Finding Camellia Volume 1 Review: Unraveling the Intriguing Tale of Camellia
In a fantastical world reminiscent of the Victorian era, the story of Camellia unfolds in a gripping narrative that delves into themes of family, identity, and resilience. Camellia, a young girl living in the impoverished area of the capital with her mother, suddenly finds herself thrust into a world of aristocracy when she is kidnapped by her father’s family. Unbeknownst to her, she is the illegitimate child of Marquis Bale, and her mother used to work for him until she was accused of harming the Marquis’s son, Kieran, and subsequently cast out, leaving Camellia to grow up on the unforgiving streets without ever knowing her father.
The Marquis, faced with a delicate situation due to Kieran’s illness, coerces Camellia into disguising herself as a boy named Camellius to maintain appearances and uphold the family’s reputation. Forced to comply if she ever hopes to reunite with her mother, Camellia endures the emotional and physical abuse inflicted upon her by the Marquis and his wife, who rules with an iron fist.
A Lackluster Heroine and Unfulfilled Promises
As the story unfolds, Camellia’s journey takes her to the capital, where she is enrolled in an academy for nobles and reunites with her brother’s friends, including the young duke and the crown prince. While the premise of the story holds promise, with echoes of beloved series like “Daughter of the Emperor” and “Hana-Kimi,” the execution falls short of expectations. Despite the passage of four years within the narrative, Camellia fails to undergo significant character growth or assert herself as a strong, independent protagonist.
Artistic Appeal and Narrative Flaws
The artwork in “Finding Camellia” is visually stunning, with each character beautifully rendered and a color palette that captures the essence of the shojo genre. The cover art, featuring Camellia and Claude in a tender moment, is particularly striking and hints at a budding romance that intrigues readers.
Written by Jin Soye and originally conceived as a web novel before being adapted into a manhwa by Manta Comics, “Finding Camellia” offers readers a glimpse into a world of intrigue and hidden secrets. While the series has its merits, including a compelling storyline and captivating artwork, it falls short in delivering a fully realized protagonist and cohesive character development.
As readers eagerly anticipate the release of Volume 2 in December, they are left wondering if Camellia will finally come into her own and claim her rightful place in a world fraught with deception and betrayal.
Our review copy, generously provided by Ize Press through Diamond Book Distributors UK, offers a glimpse into a captivating tale that promises to unravel the mysteries surrounding Camellia’s true identity and her place in a society rife with hidden agendas and political intrigue.
