Title: Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 7
Author: Rei Tōma
First published June 24, 2011
184 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781421542157 (ISBN10: 1421542153)
Rating: 4.23
Overview
As the political tensions between Senan and Belquat continue to rise, Princess Nakaba and Prince Caesar find themselves struggling to maintain their fragile peace. Despite their initial marriage being a mere political arrangement, the two have developed romantic feelings for each other, which only complicates matters further.
When a family member is murdered, the couple seeks refuge in Nakaba’s homeland of Senan, hoping for sanctuary. However, Nakaba’s own cousin proves to be a formidable foe, making their stay anything but comfortable.
To make matters worse, the King of Senan sends them away, leaving them with nowhere to turn. Will Caesar and Nakaba be able to salvage their relationship and find a way to bring peace between their countries?
About the Author
Rei Tōma has been drawing since she was a child, but it wasn’t until her graduation project at design school that she ventured into manga. Her short story manga, “Help me dentist” (ヘルプ me デンティスト), caught the eye of a publisher and she made her debut as a manga artist.
Her unique art style quickly gained popularity and she became recognized as an illustrator for novels and video game character designs.
Her first long-running manga series, Dawn of the Arcana, has been a monumental success in Japan, with over a million copies sold.
Editoral Review
Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 7 is a manga series written and illustrated by Rei Tma.
The genre is shjo manga, which is typically aimed at young women and focuses on romantic relationships and strong female protagonists. This installment, first published on June 24, 2011, continues the story of Princess Nakaba and her troubles as a half-Lagurian, half-Senan princess in a divided society where her marriage to Prince Caesar of Senan could either solidify or destroy the peace treaty between the two nations.
The arc of the series explores themes of political intrigue, cultural and racial division, and the pressures of leadership. The book picks up where the previous volume left off, with Caesar reaching Nakaba and Jonah in time to save them from execution for treason.
The trio embarks on a journey back to Senan, accompanied by Nakaba’s bodyguard Loki and Caesar’s loyalist escort, eventually arriving at their destination much to the hostility of the ruling class. Throughout the journey, Nakaba and Caesar’s relationship develops, with hints of a potential romance between the two, despite their races, cultures, and conflicting sides of the conflict.
One of the strengths of Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 7 is the development of its characters.
Tma masterfully weaves in emotional depth and complexity to each character, particularly Nakaba’s growth as a person and leader facing difficult choices. Caesar, who previously appeared to be simply a ruthless prince, shows hints of vulnerability and empathy, adding layers to his character.
Tma also continues to explore the complex political and cultural divide between the two nations, highlighting the struggles and tensions between the Lagurian and Senan characters. However, some of the plot points may feel forced, particularly the rushed pacing of the conclusion that lacks resolution.
While the book is set in a fictional world, it’s not difficult to draw parallels to real-world events and issues. The tension between Lagurian and Senan characters can be seen as a commentary on ethnic and cultural divides found in many parts of the world.
Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 7 can serve as a way for readers to reflect on these conflicts and consider solutions for peaceful coexistence.
Overall, Dawn of the Arcana, Vol. 7 is an engaging and well-crafted manga with a compelling plot and well-developed characters.
While there are some plot points that feel rushed and underdeveloped, Tma’s storytelling, emotional depth, and cultural commentary make this a captivating read for fans of the shjo manga genre. For those interested in political intrigue and complex relationships, this volume is worth the read.
The Washington Post rates this book four out of five stars.
