We’re back with a new Webtoon recommendation! This week we’re featuring ‘Ellin’s Solhwa‘ by Cibeles. It’s a reincarnation historical romance, and an absolute mood. Unlike most series of the genre, it’s set in an Eastern setting rather than vaguely European, which makes for a welcome change of pace. This series steers clear of the usual tropes of the genre, and it’s honestly a rare one-of-a-kind gem for fans.
Ellin’s Solhwa
The last thing Ellin remembers is having to deal with a belligerent customer at her dead-end job. And when she opened her eyes, she’s “Solhwa,” the beautiful fourth concubine to the king of the Xyaran Empire. Between trying to learn the language and eating steak, Ellin’s trying to figure exactly what’s going on. Where is she? How did this happen? And who can she trust: Solhwa’s handsome charismatic childhood friend or the elegant, raven-haired king’s advisor?
Trying to navigate palace life would be tricky any day, but things are made more complex when there’s a whole treason plot she might sort of be involved in.
The verdict
The first thing you might note is that Ellin does not wake up in a novel she was reading or a game she was playing; She finds herself in another world, she literally has no clue who Solhwa is supposed to be, what is happening and what she should be doing. Memories of Solhwa’s life coming flashing to her little by little, but all they leave with are more questions. However, even as they do, Ellin has such a strong self of self that she never tries to actually pose as ‘Solhwa’. Her priorities are her own.
If the summary gave you love triangle vibes, don’t worry, there’s nothing of the sort. Solhwa was in love with someone. Ellin falls in love with someone else. No need to worry about second lead syndrome, we just have the one and he is a green flag among green flags.
The art is not the usual style we see in the genre. There’s an ethereal feel to the colours, the character designs are very distinctive and every episode is absolutely gorgeous.
It’s a rather short story (all the better for binge-reading!) and it’s been completed for a while. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone, it’s a perfect hidden gem. The creator also has a new, ongoing series on Webtoon, called ‘When Jasy Whistles‘, in case you find yourself needing more of this artstyle and writing quality.
