This is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read. That art style is beautiful and the story is so heartwarming and well thought out. I read this in one sitting and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

Unfortunately this didn't translate well to my kindle app, the text was separate from the images which got really confusing. Overall though this is a really sweet and magical story and I will look at buying a proper copy when it releases! Very good

Somali and the Forest Spirit (Vol 1) is a cozy fantasy manga where we follow Somali - a young human child - and a forest spirit as they travel together through a world run by creatures. Humans have been hunted to near extinction, and the forest guardian Golem is determined to keep Somali safe. Aware that his life is coming its natural end he is on the search for other humans she can live and grow up with. This first volume is full of world building and character introductions, following the journey Somali and the Golem are taking.

The artwork in this manga is beautiful, with such high levels of detail it feels like I could almost step onto the page. The manga flows effortlessly between informative interactions with various creatures, and quieter more intimate moments between Somali and the Golem. The addition of the side stories offer a light-hearted break from the main story line, which I really enjoyed.

Overall I really enjoyed Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol. 1, and rated this volume 4 stars. Definitely will be keeping an eye out for Vol.2, and cant wait to see where Somali and the Golem travel next!

Thank you NetGalley, Titan Manga, and Yako Gureishi for this ARC

A delightful manga about a golem who finds a small human child in the woods, in a world inhabited by magical creatures who hate the very few humans who exist..

The artwork was enchanting and it was fun seeing the golem and child's relationship grow throughout this first volume as he seeks out other humans that she can live with.

The world really came alive through the images, and I particularly enjoyed how depictions of vegetation and the inhabitants of this world.

Overall a very charming read and something I would be interested in continuing with.

Review of The Last Golem: A Journey Through Shadows

The Last Golem offers a heartfelt and poignant tale, combining the rich tradition of fantasy with emotional depth. In this manga, readers follow the journey of a forest guardian golem—a towering, kind-hearted protector—tasked with safeguarding a young human girl. However, there’s a twist: the golem is dying. His powers are waning, and every step he takes to defend the girl takes him closer to his inevitable end.

The premise is an emotional one, as the golem—despite his formidable strength—must grapple with his mortality while protecting his charge from a dangerous world filled with goblins, oni, and other menacing creatures. His unwavering loyalty and deep sense of responsibility provide the emotional backbone of the story, and the dynamic between him and the girl is a beautiful exploration of selflessness, sacrifice, and the fragile nature of life. The contrast between the golem's stoic, towering figure and his gentle nature adds an endearing complexity to his character.

The young girl, though vulnerable and initially frightened, evolves over the course of the manga. She develops a quiet strength, and her bond with the golem grows, turning from one of mere dependence into something much more profound. Their relationship evolves into a beautifully symbiotic one, where the golem’s protection is matched by the girl's own bravery and emotional growth.

The world-building is immersive, with the manga’s illustrations bringing to life a rich, vibrant environment where danger lurks at every turn. From the dense, magical forests to the terrifying goblin-infested caves, the art highlights the perilous world in which the characters exist. The action scenes are dynamic, while the quieter, more intimate moments between the golem and the girl are handled with care, evoking a sense of wonder and sadness in equal measure.

One of the manga’s standout features is its exploration of mortality. While most fantasy tales focus on epic battles and heroism, The Last Golem emphasizes the fragility of life, turning what could be a typical adventure story into something far more profound. The golem’s slow decline is handled with delicacy, drawing readers into a journey that is both thrilling and heartbreakingly inevitable.

The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action followed by quieter, reflective beats that allow the characters to develop. While some might find the golem’s slow progression toward death to be a sorrowful element, it adds an undeniable weight to the story that enriches the entire narrative.

In conclusion, The Last Golem: A Journey Through Shadows is a beautifully crafted manga that weaves together action, fantasy, and a deeply emotional narrative. It’s a story of protection, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of life that will resonate with anyone looking for a more introspective, heartfelt adventure. A must-read for fans of fantasy who seek a tale that tugs at the heartstrings as much as it thrills.