April 22, 2017 Review
The manga (I've read until chapter 84) is good and it gets much better in latter chapters. However, the anime is more put together. (As of writing, I've watched until episode 16). I think the author and their team's storytelling has improved a lot in the anime.
The plot progression and character development are more thorough and polished in the anime. The first episodes of the anime's second season masterfully weaved and progressed 3-4 plots at the same time.
I fully appreciate the manga because I've read it first. In the manga we can see the storytelling and art improve after tens of chapters. Chapter 1 for example, looks significantly different from Chapter 41.
However, the anime expounded on, polished, and remixed the earlier parts of the manga's story. In doing so, it's a higher level of quality and more worth your time.
It might be a good idea to finish the anime first, then continue with the manga. Then again, the changes in the anime might confuse you when you read the manga.
If however, you have spare time, like the characters, or are curious - the beginning of the manga is a nice read too. Shirayuki, Zen, & co.'s characters are encouraging and inspirational. Just beware that this story is more Slice of Life genre than it is a typical Shoujo manga.
April 14, 2017 Review [OLDER]
The first few chapters makes it SEEM like your typical Shoujo. However, it's more of a Slice of Life. It's the daily life of Shirayuki and Zen and the people that surround them.
It really gets into it's stride later on as characters work hard towards a goal. Many of the interactions reveal character and relationships. As of posting, I've read until chapter 84.
What sets this apart is that it shows what it takes to work towards a long term goal: a lot of daily effort and standing by the people important to you.
It's also refreshing that Second Prince Zen is supporting his older brother Izana to become a good king. I've read too many Chinese political novels where the family members try to kill each other for power. The atmosphere is full of mud, blood, and darkness. It's refreshing to see Zen and his royal family members be warm and helpful to each other. The atmosphere is like warm light and cozy weather.
Instead of lame and indecisive, I think Zen has the strong will to delay gratification. (Remember that Marshmallow experiment?). In a typical Shoujo, they'd hurry to be in a relationship. If this was Ecchi or Smut, they'd hurry on to the act. However, what Shirayuki and Zen are doing is different.
Shirayuki is earning her right to stand beside him. She starts as a run away from her own country with no noble background. However, she earns her right to be a Royal Court Pharmacist and piles achievements and nurtures relationships. She even earns the respect of Prince Raji and Izana. (Prince Zen and the rest of the gang do a lot of work and growth to achieve their goals too).
From a nobody, she's steadily improving herself in order to be someone who can stand by Zen's side. Perhaps that kind of example is one the best advice a reader can receive.
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