| 4/5 Stars | ★★★★☆​

Trigger Warnings for The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride: Kidnapping, Discrimination, Isolation, Blood, Contract Marriage, Family Abuse.

The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride #1 is the first volume of The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride series. It is Nanao's dream to marry the young lord of the Byakurenji family, Reito, but that dream soon becomes a nightmare. Cast aside from her family due to a ayakashi's mark, Nanao lives as an outcast, simply trying to do what's best for her clan. But the visiting Yako whisks her away for a currently unforeseen reason.

EEE! So cute. It's giving Inuyasha x Demon Slayer vibes and I'm here for it. I love the mixture of feudal Japan and the urbanization happening near the center. That mixed with the demons, yokai, ayakashi, and more has me super excited to read on. The ending of this first book also makes me really want to keep reading. I'm so ready for this weird little love-triangle-that's-actually-a-love-V-because-Nanao-don't-want-you-BOY.

Overall, this first book does a great job at luring us in. It really sets the stage with questions and ambiguity. Thank you to Mamenosuke Fujimari, Midori Yuma Yodansha Comics, and Netgalley for an e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was soooo good! I can't wait for the next books to come out. The artwork, the storyline, everything was super good. Definitely one I would recommend to others. I still can't stop thinking about this manga, it feels like a part of me has stopped at the end of this and can't move forward.

Can't go wrong with the typical shoujo trope of the bullied daughter ending up with the more powerful guy. Then, said powerful guy tries to get our shy bullied daughter out of her shell. Does it remind me of <i>My Happy Marriage</i>? Definitely. However, there are dark secrets to uncover, especially the ominous "Be wary of the bride from the byakurenji clan." Volume 1 is a good introduction to this world, and I can't wait to read the next volume!

I am also a sucker for the great dark and broody in military uniform that is Yako.

The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride is a story in the vein of Cinderella, but I just can't resist poor abused heroines that grow up to make their abusive families regret their actions. It starts with a classic setup: disgraced noblewoman sold off in marriage - but quickly dips into darker, supernatural territory. Think 'My Happy Marriage' meets 'Black Bird'.

Nanao is fragile at first (understandably so), but she’s not useless. You can see her trying to rebuild herself, and that made me root for her. Yako is the perfect mix of aloof and quietly protective. Their dynamic is slow-burn and I’m here for it.

The art? Gorgeous. Moody, intricate, and dramatic without being over-the-top. Also, the supernatural lore is richer than I expected—clans, spiritual energy, a whole political undercurrent. Only downside is that the pacing lags a little in the middle and Nanao’s trauma sometimes overshadows her personality—but I get the sense that’s intentional and she’ll grow in later volumes.

Overall, if you like your romance slow, your world full of yokai politics, and your art dramatic and pretty, this is worth picking up. If you liked My Happy Marriage, you'll like this too. I’ll definitely be reading volume 2.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great start in a new manga series that I'm now on vol.4 after reading this first volume. Sorry, I read so much mangas that I sometimes forget that I did and also to write a review. Thanks to Kodansha Comics for making me discover this one.

I won’t lie; I’m a sucker for a female protagonist who breaks free from an abusive past and blossoms into the strong person she was always meant to be.

“The Ayakashi Hunter’s Tainted Bride” is a perfect example of this, so I was genuinely so happy and excited reading it.

Just a little bit of context:

The story revolves around Nanao, who was once set to marry the head of the Byakurenji clan because of her remarkable dark spiritual powers. However after suffering from an ayakashi attack as a child, she lost her status and was forced to live as a servant, hiding her “shame” behind a monkey mask (eventhough it wasnt her fault!). When the charismatic Lord Yako Benitsubaki sees her incredible abilities during a visit to her estate, he instantly recognizes her true worth and takes her as his wife (as he should!), freeing her from years of mistreatment at the hands of her disgusting cousin (seems familiar?👀).

What really impressed me about this manga is how Nanao wasn’t portrayed as just a passive victim waiting for someone to save her; but a survivor who chooses to hold onto her kindness and strength despite everything she’s been through. I found it so satisfying to watch her gradually realise and accept the love and respect she is shown by Lord Yuko and the household. Speaking of Lord Yako, I love how he goes against the usual cold, mysterious male lead stereotype, and is portrayed as being genuinely protective and caring right from the beginning.

While the concept might not be entirely unique, the way it’s brought to life is impressive. For those like me, who enjoyed “My Happy Marriage” or “Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits,” this manga will feel like a comfort read— which I enjoyed. The story moves at a quick pace—with a lot of world-building details crammed into this first volume. Still, the emotional and heartwarming core of the novel stays present all the way through.

The supporting characters, especially Nanao’s terrible ex-fiancé and self absorbed cousin, are genuinely infuriating and disgusting, which makes you wholeheartedly root for their downfall. But, the adorable ayakashi companions at Yako’s estate contrasts Nanao’s harsh past as she lives a much warmer and loving life.

What really makes it standout is the political mystery hidden. I can clearly see there is more to Yako and the ayakashi hunter society that I can’t wait to dive into in future volumes and find out!

I devoured this in one sitting and immediately need the next volume.
I’m can’t wait for the next installment!

This is a very moving fantasy manga about a young woman who becomes an outcast in her home town because she becomes infected by a vengeful yokai spirit called an ayakashi and which leaves her scarred and cursed.

Her fiancé rejects her and she is oppressed and discarded by her family, living the life of an outcast until years later she meets a man from another town who recognises her power and beauty. She marries him and steps into a world where she and so many others are accepted even though they have the mark of the yokai spirit.

She begins a new life, but one which is full of secrets and mystery as she learns her own power and worth. The artwork is great and so is the story and a good series to follow. I was drawn into the story and definitely want to see her get her own back against those who rejected her. We shall see!!

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

The artwork in this is amazing! I love this genre of webcomics and can not wait to read the next one!

The Ayakashi Hunter's Tainted Bride 1 is a beautiful story that, while not necessarily new or innovative, is beautifully executed. I really liked the protagonists. The loving and detailed drawing style is particularly beautiful. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and following the plot. I flew through the pages far too quickly because the storyline is so exciting and beautiful. I'm absolutely excited to see what happens in the next volume.

I still cannot get over how beautiful the artwork was in this! :')

Our story follows Nanao, who is battling an unlucky turn of events result in losing a fiance and her family members being wretched (okay, so she's not a unique FMC, but still lovable and so sweet! These tropes work for a reason!!!).

One monkey mask and a handsome lord later, the tides for Nanao change (there's a lot happening quickly in this single volume, but it's gorg and I was not complaining!).

It absolutely reminded me of the swoony dynamics in Our Happy Marriage in the best ways – I will happily read the next vol to see what happens next!

This was an easy five star!

Lo disfruté un montón.

Nunca había leído algo con esta temática, fue mi primer acercamiento a esto y fue agradable.

Una chica, a la que debido a un evento pasado, queda "manchada" de por vida. Lo cual le imposibilita el casarse y cumplir con el rol que le tocaba en la vida. Hasta que alguien cambia esa suerte.

Es entretenido y me da curiosidad.

⭑ Gracias NetGalley por permitirme leer este libro.

I'm usually not a big reader of historical romance manga, but this one has my full attention and I NEED MORE (more more more)! This first volume has everything to hook me: good art, good mystery, hints everywhere, and plot twists galore!

The story is maybe a touch too fast-paced - like take your time, baby, there's no rush. Set the atmosphere, the characters, make it a slow-burn. Don't give me everything in one go. But even so, I cannot wait to read the next volume!

A charming read but the familiarity of this is making me not want to continue with this series especially since I felt like it moved too fast.

I haven't read a ton Manga but am trying to explore my horizons and I quite enjoyed this! It was a lovely story, the art was gorgeous, and I learnt a fair bit about Ayakashi. Nanao has strong dark spiritual energy but when she makes a small mistake her clan turns on her and she loses her fiancé. Years later, her awful cousin married her ex fiancé and is super abusive towards Nanao. One day a hot stranger comes across her bathing and a spark is lit for both of them. I'm very curious how the story will continue to unfold

Typical, heroine is treated like trash by her family and former fiancee who ends up with the cousin/sister/female relative who pretended to be nice, but was scheming the entire time for what the MC h had, because #meangirlsneedfianceestoo, with the MC H the only one who sees the MC h's true worth and saves her from her oppressive and abusive family via marriage. Slowly, his gentle way with her makes her realize that she has worth for who she is and she falls in love with him. Happily ever after, but not before the horrible family does everything it can to use her/hurt/try to take what is NOW her's (husband, new home, wealth, etc.).

The End.

It wasn't bad, but it was formulaic. The artwork and HOW it was written saved this one for me. I'm just a sucker for the downtrodden and oppressed heart of gold MC h I guess.

Side note: One day I want to see the downtrodden and oppressed MC h, when she is freed from her abusive family/pick your oppressor here, end up actually being a huge B-word on heels. True story, happened to someone I knew. Very sad.

Back to the review, I am interested in reading the next volume to see if it stays on the right side of the tropes or if it falls prey to them.

3, better than the average stories of the same trope, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.

I really enjoyed the concept so far. The slow, tentative connection between the main characters feels familiar in some way, but what sets it apart is the unique supernatural world. It reminded me of the Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits series, so it's only fair that I felt drawn to this as well. It felt lacking in the romance part because it's moving way too fast to my liking, but I would still root for them. I just wished their relationship could be fleshed out a little more. I'm curious to see how it all unfolds. Ultimately, I look forward to seeing the progression between Nanao and Yako!

A Familiar Yet Surprisingly Charming Read

This story offers an engaging, trope-filled beginning that delivers exactly what fans of the genre might expect—along with a few additional clichés that, unexpectedly, worked in its favor. Though brief, it’s a surprisingly entertaining read that even managed to elicit a few genuine emotional reactions from me.

Synopsis (Nancy Edition <3)

Set in a fantasy world where demons are the sworn enemies of humanity (well, more like the humans see them as filth), the story follows Nanao, a bright and innocent young woman engaged to the future head of her clan. Her life is turned upside down when she is "tainted" by a demon, leaving a scar on her forehead. From that moment, she is cast aside—her once-affectionate fiancé grows cold and marries her cousin, and Nanao is treated as less than a servant, forced to wear a monkey mask in public as a symbol of shame.

Nanao: “No matter how much I scream, my voice won't reach anyone.”

It’s a painful moment that genuinely tugs at the heartstrings.

Fortunately, this is where the classic “rescuer” trope comes in. Our male lead—the titular Ayakashi Hunter—enters the story and challenges the cruelty Nanao has endured.

Him: “Allow me to ask you—Is a spirit seal all it takes for you to abuse a woman as special as her?”

Handsome, kind, and a stark contrast to Nanao’s former fiancé, he is the first to treat her with dignity and respect. His gentle nature is endearing, and his unwavering support is one of the highlights of the story.

I knew I was sold on him when he said this about the mask she was forced to wear:

“It’s a curse that robbed you of your self-esteem and made you and others believe that you were less than human.”

Final Thoughts?

While the story doesn’t break new ground, it delivers familiar elements with sincerity and charm. If you’re in the mood for a short, emotional read filled with classic tropes and a touch of romantic justice, this one is worth picking up.

There’s a stillness in the way the emotions unfold—gentle, yet deeply felt. The artwork is absolutely stunning, with every panel carefully crafted to carry the mood and unspoken feelings. You can almost feel the silence between words. A beautiful, emotional start to what feels like a truly special series.

This book does a nice job of introducing the series and various different characters and I am enjoying the story so far. This series has an interesting plot as well as several characters that I like so far and I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing what happens next.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

It was a very enjoyable read, I liked the style of drawing that manages the story and the characters are interesting from the first moment.
As it is a first volume, we are just being introduced to the problems and the construction of the world, but it promises a lot!
I already want to read the other volumes to come.