Sugar Apple Fairy Tale is a popular Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Miri Mikawa and illustrated by aki. First published in 2010 by Kadokawa Shoten, the ongoing award-winning series currently has 18 volumes. It has spawned manga adaptations and a 2023 anime TV series adaptation by J.C.Staff.
The story follows Anne Halford, a young candy artisan who purchases a fairy named Challe to act as her bodyguard. Together they journey to compete in a contest to make Anne a prestigious Silver Sugar Master. In this world, fairies are treated as slaves when their wings are taken. As they travel, Anne and Challe slowly bond while overcoming prejudice and rivals.
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Wiki
Genre | Fantasy |
Written by | Miri Mikawa |
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Illustrated by | aki |
Published by | Kadokawa Shoten |
English publisher | NA: Yen Press |
Imprint | Kadokawa Beans Bunko |
Demographic | Female |
Original run | March 31, 2010 – December 28, 2022 |
Volumes | 18 |
Manga | |
Written by | Miri Mikawa |
Illustrated by | Alto Yukimura |
Published by | Hakusensha |
Magazine | Hana to Yume Online |
Demographic | Shōjo |
Original run | November 2012 – October 2014 |
Volumes | 2 (List of volumes) |
Manga | |
Written by | Miri Mikawa |
Illustrated by | Yozora no Udon |
Published by | Kadokawa Shoten |
English publisher | NA: Yen Press |
Magazine | Young Ace |
Demographic | Seinen |
Original run | November 4, 2021 – present |
Volumes | 3 |
Anime television series | |
Directed by | Yōhei Suzuki |
Written by | Seishi Minakami |
Music by | Hinako Tsubakiyama |
Studio | J.C.Staff |
Licensed by | Crunchyroll Muse Communication |
Original run | January 6, 2023 – September 22, 2023 |
Episodes | 24 |
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Plot
In the kingdom of Highland, fairies and humans used to live in harmony. But then humans started removing fairies’ wings to control them.
15-year-old Anne dreams of the day fairies and humans will be equal again. She wants to become a famous confectioner like her late mother. To do this, she must win a competition in the capital city.
Anne hires a fairy named Challe to protect her on the dangerous journey. She promises to return his wing once they reach the city. At first, Challe doesn’t trust humans.
As they travel together, Anne and Challe learn more about each other. They start to see past their differences. An unbreakable bond grows between them. This bond could change the fate of both fairies and humans.
Sugar Apple Fairy Cast
- Anne Halford: The kind-hearted protagonist determined to follow in her late mother’s footsteps and become a prestigious Silver Sugar Master. Though lacking self-confidence at first, Anne’s compassion and confectionery talents blossom on her journey.
- Challe: The sharp-tongued warrior fairy purchased by Anne to be her bodyguard. Hardened by a tragic past, Challe gradually opens his heart again thanks to Anne’s selfless kindness. He struggles between his duty and deepening feelings.
- Mithril: A stoic water fairy saved from hunters by Anne. Despite his cool exterior, he is grateful and supports Anne and Challe’s forbidden bond against all odds.
- Hugh Mercury: A charming viscount and gifted sugar artisan who sees Anne’s potential and takes her under his wing as a mentor. His guidance gives Anne the confidence to excel.
- Kat: A seasoned Silver Sugar Master in self-imposed exile in rural Lewiston. Though initially gruff, he respects Anne’s skills and helps her stand against those who would steal her work.
Is Sugar Apple Fairy A Good?
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale brings gentle charm to fantasy adventure. Though flawed, its earnestness shines through.
The candy-crafting seems twee at first but becomes a metaphor for the characters’ emotional growth. Anne dreams of fairy-human harmony while Challe harbors wounds from cruelty.
Lovely art conceals melancholy. Anne acknowledges prejudice yet challenges norms. She frees Challe from conviction, not self-interest, exploring how even allies can unknowingly cause harm.
At its heart, the show has faith in empathy, not magic. Anne and Challe bridge divides by seeing each other’s humanity. Its quiet gentleness nurtures.
Who Will Enjoy Sugar Apple Fairy?
Fans of feel-good fantasy adventures will enjoy Sugar Apple Fairy Tale’s earnest charm and beautiful animation.
Romance lovers will be hooked by the strained slow-burn relationship between Anne and Challe.
Viewers appreciating thoughtful themes around empathy and inequality will find nuance in the leads’ clashing perspectives.
Younger audiences can delight in its gentle, uplifting story, though some dark themes may be too heavy.
Those seeking lots of action or complex worldbuilding may find it too low-key at times.