This latest installment in Akiduki's series sees Prince Zen's older brother crowned king and the impact that has on the growing romance between Zen and Shirayuki. As the celebrations wind up Shirayuki and Zen are faced with the challenges of serving a kingdom and the strains that can put on a relationship. Together with the rest of their team they keep moving forward and tackling the next adventure.

Everyone's favorite goofball prince is back! Yes, volume 12 brings Prince Raj to Wistal Castle as a representative of Tanbarun for Izana's coronation and what's more, Shirayuki is asked to play host to him because of the official title he gave her. Volume 12 is probably one of the more fun volumes of Snow White with the Red Hair yet. I think Yona of the Dawn will always be my favorite of the red-haired princess series, but Snow White with the Red Hair is pulling up close! Highly suggested for libraries where other shojo series circulate well.

One of the largest events in Clarines happens in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12: the coronation of Crown Prince Izana, Zen’s older brother. The fantasy shojo manga from Sorata Akiduki tells the story of Shirayuki and her journey to become a court herbalist. She discovers friends she grows to care for deeply and falls in love with the kingdom’s second prince. Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12 is published in English by VIZ Media, under their Shojo Beat imprint. It is translated by Caleb Cook, edited by Karla Clark, and features touch-up art and lettering by Brandon Bovia.

Zen and Izana’s relationship was highlighted in the last volume, but it completely takes center stage in the first half of Volume 12. Their mother has returned to the palace to officially make her son king, and due to the ceremony traditions, Zen is the one who will be crowning Izana. Akiduki does a phenomenal job creating emotion and intimacy around the large, regal ceremony. It focuses less on the politics and showiness of crowning a ruler of the kingdom and more on what it means between the two brothers and their relationship.

As much as Zen gripes, the last few installments have made it clear that he does respect his brother. Izana comes off harsh, but he truly cares for Zen and sees his potential. Unlike Zen, he doesn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. Akiduki creates two absolutely wonderful moments between the two brothers where readers can see Izana’s front slip ever so slightly. One time, it is as subtle as a smile shared only between him and Zen.

Other characters who may not have been audience favorites return in Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12. Prince Raj is in attendance for the coronation. Due to the title he bestowed on Shirayuki, she accompanies him throughout the ceremony. Readers will really see how much Raj has matured this volume, constantly being aware of Shirayuki’s consent, as well as Zen’s. Zen and Raj have developed a rather friendly banter, and it is lovely. Raj’s redemption doesn’t feel forced, as readers get to see him awkwardly struggle through it and work to be better.

Other lovely scenes are scattered throughout Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12. A personal highlight is when the group of young adults is drinking. Since this is a shojo manga that doesn’t involve high school-age friends, it is fun to see them casually drink together (spoiler: drunk Zen is very adorable). Additionally, it shows how Zen finds security in his friends. This volume really illustrates his insecurities without them and how important they are. It makes his reaction to the plot twist in the back half that much more heart-wrenching.

As Akiduki points out in the side columns, there are many nighttime scenes. Akiduki’s use of shading and tones create absolutely magical starry skies. Readers will see the level of work put into the multi-page spreads of stars about the young lovers. Additionally, another shout-out must be made to Bovia’s lettering. It was mentioned in my review of Volume 9, but Bovia does an excellent job matching fonts with the tone. Every single sound effect fits on the page seamlessly amidst the artwork. The sizing, shape, and even shading of sound effects will have the reader actually hearing the sounds as Obi jumps through the forest (and more).

Snow White with the Red Hair Volume 12 is a volume that balances a large-scale event with many moments of intimacy between characters. If readers are still on the fence about Izana, then it is likely that his role in this volume, and his scenes with Zen, will win them over.

Snow White with the Red Hair is a fantastic series about a girl running away from her troubles just to find her own way with her new found friends.

This Volume went in a different direction than all the others and I really enjoyed that, as much fun as it is to just read about Shirayuki's adventures with the others, it gets a bit boring after a while so shaking things up like this was a good change of pace. Can't wait for vol 13!

Another fantastic volume in the series. This volume has the potential to shift how the rest of the series is going to play out. We finally have Prince Izana crowned king, and now things are shifting and changing in the palace and the kingdom.
I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next volume!

Snow White with Red Hair is a fun series that follows Shirayuki (royal herbalist) and Zen (Second Prince of Wisteria), along with several endearing secondary characters. In this volume, Zen is busy preparing for his older brother, Izana's, coronation. He asks Shirayuki to entertain Prince Raj from her home kingdom during the festivities. The book ends with a twist, that I didn't expect. Izana was growing on me and now... I think he back on my bad side.

Overall, it's a great series! I think the secondary characters like Obi, Mitsuhide and Kiki make the story even better. The beginning of this had introduction captions to each of the characters again. I didn't understand this after following the series since volume 1, but then was glad when a few of the minor characters from previous volumes made reappearances - oh yeah, forgot about them!

Thank you VIZ Media and Netgalley for offering this ARC. I look forward to this release and the continuation of the series. Will be adding it to my library for my students to enjoy.

I received an ARC through NetGalley, all thoughts are my own personal opinion.

I have long been a fan of this series and I have read all 11 volumes so far making me familiar with the story. I was drawn in by the main female protagonist and found her character development interesting and different from typical shoujo manga.

The series follows Shirayuki who has unique bright red hair. This causes people to give her unwanted attention in various situations through the series and it is the inciting incident that leads to her meeting the male lead, Zen. WHen she learns Zen is a prince she vows to work hard and get a job in the palace so she can stay close to him and help him achieve his goals. Zen also pledges to support Shirayuki with her goals and the series follows their adventures.

This particular volume serves as a transition between plot events so it is not too exciting in terms of plot action but important events are laid out for the next arc. This is typical with mangas so while not a surprise it is part of the tamer volumes of the series. We do get some closure to storyline and character development that adds to the charm of this already amazing series.