honestly, I didn't like first few chapters, not because of the violent smut (I wouldn't call it rape because Taki clearly has the strength and ability to stop it if it really was noncon) but because it felt like I was watching the mid part of a movie without knowing anything about it.... something was just off. The characters are more than interesting, their relationship is clearly more than just physical, the art is mind blowing and passionate but the mood just wasn't there because I didn't feel connected to the story.
but I read on anyway, and Im glad I made that decision because author has managed to overcome all that through the later chapters. The characters become more human rather than just cool and pretty cardboard cut-outs - they feel real and relatable, which is the main component that makes this story so damn bittersweet and breathtaking
the only thing that still throws me off is the plot's struggle between spiritual and political, on one hand there's talk about war and invasion, on another, it's this god descendent and purity stuff.... it's just too much to swallow and quite frankly, to me, unnecessary.... I'd love it if the author focus more on the romance aspect of the story, using those issues as obstacles rather than making the story revolve around them (cuz that'll just make the plot a half-assed historical or a half-assed fantasy one)
overall, highly recommended - if ur confused n hate the beginning, please keep reading, cuz the rest is pure gold
oh and don't let it non-shoujo esque look scares u away, but the art is probably one of the best in this fandom

this is a must read for every fangirl out there who considers herself a die-hard yaoist. this is a rare case in which beautiful art is combined with amazing h scenes and an interesting, deep plot.

the story is a great mystery, the 2 main protagonists have a secret, supernatural connection between them. that's what brought them together and even though they are extremely attracted to each other, any relationship between the 2 is forbidden. i won't say anything else plot-wise, you should go read it yourselves!

this one contains rape. not the case you meet in most yaoi mangas, here we deal with frightening, actual rape. but if you read the whole story, you'll know why it happened and why it was something the uke forgave immediately. other than that, sex scenes in this manga are a great guide for all yaoi mangakas out there, who mistake yaoi with gender-bender shojo and have lost it completely.

i've written too much, when things are simple here. it's a must read, you'll know after you read.(>~<)

I don't read the sex scenes. Just because I'm really really love this, and I want to take this seriously.
You may don't like the art when u 1st saw It-Mad Dog has a square-face. ( I've ignored this manga a/b 4 or 5 time just b/c of his face =.=) But then I remember how I love Bat man face ) ...Man!..that's a Manly face, which I hardly see these days=.=

This title definitely makes it to my top 10 favorite licensed Yaoi manga collection. There are so many things to like about it. First, the art is top notch - so beautiful, detailed & yet clean. Secondly, the story is interesting - it is such a welcome break from your typical weepy, cliche yaoi stories out there. This story is about the conflicts arising from duty & devotion, love & loyalties when the couple is from opposing camps during a bitter war. Thirdly, the characters building are pretty decent – the characters are very intriguing as we try to decipher their actions – rational or not in different scenes. Lastly, the hot bedroom scenes are bonuses. I think the violent love making as just part of the realistic characterization – these men are after all soldiers in the midst of war – aggression & plundering actions were probably the norm during such times.

Because you know, ones typically fall in love with people who rape them to the point of being hospitalized. That is true love right there.
Honestly, I read this manga and I just couldn't get the hypes. I see no chemistry between the characters and I thought their relationship in general is just very abusive. Oh well, to each their own.

... Last updated on February 5th, 2011, 4:39pm

Delicious. The thing is, I didn't get the plot. I just had no clue what was going on. The main guy is a descendant of an emperor, and the other guy sworn himself to him....? But there was raping (which I tend to like) but then there was like ..pseudo rape.... I loved the characters and the complexity between them and other people but I just didn't know what was going on! oh well, I was addicted to it anyways! I loved how it had fighting and vendettas and action and tons of other things.

EDIT: I reread it and read up a little on the history and the wikia of this manga, and I totally get the plot now. Its even more beautiful now~!

... Last updated on May 8th, 2011, 12:39pm

I am a yaoi fan, but someytimes I get tired of the same old romance and nothing else storyline - or no storyline at all other than sex. This one has a great storyline, and a different one - love amid the chaos of war. The two main characters, Taki and Klaus, are well developed and you get to know them and care what happens to them. The art is really beautiful, and is what first caught my eye and made me buy this one. I wasn't disappointed. I very seldom find a manga I would give a 10, this is one of them. I highly recommend this one. Hopefully it will keep going beyond number 2, because there are a lot of loose ends that could keep it going for several more volumes.

... Last updated on October 11th, 2010, 3:40pm

I feel kind of stupid. Everyone else seems to be in love with this manga except for me. The plot was interesting and the art was very nice (especially in the sex scenes ;D) but the characters...urgh, I'm not sure how to say it. Taki Reizen was as beautiful an uke you could wish for, perfectly submissive, but with a bite. Klaus practically exuded strength and sexiness from his pores. They were perfect for each other and their forbidden love was beautifully passionate, but...I just couldn't get it. To be frank, the manga felt like it was trying too hard to make me fall in love with it. Everything was right on, but I just couldn't get on board with it all. After reading the other reviews, I'm starting to think it's just me that feels this way. Darn =P

... Last updated on July 25th, 2010, 5:38am

I love this story!!! Beautiful in and out. The reason I gave it 9 is because it has caused me so much gut-roller coaster and it hasn't come to a HAPPY ENDING yet! I'm waiting! Bless KlausxTaki!

I have read this so many times and it's always always so goodd!!!! It's so perfect and just the ideal historical yaoi manga and plus it's hardcore!!! It's the perfect master and servant manga and it makes my heart quench at it.... >o< I'm going crazy from this!!!!