A review by kthedestroyer
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 40 by Mizuho Kusanagi

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

There will be SPOILERS in this review! 

Damn… this is the last volume of Yona that’s currently released in English. We’ve come a long way since the times of Su-won killing king Il. Anyway, this was a pretty good volume. It definitely wasn’t as great as the previous one but it had its moments. 

A lot of what’s happening still revolves about Meinyan and Val. We learn that Meinyan killed Rantan which was kinda expected and I won’t exactly judge her for it. What I do care about though, is how much Meinyan cares for Val because that’s just the most adorable thing. Not to mention that it’s mutual which is just another plus. It’s also just amazing how literally everyone cares about these two. You have Yun who is taking care of them and is so worried when Val collapses and there are also those only three normal Kai generals that refuse to believe in Val’s betrayal and are worried about Meinyan. I also love Val’s dynamic with the happy hungry bunch, especially Hak. They were literally about to fight if Yun didn’t stop them and then they are sharing a meal because Val saved Yun and now Hak just casually trusts him. 

The Xing people also come and they are as hilarious as ever. I mean… Kouren calls Voldo an airhead and this gave me some sweet serotonin. Plus Voldo is funny as shit every single time he shows up and I love him for it. We also get a cute moment between Yona and Hak when Hak is reassuring Yona that her dream wasn’t a vision and he wouldn’t let something like that happen. And my man Hak has such a genuine smile again when Val calls the dragons a burden. I also have to mention Yun’s reaction to Hak being alive because I love it. 

Overall, this is a pretty good volume. It’s nothing extraordinary but it works really well for what it is and I’m just so excited for more. I’m giving it 4 stars but I still liked it a lot so that’s nothing to sneeze at.