Skip to main content

Anime Review: Akatsuki no Yona


Akatsuki no Yona ("Yona of the Dawn") - 24 episodes

Yona is a spoiled and naive princess of Kouka Kingdom but her world is shattered when her father dies and she runs for her life. She goes on a quest for the dragon warriors in order to protect the people she loves.

The manga ruined the anime for me. Don't get me wrong. I've said this a million times and I'll say it again; the problem for me is that the anime lost its magic when you already know the story. Nothing beats watching the story unfolds for the very first time. Still, it was good to know that the adaptation is faithful to the original story. If you haven't read the manga, don't worry you haven't missed anything crucial. The only difference that I can remember is the first episode. It's not quite I remember it. I'm not going to discuss the storyline. You can read my review of the manga here. But I really enjoyed watching the fights and my favorite heart-stopping scenes from the manga. I was also hoping that the anime will cover beyond the chapters that I've already read. I'm undecided if I should continue reading the manga or to just wait for the second season. There's no official news if there'll be one, but I have a feeling that there'll be! 

Reliving Akatsuki no Yona in a TV format brought new realizations. I just realized now that the shield and sword are most probably Hak and Suwon. The sword and shield thingy just didn't make a mark on me in the manga. My hunch is that Suwon is really a good guy is getting stronger. 

Ever since I've started reading novels again, I've discovered the terms: 'special snowflake' and Mary Sue and in this case it's the dragon blood to blame. The harem members are confused with being drawn to her and they blame it on the blood connection. I kept referring to the foursome before as guardians but they aren't. Instead of the usual priestess searching for the guardians, it's a princess searching for the dragon warriors. I don't remember the yellow dragon having the awakening in the manga. I wonder why? Hmm..could he be a traitor or something? (Oh my god! I just read a spoiler for the reason of the non-awakening...Argh!) Also for some reason, Yun's feather in the anime is so distracting! It never bothered me in the manga before.

I was also expecting that they'll tweak the lend-me-your powers-for-a-very-vague-quest. It is still the same passiveness if she'll take over the kingdom. Well, maybe that was indeed how it's going to play out and it will eventually lead to an all-out war in the future.

I love the songs but the opening songs struck me the most. It's not common that we get an opening song that is purely instrumental and I like how it sets the mood and the video shows a story. Then the second opening suddenly surprised us with a very modern song which is a complete opposite of the first. Well-played!

Now that Yona of the Dawn has ended, we wait for another red-haired heroine, Snow White. What's next, Dawn of Arcana? (I still haven't completed Arcana. Is this a confirmed reverse harem?)

Updated review on Top 10. 1/24/2020:

I always dubbed Saiunkoku Monogatari as the successor of Fushigi Yugi until along came Akatsuki no Yona because of her quest for the warriors and the ancient oriental setting sans the isekai. But it is a worthy anime on its own. We have a strong heroine, engaging storyline, dreamy antagonist and loveable characters. It's hard to choose a favorite character, I love 'em all. My whole being is screaming for season two.  I sometimes wish I will wake up to the news of the second season. But at this point, my positivity for a sequel is waning and now my NEED to read the manga again is piquing. I am so confused about which to read first now but this definitely on my priority list. 



Love Reverse Harem Garden? Follow on: Youtube  |  Facebook  | Twitter  | Instagram 

You can support through Paypal  or please whitelist!   
Labels:

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 6, 2015 at 7:22 PM

    What is your current banner name? And the previous one as well. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ayreesaApril 13, 2015 at 7:06 AM

      Last month's was Sakura Taisen Kanadegumi. For this month it's Kiss me Host Gumi. The name is usually at the top left part under 'About the Banner'.

      Delete
  2. SteffenyApril 20, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    I loved this anime so much >.<
    I think I am going to refrain from reading the manga in hopes that there will be a second season to have the experience be more enjoyable. I had a similar experience to yours with the second season of Kamisama Kiss. I had already read the manga and it was hard for me to get through the anime afterwards.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownFebruary 11, 2016 at 8:27 PM

    I think the shield refers to Zeno, but I'm not gonna go to in depth in it. xD (read the manga and catching up to it furiously)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Asking "Where I can find this?" will not be published. Thanks!

Also, I do not approve spam comments. :P

Popular posts from this blog

🌸 Spring Reverse Harem 2025 🌸 (anime, dramas, manga, manhwa, webtoons and light novels)

Hey there, wallflowers! 🌸 Spring is here, and if you're new to Reverse Harem Garden, I also include kinda and unconfirmed reverse harem titles. And I have actually created five different levels of reverse harem and to know more about it, I highly recommend checking out Levels of Reverse Harem after this.  This list will be updated continuously, so stay tuned. Let me know if I missed anything. Happy watching and reading!  And a few disclaimers: There's a separate spring list on Patreon so make sure to check it out. Follow Reverse Harem Garden's socials.   ( Youtube   |   Facebook   |  Twitter   |  Instagram  |  Tiktok  )   Titles that haven’t been reviewed yet are considered unconfirmed reverse harem. Dates may change, and videos might not be available in all regions. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.   Ko-fi   – If you enjoyed this post, you can support me wi...
Post a Comment
Read more

👑 18 Treasures: Favorite Reverse Harem Reads from 2020-2025 (Manga, Manhwa, Webtoons & Novels)

Hello, Wallflowers! This is Ayreesa.  I recently shared my 18 Gems :  reverse harem reads from 2007–2019 that shaped me. Now it’s time for my personal favorite* reverse harem reads from 2020 to present , listed in the order I read them. Personal favorite = Some are problematic. 😅Sorry! Who knows, this might turn into one of your treasured favorites, too! Winning a copy of Mia and the Forbidden Medicine   Report back in 2020 gave me the push to request review copies and start covering licensed titles + licensing news . I’d love to cover even more stories, but both time and budget keep me from reading everything on my list. To make the most of my schedule, I share quick impressions and mini-reviews on Patreon. If you’d like to help me keep exploring new titles, you can support me through Patreon or Ko-fi . E very bit means so much!  This is Part 2 of 4 of Reverse Harem Garden  18th birthday series .  In the Philippines, a debut ball includes dancing with...
Post a Comment
Read more

All-Time Top Ten Reverse Harem Anime

Hello Wallflowers! I am not going to do a decade in review since I did that already a couple of years ago. but I am loooong overdue for my top 10 anime. I actually made one coincidentally a decade ago but it's a consolidated top 10 of everything from anime, manga and dramas as the titles are fewer back in 2010. I should have done it sooner but it's the nagging feeling that I should finish everything before I can post this. What if there's a hidden gem in my backlog that piled up beginning 2015 (due to pregnancy)?  Fast forward to last year and major life events later, I have finished nine anime in eight months. It felt like forever. And after that, I found out I could actually start the list even without watching the backlog. LOL But the good thing is I was able to finish it and that has put off a lot of guilt feelings from me. I mean who blogs about reverse harem and never watches past the first episode??? Sadly, I don't remember most of the story of the anime...
2 comments
Read more

English Otome Mobile Apps

English otome apps are now available in smartphones! The art and the bishies are eye candy and the   premises are engaging. These are all paid apps but they all come with free prologues to tempt your wallets. Finally,  English games that are accessible! I wish I can just pay it in my local currency rather than credit card. "Pirates in Love" is the first title of Voltage Romance Sims. It's available both in itunes and play. You'll have to pay for each characters and epilogues. I really want to play Eduardo! "My Forged Wedding" is also from Voltage and are also available in itunes and play . The prologue doesn't give away the details as to why exactly they need to fake the wedding but check out the video above to have an idea why. I'm gravitating to Saeki (the ladies man) and Yamato (the rude guy). Also, the "uncle" seems to be play-able character in the future. Interesting. ...
9 comments
Read more

Light Novel Review: I Reincarnated as Evil Alice so the Only Thing I'm Courting is Death!

I Reincarnated as Evil Alice so the Only Thing I'm Courting is Death~( Akuyaku Alice ni Tensei Shita node, Koi mo Shigoto mo Houki Shimasu!)  Written by Chii Kurusu Art by: Minato Yaguchi Translated by: Emma Schumacker   While carrying out her secret executioner duties Alice bumps her head and realized she is reincarnated into her favorite otome game which won the Deadliest Game of the Year award. Together with the bad boy butler, Jack; sinful man, Leeds; the Tweedle twins and walking death flag, Earl Knightley.  Disclaimer: A digital review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. She knows the ins and outs of the story but the routes are not moving forward just like it goes in the game.   I felt lost at first too with the story and was wandering aimlessly with Alice. And when she decided her purpose, I was not convinced. It is fast-paced it's just that the premise was different in how the story played out.  But those who are patient are rewar...
Post a Comment
Read more

Winter Reverse Harem Dramas 2021 Reviews Part 1: Fling at Convenience Store, No Going Back Romance, Life of Namjoo, 3B No Koibito, Mairunovich & Girl2k

This is the record-breaking number of dramas in one season! Nine reverse harem dramas not including 300 Year-Old Class of 2020 which seems like a promotional show? I can't see myself doing one review at a time. It's going to take me forever so I'll review them in one go. I have yet to finish cdramas: Celestial Authority Academy, In Love With Your Dimples and Unique Lady/Lascivious Lady Season 2. Those are 20+ episodes each.  It's also hard to rank them as they have different formats but I've grouped them according to country of origin. Some are super short whilst others are just right. There were some that I loved but the ending left me sad. And there was one or maybe two that are not a reverse harem! Reverse harem baiting!!! asdfjisojgjrjgk And there's one drama where the heroine didn't choose anyone! Now, now...not gonna tell which drama was that. *evil laugh* kdramas Coincidentally, all these  dramas are   short and didn't disappoint. Okay, there'...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reverse Harem Freshest News: Hana Kimi anime trailer, Dark Moon updates, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun hiatus, and more new reverse harem titles!

DISCLAIMERS:  -Some are not confirmed reverse harem unless reviewed.  -Some may fall under kinda reverse harem. See more of  Levels of Reverse Harem .  -a s an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases : from  yukikun216 The trailer for Hana Kimi anime   was released at Animate Girls Festival . The anime will premiere on January 4, 2026.  More info on:   ANN  (The anime is under  three flowers on   Levels of Reverse Harem . Kinda reverse harem as love triangle only.) See   Hana Kimi drama reviews .  "Hana-Kimi," or "For You in Full Blossom," tells the story of Mizuki Ashiya , a Japanese girl living in the US who admires high jumper Izumi Sano. Mizuki transfers to his all-boys high school in Japan, Osaka Gakuen , disguised as a boy, to be closer to him. She becomes his roommate and tries to encourage him to return to high jumping, all while hiding her true gender. Hana-Kimi manga (23 book series)  https://amz...
Post a Comment
Read more

Light Novel Review: I'd Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Vol.1

I'd Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Vol.1 by Kozusu Kobato Art by: Hinano Chano Translation by Jenny Murphy | Under Winter Reverse Harem 2022 Amy is the 10-year old daughter of Earl of Northland. She suddenly remembers her past life as a highschool student in Japan. And it's not just her...her whole family gets reincarnated! But instead of becoming a villainess and having a harem, she would rather just have a pet cat. Her mom hatches a plan of having her gain weight to ward off an engagement. Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.  It should be obvious by the title that it is going to be more of cats than harem. It's a heaven for anyone who loves cats so much. There will be a cat mountain, cat cosplay, and a whole lot more cat cuteness. If you are not obsessed with cats or animals, by the end of the book you will be one.  Of course, we're still going to talk about the harem members...
Post a Comment
Read more

💎18 Gems: Reverse Harem Reads That Shaped Me from 2007-2019 (Manhwa, Manga & Novels)

Hello wallflowers! This is Ayreesa. These 18 titles span 2007–2019 , my ultimate scanlation era . I didn't include series that already have anime adaptations and focused on stories I’ve finished or followed through many volumes. They are arranged in the order I read them. If you are new to reverse harem, treat these as hidden gems of reverse harem, but be warned that some tropes may feel dated or problematic today. This is Part 1 of 4 of Reverse Harem Garden  18th birthday series .  In the Philippines, a debut ball includes dancing with 18 boys who each offer a rose—known as the 18 Roses—and receiving 18 candles and messages from girls. Some even add their own twist with 18 gifts, 18 bills, or even 18 shoes… you get the idea. Some are kinda reverse harem. See Levels of Reverse Harem. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases 1. Hot Gimmick manga by Miki Aihara   Manga Review Hot Gimmick, Vol. 1  https://amzn.to/42fIZIa Hot Gimmick S   https...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reverse Harem Anime 2025 + TBA

    @reverseharemgarden Here are the reverse harem anime for 2025 and TBA. Some may not be full-blown reverse harem, while others are not confirmed. 🌺 IF YOU ENJOYED THIS VIDEO YOU CAN SUPPORT THROUGH: Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/reverseharemgarden Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ReverseHaremGarden 🌹 FULL REVIEWS/FIRST IMPRESSIONS ON THE BLOG: Anyway, I'm Falling In Love With You manga Vol. 1 https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/2021/12/manga-review-anyway-im-falling-in-love.html Uta Pri Reviews [https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/search/label/UtaPri reviews](https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/search/label/UtaPri%20reviews) Hana Kimi drama reviews https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/search/label/HanaKimiReviews Dark Moon mini-impressions and mini-review on Patreon Shugo Chara reviews https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/search/label/ShugoCharaReviews Fushigi Yugi Reviews https://reverseharem.blogspot.com/search/label/FushigiYugiReviews Maid-Sama reviews (https://reverseharem.blogspo...
Post a Comment
Read more