The Crimson Spell, Volume 2 (Crimson Spell #2)

Bookwatcher

Rating: really liked it

I just want to show....

The simplicity of a kiss

The beauty of a half page draw

Do I recommend it?
I think the two images I post are enough to show you how much I adore this serie up to now.

5 stars. No doubt, it's the best draw Yaoi I ever read.

Jamie

Rating: really liked it
Much like volume 1 of this series the artwork enchants me once more. It is the biggest asset this series starts. I love looking at each image. Especially Vald in his demon form. He gets the most delicious markings!

The story is still sadly lacking. We get a bit of a better feel for Havi and Vald. Havi seems to really like taking advantage of Vald in his demon form. I can't help but wonder how Vald will react when he finds out. I am still questioning and wondering at Havi's role in everything. I want to trust him, but as of this volume I just can't. How he uses Vald against his knowledge does not help.

My favorite series character, Rulca plays such a small role but I love him. I want more of him. Keep an eye on Vald, Rulca!

I really hope the story picks up the pace soon. If not for the gorgeous artwork I would have given up on this series. If just has not grabbed me yet. I see potential but it is just invisible right now. I hope volume 3 pulls things together more.

***Please note, this is a mature, ages 18+ Yaoi.***

*I received an ecopy of this volume from Viz Media via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair, honest review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.*

Emily G

Rating: really liked it
I can't get over the quality of these books, it really brings the gorgeous artwork to life! Also I like the way that the story is progressing, as Vald is finding out more about what Havi does to calm the demon inside him *g* and coming to terms with it. I'm on tenterhooks for the next installment, I hope we don't have to wait too long!

Ben Howard

Rating: really liked it
I kind of lost interest in this series here. The art style is not to my taste and the 'plot' is pretty basic. I'll try out volume 3 sometime but it's not high on my list.

Sarah

Rating: really liked it
This has to be one of my favourite mangas. I cannot get enough of Ayano Yamane’s beautiful work and I have read these two books several times. While I think Vald is utterly delicious, I adored Havi. He is quite unscrupulous and when he discovers Vald has no memory of his time as a demon he quickly takes advantage. It seems Havi’s touch is one of the only things that calms the unruly demon down and Havi is quick to capitalize on this. Bad, bad dirty man… but so good!

It is a bit of a double edged sword however as Havi beings to develop feelings for Vald, all the while Vald knows nothing of their nightly sexorin! But, I did wonder just a bit. Vald is supposedly unaware of what goes on with Havi while he is in his demon form but he does get pretty worked up when Havi is in danger. Maybe he is not totally oblivious!

The artwork is gorgeous and I really appreciated the fact that I could see everything. Often the best bits are blurred in yaoi manga and I do miss having that complete visual experience! The cock, is good! As is the man goo! Her boys are just beautiful. She manages to convey Havi’s slightly stern, cold manner perfectly all the while allowing you to feel Vald’s warmer, more noble self and his inclination towards brash heroics. The detail in the clothing is quite ornate and would totally give Prince a run for his money. There is much smex and I enjoyed the power dynamics between Vald and Havi. Yeah, and the whole cuffed and tattooed demon thing, hot!

It is only up to volume two at the moment so I am hoping that there is more to come.
A great fantasy story with loads of cool adventures, swords, pillaging plant life, nasty magicians, magic, sex, bad guys and a bunny. A definite must read.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2008/10/...

Jess ✩

Rating: really liked it
ok i am now trash for this manga. it was hilarious and kept me on my toes.

Charles

Rating: really liked it
Not For the Faint of Heart - Crimson Spell Vol 2 Review

Thus continues the glorious Crimson Spell Not For the Faint of Heart Double Header (still teehee)! This Sunday is go for reading both volumes of the lovely and alluring Crimson Spell, sadly the only two volumes available in the US. The third and fourth volumes are both out in places like Japan and Germany, but for those like me who speak neither of those languages, this is the final volume currently out. Shame on you, America, for neglecting such an amazing manga! SHAME!

Ahem, but yes, to continue. With this volume the story of Crimson Spell really takes more of the center stage, with the sex lessening rather starkly and the characters all getting a bit more complicated. We learn more of the mage's back story while the prince begins to have strange feelings for the man and a bevy of new characters are introduced. We get to see the mage as a boy and learn how he learned magic, and we also get at least part of the story behind the cursed sword the prince has and the demon that was bound within. There are still a few juicy bits as well, and this volume keeps up the proud traditions set by the first volume and keeps the quality of the series very high.

Here we start to see something of an overarching story, as well, which is interesting and seems more like a normal (read not sex-filled) fantasy manga, complete with demons trying to take over the world and errant swordsmen and inept magic users. It is all well done, and the side characters also get their moments to shine, from the flying rabbit guy to the magic user with the forgettable name to the swordsman who seems to always get into trouble. And with that focus the setting seems more and more fleshed out (teehee). We also get the first of what I assume are the main villains, with demons kidnapping the mage and eventually capturing the prince as well.

There are more big fights in this volume, and while that comes (teehee?) at the expense of some of the sex scenes, those that are there are great and really work to start bringing the characters together as more than just sexual partners. They are starting to fall for each other, basically, if they haven't already, and to see that is fun and romantic and cute. In the mean time we get to enjoy the complicating storyline that looks to be taking in more and more places on the map. Again, it all works, and I wish that there were more series that treated sex as both an element in the story and as something that is fun and sexy. And while yes, again, there is something of a consent issue, it really isn't annoying because of the fantasy aspects of the story.

And again, the art is amazing, and the fights and the sex scenes are all done incredibly well. It is just fun to see what the artist does with the characters, and how she draws them is breathtaking. So yes, still highest regards for the art and the story and the series as a whole. It is just refreshing to see how it works, and to have a good story that also happens to have great sex. It is incredibly sad that there aren't more volumes out in the US, but one can hope that maybe it will happen soon. This is definitely one of, if not the best Yaoi title I have read. So someone print more of it. For now, though, volume two gets a solid and throbbing 9.5/10.

Janina

Rating: really liked it
So after all the clichés and awkward moments of book 1 we finally get some meat on the story.

There is emotional development between Havi and Vald and the sex turns into love making.

Beast!Vald is obviously in love with Havi even if Human!Vald is still in the moon when it comes to their ongoing nightly sexual activities.

The villains however are so cartoonish that they are obviously there to pad the story with something else than Beast!Vald and Havi sex.

Rogier

Rating: really liked it
it is still a three but at least it has more storytelling . the non consensual sex/rape scenes are not okay in my book. thats what you get when reading yaoi

R E

Rating: really liked it
I'm officially hooked. Brooding seme sorcerer, smooth and slender uke with a lithe elfin body but possessed by a demon’s sting, and, finally, a toungue-in-cheek fantasy world that still somehow hits the dramatic tension button with creepy, evil villains.
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​​But most of all it's the art. Yamane uses formula graphic tropes for days, but, damn! She USES them. I think I've fallen in love with her updated Old School Anime look - faces and bods straight out of 80’s manga but updated with today's sensibility. As a result, Val is 100% swoon worthy. Don't look at his eyes too long, folks, you'll be a goner. Yamane is a master at subtle screen tone effects to convey light and form, but is in the eyes where she really draws you in. Although in black, white and gray, some close ups of the eyes have a startling 3D effect that most artist can only get using color.
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​​I'm totally sold on this series, and the next three volumes are on the way. Thank heavens I didn't discover this when it first came out. I couldn't bear to wait a year for the next book.
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Leila Anani

Rating: really liked it
The black sorcerer who created the curse behind the magic sword manages to capture and brainwash Halvir and Prince Vald rushes to the rescue and gets captured himself.

Highlight has to be the prison bar sex scene at the end. I love how despite being brainwashed Havir is still drawn to the prince. I also really like the scene where Vald, having been kissed by Halvir for the first time in his prince persona rants to the jailed thief - so funny.

Beautiful artwork on this a good story,plenty of sexy scenes but balanced with slow emotional build. For those who like fantasy based yaoi this is at the top of its game.

TT

Rating: really liked it
Beautiful story and artwork by the very popular author who bought us the Love in the Viewfinder series. I have v. 1-2, they became scarce when I was trying to get copies years ago so this fell off my radar. I read some scans of it but never finished it. I think its been released but I haven't followed up to be sure.

Chelsea 🏳️‍🌈

Rating: really liked it
I’m still enjoying this series more than I expected to!

It’s an erotic fantasy BL story with a plot that’s as interesting as the romance progressing between the 2 main characters. I feel like the feelings between progressed at a reasonable speed and I liked seeing them come to care and protect each other. Excited to read the next one!

Michelle

Rating: really liked it
Someone is spying on Havi and Vald! Havi gets robbed, a town gets attacked, Havi is taken prisoner and Vald quickly follows into the clutches of the villains. New traveling companions join the crew. Action! Adventure! Hot demon sex! I love Ayano Yamane and this story.

Joy Hale

Rating: really liked it
Loving Havi and Vald

I couldn't find volume 2 in physical form after reading the first book so grabbing the Kindle version was the way to go. Vald and Havi are still on their journey until Havi gets captured and made to forget Havi but can he truly forget?