Forbidden Dance Vol. 1 by Hinako Ashihara is a mesmerizing manga that delves into the themes of love, friendship, and the obstacles one faces in pursuit of their dreams. The captivating story centers around Riko, a talented young dancer, and her aspirations to join a prestigious ballet school, despite the challenges she encounters along the way.

From the very beginning, the first volume introduces us to Riko's determination and her refusal to let her modest background hinder her ambitions. It is through this determination that she crosses paths with Ryu, a gifted musician whose instant connection with Riko adds depth to the story. Their friendship provides an intriguing dynamic as they not only support each other but also encourage each other to follow their passions.

One of the highlights of Ashihara's writing is her ability to skillfully portray deep emotions and struggles faced by the characters. Riko's unwavering determination, coupled with Ryu's steadfast support, make them both relatable and likable protagonists. Additionally, the author successfully explores the challenges that aspiring artists face, such as intense competition, self-doubt, and societal pressures, adding a layer of realism to the narrative.

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A captivating tale of forbidden desires.

The artwork in Forbidden Dance Vol. 1 is visually stunning and amplifies the storytelling experience. Ashihara's illustrations effectively capture the elegance and beauty of dance, providing an immersive dimension to the manga. The character designs are intricate and expressive, effectively conveying the emotions and inner turmoil of the characters.

In summary, Forbidden Dance Vol. 1 is an enthralling and beautifully illustrated manga that combines arresting artwork with an engaging story. Hinako Ashihara's exploration of dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of passion will captivate readers from start to finish. It is a must-read for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories set in the world of performing arts.

What are readers saying?

Vol. 1 of Hinako Ashihara's Forbidden Dance has garnered a mixed response from readers. The book has been lauded by some for its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, while others have expressed reservations about the pacing and predictability of the plot.

Many readers have praised the captivating storyline of Forbidden Dance Vol. 1. The concept of forbidden love between a dancer and a musician has struck a chord with readers, and they have enjoyed how this theme is explored throughout the book. The characters are portrayed as multi-dimensional individuals, and their emotional struggles are relatable and thoroughly examined. Ashihara's writing style has been commended for its ability to captivate readers and make it difficult to put the book down.

However, some readers have voiced concerns about the pacing of the story. They have found the plot to be slow-moving at times, lacking the excitement needed to fully engage them in the narrative. Additionally, some readers have commented on the predictability of the storyline, claiming that they could foresee the direction the plot was headed quite early on.

Despite these criticisms, the artwork in Forbidden Dance Vol. 1 has been widely appreciated by readers. The illustrations are visually appealing, with detailed and expressive depictions of the characters and their emotions. The artwork adds depth to the story and enhances the overall reading experience.

Opinions on the characters vary among readers. While some find them well-developed and relatable, others think they lack depth and complexity. Some readers desire a more in-depth exploration of the characters' backgrounds and motivations to further deepen their connection to the story.

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