TWILIGHT VOWS: Harlequin Manga

I have read a few bits of manga and some graphic novels over the last few years, but they are not one of my principal focuses. However, the blurb and cover of Twilight Vows caught my eye, so I decided to give it a try. The story is pretty light and highly predictable, but I don't think that's a major issue with this style of work, which plays to tropes and expectations. Overall, it was a quick and easy read, though once or twice I was briefly confused until I realised we had gone into a flashback. The best thing about this book for me was the gorgeous illustrations. I would have fallen in love with Donovan too. So, while the story didn't blow me away, on the whole I had a lot of fun reading this book, taking in the beautiful artwork, so I would give another work in this series a try in the future. Dedicated fans of manga with paranormal elements will doubtless find something to appreciate in Twilight Vows. Three stars for the story, but bumping my rating to four stars thanks to the artwork.

I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

So, I have a whole batch of Harlequin Manga to read and review, so prepare yourselves!

Normally Harlequin is already hard to believe, over the top romance, some dramarama, but this one tops it all with a vampire romance interest. Yup. Vampire. I was kind of hesitant, but on the other side I wanted to read this. Because dang, that vampire guy looked HOT. :P

The story begins when our MC, Rachel, is being drowned by her aunt and uncle (Yes, really. For insurance money.), and Donovan rescues her. From that moment on they are connected. Yes, it sounds cliche, but I would think that that moment is when they became destined together. For her to find him again when she was older.
After that the book heads to the now, Rachel is on her way back to her home village. She wants to discover more about the mysterious castle near the village + also find out more that traumatic event that happened when she was a kid. I really liked that the author did it this way, now we know that Donovan is a good guy (despite being a very hungry vampire).

I had a laugh that Rachel was just not influenced by Donovan's powers and Donovan just didn't know what to do about it. She is just too stubborn, just let her stay with you! It is the best for both of you.

Then something happened and my heart just broke. For Donovan, but also for Rachel. But on the one hand... this event did lead them to talk about their feelings, and we also learn more about what happened to Donovan's maker, Dante.

And then something else happened, and I am crying. Weeping for these two. Happy tears, but still tears.

Oh, and we also find out more about creepy Manny. And dang, that bro is *shivers* beyond creepy. Dude, Rachel is not your property. Get that. And get out. Away. Shoo.

OMG, I am crying even more now. Dang you author. Dang you mangaka. *cries* And these are tears of OMG and happiness and sadness and OMG OMG OMG. That was just the best (albeit a bit overdramatic) ending. *continues crying*

All in all, a fantastic harlequin manga. At first I was a bit worried about the supernatural element, but oh boy, did it fit well, and did I love it! I would highly recommend this one.

4.25/5 stars

I actually really enjoyed this! I love reading manga and graphic novels, and the sumary of this is exactly my cup of tea. While I have to say that the story isn't new or unpredictable, the art makes up for it and gives amazing visuals to go along! I can say that, like in YA Fantasy, manga and GNs are very difficult to create brand new ideas. However, I feel like every author and artist adds their own twist to existing ideas and makes it their own. That's what I find here. Yes, the story doesn't completely blow you away, but the story does have it's own charm , even though it can be predictable. It actually makes you fall in love along with the MC. The art takes it to a whole other level, just adding that final touch to really turn this from mediocre to great. The art is absolutely stunning, and I love the amount of detail put into every object and character.

All in all, this is a simpe story that can hold its own. It has a lovely story with equally gorgeous art to pair with it. I'd definitely recommend giving this a read.

What a splendid way to redo a marvelous book by Ms. Shayne. I so enjoyed it this way. Good artwork helped tell the story.

Harlequin Mangas are mostly over romanced, full of stupidity and sometimes it drags... but here we are - a Harlequin Manga with VAMPIRES, yes vampires - it's a mix that can go well or be a doom of the story. This one for sure intrigued me in the original story.
The plot was good and for sure characters were intriguing and were likable. Add to it some history from the past and some freak in the village (no more or I will give spoilers!)