Birds of Shangri-La, Vol. 3

Birds of Shangri-La #3

by Ranmaru Zariya

A straight man takes a job at a gay brothel that has a firm rule of no falling in love. What could go wrong?

Apollo takes on a rather odd job at a brothel as a way to make some fast cash, but when one of the male prostitutes takes an interest in him, his days of gainful employment seem numbered.

A paradise of sensuality, Shangri-La is a male brothel celebrating the glories of gay sex—not somewhere you’d expect Apollo, a straight man, to seek employment. But Apollo has now finished his training as a teaser under the brothel’s most sought-after bird, Phi, and he’s quickly realizing he’s not keen to work with anyone else. When Phi himself starts to show possessiveness over Apollo, the two further risk permanent exile from paradise!

Genres: Manga, Yaoi, Boys Love, Romance, Comics, LGBT, Queer

306 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2023

About the author

Other possible transliteration for Ranmaru Zaria.

***
Authors with books published in multiple languages should have their names dealt as follows: all editions should have the primary author name as the standard or most common English-language version of the author's name. Editions published under another spelling of the name or the name in another language should have that name listed as the secondary author. Thank you for your cooperation.
>> For this reason, please use Ranmaru Zaria as first author, and Ranmaru Zariya as second one if the edition you're editing has Zariya Ranmaru on the cover.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually so sad I finished this and who knows when the fourth one will come out. I really love this series. The atmosphere, the angst, the art, the characters. I love so much about it. I feel so immersed in the story when I read it. I'm so nervous to what's to come. There's a lot of things setting up to bring in a lot of pain. The next one can't come soon enough.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

waited 2 years only to read this in one sitting. favorite yaoi of all time.

[Zephorah Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I love this series and waited over a year for this volume. Thank you Edelweiss for the DRC!

Things are happening! Feelings bubbling under the surface and secrets are going to be revealed. Where is volume 4?!

[Jack Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Warning, there will be mild spoilers*

Whelp. I'm currently in the minority with my thoughts on this volume. As much as the angst was well balanced and had great parallels, there's a selfishness in how the plot's unfolding that doesn't gel with me. Apollo and Phi are sacrificing their safety in Shangri-La in order to potentially pursue a romantic relationship (Coyote Vol. 4 rears its head with one scene). It's not only their jobs that are on the line, but their place on the island. We don't get a lot of content about Phi's past or the law trying to put a stop to Shangri-La's activities (another weakness). What is clear from what we get? If whoever's trying to put Shangri-La continues, they're going to uncover enough that could put the brothel in jeopardy.

The romantic framing isn't handled well either. Despite me understanding Apollo and Phi's shifting attitudes about their work, there's something about the former stating: "I just can't handle being with men. Except you" reading as "gay for you" coded. Apollo expresses his discomfort with moving on up because he hadn't done anything sexually with men prior to this job. Working with Phi is making him reconsider his sexuality in a way. Yet the framing and translation paint it as Apollo only feeling comfortable being with a guy if it's Phi. This is very problematic, especially as Zariya's using this work to take a closer look at the sex work industry and how precarious the people's lives are that are in it.

Zariya's art still looks nice and the tension did build well between the two leads. However, this was my least favorite volume of the series so far, and one I won't go back to. The first two are still strong at the time of this review, so we'll see where the series goes as Zariya continues to draw it. She's currently working on Coyote if her Twitter statuses are any indication.

[Knigoqdec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хаосът започва, когато прекалено наивното момче (по описанията на колегите му поне) от света навън започне да прилага идеите си в затворения свят на новата си работа. Мда... Подозирам, че нататък ще стане доста проблематично, най-вече за Фи. Ще видим кога ще се запозная с продължението.

[Linn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of my most anticipated releases this year, and IT DELIVERED.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you mean the fourth volume isn’t out yet ??? 😭😖😣😫😩😔 I need it right now !!!

[Say · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn why is this beautiful and sad at the same time???
Apollo ahhhhhhhhhh finally!!! And Phi my boy I hope u both get a happy ending! Pls!!!

[Sera Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my least favorite series by this author, but this volume made it sooooo much better. I love that it was longer. It needed it. There is so much more plot and story happening and its getting so good.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally SCREAMING! AHHHHH!! I feel like I've been waiting 84 years for this volume to come out, and man, oh man, it did not disappoint!

The tension is so thick between these two you are literally fidgeting on your seat, silently screaming at both of them. I have a feeling the stalkers are going to be a bigger thing in the next volume. I cannot wait until it drops!

Honestly, this is close to my favorite series. From the art to the story, it's all just so beautifully done. ❤️

[psyche · Rating 5 out of 5]

-What else was I supposed to do?
-What was I supposed to tell him then?

Dos preguntas QUE CARCOMEN a nuestros protagonitas. No puedo creer que tengamos que esperar dos o más años para una secuela JUSTO EN LA MEJOR PARTEEE *se arranca los pelos* pero todo sea por la salud y las otras obras de Zariya sensei **coff Coyote coff coff**. El tomo fue espectacular y si le pudiera dar más estrellas a este tomo lo haría. Si el tomo anterior quedó con tremendo cliffhanger ¿ESTE TOMO? CRÍTICO DE PARO CARDÍACO. Pero bueno, solo diré que todas merecemos a alguien como Apollo.

[Bian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Von Teil zu Teil wird diese Reihe tiefgründiger... macht das Sinn? Vermutlich nicht😂. Möglicherweise ist das die perfekte BL-Reihe um jegliche Vorurteile über den Haufen zu werfen. Also klar - er ist trotzdem empfohlen ab 18 und ja, Thema und Umgebung werden sich nicht in diesem Maße ändern, aber das Augenmerk wirklich auf das Zwischenmenschliche zu legen und die Entwicklung der Charaktere und deren Beziehung zueinander ist schon nahezu selten... zumindest in diesem Ausmaß.
Ich will wirklich nicht drüber nachdenken, wie lang ich jetzt auf Band 4 warten darf😅 denn von Anfang bis Ende kann man gar nicht anders als mitzufiebern mit dem massiven Problem, dass man nicht mal weiß, welcher Option man entgehenfieber soll... irgendwie gibt es keine gute und keine schlechte Option🙈 - aber kein Band 4 wäre ne schlechte Option - da bin ich mir sicher 😅.
War auf jeden Fall wieder toll♡.. zu kurz, auch wenn der Teil der bislang längste von den dreien war, aber dennoch zu schnell vorbei🥲.

*Die Reihe enthält weiterhin potentiell triggernde Themen - also passt bitte auf euch und eure Emotionen/ mentalen Zustand auf♡

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have very impatiently awaited the release of volume 3 after devouring volume 1 and 2 last year and OH BOY was it worth the wait!!! Think this is the only manga series I've given every volume 5 stars so far.

I never thought I would say this but this is such an emotional slow burn. Yes, there is sex! It's set in a brothel so it's kind of inevitable, but it still has such longing and emotional desire.

Apollo is still talking about how straight he is all the time and I smirk away every time he says it. But his development throughout this volume was really sweet. There wasn't a big focus on the shift of his mindset but it was subtly woven in throughout his dialogue until we got the final panel and I SQUEALED.

I loved how in this volume there was a focus on Phi's work and how it can affect him emotionally. Apollo really stood his ground on making sure Phi was looking after himself and being really honest with how he didn't want to see him hurt just because he felt like he 'had' to do anything.

I am so so excited to see where the rest of this series goes. There is still so much going on with character backstories and other side plots that I want all the detail on. And we just need more cute happy scenes with Phi and Apollo.

[Ares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is just as good as the other volumes, if not even better. I think there is always a sad theme with the story, but in this one it became a lot more drastic and the characters experienced more struggles than before.

From the art style and character design, this is one of my favourite Manga right now and one of the best in that section. The story is interesting as well, and I am always excited to know more.

[Katelyn Maimone · Rating 4 out of 5]

ACK why is this not the end ?! why did I think there was only supposed to be two but now i’m finding out there’s no set amount of volumes to be made. and that the author isn’t actively working on it bc they stayed a different series …?! WDYMMMMM literally 2 more volumes would seal the deal. the need to fully have sex, say they care about each other, and leave shangri-la together …. ITS NOT THAT HARD

[Shizunthirst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love them so so much

[lou garciadolnik]

WHERE'S VOLUME 4

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

SON.OF.A.BITCH. DID IT JUST END LIKE THAT??!! When I catch you Zariya!!!

[Synne Evensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there will be more 💖

[Annalaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zaria, non puoi davvero aver finito questa serie così. NON PUOI FARMI QUESTO

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a chonky volume! Omg omg omg, now what? I'm nervous.
Those two want to see me suffering!

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

NUOVA OSSESSIONE DEFINITIVAMENTE SBLOCCATA AAAAAAAA

[K.C. ·:¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨:· · Rating 4 out of 5]

2/3 rules have now been broken. It’s about to get soooo messy

[Meow Meow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, the author did a wonderful job of depicting the emotions and tensions through their top-notched graphics. It’s also great to finally see how far Apollo’s possessive side can go. However, after vol 2, I thought that Apollo and Phi would finally bang in vol 3. But no, sensei left us in another bangxiety cliffhanger in vol 3 😭

[el. · Rating 5 out of 5]

zaria pubblica il volume 4 che qui non abbiamo finito, non lo posso accettare

[ℂ ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

QUINA PUNYETERA MERAVELLA ♥ Ranmaru Zariya reina de l'univers!!!!!

[Vivienne Beloved · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finalmente ho potuto avere questo volume tra le mani!
Questa serie si fa sempre più struggente.
Apollo è costretto a fare il preparatore agli altri Uccellini, ma diversamente che con Phi, fa fatica ad assumere il ruolo.
Ciò che prova quando tocca Phi è diverso rispetto al fastidio, quasi repulsione per gli altri uomini.
Nel mentre Phi finge di non essere interessato al fatto che anche gli altri Uccellini possono "avere" Apollo e si dedica al suo lavoro fino a sfiancarsi.
Entrambi soffrono. Apollo odia vedere Phi venir toccato da altri e lo stesso vale per il giovane.
Ma le regole sull'isola sono chiare e cercano di sopportare, rimanendo distanti.
Ma poi i due tornano a parlarsi per caso e fanno un patto affinché Apollo si dedichi solo a Phi.
Le cose vanno bene, ma fino a quando?
Anche la breve vacanza che i due si prendono deve pur terminare e quando Phi torna a lavoro è ormai consapevole che il proprio corpo rigetta quello di chiunque tranne che di Apollo, che a sua volta ammette a sé stesso che purché etero, ama Phi.
Un'incidente con un cliente sembra mettere un punto ai loro sentimenti, che alla fine si confessano, ignorando ciò che potrebbe loro succedere se si venisse a sapere del loro rapporto.

"Ci sono solo io? Hai detto che a te basta soltanto una persona, no? Quella persona sono io e soltanto io?"
"Si, soltanto tu."

Come diamine possiamo ora aspettare chissà quanti anni per il prossimo volume?

[Yeollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birds of Shangri-La features a sensual storytelling about healing as a person, human kindness, acceptance, and learning how to forgive yourself. It features a man strapped strapped for cash to pay for his divorce and finds love in the unlikeliest of places.

The core themes in this story feel deep and well-written, as well as the struggles and conflicts of the characters. I tend to avoid stories that write too close to reality, but Shangri-La hasn’t alienated me whatsoever.

Although Shangri-La has an adult storyline, the explicit scenes are censored. It’s sensual and tastefully done. Not filthy, or raunchy; it’s truly a work of art. This relationship is about human comfort, healing, and letting go of the past. I’m invested. Phi’s and Apollo’s relationship feels human and real, which adds to my enjoyment of the story.

Who is this manga for
I think fans of Ranmaru’s knack for writing slow-burn, telenovela-like romances will enjoy this story. It’s a mature plot featuring adult characters with an endearing side cast. There’s a lot of healthy communication along with some minor misunderstandings, so fans looking for a more introspective, adult romance where you can witness the characters falling for each other will likely enjoy this story.

Check out the full review on the blog
https://yeolliestorytime.com/birds-of...

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone told me two or so years ago that I would enjoy a story about a resident of a male brothel and his unexpected companion slash colleague, I’d probably laugh at that and would frantically wave my denying hands. And yet, here I am enjoying the third volume of Birds of Shangri-la.

Things have shifted between Apollo and Phi. Apollo is fighting his attraction for a man while finalising his divorce with his wife. And Phi, after being cherished by Apollo, suddenly realised that he no longer wanted to be other men’s toy.

I really loved the message sent by this volume. One person can change other person’s way of giving up on themselves just by treating them nicely and with respect. I wonder whether or not Apollo and Phi will ever be able to leave this place - it could be paradise but they are, nevertheless, not allowed to be with each other…

We also learn the story behind Phi’s beautiful tattoo. And the art by Ranmaru Zariya is just an eye candy.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 3 of the story - interesting character development, interesting story development too (as tense as vol 2 - the threat to Shangri-La is still there). The relationship between Phi and Apollo is as intriguing as it was before - Apollo struggles with his feelings and his ideas of sexuality, and I find that very interesting. But for me Phi's the focus of the story - he is so beautifully drawn - both as a character and visually. I hope they get the resolution they both deserve.

The visual style is stunning - a page from this volume someone posted on social media was the reason I picked up vol 1 in the first place, and I am still enchanted by how beautiful every page is. I know it is not a traditional approach, but I would be so happy if there was a full color edition (or even just an art book).

The only grumble I have is - I would have liked Apollo to be a little bit more open-minded, but I get why he is who he is.

CWs apply, just as before.