Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 1 (Snow White with the Red Hair, #1)

by Sorata Akiduki

[inlibrisveritas]

I've been meaning to try this since the first volume released in the US, and I am finally getting around to it. I went into this one without knowing too much about it, so I wasn't expecting the kind of connected one-shot type of story and while it wasn't what I was hoping for, it was still a cute read that I'm interested in continuing when I can.

I really liked Shirayuk as a character for the most part. She's headstrong, but really polite and has a zeal to learn herbalism that is a real highlight to the story. I do think that the short story style of this does hinder my ability to really connect with the friendship between her and Zen this early on. It's clear that time has passed between each chapter, but so much of the ease to their friendship is only implied. As far as Zen goes, his character could definitely benefit with more page time. I like how kind he is, but really we don't get to see much of what makes him tick though what we do get to see is enjoyable. I am curious to see how the series continues and if we get more background info on the world, and if Zen becomes a bit more than a typical shoujo love interest.

There is also a bonus story at the end which was really sweet.