It's been years since I dove into a Manga, but I really enjoyed this story. The artwork is beautiful and the pacing is incredibly well done. This seems more like a light hearted read, mainly about a girl who was mistreated by her own people, but shown kindness from a man who has had his own hardships. I really enjoyed the story thus far, and I am looking forward to reading the next volume!

Also - there was a small bonus chapter at the end, combining written pages and artwork to show a very cute moment between the two main characters. I'm a sucker for a sweet moment and a happy ending in a book, so this was a nice treat!

At first I wasn't too sure about the manga, the pacing felt a little awkward to start, in my opinion. However after the half way mark I couldn't stop. It was a very enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this first volume of 'The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride'. The artwork was just gorgeous and really suited the setting of an alternate reality Japanese Empire at the turn of the 20th century.

This is an era I've felt is particularly suited for stories of this kind - a liminal time where the old world of myth and magic still co-existed alongside the fast-expanding industrial complex of the modern age. And it's a time that's beautifully brought to life in this graphic novel.

I admit I did not particular care for the plot- a combination of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast you tend to find in many Japanese manga of this type, but the rich world of Japanese ghosts and demons and demon-hunting traditions more than made up for the rather commonplace narrative.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the first volume of The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride had similar elements to My Happy Marriage in terms of the setup of the story. We have Nanao who, after an incident in childhood, is later serving in the head household of her clan who abuses and takes advantage of her at every turn. She is then defended and whisked away by the visiting head of the most powerful clan in the empire, Lord Yako, who lives in the capital. From there the story diverges from My Happy Marriage, leaning into the supernatural nature of the narrative.

I could see this series becoming a new favourite as it progresses. As a first volume it really intrigued me, and I can't wait to see the relationships between the characters develop. The only nit picks I had, keeping it from being a 5 star, are how irrationally evil some of the characters are, and the slower pacing while introducing the FMC's background. I did however appreciate how Nanao began accepting her worth to Yako fairly quickly after being undermined by others for so long!

This manga was adorable! I'm a sucker for so many of these tropes and I cannot wait to see where they go. The characters are interesting and I'm especially excited to watch Nanao come into herself with her new loving family. The side characters are also cool and I like watching their interactions with Nanao. Yako is yummy and he better take good care of Nanao. Reito and Akemi suck and deserve each other. UGH
Overall, an adorable opening to the story and I can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoy reading the first volume of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride.
The manga setting in a historical fantasy romance with a supernatural theme.
We are following the narratives of Nanao, who is being marginalized by her family due to a curse inflicted by a vengeful ayakashi spirit.

I think the readers of “My happy Marriage” will enjoy this manga as it has a similar theme on marginalized female protagonist, who through an unforeseen relationship discovers self worth and empowerment.
Love the artistry by Mamenosuke Fujimaru as well for this manga! Will definitely picked up the second volume!

3.75/5

I am new to the manga world but I really liked this one! The illustrations are beautiful and the story has a lot of surprises. Honestly, it’s a story we’ve all seen before the hunter falls for the prey but I enjoyed twists on it. I am really looking forward to know more about the characters in the next books (though not about the mean cousin haha). Also, I read that this is based on a webtoon and it makes me want to watch it!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange of my honest opinion.

Thanks NetGalley and Kodansha for the DRC!

This gave me strong "My Happy Marriage" vibes but with a bit less of the dramatics and insecurity. It's crazy that her family abandoned and denounced her. It's obvious her cousin was plotting against her and it's hilarious that she was passing off the tainted ex bride's food as her own.

Nanao's new husband immediately swept her away and I wish I could say that they will live happily ever after but her ex fiance is for sure going to wiggle his way in. He had the nerve to slap her but then swooned when he saw her face again? Trash.

I'm curious how much blood he actually needs from her to remain satiated and if he'll actually keep his word about not abandoning her.

Excited to see what happens in the next volume!

This is a strong start to what promises to be a solid romantic series. We've got some clear emotional antagonists, hints at higher stakes in the world, and the foundation for a not-so-slow burn romance with a classic engenue fl and a warm bit troubled ml.

The world building that's been introduced so far is intriguing and you're not given too much at once.

All in all I'm looking very much forward to the next one.

A story about an ostracized woman being rescued from an abusive family by a rich and cold hearted seeming supernatural enforcer. This is a manga great for fans of "My Happy Marriage" or "Bride of the Barrier Master", and this particular genre of sad girls learning their worth when a handsome stranger from a powerful family rescues them.

This is my first time reading this magna despite it being a webtoon previously. I was instantly hooked by the storyline, characters and most importantly the art work. So much so I’ve already preordered the series available to date.
I loved the characters and lore surrounding them. The pacing of the manga is brilliant. The artwork is stunning and the layout is a perfect balance between text and graphic. I adore the lettering but most of all I love the Kappa’s! I can’t wait for the physical edition to arrive and for vol 2.
As always thank you to Kodansha Comics for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

#TheAyakashiHuntersTaintedBride #MamenosukeFujimaru #KodanshaComics #Netgalley #ARC #ARCReview #BookReview #FreeReview #AdPR #Gifted

I loved this story so much. This will definetly be a series I buy for myself. I'm a fan of their previous work Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits and this series has a similar vibe but is also different. It gives My Happy Marriage vibes, from the historical setting, arranged marriage, and difficulties with family. Lots of supernatural things going on in the story as well - which one could assume from the title. I love the yokai in her past manga I've read and I'm sure this one is going to be the same. It also gives slight Hakuoki vibes if you are familiar with that video game series.

The character building and relationship dynamic is going to be so good - already enjoying it, so I can't wait for them to get to know each other more.

Thanks to #NetGalley for an e-copy of #AyakashiHuntersTaintedBride to read and review.

I am conflicted about this one. I enjoyed it quite a bit and the artwork is gorgeous. However that twist at the end made me feel iffy. So he chose her because she would have nowhere else to go and could basically be his blood bank. But it's fine because he saved her from the previous abusive situation. That just doesn't sit right with me. It's preying on a defenseless person. I wonder if this will be discussed later on in the series.

ᨳ᭬ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ࿐ྂ

“I can’t help thinking that someone like me shouldn’t be touching him. As always, all i can do is continuously deny myself.”

I didn't have high expectations but it was so good, hello?

I really love the story and the little crumbs of their love story and i can't wait to read the second volume because i'm already obsessed with Lord Yako.

Though the ml being (essentially) a vampire was an interesting twist, there are just too many series out now with an abused heroine taken in by a wealthy man with a monstrous reputation. They all fell the same after a while. I ranked it higher than I would have because of the cute wootless pwants and the ml's familial relationship with monsters.

This is a historical fantasy romance that takes place in Japan during the Meiji era.

Nanao, a highly spiritually powerful young girl in the Byakurenji family is supposed to marry the soon to be head of the clan, Reito.
One day when looking for a gift Reito gave her with her (super jealous) cousin, Nanao is attacked by a yokai spirit (an ayakashi) and becomes "tainted" by the demon spirit. After that she is forced to wear a monkey mask and is unable to marry Reito.

Years later, her cousin is now married to Reito and she is shunned and oppressed by the rest of her family. Her parents even ignore her.

She happens to catch the eye of Lord Yako of the Benitsubaki clan and is swept off her feet. Married and taken to the capital city they begin their story.

I fell in love with this book, and haven't had the opportunity to read manga as much as I used to. But this definilty reminded me why loved it and always gobbled it up.

Thank you NetGalley & Kodansha Comics for a free eARC for my opinion in return.


HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!!

I really enjoyed this!

If you enjoyed My Happy Marriage, Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits and The Demon Prince of Momiji House, I think you’ll enjoy this!

I really enjoyed the story and I’m glad that Nanao found her place in the world after her experiences.

Beautiful artwork as well!

I loved the story, the plot, the art! Everything was perfect for me! A story with two unlikely people meeting and falling for each other will get me every time! Especially when the MMC is so swoon worthy and perfect. I also appreciated how fast the story started and it never felt like it dragged on. Definitely perfect for fans of My happy marriage and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the series pans out. Definitely going to pick up this volume when it comes out! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this volume!

It's very similar to My Happy Marriage. We love a man who looks dark but treats his woman like she's a goddess.
I can feel the "I will burn the World for Her" energy!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

At first, I thought this was going to be a manhwa but was surprised to find out it was a manga. Nevertheless, I kept my mind open and continued to read… I fell in love with the story. This isn’t like anything I’ve ever read and cannot wait for volume 2. The way it ends has left me with questions that I cannot wait for the answers. Is there going to be a love triangle? Will her previous fiancé figure out that her cousin set her up? Will her new fiancé continue to protect her but also use her or will he fall in love with her? So many questions!

I would definitely purchase the physical copy and recommend to friends/family.