Yona of the Dawn

暁のヨナ

8.83(53K votes)

Ranked #39Popularity #87

chapters

292

volumes

Status

Finished

Published

Aug 5, 2009 to Dec 19, 2025

Authors:Kusanagi, Mizuho

Adventure

Worth Reading? — Global Verdict

10.0/10

Average Review Score

100%

Recommend It

Reviews Worldwide

International Reviews

Valkyrie_

Recommended

I waited more than 10 years to read Akatsuki no Yona, because I didn`t want to wait for new chapters. I always read only finished mangas because of that. And after so many years of waiting, to read it all in only 5 days.....it is heartbreaking. Also this is my first time writing a review, but I think that this manga deserves all praise. Story is well written, growing of characters expertly done, art beautiful. I made so many pauses while reading, just because I didn`t want the story to end. It is really special when good manga or book do that to you. Iam a really passionate manga and book reader, and not a lot of mangas and books can do that to me. To completely bewitch me and make it as if I am there, with characters. And it is as if I am experiencing everything that is happening to them, every emotion. This story is one of the best that I have read so far and I recommend it whit my whole heart. And while I am sad that it is over, I am glad that I could experience this wonderful story. This will definitely not be the last time that I will read this manga. I believe that I will come back to it many times.

19 found helpfulDec 26, 2025

pineconesssss

Community Discussion

Synopsis

Once upon a time, the kingdom of Kouka was ruled by a red dragon in human form. By his side, four warriors imbued with dragon blood helped him lead the kingdom to prosperity. Time passed, and this tale became a legend to tell children. As the sole princess of Kouka, Yona lives a life of lavish ease. In love with her cousin, Su-won, and protected by her bodyguard, Son Hak, she wants for nothing and remains sheltered from the harrowing reality outside the castle walls. Contrary to this peaceful illusion, Kouka is about to undergo a political upheaval. After her beloved Su-won stages a bloody coup and murders her father, Yona is forced to flee with only Hak by her side. Though surrounded by enemies on all sides, the banished princess still yearns to save her kingdom. Her solution comes from an exiled priest, who tells her that her only hope is to find the four legendary dragon warriors. Guided by this seemingly fictitious myth, Yona sets out to find these warriors, determined to restore her kingdom. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

If I could only recommend one manga for the rest of my life, it would be this one. The story of Akatsuki no Yona is one that touches the hearts of anyone who has read it, especially once you've read it to the end. At first glance it may seem like a cool historical romance, but it is so much more than that. It centers around our protagonist, her growth, and her and her companions' journey. It tackles issues such as class divide, poverty, drugs, slavery, human trafficking, and war. It has everything for all readers, be it adventure, action, strategy, romance, fantasy, drama, and friendship. Itfollows Yona as she powers through her grief and weakness, and shows how her and her friends work to make their kingdom a better place by tackling one issue at a time. To me, the core of this manga is the found family themes. Yona meets various people throughout her journey that all have a story behind them and we get to see how they change as people, as well as how they contribute to Yona's growth as a character. But most importantly, we get to see how the group Yona travels with get closer to one another, how they all grow through their traumas, and how they power through everything together. Wanting to know what they'll go through next, and how they work through crises is what kept me reading. This manga is so important for people to read. Words truly cannot describe how important this manga is to me and even to friends I've recommended it to. Each character serves an important role and each chapter makes you want to see the next. I first picked it up as an early teenager and I can say that it truly changed me as a person, and I will carry this manga in my heart for as long as I am alive. It's so easy to get back to it that I've lost count how many times I've reread this manga. It doesn't discriminate, whether you're young or old, new to manga or a long time reader, girl or boy (or neither or either), shoujo fanatic or not, Akatsuki no Yona will entrance you. Please give it a try. And finally, congratulations to Kusanagi Mizuho for Akayona’s 16 year run!

tsunderebarbie

Recommended

Hello BARBIE IS HERE꒰ᐢ. ̫ .ᐢ꒱!¡ As my tradition of writing reviews from female perspectives, this one is so special to make. 10 years ago I was a little girl from 16 years old who don't knew anything about life and just cried for help anytime she wanted it. Yona came to my life to teach me about it, I was the same year as her, we mostly had the same issues tho, and I really connected to it all. I'm a fan since those ten years, but I know there are fans of many more years behind me, my experience was blossoming while I wasreading, I was growing up into a woman, and womanhood may seem scary and nonsense to many in the world,but how great is to be a woman, and to grow up into one. Strength, courage, being a warrior with a soft heart is what yona taught me, I was going through a hard break up with the love ofmy life but when I saw that fiery woman conquering every single obstacle, gaining faith in her path and decissions, that inspired me, and there are few manga's that can achieve that, not bc they're not good, but bc they're souless, this manga is a reminder for every single woman out there who is afraid of keeping a track of walking over a path that none in your family have ever done, or in the world, it may seem alone, but in that solitude you may encounter miracles, friends and a conscioussnes level so high than anyone else's from a predictable path. So bring it on and be inspired. I recommend it as my life depends on it!

3 found helpfulJan 25, 2026