Red

I just wanted to post an agreement review with the only other review here so far. Sometimes a lone review isn't enough to sway me one way or the other. Yes, this tale set in feudal Japan is interesting and engaging. I do sort of wish this story was in two volumes instead of one, because some of the sub-plots could have been expanded and there could have been more romantic scenes. As the presentation stands, though, I didn't mind picking this book up on the cheap side. My attention was held by both the story and the art.

If you are looking for explicit Yaoi, this one is not for you. This period piece is a nicely done BL with an engaging plot and likable characters. It centers on a run away prince who refuses to take up the throne because he is afraid of failing to protect those he love. Fortunately for him, he has 4 loyal friends. His two "body guards", a close boyhood friend of the common poor and of course last but not least the foreign assassin turned lover, are there to protect and care for him. All 5 guys are interesting characters, their interaction well done. One minister plotting to usurp the throne and a few surprising revelations of the characters certainly thicken the plot. However I would have prefered there to be more romance even if this is a BL. Cetainly more passion between the prince and his assassin. The 2 body guards are an interesting pair too, their blossoming romance could have been better explored. The cunning body guard with a deceptively pretty face, the oldest character of the 5, certainly stands out. Maybe the mangaka tries to cramp too much into a stand alone story and the romance has to make room for the evolving plot. Overall an engaging read as I like the deep bond among the 5 friends and the artwork is pretty. And I always like Japanese Yaoi period pieces.