That's how good the story is.
The art style isn't exceptionally bad or anything, it's just not to my taste. But I have to say that the artist put heaps of effort into her research to make it historically accurate so subtracting points from my rating would just be unfair.
I am learning so much about Thai history in this story, and the way it is delivered is amazing. I would never skip any of the explanation panels because the story flow puts them in only in moments where they don't hinder the story flow.
It's an easy read, despite the focus on history which is just wild to be able to achieve - you get little reminders JUST when you need them without it feeling like the author believes their audience to be too stupid to follow along.
I giggled and chuckled plenty and the FL is heartwarmingly amazing. Smart and resourceful without ever treading on Mary Sue territory, she knows where her shortcomings are. She knows when to shut up, when to be daring, when to run, when to stick it out but the plot doesn't get boring. All the obstacles thrown at her seem insurmountable at times - only to have her walk around them in ways you wouldn't expect.
And also: BISEXUAL PROTAGONIST IN A HISTORICAL SETTING THAT ISN'T FOCUSED ON ROMANCE? I am shooketh of this quality of representation.
Which brings me to my last point, the author or their editors are BEYOND lovely. They do so much to make hard topics that the story relies on digestible to a wide audience. It's lovely to see them not just give brought trigger warnings but actually detail up front what audiences are in for and when to skip certain sections. I personally don't need it but it's a lovely thing to add.
(-5)
