Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this story



I feel like reading the description I should have loved this but I think it fell a little short for me. I loved the historical aspect and I loved the twist of their true identity but I felt like this was lacking context. I think this need more context. while I have always been interested in the families the two main characters come from I don't know much else about what was happening in Russia at the time they were alive or dead so I think the context would have helped. I also was completely thrown off for the love for victor. I understand he helped them find what they were looking for but after being raped by a man for 3 years I don't think I would ever voluntarily embrace them

Thank you, NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, and Hiroaki Samura, for a copy of this comic in exchange for an honest review.

Final Verdict: 3.00/5.00

I'm honestly not sure what to think of this one. I've read it twice, trying to form an opinion on it. I chose to read it because I am quite fond of historical stories and seeing more recent authors' takes on the events; however, I couldn't bring myself to connect with this story and/or its characters. The first thing I wasn't a fan of was the art style. While this is personal preference, I did feel like I was fighting the flow of the panels or skimming over them, which made it harder to connect to the story. I also find that the story just throws you in with little context as to who anyone is or what's even going on. While I don't think that's bad storytelling per se, for those who aren't familiar with the historical events happening, a brief summary of what was going on during the time period would have been helpful before we're thrown into the rather brutal events. I was also confused about who the characters were and what was going on with them half the time. There were a few sexual assault scenes spliced throughout the book, and while they aren't graphic, they are still quite uncomfortable near the end of them because it seemed like the female character had come to start enjoying it. I don't claim to know the mental state of all assault victims, but this certainly began to feel less horrifying and more gratuitous, which didn't vibe well with me. For the historical parts, I don't know enough about the timeline of events to give an accurate review of it; however, from the little I know, it does seem quite accurate to the brutality of this period.

Overall, I don't know if I enjoyed the story, but I certainly didn't hate it.

Thank you again, NetGalley, Kodansha Comics, and Hiroaki Samura, for a copy of this comic in exchange for an honest review.

bielka, a young woman who uses a wheelchair, and her quiet companion shchenok must conceal their true identities as they travel through the tense political atmosphere and harsh terrain of soviet russia on a mission that is both deeply secret and personal.
filled with suspense and historical depth, this political drama blends well-known and notorious historical figures into the world of hiroaki samura's fiction.

i'm familiar with the history of the soviet union in the 1930s so i was excited to read a manga set in that era. i really appreciate the research the author put into creating this story.
i think the overall experience is better if you have some understanding of how the soviet era functioned - without it, diving into the story might be slightly confusing at times.

the story itself was quite intriguing. the main characters are looking for something, and they go to extreme lengths to achieve their goal. that said, some parts made me uncomfortable. (TW!) the rape scenes felt unnecessary, and the fact that that bielka forgave him was terrible. that part didn't sit right with me.

the ending also felt slightly rushed.

on the positive note  the art style was gorgeous - very detailed and visually striking.

this story is definitely for a mature audience, as it contains heavy themes such as rape, murder, tortures and dismemberment. beware of those elements before reading.

if you're interested in russian history, this manga is worth a try.


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

First, thank you Netgalley, Hiroaki Samura, and Kodansha Comics for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I will start off my saying the art was beautiful. I do really like the two main characters and thought the twist on their real identities was interesting.
However, you do need prior knowledge to the history this manga was inspired by, and I do not have that knowledge. It made it hard to follow and really understand what was happening and the importance of it all. Secondly, there was a very unnecessary rape scene, and it’s implied she was raped for the three years she spent living as a servant for this man. Only for him to have a redemption arc of sorts. And she forgave him instantly and rushed to hug him on their reunion. AND the man that was supposedly over protective of her did nothing to this man in the three years it happened nor did he hold a grudge. It seems the author does not take rape as serious a subject as it is, and if you’re going to give your character a weak redemption, perhaps don’t make him so cruel earlier on.

Thank you to netGalley and Kondasha for the eARC.

Snegurochka was a manga I had a hard time following, but the art was gorgeous and the pacing quite unrelenting. It was sharp and poignant, but very unforgiving if you have no context for the situation.

Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze by Hiroaki Samura I was so excited to read. I love historical dramas, so I felt this was right up my alley. However, I would say you need some historical knowledge prior to reading this manga, so you don't get lost. It gets complicated and political without giving much historical context, making it easy for a reader to get lost. I feel like the character's background should have been explained a little bit better, given more context, or even made the story a bit longer. I found myself not caring much for them, even though they are shown suffering or making big sacrifices. lastly theres the rape scene, I'm used to reading a lot of "tragic" and "traumatic" books and manga, in some cases it adds context or depth to a character or story line. Still, in this case, it was completely unnecessary, especially when the manga decided to give a whole unnecessary redemption arc. We as the reader are suppost just to forgive and forgett because the victim is now fond of her rapist, and the man who swore to be by her side to thick and thin also had no problem with that at the end, is very unrealistic and poorly done. would not recommend.

Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze was an interesting trip. What stands out the most about the work is its characteristic visual appearance, Hiroki Azuma never disappoints in that sense. Unfortunately the narrative is not up to par, it feels unconvincing and fails to engage.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for this advanced reader's copy.

The blurb says "subtle adult drama" and indeed it lives up to that description. I was not entirely sure what kind of drama Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze would bring, but the end of the story is satisfying enough and also explains why it's kept so vague at the outset. The political intrigue involved in simply being in the Soviety Union at the time is enough to keep things moving. I appreciate that Kodansha added notes on certain cultural details that would otherwise be lost upon anyone who doesn't have a background in Russian studies. While this book is an award winner and the art is gorgeous, it's definitely intended for mature audiences with depictions of rape, torture, and murder.

I did not connect well with this title for many reasons.
I am a wheelchair user and I found the content of this manga slightly disturbing, I am also russian and I found certain historical events and names to be mixed up.
I think the story is intresting for those who enjoy dramatic history fiction which is why I personally gave this a 3 .
I did like and flelt intrigued by Belka's character but ultimatly I dont think I am the target audience for this manga and I do not think I will be picking up further volumes.

Visually Striking, but Thematically Troubling

Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze presents a visually compelling narrative set against the backdrop of 1930s Soviet Russia. Hiroaki Samura's artwork is undeniably captivating, capturing the bleakness and tension of the era with meticulous detail. The story follows Bielka, a wheelchair-bound young woman, and her companion Shchenok as they navigate a politically charged and perilous landscape.

However, the manga's thematic choices are deeply unsettling. The narrative delves into graphic depictions of sexual violence, which many readers have found gratuitous and distressing. The portrayal of these acts lacks the necessary sensitivity and context, leading to a narrative that feels exploitative rather than enlightening.

While the historical setting and character dynamics had the potential to offer a profound exploration of resilience and identity, these aspects are overshadowed by the manga's focus on shock value. The inclusion of real historical figures and events further complicates the narrative, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a manner that may be uncomfortable for some readers.

In summary, Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is a visually arresting work that falters in its thematic execution. Readers seeking a thoughtful historical drama may find the content distressing and the narrative choices questionable.

Just to say up front there is recurring rape via sexual coercion in this (so like, the illusion of a choice) though we do not see the act on panel, only the lead up and aftermath.

Also, this tale is set in Soviet Russia and while there are the occasional foot notes and such explaining some points, this does drop you relatively cold and assume you either know something about Soviet Russia or are quick to roll with the punches and pick up the pieces. This was not a drawback but for me but I do find it worth noting seeing as others have rated this lowly for that reason. And I get it, not knowing what's going on in a book is no fun for anyone.

But for some reason, fascist governments that are starving their citizens, trying to create more industrial capital off the backs of starving citizens, and authority turning on those who are enforcing the fascist government's whims for little reason, creating a smaller pool of acceptability, just speaks to me in 2025. Huh, not sure why.

Not going to spoil the mysteries of our two main characters, but it is interesting to see how that unravels.

If you’re a fan of Blade of the Immortal, then you’re already well aware of Hiroaki Samura’s compelling work. From his beautiful art to his deep storylines, he presents stunning historical drama. And Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze, while set far distant from Samura’s most famous work, is much the same. It’s just as beautiful to look at and dramatic to read… but now the action takes place in the Soviet Union in the 1930s. Join us for a first look at the English-language release of this powerful manga, coming next month!


Puppy and Squirrel

Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is wrapped in mysteries from the very first page. Our heroes don’t even go by their real names, instead calling themselves Bielka (“squirrel”) and Shchenok (“puppy”). The two are devoted to each other: Shchenok pushes Bielka’s unusual wheelchair, while Bielka is apparently the only person who can soothe the side effects of his strange condition. The two find themselves embroiled in the dealings of the early Soviet Union, enduring abuse of all kinds from enemies and alleged “allies” alike.

As the short manga progresses, though, it becomes clear that there’s more to both of them than meets the eye. Important people take a great interest in both of them, both for good and ill. And when the secret of Bielka’s parentage finally comes out, it unlocks a whole potential alternate history for one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century.



Myths and Legends

Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze takes its name from the Snow Maiden of Russian fairy tales. In a tale retold in the manga, we learn that she is the daughter of winter and spring, and is thus someone who should not be. Bielka uses a form of this name as her false surname. And once things become clear in the final chapter, that name is more relevant than anyone could possibly have known.

While the manga does take some inspiration from old legends, it also rests a great deal of its plot in modern legends. During the turbulent early years of the Soviet Union, there was still a great deal of unrest surrounding the last Tsar and his family. And if you think that detail gives away who Bielka really is, trust us: you’re still in for a big surprise.



Dark and Beautiful

Blade of the Immortal readers will likely be well aware of how dark Samura’s work can go. And Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze is no different. This manga deals with some pretty heavy subject matter, so bear that in mind before you dive in. This manga is just as unflinching as Samura’s other work.

But it’s because of this—combined with beautiful art, a deep story, and impeccable historical research—that this 2013 manga stands out as a real gem in Samura’s body of work. Whether you’re a fan of early 20th century history or just looking for something different, grab this one as soon as you can.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha comics for the digital ARC of “Snegurochka of the Spring Breeze” by Hiroaki Samura! It’s so interesting to read manga with a historical setting that you tell has been well researched by the author. I did find the amount of detail daunting at first but in the end I felt I had a fairly good grasp on the basic cultural context of 1930’s soviet Russia and had enjoyed reading. I found the main characters Bielka and Shchenok intriguing, so while it isn’t very clear what’s going on at first I was willing to stay to find out. They are both not physically strong characters so there was a lot of tension when they found themselves in dangerous situations. This is a dark tale, but if you are an adult reader with a little patience, interested in Russian history and looking for an interesting twist upon it, you should give this manga a try!

The premise of the book sounded interesting, and I know it will be perfect for someone, but that someone isn't me. The art style is intriguing and unique; however, I believe one needs some prior knowledge of the period in which it is set. They do explain some things, but much of it went over my head. Additionally, there are on-page rape scenes, and I wouldn’t have picked it up if I had known about this. Sadly, I only managed to get just over 50% through before putting it down.

The art is incredibly beautiful, but I found the story itself quite hard to follow despite the footnotes (perhaps due to my lack of knowledge of Russian history and culture). It got me interested in Russian history, though!

This graphic novel starts strongly with a girl in a wheelchair and her companion meeting an artist sketching and quickly becomes political intrigue. However, after the first chapter, the story starts to rush and characters are thrown at the reader without sufficient background/context for those who don't know much about 1930s Russia. The reveals come across as info dumps rather than organically coming out of the story.

Then there's the "payment" for staying at the Datcha. Our girl in a wheelchair must sleep with their captor. She doesn't fight this. Her companion isn't outraged. It's just accepted. The story then fasts forward 3 years showing that not only is this arrangement still ongoing, she's become quite fond of their captor. Her companion is still un-outraged by this treatment. Whilst this might be historically accurate, contemporary understandings of consent and respect mean that this whole topic/narrative arc needs a complete rework.

The premise for this graphic novel is a good one but I can't recommend due to its blase treatment of rape. I received an advance reader copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hiroaki Samura mantiene una matita fantastica, anche se gli anni passano e anche se si cimenta con un'ambientazione - la Russia della Rivoluzione d'Ottobre - che più lontana non si può dal Giappone semimedievale dell'Immortale. Trattiene qui le caratteristiche che più mi avevano infastidito degli ultimi volumetti, un compiacimento nella violenza e nel sesso che era quasi pornografico - e più nella violenza che in altro, per quanto fossero sempre strettamente legati; mentre nell'Immortale era tutto estremamente esplicito, qui rimane meno evidente, anche se il confronto finale tra Bielka e un altro personaggio, dopo tre anni di... convivenza, mi hanno lasciata francamente allibita.
Il tutto rimane però troppo confusionario; molto si svela e ricompone nella seconda parte, ma comprimere un periodo così complesso non è un esperimento che sia riuscito a Samura. E se già io mi sono trovata confusa, posso immaginare il lettore giapponese medio; ma può sempre godersi le meravigliose tavole e quel gusto dell'esotico che ha attratto me, invece, la prima volta verso l'autore.

I wish I could give this more than two stars.

While I enjoyed the art, the story felt very slow than all of a sudden very very rushed which I did not enjoy

At first, I was blown away by the art and very intrigued by the historical aspect — historical fiction is a genre i love dearly. However, it quickly got too complicated and heavy without prior historical context. I believe it would’ve benefited from being longer, the stakes don’t feel very high as we’re thrown in a lot of names and political happenings without really being shown the big picture.

What bothered me the most however, is the way rape was depicted here. First, having the disabled girl being raped needs to be handled with care as we know disabled people are often targets of rape. It wasn’t, her discomfort was palpable during the first rape scenes yet she gradually grows to appreciate her rapist, never showing any sign of trauma or disgust whatsoever.

Disappointing and unenjoyable read unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Trigger warnings for rape, amputation, torture, murder

This is an … intresting graphic novel that takes place in Stalin’s Russia after the fall of the Romanov Tsar. Bielka and her brother, Shchenok — both using false names — have come to a dacha (a small plot of land with a house on it) in search of … something. Captured and accused of being spies they are given into the control of Victor, who puts them to work as servants. Or rather, Shchenok as a servant. Bielka, confined to a wheelchair and an amputee who lost both legs, he rapes. There are several semi-graphic scenes of the rapes, so sensitive readers be cautious.

They spend three years with him, and it’s implied in the comic that she comes to be quite fond of him and his … attentions. Which, without showing any context, without showing any sign of a growing relationships between them — it shows a montage from one rape to another, to one where she is kissing and embracing him, and then we’re told it’s been three years.

There’s quite a bit of Russian history here, compressed into a graphic novel, and it’s always interesting to read stories that take place in different cultures, but this graphic novel is written by a Japanese author, so I don’t know how much is based on fact, and how much on fiction. The story itself is … interesting, but because the pace is so rushed it’s hard to get a grasp on any of the characters.

To be honest, I didn’t enjoy this graphic novel. The vibe, the rapes, the flatness of the characters, but other readers may enjoy it. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.