This story line was sweet. Book 1 gives you the backstory of the 2 main characters and leaves you wanting more. There's a bit of past remembering going on but I liked how it played out. I felt for the characters as they remembered what had happened.

Eleonora is beautiful and quiet yet will speak out for what she believes in. Alexei is focused and driven on what happened in his past.

I am excited to read on and see where the two wind up :)

I absolutely love the illustrations in this manga and the plotline was equally brilliant. The writer has definitely penned down a great plotline using amazing characters and scenarios too. I had a great time reading this.

First of all, I would like to thank Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for making this manga available in return for an honest review. I had seen promos online for it, and the premise sounded very nice. I am really glad we got an official translation!
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I have read plenty of reincarnation, fantasy-romance manga, specially those with the trope of cold Emperor, abused FMC with a heart of gold and reincarnation, but never one that had an approach like the one seen in this one! I found it really funny to see the contrast between Eleonora's appearance and reputation compared to her accent from her past life as Pie.

This first volume is mostly the backstory of both Pie (now Eleonara) and Emperor Alexei (who Pie knew as Ham), and oh my god talk about tragic and sad. Their time living in the forest with all the magical beasts was so peaceful and sweet... and then tragedy happens.
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Very excited for Volume 2 to see how their relationship will grow from now on and how things will progress when one of them discover they actually know each other (my bet is Alexei finding out first, Eleonora/Pie is still too naive and sweet to connect the cold grown up version of Alexei to the sweet Ham she knew).

I would definitively recommend it if you want to start reading romance reincarnation manga!

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor by Ii Oshikawa was a reincarnation Cinderella story about two best friends who got tragically separated but were rejoined in a happy twist of fate. Most of this volume was backstory, so I am eager to read what happens in the next volume after it just started to get really interesting. I am sad to hear the next volume will be the last of this series, but at least that means there will probably be minimal drama and a happy ending. There was great art in this volume and a great appreciation for desserts, so I’m a fan!

This is the first e-ARC I'm reviewing from Netgalley!

The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor is a reincarnation, fantasy-romance manga about Eleanora and Alexei.

It's full of the usual tropes of a cold Emperor and an abused MC with a heart of gold, with a reincarnation twist thrown into the mix where the two have met in Eleanora's previous life!

I really liked the setup of this first volume and can't wait to read more.

The story is very cute so far, and as far as reincarnation stories in manga go, it's been a fun and interesting read. The plot is not revolutionary with hints of The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass (which is one of my favourite mangas). But it has a calm, slice of life vibe to it which I appreciate.

In all honesty, it took me a bit longer than usual to get invested in the story, but once was, I was left wanting more.

Definitely recommend to anyone who likes reincarnation/isekai manga with a second chance at love plots.

Their paths have crossed in the past. Now they meet again, but one of them is not like they were before.

Characters 3/5
They are not very distinct yet, but since this is just the start of the story they have plenty of room to grow.

Atmosphere/setting 3/5
This story features a standard medieval European vibe.

Plot 2/5 and Logic/relationships 2/5
This story is a bit odd. The relationship between the characters pre-reincarnation seems at odds with where the story seems to be going.

Intrigue 4/5
This first volume did make me curious to see where the story will go.

Enjoyment 3/5
The story did not make a big impression on me yet, but this is only the first volume.

Art style 4/5
Overall a very solid shoujo art style.

This all averages out to a 3 out of 5 star rating.

I would recommend this manga to readers who enjoy romantic reincarnation stories and don't shy away from taboo topics.

TW: animal death, child death, murder, incest?, loss of a loved one, dismemberment

Thank you Kondansha Comics for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This manga was a lot of fun! It was funny—I especially liked the contrast between Eleonora’s internal thoughts and her reputation and the aid’s absolute confusion about what is going on with the Emperor— and touching in parts. Their lives in the forest were so peaceful and sweet. They named themselves after food (Pie and Ham) and they live peacefully with the magical beasts as they foraged for food and spent time together. I really look forward to the two of them both figuring out what happened. I also look forward to seeing how their relationship develops because Pie seems to have viewed Ham in a motherly light has she’d raised him for a few years. Ham (now Alexei) loved her but I don’t know in what way. He also has a lot of guilt and anger associated with her death, so this might be emotionally complicated for him. Hopefully the mangaka will adress it in the future. My only complaint about this manga that there isn’t enough of it. Now I have to wait until Vol 2 comes out in November to read more!

The story is very cute, and the reincarnation twist with her retaining her accent had me chuckling throughout the book. With an early flashback and a quick reunion, the pacing suggests this is likely a short series; however, it did not feel too slow or too rushed. I look forward to see how things pan out, pie and ham and all!

Many thanks to Kodansha and NetGalley for allowing me to read this, in exchange for a review.

Ok this was actually a really great volume one and intro to a new story! I love a good reincarnation manga and in this one the heroine is brought back into a totally different life all because of the hero’s magic.

The backstory of Pie and Ham was so sweet and you could feel how much they cared for each other. The cliffhanger ending for volume one was exactly where I hoped it would be and it’s the perfect hook to bring me back for the next volume! Plus the art style is lovely and I enjoy the character designs.

If you like a romance reincarnation manga then I’d definitely recommend it!

This one was a lovely read.

Loved the characters and the world so far, can't wait to see what the future brings to these two. The art is gorgeous, so it really is a good match for the peeps that enjoy nice art and a good story.

The art was super adorable and reawell done. Loved the pacing of the manga.
The premis itself was such a fun twist on the reincarnation type mangas where the main character was actually a type of monster that saved the prince rather than what we usually see which is a girl from the current age being transported to a novel or another world.
Overall this manga felt lighthearted and very cute.

Super cute story! The female lead is quirky in the most charming way, and the story flows really nicely. The art is beautiful as well.

I could easily binge this whole story I am very invested in these characters. Can’t wait to read the next volume!

Book Review: The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor 1 by Ii Oshikawa

The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor 1 is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and palace intrigue from Ii Oshikawa, a well-established voice in josei manga. Known for her previous work The Ex-Villainess's Unsightly Daughter, Oshikawa returns with a unique, bittersweet fairy tale that pulls readers into a world of magic, fate, and the heavy burdens of royalty.

The story begins with young Prince Alexei, who is saved from death by a friendly forest creature during his childhood. This creature, though monstrous in appearance, brings joy and solace to Alexei, who finds an escape from the harshness of his royal life in their companionship. The serene setting of the forest and the bond between boy and beast provide the narrative with an ethereal, dreamlike quality. However, the real world—especially the world of politics and destiny—soon intrudes, shattering the peaceful haven they had created. Tragedy strikes, pulling Alexei back to his royal obligations and severing his connection to the creature that saved him.

Fast forward to Alexei's rise as Emperor, where we meet him as a much more hardened, revenge-driven ruler. His transformation from the innocent prince into a jaded, bitter monarch is both compelling and heartbreaking. Oshikawa does an excellent job portraying the psychological depth of Alexei's character, showing how the scars of his past have reshaped him into a ruler consumed by bitterness. He is no longer the carefree boy who once roamed the forest; he is a man obsessed with vengeance and his duties to the throne.

What sets this manga apart is the twist in the fate of Alexei’s childhood savior. The forest creature, now reincarnated as the Duke’s daughter, reenters Alexei’s life, but in a form that he does not recognize. The mystery of whether they will recognize each other and rekindle their bond adds a layer of emotional tension and intrigue to the story. The Duke’s daughter is portrayed as quiet and withdrawn, her taciturn nature hiding the secret of her past life. The slow-burn development of their relationship is likely to captivate readers who appreciate nuanced character dynamics, especially when both parties are burdened by jaded pasts and unspoken pain.

Oshikawa’s narrative shines in how it weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption. The fantasy elements, particularly the reincarnation aspect, feel fresh rather than formulaic, thanks to the emotional depth of the characters. The setting of the imperial court, with its political scheming and complicated relationships, adds a layer of palace intrigue that keeps the plot moving forward. There’s a haunting melancholy that lingers in the air, as readers are left wondering if fate will allow these two to reunite or if their past wounds will keep them apart.

Artistically, the manga is beautiful, with expressive character designs and lush depictions of both the natural world and the opulence of the palace. However, a note from the publisher mentions a minor loss in fidelity in the art due to file compression for digital review purposes. While this may impact the viewing experience in some instances, the core of Oshikawa's artistry remains clear, and readers can still appreciate the delicate, emotional detail present in the characters' expressions and body language.

In conclusion, The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor 1 is a compelling start to what promises to be a richly layered and emotional series. Ii Oshikawa’s storytelling blends a tragic fairy tale with the darker realities of royal life, and her characters—complex, flawed, and deeply human—are sure to resonate with readers. Fans of josei manga, fantasy romance, and intricate emotional narratives will find much to love in this bittersweet tale of fate, love, and the weight of the past.

they are so cute and adorable, think cinderella retelling as in, cinderella and Prince met years ago and her soul got reincarnated and now he’s the emperor 😩
I loved this sm and I’m definitely going to continue it!!

I just really, really don't like that in their past lives, Pie was a grown woman and Ham was a child. She was basically a mother to him, and yet now even with her past memories she's supposed to be falling in love with him? I mean on one page she's even looking back on him as a child in a romantic light....

The only saving grace really is that the art is very pretty.

First off, I think the art in this manga is spectacular. I adore the details and aesthetics. I found myself laughing at certain parts of the story such as when the prince described his ideal type as “green and slimy”. The only concern I have is the mother-son relationship the prince and Piehad before she reincarnated. It is a little odd to suddenly transition to a romantic relationship. I do hope to continue the story and see how and when the prince will realize Pie has returned.

If you’re looking for a manga that perfectly blends fantasy, romance, and a dash of revenge, The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor is your ticket to an enchanting escape! With its captivating premise and stunning artwork, this series is a must read for fans of magical realms and second chances.

The story kicks off with a young Prince Alexei, who has an adorable friendship with a friendly monster (yes, you read that right!). Their adventures in the forest are a delightful mix of whimsy and warmth, giving us a glimpse into a simpler, happier time before royal duty crashes the party like an uninvited guest. But hold on tight, tragedy strikes, and Alexei finds himself thrust into the harsh realities of royal life, complete with a quest for revenge. Talk about a character transformation!

Fast forward to present day, where we find our brooding, newly crowned Emperor Alexei grappling with his jaded past. Enter the daughter of a duke, mysterious, stoic, and harbouring her own secrets. Little does Alexei know, this girl is more than meets the eye. Will fate give them a second chance at happiness, or will their tangled histories keep them apart?

The artwork in The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor is absolutely gorgeous, capturing the sweeping emotions and fantastical elements beautifully. Each panel pulls you deeper into the imperial court, where intrigue, romance, and magic are always just a page away. The character designs are striking, from Alexei's royal garb to the enigmatic beauty of the duke's daughter, making them leap off the page (and into your heart!).

The dialogue is snappy and engaging, with just the right amount of humour sprinkled throughout. The chemistry between Alexei and the duke’s daughter crackles with tension, and the will-they-won’t-they dynamic keeps you eagerly flipping through pages. It’s the kind of story that makes you root for the characters to overcome their pasts and embrace the future together.

If you enjoy tales of love reborn amid a backdrop of political intrigue and fantasy, The Boy I Loved Became the Jaded Emperor is the perfect blend of drama and heart. Ii Oshikawa has crafted a story that will resonate with anyone who believes in second chances.

The premise of this is fun-- somewhere between fairytale retelling and a reincarnation romance. The artwork is gorgeous, and I liked the backstory for the two leads. It's super fast paced, and I'm curious to see where the love story goes from where this leaves off. There as a fair bit of humor in it as well which I always appreciate in manga like this. The only thing I wasn't huge on were the details of how Alexei and Eleonora knew each other... It's nothing I can't get past, but definitely the thing that gave me the most pause. I also could have done without some of the country accent gimmick.

This starter volume focuses a lot of time on the before. Before Pie died. Before her mother from her reincarnation died. Before she met the prince turned emperor. Her new life has a bit of a Cinderella vibe to it, only her father also dotes on his newest daughter (and there is only one). I think maybe 1/4 of it has to do with the present timeline for her.

That small section has her getting ready for the first ball ever held by the new emperor, enduring her family's criticism...and her obsession with the food at the ball. lol! The contrast of everyone going "oh she's so pretty, the silent beauty" and her internal monolog was pretty darn funny. When she's not mentally drooling over the food, she is looking for Ham. But when the emperor grumbles about pie being present, she takes him to task, fully aware her could have her killed. Something in their conversation seems to spark some familiarity with the Emperor and the volume closes with him having her back at his castle and the both of them sitting down for tea.

So what did I think?

Well, this volume is mostly to set up for the story to actually take place. I think it will take volume two to at least get a feel for that actual present day storyline. What we did get was interesting enough. The flashback to the past is both too long and too short, if that makes sense. You get the assassination, you get the trauma of the bear, you get the rescue and introduction to Pie's home. Then there's a bit of life background for Pie...You even get the full story behind the weird, and slightly ridiculous names they have.

But for me the interesting parts are all in their present day. The dynamics of her family life. Her relationship with her maids. Even the ball. Things were just starting to get good when the volume ended. But in general it was a very good start. The art was lovely and there is certainly enough intrigue for me to want to track down volume two when it is released!

This was a very odd read, I'm still very much interested in the story and where the main characters will go. The first volume just felt very rushed. I enjoyed that we learned about the back story of the Prince and how the empress had resigned to kill him for evil reasons. but after that the story was taking large strides and steps and it felt like we arrived at the reincarnation aspect of the novel far too fast. Like why was this forest called a demon forest if the only thing seen so far in the forest were rabbits, tigers and bears? Maybe in that world lions, tigers and bears are considered evil and demonic entities? I hope the next volume we take a slower pace because Alexei seems far to eager to want to accept this daughter of the duke simply because they had a monologue about how ham and pie are her favorite foods. Just... can I say, a little bit unbelievable?
Still have hopes for this series and am eager for the next volume in the series.