Sleeps In Sunbeams's manga / #Disturbing themes(2)

Completed Opinion: It took several chapters to warm up to the MCs in this story but it turned out to be really enjoyable. Perhaps too many chapters sans the ML but it all made sense. Main couple: 8/10 FL: 8/10 - Imperial Princess Chaeyeon. Definitely a strong female lead, the amount of suffering she endured in her lives, especially the former one, was the stuff of nightmares. But she had incredible resilience and a will to survive and protect her loved ones. ML: 7/10 - Great Celestial Phoenix/Daeryeo. Started as a rather immature tsundere type that really needed to be socialised. It made sense given he isn’t human and was stuck yearning for his lost love. But he had some lovely growth and acknowledged his errors. Ultimately, he became a very likeable protector and a loving partner. Story/Concept: Ill fated princess x Celestial being. I loved the different mystical creatures and lore that peppered these pages. The human political sphere amidst an Imperial setting was a point of considerable influence on the FL but it wasn’t dull, thankfully. The character development for both MCs was very satisfying especially given the consideration given to the differences between a past life and a current one. Tropes: Reincarnation romance. Arch enemy- the resenter. Time skip. Evil step mother. Shoujo. Ending: Happy. Would have liked some couple time in side stories though. Art: Started as nice and really became beautiful towards the end. Smut: Zero. TW's: Gang rape. Abuse. Animal cruelty (implied).

CW: Drugs, murder, promiscuity, suicide references, dub con This story goes straight to my favourites pile. Both Noah and Mason/Haley were wonderfully complex characters, each with a backstory that had elements of heartbreak and which had much to do with who they were in the present day. I loved the sadistic behemoth Noah. He was such a mix of frightening power and fragile vulnerability all wrapped up in a beautiful physical shell. His PTSD and long term mental health struggles were a believable backdrop for his dangerous personality. And for all he was seriously obsessed and possessive he tried very hard to ensure that he didn’t give in to his darkest urges. As for Mason/Haley, I loved his expressions, and the art of his character with blue eyes and black hair. His protective side, his fierce independence, and his reactions to the money offered in his acting roles lol. Together, they were a favourite pairing and I loved their story! Available on Tapas Based on a novel