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暁のヨナ [Akatsuki no Yona] #1
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 1
Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With Hak’s help, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading her enemy’s forces. But where will this displaced princess go when all the paths before her are uncertain?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2010
495 people are currently reading
10900 people want to read
About the author
Mizuho Kusanagi
113 books865 followersKUSANAGI Mizuho (草凪みずほ) used to work as an assistant for Yoko Matsushita.
Circle(s): JAKE
Loves: drawing and considers herself to have a 'super fetish' for voices. As such, she loves seiyuu (voice actors) but also actors with good voices.
Favorite Food: Ramen. Prefers vegetables to meat.
Favorite Movies: Anything by Miyazaki, whom she loves! Also, The Sound of Music and Lord of the Rings.
Circle(s): JAKE
Loves: drawing and considers herself to have a 'super fetish' for voices. As such, she loves seiyuu (voice actors) but also actors with good voices.
Favorite Food: Ramen. Prefers vegetables to meat.
Favorite Movies: Anything by Miyazaki, whom she loves! Also, The Sound of Music and Lord of the Rings.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,865 reviews
April 2, 2021
grumpy hero with a heart of gold and he's secretly harboring an unrequited love for the heroine????????
b*tch sign me the f*ck up!
b*tch sign me the f*ck up!
April 4, 2023
“The years we spent together... The princess who adored you... You destroyed them all.”
You all have wanted me to read this for so long, and i am so thankful i finally picked it up. I mean, you all had me at bodyguard romance regardless, but i was always apprehensive because my brother told me she had a crush on her cousin >.< !! But i promise, that gets “fixed” very quickly in this first installment, but i fear i cant say anything else without giving too much away! but not knowing anything else really had me turning these pages so quickly I cannot wait to get my hands on vol two soon soon soon.
trigger + content warnings: loss of a loved one, loss of a parent, murder, death, violence, unwanted touching, grief depiction, snakes + leeches
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
February 9, 2017
Status: Ongoing
Magic, tragedy, betrayal, war… this manga has it all and it handles it SO well.
My favorite part about it is the relationship between the three main characters: Yona, Hak and Soo-Won. You get a good intro from the blurb: Yona is the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Soo-won.
What the Blurb doesn’t tell you is that Soo-Won is Yona’s cousin and they have been all raised together and are as close as brothers, and that, on her 16th birthday, Soo-Won kills Yona’s father and steals her throne.
Which makes him the villain of this story, right?
Well… that’s the interesting part, this manga doesn’t do black & white. There are bad guys but they’re not the usual “evil” they're greedy, negligent, despondent… they’re REAL.
We get to see quite a bit from Soo-Won point of view and he’s doing what he thinks is right. And you can feel the conflict of Yona & Hak: the betrayal, the hurt, and the feeling that, while they can’t forgive Soo-Won, they can’t fully condemn him either.
The plot is amazing too! It has a full Epic fantasy scope, with a chosen one, a journey and a quest. There are dragons and magic and everything you’d expect. Frankly it’s AWESOME. However, it’s still ongoing, and while they have over 100 chapters already and I don’t feel they’re padding or adding any unnecessary arcs, I worry (as usual) about the future of the story.
*crosses fingers for a good ending*
Magic, tragedy, betrayal, war… this manga has it all and it handles it SO well.
My favorite part about it is the relationship between the three main characters: Yona, Hak and Soo-Won. You get a good intro from the blurb: Yona is the only princess of her kingdom. Doted on by her father, the king, and protected by her faithful guard Hak, she cherishes the time spent with the man she loves, Soo-won.
What the Blurb doesn’t tell you is that Soo-Won is Yona’s cousin and they have been all raised together and are as close as brothers, and that, on her 16th birthday, Soo-Won kills Yona’s father and steals her throne.
Which makes him the villain of this story, right?
Well… that’s the interesting part, this manga doesn’t do black & white. There are bad guys but they’re not the usual “evil” they're greedy, negligent, despondent… they’re REAL.
We get to see quite a bit from Soo-Won point of view and he’s doing what he thinks is right. And you can feel the conflict of Yona & Hak: the betrayal, the hurt, and the feeling that, while they can’t forgive Soo-Won, they can’t fully condemn him either.
The plot is amazing too! It has a full Epic fantasy scope, with a chosen one, a journey and a quest. There are dragons and magic and everything you’d expect. Frankly it’s AWESOME. However, it’s still ongoing, and while they have over 100 chapters already and I don’t feel they’re padding or adding any unnecessary arcs, I worry (as usual) about the future of the story.
*crosses fingers for a good ending*
Read
February 15, 2017Rating only volume one for now, but I've read up to volume 21.
*waits patiently for a second season of the anime*
*please*
July 3, 2025
Placeholder for volumes 1-21
Really enjoyed this series, though in the latest volumes I've read, some things felt a bit too simplistic.
Really enjoyed this series, though in the latest volumes I've read, some things felt a bit too simplistic.
Read
July 16, 2024SUCH a good start omg!!!!! literally was not expecting half of what just happened, and the art was simply BREATHTAKING.
(i don't rate individual volumes of any manga i read so that's why this and all others have no ratings 🫶🏻)
———————
bought volumes 1 and 2 - i'm so prepared for this series to be my new roman empire
(i don't rate individual volumes of any manga i read so that's why this and all others have no ratings 🫶🏻)
———————
bought volumes 1 and 2 - i'm so prepared for this series to be my new roman empire
August 13, 2016
I finished the anime yesterday and I LOVED IT! (I really really really love it). so I started the manga because I need to know what happen later.
January 28, 2022
2.5 stars
Idk this was an interesting start, probably would have liked it better sans yona’s crush on her cousin 😬
Idk this was an interesting start, probably would have liked it better sans yona’s crush on her cousin 😬
May 31, 2023
Okay I loved this! I'm very invested in the plot and need volume 2. There is sort of a lot triangle, politics, and betrayal. I want to know what happens next!
May 11, 2019
[3.5]
Cada Manhwa que empiezo a leer últimamente todos tienen una trama muy atrapante y oscura.
Me gustó mucho este, las ilustraciones y las expresiones de los personjes son preciosas.
Me encanta la princesa Yona y Hak.
Fue superó bonito.
Cada Manhwa que empiezo a leer últimamente todos tienen una trama muy atrapante y oscura.
Me gustó mucho este, las ilustraciones y las expresiones de los personjes son preciosas.
Me encanta la princesa Yona y Hak.
Fue superó bonito.
November 11, 2024
Oh my gosh, this is honestly one of the best fantasy mangas out there. The political twists, the battles, the mystical elements, and the characters are absolutely unforgettable. I’m not even kidding; I’ve read every single volume available, and I’m dying for the final one to see how it all ends!
Want to read
December 5, 2022a friend recced it to me and the art looked so pretty so 👀 👀
December 27, 2025
girl you don’t want to marry your cousin anyways…
starting a new shojo series!! i’m very excited to dive into this series, after seeing it on socials for so many years
starting a new shojo series!! i’m very excited to dive into this series, after seeing it on socials for so many years
February 25, 2022
This tells the story of Princess Yona who resides in the kingdom of Kouka. Her father has no son as his heir and he treats his daughter with a lot of respect and love.
But many people find the King of Kouka faulty because of his peaceful ways of ruling the kingdom and his disinterest in wars and bloodshed.
It had a slow start to it but it picked up the pace eventually.
I absolutely love General Hak. Yona was okay, I thought she would be more fierce and nefarious. I'll definitely continue the series.
Also, I buddy read this with stuti and Shreya.
But many people find the King of Kouka faulty because of his peaceful ways of ruling the kingdom and his disinterest in wars and bloodshed.
It had a slow start to it but it picked up the pace eventually.
I absolutely love General Hak. Yona was okay, I thought she would be more fierce and nefarious. I'll definitely continue the series.
Also, I buddy read this with stuti and Shreya.
March 2, 2021
1). Volume 1 ★★★★.5
2.) Volume 2 ★★★★★
-----------------------------------------------
representation: own voices all East Asian cast (i'm assuming Japanese like the author)
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★.5
wow, i absolutely loved this! i already know i'm going to become obsessed with hak 😍i can't wait to continue on with the series!!
trigger warnings: murder, violence, loss of loved ones, yona crushing on her cousin (ew), sexual harassment, snakes and snake bites.
2.) Volume 2 ★★★★★
-----------------------------------------------
representation: own voices all East Asian cast (i'm assuming Japanese like the author)
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★.5
wow, i absolutely loved this! i already know i'm going to become obsessed with hak 😍i can't wait to continue on with the series!!
trigger warnings: murder, violence, loss of loved ones, yona crushing on her cousin (ew), sexual harassment, snakes and snake bites.
December 20, 2025
it’s december 19, 2025 and the final chapter of the best shoujo - yona of the dawn - has released. after watching the anime in elementary school and becoming instantly obsessed, i’ve been perpetually addicted to everything about it. there will never be a shoujo that hits the same. it has the absolute best characters, captivating plot, slowburn romance, cutest found family, and loveliest art. will stay in my heart forever.
i know it’s a thing where protagonists are super kind or beautiful or geniuses and blah blah, but i definitely prefer how the protagonist in this, yona, was written. she goes from being a spoiled princess to hitting rock-bottom and then entering a beautiful arc of some of the best character development you will ever see. everything happens so naturally and you get to be with her as she progresses into someone she wants to be. best of all, she still retains her femininity (which is something she wants… and something so many media with women taking up weapons don’t have) and her qualities that would be traditionally feminine like crying a lot, being a little naive, and being hopelessly kind. she’s precious and i love her a lot.
the male lead of this took my heart from the second i first saw him…. pure peak. there isn’t going to be a male lead that does it like him for me. one of my very first fictional crushes. he’s absolutely perfect as a character and as a love interest. i can’t speak too much about him as a character without just listing adjectives, it’s more of a read or watch and find out moment. for him as a love interest…. for their romance as a whole… i can type up a whole essay. just pure, pure perfection. a great slow-burn that doesn’t detract from the plot with the greatest yearning and cuteness you would ever see. their scenes always squeeze my heart to its fullest. one of its greatest perks is that even though the male lead, hak, is yona’s bodyguard, he wants to keep her safe but there’s nothing of “you need to be safe and away from everyone else and i need to keep you to myself” blah blah bullshit. there’s this quote where a character tells yona that’s what hak wants and i think it expresses their love beautifully:
“i just don’t know why he’d say you don’t want other men to see me.” yeah, it’s not true. in fact it’s the opposite. i want to show you off. i want to tell grandpa mundeok, king il, and the scum who chased you from the palace, and every last citizen of kohka, “look here. this is princess yona. she hacked off her hair and took up a sword in the name of protecting this country. she’s the strongest person i know. feast your eyes on our princess.”
they’re so, so, so, so, so amazing. and they love each other so selflessly. hak's been in love with her for agesssss as childhood friends and as a bodyguard and for so much of their time together, it's been one-sided with him never voicing his feelings. they love each other so purely and just want each other to be happy. i find it lovely how they’re trying to become the best versions of themselves for each other and how they protect each other and feel so beautifully for each other. it’s never going to be done like them. (also, this is a shoujo with no smut, but there’s some…. hot moments in this that had me fiending. highlights are the water and jail scenes, if you know, you know... i've read those volumes so many times. but, the romance as a whole is just 1000000%).
every single other character in this is amazing! i love the found family in this (the happy hungry bunch 😭😭 my shaylas) and they’re so cute and funny. i love all of them. all the characters have great dynamics with each other - romantic, platonic, familial, enemies, allies, whatever. i love some of the other supporting characters but, after the male lead, my favourite now would be the antagonist. they’re just… whew. so well-written and unique, i’m a huge fan. love them a lot. love everyone in this manga.
the plot is technically a traditional fantasy one but, it exemplifies it and does it really well. no complaints. for something that deals with the monarchy, it focuses well on the people impacted - you don’t see something with proper messages of classism and the problems with imperialism in manga that actually moves you. i was always moved. there’s been tears and happiness and so much.
the art is this is greattttt. i love admiring all the covers of the volumes i have of it and just marvelling over the art as i’m reading. i love the character designs and everything.
i’m going to miss yona of the dawn so much. so utter peak. i’ve been with it for so much of my life that it’s really sad that it’s over now, but, i’m going to keep rereading the volumes a million times. love, love, love this. please read it or watch.
i know it’s a thing where protagonists are super kind or beautiful or geniuses and blah blah, but i definitely prefer how the protagonist in this, yona, was written. she goes from being a spoiled princess to hitting rock-bottom and then entering a beautiful arc of some of the best character development you will ever see. everything happens so naturally and you get to be with her as she progresses into someone she wants to be. best of all, she still retains her femininity (which is something she wants… and something so many media with women taking up weapons don’t have) and her qualities that would be traditionally feminine like crying a lot, being a little naive, and being hopelessly kind. she’s precious and i love her a lot.
the male lead of this took my heart from the second i first saw him…. pure peak. there isn’t going to be a male lead that does it like him for me. one of my very first fictional crushes. he’s absolutely perfect as a character and as a love interest. i can’t speak too much about him as a character without just listing adjectives, it’s more of a read or watch and find out moment. for him as a love interest…. for their romance as a whole… i can type up a whole essay. just pure, pure perfection. a great slow-burn that doesn’t detract from the plot with the greatest yearning and cuteness you would ever see. their scenes always squeeze my heart to its fullest. one of its greatest perks is that even though the male lead, hak, is yona’s bodyguard, he wants to keep her safe but there’s nothing of “you need to be safe and away from everyone else and i need to keep you to myself” blah blah bullshit. there’s this quote where a character tells yona that’s what hak wants and i think it expresses their love beautifully:
“i just don’t know why he’d say you don’t want other men to see me.” yeah, it’s not true. in fact it’s the opposite. i want to show you off. i want to tell grandpa mundeok, king il, and the scum who chased you from the palace, and every last citizen of kohka, “look here. this is princess yona. she hacked off her hair and took up a sword in the name of protecting this country. she’s the strongest person i know. feast your eyes on our princess.”
they’re so, so, so, so, so amazing. and they love each other so selflessly. hak's been in love with her for agesssss as childhood friends and as a bodyguard and for so much of their time together, it's been one-sided with him never voicing his feelings. they love each other so purely and just want each other to be happy. i find it lovely how they’re trying to become the best versions of themselves for each other and how they protect each other and feel so beautifully for each other. it’s never going to be done like them. (also, this is a shoujo with no smut, but there’s some…. hot moments in this that had me fiending. highlights are the water and jail scenes, if you know, you know... i've read those volumes so many times. but, the romance as a whole is just 1000000%).
every single other character in this is amazing! i love the found family in this (the happy hungry bunch 😭😭 my shaylas) and they’re so cute and funny. i love all of them. all the characters have great dynamics with each other - romantic, platonic, familial, enemies, allies, whatever. i love some of the other supporting characters but, after the male lead, my favourite now would be the antagonist. they’re just… whew. so well-written and unique, i’m a huge fan. love them a lot. love everyone in this manga.
the plot is technically a traditional fantasy one but, it exemplifies it and does it really well. no complaints. for something that deals with the monarchy, it focuses well on the people impacted - you don’t see something with proper messages of classism and the problems with imperialism in manga that actually moves you. i was always moved. there’s been tears and happiness and so much.
the art is this is greattttt. i love admiring all the covers of the volumes i have of it and just marvelling over the art as i’m reading. i love the character designs and everything.
i’m going to miss yona of the dawn so much. so utter peak. i’ve been with it for so much of my life that it’s really sad that it’s over now, but, i’m going to keep rereading the volumes a million times. love, love, love this. please read it or watch.
February 24, 2023
I can feel the heartbreak. That's all.
Also... Hak <3. I have so much love for him already. Can't wait to read on.
Also... Hak <3. I have so much love for him already. Can't wait to read on.
September 18, 2022
VIDEO REVIEW HERE: https://youtu.be/iT5HciwzgJw
3.5 stars
I don’t think I’ve been as nervous to write a review on Goodreads as I am right now…*nervous laughter*
I don’t know if I’m just officially a lightweight because of mainly reading “fluffy” fiction or if this genuinely was a hard first volume because of the events that took place. I mean, I knew it would NOT be a fluffy read due to the blurb alone, but I don’t think it would be quite as dark? heartbreaking? as it was. Not sure what the right word is, but I definitely won’t be underappreciating my Snow White with the Red Hair volumes anytime soon! LOL! (Definitely missing those fluffy characters!)
Some of my lack of full enjoyment of this I think is that I had a really awful weekend, and this first volume brought my mood back down because Yona really goes through a lot this first volume. I wouldn’t say she’s a favorite character (because Hak is carrying this story for me right now), but I am really curious as to what will happen next.
I don’t absolutely hate Su-won’s guts which I didn’t expect and will say its because of his expression of when Yona tells him why she went to visit her Father that night. I wouldn’t say that was an expression of regret, but I know he felt his choice a lot differently in that moment.
Favorite moment was definitely Hak seeing the King was NOT a coward. I just really really enjoyed that scene for some reason.
I’m deeply nervous about reading more but also trying to remain optimistic because it’s an interesting story and the same thing happened to me with A Silent Voice. I didn’t love the first volume, but steadily enjoyed the series the more I read it.
Hopefully none of my Yona-loving friends hate me for not adoring this first volume, but please know I’ll be continuing the rest of the series. <3 (Might be comforting myself with a binge read of Snow White afterwards though if this series gets too dark. Ha!)
3.5 stars
I don’t think I’ve been as nervous to write a review on Goodreads as I am right now…*nervous laughter*
I don’t know if I’m just officially a lightweight because of mainly reading “fluffy” fiction or if this genuinely was a hard first volume because of the events that took place. I mean, I knew it would NOT be a fluffy read due to the blurb alone, but I don’t think it would be quite as dark? heartbreaking? as it was. Not sure what the right word is, but I definitely won’t be underappreciating my Snow White with the Red Hair volumes anytime soon! LOL! (Definitely missing those fluffy characters!)
Some of my lack of full enjoyment of this I think is that I had a really awful weekend, and this first volume brought my mood back down because Yona really goes through a lot this first volume. I wouldn’t say she’s a favorite character (because Hak is carrying this story for me right now), but I am really curious as to what will happen next.
I don’t absolutely hate Su-won’s guts which I didn’t expect and will say its because of his expression of when Yona tells him why she went to visit her Father that night. I wouldn’t say that was an expression of regret, but I know he felt his choice a lot differently in that moment.
Favorite moment was definitely Hak seeing the King was NOT a coward. I just really really enjoyed that scene for some reason.
I’m deeply nervous about reading more but also trying to remain optimistic because it’s an interesting story and the same thing happened to me with A Silent Voice. I didn’t love the first volume, but steadily enjoyed the series the more I read it.
Hopefully none of my Yona-loving friends hate me for not adoring this first volume, but please know I’ll be continuing the rest of the series. <3 (Might be comforting myself with a binge read of Snow White afterwards though if this series gets too dark. Ha!)
September 4, 2021
This one was so good!
It starts with a girl named Yona and her love for a man named Su-won and they have fond memories together and her bodyguard Hak but fate would have its laugh as Su-won turns out to be someone else and causes her tragedy unlike anyone and so it falls on Hak to defend the princess and its one of those classic scenarios with them on the run and the fate that will follow them.
Over the course of the volume we learn of Hak's past and their childhood together and what happened to them plus the affirmation of Yona's maybe rekindling feelings for Hak and how they escape Su-won and survive is the story of this manga seems like.
I really love how this manga starts off quick, establishes character motives and actions and villains and likes give this tragic origin of the lead character and finally is pure action with solid character beats and epic art and is just so good, its a page turner for sure! Amazing read!
It starts with a girl named Yona and her love for a man named Su-won and they have fond memories together and her bodyguard Hak but fate would have its laugh as Su-won turns out to be someone else and causes her tragedy unlike anyone and so it falls on Hak to defend the princess and its one of those classic scenarios with them on the run and the fate that will follow them.
Over the course of the volume we learn of Hak's past and their childhood together and what happened to them plus the affirmation of Yona's maybe rekindling feelings for Hak and how they escape Su-won and survive is the story of this manga seems like.
I really love how this manga starts off quick, establishes character motives and actions and villains and likes give this tragic origin of the lead character and finally is pure action with solid character beats and epic art and is just so good, its a page turner for sure! Amazing read!
September 18, 2023
I can't imagine Yona's pain. Her sheltered life was shattered by the selfish action of the person she least expected to hurt her. 😭
I saw the anime adaptation years ago. And I want to try reading the manga. It is still ongoing, with 40 volumes!
I've noticed the detailed descriptions of Hak here in the manga. I appreciate him more now, knowing how he stayed for the princess all these years, especially during these dark times.💕
And the art style is really captivating! 🙌
Off to volume 2! ✨
I saw the anime adaptation years ago. And I want to try reading the manga. It is still ongoing, with 40 volumes!
I've noticed the detailed descriptions of Hak here in the manga. I appreciate him more now, knowing how he stayed for the princess all these years, especially during these dark times.💕
And the art style is really captivating! 🙌
Off to volume 2! ✨
January 18, 2022
I really don't feel like adding 30+ volumes to my "read" list (I feel like these mess up my yearly challenges) so I'm going to just write a review for each volume here and adjust the star rating as needed (i.e. so far I'm loving the series and giving it 5 stars overall!)
Read November 2020:
Volume 1: What a great start to this series, I'm totally hooked! This manga has romance, betrayal, family secrets, fantasy and HAK. Oh Hak <3 I absolutely love him. As for Su-Won, I really don't know what to make of him yet. He's definitely supposed to be the villain, and I certainly don't like him right now after but I feel like there is something more to him than meets the eye.
Volume 2: We get to see a bit more from Su-Won's POV in this volume and it's interesting to see that he belive whats he's ding is right, and he definitely has this self-righteous air about himself. I feel like there is 100% more to Yona's father than we thought, and he isn't the peace-loving father she grew up with. When Yona and Hak .
Volume 3: Ohhh Ik-su and Yun are so sweet! I loved the fantasy/magic side of the series come to full play with the White Dragon! There is definitely something very special about Yona, although we don't know what yet. And Hak is still amazing, protective, and loving Hak <3.
Volume 4: Stoooop...Hak's protectiveness and annoyance with Gija (the white dragon) just shows how much he loooooves Yona. It's hilarious how often Gija and Hak rile each other up XD. When Gija sees Yuna practising with her bow & arrow, and then remembers how she said she wants to protect Hak he says "Ah. She feels the same way, doesn't she?" This absolutely melted my heart. and the Blue Dragon! I already feel for him, what a lonely upbringing :(
Read January 2021:
Volume 5: Hmmm this one was a bit lacklustre compared to the other four previous volumes...there was too much “filler” time between finding the Blue Dragon (which should’ve been concluded in the last volume) and finding the Green Dragon. Hopefully now that they’ve found him, things pick up!
Volume 6: Action packed! This was a fun read and it's amazing seeing how much Yona has grown up since the very first volume. I also love the Green Dragon and am looking forward to getting to know him a bit better over the coming volumes. His reluctance to join is such a contrast from the other dragons/Hak!
Volume 7: THIS WAS SO GOOD! Yona is such a freakin' bad ass now and that scene with Lord Su-won was everything. You can really sympathise with Yona and why she just couldn't quite take Su-won on...she's becoming so much stronger but still has a long way to go in order to beat Su-won and avenge her father's death. From this short scene you can feel just how much Yona used to yearn for Su-won and she hasn't let go of those feelings yet...and Hak ever faithful by her side 💕
Also the last scene with the white dragon scale making everyone lusty 😂 I died.
Read February 2021:
Volume 8: Oh Yona, showing how much she's grown, what a badass!
Volume 9: Oh Sinha, I loved the moments between him and Yona in this. He's had such a tough life but he's found Yona now <3
The little side story with earth tribe general Geun-fae and his wife Yuno was really cute. I feel like he's going to play a bigger part going forward? I hope so, because I really like him (and his wonderful hair haha)
Volume 10: Read April 12 - Hmmm..while I'm glad Tae-jun got his little story here, the plot is starting to feel a bit aimless? It looks like we've said goodbye to him at the end so hopefully we get some direction soon.
Volume 11: Read Dec 27th 2021 - ooh that ending with Yona and Hak!
Volume 12 - 13: Read Dec 27th 2021
Volume 14: Read January 18th 2022 - Poor Jaeha. His rivalry with Hak does make me giggle though. I wonder how this town and the drug Nadai is going to play into the rest of the story?
Yona sure grew up in this volume...she's becoming a real lady!
This review is getting just a tad long , I'm going to start reviewing from Volume 15 onward in that Goodreads title. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Read November 2020:
Volume 1: What a great start to this series, I'm totally hooked! This manga has romance, betrayal, family secrets, fantasy and HAK. Oh Hak <3 I absolutely love him. As for Su-Won, I really don't know what to make of him yet. He's definitely supposed to be the villain, and I certainly don't like him right now after but I feel like there is something more to him than meets the eye.
Volume 2: We get to see a bit more from Su-Won's POV in this volume and it's interesting to see that he belive whats he's ding is right, and he definitely has this self-righteous air about himself. I feel like there is 100% more to Yona's father than we thought, and he isn't the peace-loving father she grew up with. When Yona and Hak .
Volume 3: Ohhh Ik-su and Yun are so sweet! I loved the fantasy/magic side of the series come to full play with the White Dragon! There is definitely something very special about Yona, although we don't know what yet. And Hak is still amazing, protective, and loving Hak <3.
Volume 4: Stoooop...Hak's protectiveness and annoyance with Gija (the white dragon) just shows how much he loooooves Yona. It's hilarious how often Gija and Hak rile each other up XD. When Gija sees Yuna practising with her bow & arrow, and then remembers how she said she wants to protect Hak he says "Ah. She feels the same way, doesn't she?" This absolutely melted my heart. and the Blue Dragon! I already feel for him, what a lonely upbringing :(
Read January 2021:
Volume 5: Hmmm this one was a bit lacklustre compared to the other four previous volumes...there was too much “filler” time between finding the Blue Dragon (which should’ve been concluded in the last volume) and finding the Green Dragon. Hopefully now that they’ve found him, things pick up!
Volume 6: Action packed! This was a fun read and it's amazing seeing how much Yona has grown up since the very first volume. I also love the Green Dragon and am looking forward to getting to know him a bit better over the coming volumes. His reluctance to join is such a contrast from the other dragons/Hak!
Volume 7: THIS WAS SO GOOD! Yona is such a freakin' bad ass now and that scene with Lord Su-won was everything. You can really sympathise with Yona and why she just couldn't quite take Su-won on...she's becoming so much stronger but still has a long way to go in order to beat Su-won and avenge her father's death. From this short scene you can feel just how much Yona used to yearn for Su-won and she hasn't let go of those feelings yet...and Hak ever faithful by her side 💕
Also the last scene with the white dragon scale making everyone lusty 😂 I died.
Read February 2021:
Volume 8: Oh Yona, showing how much she's grown, what a badass!
Volume 9: Oh Sinha, I loved the moments between him and Yona in this. He's had such a tough life but he's found Yona now <3
The little side story with earth tribe general Geun-fae and his wife Yuno was really cute. I feel like he's going to play a bigger part going forward? I hope so, because I really like him (and his wonderful hair haha)
Volume 10: Read April 12 - Hmmm..while I'm glad Tae-jun got his little story here, the plot is starting to feel a bit aimless? It looks like we've said goodbye to him at the end so hopefully we get some direction soon.
Volume 11: Read Dec 27th 2021 - ooh that ending with Yona and Hak!
Volume 12 - 13: Read Dec 27th 2021
Volume 14: Read January 18th 2022 - Poor Jaeha. His rivalry with Hak does make me giggle though. I wonder how this town and the drug Nadai is going to play into the rest of the story?
Yona sure grew up in this volume...she's becoming a real lady!
This review is getting just a tad long , I'm going to start reviewing from Volume 15 onward in that Goodreads title. Can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Read
April 23, 2024⁀➴confession:
I used to have the fattest crush on my pookie wookie little bear Song Hak when I was 14I still do😔 and watched the anime. Yes, you got me, I'm reading this for him and for him only (the rest is just a bonus)
hottest bodyguard anime character imo, you can't change my mind😭
I used to have the fattest crush on my pookie wookie little bear Song Hak when I was 14
hottest bodyguard anime character imo, you can't change my mind😭
January 16, 2021
currently reading: chapter 201
Update | May 23, 2019:
Hak hugs are the best hugs. I love this boy.
--------
The characters, the plot, the world, I just love it all so much.
Hak is just <3
chapter: 122
This moment right here is the embodiment of why I love this manga.
It is the bonds that are thicker than oil, it is the strength that comes from the soul, it is the friends who will fight to the death for you, and it is the family that is so much deeper than blood.
I will be oh so sad when the time comes to say goodbye to these idiots.
My Dark Dragon and Happy Hungry Bunch.
You are all beautiful and wonderful.
You all deserve all of the happiness.
Let's hope the ending doesn't disappoint!
Spoiler for Chapter 152!
Update | May 23, 2019:
Hak hugs are the best hugs. I love this boy.
--------
The characters, the plot, the world, I just love it all so much.
Hak is just <3
chapter: 122
This moment right here is the embodiment of why I love this manga.
It is the bonds that are thicker than oil, it is the strength that comes from the soul, it is the friends who will fight to the death for you, and it is the family that is so much deeper than blood.
I will be oh so sad when the time comes to say goodbye to these idiots.
My Dark Dragon and Happy Hungry Bunch.
You are all beautiful and wonderful.
You all deserve all of the happiness.
Let's hope the ending doesn't disappoint!
Spoiler for Chapter 152!
March 31, 2022
The only reason for 4 stars is because I was a little uncomfortable with one of the love interests Yona has. 😬
May 21, 2023
Story gefällt mir ganz gut nur der Zeichenstil leider nicht - Hak sieht so komisch verzogen aus 😅
December 29, 2024
Okay I was not expecting such a turn already in the first volume but "Yona of the Dawn" has definitely spiked my interest!
There is a really nice balance between current and past scenes and both give a lot of information about each character, which I really enjoy! The art is also so beautiful, it really enhances the reading experience!! ☺️ I can't wait to read the next volume!!
There is a really nice balance between current and past scenes and both give a lot of information about each character, which I really enjoy! The art is also so beautiful, it really enhances the reading experience!! ☺️ I can't wait to read the next volume!!
October 15, 2016
Yona of the Dawn is rated Teen and has incidents of violence and at least one instance of someone trying to put the moves on the princess so if either bother you then be weary of this book. Otherwise welcome to the kingdom of Kohka and the three Rs (rebellion, regicide, and recycling...no wait that's not it...oh yeah romance.) :)
What is a 15 year old princess to do? She has a doting father who spoils her but her mother is no longer with them and the man she has fallen in love with in her even younger days is coming for her 16th birthday party. This book starts serious for a moment and turns fun as frivolous Yona worries about her hair and mentions it to the ruler of the land who is also her father. Of course to him she is more beautiful then all of the (insert beautiful objects here) so his opinion is not unbiased. With her love interest Su-won and bodyguard/childhood friend Hak we get to see even more into the past of Yona which leads to travesty. This story does a good job of building up a certain level of cheeriness which flavors the poison wine that befalls those that are mingled in the overthrow of everything Yona thought was real until then.
I really enjoyed this book and I guess I have a soft spot for redheaded manga and anime characters because I tend to pick those up lately. I have a feeling Yona is going to grow into a strong and confident woman as she deals with what happened so I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. :)
My favorite part of the book would have to be when Hak mentions there is nothing wrong with Yona's hair but rather her head and the facial expression she does while telling him to be quite had me laughing. I hope you enjoy some of the finer points of this book if you decide to try it out too. :)
What is a 15 year old princess to do? She has a doting father who spoils her but her mother is no longer with them and the man she has fallen in love with in her even younger days is coming for her 16th birthday party. This book starts serious for a moment and turns fun as frivolous Yona worries about her hair and mentions it to the ruler of the land who is also her father. Of course to him she is more beautiful then all of the (insert beautiful objects here) so his opinion is not unbiased. With her love interest Su-won and bodyguard/childhood friend Hak we get to see even more into the past of Yona which leads to travesty. This story does a good job of building up a certain level of cheeriness which flavors the poison wine that befalls those that are mingled in the overthrow of everything Yona thought was real until then.
I really enjoyed this book and I guess I have a soft spot for redheaded manga and anime characters because I tend to pick those up lately. I have a feeling Yona is going to grow into a strong and confident woman as she deals with what happened so I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. :)
My favorite part of the book would have to be when Hak mentions there is nothing wrong with Yona's hair but rather her head and the facial expression she does while telling him to be quite had me laughing. I hope you enjoy some of the finer points of this book if you decide to try it out too. :)
April 5, 2017
I love this series so much, it's not even remotely funny anymore. The characters, the art, the world, the plot. I love it.
October 28, 2025
October 2025 Reread: While I still share my past self’s overexcited thoughts, lol, I will say I found this volume a bit more rough and choppy then I remembered it being. Granted I’ve watched the anime more then I’ve read the manga (especially the earlier volumes) but I was surprised to discover that one scene in this volume is actually repositioned to be later on in the anime and I personally think it works better there then earlier like it is here.
I could also definitely tell the mangaka grew in her craft of both the art and storytelling as the first while still GORGEOUS is a little rough in places, while the second feels, again, choppy and rushed in places that the anime successfully smoothed out.
Do I still love this volume and series? Absolutely! But I did feel bumping it down one star better reflects my true opinion on it now.
*****
May 2021 Review: 5 Stars
I got super curious about this manga after my friend Laura mentioned it on her YouTube channel, and then I stumbled across an edited music video using scenes from the anime which looked super interesting so I researched and managed to watch most of the episodes and by then I was done for and throughly in love with these characters and this series, so I decided to pick up the manga.
And I loved it just as much!!!! 😍😍😍
(And even though I LOVE the BEAUTIFUL artwork, I’m not a huge fan of this volume’s cover....)
The characters are flawed and a bunch of lovable dorks I love SO MUCH, especially Yona and Hak—they are my faves and my ship that I will go down with until the end of time and so adorable, and it’s not even funny how much I love them! *pauses to breathe*
But in all honesty this manga is amazing (at least, coming from someone who has never read manga before this year) and extremely addictive in the best possible way as once I start reading I have a VERY hard time putting it down and don’t really want to either, LOL!
The story is gripping and at equal times tragic, beautiful, hilarious, and downright silly with just the right amount of humor to balance out all the seriousness and heart stopping action of everything going on. And Yona, Hak, and Su-Won as kids are just precious, not gonna lie. 😍😭
I loved this manga (and what I’ve seen of the anime!) and I can’t wait to dive into more of this series!
‼️Content‼️
Language: hell (as a place and a swear word); crap
Violence: a man is stabbed and falls on the ground dead with blood on/under him (PG-13); blood on a sword blade; injuries and blood (PG-PG-13); in the past a man is said to have murdered his brother (nothing’s shown); fighting with weapons (PG-PG-13); an arrow hits a man; a girl’s ankle is roped and trips her; a man grabs a sword blade and cuts his hand; a snake almost bites a girl and does bite a guy’s leg; a guy stabs a snake
Sexual: mild suggestive hints/comments; a man makes advances towards a young girl and grabs her arm (nothing happens); a naked girl (nothing is shown beyond if she was wearing a bikini); a guy sees a naked girl but turns away and tells himself not to think about it/get any funny ideas
Alcohol/Drugs: mentions of people getting drunk at a party; characters drink alcohol
Other: a girl has a crush on her cousin (ew); death and grief
I could also definitely tell the mangaka grew in her craft of both the art and storytelling as the first while still GORGEOUS is a little rough in places, while the second feels, again, choppy and rushed in places that the anime successfully smoothed out.
Do I still love this volume and series? Absolutely! But I did feel bumping it down one star better reflects my true opinion on it now.
*****
May 2021 Review: 5 Stars
I got super curious about this manga after my friend Laura mentioned it on her YouTube channel, and then I stumbled across an edited music video using scenes from the anime which looked super interesting so I researched and managed to watch most of the episodes and by then I was done for and throughly in love with these characters and this series, so I decided to pick up the manga.
And I loved it just as much!!!! 😍😍😍
(And even though I LOVE the BEAUTIFUL artwork, I’m not a huge fan of this volume’s cover....)
The characters are flawed and a bunch of lovable dorks I love SO MUCH, especially Yona and Hak—they are my faves and my ship that I will go down with until the end of time and so adorable, and it’s not even funny how much I love them! *pauses to breathe*
But in all honesty this manga is amazing (at least, coming from someone who has never read manga before this year) and extremely addictive in the best possible way as once I start reading I have a VERY hard time putting it down and don’t really want to either, LOL!
The story is gripping and at equal times tragic, beautiful, hilarious, and downright silly with just the right amount of humor to balance out all the seriousness and heart stopping action of everything going on. And Yona, Hak, and Su-Won as kids are just precious, not gonna lie. 😍😭
I loved this manga (and what I’ve seen of the anime!) and I can’t wait to dive into more of this series!
‼️Content‼️
Language: hell (as a place and a swear word); crap
Violence: a man is stabbed and falls on the ground dead with blood on/under him (PG-13); blood on a sword blade; injuries and blood (PG-PG-13); in the past a man is said to have murdered his brother (nothing’s shown); fighting with weapons (PG-PG-13); an arrow hits a man; a girl’s ankle is roped and trips her; a man grabs a sword blade and cuts his hand; a snake almost bites a girl and does bite a guy’s leg; a guy stabs a snake
Sexual: mild suggestive hints/comments; a man makes advances towards a young girl and grabs her arm (nothing happens); a naked girl (nothing is shown beyond if she was wearing a bikini); a guy sees a naked girl but turns away and tells himself not to think about it/get any funny ideas
Alcohol/Drugs: mentions of people getting drunk at a party; characters drink alcohol
Other: a girl has a crush on her cousin (ew); death and grief
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