Blue Morning, Vol. 2 Paperback – August 13, 2013

As a young boy, Katsuragi believed he was being groomed by Viscount Kuze to be his successor, until the viscount leaves for his other home and Katsuragi learns an heir has been born. Years later, he finds himself in the bed of his new young master and questions what he is doing and what he should do. Akihito hasn’t been to school in a few days and shows no inclination toward going. Meanwhile, Akihito’s friend, Ishizaki, concerned about his health, is buying him some fruit when a chance meeting with Katsuragi’s brother affords him transportation to the Kuze manor.Akihito and Katsuragi are in the library. Katsuragi is gauging how far his charge has read. When questioned by Akihito, he admits to having read all the books up until a certain point. When the decision was made to bring Akihito to the mansion, Katsuragi was forbidden the use of the library. Akihito can’t keep his hands off the butler, even in the library, and Katsuragi can do not less than obey. He has promised to stand by Akihito’s side forever, as long as he strives to fulfill the hopes of the Kuze family.Akihito has received an invitation to a formal event being given by Marquise Moriyama, and he wants Katsuragi to go with him. Katsuragi says that as his butler, that isn’t possible, but Akihito insists that it is – if the invitation is sent to Katsuragi as a representative of the Katsuragi family and not as his butler. When Akihito returns to his room, Katsuragi learns of a visitor – Ishizaki – and receives him, telling him Akihito is unable to receive visitors in his current condition. Katsuragi and Ishizaki get into a serious discussion concerning Akihito, Ishizaki questioning Katsuragi’s intentions, which Akihito overhears.A member of the Kuze household from many years before has arrived from Yokohama, a previous houseboy. Meanwhile, at the Katsuragi bank, the brothers suspect that their younger brother has been involved in some dealings they may not be in favor of. Perhaps it’s time that they see him.As Akihito is being fitted for his clothes for the event, he makes an inquiry regarding Katsuragi’s measurements, and requests a suit be made for him as well. Katsuragi doesn’t want to go, but Akihito tells him he procured a personal invitation for him from the Marquise, and that cannot be ignored. He also reminds Katsuragi of his promise to stay with him forever and questions whether Katsuragi is working on Akihito’s future engagement. He promises Katsuragi that he won’t question whatever methods he uses to make it happen. Akihito returns to school, and has a discussion with Ishizaki, who is concerned about his relationship with Katsuragi. Meanwhile, the former houseboy, Amamiya, has gone to the mansion and reveals why he is there.The night of the marquise’s event arrives, and Akihito ensures Katsuragi’s presence by taking him with him. Once there, they seem destined to go their separate ways, to Akihito’s chagrin. A jealous Akihito watches Katsuragi’s interactions with the other guests, particularly those he knows the butler has slept with. Katsuragi is trying to make plans for a future fiancé for Akihito, but he is uncustomarily distracted by thoughts of his young master and is surprised by the unexpected appearance of his brother. His brother drops a surprising bombshell regarding Katsuragi’s heritage, but is everyone really surprised? What would Akihito think if he saw them?The second volume of this series is every bit as good as the first. This is not a typical yaoi romance, assuming it will end up a romance at all, which is anyone’s guess, although I devoutly hope so. There is nothing stereotypical about this story at all, and a great deal to sink your teeth into and enjoy. I’m rooting for Akihito, who unabashedly loves Katsuragi and would do anything for him I believe Katsuragi has feelings for him, despite how tightly he’s wrapped up and the way he holds himself aloof. There are moments when he gives himself away in little ways.Akihito knows he has to marry, and he’s good with that, as long as it furthers Katsuragi’s plans. I’m wondering how he will manage to keep his relationship with Katsuragi going while he’s married, and how open can they afford to be in front of a wife. Ishizaki already knows Akihito cares too much for his butler and is against their relationship, but will he do anything to jeopardize it, perhaps in the mistaken belief that he needs to rescue his friend from Katsuragi’s grip?Looking forward to seeing where this goes in the next volume!

High society and matters of the court seems like it'd be a boring ass time but this manga, even more so that vol 1 totally kept me hooked. Character development is good and smut tastefully done even as it escalates

Art is good, there's an actual mystery story in the book, and it's moderately explicit, so not for those who like boys love, and okay for those who don't want to see everything. There's more sex in this book, but the mystery also gets stronger--there's a good balance. It's NOT candlelight and romance, so if that's what you're looking for, don't read this.

Love the characters’ developing relationship, and the plot is intricate and intriguing. Lots of drama that keeps you turning the pages.

I think the story picked up a bit in volume 2, thank goodness. What I enjoyed about volume 2 is that the main character, who is of the Japanese aristocracy, is supposed to be looking for a bride so he can produce an heir to carry on his family title and wealth, but he makes it clear his only interest is in his male butler. And, finally, his words and actions are beginning to have an effect on the butler.By the end of this volume, I still had no idea what the family scheme is all about. The butler is either the illegitimate son of the lord's now-deceased father and this whole plot is incestuous, or the butler was the father's lover and is now sleeping with the son. Those are my best guesses at this point. I really don't understand what is going on and don't care... I just want to see more romance and less senseless rambling about the era. I just read another yaoi manga that takes places in the same era and the entire history was summed up in a single paragraph on one page so we could just get on to the good stuff. I wish Shoko Hidaka would do the same.

One of my favorites. I really hope they release another soon. The story is compelling and the artwork is beautiful.

Received books days ago. They are very good print and the English translations are fine. Blue morning is a great and literary title for readers to understand the special style of authors. I love the series.

Shoko Hidaka's Restoration era (Turn of the Century) story continues in book 2 of Blue Morning.As book one was very much about Akihito coming to the Kuze mansion and assuming the position of Viscount, book two is an exploration of Katsurgi - the enigmatic butler of the Kuze household. We learn more about his motivations and especially history - with quite a few surprises.Akihito's friend, Ishizaki, and Katsuragi's family will come more into play as each dance around Edwardian era politics. Yet despite all the maneuverings, the heart of the story of the relationship of the Butler and Viscount remains the heart of the series.The illustrations continue to be exquisite. Really, the depth of the story and all the multiple layers just add to a very satisfying read. As the story unfolds with each volume, it just gets better and better. I am eagerly looking forward to the translations of the rest of the series.

"Blue morning" is so much above the dozens of mangas I have read, I do not understand why it is sold at the same price as the others : you get a masterpiece at the price of a mass product...Masterpiece, it is, both in art and in scenario. The story is cleverly narrated and magnificently illustrated... Have you ever watched "Stalker" by A. Tarkovsky ? Each picture of this movie is an art photography. So is "Blue morning" : there are so many magnificent drawings it is the first manga I read where I spent more time marveling at the pictures than reading the story. Every tree, every chair, every costume, every building is drawn with exquisite details, how on Earth did Shoko Hidaka took the time to draw this series ???The series is well worth buying for the art alone, and to be honest, it is a steal at this price... Now, alike "Stalker", not everyone can enjoy the story. You need to be able to appreciate serenity. It unfolds calmly and intelligently. Obviously, this will not be of everyone's taste, especially among manga readers.There are drawings illustrating a story, and in this sense it is a manga. But it is manga elevated to an art. It contains sex scenes between the two male protagonists, and in this sense it is a yaoi. But it is first and foremost a masterpiece.

Hmmmm...Gostei mais um pouco da história nos caps deste vol 02, mas ainda assim, não foi o suficiente para dizer que me empolguei, amei, etcVou reler os dois vols em janeiro, mas é como já disse: se a sensação morna permanecer, infelizmente vou parar de continuar com esta série.AMO a maioria das histórias da Hidaka, mas esta realmente não está me conquistando ^^Illy

I love it! they are send in perfect condition, with two envelopes. This edition is so good, and the translation is perfect!

Awesome art and story, perfect for those who like their yaoi manga with a well-constructed plot and a dramatical twist.