Elixir of the Sun by Konn, One, Solddam, Song Yi
Genre: Historical, Romance
116 Chapters
Read it on Lezhin
Add on Goodreads
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Bayan is an outcast amongst the Siyo, a people who have healing powers. Considered worthless because she doesn’t have the ability to heal others, Bayan is sent to the court of Dhan, the Great Sun Emperor, who is cursed with unrelenting bloodlust and slaughters his concubines mercilessly. It seems that Bayan’s fate is sealed the moment she reaches the emperor’s palace and Dhan is fated to suffer from madness forever… But together, Bayan and Dhan just might be able to change each other’s destiny.
Review
When I decided to try this manhwa, I wasn’t expecting anything since I am just trying something new. If I don’t like it, then I can just easily drop it. I usually just read royalty manhwa, but nothing historical. Even with my books, I just read one or two historical stories, and that’s it. But my oh my, Elixir of the Sun really surprised me.
This manhwa started its first chapter showing us a harsh life of Bayan (FL) since she was born with black hair and without the ability to heal others. She belongs to the Shiyo clan which are known to have white hair and with the ability to heal. She and her mom endured their harsh life in their clan, until her life made a sudden harsh turn.
I don’t usually love harem stories, especially in a royalty setting. So when I found out that this story is one of them, I was ready to bolt out the door. It’s just too annoying and frustrating seeing girls fighting each other for just one guy. I don’t mind boys fighting for one girl (wahahaha, I guess it’s because I’m a girl, lol), but girls fighting each other can be brutal to read. And fortunately, this story didn’t annoy me. Well, this manhwa certainly has chapters where some concubine torments Bayan, but it was great to see that she’s fighting.
Bayan didn’t have a happy life growing up with her mom, but it was really good seeing her cheerful despite everything she has to endure. After she left their clan and entered the palace, she’s certainly devastated since she lost the most important person to her. But despite that, she still fights to live. Go girl! Her character development in this manhwa is really so proud to read. She is certainly born to be Dhan’s empress, yeah!!!
As for our ML, Dhan, he’s surprisingly decent. He’s mad because it’s the curse in their bloodline, but he is still able to use that madness in disposing of corrupt nobles. You see, he is currently working on cleaning his empire of corruption. I wouldn’t have expected that, since he is known as a madman who cruelly kills his concubines (which is true and it was because of his madness). I am tired of tyrants and stupid MLs that hurt their FL, so it’s a good thing that Dhan is different. Despite having concubines, he’s very loyal to FL. I love seeing how he loves and cherishes her. It is also nice seeing how he works hard to clean and exterminate corrupt nobles so ordinary people can finally live without oppression.
I love reading spoilers, and since I can’t wait, I decided to read a spoiler of this one as well. I usually drop the manhwa after reading the spoiler, so I was really surprised that I decided to continue. I guess it goes to show that it was really good.
It’s also great to read that this manhwa wasn’t just about romance, but it’s more than that. It shows us how the legends they know are not really just a legend. I love the suspense at the end. I’ve read some comments saying it feels rushed, but I don’t feel that way. I don’t like scenes dragging too long when it’s obvious how it will end. And luckily, this manhwa didn’t give me that, *wink. It was actually very heartwarming to see how the main characters love each other.
I would have given this story a perfect 5 stars, but I didn’t like the loop hole on the pregnancy thing. Plus, I want side stories, please!
Other than that, Elixir of the Sun is highly recommended. Please give it a try!
Check out my book shelf for book suggestions and recommendations!
