I will forever be in awe of the artwork. ( )

This extended manga tale opens with the arranged marriage of Amir and Karluk in 19th-century central Asia. Amir is twenty. Karluk is twelve. In this first volume, Amir becomes acquainted not only with her new husband but also with her new extended family and community, to which she brings considerable bravery and self-confidence, as well as a few surprises. Her native family, however, is having second thoughts about the arrangement.

I'm so curious to see how this saga unfolds, as I sense some interesting subplot tendrils spiraling off from the main narrative. I've already learned a great deal about the local culture, which is almost a whole vibrant character in itself. I've never read a lengthy manga series, but I think I'll stick with this one. ( )

Prelim Review: Kaoru Mori is a favorite manga-ka. Her artwork is gorgeous, her stories are engaging without being flashy and her historical attention to detail is stunning. Emma (Victorian Romance Emma) was a treat for my eyes and mind with Mori's rendering of Victorian England. She uses small things to convey so much emotion.

This all said, her series aren't for everyone. There are very few 'action' scenes throughout her works. There are a few more in this volume, with Amir hunting rabbits or later Karluk's grandmother standing up to Amir's family, but overall one shouldn't go into Mori's work expecting thrilling action sequences that keep the blood moving.

Full review to be posted at Poisoned Rationality ( )

(I have read until chapter 98, the must current atm) Wow just what I wanted, a slice of life of the people of the Silk Road in the nineteenth century. Amazing art, gorgeous, the story is also great, I don't typically read slice of life, but this is simply amazing, its one of my favorites and will be keeping an eye on it for the future, planning on buying them all volumes instead of virtual. Its that good. ( )

This series is by the same manga-ka as 'Emma' and has the same meticulous attention to detail and research as in the previous series. The artwork is outstanding. I have always been impressed by the amount of details that Mori-sensei put into her work.

Set in the 19th century along the Silk Road, the story is about a new bride in central Asia along the Caspian Sea. Her husband, interestingly enough, is a sweet 12 year old boy, the youngest in his family. She herself is 20 and considered too old to marry off by her family.

The story follows her as she adjusts to her new life with her new family and delves a little into the life of the peoples of the region during this time period.

I do suggest picking this up if you can. ( )