So here we are, precisely at the halfway point of the series, and at long last, Yuri and Kail have consummated their relationship. It's been a long wait, and finally, this significant moment has arrived. Also, I must admit that I completely forgot about Rufasa. Smh.
Kail makes an announcement to everyone, excluding Yuri, that he desires to make her his lawful wife. However, upon returning home, he discovers dozens of beautiful aristocratic women residing in the Seraglio. Damn you, Nakia! Throwing all those pretty women at Kail like that!
Although Shinohara makes them appear as if they are garishly painted strumpets...
Yuri has come to terms with staying in Hattusa with Kail, but unfortunately, the women are bullying her. I would be concerned, except this is Yuri, and let me tell you something. Yuri is capable of handling anything that comes her way.
And Princess Alexandra is back! Wahoo! She only has eyes for Yuri, so at least Kail can cross her off the list.
I think the only cliffhanger featuring a wardrobe malfunction that I can recall is a rather memorable one. It happened in a particular TV show that I was really into at the time. The scene was set in a crucial moment of the story. The main character was in a tense situation, and just as things were about to reach a climax, a wardrobe malfunction occurred. It was completely unexpected and added an extra layer of drama to the already exciting scene. The character's reaction to the malfunction was both hilarious and endearing, and it left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. This cliffhanger not only made me laugh but also made me more invested in the story and the characters. It's one of those moments that I still remember vividly even after all these years.
See full review @ Katie's Corner
I have been postponing writing this review for a long time. Not because I had no idea what to write, but because there was an abundance of things I wanted to pen down. In fact, I even contemplated writing more than one review. However, every time I had this thought, I found myself at a loss as to where to end. Essentially, there was a perfect juncture to stop and write the review, but even when I was reading the book for the third time, it held my attention so firmly that I couldn't even bring myself to stop reading and start writing the review. I vividly remember the third time I was reading it, which was during the conference in April 2016. I even skipped my teammates' party just so I could experience it once again. So, what makes it so fascinating?
If this were a video review, I'm certain I would be talking for at least an hour. But since you have to read it, I'll do my best to keep it as concise as possible, although no guarantees here. First and foremost, bear in mind that the story began to be released in 1995 and continued for several years. There are approximately 28 volumes in total. Therefore, don't disregard it if you don't like the art initially; you'll gradually get accustomed to it. I adored it! There were moments when I wished the author didn't know how to draw dead bodies. But I digress. The story follows a 16-year-old Japanese girl named Yuri. The opening pages are excellent, and you wonder if the story will unfold "now," but that's where I'm going to disappoint you, or perhaps delight you. Due to certain circumstances, Yuri is drawn into the past, specifically into 12 B.C. during the Hatti era. In the very beginning, I didn't put everything together because I learned about Hatti under a slightly different name in my history class. So, if you're a fan of historical romance, filled with tons of action and battles, politics, and court intrigues, get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride called - Red River!
Here's another aspect you should be aware of. In essence, this was the original story that made me have a craving for historical romance. It was the reason I read Legend of Basara, Crazy Girl Shin Bia, and Legend of Nereid. But let's return to the story. You can always read the reviews for the others on my blog. As I've mentioned before, I've read the story three times, and I'm quite certain I'll read it again after some time. Why do I love it so much? It has a robust plotline and amazing characters. I love reading about strong female characters, and Yuri is precisely that! You might argue that she did depend on Kail, but if you look closely, she grew as a character much more rapidly than him. Her charm was such that it even made me fall in love with her. My boyfriend is getting jealous, so I'll have to rephrase that. Her wit and her ability to quickly assess the situation made me like her as a character a great deal. She has a sense of humor, she's loyal, and she doesn't hesitate to fight for what she believes is hers. But let me introduce her partner - Kail. Sorry, I have a selective memory when it comes to his surname. He's a remarkable politician and a caring person. Don't misunderstand me, but I do distinguish between a politician and a person in this story. He falls in love with Yuri unconsciously, and it's a wonderful moment when they finally recognize their feelings and overcome most of the obstacles on their path to happiness.
Another character that needs to be mentioned here is Queen Nakia, or as you might better understand, our villain for almost the entire story. There were others too, but she was ultimately the one behind it all. Her motives and goals are quite typical for an ambitious queen, as well as for a queen of that era. I didn't quite understand why a Tawananna held the second-highest position, even when the king had a wife (that's when Yuri goes to Egypt and meets Nefertiti). Yes, we have a plethora of famous historical figures making appearances in the story, and trust me, you'll never get bored. There's always something hindering Kail's and Yuri's happiness. In the beginning, it was Yuri's dream to return to Japan. It was... I'm actually trying not to spoil the best part of the story! Sorry about that! I really don't want to. My hand is writing all by itself without me even realizing it... Are you ready to immerse yourself in the 12th century B.C.? Don't forget, it's completely different from the 21st century. Discover how a person's life can change in an instant. And how will our characters overcome the various problems that will arise on their way to ultimate happiness?
I remember reading somewhere that leaders are born, but without special circumstances, they might never fully realize their potential. I believe the same holds true for Yuri. If she hadn't come to the past, she would have been just another ordinary person. But she had to endure a great deal of physical and mental trauma. Will she be able to overcome them? That's what I'll leave for you to find out! I believe everyone should read this story. It's not just a romance. It's a story of true leadership and loyalty. Of a single desire and how it can change the course of history!
I hope you'll find some time to read this remarkable work. I'll be coming down from the ecstasy this story gives me for the next couple of days! Enjoy it to the fullest and don't forget to share your thoughts below. Stay tuned for more reviews and promotions! Don't miss out on your next favorite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie