Teen heart-throb. Mediocre love triangle. Princess chased away. Childhood friend betrayal. Does it sound like typical yet? Because it can get like that. This manga is almost borderline shoujo and shonen. The most you'll see that would be shocking is a little bit of blood and killing, and some playful intimacy between the main characters. In addition, there's few shoujo moments you see. However, I personally really like Akatsuki no Yona, and here's why.
Story 8/10: So far there's really no surprise in the story line. It's all kind of expected, and when you read through it, your expression would be "I knew it!". -2 for that because it's a biggie for me. For those who are looking for extreme challenge or surprises, move along. The story does focus on the main character's objectives with some hilarious dialogues here and there. Flashbacks were given at some point that plays with the current situation. The story doesn't really revolve around the "love-love" moments of the characters; if it does, it's barely, which is also nice, because we pretty much know who she'll end up with, just needs a little push. The story basically follows through the characters' purpose and objectives, with little delay or obstacles.
Art 10/10: Lovely art. Pretty much every little thing she draws are in detailed. It's beautiful, especially for its manga theme -- "ancient".
Character 9/10: You really can't hate any of the characters. The mangaka made it so that they're all loveable, and you just can't help but sympathize in their situation. Yona is a spoiled brat, but as the story progresses she gets a character development, as well as a hit of reality. She doesn't stay a spoiled brat, but she stays oblivious to her surroundings unless stated to her, like every innocent girl. All the dragon men are gorgeous looking, and have a past that makes up for who they are and their actions. We have her childhood friends, Hak, who is a general and her guardian, and Soo-Won who is her first crush and later her enemy. They all develop maturely. -1 though because it's too "all expected".
Enjoyment 9/10: I already expected this manga not to have any overly surprising element or mind-blowing moments. You know those moments, "I know it's gonna happen, but I'm hoping it won't,"? Yeah, you get a lot of those, and it just exactly what you thought. I enjoyed hoping there might be a plot twist, but so far, none of that yet. But that's okay, because I expected it. Because I did all of that, I really liked this manga. Very innocent, and goes on in one direction.
Overall: It's a 9/10. This manga is quite impressive, everything about it! I love all of Mizuho Kasanagi's manga. This one is not a let-down at all. It's wonderful, and gives off a younger innocent feel. There's just something that pulls you into this manga. It's the vibe that the mangaka makes that you can't help but read throughout. So give this one a try.