jay_mack9712's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
niovski's review against another edition
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
As a fan of period pieces in general, this was right up my alley. This volume was a lot of set-up and laying down the foundations of the protagonists circumstances but I enjoyed it. I also didn't expect it to be a enemies to lovers scenario but it certainly piqued my interest and I'm excited to read more.
bookswithcesco's review against another edition
2.0
This was a pretty good introduction to the series, I found a lot of the parts confusing for the first 3 chapters and it really only made sense in the end, looking forward for the story to come together in future volumes.
slipperbunny's review against another edition
2.0
I'm rather picky with yaoi and maybe that's why I didn't like this that much. The art was nice but the story was way too boring and would need some humor.
nordicreads's review against another edition
4.0
A slow start to a great series.
I've read the Blue Morning series before and I'm rereading since getting a hold of the final volume.
The thing about Blue Morning is that it's not quite a slow burn romance, with a heavy focus on the external events surrounding the characters. Centered around the time Japan was transitioning from a feudal system to a more modern culture of commercialism, there's a great deal of politics, intrigue, and power plays involved.
Personally, I love that! I love how detailed the backgrounds are, and I love following the intricate maneuvering of various characters through twists and turns to gain the upper hand. In service of that, this first book really serves most to set up the characters, plot, and setting, so there is little work done on the chemistry. Honestly, we only really get a couple of kisses and that's about it. But what the series sacrifices in a slow start it makes up for later when things get really interesting.
I'd say if you're looking for a BL that has some story to it, then do read at least a book or two more.
That being said, if you're looking for something with less plot and more action, then maybe give this a miss. Things definitely get steamy in later books, but my favourite aspect has always been that the characters are characters--it always feels like they're motivated but their individual lives and desires that I like how, despite their wishes, there is a degree of realisation that duties, and the reality of their circumstances, limit what kind of lives they can live.
I've read the Blue Morning series before and I'm rereading since getting a hold of the final volume.
The thing about Blue Morning is that it's not quite a slow burn romance, with a heavy focus on the external events surrounding the characters. Centered around the time Japan was transitioning from a feudal system to a more modern culture of commercialism, there's a great deal of politics, intrigue, and power plays involved.
Personally, I love that! I love how detailed the backgrounds are, and I love following the intricate maneuvering of various characters through twists and turns to gain the upper hand. In service of that, this first book really serves most to set up the characters, plot, and setting, so there is little work done on the chemistry. Honestly, we only really get a couple of kisses and that's about it. But what the series sacrifices in a slow start it makes up for later when things get really interesting.
I'd say if you're looking for a BL that has some story to it, then do read at least a book or two more.
That being said, if you're looking for something with less plot and more action, then maybe give this a miss. Things definitely get steamy in later books, but my favourite aspect has always been that the characters are characters--it always feels like they're motivated but their individual lives and desires that I like how, despite their wishes, there is a degree of realisation that duties, and the reality of their circumstances, limit what kind of lives they can live.
idontknowmyname's review against another edition
4.0
i really liked the manga, especially in the beginning. the tension... my god. BUT it’s kinda weird cause he’s like ten in the beginning and falls in love with an adult and i guess that gets better with time but the rape scene? that’s just weird and wrong
still 4 stars because the plot, the setting, the characters and the design and language is really well done, but i am freaked out by him saying as long as katsuragi’s always on his side he doesn’t care if he loves him.
still 4 stars because the plot, the setting, the characters and the design and language is really well done, but i am freaked out by him saying as long as katsuragi’s always on his side he doesn’t care if he loves him.
graveyardbook's review against another edition
4.0
Went a couple of volumes into this and wow, it's so...different. Yaoi with more story than sex? wHAT. I thought the only possibility was insta-sexy-feels and an erotic premise to just get...well, erotic (though I don't always hate it heh):
Sorry, I just had to use that gif. I had an urge.
Well, Blue Morning tells the intriguing story of the struggle for power in an era that's at crossroads between traditional noble family Japan versus the newly self-built wealthy. I had zero clue about this age of Japan, I was just vaguely aware that it happened, but Blue Morning brought to life the fashion of the times as well as the social system and the spread of Western culture into Japan. I was interested enough to do some research and although the author just based it on the time period, she did a pretty dang good job of it. Even the economical and business aspects of the story mimicked the real pressure-filled time.
The two main characters reflect the ideology of the period's contrasting sides: Katsuragi with his stubborn, condescending old ways and Kuze with his constant search for recognition and new ways to solve dilemmas. The two go from enemies to forced allies to lustful lovers with issues hanging over them and now finally, it looks like they might be starting to understand one another. I think. You really can't tell what the next hurdle will bring and it did takes ages of subtle caring for the characters to get where they are. But it was beautifully done so the waiting was worth it.
Well, Blue Morning tells the intriguing story of the struggle for power in an era that's at crossroads between traditional noble family Japan versus the newly self-built wealthy. I had zero clue about this age of Japan, I was just vaguely aware that it happened, but Blue Morning brought to life the fashion of the times as well as the social system and the spread of Western culture into Japan. I was interested enough to do some research and although the author just based it on the time period, she did a pretty dang good job of it. Even the economical and business aspects of the story mimicked the real pressure-filled time.
The two main characters reflect the ideology of the period's contrasting sides: Katsuragi with his stubborn, condescending old ways and Kuze with his constant search for recognition and new ways to solve dilemmas. The two go from enemies to forced allies to lustful lovers with issues hanging over them and now finally, it looks like they might be starting to understand one another. I think. You really can't tell what the next hurdle will bring and it did takes ages of subtle caring for the characters to get where they are. But it was beautifully done so the waiting was worth it.
ladydewinter's review against another edition
4.0
The title is pretty accurate - this isn't a particularly cheerful story, but I like the way it's developing, and I love the historical setting (mostly because it's not quite the same as 99% of the manga I'm reading). I can't wait to read the second part.
ladydewinter's review against another edition
5.0
Rereading this reminded me this is on of the better BL series out there and also fucking gorgeous. (Despite having been released in 2009! She's definitely gotten even better since then, but this is so good already.)
Edited on 1/1/2019: re-reading this because I finally got the final volume and I want to be able to savour it. Managed to read it without looking up any words, phew. (There were some bits about the nobility I didn't understand but oh well.)
Edited on 1/1/2019: re-reading this because I finally got the final volume and I want to be able to savour it. Managed to read it without looking up any words, phew. (There were some bits about the nobility I didn't understand but oh well.)
angelizamo's review
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75