Les Bijoux, Volume 4

I have the whole collection and boy do I ever love it!! The first time I noticed the first volume while looking for another yaoi,I wasn't sure for the name threw me off but after I read one chapter I know it was a must buy, must have. The artwork totally rocks!!!!! I began to bond with the characters as the story prolonged. Lapis-Lazuli was my favorite but also Diamond. I know he was not all that bad but you gotta give it to him all he wanted was his jewel. The ending was oh boy I bawled through the whole 5th book man I didn't think I was going to buy it but I did. But it was an awesome the story itself was full many a meaning but I let you decide what they are. Oh I have the Tarot Cafe and Ark Angel both done by Sang-sun Pak boy I love her artwaork I just can't get enough. I drew Diamond, Lapis, and Panther and placed them on my folder.

I've read a lot of mixed reviews on this series and I'm surprised. I collect a lot of gothic and bishonen mangas and this one is at the top of my list. The art is truly breathtaking, and once you "get" the story the depth of characterization and plot is fascinating. The true test of a good manga is if you want to re-read the stories again, and if you can't wait for the next book. This one passes the test in spades. It is not a light read, though. You discover that even the worst-seeming villains, like real life, have a depth of humanity and even redemption. The quest for power, battle techniques and sad history truly allows you to feel for every character, even the minor ones. Instead of finding it confusing, I enjoyed the detailed plot set-up in the first and second book. Book four throws a few more sub-plots into the mix and I'm not sure how every detail will wrap up in the final book but I'm certainly looking forward to it. Get the first two books, and get caught up in the world of Les Bijoux...you won't regret it.

I've always been biased in favor of Les Bijoux, because the artwork of a manga/manhwa has always been the deciding factor for me. (And despite what anyone says about the plot, it's undeniable that the art is GORGEOUS, especially if you're fond of beautiful people.)I admit that the plot in the first two books has been cliched in parts, predictable in others, etc... but so has the plot in many other mangas that got rave reviews. (such as Kare Kano and Call Me Princess.)It's still enjoyable, just like many other so-so story titles because it exceeds standards in almost all other areas.In vol. 3, the story diverges from Lapis's struggles to avenge his parents and save the world from Diamond, a power-hungry Habit. Instead, the focus is primarily on a magically inclined woman, Silica, and the tyrannical king of a desert mine, Pyrope. Thier story is touching and unusual in many ways, and of course they're beautiful like all other main characters of Les Bijoux. These new additions are very complex, and so far are the most creative out of the bunch. Another highlight was the military workings of the two warring mines-the climax involves an intricate, genius show of strategy. Also, Les Bijoux uses climate and geography to give various settings, as well as explain some plot points. In vol 3, Sable is a desert civilization. The archeitecture and culture is reminiscent of ancient Persia. It gives the setting an exotic feeling, and the buildings are accurately detailed (I think.) The story and flow is much improved- it's more a side story, but wonderful nonetheless. The bobblehead "chibis" which disconcert the flow in the other books are still present-but this time have much better timing, and are less frequent. They come in only at appropriate places. All in all-a great story with beautiful illustrations, well worth the $10

I do love fantasy, and this is the tale of a young man coming to terms with his destiny. Lapis is was born into the Spar community from a Hunchback woman and a Dwarf(He reminds me of a minature santa clause ;p) man, he has been born doubly cursed. This curse involves him turning from a man into a woman at any given time, and usually at the worst times. He just hopes that him and his parents can escape to paradise after collecting the 12 stones that his father gives to him for his birthday. But after a missunderstanding his parents are murderded by the cruel ruling habit(ruling people) Diamond whom loves Lazuli, Lapis' female form. Les Bijoux is a fun fantasy tale, but its not light-hearted. Its a pretty heavy story actually, but it is lightened with humor. The whole thing with Lapis changing into a woman makes me wonder, "What would I do if I was both man and woman?". I mean, how could you choose which to date? Or marry!? Of course that's not what Lapis is worried about right now, he just wants to avenge his parents death, Diamond whom is in love with his female side Lazuli, does not realize that Lazuli and and Lapis are the same person. But even with these heavy issues, Les Bijoux remains a fun and thought-provoking read. Also, I edited this reveiw because I felt I sounded exactly like the editorial reviewer I was condeming. SHAME ON ME.! Anyways, DON'T listen to him.! I question whether or not he/she actually read the book. They never seem to "get" anime/manga/manhwa. Just give Les Bijoux a try, you got nothing to lose. You'll love it if you like Fantasy and/or REALLY HOT guys, which they actually are real people and just not really hot guys, so that's a plus as well. God Bless & *enjoy* ~Amy

I don't understand what's not to like here. The artwork is AMAZINGLY spectacular-but it's not just "eye candy". And I don't think the plot is very confusing at all, in any case it is explained in the author's note-and volume 2 will tie up loose ends. Personally, I found it very enjoyable and a delight to read because of the beautiful art and unique world, as well as the fabulous characters! If you like "Pet Shop of Horrors" (and why WOULDN'T you?) or "Under the Glass Moon" then you'll definitely love Les Bijoux. Even if you don't, still buy it...if nothing else, for the quality of the artwork which is unparalleled!