Manga Review: Dawn of the Arcana 1-7 (Rei Toma)

Title: Dawn of the Arcana
Japanese Title: Reimei no Arukana
Author: Rei Toma
Volumes Reviewed: 1-7
Publisher: VIZ Media (Shojo Beat)
Release Date: December 6, 2011 - December 4, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rated: Teen (violence, bullying, thematic elements, sensuality)
Format Read: Paperback (library)
Find On: Goodreads
Summary of Volume 1: 

Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage...and a mysterious power.

*          *          *

Art: Sharp but pleasant, with handsome characters and simple backgrounds.

Setting: A medieval fantasy world with two kinds of people: humans, who rule, and ajin, part human-part animal who (while more powerful) serve as slaves to the humans. The setting lacks richness as far as the art is concerned, but it's well-rounded enough for the characters to live in.

Story: Simple but engaging. We follow Nakaba as she comes into her powers (which aren't unique but the spin on them is different enough - and there are consequences to using them, as there should be), Caesar as he falls in love and finds his purpose, and Loki (Nakaba's ajin servant) as he begins executing his plans for world change.

Characters: Princess Nakaba is sweet and kind, despite her past, and a brave soul not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Prince Caesar, while proud and a bit arrogant, is both strong and gentle, and not afraid to love (he's my favorite :). Loki's loyalty to Nakaba is touching, and he's a handsome devil, but his questionable schemes are constantly at odds with his feelings - and, more often than not, Nakaba and her sensitivities. The rest of the cast are interesting enough and fill in any gaps nicely.

Special: In the back of some of the books they have "Arcana High" mini-episodes, where the cast and story are set in a present world high school. They're pretty cute.

Conclusion: While nothing to rave about, it is an entertaining story that I will continue to follow as long as the library keeps collecting the series.

Recommend If... You like medieval fantasies.

Scribble Rating: 

3 of 5 Scribbles