˙₊➴ ꒰ 2-stars★ ꒱ ꒷⊹࣪˖

Roar: A Star in the Abyss follows the early childhood of Misato-chan, a bright and beloved girl growing up in the peaceful countryside. Surrounded by love from her family and friends, her life seemed full of promise until an unfortunate incident changed everything.
As her once-hopeful life takes a darker turn, Misato is thrust into a new life filled with pain, silence, and unanswered questions. Will she rise from the pain of her past, or will she be lost in the abyss that follows?

⊹ ࣪ ˖ੈ Thoughts

The manga begins with a hopeful, radiant Misato ready to take on the world. But as the story progresses, the abrupt shift from a lighthearted tone to a darker, messier narrative felt jarring. While a dark, troubled past can be compelling for a revenge-driven MC, the sudden change feels rushed and underdeveloped. As a result, Misato’s emotions and personality seem glossed over, making it hard to truly connect with her. There are moments where the story clearly aims to evoke sympathy, but the uneven pacing and sharp 360 shift leaves the intended impact feeling hollow rather than powerful.

I understand that this part of the manga is meant to lay the foundation for Misato's character and the person she’s destined to become. However, at times it felt like one of those backstories where a character is given a tragic past simply to justify a path of revenge. The pacing was quick, and while that kept things moving, I found myself wanting more depth and more time to sit with her experiences. That said, I’m still genuinely curious to see where the story goes from here, and I’m hopeful that Misato’s journey will grow even more compelling as she begins to face the hardships that have shaped her.

➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author—Kodansha Comics, Ai Okaue & NetGalley—for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

╴╴╴╴╴⋅˚₊‧ ୨ Full and more detailed review is on Goodreads & Fable! ୧ ‧₊˚⋅ ╴╴╴╴╴

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC!

This is an emotionally heavy, haunting start to what looks to be a very intense story. The first volume immediately throws you into the darkness of the main character’s life, and it’s hard not to feel for her, I’m genuinely intrigued to see how (or if) she manages to escape the pain and trauma she is trapped in.

That said, I did find the multiple plot shifts a little confusing at times, especially when the transitions weren’t always clear. It occasionally broke the flow and left me flipping back to reorient myself. Still, the raw emotion, the grim atmosphere, and the sense of something deeper just beneath the surface kept me turning pages.

I would definitely consider picking up a few more volumes in this Manga to see how things go.

Engaging and mysterious! Childhood arcs are normally difficult to get right, but Roar has endearing child characters who act their age and react to both horrific and mundane (but horrific for a child) situations realistically and heart-wrenchingly. Classism and subtle abuse/gaslighting is also well portrayed. But it's not an over-the-top "bullied-revenge" situation, and Misato has more going for her than revenge. She's a good actress, who can emote well, and cares for her brother figures.

There were a few gaps that took me out of the story- I'm sure they'll be explained in later volumes, but the lack of any interaction whatsoever between the hidden son and the rest of the family didn't feel adequately explored. There were no reactions as to why they made the decisions they did or how each of them individually felt about him - this took away from the world building and had the family characters cemented as one-dimensional villains

In addition, introducing three possible mothers for the main character with little explanation as to how the doctor's wife was able to just take the MC was a lot. You could guess that she falsified documents or bribed, but as none of that is shown, you're left wondering even as the plot moves ten years past that interaction

It feels like it's going to be a revenge/messy soap opera style story, in which case all the moving pieces may make more sense, but as of the first chapter there are missing pieces of information in between a lot going on that can overwhelm the reader - very intriguing and leaves me looking forward to seeing it all unravel though!

I liked it. I felt like a LOT happened in just 190 pages, and this perhaps makes it lose some of the "intensity" and weight it has on the protagonist's life. I definitely want to know how it continues and what happens to her and her relationships.

Thank you so much, Kodansha Comics, for the ARC I read on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This started off promising even if it was a little lost at times. But somewhere early on it was getting bland and the plot felt a little aimless. Like it was trying to do to much at once and got messy. Soon the writing felt flat and one dimensional and honestly at some points the dialogue didn’t even make sense.

Overall I didn’t enjoy it and I built no connection whatsoever with the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital readers copy of this manga.

Review to come in July (my blog is full and it is already a miracle I was able to move things around, haha) on my blog/other places.

I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Wow, what a freaking ride. Seriously though I flew through this one. At one point I was like where am I in the story, how far am I in? I flip to the next page and it was the last page! It doesn't always happen that I get so fully absorbed, so that deserves all the credit *claps*.

In this book we meet a tiny girl named Misato. She is having a good life on an island with her family and friends. Doing karate. Kicking bullies to the curb. And everything is perfect. Misato is an adorable kid and I love how sweet and kind she was. I loved it when she got a chance to shine in front of the camera and I loved how she kicked ass even there, she was able to get so much emotion and none of it felt fake (then again she was thinking about her friend and the bullies). But oh my gosh my heart just broke when that event happened and she had to leave the island. It seems like such a wonderful house and a new chance for Misato, but Misato soon finds out that things aren't that good. Yup. If you think that lavish manor in the blurb is fun and that only outside things happen? Oh no. Misato has a terrifying time at her new home. She is abused by her new older sister who is absolutely vile. Her "mom" is an utter bitch for letting it all happen and making harsh remarks as time continues. The dad is wuss (seriously, that is the only way I can describe him). We see Misato spiral into abyss and I just wanted to grab her and take her back to the island, to give her hugs, to make her happy again. The only thing that is keeping her spirits OK is when she finds a boy in the basement. A boy who cannot walk and thus is dumped into the basement (a lavish basement, but still a basement) with the only one visiting the maid. As I said, the family is disgusting. I mean wtf is wrong with you. I was so happy that Misato found a space for herself to be herself and that she befriended the boy there. Those parts made me tear up (and smile), but also I was fearful, because I knew that one moment the family would find out or something would happen. I just knew it. They just didn't want Misato or the boy to be happy after all. I was dreading the moment, but also kind of hoping that maybe nothing would happen? Reader, bring tissues. And find a punching bag xxxl because you will need it.

I loved that we got some flashbacks on Misato's birth which gave me some answers, but also many more questions. Who is that girl???? Why did the doctor act so shady???? I need to KNOW. Hopefully in the next volume we will figure things out or at least get more hints and puzzle pieces.

Oh, and I am also very curious about the guy (who didn't seem to have aged, which made me laugh). He has an interest in Misato (in a good way, not in an icky way) and I am curious what his next steps will be. 

I am not sure how I felt about the fact that NO ONE asked for papers to identify the woman as Misato's mom. They just gave her away, or at least that is how it felt to me. I would have fought harder. I also found it a bit too coincidental that THAT happened before the big event that led Misato to be taken away from the island.

The art was so good. I love how well the style fitted with the story. And that cover! So pretty, but also ominous.

All in all, if you are looking for a read that will make you cry, make you want to punch something, makes you feel all the things + you want to root for a character, be sure to get this one. I need the next volume ASAP.

This first volume was the perfect set up to the story and leaves readers wanting for more. I loved the framing of the story seeing Misato’s back story and setting up the series in such a way that you cannot help but want to continue.
The art style is brilliantly tied to the genre and story and the layout of the panels I found had a nice balance between text and graphics. I also found that we got a good understanding of the characters although not perhaps their full motives which adds a nice air of mystery and keeps us guessing. For fans of thrillers this is going to be a must read.
As always thank you to Kodansha Comics for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

This was an emotional rollercoaster of a first manga that made me hungry for the showbiz future and the revenge arc promised.

Wow, what a fast-paced first volume! We rushed through the main character's childhood so fast and with so much drama. I was captivated by the story and wanted to see where the story was going. That being said, some of the story plot was almost unbelievable. The "mom" appearing out of nowhere and able to take her in no question asked was the strangest. Did no one check on these children? I liked Misato as a character and want to see what her future has in store for her. Hopefully, her vengeance will be satisfying. There are many mysteries that need to be solved, and I would love to read more to untangle them. Overall, an intriguing start to a series.

Solid start to a new series! Shout out to the publisher for giving us a new Josie title, which is hard to come by.
There are so many layers to this story that will eventually be pulled away as this series progresses! The character development is fantastic, we know that our protagonist is going to be on a ride throughout the story, and we will be going with her. With this in mind the first volume is a little slower paced because the mystery is being laid out. Expect twists and turns, as well as emotional investment.

I really enjoyed Roar: A Star in the Abyss #1. This volume leaves a few plot questions unanswered, and I’m eager to see where the story goes in part two. Misato-chan’s character and backstory are captivating from the start, and I’m looking forward to watching her journey unfold. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really liked it. This Manga focuses more on the background of her story, which is honestly very tragic, but it definitely left me wanting more!
A big thank you to kodansha Comics and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

3,5 ⭐ rounded up

misato grew up in peace on a quiet island, loved by her parents and far from chaos. but when a tv show begins filming nearby and she's cast as an extra, everything changes. a stranger claiming to be her real mother appears, dragging her into a life of luxury and deception. surrounded by schemers and lies, misato's journey into fame quickly twists into darkness, fueled by betrayal and the need for revenge.

the first volume of this manga started off strong. ai okaue's storytelling is really good and perfectly captures misato's emotions.
the story is mysterious at times - the part where the step mom appeared added a layer of tension and intrigue.
misato and her step brother have lived for years in a terrible atmosphere and dream of escaping someday, but it always feels like someone is watching. i loved the maid for allowing them to spend time together.
the setting felt claustrophobic, and i truly felt the helplessness when the step bro discovered the hidden camera.

the characters are very intriguing and well-developed. some of them are incredibly unlikeable, such as misato's stepmother and stepsister, but the story also includes characters i root for.
i can't wait to see how theit story unfolds.

they way the author made them feel for the protagonists was powerful - i felt so sorry for them, and i absolutely despise people like the stepmother and stepsis in real life.

i also loved the art style and how it captured the multiple timelines - misato as a child, a teenager, and even scenes from before she was born.

overall, this volume left me with a lot of questions, and i'd be happy to read what happens next. i'm truly rooting for misato and i'm curious to see how her journey for vengeance will unfold and what secrets lie within her step family.



*thanks to NetGalley, Kodansha Comics and the author for providing me with an ARC of this manga.*

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC of Roar: A Star in the Abyss Vol. 1.

This manga took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Misato's journey from a peaceful island life to the dark and manipulative world of showbiz is both heartbreaking and compelling. The sudden appearance of a woman claiming to be her real mother adds layers of mystery and tension. I'm left with so many questions about Misato's true origins and the reasons behind the animosity she faces. The artwork beautifully captures the contrast between innocence and the lurking darkness. I can't wait to see how Misato's story unfolds in the next volume.

Ai Okaue's storytelling is masterful, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and suspenseful. The characters are well-developed, each with their own complexities and secrets. The themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience are explored with depth and sensitivity. The pacing is well-balanced, gradually building tension while allowing for moments of reflection.
mcnallyrobinson.com

Overall, Roar: A Star in the Abyss Vol. 1 is a powerful start to what promises to be an unforgettable series. I highly recommend it to fans of dramatic, character-driven stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature.

This was a really solid first volume. Lots of mystery and questions to think on until the next volume releases. Misato is a character I am rooting for and I'm curious to see her potential road to revenge begin in the next release.

Roar: A Star in the Abyss 1 by Ai Okaue, I understand, is book one, but the story felt a bit chaotic and all over the place: somethings made no sense but I'm hoping its just because it is the first book, and as the story goes along the piece will start to fall into place, still very entretainting I will be looking foward for the second book, I just think it did not have a very strong start.

This was bad? There is no plot except for revelation after revelation. Like I've seen the same plot on Criminal Minds and in books. Very disappointed in this.

Roar: a Star in the Abyss is an intense adventure that draws the reader into a story full of dark elements. Identity and fame continually intertwine to create an unsettling ambiguity.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this advanced reader's copy.

A Dark, Gripping Descent into Stardom and Vengeance

Roar: A Star in the Abyss delivers a chilling and emotionally charged narrative that delves into the darker facets of fame and identity. Ai Okaue, renowned for Guilty, masterfully crafts a story that is both haunting and compelling.
penguin.com.au

The protagonist, Misato, transitions from a serene island life to the tumultuous world of showbiz after being cast as an extra in a TV show. Her life spirals as she is thrust into a lavish yet treacherous environment, surrounded by opportunists and manipulators. The sudden appearance of a woman claiming to be her real mother adds to the turmoil, leading Misato down a path where vengeance becomes her only solace .

Okaue's artwork is striking, juxtaposing Misato's initial innocence with the stark cruelty of her new reality. The illustrations effectively convey the emotional depth and tension that permeate the story.

While the first volume primarily sets the stage, focusing on Misato's suffering and the establishment of her new world, it lays a solid foundation for the unfolding drama. The narrative's pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Misato's transformation and the complexities of her circumstances.

In summary, Roar: A Star in the Abyss, Vol. 1 is a compelling start to a series that promises to explore the intricate interplay of ambition, betrayal, and revenge. It's a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and dark dramas.

Thank you to Kodansha for the e-arc of this manga! This story broke my heart and intrigued me. Misato-chan deserves better, and I look forward to seeing her journey to happiness and success (hopefully). Please look up triggers before reading this manga. 4 🌟

Thank You NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC!

The cover is just absolutely beautiful, and the visuals are just so eye catching! This volume was pact full of things that happened, and It broke my heart seeing what happened to Misato and her family. She lived a rough life trying to adjust to her life and re-finding her purpose. I will say, the revenge sometimes seems a bit over the top, almost cartoony in a way where 'villains are bad because they are villains' and there's far too many questions that have been laid out on the table all at once. But, I am very interested in what happens to Misato and her journey!