Bride of the Water God

This one gets my seal of approval. Interesting characters? Check. Great art? Check. Gripping tale? Check check. Seriously, this is one beautiful manga. I was halfway through when I ordered up the rest of the series. The plot is a little played out (a Beauty and the Beast type deal) but the questions is poses are deep. How much does a God owe his/her believers? Are humans worth helping or saving? This new world of the Gods is gorgeous and a little steampunk. I'm a fan.

Its a clear bright day and our main character Soah is dressed beautifully from head to toe for her wedding day. However, this day isn't what it should be, there are whispers among the villagers, Soah's mother is filled with sadness and the day feels like a funeral because Soah has been chosen to marry the Water God aka sacrificed.

Instead of killing her however the Water God spares her life and brings her to his otherworldly home filled with other gods and goddesses, dangerous creatures and jaw dropping scenery. That isn't the only thing that takes Soah by surprise though, its turns out that the Water God appears to be a little boy or is the truth more impossible to believe?

A little different from what I usually read but a pleasant surprise The Bride of the Water God is filled with stunning art work that I could just stare at it all day. Almost all the characters are achingly gorgeous from just the features of their faces to the ornate detail of their outfits.

A story that feels like it falls between the lightness of shojo and the more realistic emotions of josei Bride of the Water God is filled with fantastical Korean mythology and is written with an elegant otherworldly feel that is sprinkled with occasional humour that keeps the story from getting too serious.

It took me two tries to get into it so if you don't think its your thing the first time around then make sure to give it another go :).