After making decisions that destroy the family business and cause people to lose their jobs, heiress Freya buys a criminal sentenced to death for killing 50 people. Both outcasts, they attempt to escape people and their lives by moving far away. Everyone recognizes them. Everyone is mean to them. Neneo can’t get a job. Killers have triangle tattoos on their hands. They are dependent on an allowance from Freya’s family. Things take a turn when Freya’s fiance finds them and offers Neneo a job that will take them to his family village.

Freya and Neneo have to deal with people judging them over and over again. No one knows the details or chain of events that led to the business tanking or the entire village being killed. Everyone fills in the gaps and presumes the worst to be true about them. They both have an uncanny pull to stick up for each other. Things and people are far from how they seem. Despite their desire to be left alone, they come in contact with people who are sure to add more twists and turns in Vol. 2.

Kondasha rates as 16+. There is off-page intimacy. VERDICT: Murder, mystery, suspense, and a “jilted” ex offers a wide appeal to many readers.

This is an interesting story, pretty much we got two people who are viewed negatively by society because of something that wasn't really their fault. But because the whole story was not told, they are fully to blame and treated like trash. I love watching theses two outcasts find each other and be there for each other.

Interesting plot definitely going to be continuing this manga series. 3.5 stars
I recommend giving this one a go, the concept is fascinating.

Book Review: Snow & Ink by Miyuki Unohana

Miyuki Unohana’s Snow & Ink is a haunting and beautifully written manga that blends romance, suspense, and psychological drama into a captivating story about redemption, trust, and love. The premise alone—a killer and an emotionally scarred heiress thrown together by fate—hooks you in, but it’s the depth of the characters and the atmosphere that really sets this story apart.

Plot & Atmosphere:
Set in a historical setting that feels timeless and remote, Snow & Ink introduces us to Neneo, a condemned criminal sentenced to die for the brutal massacre of his entire village. In stark contrast to the typical “redeemed killer” trope, Neneo is broken in both body and spirit, seemingly resigned to his grim fate. Enter Freya, a mysterious heiress harboring deep, personal wounds of her own. Their first meeting is as cold and desolate as the snow-covered landscapes that soon come to dominate their journey.

Freya’s decision to save Neneo from death and bring him with her to the far north, where she lives in self-imposed exile, is shrouded in mystery. Why would she choose a man with such a dark past to accompany her? Unohana slowly unveils the answers, but not without layering tension and secrets along the way. As the pair travels further into the harsh wilderness, the snow becomes almost a character in itself—its cold, isolating presence mirroring the emotional distance both Neneo and Freya have from the world.

The atmosphere in Snow & Ink is dreamlike, with a melancholy air that resembles other emotional dramas like My Happy Marriage. Yet, the story takes its own unique path, lacing in themes of sin, forgiveness, and fate. It’s a slow-burn journey where danger, both external and internal, looms at every turn.

Characters:
Neneo and Freya’s dynamic is fascinating. Neneo, for all his violent past, is depicted with vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with Freya. He's a man burdened by the guilt of his past actions, torn between wanting to die and his unexpected new role as Freya’s protector. Freya, on the other hand, is the perfect counterpart. Her cold, emotionless demeanor is not cruelty but a shield for her own trauma. The reader is left wondering if her decision to save Neneo is one of compassion, vengeance, or perhaps something more mysterious.

What makes their relationship truly gripping is the slow, deliberate way it unfolds. Neither character is quick to trust or open up, but as they share the journey north, moments of genuine warmth and care begin to emerge. The romantic element of the story is subtle, almost secondary to their personal arcs of healing. But when those moments of tenderness do surface, they feel earned and meaningful.

Themes & Tone:
One of the most striking aspects of Snow & Ink is how it handles themes of guilt, atonement, and forgiveness. Neneo’s past actions are not brushed aside, nor is Freya’s trauma simply used for dramatic effect. Instead, Unohana explores the human capacity to live with immense pain and to seek redemption, even when it seems impossible. The manga doesn’t offer easy answers but instead forces its characters—and readers—to grapple with moral complexity.

The tone of the story is deeply melancholic, with an ever-present sense of foreboding. The past looms large over both Neneo and Freya, and the manga cleverly hints that it won’t let them go easily. The dark, almost gothic atmosphere intensifies as the story progresses, giving the sense that something tragic may lie at the end of their path.

Art Style:
The artwork in Snow & Ink complements the story perfectly. The snowy landscapes are drawn with an almost ethereal beauty, creating a visual metaphor for the coldness and isolation the characters feel. Unohana’s character designs are sharp and expressive, with Neneo’s haunted eyes and Freya’s stoic expressions telling as much of the story as the dialogue. The use of shadow and light plays a significant role in setting the mood, with panels shifting between serene, almost peaceful moments, to dark, tense sequences of suspense and introspection.

Final Thoughts:
Snow & Ink is an atmospheric, emotional rollercoaster of a story that will resonate with readers who enjoy deep character studies and moral ambiguity. The relationship between Neneo and Freya is the beating heart of the narrative, and their journey is one of survival, both against the elements and their inner demons. Unohana crafts a tale that is both slow-burning and intense, full of unexpected twists, and always laced with a haunting beauty that stays with you long after the last page.

For fans of dark, introspective romances like My Happy Marriage or those who enjoy stories where love and survival are intertwined with deep emotional wounds, Snow & Ink offers a richly rewarding read. The melancholy tone, complex characters, and stunning artwork make this manga an unforgettable experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The term Snow and Ink is used to describe two complete opposites. Just like our two main characters. One is an heiress to a dynasty, though now disowned for failing to take care of the family business. The other is a convicted murderer of 50 people. These two cross paths by chance and leave the town that scorned them together after Freya, the heiress, buys Neneo, the murderer. However, as always in life, not everything is as it seems and not everyone is what they seem to be.

While I really liked the art style of the manga and found the meaning behind the name of the story very clever, I had a hard time getting into the story. I felt like my ARC was missing a few pages because I couldn't make out a coherent storyline. I found it quite difficult because it felt like we were cutting scenes and jumping from one to the next with no explanation. I kept feeling like I was missing something that would help me understand the story and how it was developing. A few pages into the story, Freya and Neneo fall in love, but there's no real build-up to their relationship, it just happens. And that's how the first part of the story goes. We get tiny glimpses of their life together without much context and without really seeing their connection develop. That's why I personally had a hard time connecting with the characters. I didn't really care about them and their relationship. Though that might change if the characters get more depth in the next volumes. (I'm not sure if I'll continue this series though).

The second half of the story is a bit more structured than the first, as we're introduced to a new character and a goal. As our protagonists work towards said goal, the story seems to develop a bit more, which makes it easier to follow and understand what's going on. The story could get better from here, as the plot begins to build and take shape.

I enjoyed this title more than I expected. The art is well drawn and really portrays the personality of each of the main characters. I enjoyed the later chapters the most, as we are starting to see their dynamic together, and out in society. The care they share for each other is evident, at first more out of necessity and later out of genuine love as time passes.

I’ll be picking up the next volume. I wouldn’t call this story groundbreaking (yet) but I’m invested in the characters and the trajectory of the story is really promising.

Snow & Ink is here to whisk you away on a thrilling ride through a wintry landscape of mystery, emotion, and unexpected romance! With its captivating premise and beautifully haunting artwork, this manga is perfect for fans of dark fantasy and complex character dynamics.

Meet Neneo, a brooding soul sentenced to death for a crime that has the villagers whispering in fear and disgust. Talk about a rough start!

Just as he’s about to face his doom, enter Freya, the enigmatic heiress who decides to save him, not because she believes in his innocence, but because she sees a kindred spirit in his isolation. Freya herself is no stranger to pain, carrying deep scars that make her an outcast in her own right. Their initial meeting sets the stage for a deliciously dark partnership that promises plenty of twists and turns.

As they embark on their journey to the far north, the snow capped mountains become a backdrop for their growing bond. The artwork in Snow & Ink is nothing short of breathtaking, with intricate illustrations that capture both the stark beauty of the landscape and the raw emotions of the characters. Unohana’s art is infused with a magical quality, drawing you deeper into their world, making you feel the chill of the air and the warmth of their emerging connection.

The dialogue is sharp , blending humour and heartache as Neneo and Freya navigate their turbulent pasts while discovering a glimmer of hope in their companionship. As they share their secrets, readers will find themselves invested in their journey, cheering them on as they confront both external dangers and their internal struggles.

What’s particularly compelling is how Snow & Ink dives into themes of redemption and healing. The idea that two broken souls can find solace in each other is both tender and thrilling, especially against the backdrop of their grim circumstances. It raises questions about morality, forgiveness, and the capacity for love in the darkest of times.

If you’re searching for a manga that marries dark themes with heartwarming romance, Snow & Ink is an enchanting choice.

Miyuki Unohana has crafted a unique tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat while pulling at your heartstrings. Perfect for those cozy nights when you want to get lost in a world of snow, ink, and the magic of unexpected connections, this manga is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Wealthy heiress Freya has done many things to disappoint both her family and the kingdom at large. But she’s just made her strangest choice yet: buying the murderer Neneo before he can be executed. Initially, it’s because she needs a fierce bodyguard. But before long, the two outcasts find comfort in each other’s company. And slowly, the new manga Snow and Ink turns into a surprisingly charming romance.

The art and the story are both beautiful, with the unlikely romance kicking off early and moving into complex subplots of intrigue and deception. Neneo’s story is, as one might expect, much more complex than simply being a murderer. The worldbuilding is spun out alongside the story of Freya and Neneo’s budding romance, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the new setting without becoming overwhelmed. This one is definitely worth sticking with if you’re a fan of stories like My Happy Marriage and Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts.

This has so much potential. The art is fantastic and the story overall is cute. I love the love plot, but I feel like they went from strangers to in love too quickly, I would love more back story too, but I assume we are getting set up to learn more in book 2. There were some details I really could have used though to make the story move more fluidly. Can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you so much for the eARC and giving me the opportunity to review this manga. Whilst I found it hard to get into at first, this manga has lots of potential! I read this all in one sitting and am intrigued where the story goes. It’s a unique manga and I am looking forward to reading more in the next volume.

Two misfits finding each other in the oddest situation, only to be each other’s safe place.

This was a fast paced manga and I mean this quite literally. Neneo is sentenced to death for killing his entire village; however is saved by Freya, a wealthy heiress. Freya hires Neneo as a guard as she treks up to the far, cold north for her exile. As they travel and stay together they find warmth in each other but the past starts trickling back.

I enjoyed this volume because it was straight to the point and fast. Freya and Neneo met under awkward circumstances and it shows in their first few interactions. I liked how realistic this was because Neneo was still suffering and coming to terms with what he did when he was given freedom by Freya. At first, Freya is only looking for someone to accompany her to the north, but slowly her feelings begin to change and she falls for Neneo. The romance was sudden and although Neneo doesn’t show it, I don’t think I can see these two apart.

The underlying plot captures Freya and Neneo’s past. Although both are revealed in volume one it’s surprising that there is a mystery to solve. I liked how simple yet complex there stories were. I could relate with Freya’s past because people can be kind yet devious. And it only hurts more when they betray you so it was understandable that Freya became numb and cold to pain. That said, Neneo suffers from trauma and although it’s not prominently depicted, the few scenes we witness are heartbreaking.

So far, there are only a handful of characters introduced and they have been kind to our two misfits. I’m hoping it stays like that without any unnecessary drama or love triangle.

The artwork is surprisingly good. I liked the simplicity in the backgrounds coupled with the detailed character design and expressions. I liked how this volume plays with the angles by sometimes showing the scene from a top angle and then switching from a side or bottom angle.

Overall, I enjoyed this volume but I can also see how some may not like it. Its fast pacing may be offsetting because the story moves fast. Personally, I recommend giving it a read.

I'm sad this wasn't for me. I couldn't get into the story, and it felt so wordy, like there was too much text and speech bubbles. I did like the premise and the characters, especially towards the second half of the manga. I like how they present characters and they set them to be antagonists, but then they end up being supportive of the protagonists. It is an interesting read, just not my cup of tea.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

I understand what everyone means by this manga moving too fast and their relationship progressing so quickly because they were kissing in the first chapter and they barely knew each other. I had hoped it was a one off just because both of their emotions were really high when it happened. I thought we'd be able to see them get to know one another and see how they interact together but that wasn't the case. This felt pretty unfinished though so my hope is that the final product has more pages than what I read. I did enjoy it otherwise. The characters were interesting (if a little flat since we didn't get much development) and the situation they were in was interesting but we really don't get to see much interaction between the two of them or the world.

Could not get into this manga but I had hope for it. I will definitely try more of this authors books. But this one was not for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing this ARC. I was drawn to this title because its premise sounded incredibly intriguing. The artwork throughout the book is absolutely stunning, showcasing a level of creativity that truly captivates. However, I found that the story progressed at an excessively fast pace, which made it challenging to fully engage with the narrative. There was significant potential within the plot, but it felt underdeveloped, lacking the necessary depth and background to truly resonate. Additionally, the character development seemed inconsistent, leaving me wanting more connection to the characters. Despite these issues, the beautiful artwork remains a highlight, making this book a visual delight.

Freya is trying to get away. She has made some mistakes and wants out of the spotlight. So she purchases a criminal to serve as her bodyguard. She didn't expect to fall in love.

This is a lot of fun. I don't see this being a long series, but I am definitely wanting more from this. The story is interesting and the characters are great. The artwork is stunning as well.

While I enjoyed the fluffiness of the volume, the pacing went by way too quickly for my liking and would have enjoyed it slowing down

Freya is a disgraced elder daughter whose poor decisions cost many people their jobs and livelihoods. After being disowned her younger sister is installed in her place at the head of the family business to right her wrongs, but Freya is determined to ruin her sister and her families name because of her percieved betrayal. Her many schemes have led her to buying the life of a man sentenced to death in the hopes this will tarnish her families name, but it doesn’t have the desired affect she was looking for. In the end she brings the murderer along with her to live.

This plot was very choppy and confusing. I can’t tell if I should pity Freya because she is naive or because she is just stupid. I’m not sure why she would ever think her schemes make any sense, so it must be because she is an idiot. She is also infantilized as the story progresses which made her that much more irritating. The relationship developing between her and the prisoner is also.. odd. Almost insta love but he assaulted her physically and verbally so why would I root for this? Yes, complicated past on his end.. but no. Instantly took me out of the story and couldn’t get back on the track they wanted me to follow. Plus the former fiancé? Pointless.

I can’t see myself continuing this series, but I can see how others would enjoy it.

3.75/5

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Please do check trigger/content warnings before reading! This manga is very engaging, but also feels like something's missing. I got pulled in from the very beginning, but once they became a couple it felt a bit forced. I think it really could've had more of them falling for each other instead of being instantaneous. Other than that, I would say it was a good story and I will continue reading future volumes.

This manga left me feeling warm and fluffy but at the same time I wished for the tension between them to actually evolve and not just being thrown immediately into their romance without them actually having chemistry. When they were together it was cute and I enjoyed it very much when in the second half of this volume an actual story started and I am interested in their research trip and that is the main reason I want to read the 2nd volume, the romance part left me hoping for more though, so it's a 3.5/5 for me.