I really enjoyed this one. It was completely different to any manga I’d really read before and kept me intrigued for start to finish. The art style was also right up my alley which I feel is always important to help keep me invested in the story.

I really enjoyed this manga! Thank you so, so much to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this title!

Blurb:
Sentenced to death for the crime of sadistically killing his entire village, Neneo is all but ready to accept his unfortunate fate when he is mysteriously bought and saved by the wealthy heiress Freya. Emotionless and numb to the world, Freya is also an outcast, hiding deep wounds of her own. Unfazed by the tales of Neneo's crimes, she enlists him to accompany her in her exile to the far north. As this unlikely pair, both shunned by a cold world, venture together into the deep snow, they begin to find warmth in each other. But the past won't let itself be so easily forgotten...

I was lucky to get this as an advanced copy thank you netgalley, i devoured this book so much so that i need to read the next one asap to know what happens to both the characters, i loved their development and i'm excited to see where they end up

I didn’t feel very satisfied with this volume, and won’t be continuing the series. I think the backstory reveals and romance would have hit harder if it were slower paced. I didn’t feel invested or hooked.

A condemned criminal and a disgraced heiress find themselves exiled together in a snow-laden world. The artwork is delicate and atmospheric, capturing the isolation and tentative bond between the protagonists. While the premise is compelling, the rapid development of their relationship feels abrupt, and the narrative's pacing is uneven. Nonetheless, the story holds promise for deeper exploration in future volumes.

First I would like to thank Netgalley approving this arc for me in return for an honest review.

I honestly soak up most shoujo mangas, and this one has now been added to my ever growing list of ones we have publishing right now. It is very promising in it's premises and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

Wow, I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to read this. Visually, this book was stunning. Content wise, the book was hard to put down. It was gripping and kept me turning page after page to see what happens next. While the romance felt a tad rushed, I am pretty confident in my suspension of disbelief, so I still thoroughly enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more in this series!

Snow & Ink 1 by Miyuki Unohana is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Set in a beautifully crafted world, the story follows the main character as they navigate a journey filled with magical intrigue and complex relationships. Unohana’s artwork is stunning, with delicate illustrations that bring the story’s enchanting atmosphere to life. The plot is engaging, with a mix of mystery, romance, and character development that keeps readers hooked. Snow & Ink 1 is a promising start to the series, making it an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and romance.

Honestly, I got confused about the storyline and did not finish. The art was great, but I had trouble following their agreement and how quickly they started caring for each other?

**Review of *Snow & Ink 1* by Miyuki Unohana**

*Snow & Ink 1* by Miyuki Unohana is a captivating, atmospheric manga that blends elements of historical fiction with a slow-burn romance in a world steeped in sorrow and secrets. This first volume sets the stage for a tale of unexpected love between two damaged souls—a condemned criminal and a cold, isolated heiress—both struggling to reconcile with their pasts while navigating an uncertain future.

The story follows Neneo, a man sentenced to death for the brutal massacre of his village. Resigned to his fate, he is unexpectedly bought and saved by Freya, a wealthy heiress. Despite the dark rumors surrounding Neneo's crime, Freya remains unfazed and enlists him to accompany her on an exiled journey to the far north. Both characters are shunned by society for different reasons—Neneo due to his horrific past, and Freya due to her emotional coldness and the hidden scars of her own painful history.

What makes *Snow & Ink 1* so compelling is the juxtaposition between the two main characters. Neneo, who is an outcast for his violent past, is numb to the world around him. Freya, equally detached from the world, is driven by a need to escape the constraints of her privileged life and the emotional wounds that plague her. Their relationship begins as one of necessity, but the underlying tension and the slow development of trust and affection between them are where the true emotional depth of the manga lies.

The setting itself adds to the melancholic and eerie atmosphere of the story. The harsh, snowy landscapes serve as a mirror to the emotional desolation that both characters feel. Unohana's portrayal of the environment is rich and immersive, emphasizing the isolation both Neneo and Freya face as they journey together. The coldness of their surroundings contrasts with the slow, tentative warmth that begins to grow between them, as they both share their burdens and secrets along the way.

Unohana's art is delicate yet striking, capturing the emotional weight of the characters and the atmosphere of the world they inhabit. The character designs are nuanced, with Freya's regal, but distant demeanor and Neneo's rough, haunted appearance contrasting each other beautifully. The backgrounds are richly detailed, particularly in the scenes of snow-covered landscapes and the isolation the characters feel in these vast, empty spaces.

The narrative pacing in *Snow & Ink 1* is measured, allowing the relationship between Neneo and Freya to develop naturally and without rushing. The gradual unveiling of their personal histories and the psychological complexity of both characters adds layers to the plot, ensuring the reader is deeply invested in their journey. The romance, while slow to bloom, is intense and nuanced, showing the characters’ vulnerability and their need for healing in a world that has been cruel to them.

One of the strongest elements of this manga is its exploration of past trauma and the idea of redemption. Both Neneo and Freya are haunted by their pasts—Neneo by his violent actions and Freya by the wounds inflicted upon her by her family and society. Their connection offers a chance for healing, but their histories make it clear that redemption is not easily won. As they venture north together, they must face not only the challenges of the journey but also the ghosts of their pasts that refuse to be buried.

In conclusion, *Snow & Ink 1* is a hauntingly beautiful manga that offers a poignant exploration of trauma, redemption, and the unexpected bond that forms between two seemingly incompatible souls. The compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and intricate emotional dynamics make this a standout in the historical romance genre. Miyuki Unohana’s masterful storytelling and evocative art make this series one to watch, and I’m eagerly anticipating how the story will unfold in the next volume.

The art looked good, I recently invested in a Colorsoft kindle in hopes that more Manga will be published in full color. The story was decent, left me wanting to continue the series.

Review of Snow & Ink 1 by Miyuki Unohana

Snow & Ink 1 by Miyuki Unohana is an exquisite start to a series that blends beauty, mystery, and emotional depth in a way that lingers long after the last page is turned. Unohana’s writing is poetic and immersive, effortlessly drawing the reader into a world of quiet elegance, where the subtle interplay between the natural world and human emotion takes center stage.

The novel introduces a protagonist whose journey is both personal and poignant. As the story unfolds, readers are taken into a world that is deeply connected to nature and art, with a delicate balance between the two. Unohana masterfully explores themes of identity, loss, and the healing power of self-expression. The protagonist’s search for meaning and understanding in a world full of beauty and sadness resonates deeply, making their journey one that feels both timeless and deeply human.

Unohana’s world-building is elegant and detailed. The setting, often described through sensory-rich imagery, feels like a character in itself. The snow, the ink, and the fleeting moments of beauty play into the emotional landscape, making every scene feel tangible and alive. The slower, more reflective pace allows for deeper exploration of the character’s thoughts and emotions, giving the reader a chance to reflect alongside them.

The pacing is gentle but steady, with moments of introspection balanced by small yet impactful plot developments. The romantic elements are subtle but meaningful, and the connections between characters evolve naturally as the story progresses.

What truly sets Snow & Ink 1 apart is Unohana’s ability to balance the quiet, intimate moments with the larger emotional arcs. There’s an almost meditative quality to the storytelling, which draws the reader in without overwhelming them.

Overall, Snow & Ink 1 is a beautifully written, evocative novel that promises much more to come. For those who enjoy stories that are rich in atmosphere, emotional depth, and subtle romance, this is a must-read. Miyuki Unohana has created a world that is as delicate as it is compelling, and readers will no doubt be eager to see where the journey leads in the next installment.

I started reading Snow & Ink because the topic fascinated me. Unfortunately, the further I got, the more I noticed that the jumps within the story were much too big for me. For my taste, I was missing too many important details within the story. In addition, the relationship between the two progressed too quickly for me during this time. Which makes it a shame, because I was really looking forward to the story. Maybe it would have done the story good to have more pages. Then it would have been possible to fill the time jumps.

Thank you to the author/artist and publisher for the ARC I received.

This was a fun one to read. It’s definitely for a unique setup/plot compared to other mangas I have read before. The art style is also gorgeous. Not only are the people drawn well, but their clothes are done very nicely, and there have been a few really gorgeous landscape drawings as well that I loved. The story and characters are really interesting and I’m curious where the story will go. Both of the main characters have a really sad backstory that I’d like to know more about. But also I just want them to live in peace away from the drama. The one downside is that the pacing feels off in the beginning. It seems like they fall for each other very fast but I read online that the authors says they actually spend a few months together, it’s just not shown. I really wish we got to see a bit of that time period, because as-is, it appears to be almost insta-love, which I am not a fan of. Otherwise, it’s a really interesting story that I would recommend checking out! I would give this a 3.25/5 stars, maybe a 3.5/5. It’s a little hard to rate because I really like some parts but I don’t like the pacing.

3 stars

I had some mixed feelings about this graphic novel.

Snow & Ink had some interesting ideas and a unique premise, but ultimately fell short of it's potential. The characters felt a little flat and underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally. The plot, while intriguing in the beginning, felt a bit rushed and lacked depth in my opinion.
The writing itself was decent, but nothing particularly noteworthy.

I do like the cover, it's appealing to see. The artwork is very pretty. The concept of a world without emotions was certainly a unique concept.

Snow & Ink is a decent read with some interesting ideas, but it's not a must-read if u ask me. If you're open to exploring a unique world, you might enjoy it.

The synopsis and the start of the manga made want to dive into the story. When I did, though, I felt it was full of clichés.

A woman buys a hateful criminal and wants him to be her bodyguard (which he hardly is at first). They go north to a hut where they live and start their life together as a couple? The manga went from a potential dark setting and characters to a fluffy romance in the span of two chapters.

There is more to it than it seems to the characters. I get that you can have good reasons for doing certain things but that doesn't make it okey...and all the story does is redeem their doings.

Sentenced to death for the brutal massacre of his village, Neneo faces certain execution—until he is unexpectedly purchased by Freya, a wealthy yet emotionally detached heiress with her dark past. Together, they embark on an exile to the far north, where they are forced to confront their inner demons. As they navigate the icy wilderness, an unlikely bond begins to form between the condemned killer and the wounded heiress. But their shared solace is fragile, as the shadows of their pasts threaten to destroy any chance of redemption.

Tropes
- Grumpy vs. emotionally numb dynamic
- Unlikely companions
- Redemption through love
- Healing past traumas
- Found family in unexpected places

It delivers a gripping tale of love, redemption, and survival against the harshest of landscapes—both external and internal. The story’s emotional depth is matched only by its stunning, atmospheric artwork, which brings the icy northern wilderness to life and underscores the isolation and fragility of its characters.

Neneo and Freya are masterfully crafted protagonists, each burdened by a traumatic past. Neneo’s stoic acceptance of his dark fate contrasts with Freya’s quiet numbness, creating a dynamic that is as fascinating as it is poignant. As they journey together, their relationship evolves slowly and naturally, giving weight to each moment of trust and vulnerability. Their connection is not just romantic but deeply human, reflecting the universal need for connection and understanding in the face of suffering.

The plot is intricately woven with moments of mystery, tension, and introspection. Readers are left questioning the true nature of Neneo’s crimes and the extent of Freya’s hidden pain, drawing them deeper into the story. The twists and revelations are subtle yet impactful, ensuring the narrative remains as compelling as it is thought-provoking.

With its richly drawn characters, emotionally resonant storytelling, and breathtaking visual style, Snow & Ink is a perfect choice for fans of My Happy Marriage and historical fantasies that explore the complexities of love and redemption. It is a poignant start to what promises to be an unforgettable series.

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

Snow & Ink, Vol. 1 by Miyuki Unohana was a swift-moving dichotomy of light and dark themes following an ex-heiress and her murderer slave. This was a strangely beautiful manga volume switching between despair and hope as the couple finds a friend and a future in unexpected places. This is so different than anything I've read, and I'm excited to continue with volumes in the future.

I enjoyed it more than I expected!

The initial impressions of the main characters changed when I learned more about their back story. It has a nice blend of romance but rather fast-paced. Art is nice though!

Reviewed for School Library Journal. This is a fast-paced romance with the two leads falling straight into their relationship, which is refreshing given how many slow-burn stories are out there. Unohana creates an emotional connection to both leads very quickly in this volume.