firstly, thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!!
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in "the ayakashi hunter's tainted bride," nanao possesses a strong dark spiritual energy, but one small mistake leads to her being marked by a vengeful yokai, resulting in her becoming “tainted.” years later, she faces abuse from her cousin, ex-fiancé, and everyone in her clan. however, one day, while performing her cleansing ritual, she encounters a stranger with crimson eyes. though their interaction is brief, it sparks a change in nanao's life.

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if you like "my happy marriage," i think you would also really like "the ayakashi hunter's tainted bride." while the premise is somewhat reminiscent of "my happy marriage" and has some ''cinderella'' elements as well, ''the ayakashi hunter's tainted bride'' still has its own interesting unique elements that set itself apart from other reads and stands on its own. i felt myself very sucked into the story and beautiful artwork. the fmc nanao, struggles with trauma, insecurities, and low self-esteem, while the handsome male protagonist is someone she can't believe wants to marry her. i really like stories where characters fall in love over time, as happens in this one, and i look forward to seeing nanao gain more confidence. volume 1 is basically nanao's backstory and her love story is yet to begin, so i really look forward to reading the other volumes and see how everything will continue. the characters and story is a bit predictable at times and i found it hard not to compare this too often to ''my happy marriage'' (it just felt so similar to me, but that might just be me :') ), but i didn't really mind it that much. i found the protagonists to be quite cute together and their chemistry as well. the pacing was great as well. i had to go outside, but when i got back home, i immediately sat down to finish this one. i hope we get to know more about the mmc as well, because i feel like we don't know that much about him yet, which makes sense tho with this volume being about nanao's backstory.

overall, this was a enjoyable first volume, and i can't wait to read the rest!

i think you'd really like this one, if you like ''my happy marriage'' and if you like the idea of a manga set in historical japan with japanese folklore, supernatural elements and a romance between cursed girl x demon hunter husband after marriage woven into the story with pages full of beautiful artwork.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!

i loved the alice in the country of hearts/etc. series when i was in middle school, so to see mamenosuke’s name on a new series was like a blast to the past.

i’m interested to see where this new shojo series with demons go!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book!

I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this manga, and wow, I'm so glad I took a chance on it. Not only is the art beautiful but the story is compelling and heartbreaking, but also hopeful and lovely. I also love the creator's previous series, Kakurio: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits and Alice in the Country of... so that definitely played a part in my excitement for this series.
Poor Nanao has been treated horribly by her betrothed and her entire family ever since her cousin tricked her into going beyond the boundary where the ayakashi reside. The mistreatment was awful and hard to read, but once Yako entered the story, I started to have hope that her life would soon be changing for the better. The interesting part about this is that her ex-fiance seems to have some...jealousy? regarding her rehoming with Yako, and while I sort of anticipated the way he was going to react, I still wanted to smugly throw it in his face that he was a total jerk and never deserved her, lol.
Anyway, this is just the beginning of the story and I can't wait to read the next volume!

The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride surprised me being being shounen (!). The cover is a bit cliched, but the content was different. Nanao is the bride for Reito, the young master of the Byakurenji family. Because of her cousin's shenanigans she ends up getting a demonic curse from an ayakashi and she ends up being ostracized and hated until she meets Yako, the young head of the Benitsubaki family. The guy smells her powers and wants her as his bride, but he himself is cursed too. The bullying was well portrayed and credible, nasty even. The whole situation was well constructed and how Nanao just had to get used to everything until she lost herself. The series isn't cute, which is great. Nanao even offers sex, but Yako turns her down.

The art looks really nice and the facial expressions are awesome. The atmosphere is eerie and nasty, which is even better. Reito wanting Nanano back, but looking like a madman was great too. The political aspect is interesting as well as the power struggle between the families. There are so many possibilities for this series! It's interesting to see where this goes from here. Hopefully something totally unexpected.

The description of the manga was somewhat different from the actual story. It centers around a girl who was tricked and cursed in childhood by a family member. As she grows up, she faces ostracism and abuse due to this curse. Eventually, she encounters a stranger, and after saving the baby of her ex-betrothed and family member, she is accused of harming the child. The stranger intervenes and makes her his bride.

I found the story confusing in parts, and the pacing felt inconsistent—some sections were drawn out, while others felt rushed. Honestly, I'm not sure if I liked the book; the ending left me curious, but I don’t think I’ll pick up the next installment. The bonus chapter felt shoehorned in and had a different voice and writing style.

Nanao was set to eventually marry into the Byakurenji family when some careful scheming on her cousin’s part changed her life forever. Unfortunately, trusting in her jealous and deceitful cousin led to an attack from an ayakashi, which has left her with the scar and scent of their attack. Nanao doesn’t remember anything from the attack, but her entire future was snatched away and given to her cousin while she’s forced to wear a monkey mask to hide her face, scar, and scent. She has lived her life as an outcast, abandoned by her family, and constantly abused because everyone views her as tainted. Everything changes when the new lord of the Benitsubaki family discovers her and decides that they should marry!

I was interested in this story because this is an adaptation of a light novel from the same creator of "Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits," and I love the manga adaptation of that series. However, I was still not expecting to love the story as much as I did! We follow Nanao, a young woman who is viewed as tainted by the orangutan ayakashi that attacked her. She’s constantly verbally and physically abused, and she’s forced to secretly work for the same cousin who set her up for life as an outcast. Her entire clan views her as tainted and fears being contaminated by her touch, scent, blood, and even the sound of her voice because they have an obsession with their version of purity.

If you’re a fan of "My Happy Marriage," this series is going to be right up your alley. Nanao has been verbally and physically abused for so long that she doesn’t have any self-esteem left, let alone any hope of ever finding happiness. However, thanks to finally getting away from the life she thought she was sentenced to until the end of her days, she’s slowly coming out on the other side. Plus, there’s a lot of interesting characters that come into the picture once she escapes the hell that was once her life. It’s a well-written story that sucks you in right away and blows you away with the stunning artwork. I can’t wait for the second volume!

as someone who loves romance manga and reading about magic and myths, the mysterious yet enchanting atmosphere immediately drew me in and i finished this in one sitting!
this manga was full of japanese folklore, historical fantasy and romance. i loved the visual storytelling and the artwork, it beautifully brought meiji era japan to life.
the premise is - our fmc nanao becomes tainted by a vengeful ayakashi, her fiancé casts her aside and she is abused and mistreated by her family until the ayakashi hunter yako decides to take her as his bride.
nanao is the type of character that makes you want to root for her and her happiness. i have a soft spot for stories with female heroines that remain loving and kind despite their hardships, proving just how strong they really are and nanao was exactly that. even though he seems like a cold and intimidating type, yako is so protective of nanao and i loved him and their subtle romance.
if you're a fan of my happy marriage/the demon prince of momochi house/kakuriyo no yadomeshi i highly recommend reading this! i'm so excited to see where the story goes next.
～thank you to kodansha comics and netgalley for the arc!

This manga embodies the holy trifecta of what I love in a romance story; the oppressed and bullied female lead, Nanao, hiding a great potential just untapped, an enigmatic and handsome male lead, Yako, from a distinguished clan, and the despicable ex-fiancee with his equally scummy wife. These three combined together make up for a very promising storyline, one that I hope in the future will have an anime counterpart.

Art wise, I have no complaints-the visuals were so good. If you're a fan of My Happy Marriage, this manga definitely has that vibe, so you'll definitely enjoy this too.

Speaking of paranormal romance, Kodansha manga is launching the first volume of The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride. This historical fantasy romance centers on Nanao, a loving woman from a family whose women are teeming with spiritual energy. But after an encounter with an ayakashi, she’s left scarred. Forced to wear a monkey mask and live outside the family, she loses her betrothal to Reito. But the noble ayakashi hunter Yako is more than happy to sweep her off her feet.

This noble engagement enrages Nanao’s family, while also making Reito realize what he was missing by rejecting her. Meanwhile, Nanao learns what being Yako’s bride entails. It’s a much bigger, stranger responsibility than she ever imagined. Packed with beautiful art, dramatic romance, and fascinating character designs, this is a strong beginning to an exciting series.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
What a great read! It was totally up my alley. Loved the characters and the story. I can’t wait to continue the series!

I LOVE IT!🤍

At the beginning it has My Happy Marriage vibes, and I really liked that!❣️

[When Nanao was a young she was cursed by a spirit (Ayakashi), as a result of which she could no longer marry the lord of the Byakurenji clan, her cousin takes advantage of the situation, takes her place and marries him.
But now Nanao has to live remotely and hidden, and wear a monkey mask to hide the mark on her face.
Years pass and one day the lord of the Benitsubaki clan comes to visit the Byakurenji clan and accidentally meets Nanao, he feels attracted to her and her power, but Yako has his own secrets...]

I totally LOVE Yako and Nanao's interaction, him always looking out for her, boosting her self-esteem and helping her when she needs it.❣️
YAKO IS SO BEAUTIFUL, I'm in love haha ​​and I love that he's a flirtatious scoundrel with her.😆❣️
When they both arrive at Yako's clan, some of their "family" make me feel very tender and others make me laugh, it's very funny🥹

I NEED TO READ THE NEXT ONE!!😫

Release: march 25

Thanks Kodansha comics / Netgalley for the arc

For fans of My Happy Marriage, Noragami The Demon Prince of Momochi House!

First of all, the art was STUNNING! I'm going to need to read more of this artist's work! The story was somewhat predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. I really enjoyed seeing them incorporate ayakashi into this and I can't wait to see the main character become more confident in herself!

The illustrations in the book are gorgeous and the storyline pulled me in. I definitely recommend this book

For fans of “My Happy Marriage” and “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast Spirits

“The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride” by Mamenosuke Fujimaru is a fantastic and exciting story full of ayakashi and yokai. This is Nanao and Yako's story.

I was immediately attracted to Mamenosuke Fujimaru's drawing style. I really liked his elegant, soft and gentle style. And was also the reason why the manga caught my eye.

“The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride” is not only characterized by a beautiful drawing style, but also by an exciting and creative story (by Midori Yuma).
Nanao was supposed to fulfill her dream and become the wife of Reito Byakurenji. However, she was “poisoned” by a yokai in a plot by her cousin and now lives as an outlaw in her estate. Ostracized by her family and the members of the Bykurenji clan, she endures her life there. At least until the Ayakashi Hunter Yako crosses her path and makes her his bride.

For me, the story had the perfect mix of suspense, mythology and a blossoming love story. I'm really looking forward to the next books!

Many thanks to Kandosha and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride 1 presents an intriguing premise with beautiful artwork. However, I found it challenging to connect with the characters, particularly the male lead, which affected my overall engagement with the story. While it wasn't a bad read, it didn't fully resonate with me.

I read some of Yuma’s work before, so I am really excited about this series! Especially because I enjoy anything with ayakashi/yokai elements. This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, and the story feels a little rushed so far, but I enjoyed it enough to continue the series!

The art is really nice and the story seems to be setting up a lot of later conflicts and payoffs. As the MMC seems to have an entourage of ayakashi at different points, I look forward to the future volumes possibly delving into that a little more.

The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride
Release March 25
Volume 2: May 27
Volume 3: July 29
*There is currently a tentative date for 5 volumes with a release every other month.

I’m going to start off by saying this series so far, kinda reminds me of My Happy Marriage. In the sense that the MC who is seen as useless and married off to an individual that doesn’t have the greatest reputation. In my opinion, the first volume does well setting up the story for future volumes. I love the development between Lord Benitsubaki and Nanao as they get closer to one another- seems like it will be a sweet relationship with hardships they have to overcome from outsiders like Master Reito. Their “family” makes me laugh a bit with how they set up and handle situations with the two.
Nanao is used to being looked down on, but you can already see she is gaining more confidence now. I am curious why it was mentioned to be weary of a bride of the Byakurenji Clan, which I’m sure will be revealed later. We can already see that Master Reito is a bit crazy and will be a problem to the couple, as well as his wife- who is the one who set up the missing hairpin situation. I do HIGHLY dislike these two, especially after the spirit bug situation, but for the sake of the story they are necessary. But love the main couple.

To my surprise, I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would (I thought there was a chance I would like it but now I can’t wait for volume 2). From the story to the art, I can’t pick out a thing I didn’t like from volume one. I felt the pace was good with the incorporation of what happened to Nanao to where it ended. It leaves me satisfied with its progress, but also with questions that I know will be answered later (I’m hoping at least).

Volume 1 Summary:
Nanao was set to marry Master Reito at a young age and completed training for this role. One day a precious gift he had given her goes missing and she goes out to look for it with Akemi. However, it was found outside the barrier that they were warned to never leave. Nanao desperately wants to retrieve it and avoids the warning she was always told, becoming marked by an Ayakashi. From that moment on her life was turned upside down and seen as “the tainted one”. She was given a monkey mask to cover her face from then on and Master Reito married Akemi instead.
Now jump to their present day, Nanao has been forced to perform the morning breakfast ritual for Akemi (who claims to be the one making it) and other servant tasks. The Head of the Benitsubaki Clan visits the village and stumbles upon Nanao bathing. She was told that since she smelled of an Orangutan that if he found her that he would basically cut her down right there- she was always told too that she would taint others. She gets away quickly and continues to hide her presence in the village. Until she noticed that spirit bugs were attacking Master Reito and Akemi’s child. Nanao protects the child, but everyone thinks that she is doing something to him out of jealousy and is punished for it. Lord Benitsubaki steps in, bringing to light the bugs that were responsible. Disgusted with how Master Reito acted, Lord Benitsubaki helps Nanao, sees her face without the mask, and discovers the Spiritual Power he was looking for that made the breakfast. He takes Nanao as his bride and away from the oppressive village- Master Reito tries to keep her there as a concubine but it was heavily denied. Thereafter she learns Lord Benitsuba is more than the rumors. The Byakurenji Clan quickly learns that Akemi wasn’t performing her duties either, as Nanao learns what her duty is to be the Lord's bride and fully accepts him.

Wow new obsession unlocked? Could be.

It reminds me a lot of My Happy Marriage in certain aspects and follows a certain similar dynamic, although it is on the other side of the fantasy world.

I liked the aesthetics, the characters and I know that it has a lot to tell that I am eager to continue reading it. I like the universe they created but I haven't seen much of it yet. Surely in the next volumes it will go into more depth.

Thank you very much Kodansha Comics for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me. I didn't enjoy the writing style of this book. And made it hard for me to read. But I love the protector hero in this book. thank you, Netgally and Kodansha Comics, for this book.

This was an intriguing start to a new manga series. I definitely see why it was comped to Our Happy Marriage which was another manga series I've enjoyed. If you liked that series but want a bit more supernatural elements to it, I think you would enjoy this one. It's not groundbreaking, but the art is beautiful and its a quick read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC. 4.5/5