Falling Drowning, Vol. 1 by Yuko Inari is a bittersweet coming-of-age romance manga that brings a whole new meaning to falling in love. Inari has both a habit of physically falling, and on a figurative level, she’s falling in love with Shun (and maybe Toma as well.)
The mangaka does an excellent job of illustrating this through stunning visual allegory, which is honestly the highlight of the manga for me since I'm a suck for metaphors and cohesive themes. Overall a great start to this new series.

I completely LOVED this book. The artwork is GORGEOUS, yes there is a high school love triangle, BUT there is ALSO a mystery that for some reason just grabbed me! The MC h has amnesia, yet she is drawn to the new kid in school and doesn't know why.

Yes, I am a sucker for a well-written amnesia storyline. The heart wants what the heart wants. And my heart wants more of this series.

5, I am constantly starting something that I love that doesn't have the next book out in a language I can read and comprehend and I am starting to hate myself for it, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This set itself up as a generic shojo manga featuring a love triangle but then it steered into an entirely different realm by adding an unexpected mystery element and that was what set this apart from any other shojo manga.

Honatsu was a great protagonist. She was inquisitive, hard-working, and her drive to be independent and achieve more made her all the more likeable. She recognised sexism and called out people who made assumptions, prime examples of how she stood her ground without being overbearing or rude. Still, she had a hesitant side to her which helped her seem like a well-rounded protagonist. Perhaps her best attribute was actually the absence of one: her lost memories. They were very much the elephant in the room in this manga, it was always in the background and mentioned but never thoroughly explained. And in that way a huge store of intrigue and mystery was built up throughout the vol until little snippets of information were finally given at the end. Not enough to satisfy the reader, but enough to make you want to read more.

The love triangle was really more of a love triangle in the making. The two boy love interests, Toma and Shun, were opposite ends of the spectrum with Toma being the kind, caring, and open friend beside Shun’s tall, dark, and mysterious cold shoulder. Honatsu spent an equal amount of time with both of them so that it didn’t seem as though either one were favoured more than the other. By the end she managed to thoroughly confuse herself and the reader about how she felt about both of them, especially since they both had potential and chemistry with Honatsu. That was another thing that set this manga apart from other because usually love triangles in manga have an obvious favourite from the outset who ends up with the protagonist.

The pacing of this vol was very fast. It seemed to fly by and the hungrier you are for answers, the faster it goes. The plot was a typical romance injected with a spark of excitement and intrigue. And as if all of that wasn’t enough, there was something inextricably beautiful and poetic about the inclusion and orchestrated timing of the falling theme, both in feelings and literally falls. And in the process of reading this vol I fell in love with this manga and I can’t wait for more!

Although this is only the first volume, I'm in love with all the main characters (how can I not– they're all drawn so beautifully)!

Honatsu returns to high school as a second-year after two weeks of flu, and there is a rumour already going around saying she is dating Toma, one of her childhood friends. She has always find Toma comforting to be around with, and is almost certain that she perhaps is in love with him.

But when a new transfer student appears, Honatsu finds her emotions wavering. Shun makes her feel like falling, a feeling so different from how she feels for Toma. So, is this the feeling of being in love?

It would have read like a normal cliche love story of high school students, if not because of Honatsu's tragic past. Because of an accident, she does not have any memories from before she was eleven. And she seems to have no idea yet, but Shun and Toma knew something about the accident, maybe even connected to it.

I love how soft Honatsu's character is. It may seem like she's being pampered by both Toma and Akine, another childhood friend, but she has a desire to be independent on her own, and this fact is acknowledged by Shun. I don't like that Shun is pretty harsh to Honatsu, but there must be a reason as to why he's adamant to act cold to her, when it clearly bothers him as well.

I wish I have a Toma of my own too, though. He cares a lot about Honatsu and has always been there with her, especially after Honatsu lost her memories. This boy is so gentle and protective ;A; He clearly is in love with her, so I'm looking forward to see how he's going to continue doing so, now that Shun is around.

Overall, I will say that this is a rather wholesome read. The characters are easily likeable and I want to know more about them, especially Akine! I honestly cannot wait for the next volume to come out ♡

Rating: 3.75 🌟
First and foremost, I'd like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an e-ARC of this manga.

Summary: Honatsu has only started her second year of high school, but there is already talk that she is dating Toma, a childhood buddy. While Honatsu isn't completely against the notion, she isn't certain what she feels for Toma is truly love. The waters become much murkier when aloof transfer student Shun Tachibana comes. Shun's connection to the past she can't remember is a mystery. And, with her intellect and heart pulling her in opposite directions, can Honatsu decide what she truly wants?

I'd like to add emphasis to the graphics, which were both adorable and fascinating at the same time. Toma, though. Where should I go to seek for you, huh? You're the person who every lady fantasizes about.🤍

This is such a cute romance manga so far. The love triangle between Honatsu, Toma, and Shun is one that I wanted to keep reading about. The relationship of a hopeful friend to lovers with the addition of a new kid is intriguing. Toma has always been by her side while Shun is the silent new kid who has history with Toma.

Not only is it a cute romance story set in high school, but it also has a bit of mystery. If you like cute romance love triangle's in your manga with some mystery added into it then this is perfect.

I can't want to continue reading the story and finding out how it ends!

Unfortunately I was unable to read this and thus cannot give it a proper review. The file just wouldn’t ever open and I had tried multiple times before it was archived. Thank you for the opportunity though!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* 3.5, not bad, good artwork but i wouldn't want to read the whole series

Thank you so much to the author, Kodansha Comics, and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC!
This review contains my honest and unbiased thoughts and opinions. 🌸

When I saw the cover, the title, I wanted to know more. Obviously it was going to be a love-triangle but the cover definitely left me curious and wanting to know more. And I always enjoy discovering just how the title comes into play within the story.

I just thought I was curious when I started this manga... oh my goodness, now I'm definitely curious about how the story continues and can't wait for volume 2!!!

The artwork is beautiful, the MC has a mystery surrounding her and of course, there's the two love interests who also have a bit of mystery to them. The story line is interesting and really picks up about midway through the book. 

The story introduces us to the three main characters: Honatsu, the female MC who has been absent due to illness, Toma, her high school best friend and Tachibana, a transfer student who has also been absent. We start out at school and Honatsu return after a long absence. Tachibana also returns the same day, they have a few encounters and Honatsu decides she will become Tachibana's friend, he's a new student who has been absent so she determines he's lonely and needs a friend. It comes to light that Toma and Tachibana already know each other, they are childhood friends. Why doesn't Honatsu remember Tachibana since she is Toma's childhood friend? Turns out, due to an accident, Honatsu has amnesia and doesn't remember most of her childhood... which explains why she doesn't know Tachibana. 

The story picks up, feelings start to develop between all the characters and enough little glimpses are given that make the reader begin to wonder more about the past, the characters' connections and just what happened. What kind of accident occurred? What caused Honatsu to lose her memories? Just what are the boys hiding? 

The ending provides a little hint... a hint from the past, those involved, and definitely leaves you wanting more.

Oh so many questions! I immediately was ready for volume two!

Honatsu is back after catching the flu and missing the first two weeks of school. Toma is a childhood friend everyone just assumes she is dating. Only Honatsu isn't so sure she feels that way about him, even though he clearly feels that way about her. When Honatsu meets, and then talks to the new transfer student, she feels a draw towards him. This makes an interesting dynamic as Honatsu gets conflicting answers about how to know if you are in love with someone.

Does it happen slowly over time, or does it feel like falling?

As Honatsu tries to sort of her feelings she's getting conflicting messages from transfer student Shun Tachibana. But both boys seem to be connected to her past, and possibly the accident that led to her memory loss.

I find the difference between the boys very interesting. Toma seems to just want to swaddle Honatsu and keep her safe from harm, while Shun understands that Honatsu feels like she has to prove her capabilities to herself and will ask for help when she needs it. I think this is why Honatsu is drawn to him and is hesitant about Toma. pure speculation so far, but... She wants to prove to others and herself that she can do things and can stand on her own two feet. I feel like Toma treats her a bit more like a child. But that is my personal opinion as someone who likes to do things on her own and prefers to call in back up when needed, not have them show up unasked. so obviously I am currently team Shun, though he is definitely hiding something.

As a result there are several huge hooks in this volume. I'm dying to get my hands on the next one! Whether it's to have my theories proven right, or completely wrong, I must know!!!

A good story with excellent art. Anxiously awaiting volume 2 now!

I always adore a good romance manga. This one started off being a light read, with likable, if not a bit cliched characters with many plots moving moments that propel the love triangle between the main characters further.

From the beginning of the volume to the end, there wasn’t much character development however there were small things to be learned, plot points slowly being unraveled. It isn't anything unique but can be enjoyable if you’re looking for a light read.

The art style is ok, nothing to gush about but it does the job of bringing these characters to life. I will continue to keep my eye on this series as I’m curious to know what happens next.

Summary: it was ok.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Falling Drowning tells the story of Honatsu, who is a teenage girl who suffers memory loss after an accident that took her father's life. While trying to remember the person that she is, she also has to navigate high school, friendships, and of course, LOVE. There are two boys in the running for Honatsu's affection. One of them, Toma is a sweet, caring guy who is always looking out for her. Tachibana on the other hand is brooding, a bit scary, but also thrilling. Both of these boys seem to be in some way connected to Honatsu's forgotten past, but it's unclear exactly how at this point in the story. This story feels pretty standard and trope-heavy, but it is also just kind of a fun read. It's not too complicated, but I think it has enough mystery to keep readers intrigued. I like the concept of Honatsu trying to figure out what it means to fall in love. Is love stability or is it falling? Is love a calm warm sensation or does it shock you like lightning?

My only reservation about this story is that it seems like everyone around Honatsu isn't telling her the truth about herself, her life, and the accident. I don't like the idea of love interests who aren't upfront and honest. I don't like that they clearly know things about Honatsu that she doesn't. I think this is where a lot of the conflict is going to come from in this story, so I think it will probably be hit or miss for other readers.

I enjoyed the art quite a bit! The character designs are especially nice. The use of differently weighted line-art allows for a lot of movement and expression from the characters. All-in-all I think that I would consider reading a second volume, but I think this story will appeal to a younger audience than myself.

This manga sets up a love triangle between a girl, her childhood friend, and a new guy at school…but who also may know her from the past,

There’s some mystery in this manga because the main character lost eleven years of her memory six years ago, in an accident where she also lost her father, That aspect of the book was intriguing, but just that was unfortunately not enough to capture my interest, I found the characters and romantic tension to be a bit bland, and was not engaged, I do want to know what happened in the past and what the main character forgot, but unfortunately not enough to keep reading,

I did enjoy the art style.

rating: 2.5/5

I was unable to give feedback on this title. I received approval for this request after the title had been archived.

3.5 star!
Love the art and love everything about this manga, but the angst... the fact that there is a love triangle kills me! I do know what happens at the end, but this manga really had me making bunch of expressions when reading it LOL.
I would recommend it if you are brave and capable of going through the love triangle trope because I could but it hurts meeeee

I received a copy of this manga through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It was a nice manga with pretty art and decently interesting storyline. As the mangaka said herself it was supposed to be a suspense story at first and you kinda feel it in some parts of the plot but mostly it’s shoujo manga with a love triangle and a bit of a mystery. I especially liked the 2 potentially opposite definitions of love that the main characters experience and the building mystery behind their pasts.😊

An absolutely stunning and addicting first volume to this brand new series. A girl who lost her memory six years prior to the series starting and a boy from her past that she can't remember. So many emotions that spiral through this book. A fresh and invigorating new series.

The start of this drama-shoujo sets up a love vector between a girl, her childhood friend, and the new transfer student. The twist? After an accident, she forgot the first 11 years of her memory, and the new transfer student might have some secrets regarding her past. The main character is unsure of where she's going-- whether she's falling in love, or drowning under the weight of her mysterious past.

This ended up being a 2.5 I had to round down. This shoujo had an interesting premise but was lacking something extra. None of the characters were particularly compelling and the plot felt dramatically cyclical. The cliffhanger didn't even get me, and I was overall disappointed by this one. It might have been better on its own, but I read it in between shoujo I liked much better which made what I didn't like about this one shine. I didn't feel any chemistry and I left this book not caring about any of it, which is not what I want from a shoujo! Shoujo should make your whole chest feel alive, and this made my heart fall asleep.

First, my gratitude to Kodansha Comics and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this series in exchange for an honest review.

Frankly, I tried too hard to avoid reading love triangles because as much as possible, I want to keep myself from being insane and angry that my guy didn't win the "pick-me battle". But this is a free book, why not try it? And I did—and what do you know? I enjoyed it in one sitting!! Everything about it!! It didn't even bore me one second, or make me put it on hold, or make me push myself to finish it just for the sake of finishing it. This is really that good. It's the whole dinner package—yet my heart's still begging for more. Still hungry. Still have some room for more.

The story revolves around Honatsu in her second year of high school. She's been rumored to have a relationship with her childhood friend Toma, and because of this, she thinks that the comfort she feels around him might be love. But something changed within her when a transferred student Shun comes around. He does things that make her feel things that are unbeknownst to her and it might also be the start of blooming feelings. The twist is that Honatsu got amnesia after an accident when she was a kid—and, Shun and Toma might be involved in it...

I love the comfort and fluff that Toma brings to the atmosphere, but the angst that Shun carries around him, heavy as it may, is just as swoon-worthy. This defines the true essence of a great shoujo manga. I believe it will be even better in the future volumes. And I will be around to devour it.

Thinking about it, the characters made me think of one of the famous love triangles in shoujo manga history. For instance, the Tohru Honda and Souma brothers (Kyo and Yuki) love triangle that shoujo manga fans surely loved and craved for. (I'm a certified team Kyo by the way!!) So, I'd definitely recommend this new gem, especially to the Fruits Basket community.

And yes, you all know now which of these guys I'm rooting for. I'm a definite Shun supporter from the start, but it wouldn't harm me to keep Toma around—he's just a good guy as well, and I love him too. I mean, don't we just feel drawn to moonshine guys? There's just this air that's sucking us in. But sunshine boys are just as great as well. It's just so hard to choose and I'm definitely not making sense anymore. But this is really a great read! Adios!

Loved this! The artwork was beautiful - especially that cover! So stunning. I'm intrigued by the mystery aspect of the story and wish the second volume was already available. Hope these become available in print editions in the US!