Novel - Eternal Love
Author: Mizumi Takaoka
Illustrator: Yukariko Jissohji
ISBN-13: 978-1-56970-711-1
Publisher: Juné Manga
English Translator: Translation by Design
Comments:
We shouldn't judge a book based on it's cover, but I must admit, I definitely do. From the artwork featured on the cover, I was completely thrilled when this book finally came in the mail. However, with a title as sappy as Eternal Love, I was torn between bliss and gagging. In the end, I was more than pleased with the novel.
Even through all the sappy moments of this novel, the plot itself was wonderfully written and beautifully displayed. It wasn't as if the entire novel was but a sappy love filled novel anyway. The two main characters' relationship development was written extraordinarily well with such a strong and vivid image. Each character had so much depth to them as well, making the novel so much better to read.
From what I can recall, there wasn't a single character I disliked in this entire novel, which is definitely a first for me. Tomoyuki's character was far more realistic than I had anticipated as well. His strong will and defensiveness after such a hurtful break up makes him so much more of an actual man than most ukes in any yaoi novel. As for Aswil's character, although he appears so strong outwardly, he doesn't allow that to stop him from showing how much compassion and dedication he feels towards Tomoyuki. Even as a seme, his faults are shown more often than not to his uke and because of that, his development, as well as Tomoyuki's character development, was such an exciting read.
This is, by far, one of the best yaoi novels I've read. The translations were splendidly done as well. And by all means, the artwork was simply gorgeous. This novel definitely is a must read in my book.
Summary
During what was supposed to be a business trip to England, Tomoyuki Makabe finds himself waking up in a desert palace in the middle of Madina! To his horror and surprise, his kidnapper is none other than Aswil al-Murshid, his previous boyfriend who mysteriously disappeared over six years ago. Unable to comprehend why this was happening to him, especially after he had finally been able to give up completely on Aswil, Tomoyuki's heart slowly begins to crumble. Aswil explains that this was simply so he could keep the promise he made to his beloved Faridat over six years ago...to come back for him.
Story Snippet
Snippet from Chapter 2 on Pages 104-106 (Page 105 is an image)
"I still haven't dcided what I should do, or what I'd like to do," Aswil said. "So I can't let you go yet." He lowered his eyes.
The shadows obscuring Aswil's eyes, which were usually held high with a heroic power, threw Tomoyuki's heart into turmoil.
"You should marry your fiancée and let me go back to Japan," he said, keeping careful watch over his emotions so that nothing would complicate things further and cause his voice to waver. He didn't let even a hint of his pain show on his face. That was the benefit of six years of suffering.
"Is that what you want?" Aswil's sharp eyes fell on him.
"Of course it is." Tomoyuki let a smile play across his lips, never faltering.
What else could he say, for his sake or for Aswil's? He repeated this over and over again in his mind to hold back the swirling cascade of emotions.
Aswil stood up silently.
"I need time," he said bursquely, leaving Tomoyuki with something very different than what he had hopeed to hear.
"What does that mean?" Tomoyuki asked.
Without looking at him, the other man walked toward the door. He refused to turn around even after Tomoyuki called out to him.
"What it means..." Aswil told him in an unwavering voice just before he opened the door, "is that I still love you."
Illustration Samples
Disclaimer
Intoxicated Designs was created and is maintained by Megori as of July 2007. All game, animanga and doujinshi art belongs rightfully to their respective artists. Please be respectful and refrain from reproducing/duplicating the content here. Intoxicated Designs is part of the Zabimaru Network.
Intoxicated Designs Fourth Induldge features Hiroki Kamijou and Nowaki Kusama of the series Junjou Romantica by Shungiku Nakamura. Current layout credits include Shungiku Nakamura, MiniTokyo, Angryblue.com and Moargh.de.