Sunbeams in the Sky has reached its conclusion after just three volumes. Following a somewhat shaky start, does this Yen Press-published series deliver a satisfying finale? Let’s dive in!
Continuing the Story
Volume 3 picks up right after the cliffhanger of Volume 2, where Asaka confronts Mio about her secret life of swapping places with her twin sister, Himari. Mio is understandably upset, believing that Asaka has developed feelings for her sister. However, could Asaka’s feelings be different than they seem?
Meanwhile, Himari’s love interest, Tsukiyono, reveals his awareness of the sisters’ true identities during a charming weekend gathering beneath the Christmas lights. While he may not know they are twins, he recognizes that the girls are distinct individuals, regardless of Himari’s efforts to impersonate Mio.
Embracing Truths and New Beginnings
With their secret unveiled, the sisters must confront the situation. Both Tsukiyono and Asaka respond positively, leading to the girls embarking on new relationships with their respective love interests. It’s a refreshing turn of events as they are finally seen for who they truly are.
Interestingly, Tsukiyono and Himari share a history; he was the boy she saved from thugs before the series began. Haunted by the trauma inflicted on Himari, Tsukiyono feels guilty for his violent actions in her defense (actions she doesn’t remember). Upon realizing Himari’s deception, he wants to help her make amends.
The Future of the Twins
With the twins now in committed relationships, they face the inevitable question of how to move forward. Acknowledging that they cannot swap places forever, Himari hesitates to stop, especially since she has developed a connection with Tsukiyono and made friends in his circle. Is there a solution that allows them to maintain their new lives?
The latter chapters of Sunbeams in the Sky explore these thoughts as they wrap up the romantic arcs early in the volume. Initially, I worried that this might feel rushed, but fortunately, that concern did not materialize. While I would have appreciated more time for the girls to enjoy their relationships, the pacing is sufficient to avoid disappointment.
A Final Confrontation
However, the inclusion of the thugs who attacked Himari in the final confrontation raises some concerns. I question the effectiveness of this narrative choice. It seems implausible that they wouldn’t have encountered Mio, whom they initially mistook for Himari, or that Tsukiyono wouldn’t have run into them given the circumstances. While they don’t attend the same school, this plot point feels flimsy.
Additionally, this subplot detracts from Himari’s character development. Although she is protected by Tsukiyono and Asaka, her forced retreat behind them during the confrontation with the thugs comes off as unnecessary drama. Several other plot elements in this volume would have served her character better.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the conclusion of Sunbeams in the Sky may not satisfy every reader. Despite its missteps, the series holds together relatively well. However, it feels as though there wasn’t enough time to develop all the storylines fully. Mio’s fears, which were built up over the last volume, are resolved hastily in a single chapter. This resolution feels rushed after the buildup, although it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall flow.
Despite these issues, I found the reading experience enjoyable. If you’ve made it to Volume 2, there’s little reason not to finish the series. However, newcomers should be aware of the pacing and narrative choices.
Sunbeams in the Sky Volume 3 is brought to the West by Yen Press, translated by Julie Goniwich, with lettering by Rochelle Gancio. The release is smooth, with no notable issues, and includes a page of translation notes at the end, along with a color page at the beginning—a lovely addition.
Overall, Sunbeams in the Sky is a sometimes frustrating but still enjoyable series. While I hesitate to recommend it to newcomers due to its rushed conclusion, those who have followed the story thus far will find value in completing it. I look forward to seeing what Monika Kaname creates next, hoping it will have the time to flourish as intended without feeling rushed.
