Quick review for a quick read. Back to reviewing a few manga titles that I've had the opportunity to pick up as galleys. "Scarlet Soul" is - unfortunately - a series I picked up without having read the first volume, though I was able to pick up on events very quickly as Volume 2 started. Rin Shirano and her friend and loyal demon protector Aghyr are searching for the great priestess Lys, Rin's sister. This volume picks up on events after the Rin is able to bind with and wield the ancient weapon Hitaken. There are tensions that exist between both Aghyr and Rin - both of the romantic kind and also secrets of another sort in terms of who Aghyr really is. Beyond that, the two end up meeting Kara and Koru at Red Mountain. Their meeting reveals more about Rin's destiny as she searches for her sister, while emphasizing the important role that Rin must take on. But in the process of Aghyr and Rin's journey forward, they encounter more dangers that they did not bargain for from a pair that intend to separate and harm them.

I really enjoyed the style of the artwork and unfolding story of this fantasy manga. Definitely feels intense considering the lore and respective roles that both main characters play while searching for Rin's sister. It seems they both carry heavy burdens as revealed through the course of this volume, and it seems that such revelations will play a greater part in the series to come. I appreciated the lighter touches of humor between the story as well. I'm definitely picking up the next volume to see where it goes, and also the first volume to get a fuller experience of where this particular story began.

Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.

I have no way of opening the download bc it says that it is unavailable. I was really looking forward to reading this. I hope to one day read it when I becomes available in my local library when it opens up again.

ARC Copy...I feel like I came late to party and felt lost int he narrative although promising looking high fantasy world building premise and lavish-detailed looking illustrations so far.

Absolutely loved this volume of "Scarlet Soul"! I devoured it immediately after getting my hands on it.

The art is stunning as always and the plot always leaves me craving for the next volume! Yukishiro does an excellent job at world- and character-building.

The translators also do a great job at keeping the story true to the original Japanese version.

An advanced copy of the manga was provided by the publishers in return for an honest review.