Manga Review: A Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 9, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: March 2020

Volumes: 13+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 8. 10.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Fun-filled days are in store for Sariphi, as she spends time with Princess Amit and her newfound friend Princess Tetra. However, Amit, who has long been taken up with Captain Jormungand, is acting a bit odd as of late... Could it be that her feelings have finally reached her beloved? Meanwhile, when Sariphi accompanies Leonhart on a visit as Queen Consort, she discovers a secret the country is trying to hide...

Review:

The first part of this volume finally focuses on Amit and Jormungand, as we all knew was coming. I wish I enjoyed their romance more, because it is sweet, but it's just not as good as Sari and Leon, honestly. Still, it's nice to finally see that moving forward.

After that, Sari is off at trying to prove herself as the queen again. Off visiting another kingdom, the couple has to uphold themselves and show they're worthy of this. Of course, Sari sees something else is going on, and she's willing to put herself on the line to prove it and to make it right. But, just as they're starting to think they've fixed things, there's someone else about to show up, possibly the real opposition to Leon being on the throne.

I'm curious if this means things are getting real next, or if it'll be another short arc of conflict. Either way, I'm looking forward to it. Can't get enough.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 8, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: December 2019

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 7. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

As Acting Queen, one of Sariphi's duties is to soothe and comfort the citizens of Ozmargo. Embarking on a journey for this purpose, Sariphi is joined by Randbert, the Captain of the Royal Bodyguards. Randbert's words and actions are anything but royal, and they shake everyone's faith in him...everyone besides Sariphi. But when Lord Brown, the local governor, is attacked, suspicion falls on Randbert. Will Sariphi's trust be enough to clear him? And after being separated from Leonhart for so long, what awaits Sariphi when they're reunited?

Review:

It's to no one's surprise that we see Lante's sad backstory in this volume. And it's, unsurprisingly, truly awful. Which makes how hard Sariphi stands up for him all the more right, as she always sees the good hidden inside people.

Once all of that wraps up, we get some sweetness between Sari and Leo. Their relationship is growing ever closer, and it's sweet and heartwarming, and necessary as their relationship gets more serious and Sari gets closer to being accepted as queen.

There's a little break at the end of the volume, as we get a chapter solely for Ilya. He's still hating on beasts, and then stumbles upon the sweetest little armadillo boy, lost and in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm not sure if this will be a recurring thing, but we do get to see him slowly becoming a better person here.

As always, these volumes are sweet and sappy and full of warm goodness. Always a must buy.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 7, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: September 2019

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sariphi has carried out her first official job as Acting Queen-giving a royal blessing to the newborn prince of the nation of Sarbur. That night, Leonhart summons her, and when they are alone, he tells Sariphi of his violent past, which only deepens their bond. But just as Sariphi is sure that nothing could ever come between them, she is tasked with an unthinkable duty...

Review:

In the first half of this volume, we get to see Sari and Leo being adorable together. They have a very important moment between them, addressing their future as well as Leo confessing some of his past to Sari. It's touching and beautiful, and in the following chapter, Sari makes something special for Leo.

At one point, I thought Leo was going in a different direction and it worried me, but I love how he explains himself to Sariphi. And it makes perfect sense where his stance on this is, and what he wants. It also just proves even more how perfect these two are for each other.

In the second half of the volume, Sari gets another task to prove her worth as acting queen consort, this time all by herself and away from Leo. This is a big moment for her, since they haven't been apart very much, and it could be a big job for her. We meet a new character in this volume, since Sari needs her own queen's guard, and only one person steps up to the plate for her. He's an interesting character, and there's clearly a type that Sari attracts to herself. Thankfully, though, she always sees through a tough exterior, and handles herself well in just about any situation.

I'm curious where this plot will go next, and am excited to see how well Sari handles it. I'm a little confused by what Anubis' motivation is at this point, since his inner monologue always seems to be about tripping Sari up and proving how terrible she is for this job, when he's also not sabotaging her any more and he seemed to have accepted her in some way. His internal threats to her just kind of seem empty now? Which makes me wonder what the point of them is, unless that's going to change some time soon.

Overall, loving this series still. It's sweet and beautiful and fun. Can't wait for the next one.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 6, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: July 2019

Volumes: 12+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Grand Consecration to celebrate the founding of the Kingdom of Ozmargo is nigh...but the king of beasts remains in his human form despite the dawn! Thanks to Sariphi's quick thinking, disaster is averted and the ceremony goes off without a hitch, prompting Chancellor Anubis to declare an end to Sariphi's trials. But having assumed the role of Acting Queen, Sariphi is faced with her first job...which just might turn out to be insurmountable!

Review:

All of Sari's efforts have paid off, for now at least. Anubis finally gives her a bit of a break, by letting her skip some steps and show if she's capable of being the queen. It adds more responsibility for her, which worries her, but only because she's realized how badly she wants this.

Her first job is to bless a new prince in a nearby kingdom. Not a terribly hard job, up until she starts getting pushed back and someone tries hindering her time to do it.

This was just another plot line to show how sympathetic and honest and understanding Sari is. She sees when someone doesn't like her, and she sees when someone is simply avoiding a larger issue. Similarly to how Leo sees what's inside a person more clearly than they want sometimes, as well. I appreciated seeing him take a similar issue in hand during this, as well. He's not dumb and he's not afraid to confront an issue, either.

I really like this match, and I like getting to see them overcome issues together and by themselves. Definitely sticking around for more.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 5, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: April 2019

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Having successfully entertained the true Duke Galoa, Sariphi has triumphed in the trials concocted to test her capacity to be Queen. However, her success has infuriated Chancellor Anubis. As Sariphi searches for a book alone in the library, Anubis approaches her...but what is the history between the King and his Chancellor, whose family has served the royal line for generations?

Review:

Anubis' hate for Sarifi comes to a head in this volume, and is finally somewhat explained. We get to see how he got this position, and what lead him to this point. Getting to see the King as a little beast is super adorable, and also explains some of where he's coming from. Quite a bit makes sense now, really, and we see now why him and Sarifi are such a great match.

We discover a back story for the kingdom, a past king and queen who were mixed race, which is a sentiment that I appreciate. And then the second half of the volume is taken up with the King's time of the month—his time to be human.

I really love the main couple in this series, and while this is a bit of a slow progress, it is steady, and it's taking time to flesh out all of the details. I'm really enjoying it.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 4, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: January 2019

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sariphi is confronted with a new challenge to prove herself worthy of becoming Queen--to welcome the mysterious Duke Galoa on his visit to the palace. But the Duke is rumored to be a fearsome warrior with an ever-burning hatred of all things human. Sariphi devotes herself to learning every step of every dance and every detail of palace etiquette, but what will she do if Galoa refuses to so much as disguise his blatant loathing of humankind?

Review:

As Sari and the king grow closer, and Sari gets more settled in her position, she wants to expand that view. She wants the king to join her and her friends, for other people to see him like she does. This is a slow-going process, though.

Sari's position is challenged, yet again, in this volume, as a new visitor comes. A feared sea god, who protects a nearby kingdom, and who lots of terrible rumors are spread about. Sariphi has to prepare correctly and give a good impression, as this could impact her standing for becoming the queen. They're all in for a surprise, though.

While Sariphi doesn't have the kind of terrifying, glaring power or strength, she has a different kind inside her. She stands tall and doesn't let herself fall or shy away from what needs to be done. She has goals for joining the humans and the beasts, and she doesn't want anyone to suffer. She shows kindness and smiles instead of anger or any kind of mean strength. It's no weakness, though, and I think the moment when she takes a stand in this volume, in particular, shows that.

I really like getting to see Sari grow and stand up and how she's growing into earning her position, just as much as seeing their romance grow. It's a very sweet process.

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.

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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.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 2, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: July 2018

Volumes: 9+

Spoilers?: No.

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Volume: 1. 3.

Goodreads Synopsis:

When an array of rival princesses descends upon the palace, Sariphi gains an unlikely ally in the princess of the reptile clan. A hopeless romantic, Princess Amit is determined to push her erstwhile sacrifice friend into the king's arms! But even with Amit cheering her on, will Sariphi be able to carry out the absurd set of tasks Chancellor Anubis concocts to prove she is worthy of being queen...?

Review:

In the first half of the volume, Sariphi continues to deal with the other contenders for the King. She has such low expectations going in, that she has to reassess these things. One good thing to come from this, is that she makes a friends, in an alligator lady, who stays on as her lady. It's nice to see her with a girl friend.

After this, though, Sariphi takes on the challenge to be accepted for the King. He doesn't want her to do this, is against it, as it's very risky for her. Her first task is to summon a holy beast, and it takes a lot out of her, as she tries again and again. And she ends up with crude, rude Lord Bennu, in a tiny furball. This is a surprise, and really more of a curve-ball than anything else.

I enjoy the odd mix of characters in this series, and how it's growing. I'm interested to see what is next for Sariphi, as this is a hard road ahead for her. I'm excited, though.

Manga Review: Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, Volume 1, by Yu Tomofuji

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: May 2018

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: Light.

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Volume: 2.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A young girl has resigned herself to being he next sacrificial meal for the Beast King...but the king is no mere monster! Love is more than skin-deep in this gorgeous fantasy manga.

Review:

Humans and Beasts are separate in this world, living on the edge of an agreement. Sariphi is the King of Beasts' next sacrifice, given to him per the agreement with the humans. Sariphi goes into this having grown up with the knowledge she was made to be a sacrifice, so expecting nothing less. She's accepted her fate, so when the King and his servants are nice to her, she cherishes it. And when she discovers what the King has actually been doing instead of eating them, she forms a bond with him.

I really appreciated that there was no hiding what they were doing—once they form this bond, this closeness, and the King realizes that Sariphi sees something in him that no one else has, he wastes no time with making her his Queen and getting rid of the sacrifice ritual.

There's a lot of opposition to their decision, to this Beast King taking on a human Queen, when other princesses have been waiting to be chosen. Humans are upset, but the beasts in particular are angry about it. Both sides don't understand and hate each other, as Sariphi experiences and is opening the King to see.

I'm a sucker for stories with a beast-like male and his sweetheart of a princess. This story is right up my alley, and I love all of the sweet scenes of affection between the two. The little conflict at the end of this volume was both sweet and sad, and I'm excited to see how it wraps up.