{"title":"Yukino Sonoyama","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYukino Sonoyama\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts evocative graphic novels that blend emotional storytelling with striking visuals. Readers can expect intricate character dynamics and richly woven narratives that explore themes of connection and self-discovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer works, such as the \u003cem\u003eBless\u003c\/em\u003e series, invite readers into immersive worlds where delicate emotions unfold through expressive art, capturing moments both tender and intense in equal measure.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bless-5-by-yukino-sonoyama-9798888774670","title":"Bless 5","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBless 5\u003c\/em\u003e by Yukino Sonoyama is an inspirational fashion manga that explores profound themes about beauty and personal definition. Aia, believed to be destined for a modelling career, and Jun, who faces bullying due to her freckles, join forces to reclaim their identities. Together, they challenge an arbitrary system that prioritises talent over hard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo journey to stardom is smooth, and Aia and Jun encounter obstacles just as they begin to pave their paths toward their dreams. Despite feeling lost, their unyielding friendship becomes a pillar of strength, as they support one another unconditionally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGuided by top professional makeup artists, Aia faces intense scrutiny at MIRROR, where his abilities are constantly under evaluation by both faculty and peers. When a challenge offering a prestigious, career-defining prize is announced, friendly rivalry quickly shifts to fierce competition. Aia chooses to concentrate on his own creative vision, striving to avoid the toxic environment surrounding him. Yet, jealousy brews as celebrity makeup artist Daiya shows favoritism. The question arises: can Aia and Jun's steadfast loyalty withstand Daiya's manipulative tactics?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46545525080300,"sku":"9798888774670","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9900433488913.jpg?v=1749807161"},{"product_id":"bless-1-by-yukino-sonoyama-9798888771792","title":"Bless 1","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey said Aia was destined to be a model, and Jun was bullied for her freckles. Together, they will take back the power to define themselves in an inspirational fashion manga that asks cutting questions about what it really means to be beautiful—and what it takes to overcome an arbitrary system that seems to respect talent over hard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt a young age, Aia Utagawa was scouted as a model, but his real ambition is to become a makeup artist. But, even as the end of high school approaches, it's a dream he hides inside, afraid of stepping outside his prescribed role as a pretty face. Then, one day, he meets Jun, a quiet classmate who hunches because she's ashamed of her face, covered in freckles. He convinces her to enter a school runway fashion contest together—with him doing her makeup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey make an incredible team, with Jun discovering a confidence she never knew she could show and Aia finally learning that, while it may be tough to open yourself up to failing at the one thing you care about, the difficulties can be worth facing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBless 1\u003c\/em\u003e is an inspirational tale exploring the nuances of beauty and self-acceptance through the lens of fashion and personal ambition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47460363469036,"sku":"9798888771792","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9798888771792-bless-1.jpg?v=1774947326"},{"product_id":"bless-2-by-yukino-sonoyama-9798888771808","title":"Bless 2","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey said Aia was destined to be a model, and Jun was bullied for her freckles. Together, they will take back the power to define themselves in an inspirational fashion manga that asks cutting questions about what it really means to be beautiful—and what it takes to overcome an arbitrary system that seems to respect talent over hard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt a young age, Aia Utagawa was scouted as a model, but his real ambition is to become a makeup artist. But, even as the end of high school approaches, it's a dream he hides inside, afraid of stepping outside his prescribed role as a pretty face. Then, one day, he meets Jun, a quiet classmate who hunches because she's ashamed of her face, covered in freckles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe convinces her to enter a school runway fashion contest together—with him doing her makeup. They make an incredible team, with Jun discovering a confidence she never knew she could show and Aia finally learning that, while it may be tough to open yourself up to failing at the one thing you care about, the difficulties can be worth facing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBless 2\u003c\/em\u003e is a heartfelt story about finding inner strength and defying expectations. Join Aia and Jun on their journey as they learn to embrace their true selves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47470109196524,"sku":"9798888771808","price":42.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9798888771808-bless-2.jpg?v=1775212640"},{"product_id":"bless-6-by-yukino-sonoyama-9798888775745","title":"Bless 6","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey said Aia was destined to be a model, and Jun was bullied for her freckles. Together, they will take back the power to define themselves in an inspirational fashion manga that asks cutting questions about what it really means to be beautiful—and what it takes to overcome an arbitrary system that seems to respect talent over hard work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAia and Jun have each scored themselves a spot in the U21 contest, but since models and makeup artists are matched by lottery, their opportunity to work together is far from guaranteed. With intimidating new rivals coming out of the woodwork, will both of them have what it takes to win it all?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Jun contemplates her dreams and goals for the future, Aia contends with his colleagues' old acquaintances and their own formidable strengths. An opportunity to do makeup for dozens of new adults on Coming of Age Day turns into a chance to reaffirm what makeup means to him and regain his confidence. The stage is set for the U21 showdown!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47470109327596,"sku":"9798888775745","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9798888775745-bless-6.jpg?v=1775212651"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/yukino-sonoyama.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}