This manga is so good, it made me want to write my own review just to enlighten those out there who actually read reviews about AnY's awesomeness!!
So basically, as the summary states, this manga is a historical manga about a princess who is run out of her own castle after the murder of her father by the princess' cousin, who is also her lover and childhood friend. The story progresses from there and I want to write more, but we don't need to spoil this amazing manga so i'll stop there.
The art for this manga is amazing. The facial expressions go from serious to stomach-ache hilarious in a second. The art doesn't take away from the story, and I love that about this manga because sometimes the art is too dense or formal and you can't focus on the story, but the art for this manga is perfect at conveying what kusanagi wants to tell us without actually having to tell us.
The characters...oh my goodness. If i could give this a 20000 i would but unfortunately I can't. Now, the characters in this story are mind-bogglingly amazing. Each character has their own back story that really affects who they are presently and they are all so deep and wonderful and unique. This manga has the best characters I have ever seen or watched or read in my entire life. They bring out both my happy and heart-wrenching sad tears. They make me fall in love with all the characters. Now, don't get me started on the character development. If you just skim through the manga, you won't see it, but if you really read and love the manga you'll see the tiniest details that show the development. Each character is so amazing, i can't pick a favorite because they are all so special and have stolen every piece of my heart. I want to go into detail about each character and their development so you'll just have to trust me when I say that there are no better characters than these. I know usually people do a brief summary of the characters, but I can write a whole essay on them and that's not what you're looking for so...
The story is action, political, historical, fantasy, and romance. Now, I know there are a lot of people who don't like romance, but this manga makes it work. I love love love romance, and let me tell you now, that romance is not a main plot. It is a subplot. I also love love love action, so this manga was perfect for me. The biggest theme of this manga I think is friendship and development. And that's what makes this manga so awesome. Because yes there are some emotional friend/lover scenes and there are some intense and awesome action scenes. But overall, the theme of friendship and family and betrayal and sacrifice are all so carefully crafted into the plot and it's just so amazing.
(sorry for this long review. most people probably won't read it. And sorry if it doesn't make sense. I'm just at a loss for words).
Overall, this manga is the best manga I have ever read. As someone who is obsessed with manga and anime, that actually says a lot. This manga is what gets me through tough times, long days, and boring days. I can read it whenever and as many times as I want. That is why it gets a 10. Plus the characters!!! theyre all so hilarious and together they are so heart warming. i love this manga with all my heart.
I have recommended it to most of my anime-watching friends, and they always end up reading the manga afterward and never once have they regretted it, so read it because i know you'll enjoy! if you don't then I dont know but i dont see that being a possibility.