Akatsuki no Yona

Princess Yona is the child of the pacifist king of Kouka King Il. She is sheltered from all the troubles of the outside world. Her life seemed perfect until on her sixteenth birthday she witnessed her beloved Su-won murder her father. Su-won claimed that he is a better fit for the title and will rule Kouka like a king should. She was saved by childhood friend and bodyguard Son Hak who took her to the Village of the Wind. The village's patriarch Son Mundok suggested that Yona and Son Hak flee the kingdom and search for the oracle Ik-su.

Ik-su tells them of the legend of the four dragons who helped the first king of Kouka unify the kingdom. Yona and Son Hak begin the search for the reincarnated dragons to save the kingdom from Su-won.

During their escape, Yona realized that her kingdom was not the paradise she thought it was. Despite her father's vow of nonviolence, people are hungry, afraid and dissatisfied. Yona has always viewed her father as a benevolent ruler but not everyone outside the palace has he same views. Su-won's betrayal has also baffled her. He seemed competent enough as a ruler and had the best interests of the kingdom in mind. Not only does Yona have to find the reincarnated dragons but she also has to understand why the betrayal happened. 

Yona and Su-won

Son Hak and Yona

From left: Shin-ah, Yun, and  Ki-ja

From left: Yona, Son Hak, Shin-ah, Ki-ja, Jae-ha and Yun

I must admit I was iffy about watching this series. When I read the synopsis the first thought that came to mind was "Oh. A princess and her reverse harem." Initially Yona did fulfill what I expected her to be. Ignorant, pampered, and always in need of saving. Not that she had greatly improved. Her experiences did change her but she's essentially the same.

It's not so different from those series with a clueless leader who's prophesied to bring together powerful warriors. There are episodes though that contrasted the rule of a pacifist (King Il) versus a ruler willing to use force to bring about peace and stability (Su-won). The protagonist Su-won isn't exactly a bad guy. Sometimes I had to question the character of the previous king King Il, Yona's father. Yona and those close to her adored him but what would drive a man like Su-won to betray such a good king?

So, yes, it's more than just another adventure story. More than just about a princess trying to get her kingdom back. If you can see past all the cliche in Akatsuki no Yona, you might actually enjoy it.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10