As always, a big thank you for providing the ARC!

I'm a big fan of the found family trope and thought this story of two ostracised people finding comfort and support in each other would be tailored for me. I felt obligated to finish the volume, but failed to see the charm of neither the characters or their relationship supposed to have. Hence, I don't have much else to say that I won't be reading the second volume.

Snow and Ink 
-release November 5 
-volume 2 tentative release early February 
-volume 3 tentative release May 

From the cover I had a Violet Evergarden vibe, although I knew it was not going to be like that. I did put this series off longer than I had planned and now that I have read it I do kinda wish I read it a bit sooner. Although after looking into release dates, I did not realize the release is in November (for some reason I thought it was released last month). I ended up enjoying this series more than I expected I would to be honest. Originally, going into it I was thinking I would probably like it but not to the extent I did. Honestly, this was another series I read recently where I did not put it down until the end. I couldn’t even imagine how bad Neneo felt when he had to go through what he did, but I’m glad it was mentioned in the first volume and not leaving us with questions about why he was considered a murderer. I like Neneo’s character as he seems rough at the start but by the end he is sweet and protective of Freya- including his design. I do hope we get more character development from Freya, as I feel like she barely changed. Although toward the end, I did get a feeling later on more happens with her “sister” and there is more to her story.  

Summary:
Freya purchases a criminal to escort her to the North-this lady has some negative rumors surrounding her as she made some wrong choices which led to many losing their jobs. The criminal, Neneo, was being charged for murder and even has the tattoo symbols on hands & wrist, but there is more to it that no one knows about. After Freya purchases Neneo, they embark on their journey to the Hinterlands and both are hit with the realization of how everyone sees the two of them. Once settled in and they both become closer, Freya’s fiance (or ex-fiance) appears, and Neneo will have to face his past actions as well. How will the two of them face this obstacle and what does he want now? 

Thank you @netgalley and @kodanshamanga (@kodansha_en) for the opportunity to read this ARC!

The premise of Snow and Ink had so much potential, offering a unique and intriguing setup that drew me in right away. However, as the story progressed, it became clear that the execution didn’t live up to its initial promise. The plot felt underdeveloped, with key elements and character arcs not given the time or attention they needed to fully grow. Pacing was a major issue, as the narrative felt rushed, especially toward the end, where conflicts were resolved too quickly without proper buildup.

That being said, the artwork was stunning. The visuals were vibrant and beautifully detailed, bringing the world to life in ways that the story, unfortunately, couldn’t. The illustrations truly stood out, making each scene visually captivating, even when the plot struggled to keep pace.

Overall, while the foundation of a great story is there, Snow and Ink left me wanting more in terms of depth and development. If the storytelling had matched the brilliance of the artwork, this could have been a standout read.

Absolutely loved this manga!!! The story and the characters just touched my heart. Two misfits wronged by the world and people, finding love and acceptance in each other..Can't wait to see their story progress in the upcoming volumes! The illustrations were really beautiful too!! (Review on Goodreads as well)

This book was addictive I love that they see the best in each other and always try to protect each other I do believe that the relationship moved to fast

As much as I liked this book I wished there was more to it. But to be fair it in the start so this in itself was a good way to introduce the main characters. I did like getting to know them and their backstories on why they way they were the way they were. I kinda feel like the feelings/relationship between the two are rushed but maybe I'll feel better about that in the later books when I get to see them more as a pair. It was hard to see how people were reacting to Freya considering she was a pretty good person dealing with the aftermath of something. That even goes for what's going on Neneo who's whole situation is a misunderstanding and he has to deal with his sentence when it really wasn't his fault. Man I keep wanting to say more about this book but hard to do so without giving much away but from what I've gotten outta this book its and overall pretty good one. Looking forward to seeing what's next for these characters.

★★★ // Neneo, a young man sentenced to death for killing his entire village, is bought/saved by wealthy heiress and social outcast, Freya. The two begin their journey to the cold north, where they find comfort - and romance - with one another, all while dealing with their own dark pasts along the way...

First impression: Meh. While the premise of the manga sounded interesting, I didn't feel particularly drawn to either of the characters, nor the story that happened this volume. I also would have liked to see a bit more of Freya and Neneo getting to know and trust each other better - their relationship, especially the romance, felt pretty rushed to me (I love a good, developed slow-burn 😜), especially for the first volume of a series.

That being said, I still think I'll read on to see what adventure lies ahead. My motto with manga is to never judge a series by its first volume!

I enjoyed this story quite a lot and would like to continue to read this series. It is an interesting concept.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchanged for an honest review.

An interesting read!
We meet two characters who have been shattered: one by his actions and haunted by an unfulfilled dream, the other who was unfortunately used because of his status and who now distrusts everything.
As you would expect, a romance develops between the two during their journey. Far too quickly for my liking. However, the ending is very interesting, so I'll be curious to find out what happens next...
In short, it has potential, but perhaps it will be translated into French so that the public can discover it!

Very confusing story that was hard to follow with very big gaps in the storytelling. Will likely not continue reading.

Thank you, Kodansha Comics and NetGalley, for this entertaining-for-all-the-right-reasons romantic drama featuring a criminal and a disowned rich woman. This 100% is NOT a slow burn and the relationship is founded on some trauma bonding. I enjoyed it, despite knowing this isn't healthy for me. Neneo is hot: What can I say?

Kind hearted Freya has brought her family’s business to ruin due to bad business decisions. She decides to move far away, but before she does, she purchases a criminal. Neneo is haunted by his past even though he tries to make a new life with Freya. They eventually find comfort and support in one another.

Freya and Neneo have a sweet relationship and I would’ve liked to have seen more of it develop. The storytelling was a little disjointed and I felt a little confused as to what was going on. There seems to be a lot of set up happening and I hope future volumes builds more of their characters and the plot. The ending was much stronger than the beginning so it shows a lot of promise.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the arc.

Thank you Kodansha Comics for a copy of Snow and Ink Volume 1

"The manga about a dangerous love between killer and heiress that went viral in Japan! A condemned criminal and a wounded, wealthy daughter are lost somewhere between an unchangeable past and an uncertain future in Snow & Ink, a mysterious human drama that combines the melancholy atmosphere of My Happy Marriage with a historical flavor and a journey full of twists."

I'm not sure if I received a faulty e-galley or the story just jumped around? This was quite difficult for me to follow, and the story (especially the romance part) developed way too quickly. I also found that each character was not portrayed consistently and the FMC was flipping between being fierce and then passive. Hopefully the second volume will provide more background information!

After making decisions that destroy the family business and cause people to lose their jobs, heiress Freya buys a criminal sentenced to death for killing 50 people. Both outcasts, they attempt to escape people and their lives by moving far away. Everyone recognizes them. Everyone is mean to them. Neneo can’t get a job. Killers have triangle tattoos on their hands. They are dependent on an allowance from Freya’s family. Things take a turn when Freya’s fiance finds them and offers Neneo a job that will take them to his family village.

Freya and Neneo have to deal with people judging them over and over again. No one knows the details or chain of events that led to the business tanking or the entire village being killed. Everyone fills in the gaps and presumes the worst to be true about them. They both have an uncanny pull to stick up for each other. Things and people are far from how they seem. Despite their desire to be left alone, they come in contact with people who are sure to add more twists and turns in Vol. 2.

Kondasha rates as 16+. There is off-page intimacy. VERDICT: Murder, mystery, suspense, and a “jilted” ex offers a wide appeal to many readers.

This is an interesting story, pretty much we got two people who are viewed negatively by society because of something that wasn't really their fault. But because the whole story was not told, they are fully to blame and treated like trash. I love watching theses two outcasts find each other and be there for each other.

Interesting plot definitely going to be continuing this manga series. 3.5 stars
I recommend giving this one a go, the concept is fascinating.

Book Review: Snow & Ink by Miyuki Unohana

Miyuki Unohana’s Snow & Ink is a haunting and beautifully written manga that blends romance, suspense, and psychological drama into a captivating story about redemption, trust, and love. The premise alone—a killer and an emotionally scarred heiress thrown together by fate—hooks you in, but it’s the depth of the characters and the atmosphere that really sets this story apart.

Plot & Atmosphere:
Set in a historical setting that feels timeless and remote, Snow & Ink introduces us to Neneo, a condemned criminal sentenced to die for the brutal massacre of his entire village. In stark contrast to the typical “redeemed killer” trope, Neneo is broken in both body and spirit, seemingly resigned to his grim fate. Enter Freya, a mysterious heiress harboring deep, personal wounds of her own. Their first meeting is as cold and desolate as the snow-covered landscapes that soon come to dominate their journey.

Freya’s decision to save Neneo from death and bring him with her to the far north, where she lives in self-imposed exile, is shrouded in mystery. Why would she choose a man with such a dark past to accompany her? Unohana slowly unveils the answers, but not without layering tension and secrets along the way. As the pair travels further into the harsh wilderness, the snow becomes almost a character in itself—its cold, isolating presence mirroring the emotional distance both Neneo and Freya have from the world.

The atmosphere in Snow & Ink is dreamlike, with a melancholy air that resembles other emotional dramas like My Happy Marriage. Yet, the story takes its own unique path, lacing in themes of sin, forgiveness, and fate. It’s a slow-burn journey where danger, both external and internal, looms at every turn.

Characters:
Neneo and Freya’s dynamic is fascinating. Neneo, for all his violent past, is depicted with vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Freya. He's a man burdened by the guilt of his past actions, torn between wanting to die and his unexpected new role as Freya’s protector. Freya, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpart. Her cold, emotionless demeanor is not cruelty but a shield for her own trauma. The reader is left wondering if her decision to save Neneo is one of compassion, vengeance, or perhaps something more mysterious.

What makes their relationship truly gripping is the slow, deliberate way it unfolds. Neither character is quick to trust or open up, but as they share the journey north, moments of genuine warmth and care begin to emerge. The romantic element of the story is subtle, almost secondary to their personal arcs of healing. But when those moments of tenderness do surface, they feel earned and meaningful.

Themes & Tone:
One of the most striking aspects of Snow & Ink is how it handles themes of guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. Neneo’s past actions are not brushed aside, nor is Freya’s trauma simply used for dramatic effect. Instead, Unohana explores the human capacity to live with immense pain and to seek redemption, even when it seems impossible. The manga doesn’t offer easy answers but instead forces its characters—and readers—to grapple with moral complexity.

The tone of the story is deeply melancholic, with an ever-present sense of foreboding. The past looms large over both Neneo and Freya, and the manga cleverly hints that it won’t let them go easily. The dark, almost gothic atmosphere intensifies as the story progresses, giving the sense that something tragic may lie at the end of their path.

Art Style:
The artwork in Snow & Ink complements the story perfectly. The snowy landscapes are drawn with an almost ethereal beauty, creating a visual metaphor for the coldness and isolation the characters feel. Unohana’s character designs are sharp and expressive, with Neneo’s haunted eyes and Freya’s stoic expressions telling as much of the story as the dialogue. The use of shadow and light plays a significant role in setting the mood, with panels shifting between serene, almost peaceful moments, to dark, tense sequences of suspense and introspection.

Final Thoughts:
Snow & Ink is an atmospheric, emotional rollercoaster of a story that will resonate with readers who enjoy deep character studies and moral ambiguity. The relationship between Neneo and Freya is the beating heart of the narrative, and their journey is one of survival, both against the elements and their inner demons. Unohana crafts a tale that is both slow-burning and intense, full of unexpected twists, and always laced with a haunting beauty that stays with you long after the last page.

For fans of dark, introspective romances like My Happy Marriage or those who enjoy stories where love and survival are intertwined with deep emotional wounds, Snow & Ink offers a richly rewarding read. The melancholy tone, complex characters, and stunning artwork make this manga an unforgettable experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The term Snow and Ink is used to describe two complete opposites. Just like our two main characters. One is an heiress to a dynasty, though now disowned for failing to take care of the family business. The other is a convicted murderer of 50 people. These two cross paths by chance and leave the town that scorned them together after Freya, the heiress, buys Neneo, the murderer. However, as always in life, not everything is as it seems and not everyone is what they seem to be.

While I really liked the art style of the manga and found the meaning behind the name of the story very clever, I had a hard time getting into the story. I felt like my ARC was missing a few pages because I couldn't make out a coherent storyline. I found it quite difficult because it felt like we were cutting scenes and jumping from one to the next with no explanation. I kept feeling like I was missing something that would help me understand the story and how it was developing. A few pages into the story, Freya and Neneo fall in love, but there's no real build-up to their relationship, it just happens. And that's how the first part of the story goes. We get tiny glimpses of their life together without much context and without really seeing their connection develop. That's why I personally had a hard time connecting with the characters. I didn't really care about them and their relationship. Though that might change if the characters get more depth in the next volumes. (I'm not sure if I'll continue this series though).

The second half of the story is a bit more structured than the first, as we're introduced to a new character and a goal. As our protagonists work towards said goal, the story seems to develop a bit more, which makes it easier to follow and understand what's going on. The story could get better from here, as the plot begins to build and take shape.

I enjoyed this title more than I expected. The art is well drawn and really portrays the personality of each of the main characters. I enjoyed the later chapters the most, as we are starting to see their dynamic together, and out in society. The care they share for each other is evident, at first more out of necessity and later out of genuine love as time passes.

I’ll be picking up the next volume. I wouldn’t call this story groundbreaking (yet) but I’m invested in the characters and the trajectory of the story is really promising.

Snow & Ink is here to whisk you away on a thrilling ride through a wintry landscape of mystery, emotion, and unexpected romance! With its captivating premise and beautifully haunting artwork, this manga is perfect for fans of dark fantasy and complex character dynamics.

Meet Neneo, a brooding soul sentenced to death for a crime that has the villagers whispering in fear and disgust. Talk about a rough start!

Just as he’s about to face his doom, enter Freya, the enigmatic heiress who decides to save him, not because she believes in his innocence, but because she sees a kindred spirit in his isolation. Freya herself is no stranger to pain, carrying deep scars that make her an outcast in her own right. Their initial meeting sets the stage for a deliciously dark partnership that promises plenty of twists and turns.

As they embark on their journey to the far north, the snow capped mountains become a backdrop for their growing bond. The artwork in Snow & Ink is nothing short of breathtaking, with intricate illustrations that capture both the stark beauty of the landscape and the raw emotions of the characters. Unohana’s art is infused with a magical quality, drawing you deeper into their world, making you feel the chill of the air and the warmth of their emerging connection.

The dialogue is sharp , blending humour and heartache as Neneo and Freya navigate their turbulent pasts while discovering a glimmer of hope in their companionship. As they share their secrets, readers will find themselves invested in their journey, cheering them on as they confront both external dangers and their internal struggles.

What’s particularly compelling is how Snow & Ink dives into themes of redemption and healing. The idea that two broken souls can find solace in each other is both tender and thrilling, especially against the backdrop of their grim circumstances. It raises questions about morality, forgiveness, and the capacity for love in the darkest of times.

If you’re searching for a manga that marries dark themes with heartwarming romance, Snow & Ink is an enchanting choice.

Miyuki Unohana has crafted a unique tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat while pulling at your heartstrings. Perfect for those cozy nights when you want to get lost in a world of snow, ink, and the magic of unexpected connections, this manga is sure to leave a lasting impression.