Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Firefly Wedding by Oreco Tachibana is so unhinged in the best way. The manga art is beautifully done which is what drew me to the book. I love how Shinpei goes from “I’ll kill you by 9pm” to “I love you and my heart is yours” haha! I’m very interested in continuing this manga series to find out if/when Satoko falls for him too. As a disclaimer, the violence in the manga is graphic and has a lot of adult themes weaved throughout - regardless I found it to be an enjoyable and quick read.

A good start to a new manga series. I feel like the characters each have very distinct personalities, although I do think the pace moved very quickly which took me out of believing his sudden love for her. I think they're fun to see interact, and I love our MC and how dedicated she is to her plans. The artwork is exactly what I expected, no complaints at all for it. I'm curious to see more of her family and friends from home, so I am a bit concerned about how long we're going to spend on the misadventures avoiding the kidnappers in future volumes. Definitely would read more of the series though.

Since I’ve been adoring The Apothecary Diaries recently, I’ve been trying out new historical fiction series. Checking out Firefly Wedding, I can definitely see the appeal with more historical settings, and this one has an interesting premise.

Taking place in the Meiji era, Firefly Wedding follows Satoko, a nobleman’s daughter who wants to find a mate. While she is beautiful, she also has a medical condition that makes her frail; she doesn’t have long to live. While exploring the town, she gets kidnapped and is slated to be executed by the talented assassin Shinpei. However, in a last-ditch effort, Satoko declares that she wants to marry Shinpei.

Cautiously accepting her proposal, Shinpei decides to escape with Satoko and flee her captors. Now in a new place with no one to rely on except the person trying to kill her, Satoko resolves to get stronger and use her talents to navigate this strange new world with her flaying fiancé.

I appreciate the setup between the two characters. Even though the first few chapters deal with uncomfortable subject matter, there’s a genuine romance brewing. The action scenes are sparse but done well (usually these scenes are handled differently in shojo manga). It’s a bit of a rocky journey for the duo, but I can see their chemistry starting to change in future volumes.

For those looking for a historical romance, you’ll have a good time with this one.

I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This manga surprised me. I was thinking it was going to be super serious with a lot of tension. However, the humor really cut through that tense vibe. The main female character is hysterical. How she jumps from being serious to drawn funny with weird expressions lightens the whole thing. The main thing I got from this is, the premise is weird...but I loved it?

I think it is really cool how the main character is meant to be this amazing beauty that everyone wants, but as she goes through being kidnapped, she starts getting stronger and wanting to fight for herself. It's a great start to a manga series. I'm interested to see how the second volume turns out.

I liked the story being told here, but I think it's geared more toward an adult or older teen audience. The male main character gives 100% crazy, psycho vibes - but also I liked him. I'm sure the more of his backstory we get it's going to be really interesting. The female main character even though her health is poor, she felt so strong to me. She has had to deal with not only poor health, but being poorly treated by her family and just the idea that she won't get married for live a "full life". Most people would be so sad and in the pits of despair, but she still seemed to have such a good attitude. I can't wait to see more of this story, because the way this one leaves off it feels like the set-up for a wild ride.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an e-copy of #FireflyWeddingVol1 to read and review.

This first volume of Firefly Wedding is bringing back the “Toxic Shojo” genre that I adore and always crave, in a historical setting. As I was already familiar with the series before being picked up for its English translation edition, I feel it is setting off solidly with humor, a strong female lead and room to grow for those who like romance and suspense. While I do recognize that Satoko and Shinpei’s budding relationship and partnership is not exactly a healthy one–it is an interesting one that may lock down readers on the fence in the second volume. I do see this love story as an intense one with unique factors and plot points that will at least make it a memorable one in the long run.

The significance of the translated English Tile for the series: Firefly Wedding is not lost on me either. As in Japan, fireflies “are beloved – a metaphor for passionate love in poetry since Man’you-shu (the 8th century anthology)”, as noted by Namiko Abe, Japanese Language Expert. I also see the connection of fireflies with war, wartime, and the effects of such strife as many like to connect the 1988 Studio Ghibli film Grave of the Fireflies to the insects.

I also think to the brief but bright time that fireflies are seen, observed and celebrated in Japan–hinting that Satoko and Shinpei’s time together may be a quick and passionate affair that lures me into reading. I may not know how their story together ends but I am willing to read more of it and stay tuned for the wild ride that their creator Oreco Tachibana brings us, readers, on.

https://blacknerdproblems.com/firefly-wedding-vol-1-review/

Problematic, morally grey, antihero love interest and a 'sickly,' naive, and scared main character. I mean what else do I have to say? This is a good entry manga for those fantasy girlies that want a forced marriage, enemies to lovers, etc.
I'm docking it a star because I think the rape scene was unnecessary. I don't understand the need to put a woman being raped or sexually harassed on page vividly.
I did enjoy the main characters and can't wait to read the next one.

thoroughly enjoyed this and looking forward to the next volumes! The art is simply stunning and the tropes are enjoyable and perfect for the setting

An interesting unique concept. A boy who kills for a living because that the only way he was able to survive using that skill to get some comfort from a girl who doesn’t expect to live long but other than that has only known comfort. I can’t wait to see where their stories take me.

Firefly Wedding Vol 1 by Oreco Tachibana is an intoxicating, unpredictable read from start to finish. This enthralling shojo manga sets up a noblewoman named Satoko down on her luck (no, really) with a wacky assassin, Shinpei, who won't kill her on the promise they get married. Satoko has no idea what's in store for her along Shinpei's side.

This story subverts all expectations of a typical romance with a wacky, toxic male lead (who we can't get a read on yet) and a not-so-damsel in distress. This plot is intense, but as a messy girl who lives for drama, this is right up my alley. It has enough intrigue to keep me interested and not guess what will happen next.

This type of story won't be for everyone, but it is for those who love something different.

The Firefly Wedding shojo manga synopsis on the list of upcoming VIZ Media releases caught my eye some time ago so I decided to give it a go, as the premise reminded me of Korean web novels about heroines stuck in unwanted marriages, and I've been on that kick. Yet, despite the strong female lead, it wasn't quite what I expected.

I had an opportunity to check out the release by VIZ Media, ahead of the release on January 14, but some of you may have caught the manga on the Comikey app. Oreco Tachibana's manga starts off slow as we meet Satoko, the daughter of a rich noble with an evil stepsister and stepmother. Satoko seemingly has no issues dealing with them, but she has a bigger problem: a heart condition standing in the way of her biggest desire - getting married. Satoko sees marriage as a duty to uphold and a way to make sure her family's status stays intact.

Yet, when she gets kidnapped and assaulted all that goes out the window. While in captivity she meets an assassin who is tasked with killing her. To save herself, she offers him the only thing she can think of: marriage. A very typical shojo trope, with a stubborn and dedicated lead.

Yet, it went downhill when Satoko's love interest, Shinpei, was introduced. He is initially intriguing and their dynamic is interesting to look at. But the pacing after their meeting was a bit off, the island felt rushed, and it felt like the author was coming up with more and more uncomfortable situations to put Satoko in. There was also a hint of a love triangle, but I could be wrong as I haven't read past the first volume. This is just a personal preference, and while I didn't mind how dark this story was at times (Satoko's assault, the killing) keep in mind that this may be triggering for some. It's not exactly a portrayal of a healthy relationship.

I will probably give the second volume of Firefly Wedding a go too (to keep the consistency with Andria McKnight's translation). But for this one, I'd give it a 3.5/5 for the strong start and interesting female lead.

I am hooked! I am excited to see where this story goes but I already love the main characters so much. I love that Satoko isn’t a pushover and is honestly trying her best in an unfortunate situation. I love Shinpei and his mood swings, one second he’s a golden retriever and the next he’s a psychotic killer. Like I said I am invested and will be continuing to support this series to see what else is in store for this odd duo.

What a unique book! The "edgier" titles are becoming more mainstream for manga, but the blend of historical, romance, clever writing, and beautiful art here makes this one wholly unique. I'm not usually a fan of darker themes in manga, but this one pulls off the darkness without drowning the reader. I really liked this and will be recommending it.

My thanks to NetGalley and VIZ Media LLC for an eARC of this book to read and review.

Ya'll I started 2025 with a Book Slump and it is still going strong. This book is one of the many books my slump has affected my reading of.

It isn't bad, the artwork is good, the storyline different from what I usually read and if you like darker plot lines, this will definitely scratch that itch, but it just didn't wow me. What grabbed me the most are the characters.

The MC h is determined and strong and is willing to do what it takes to achieve her goals, even if it's doing things she has never done before. She has emotions, but she is able to focus intellectually on the problem at hand and come up with the best solution she can with her knowledge and abilities and then she implements her plan.

The MC H is....he has issues and I am torn between wanting him to become less problematic or NOT changing, because I am afraid that the will change with the "love of a good woman" and that is not always a good trope to use. So we will see.

I do want to read the next volume, as it ended on a cliffhanger of sorts and this isn't a bad first volume of a series. It just didn't get as rave a review due to my slump.

3, not bad and broke through enough of my slump that I can say I am more positive than lukewarm about it, stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for this ARC.

Firefly wedding was a lot of fun to read. I not entirely sure of the ending in this? Missing a few panels perhaps? Or maybe need a couple less?
The male lead is incredibly unstable, and his actions are contradictory. The story felt a bit rushed. However, I did feel Satoko’s panic, fear and uncertainty in this manga.
As there are only six volumes to this series and will be purchasing them, because I need to know what happens.

Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for the digital ARC of “Firefly Wedding: Vol 1”! I had heard good things about this manga but my expectations were completely exceeded. “Firefly Wedding” was exciting, scary, and really sweet? How can an unbalanced blood covered assassin be so adorable? Satoko is a sickly nobleman’s daughter, and my initial expectation was a wilting flower, but Satoko has an inner strength and resourcefulness to her that I love. She isn’t a perfect heroine, she can get angry, she can be manipulative sometimes, she can be naive, she feels like a real young woman. Shinpei, the mysterious assassin, is unpredictable and intense. Despite how dangerous you know he is, you can’t help but find him a little adorable. I can feel that there’s more to be uncovered with Shinpei. I’m looking forward to learning more about his past, and how Satoko will deal with the love-sick assassin when I get my hands on future volumes! I will definitely be recommending this manga series to the older teen manga readers (with the appropriate trigger warnings for violence and sexuality) at my library.

Satoko must hide her failing health long enough to secure a husband. When a kidnapping plot goes awry, she turns towards the assassin Shinpei for salvation, promising to marry him if he can get her free. Shinpei's reaction is a quick turn about and more romantic than Satoko was expecting. Who has she placed her trust in?

This was a very unexpected plot with unusual characters. I didn't really like the art style, but that might be a preference thing. You mileage may vary.

The illustrations in this manga are beautiful and every character's expressions are spot-on; this book would have been a delight to read even just for the art itself. The plot walks a tightrope between funny and stressful, which I think works to its benefit. Satoko is in an impossible situation, and she does whatever she needs to in order to (she hopes) remove her from the dangerous situation she is in, even if that means tying herself to an assassin-- the very man who is making her situation dangerous. Shinpei is said assassin, and I can't get a read on him. He seems delighted in a child-like way half the time, and the other half of the time I could swear he's just messing with people's heads. I want to get to know him better, so I can know which way I should be yelling at Satoko to run. I am, either way, extremely invested in their relationship and the forthcoming plot.

3.5/5 (rounded down) - Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC to this manga. I had a lot of fun with this! I have some pacing and development issues, generally just to mean I felt there were some panels missing I think would have been useful to making the story better/ more in depth. Art is solid. I am a fan of this story though and will absolutely continue to read this!

Firefly Wedding is about Satoko, a noblewoman in Meiji Japan, who is kidnapped after her stepmother pays for her to be killed. Satoko has a heart condition, which makes it difficult to find a suitor who would be willing to marry her. Satoko bargains with the assassin tasked with guarding her and agrees to marry him if he will rescue her. He accepts, and thus their journey starts together.

I do not understand why this has such high ratings from other reviewers. I did not find this romantic, funny, or the hero redeemable in any way. Satoko has morals regarding letting her possible suitors know about her heart condition, so even though she is highly eligible, she find it difficult to find someone to marry, something she desperately wants. Shinpei is the assassin she makes a deal with and he is about as creepy as you can image. He is a total yandere in a "touch her and die" sense, but when he says anything possessive covered in blood with a creepy smile on his face, you can't help but feel your skin crawl. He's also a pervert and brings Satoko to his hometown, which happens to be a pleasure town filled with brothels. He does this knowing "the only way out of this town as a woman is to be bought by a rich man", so she has to become a prostitute and seduce a man to leave the town he brought her to, and he gives no reason as to why he brought her there of all places! She's also still a virgin at this point!

Shinpei acts so creepy, does things that make no sense, and does not seem protective of the heroine at all, I don't understand why we are expected to root for their relationship. I read this with the hopes of loving this historical romance, but it really felt more like a dark romance story where there will not be a happy ending.