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littlebookterror's review against another edition
slow-paced
4.0
[Something I will never get over is how Japan produces so many iterations of the same story. I am reading the manga because that's what my library has. But that's based on a light novel series that was first published online. And now there is live-action movie (with a potential for a sequel if I understand it correctly?) and the first season of the anime.]
The first volume has a very promising start. While the first two chapters are just okay in its take on Cinderella with all the usual exposition about abusive parents and mean stepsisters - but it actually seems to lay a reasonable foundation for the character's personalities beyond the surface ideas. I especially see potential for her sister, Kaya, and her new fiancé, Koji to get fleshed-out arcs as their interaction with our main character promised more to come.
Miyo's abusive upbringing is also not just window dressing. We meet her as a down-beaten 19-year-old who is resigned to her position in life. Any strong emotions feel fruitless in the face of her oarents' control, so she does not bother to argue, not even when she is sent away for an arranged marriage that seems doomed to fail.
Her first interactions with Kiyoka Kudo do not all that well and aside from their misconception about each other's persona, they were generally careful and tentative around each other, a dynamic I very much enjoyed. So far they've spent enough time together that they both know they could like each other without changing their entire personalities. It's clear that they will have to learn how toe be in each other's space and navigate a relationship successfully and I am here for it.
We also get some general information about the gifts people have and why they are important to the noble families. All in all, it's a satisfying first volume.
The gradual pace of the story also seems very promising!
The first volume has a very promising start. While the first two chapters are just okay in its take on Cinderella with all the usual exposition about abusive parents and mean stepsisters - but it actually seems to lay a reasonable foundation for the character's personalities beyond the surface ideas. I especially see potential for her sister, Kaya, and her new fiancé, Koji to get fleshed-out arcs as their interaction with our main character promised more to come.
Miyo's abusive upbringing is also not just window dressing. We meet her as a down-beaten 19-year-old who is resigned to her position in life. Any strong emotions feel fruitless in the face of her oarents' control, so she does not bother to argue, not even when she is sent away for an arranged marriage that seems doomed to fail.
Her first interactions with Kiyoka Kudo do not all that well and aside from their misconception about each other's persona, they were generally careful and tentative around each other, a dynamic I very much enjoyed. So far they've spent enough time together that they both know they could like each other without changing their entire personalities. It's clear that they will have to learn how toe be in each other's space and navigate a relationship successfully and I am here for it.
We also get some general information about the gifts people have and why they are important to the noble families. All in all, it's a satisfying first volume.
The gradual pace of the story also seems very promising!
galaxytesh's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars
i love my slow burning angsty love stories
i love my slow burning angsty love stories
rue1990's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mertiemertt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
orianavdf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
chanuki's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Quick story about Miyo who is treated like a servant although she is the first daughter of a prestigious family. Then she is sent away to marry a harsh soldier, Kiyoko and learns about his life. The series continues.
mary_jane99's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this. It was a great start to the series and I loved both of the main characters. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops and I am intrigued about the magic system. I have high hopes for the next volume!
moonstoned97's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5