get grim and dark at times there has almost never been a time when such a complete sense of dread, grief, pain, and apprehension inundated me as it has happened now.
Certainly, it's not exactly a pleasant experience as it does induce much anxiety.
Kusanagi will always outstand me with the way she can capture emotions so rawly with her drawings and story. I swear I could feel the desperate emotions from the characters coming through the page and constricting my throat, freezing my veins with every new panel.
My hatred towards Joo-doh and Kye-sook has never been greater.
As much as I'm in love with this series, I'm frozen with fear and dread to the point that reading more seems like a terrifying idea. I wanted them all to be safe and happy forever, it's not too much to ask for.
“No matter the circumstances, I can never in my life forgive him! Let’s run away! And if there’s danger wherever we run I’ll protect you! I’ll protect you, and Yoon, and White Snake, and Droopy Eyes, Shin-ah, Zeno, all of you! Even if I die, I swear I will! I’ll… if only I were stronger…”
“Live. Return home. But how? If only I were as strong as a host of men. No. I can surely still fight. The most powerful man alive gra
10/5 stars.
“Live. Return home. But how? If only I were as strong as a host of men. No. I can surely still fight. The most powerful man alive granted me strength, and that remains in my hands.”
After the strife of the last couple of chapters it was nice having my soul returned to my body.
If the previous volume focus on Hak and his growth and struggles with the current situation, this volume was its mirror as it focus on Yona and her struggles and growth more. Both complimenting each other perfectly and squeezing my heart fiercely.
Yona's uncompromising nature and courageous soul raged brightly and gave me that little ray of sunshine even in the hardest of times.
While seeing Yona kick butt and take names was incredibly satisfactory the definite highlight was the moments shared with Hak, as it's always the case when those two share any time on screen together.
One of the best things about this series is that while it does take its time to build up a credible, strong, and absolutely romantic relationship between Hak and Yona it has never really dwadled for the sake of drama; and when things need to happen they happen and set my soul ablaze with the love and trust that shines so fiercely between them.
It was so achingly romantic and devastating all at once and I died a little bit inside with how much life it gave me.
“No. I will not be the goddess for a king who treats my friends as hostages. Even if I die.”
Resolutions needed to happen and they were so well develop and so in-brand with each and everyone of the characters that it was nothing short of perfect.
The thematics elements rage supreme even now, in the subtlests of ways, and carry on to form a strong foundation for the characters to continue moving forward. It might not have been directly spoken of, or drawn too much attention to them, but it is undubitable that they permeated the actions of our protagonists.
Ying Kuelbo ended up being a much more enjoyable character than I had expected originally and, surprisingly, I hate him a lot less than other characters closer to home. If nothing else, his motivations were sympathetic and reasonable and the hidden honor in them elevated him in my steem.
“If I don’t fight back, I’ll end up dead, or my friends will become someone’s tools. I must live, and return home.”
“I am not of the Fire Tribe. In fact, I’ve fought against you in the past. But more than anything, I can understand wanting to protect
4.75 stars.
“I am not of the Fire Tribe. In fact, I’ve fought against you in the past. But more than anything, I can understand wanting to protect your own tribe. And I know that the once desolate Fire Tribe is finally starting to revive, thanks to the effort you’ve put in. So I’ll swear on this blade, that I will not let these bastards take a single step into our country!”
If I thought that any of the previous skirmishes had been epic in nature, well, I certainly was not expecting this to break out at any point.
First of all, Yona's composure, badassery, and dignity even in the worst of situations are truly admirable and deeply inspiring. I love that even virtually powerless she manages to remain courageous and strong.
That being said, what really steals my heart in this volume is the strength of those bonds that have been created slowly through the story and how we can see their unbreakable strength in times of deep need and despair. Seeing each other be there for the one that needs help will never not move me to tears.
Hak is the definite MVP of this volume and I love that we focus so much on him. Even while my heart broke for him I was indescribably proud of his resilience and his resolve, and his sheer passion will always make him one of the best characters there is.
Now, I just need this series to calm down a little bit so that my heart can handle what is to come because the epicness of this whole set-up is immense and awe-inducing.
“For the first time before an enemy my limbs feel numb. I’ve fought with White Snake and the others against armies countless times. And I’ve trained plenty of soldiers during my time as general. But I’ve never led troops into battle. These soldiers are depending on me, but Kyo-ga and Joo-doh have far more experience leading than I do. It’s scary. Before I realized it, I’d gained more things to protect than I can possibly hold.”
“If you do not honor your saviors, no one will come to save you in kind.”
Unrest swells in the Fire Tribe and bad omens manifest.
There reall
“If you do not honor your saviors, no one will come to save you in kind.”
Unrest swells in the Fire Tribe and bad omens manifest.
There really was no need to further complicate things but, of course, that would be way too easy and we need to cause as much strife as it is possible. All of it, so naturally had and continuing the string of events that have been occurring.
Lady Iguni was not someone I was expecting to get so late in the game but I really liked her quiet strength and wise presence; she might seem cold but she has a heart of gold. And the new mysteries that she introduces us to, new avenues of thought that had previously been left alone, are as appealing and intriguing as all of them have been.
My heart nearly left my chest on more than one occasion, but that is more than expected at this point.
“Everyone keeps asking whether I want revenge. Is it so strange for me not to get revenge? What would I even do after striking him down? Stay on the run forever? Seat myself on the throne? Of course I can’t. I can never forget the day my father died, and I do not intend to forgive him. I just love the same country that my father loved. I just want to follow where my heart guides and help the people I meet along the way. And if I achieve happiness that way, then that’s fine.”
Alexandra Elend Wolf
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