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Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Manga Review: The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 3, by Yu Tomofuji


Rating (Out of 5): ~4
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: October 2018
Volumes: 10+
Spoilers?: Light.
Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Hoping to take vengeance for the murder of his childhood friend Sariphi, the young Ilya infiltrates the royal palace. He's captured, and the King shows him mercy, sparing his life. When Ilya learns that Sariphi herself is still very much alive, he demands her return. Sariphi refuses, only to be kidnapped by Ilya, who intends to bring her back to human territory. The King is then confronted with a dilemma: If he truly wishes for Sariphi's happiness, is it kinder to pursue her...or to let her be returned to her own people?

Review:

This was honestly a surprising plot line for me.
It's a common trope, sure, having a guy from Sariphi's past show up, in the form of an old love. Of course, Sariphi didn't think of him like that. He was a kind boy who sometimes showed up in her village, and who she grew close to over time. But while Sariphi always knew she would be sacrificed and thus never put too much into relationships for the future, the boy came to love her and believed he needed to protect her.
The boy also hated beasts of any kind, as they killed his family. Discovering that Sariphi is with the king of beasts, he believes she's either dead or being held against her will, and wants to rescue her.
What surprised me about this, is how violent and steadfast in his believes he turns out to be. He wants to kill all the beasts, and is willing to fight the king for her. He also fully believes he needs to take her away, no matter what she tells him.
It's kind of heartbreaking, how different the two are. Sariphi is in a very different place from Ilya, and he doesn't quite realize that. On the other hand, he gives a good contrast to the king, who only wants Sariphi to be happy. And who does grow a bit possessive when this other guy tries to take her away.
It's a bittersweet story line. I like where it leaves Sariphi and Leonhart, though.

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