Let’s talk about Nina the Starry Bride—the manga turned anime that’s been stealing hearts since it premiered in October 2024. If you’re a fan of romantic fantasy with a side of political drama and a heroine you can root for, this one’s got you covered. And, of course, we can’t forget the love triangle that has everyone debating: Team Azure or Team Sett?
Nina: A Heroine Worth Watching
The cute and bubbly Nina, unlike other protagonists, has a lot of hairstyles and wardrobe throughout the series.
Nina is no ordinary leading lady. From the streets of Fortna to the royal palace, her story is all about rising above impossible odds. Betrayed and sold into royalty (yeah, it’s that intense), she steps into the role of Princess Alisha, navigating a world of diplomacy and deception. What makes her so great? She’s clever, bold, and just messy enough to feel real. If you’ve ever cheered for Yona from Yona of the Dawn, Nina’s journey will feel like a fresh but familiar ride.
Her growth is captivating—she stumbles, she doubts herself, but she always finds a way to shine. That’s the kind of character you love to root for. Notably, Nina truly steps into her own as the story progresses, particularly during the Galgada arc onwards. It’s here that her courage and determination take center stage, proving her status as a protagonist who defies fate through sheer willpower.
The Love Triangle: Azure vs. Sett
Azure, Nina and Sett, as seen in the anime.
Ah, the love triangle. What’s a good romance fantasy without one? On one side, there’s Prince Azure, the one who found Nina in the slums and who’s been with her from the very beginning. As the one who rescued Nina from her bleak fate as a commoner, Azure’s connection with her is rooted in trust, safety, and a shared history. Over time, it’s clear that his initial care for her as the fake Princess Alisha blossoms into genuine love. He’s charming, supportive, and the kind of steadfast companion you can’t help but root for.
Then there’s Prince Sett, the mysterious and broody rival introduced during the Galgada arc. Their relationship starts on shaky ground—marked by distrust and power imbalances—but as Nina proves her worth, their dynamic shifts. Sett initially sees Nina as little more than a pawn in his political schemes, but her fiery spirit and unwavering resolve quickly captivate him. Unlike Azure, Sett wasn’t there to save Nina; she was the one who fought her way into his world, and this reversal of agency makes their bond feel fresh and dynamic.
How Their Relationships Shape Nina
Upon closer examination of their developing relationship, Sett actually gives Nina more freedom and agency to make her own choices—even if it means going against fate for the sake of her loved ones. This dynamic aligns perfectly with Nina’s character, as someone who thrives on defying expectations and taking control of her destiny despite the hardships she’s faced. While her relationship with Azure is comforting and wholesome, it often places Nina in a position where she follows his lead. Azure’s choices for Nina come from a place of care, but they inadvertently make her seem less proactive compared to her interactions with Sett. With Sett, their relationship feels more equal, even though it starts on shaky ground with a clear power imbalance. Over time, Nina tips the scales in her favor, making their connection more compelling.
Sett and Nina.
That said, Sett’s character arc isn’t without flaws. Some fans feel that his clingy and codependent behavior toward Nina, especially after realizing her feelings for Azure, detracts from his appeal. He becomes stagnant, hanging around aimlessly for several chapters until Azure’s selfless actions push him back into the game. While Sett’s devotion to Nina is undeniable, it’s clear that he needs to grow and become more independent to fully stand on equal footing with her. For now, though, his willingness to challenge fate alongside Nina gives their relationship an edge.
As for Azure and Nina, their bond has its own strengths. Despite the difference in maturity levels—Azure often comes across as too composed compared to Nina’s youthful energy—their connection feels believable. The tension between them, heightened by their forced separation due to Alisha’s interference, adds an emotional depth that keeps fans hooked. It’s hard to pick a side when both relationships bring so much to the table, but that’s what makes this love triangle so addictive.
Azure and Nina.
As Nina herself puts it, Azure was the one who found her, but Sett was the one she found. It’s this shift in agency, in who’s doing the finding, that makes her relationships with both characters so dynamic. With Sett, Nina’s the one making the decisions, and the way she asserts herself in their interactions is empowering.
Fantasy That Feels Magical
The main cast of Nina the Starry Bride.
The love triangle isn’t the only thing this series does well—the world-building is equally captivating. The lore surrounding Nina’s blue eyes and her connection to the Star People adds so much depth to the story. Her unique traits aren’t just a visual quirk—they’re part of an ancient prophecy that’s yet to unfold. And then there’s the real Alisha, whose backstory is shrouded in mystery and hints at even more twists to come.
This fantasy world isn’t limited to just Fortna and Galgada—we get to see other countries too, which only adds to the richness of the setting. There's so much more in store, but the anime hasn’t even touched on some of the juiciest details yet.
Spoiler alert: The world of Nina the Starry Bride is just as complex as its relationships, and it's only going to get deeper. The emotional tension of the love triangle is further heightened when the real Alisha appears upon Nina and Azure's return to Fortna. Suddenly, smooth sailing doesn’t seem so guaranteed, and the truth behind Nina’s blue eyes is revealed in ways no one expected.
While the romance is a major hook, Nina the Starry Bride doesn’t rely on it to carry the story. The real meat is in the plot and the political drama. Nina’s caught in the middle of two nations teetering on the edge of war, and every decision she makes has massive consequences. There’s betrayal, alliances, and enough high-stakes diplomacy to keep you hooked.
And it’s not just Nina feeling the heat. Both Azure and Sett are dealing with the pressures of their roles—balancing duty with personal desires. Watching these three navigate their tangled emotions while trying to save their kingdoms? Chef’s kiss.
What Makes It Shine
The main trio, as seen in the manga.
Nina the Starry Bride is more than just a fantasy romance. It’s a story about finding your place in the world, even when everything feels stacked against you. Nina’s journey is a reminder that it’s not where you start, but how you fight to change your destiny. And the love triangle? It’s the cherry on top—keeping us guessing, swooning, and maybe even yelling at our screens a little.
Whether you’re in it for the romance, the drama, the fantasy lore, or just to see who wins Nina’s heart, this series is a must-watch. The anime has barely scratched the surface of what’s in store, and with so much rich material in the manga, the best is yet to come. So, are you Team Azure or Team Sett? Or, like Nina, are you still figuring it out? Either way, buckle up—it’s going to be a dazzling ride.
And if you’re in the mood to see more of Nina the Starry Bride, you can check out our extensive collection here at ZenPlus, shipped to you straight from Japan!
Nina the Starry Bride | OFFICIAL TRAILER
Nina the Starry Bride | OFFICIAL TRAILER 2
Nina the Starry Bride Opening | nina by Maaya Sakamoto
What do you think?
Who will Nina end up with: Sett or Azure?
Is the real Princess Alisha dead or is she alive?
What is the truth behind the mystery of the Star People?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Nina the Starry Bride on Crunchyroll and Prime Video.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
