[.ca] Les Bijoux (ISBN 1591826918)

Fun Fantasy:
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

guilty pleasure:
Yeah, this series is my guilty reading pleasure, haha. Yes, the art is lovely; if you are an aestheticist or fan of gothic manga you should check this one out. The plot, however, is kind of hokey and some scenarios or dialogue is just... unnatural, I guess you could say. Okay, long review short, art is great, plot is hokey. Give at least the first volume a shot if you're interested, then decide to continue or not from there.

great improvement:
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

Worth the buy:
I saw the book and though it looked confusing, i was willing to try it. The art is beautiful and the story is interesting. It is rather confusing but i am willing to read the other books to understand it. As to what's it about, a boy is born by a dwarf and a hunchback, and has a curse that turns him into a girl at random times. His family is killed and he decides to get revenge and overthrow the tyrants that rule the world he lives in. It is alot like Barasa, the plot at least, but hopefully they will be different. Check it out

Gorgeous gem!!!:
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!