In My Seventh Life, I Met a Monster Princess Vol. 1 is the kind of fantasy romance that arrives wrapped in intrigue and laced with emotional depth. It’s got reincarnation drama, a prickly princess with literal bite, and just enough courtly politics to keep things delightfully tense. If you like your romance with fangs, mystery, and a dash of cosmic fate, you’re in for a treat.
The story opens with the protagonist recalling fragments of six past lives, each ending in untimely tragedy. Reborn once again, they vow to break the cycle—only to immediately encounter Leticia, the “Monster Princess,” feared by all and engaged in a cold war with half the noble court. Leticia isn’t your usual tragic heroine. She’s sharp-tongued, isolated, and more dragon than damsel, with a reputation for cruelty and a serious resting death glare. Naturally, our protagonist is intrigued.
What unfolds is a slow, layered dance between two people burdened by expectations and curses they never asked for. Leticia is misunderstood, but not in a clichéd, “no one knows the real her” way. She’s dangerous, yes, but she’s also tired—of pretending, of fighting, of being seen as something monstrous instead of human. The protagonist, driven by memory and determination, approaches her not with fear, but with genuine curiosity and empathy.
One of the highlights of the manga is how it handles tension—not just romantic tension, though that’s there in spades, but emotional and situational tension too. Every scene feels like a step on a tightrope, where one wrong word might trigger political fallout or emotional disaster. And yet, there’s an undeniable warmth starting to bloom between the leads. It’s awkward, cautious, and oh-so-satisfying to watch.
The art leans into gothic fantasy territory, with lush palace halls, expressive character work, and just enough visual drama to make Leticia’s stare feel like it could pierce steel. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, letting quiet scenes carry the same weight as explosive confrontations.
I absolutely loved reading Volume 1. It was romantic, yes, but also melancholic and smart. The chemistry between the leads felt earned, and the worldbuilding gave their story a sense of gravitas without getting bogged down in exposition. I’m genuinely excited to see where this goes next—especially as Leticia starts to lower her guard, and the threads of past lives begin to tighten.
If you’re craving a love story with teeth and a touch of tragedy, this one’s got plenty of bite.
English