Rikachi

Prince and the Pauper vibes, but forced as a poor girl is forced into pretending to be a dead princess. The characters are charming and I am curious as to where the tale will go. This first book really more set the scene and established the story, so I feel we will settle down and actually develop the plot from here.

I enjoy the political intrigue, but I don't buy Azure and Nina for a minute. Way too fast!

On Nina's part, she gravitated to the first person who showed her kindness. On his, I don't know. I understand the author has to give Nina a motive, but no. And how is he supposed to like what the public thinks is his "half-sister" but is not (because shoujo loves convoluted mess)??? >.>

A Wish

If you are looking for a classic shojo manga, Nina the Starry Bride has all the great qualities of the genre. Nina has only known life on the streets, and her small family is everything to her. Betrayed and sold to Prince Azure, she must now pretend to be princess-priestess Alisha. Rikachi and her team have created a fun fantasy setting with a lot of potential. Nina is cute and spunky, who instinctively wants to help others. Azure is cold and aloof, with a mixture of motivations for show more his deceptions. The art itself is fun to read. Rikachi shows great creativity by designing a unique fantasy culture. The character’s outfits are charming with many details.

The story itself is a bit problematic in both pacing and character consistency. From the beginning Nina’s identity is lost to the charade of being the princess-priestess. Nina herself, becomes committed to the deception due to her kind heart. Also, despite Azure kidnapping her, Nina feels a deep empathy toward him and his family. All of this seem to happen very fast, leaving Nina a bit weak willed. Being both a princess and priestess seems over complicated in many parts of the story. Parts that hopefully will be addressed in future books.

Nina the Starry Bride is a charming light read, with some fun potential relationship drama. show less

Nina, an orphan, is kidnapped due to her unique eye color in order to become the priestess who has been presumed dead. Now Alisha, she is being taught to be a princess by the second prince, Azure Seth Fortna. Together, they navigate the intricate web of deception, striving to convince the King and Queen of Fortna of her identity as the priestess princess.

“Nina the Starry Bride 1” by Rikachi was very good. I thought it was super sweet. I loved the artwork style. The promise of more show more adventures and charming story continues in more of the series and Rikachi’s other works. 5 out of 5 stars. show less