Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 4 (Dawn of the Arcana, #4)

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Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 4 (Dawn of the Arcana #4)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 345 ratings · 16 reviews

Princess Nakaba of Senan and Prince Caesar of Belquat only married each other for the sake of peace between their two warring countries, so no one expected there to be love between the unlikely couple. But just as feelings start growing between them, Nakaba's power, the Arcana of Time, shows her a vision of a young woman's murder. Has the time come for Nakaba to harness he...more

Paperback, 188 pages

Published June 5th 2012 by VIZ Media LLC (first published January 1st 2010)

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Mar 02, 2013 Estara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, read-in-2013, re-read

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I have to review the first seven volumes in one go, because I gulped this series down. It's paced so well (for my taste) that I really just open the book and when I look up I've read 100 pages and reach for the next volume. It's probably good I kept such a large chunk around, after having glommed onto the series in scanlation. These volumes take me right to the end of my scanlation read and into new territory.

The mangaka has a real gift for giving point-of-view time not only to the heroine, who...more I have to review the first seven volumes in one go, because I gulped this series down. It's paced so well (for my taste) that I really just open the book and when I look up I've read 100 pages and reach for the next volume. It's probably good I kept such a large chunk around, after having glommed onto the series in scanlation. These volumes take me right to the end of my scanlation read and into new territory.

The mangaka has a real gift for giving point-of-view time not only to the heroine, who becomes a strong part of the overall cast and certainly the main catalyst, but not the be-all and end-all of the books.

There is certainly a want to present a strong active, fantasy-female role model for girls in this series. Nakaba starts out as the repressed, despised sacrifice to a political marriage, where she had only existed and not lived. The first volume which starts with her marriage to the enemy country's second prince who "seems" privileged by his hair colour (the ruling class all have black hair) and general acceptance at his court, sets her up as isolated again and only supported by her Ajin (beastman) attendant, the same man who saved her when her village was slaughtered (by the royal father of her husband in a planned attack across the border) and raised her from a toddler while just being a teenager himself.

You can already see that all kinds of historical threads are spun in the first few pages. There's a certain high handedness and willingness to accept deus-ex-machina reveals if you want to enjoy this story (for example we learn in one volume that the trusted attendant of the prince, Bellinus, who has been with him from smallest childhood in flashbacks is ALSO the most trusted advisor to the king, which hadn't been seen or mentioned before at all, so certain political plot developments can actually work out), but the focus of the mangaka is on the characters want to change the political system for the sake of personal relationships.

All built around the almost messianic character of Nakaba. The men in her life see her as various embodiments - the reason he has left to try and change the world (Loki), the support and belief he never had before and therefore someone to make happy no matter what his own view of the world is (Ceasar), the conscience he never heeded and should have (Cain), the tool whose powers will allow him to change his country's succession (Akhil), the person who promised to save his mother (Rito).

Nakaba herself gets shaken out of her death-accepting fugue (as we find out in the return visit to her original country) and hopelessness by her need to keep Loki by her side in her political exile first and foremost and by Caesar's manhandling her into a reaction, which somewhat plot-necessary swiftly turns into attraction from his side, because of her honest reaction to things (like having her hair colour changed).

In return Nakaba's waking powers make her understand people so much better (even if she doesn't want to) and put the burden of her sight into wanting to prevent certain things and asking for help, Ceasar's avowal of love when she just mentions like and her feeling that he might be a way of changing how the world sees Ajin (of all of the characters she seems the only one who wants people to respect everyone - Loki seems locked in revenge; one of the bitterest aspects for both of them is that they no longer see eye to eye and share everything; Caesar wants to share her vision because she believes in him, but now that he has decided to do so, he goes for it unstintingly and totally - which one the one hand blows their cover in Senan but on the other hand makes Nakaba fall believably in love with him).

Aside: If Toma-sensei is using people's names as a foreshadowing of their character which seems likely considering what Ceasar has sword and what Cain has turned out to feel, Loki's name is very ominous indeed if you consider it's source.(less)

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Aug 05, 2012 Tammy Smith rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-reviews

Here is yet another title with a political theme. This series is about warring nations and the political marriage to breach the gap between the two countries. It is also about prejudice. The two countries, Belquat and Senan. Belquat sees the people of Senan as country bumpkins and even though Senan has their own royalty, they are thought to be beneath the Royal family of Belquat.

Princess Nakaba has flaming red hair which is also traditionally thought to be common. Royalty should have black hair....more Here is yet another title with a political theme. This series is about warring nations and the political marriage to breach the gap between the two countries. It is also about prejudice. The two countries, Belquat and Senan. Belquat sees the people of Senan as country bumpkins and even though Senan has their own royalty, they are thought to be beneath the Royal family of Belquat.

Princess Nakaba has flaming red hair which is also traditionally thought to be common. Royalty should have black hair. She is given in marriage to the prince of Belquat, Caesar, who is at first pretty much one of the biggest jerks I've encountered so far. At first he's arrogant and cruel and doesn't want anything to do with the wife forced on him.

There is also a race of people called the Ajin. They are demi-humans with the tails and ears of animals and possess super-human abilities. They are slaves, soldiers and are looked down upon by the humans who would rule them.

The series is full of intrigue and conspiracies. The Ajin and planning an uprising. The King of Belquat is conspiring in secret to destroy Senan once and for all. And as Nakaba and Caeser grow closer, they vow to stop the warring, murder and suffering brought about by the conflict between these warring nations.

As much as I hated political science in college, I do have to ask myself why it is that I continue to find these series of books that have a political theme. Well, I like the characters in this series.

Loki is Nakaba's attendant. I don't entirely trust him. He seems like he would sacrifice everything for the cause. Things seem to be black and white with him. You're either with us or against us. He will turn Nakaba against Caesar all for the cause. And while he is loyal to Nakaba, he is more loyal to the cause, freedom for all Ajin, and he will commit murder if he has to achieve victory.

Nakaba is strong-willed and a free spirit, but she hides a vulnerability. She is in a foreign land amongst enemies and though she is princess of Belquat in name only, she is really just a hostage to keep the peace. Despite her isolation, she refuses to bend to the will of the royal family of Belquat. As an example, she refuses to wear the traditional clothing of Belquat and instead wears her Senan garb which makes her appear more barbaric. Even though Caesar's family looks down on her, she stands up to them. She has no illusions about her life, marriage or even her death. And she bears a mystery of her own.

Caesar was at first quite a jerk. He saw Nakaba as only his property to do with as he saw fit, but he slowly gets to know her and his feelings toward her change. For the first time in his life, he wants to care and protect someone. He falls for her and will do anything to make her happy. It is funny, though, because he keeps trying to do things to make her happy, but it is based on Belquat custom and not anything Nakaba would want, like fancy clothes and such. I truly learned to like him because he seems so genuine in his affection for Nakaba. He may be a fool, though. Loki, as I said, does not seem trust worthy and yet Caesar made him one of the princes guard and I can't help but feel nothing good will come of that.

This series makes me anxious. I do like to believe that people are essentially good and I like to have a happy ending ultimately, I get the feeling that there will be tragedy ahead and just hope everyone will get the happy ending they deserve. I'll have to keep reading to find out.

Volume 5 is due out 08/07/12. I can't believe two months have gone by since I got this volume. Wow. (less)

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Jun 08, 2012 Maya rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga-comics-graphic-novels-etc

Review for volumes 4 - 7

Well, I've given this series 7 volumes to use its potential and by now I'm sure that it's not going to happen. Actually, at this point, we are quite far into the story and I don't expect the series to continue for all that many volumes.

Arcana is an average series, nothing particularly bad, but just nothing special either. There is the occasional scene that makes you think "ah, if only the whole series were like this!", but these stay too sparse.

The main focus of the work...more Review for volumes 4 - 7

Well, I've given this series 7 volumes to use its potential and by now I'm sure that it's not going to happen. Actually, at this point, we are quite far into the story and I don't expect the series to continue for all that many volumes.

Arcana is an average series, nothing particularly bad, but just nothing special either. There is the occasional scene that makes you think "ah, if only the whole series were like this!", but these stay too sparse.

The main focus of the work is definitely the love story. A pseudo-love triangle, because Nakaba and Ceasar are already 100% "locked in" as couple, but Loki just won't back off. Now the question remains if, when and how he will betray them, and that's about it. The characters on their own are not complex enough to make their love story intriguing, so the main story would have to make up for it.

However, the actual story involving political intrigues and impending war is pretty simplistic. It will be just enough to satisfy young, female readers who read this series for the romance and pretty boys. For me, it's just not complex enough. There are few surprises, everything progresses "according to plan" too easily and many things are resolved in rather cheesy and classic ways.

I haven't observed any notable improvement concerning the art. The color illustrations are beautiful as always, but anything that goes beyond faces and standard poses, like fighting scenes or other movements, is still a too high hurdle for Toma. At one point, a whole army can be seen, and it honestly looks quite amateurish (if you're interested you can compare it to the epic battle scenes of Shin Angyo Onshi). Other things, like fire, horses or carriages, also don't look very good.

To sum it up, Arcana is only recommended to girly readers, who want a love story with pretty boys in a fantasy setting. Anybody who is looking mostly for a really good fantasy story or intriguing characters should look elsewhere, since Arcana is highly unlikely to be a satisfying read in that aspect.(less)

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Jun 07, 2013 Jj Le rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: june-book-list-2013

Nakaba has changed so much, especially towards Caesar. I think it took them both some getting use to each other. Not only is it romantic in a Romeo and Juliet type deal. But it's cute.
Caesar and Nakaba’s go on a nice little honeymoon. Where they meet Lemoria, strange enough this is where Nakaba encounters her powers again. In her vision, she sees Lemiria stabbed, and immediately Nakaba feels like she needs to defend her, so age could change Lemoria fate.
Meanwhile, Lemiria notice Loki love and...more

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May 16, 2013 Charlie Chouinard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian-society, fantastic-illustrations, imaginative, manga, witty-and-cute

I actually really enjoyed this vol. I'm at that point in the series where there is a lot of stuff going on. Its making it interesting. Nakaba is really starting to use her arcana foretelling powers. - She can, in fact, change the future. And she is really falling in love with her husband. - lol. It was an arranged marriage, and they kinda despised each other at first so its a cute-meet sort of love.
Also, there is a new girl that has been introduced to the series, and she can either read minds o...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Alexa (Pages of Forbidden Love) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review was originally posted at Pages of Forbidden Love

My Thoughts:

In this volume the gang of characters finally gets to travel away from Prince Caesar’s castle! I do love the castle that they have been at for the entire series but it is nice to get a chance once in a while. I thought all of the characters were pretty laid back in this volume and the reader gets to see some more of their character. Plus the reader is introduced to some new characters that I already like and think will play...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Joti rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 13, 2012 Nic rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novel, map-in-the-front

The map in the front is tiny and rudimentary, but I say it counts!

I'm increasingly impressed with this series, although I think I like this volume mostly for the emotional fanservice that Bellinus has suddenly turned into. He went from straightlaced king's adviser to devoted brother with Conflicted Emotions about serving the king versus the prince and has his hair always been that pretty? I think Bellinus is secretly an elf.

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Aug 04, 2012 Miss rated it 3 of 5 stars

Mmmm I dunno. I liked the friendship that developed between Nakaba and Lemiria but I don't have much else to say about this. Probably because it's such a visual heavy series; there's very little dialogue. I finished this volume in half the time I would something like Skip Beat. 3 stars

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May 20, 2013 Nidah (Sleep Dream Write) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm loving how the characters interact and how there's more to them than just being there. Really good volume.

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Mar 29, 2013 Patricia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, manga-read

So far Reimei no Arcana is an engaging tale set in a fantastic world. There are equal amounts of paranormal and historical elements, the plot is interesting enough to keep me reading, and the characters are relatable. An actual problem, though, is that the mangaka manages to create more or less multi-dimensional characters, making it hard to just cast the things they do or think aside as hate-crimes or plot-device-induced-idiocities. Going to copypaste that review to the tankobons I've read so f...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Mary Devine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga-graphic-novels-comics, teen-young-adult-books

I'm really getting into this series. Now to get my library to order more of the series. :)

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Apr 16, 2012 Esvandiari Sant rated it 4 of 5 stars

Akhirnya beli sendiriiii...

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Jul 12, 2012 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, teens

I love my new Manga App on my tablet!!!

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Aug 12, 2012 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 13, 2012 Lopana rated it 5 of 5 stars

awesome book!!!!! so intense.... i just wish she'll tell abut her powers ro her hubby..... he's so so so so so cute and adorable!!!!

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Jun 17, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 14, 2013 Melly added it

Jun 13, 2013 Caitlyn marked it as to-read

Shelves: manga, box-one

Jun 13, 2013 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novel-manga

Jun 13, 2013 alyss S. rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga-2013, summer13-manga

Jun 13, 2013 Huda Sadoon added it

Shelves: manga

Jun 13, 2013 Sarah Thom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jun 11, 2013 Isabel marked it as manga-i-have-read

Jun 09, 2013 Fatima rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jun 08, 2013 Kacy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jun 08, 2013 Divina marked it as to-read

Jun 08, 2013 Klara Štampar marked it as to-read

Jun 07, 2013 Sam rated it 3 of 5 stars

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