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桜姫華伝 [Sakura Hime Kaden] #8
桜姫華伝 8 [Sakura Hime Kaden 8]
修羅幽玄殿での激闘を終え、日常に戻ってきた桜姫と青葉。いよいよふたりが結ばれると思ったのに、なぜだか青葉の様子がおかしい…。藤紫や帝、青葉をねらう百合姫など、さまざまな思惑がからみ合うなか、桜姫は重大な決断を!?
【収録作品 (Bonus Story)】イ・オ・ン (I•O•N)
【収録作品 (Bonus Story)】イ・オ・ン (I•O•N)
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
8 people are currently reading
355 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2012
Sakura is now involved in "TWO" love triangles! Only in manga.
September 19, 2014
Some good romantic drama in this one.
March 19, 2019
After Shura Yuugen arc the story now takes quite different turn for this volume. There are no battles or fantasy elements (except for things like Asagiri and Hayate's transformation of course) but instead it's just romantic drama throughout (with some added political flavour, it's Heian court life after all). It's not necessarily bad thing though, especially because now Sakura is again properly present in the story, but I did miss the fantasy/magic parts a bit.
And hoo boy, is there drama! There's a new character, princess Yuri, who complicates Sakura and Aoba's relationship. Yuri is scheming and ruthless with the power her position gives her. Tanemura's antagonist characters are rarely totally evil, so I think her character will develop too.
Also, just when I thought Fujimurasaki is okay with the way things are, he throws in a surprise too! I just don't know if I like him or not but at least he's an interesting character. Unlike Aoba, who has had his moments along the way too, I admit, but is still the dullest character of the bunch.
Sakura spent a lot of time unsure and/or heartbroken but she also tried to sort out her feelings and solve the situation, so there was nice balance to her character in this volume.
Because the book takes place entirely in the palaces, there's a lot of fabulous, detailed kimonos and flowers and all the ornate stuff which makes this manga such a feast for eyes. ♥ I LOVE IT.
This volume also has a short story about Ion, the girl from Tanemura's early work and it was a sweet little story. It was nice to see the characters' life after the original story's ending.
And hoo boy, is there drama! There's a new character, princess Yuri, who complicates Sakura and Aoba's relationship. Yuri is scheming and ruthless with the power her position gives her. Tanemura's antagonist characters are rarely totally evil, so I think her character will develop too.
Also, just when I thought Fujimurasaki is okay with the way things are, he throws in a surprise too! I just don't know if I like him or not but at least he's an interesting character. Unlike Aoba, who has had his moments along the way too, I admit, but is still the dullest character of the bunch.
Sakura spent a lot of time unsure and/or heartbroken but she also tried to sort out her feelings and solve the situation, so there was nice balance to her character in this volume.
Because the book takes place entirely in the palaces, there's a lot of fabulous, detailed kimonos and flowers and all the ornate stuff which makes this manga such a feast for eyes. ♥ I LOVE IT.
This volume also has a short story about Ion, the girl from Tanemura's early work and it was a sweet little story. It was nice to see the characters' life after the original story's ending.
March 10, 2019
Brooo I feel for Fujimurasaki. He tried to let the OTP be happy but damnn, he deserves to fight for what he wants- maybe not against Sakura’s will though 😅😭
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...
September 13, 2023
"Why do you put so much effort into living?"
"I'm in love with being alive."
Absolutely love this quote!! But I feel so conflicted about this volume because it definitely wasn't a bad one, but what a huge shift in the series with focusing on romantic dramatics!
Sakura and Aoba I don't think have ever been really good at open communication as they both are quick to get upset at the other, but yet they always come back together. In fact, I LOVE what Sakura thought after they had been separated because if that isn't how true relationships are when you've been upset at your significant other!
"I'm angry with Aoba. I'm angry, but I want to see him. . . . I'm angry with you so it's not fair of you to make my heart pound like this."
I was definitely disappointed with Aoba this volume. I know he's in a tough position, but there was NO reason for him to stand up Sakura. I totally get that even later on he didn't want to hurt her feelings and tell her about what's happening, but I agree with Sakura that they are HER feelings and she has the right to decide if her feelings will be hurt or not. (I was thankful that Aoba DID redeem himself and realized he needed to clear up this misunderstanding ASAP. Go Aoba!)
Lord Fujimurasaki…sighhhh. I don't know what to feel there. I VERY much ship Aoba and Sakura and they better be the endgame, but I also don't dislike Fujimurasaki either. (I just don't ship him with Sakura.) I'm not sure what else to say except that I hope he realizes he needs to step aside and let these two be happy.
I hope the next volume we get back to more action because I very much missed it in this volume!
(Also I was happy to know who the characters were in the bonus story! That was a fun little chapter!)
"I'm in love with being alive."
Absolutely love this quote!! But I feel so conflicted about this volume because it definitely wasn't a bad one, but what a huge shift in the series with focusing on romantic dramatics!
Sakura and Aoba I don't think have ever been really good at open communication as they both are quick to get upset at the other, but yet they always come back together. In fact, I LOVE what Sakura thought after they had been separated because if that isn't how true relationships are when you've been upset at your significant other!
"I'm angry with Aoba. I'm angry, but I want to see him. . . . I'm angry with you so it's not fair of you to make my heart pound like this."
I was definitely disappointed with Aoba this volume. I know he's in a tough position, but there was NO reason for him to stand up Sakura. I totally get that even later on he didn't want to hurt her feelings and tell her about what's happening, but I agree with Sakura that they are HER feelings and she has the right to decide if her feelings will be hurt or not. (I was thankful that Aoba DID redeem himself and realized he needed to clear up this misunderstanding ASAP. Go Aoba!)
Lord Fujimurasaki…sighhhh. I don't know what to feel there. I VERY much ship Aoba and Sakura and they better be the endgame, but I also don't dislike Fujimurasaki either. (I just don't ship him with Sakura.) I'm not sure what else to say except that I hope he realizes he needs to step aside and let these two be happy.
I hope the next volume we get back to more action because I very much missed it in this volume!
(Also I was happy to know who the characters were in the bonus story! That was a fun little chapter!)
December 6, 2020
Sakura feels guilty for killing Ukyo even though she was under Enju's command. The emperor forces Aoba to choose Princess Yuri as a second wife or have Sakura marry the chief councilor. Yuri gives Sakura bad advice to try and sour the relationship between Sakura and Aoba. Aoba gets ensnared by a trap set by Yuri, but he still yearns for Sakura. Sakura is angry with Aoba for the altercation between him and Yuri. Fujimurasaki confesses his love to Sakura in front of Aoba.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2017
i scoffed out loud at the love geometric mess that happened in this volume and the lines were so cheesy i swung from laughly incredulously and face palming.
very disappointing volume leaving me with less respect for some of the characters, namely Fuji something and Aoba.
stars for art bc its arina tanemura
very disappointing volume leaving me with less respect for some of the characters, namely Fuji something and Aoba.
stars for art bc its arina tanemura
January 25, 2018
I'm consistently enjoying this manga series since it's cute, has romance, and it's easy to read when my mind is too fried to read a novel.
I liked the introduction of Yuri. Also glad that Fujimurasaki had a larger role in this volume (I like him rather than Aoba... yay second lead syndrome) although I didn't really like the way he behaved.
I liked the introduction of Yuri. Also glad that Fujimurasaki had a larger role in this volume (I like him rather than Aoba... yay second lead syndrome) although I didn't really like the way he behaved.
June 26, 2024
Aoba has to have a second wife to prove he’s not following blindly behind Sakura.
Sakura feels betrayed by Aoba’s perceived betrayal and finds refuge with Fujimurasaki,where he confesses his own feelings for her.
Yuri,Sakura’s competition for Aoba,pretends to be friends with Sakura but has her own secret plans.
Sakura feels betrayed by Aoba’s perceived betrayal and finds refuge with Fujimurasaki,where he confesses his own feelings for her.
Yuri,Sakura’s competition for Aoba,pretends to be friends with Sakura but has her own secret plans.
July 14, 2021
this plotline feels like a filler to me 😪😪
September 2, 2024
Okayyy that was a good volume! It was more romance focused and less dramatic.
Read
September 17, 2024A bit too overdramatic for me in terms of the live drama but I do think it's nice that we actually see them navigating their new relationship.
December 20, 2012
~3-3.5/5
[Also available on my blog.]
It’s been a while since I read any of this series, and for some reason I tend to have a hard time holding onto what happened in each volume. I think I’m just, still, not as excited for this series as I would like to be. I’m sticking around for each volume, but still…
In this volume, some drama between Aoba and Sakura arose, in which Aoba is being forced to choose a concubine, otherwise known as a mistress, I believe, but maybe even another wife? But Sakura doesn’t know that he’s being forced into choosing, and then she meets the girl, who is very nice to her but not-so-nice behind her back, and Aoba accidentally spends the night with the girl, and Sakura gets upset and slaps him. Mostly the problem with this is that the elders, or whatever, are forcing Aoba into it and then that he didn’t talk to Sakura about it.
Anyway, the girl, Princess Yuri, wants Aoba all to herself, purposely got Aoba drunk so he would have to stay the night with her, and is definitely plotting something against Sakura. And then Sakura, upset about Aoba, runs to Fujimurasaki, the Togu’s, place, where he lies to Aoba, and then tells Sakura that he loves her. Ohh, drama, right?
Also, during all this, Asagiri is running around, trying to get something back for Sakura, being all secretive about it. It’s sweet, and stuff. And there’s some kissing between Sakura and Aoba, and some funny moments, and, you know, all that good stuff.
At the end of the book, there’s a short one-shot, which is actually a continuation of the I-O-N story from that one-shot collection, which is very cute and sweet, even if I didn’t remember the characters too well.
Um, that’s it pretty much. I’m hoping the next volume is good, and it looks like some exciting (and possibly upsetting) things are going to happen, so I’m looking forward to that.
[Also available on my blog.]
It’s been a while since I read any of this series, and for some reason I tend to have a hard time holding onto what happened in each volume. I think I’m just, still, not as excited for this series as I would like to be. I’m sticking around for each volume, but still…
In this volume, some drama between Aoba and Sakura arose, in which Aoba is being forced to choose a concubine, otherwise known as a mistress, I believe, but maybe even another wife? But Sakura doesn’t know that he’s being forced into choosing, and then she meets the girl, who is very nice to her but not-so-nice behind her back, and Aoba accidentally spends the night with the girl, and Sakura gets upset and slaps him. Mostly the problem with this is that the elders, or whatever, are forcing Aoba into it and then that he didn’t talk to Sakura about it.
Anyway, the girl, Princess Yuri, wants Aoba all to herself, purposely got Aoba drunk so he would have to stay the night with her, and is definitely plotting something against Sakura. And then Sakura, upset about Aoba, runs to Fujimurasaki, the Togu’s, place, where he lies to Aoba, and then tells Sakura that he loves her. Ohh, drama, right?
Also, during all this, Asagiri is running around, trying to get something back for Sakura, being all secretive about it. It’s sweet, and stuff. And there’s some kissing between Sakura and Aoba, and some funny moments, and, you know, all that good stuff.
At the end of the book, there’s a short one-shot, which is actually a continuation of the I-O-N story from that one-shot collection, which is very cute and sweet, even if I didn’t remember the characters too well.
Um, that’s it pretty much. I’m hoping the next volume is good, and it looks like some exciting (and possibly upsetting) things are going to happen, so I’m looking forward to that.
April 2, 2014
Synopsis:
Enju and the followers of the moon are nowhere to be found after the destruction of the hidden palace. Sakura has returned with Aoba, but the lovers may soon be parted again. The emperor has asked Aoba to take another bride...
My Thoughts:
Things take a turn towards normality in this volume, but that doesn't mean the problems have ended. The Emperor still doesn't trust Sakura and suggests that Aoba take on another woman as his concubine in order to quell rumors that he's under her control. Aoba doesn't want to do it, but if he doesn't, he has to give Sakura up to another man and marry someone else. It's a tough situation he's been put in and it seems like he starts avoiding Sakura.
Meanwhile, Sakura has inadvertently met the girl that the Emperor suggests that Aoba take as a concubine. She then thinks that Aoba has been going to meet Princess Yuri at night when she smells her scent on some of Aoba's clothes. Things take another turn when Sakura confronts him about it and he doesn't properly explain the situation and she runs away. Now she's a Fuimurasaki's place and he seems determined to keep her there...
Enju and the followers of the moon are nowhere to be found after the destruction of the hidden palace. Sakura has returned with Aoba, but the lovers may soon be parted again. The emperor has asked Aoba to take another bride...
My Thoughts:
Things take a turn towards normality in this volume, but that doesn't mean the problems have ended. The Emperor still doesn't trust Sakura and suggests that Aoba take on another woman as his concubine in order to quell rumors that he's under her control. Aoba doesn't want to do it, but if he doesn't, he has to give Sakura up to another man and marry someone else. It's a tough situation he's been put in and it seems like he starts avoiding Sakura.
Meanwhile, Sakura has inadvertently met the girl that the Emperor suggests that Aoba take as a concubine. She then thinks that Aoba has been going to meet Princess Yuri at night when she smells her scent on some of Aoba's clothes. Things take another turn when Sakura confronts him about it and he doesn't properly explain the situation and she runs away. Now she's a Fuimurasaki's place and he seems determined to keep her there...
September 13, 2012
Oh. Ohhhh. I thought I'd missed a couple of events in Tanemura's plot frenzy but it turns out I forgot that I haven't actually read volume 7 yet. ^^; Well that explains a lot. Onto this volume!
I was really disappointed with the turn of events at the end of this volume with Fujimurisaki. At the beginning when he talked about feeling disconnected from everything and Sakura standing out to him because of her 100% dedication to life I was actually really liking the storyline. Hurrah, Sakura can be his life teacher! It can be a fascination/infatuation on his end that isn't necessarily romantic! And then my hopes were dashed with the ending. :( I'm so tired of traditional love triangle let-me-keep-you-in-this-place-against-your-will-because-of-lurve plots. Boring boring boring. Even the thing with Yuri is so textbook as to leave me bored too and normally I'm all for bringing in mean girls to shake up a story. Maybe she'll end up teaching Sakura how to better dissemble! But my guess is probably not. 3 stars
I was really disappointed with the turn of events at the end of this volume with Fujimurisaki. At the beginning when he talked about feeling disconnected from everything and Sakura standing out to him because of her 100% dedication to life I was actually really liking the storyline. Hurrah, Sakura can be his life teacher! It can be a fascination/infatuation on his end that isn't necessarily romantic! And then my hopes were dashed with the ending. :( I'm so tired of traditional love triangle let-me-keep-you-in-this-place-against-your-will-because-of-lurve plots. Boring boring boring. Even the thing with Yuri is so textbook as to leave me bored too and normally I'm all for bringing in mean girls to shake up a story. Maybe she'll end up teaching Sakura how to better dissemble! But my guess is probably not. 3 stars
November 1, 2015
Actual rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The conflict has now shifted to focus once again on the romance between Aoba and Sakura. While I do think some of it is cliche and a little ridiculous, there's not as many characters to worry about, and Aoba and Sakura's situation is a lot more tender compared to the drama at the beginning of the series with Aoba wanting to kill Sakura.
It also looks like the love triangle is back on. With Fujimurasaki's presence being increased, and with that conversation with the king, I'm not so sure if his feelings are actually pure. But judging from the end, they appear to be so.
The Ion sequel one-shot was absolutely hilarious, and it was definitely my favorite part of this volume. Arina Tanemura's wicked sense of humor and her improvements as an artist since her first works are shown tremendously here, and it was a fun read. I might check out the original manga if I have the time.
The conflict has now shifted to focus once again on the romance between Aoba and Sakura. While I do think some of it is cliche and a little ridiculous, there's not as many characters to worry about, and Aoba and Sakura's situation is a lot more tender compared to the drama at the beginning of the series with Aoba wanting to kill Sakura.
It also looks like the love triangle is back on. With Fujimurasaki's presence being increased, and with that conversation with the king, I'm not so sure if his feelings are actually pure. But judging from the end, they appear to be so.
The Ion sequel one-shot was absolutely hilarious, and it was definitely my favorite part of this volume. Arina Tanemura's wicked sense of humor and her improvements as an artist since her first works are shown tremendously here, and it was a fun read. I might check out the original manga if I have the time.
January 20, 2015
I give this 4 stars. This love story is getting complex. Geez.
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Spoiler
Note to Self:Heian Era
Princess Sakura(14yo,Princess Kaguya's(moon princess)granddaughter,orphan,immortal,pal)+Prince Oura(Aoba,17yo,betrothed,nephew,pal2)+Fujimurasaki(Togu(next emperor),uncle),Asagiri(mononoke (spirit),small,snow spirit,companion pal),Priestess Byakuya(old,mononoke(spirit),pal),Kohaku (ninja,8th ninja village leaders daughter,pal2)+Hayate(frog,human ninja,pal2),Princess Yuri (14yo,Minister of Right daughter,future concubine?),Yumeji(her servant),Ichiyo(his servant).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self:Heian Era
Princess Sakura(14yo,Princess Kaguya's(moon princess)granddaughter,orphan,immortal,pal)+Prince Oura(Aoba,17yo,betrothed,nephew,pal2)+Fujimurasaki(Togu(next emperor),uncle),Asagiri(mononoke (spirit),small,snow spirit,companion pal),Priestess Byakuya(old,mononoke(spirit),pal),Kohaku (ninja,8th ninja village leaders daughter,pal2)+Hayate(frog,human ninja,pal2),Princess Yuri (14yo,Minister of Right daughter,future concubine?),Yumeji(her servant),Ichiyo(his servant).
May 21, 2015
I like this series well enough but I just wasn't into this volume.
I do not like Yuri (yup I know she's a villain) and I didn't like the turn taken with Fujimurasaki, just didn't care for this at all. The twists are expected for the time period and were hinted at previous to this but I just soured on the entire thing. :(
I do find the art so beautiful from the backgrounds to the way she lays patterns. I feel like I'm back in time in feudal Japan.
I do not like Yuri (yup I know she's a villain) and I didn't like the turn taken with Fujimurasaki, just didn't care for this at all. The twists are expected for the time period and were hinted at previous to this but I just soured on the entire thing. :(
I do find the art so beautiful from the backgrounds to the way she lays patterns. I feel like I'm back in time in feudal Japan.
October 13, 2012
A decent enough volume, with a new character determined to shake up the whole scene, but one that is dominated by so much melodrama and romantic drama it's hard to connect it with the previous action-filled volume. The amusing qualities of Aoba's blunders and the antics of Princess Yuri keep this one from sliding into obscurity series-wise.
You can read the rest of my review at my anime/manga blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
You can read the rest of my review at my anime/manga blog, Nagareboshi Reviews: http://nagareboshi-reviews.blogspot.com/
September 19, 2018
Mich hat die Fortsetzung sehr mitgenommen. Die gefühlstechnische Achterbahn kam gut rüber, und so musste ich mit den Charakteren mitleiden. Und der Cliff Hangar am Ende war wirklich böse, gut, dass ich den nächsten Band bereits zur Hand hatte.
Als kleines Special gab es dieses Mal einen Auszug aus “I.O.N.” (habe ich bereits hier rezensiert).
Mehr: http://www.secretsofrock.net/2013/02/...
Als kleines Special gab es dieses Mal einen Auszug aus “I.O.N.” (habe ich bereits hier rezensiert).
Mehr: http://www.secretsofrock.net/2013/02/...
June 11, 2013
Read in: February 2013, June 2013.
Ah, here we go. Now we have relationship drama. Fooey!
I liked all the battles and tension- however, Enju is still out there so I feel like more battles are to come.
Ah, here we go. Now we have relationship drama. Fooey!
I liked all the battles and tension- however, Enju is still out there so I feel like more battles are to come.
September 15, 2012
good......
October 15, 2017
2017 re-read: I feel exactly the same. FUJIMURASAKI <3
2013 original read:TEAM FUJIMURASAKI. I love him. That is all I have to say.
2013 original read:TEAM FUJIMURASAKI. I love him. That is all I have to say.
February 26, 2015
Loved the one-shot featuring 'I.O.N' characters.
December 28, 2015
Meh, this volume was boring. The focus was the romance between Sakura and the prince. I was bored. Bring back the battling, the demons, and Enju.
September 26, 2016
Some oncoming clichées on their way
March 29, 2016
The love and jealously seen, just makes you mad for Sakura.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews