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桜姫華伝 [Sakura Hime Kaden] #11
Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura, Vol. 11
A supernatural fantasy from the best-selling creator of Full Moon and The Gentlemen's Alliance †!
Sakura is the granddaughter of a mysterious moon princess who slew demons with her Blood Cherry Blossom sword. All her life Sakura has been forbidden to look at the full moon without knowing why. Then one night, unhappy over her impending marriage, Sakura gazes up at the moon, only to see a demon attacking her...
Kohaku follows Hayate into the woods and finds him there with Rurijo. Enju also witnesses the clandestine meeting and confronts Rurijo about her betrayal. Rurijo, now abandoned by Enju, vows to kill Princess Sakura...
Sakura is the granddaughter of a mysterious moon princess who slew demons with her Blood Cherry Blossom sword. All her life Sakura has been forbidden to look at the full moon without knowing why. Then one night, unhappy over her impending marriage, Sakura gazes up at the moon, only to see a demon attacking her...
Kohaku follows Hayate into the woods and finds him there with Rurijo. Enju also witnesses the clandestine meeting and confronts Rurijo about her betrayal. Rurijo, now abandoned by Enju, vows to kill Princess Sakura...
184 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2012
6 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Arina Tanemura
182 books1,018 followersName in Japanese: 種村有菜 (Tanemura Arina)
Western Zodiac: Pisces
Arina Tanemura was born on March 12, 1978. She's the author of Full Moon O Sagashite, Time Stranger Kyoko, Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross, Sakura Hime Kaden, and more.
Her favorite hobby is Karaoke. One song that she sings is Smile, originally by Myco. She has two cats, named Riku and Kai. She has one elder and one younger sister and one brother. She's the type who hates to lose in anything. She also likes Ribon.
Western Zodiac: Pisces
Arina Tanemura was born on March 12, 1978. She's the author of Full Moon O Sagashite, Time Stranger Kyoko, Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross, Sakura Hime Kaden, and more.
Her favorite hobby is Karaoke. One song that she sings is Smile, originally by Myco. She has two cats, named Riku and Kai. She has one elder and one younger sister and one brother. She's the type who hates to lose in anything. She also likes Ribon.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 29, 2015
This volume kind of epitomizes every reason why I think this is Tanemura-san's best series - for a shojo manga, I feel like she wasn't afraid to break boundaries. People have died in this series, beloved characters and minor characters alike. The characters aren't always getting what they want - there is heartache and darkness in this series. People are being tortured, murdered, and our heroes are often suffering. For a shojo, this series is rather bold. And I've absolutely enjoyed it! Tanemura-san has put a good balance of happily ever after and sheer darkness into this series, and it has made it all the more interesting and engaging.
There is one volume left, and while I know things will end happily, no doubt, I'm happy that along the way, bad things have happened and not everything turned out peachy keen.
There is one volume left, and while I know things will end happily, no doubt, I'm happy that along the way, bad things have happened and not everything turned out peachy keen.
October 24, 2013
Sakura Hime makes my heart hurt in so many ways, it should be punishable by law. Tanemura has created a cast of characters with conflicting relationships and she's bringing them together in some very explosive ways. As volume eleven opens, the Kohaku/Rurijo/Hayate love triangle is coming to an apex but Enju isn't far behind, still determined to bring Princess Sakura back to her side. That is, if Rurijo's sudden vengeance quest against the princess doesn't get her killed first.
You can read my complete review of SAKURA-HIME KADEN volume 11 at my blog: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
You can read my complete review of SAKURA-HIME KADEN volume 11 at my blog: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
March 3, 2014
When I read this volume, I ended up flipping out about how much everything has changed. Like the most impossible thing just became possible. The theme for this book is Friendship and Life. It's friendship because in the beginning Enju(bad guy) caught his supposed "lover" hanging out with Hayate(the silly ninja). So, he abandons her and has given up on life because of her love for Enju. So, she decides that making a suicide mission will end her pain and suffering. She later claims a battle with Sakura and her arm turns into leaves(falls off) (FYI, she's a doll made of tree and elm). So, it's friendship because Sakura decides that since Rurijo doesn't have a master, Sakura promises to take care of her and protect her. It was so sweet and sad because of Rurijo's depression and when she was crying. I mean, come on. That makes me really sad to see Rurijo sad. (She's my favorite character so...) And the theme is also Life because Sakura gets into a battle with Enju and accidentally impales Asagiri with Chizakura. So, Asagiri died. :'( But it's really about how Asagiri and Aoba has the blood curse. Where you drink the blood of a demon or creature and you develop a doubled life. But using your powers shortens your life span. So, Enju made Asagiri drink the moon spring water and she becomes immortal but her blood curse is gone. It's confusing, I know. So long story short, it's Life because of Asagiri hasn't really found the reason why she was born or still alive and that she tells Sakura to live. When really that reason is to find something or someone you love and you value them more than your own life. (said that in Sakura Hime vol. 12) :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2013
I still can't believe theres only one volume left. It feels just like yesterday I started this series.
This volume had a lot of ups and downs in it. I thought that everything would all be rushed but it wasnt. Everythings ending quite nicely. Well, when I mean that I mean the way Arina wrote this volume, not what happened in it. This volume made me laugh and cry. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
We'll miss you Asagirl
This volume had a lot of ups and downs in it. I thought that everything would all be rushed but it wasnt. Everythings ending quite nicely. Well, when I mean that I mean the way Arina wrote this volume, not what happened in it. This volume made me laugh and cry. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
We'll miss you Asagirl
April 11, 2019
What the poop?! I was NOT expecting Asagiri to die 😭 Oh, and Hayate sucks. 😤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
Review for complete series
Princess Sakura is a descendant of the creatures of the moon whose hand has been promised to the Imperial Prince Oura. To hide the powers that lurk inside her, Princess Sakura has been raised in isolation. But Sakura is unwilling to enter a marriage without love and chooses to run away - even at the risk of her true nature being exposed.
Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura is everything wrong with The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross done right - it includes the best of all Tanemura's previous works. After the mess that was The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross, I was really worried that the then newest series of a long time favourite mangaka of mine would disappoint again. Luckily, that was far from the case!
The setting of the Heian Period allowed for interesting folklore and absolutely gorgeous designs for the characters; all those beautiful kimono and long flowing hair! Just the art alone makes this a pleasure to read. And thanks to the fantasy setting, many story elements that fell flat in The Gentlemen's Alliance Cross unfolded beautifully; there certainly was drama, but it suited the circumstances and we are, after all, talking about an Imperial Court. And I was so pleased to see her old humour, which I so love, return.
Although I felt that the romance developed very rapidly, I can't say that it bothered me. The first volumes do revolve around Sakura and Oura, but the plot focuses on so much more than just the two once the story gets going. Thanks to the romance not being the only focus, this story was rich in wonderful characters who all had their share of spotlight. There were wonderful friendships, family bonds, court intrigues, action and a plot that keeps you guessing. It was just such a beautifully well-rounded story from beginning to end.
This is one of those stories that has so many great characters, I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for a favourite. Although I am tempted to say that it is Sakura's little spirit friend Asagiri, there are so many others that are equally lovable. Sakura herself is also a nice character, I loved how she was sincere and naive yet would also simply be lazy and childish. There is a lot of character growth - not only for her but for the majority of characters. As there are so many characters to love, it's so easy to get emotionally invested and there's a lot of sadness the cast needs to overcome. It is also great how, as the story progresses, the line between good and evil dims more and more.
The only thing I would criticise about Sakura Hime is how conveniently everyone seems to be connected. Every character is related to someone else one way or another. After a while, it felt like a repetitive plot twist when yet another character was revealed to be someone's long-lost lover, friend or sibling. However, given all the wonderful elements of this plot, it is a small matter that can easily be ignored.
A delightful surprise through and through - I am utterly in love with the setting, characters and plot and after this am inclined to believe that Tanemura's stories work out best if there is at least a hint of fantasy involved! Now if only there were an artbook...
December 6, 2020
Shuri shows Lord Enju the relationship that developed between Rurijo and Hayate. When Enju finds out about the relationship he tells Rurijo to leave him forever. Rurijo goes to Sakura to kill her and Kohaku finds out that Hayate is in love with Rurijo. Shuri comforts Kohaku after getting rejected by Hayate, but it was a trap Shuri leads Lord Enju right to Sakura and the others. Enju takes Asagiri and Sakura goes to save her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
I'm sorry, but this volume completely destroyed any love I've had for this series. I know characters can die in shoujo manga too, but between Hayate suddenly falling out of love with our best ninja girl and Asagiri dying, I just can't. I already wasn't connecting fully with the series the last two volumes because I really missed the "magical girl" aspect, but when I got it, it's just absolute heartbreak. I'm so upset, especially with how deeply I loved these characters in the beginning. 😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2017
Everyone freaking dies in this manga.
December 12, 2019
A suprising heart touching conclusion to asagiri's part in the story.
September 2, 2024
Well, I’m crying now…
January 13, 2025
It was pretty good, I think. Not much really happened in this book in my opinion. But I like Arina Tanemura's drawing style very much!
March 18, 2025
I got this book at this volume and didn’t think I’d enjoy it, turns out it was great!
November 22, 2013
In Summary
Sakura brings out Chizakura twice in this installment of Sakura Hime, but the action that follows isn’t the sort that gets your blood pumped up. What the volume does have in spades are romantic tension, juvenile comedy, and tragic final moments. With the ninja love triangle as yet unresolved and the possibility of a means to undo Oura’s curse, Tanemura-sensei’s certainly got my attention as we head into the manga’s finale.
The Review
Tanemura-sensei mentions in her author’s notes that the series will conclude in the next volume with fifty chapters, and it does feel like things are winding to an end with Team Enju dwindling. Ukyo’s dead, Maimai’s run off, and now it’s Rurijo’s turn. Loyal as she is, she’s not the type to defy Enju, but to anyone looking from the outside, her interactions with Hayate smack of betrayal. I lose all respect for Kohaku and Hayate as ninjas when Enju catches Hayate and Rurijo together (of the three ninjas in the scene, only Shuri detects everyone’s presence). Still, the moment serves the purpose of landing Hayate and Rurijo in deep trouble with their respective comrades.
Interestingly, Enju doesn’t destroy Rurijo outright but abandons her for a slow demise. She, of course, snaps, and in her desperation vows to kill Sakura. Given her dramatic entrance into Oura’s house, I expected a massive, extended battle. Instead, the tension quickly drops, to an almost comic level, and you can see the ultimate outcome of the fight coming from a mile away.
What’s not so predictable is the Hayate/Rurijo/Kohaku (/Shuri?) love triangle. To me, this romantic mess is the most engaging part of the current arc. Unlike the Oura/Fujimurasaki/Sakura love triangle, it’s much easier to follow, yet it’s harder to tell how it will finally resolve itself. Hayate’s had it rough, being almost a joke in his frog form, so it’s nice to see him as an object of attraction.
With Team Enju taking so many hits, they’ve got to lash back somehow, and Enju gets Sakura where it really hurts – by going after Asagiri. Tanemura-sensei mentions that “Asagiri is a character who shines in tragic scenes,” and all I’ll say about Chapters 43 and 44 is that Asagiri fans should have their Kleenex ready.
Extras in Volume 11 include embedded author’s notes and a closing remark from one of Tanemura-sensei’s assistants.
For more of my manga reviews, go to my blog Keeping it in Canon!
Sakura brings out Chizakura twice in this installment of Sakura Hime, but the action that follows isn’t the sort that gets your blood pumped up. What the volume does have in spades are romantic tension, juvenile comedy, and tragic final moments. With the ninja love triangle as yet unresolved and the possibility of a means to undo Oura’s curse, Tanemura-sensei’s certainly got my attention as we head into the manga’s finale.
The Review
Tanemura-sensei mentions in her author’s notes that the series will conclude in the next volume with fifty chapters, and it does feel like things are winding to an end with Team Enju dwindling. Ukyo’s dead, Maimai’s run off, and now it’s Rurijo’s turn. Loyal as she is, she’s not the type to defy Enju, but to anyone looking from the outside, her interactions with Hayate smack of betrayal. I lose all respect for Kohaku and Hayate as ninjas when Enju catches Hayate and Rurijo together (of the three ninjas in the scene, only Shuri detects everyone’s presence). Still, the moment serves the purpose of landing Hayate and Rurijo in deep trouble with their respective comrades.
Interestingly, Enju doesn’t destroy Rurijo outright but abandons her for a slow demise. She, of course, snaps, and in her desperation vows to kill Sakura. Given her dramatic entrance into Oura’s house, I expected a massive, extended battle. Instead, the tension quickly drops, to an almost comic level, and you can see the ultimate outcome of the fight coming from a mile away.
What’s not so predictable is the Hayate/Rurijo/Kohaku (/Shuri?) love triangle. To me, this romantic mess is the most engaging part of the current arc. Unlike the Oura/Fujimurasaki/Sakura love triangle, it’s much easier to follow, yet it’s harder to tell how it will finally resolve itself. Hayate’s had it rough, being almost a joke in his frog form, so it’s nice to see him as an object of attraction.
With Team Enju taking so many hits, they’ve got to lash back somehow, and Enju gets Sakura where it really hurts – by going after Asagiri. Tanemura-sensei mentions that “Asagiri is a character who shines in tragic scenes,” and all I’ll say about Chapters 43 and 44 is that Asagiri fans should have their Kleenex ready.
Extras in Volume 11 include embedded author’s notes and a closing remark from one of Tanemura-sensei’s assistants.
For more of my manga reviews, go to my blog Keeping it in Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2019
Oh! What a volume! Definitely best one for a while (even though I've liked the story throughout).
Anyway, there was still a couple of surprises packed into vol. 11 but I don't wanna spoil them, so I can't say much. I really liked Rurijoo's parts in this book. When she was first introduced, I didn't have very clear opinion on her but along the way she's really grown on me. She has gone through more big changes than anyone else I think, and learned a lot about herself and the others.
It was also fun to see Sakura transform and do some action too, it's been waaaay too long since the last time. That's my only bigger gripe about this series, she has this great power she doesn't really use. In a way it's cool, even if you have some kind of special powers or talents, it doesn't mean you have to use them if you don't want to, but because it was introduced as a big deal in the beginning, I wish it had been treated as such.
And then... the last chapter! I was getting a bit teary-eyed by the end... I won't say more except: noooo! :'(
Phew, can't wait to see what the last volume brings...! Oh, and one more little thing: I really like the cover art! Not only because Sakura and Rurijoo look lovely but that black lace background gives a nice contrast to their light coloured attires. And for Tanemura's pictures that's a bit of a rarity!
Anyway, there was still a couple of surprises packed into vol. 11 but I don't wanna spoil them, so I can't say much. I really liked Rurijoo's parts in this book. When she was first introduced, I didn't have very clear opinion on her but along the way she's really grown on me. She has gone through more big changes than anyone else I think, and learned a lot about herself and the others.
It was also fun to see Sakura transform and do some action too, it's been waaaay too long since the last time. That's my only bigger gripe about this series, she has this great power she doesn't really use. In a way it's cool, even if you have some kind of special powers or talents, it doesn't mean you have to use them if you don't want to, but because it was introduced as a big deal in the beginning, I wish it had been treated as such.
And then... the last chapter! I was getting a bit teary-eyed by the end... I won't say more except: noooo! :'(
Phew, can't wait to see what the last volume brings...! Oh, and one more little thing: I really like the cover art! Not only because Sakura and Rurijoo look lovely but that black lace background gives a nice contrast to their light coloured attires. And for Tanemura's pictures that's a bit of a rarity!
January 19, 2014
~3.5/5
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
There was a big plot line featuring Rurijo and Sakura in this volume. I think I’m interested in Rurijo more than Sakura, and really just hope that Rurijo turns out okay. There was a lot of change for her in this volume, and hopefully it’s for the best. There was also a big change for Asagiri, that I found very sad, but is probably really fitting and not terribly surprising. There was a confrontation with Enju, and I’m not really sure what’s going to happen next.
I wish I was more involved, more emotional, for this series, but I’m just not. I’m just not attached enough to the main characters, or any of the characters really. I want to be, but I’m not.
Either way, the next volume is the last, which I wasn’t expecting. I don’t really know how it’s going to end, but I do look forward to seeing how it happens. And I definitely want some closure for everything between Enju, and for Kohaku and Hayate and Shuri. Their whole relationship is a mess, and I want something to be done about that. I’ll find out in February, I guess.
[Read more at my blog, Geeky Reading!]
There was a big plot line featuring Rurijo and Sakura in this volume. I think I’m interested in Rurijo more than Sakura, and really just hope that Rurijo turns out okay. There was a lot of change for her in this volume, and hopefully it’s for the best. There was also a big change for Asagiri, that I found very sad, but is probably really fitting and not terribly surprising. There was a confrontation with Enju, and I’m not really sure what’s going to happen next.
I wish I was more involved, more emotional, for this series, but I’m just not. I’m just not attached enough to the main characters, or any of the characters really. I want to be, but I’m not.
Either way, the next volume is the last, which I wasn’t expecting. I don’t really know how it’s going to end, but I do look forward to seeing how it happens. And I definitely want some closure for everything between Enju, and for Kohaku and Hayate and Shuri. Their whole relationship is a mess, and I want something to be done about that. I’ll find out in February, I guess.
January 13, 2014
This volume reminds me of why I felt so close to Rurijo, when reading V9 & V10 last year. Sadly, the reading the earlier volumes this year made me grow to not feel so fond of her. But, still, I was very happy when Sakura became her master.
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What bugged me in this one was that Asagiri was taken and drained. She's a character I had very much loved.
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This volume was provided to me as an eManga by VIZ Media, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own
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What bugged me in this one was that Asagiri was taken and drained. She's a character I had very much loved.
---------------
This volume was provided to me as an eManga by VIZ Media, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own
January 14, 2015
This volume was really good although it did have several sad scenes in it. I am looking forward to the next volume and finding out how everything works out for all the different characters.
Contains Chapters 40 - 44
40.) Similar but Not the Same
41.) I Cannot Live Without You
42.) Fall in Love, Girls, Fall in Love with the Flower of Light
43.) The Snow Always Waits for Spring
44.) Farewell, My Little Friend
Contains Chapters 40 - 44
40.) Similar but Not the Same
41.) I Cannot Live Without You
42.) Fall in Love, Girls, Fall in Love with the Flower of Light
43.) The Snow Always Waits for Spring
44.) Farewell, My Little Friend
December 14, 2013
This volume is so awesome!! I'm so glad that Sakura decided to be Rurijo's master when Enju abandon her! They are both flowers, but so much different! At first, Rurijo seemed to be the more matured one, but now it seemed like Sakura is the older sister. Rurijo is so cute! I'm really hoping she gets to be with Hayate.
September 19, 2018
Zusammenfassung:
Eine dramatische Wende in der Geschichte, die einem buchstäblich Tränen in die Augen treibt. Selbst die Charakter fangen an, in ihre Rollen hinein zu wachsen.
WEiterlesen: http://www.secretsofrock.net/2013/05/...
Eine dramatische Wende in der Geschichte, die einem buchstäblich Tränen in die Augen treibt. Selbst die Charakter fangen an, in ihre Rollen hinein zu wachsen.
WEiterlesen: http://www.secretsofrock.net/2013/05/...
April 4, 2015
That ending!!!!!!
September 23, 2014
too tired, cannot brain. recall enjoying this in morning before brain flopped out. enju can go suck a toe. 4 stars
October 10, 2015
I always, always forget Tanemura knows how to utterly break my heart each time I read her work. This was not an exception. And I really should've seen it coming.
GODAMNIT.
GODAMNIT.
January 10, 2015
Holy Jabbers! This volume reminded me why I fell in love with this series. I still don't like Rurijou nor I will ever like her. One thing is for sure, Asagiri will always be my favorite character.
December 31, 2015
So close to the end! I can't wait to see where the series ends, as a lot happened in this volume. It's gonna be so exciting!
September 28, 2016
I gasped so loudly at the end omg
:'(
:'(
January 19, 2014
is it bad that I like shuri?
March 29, 2016
I'm surprised I've taken a liking to Rurijo but I wished Hyate chose Kohaku.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews