Manwha Review: The Stone Thrown in the Lake
Title: The Stone Thrown in the Lake
By: Kayeog, Aurora Studio, horn, montand / studio ALIVE
Available on: TappyToon
Status: Ongoing
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre
Synopsis
A villainous queen sacrifices everything for her brother, only to be betrayed. Reborn in the past with a chance to right her wrongs, she must confront the tangled web of love and family that once destroyed her.
Source – Tappytoon
ⓒ Kayeog, Aurora Studio, horn, montand / studio ALIVE All rights reserved. Published by Tappytoon under license from partners.
First Impression Review
In The Stone Thrown in the Lake, a strong female lead gets a second chance at life — to show love to her younger brother, find romance with the prince she once rejected to secure her brother’s future, and rewrite her story with a hopeful, happy ending.
Our protagonist is cold and distant to most, but her younger half-brother, Dou, is the exception. She’s willing to sacrifice everything for his happiness. However, in her first life, misunderstandings—often caused by others—kept Dou from recognizing her affection. Now, given a second chance, she returns to her 18-year-old self, determined to express the love and warmth she once failed to show.
As she begins to understand Dou better in this life, we witness meaningful character development. Previously indifferent to those around her—she didn’t even know her maids’ names—she now pays attention, influenced by her growing love for her family. She realizes how unaware she was of Dou’s mistreatment by the servants and takes steps to correct it, ensuring they study and share meals together. Slowly, Dou begins to open up to her warmth.
The male lead is the Crown Prince, intrigued by her after she refuses to submit her portrait for the princess selection. In their first life, he harbored a one-sided love, even asking her to run away with him. She rejected him—not out of indifference, but to stay by Dou’s side and support his future.
He goes to see her and gets to know her more, she is surprised to meet him earlier than her first life she’s surprised by how events are already diverging from her past. This realization sets the stage for a new, unpredictable journey—one filled with healing, love, and the hope of a better ending.
Ivorre-Adela
Ivorre, the female lead, is an elegant and upright young lady who rarely shows emotion, which leads her younger half-brother, Dou, to misunderstand her intentions—despite her deep love for him.
After realizing this in her second life, she makes a conscious effort to express her affection and care. One touching example is when the staff mock Dou’s table manners; Ivorre calmly begins eating with her hands just like him, silencing the ridicule. She also ensures he receives the same level of education as she does, showing her commitment to his growth and dignity.
Ivorre is not only emotionally intelligent but also highly capable. Her brilliance shines through in how she manages the finances of her territory—her people are well cared for, and poverty is nearly nonexistent. The Crown Prince takes notice of her competence and even offers her a position working for him. Her response? She quietly leaves the meal without a word—shocking the staff haha.
Sidis Muirca
Our male lead, Sidis is a Crown Prince who loved her in the first life but was rejected as she wanted him to be by her brother’s side. In this timeline we see him as a young Prince, who likes to play hooky and sneak out, stressing his knight out.
He’s immediately intrigued by Ivorre and deeply impressed by how efficiently she manages her territory. Curious to learn more, he visits her estate and even supports Dou’s dream of becoming a knight, recognizing the boy’s potential.
Sidis has a refined yet grounded charm. He enjoys reading while perched on tree branches, prefers rum over fine wine, and carries an elegant aura that doesn’t distance him from the common people. His down-to-earth nature makes him both regal and relatable.
His attempts to socialise with Ivorre are often met with subtle rejections, which adds a humorous and endearing dynamic to their interactions. Despite her cool demeanor, Sidis remains persistent, bringing a lighthearted energy to their growing relationship.
Art Style
The art style in The Stone Thrown in the Lake is absolutely gorgeous, featuring clean lines, expressive character designs, and a warm, elegant color palette that enhances the emotional tone of the story—especially in scenes with the siblings and the prince. In contrast, the use of bleak, darker tones effectively illustrates the presence of villains and the underlying power struggles, adding visual weight to the narrative.
The inclusion of occasional chibi panels adds a touch of humor and lightness, perfectly balancing the more serious and dramatic moments.
One particularly charming detail is how the siblings are often seen in matching-colored outfits, visually reinforcing their growing bond. A standout scene beautifully captures Ivorre’s expression and body language as she focuses entirely on Dou—her gaze soft, posture gentle, almost like a devoted, caring mother. The warm backdrop in that panel further amplifies the tenderness of the moment, making it one of the most emotionally resonant visuals in the series so far.
Is it worth a read?
Definitely! In terms of romance, it seems Sidis will be the one to fall first—and with his golden retriever energy, I’m excited to see our girl finally receive the love she truly deserves. Ivorre’s journey promises strong character development, and her role as a capable female lead who puts her younger brother first is a refreshing and rare plotline in manhwa.
With its emotional depth, stunning artwork, and a compelling mix of family bonds and slow-burn romance, The Stone Thrown in the Lake is certainly worth picking up.
Overall, I’d give this webtoon a 3.5 out of 5 and would happily recommend it!
If you enjoyed this review, please show some love by clicking the heart icon below—it really means a lot! Have a great day! ^^
