This is a really good story. Even though it was aimed to be under Shoujo & Romance category, the way it focused on politics & mysterious things is really nice If you just read the first chapters then though it is nothing more than a love story between an emperor & an ordinary girl, then you're fooled. The most interesting parts lie at the second half of the series. You can never expect those things at the beginning.

Btw, does anyone know where to read the translation for the final volume? (not the summary) Many things were left out in that summary & I can't figure out the reasons why they did like that.

---the translations and summaries that have been done so far. While it is a bit of trouble to track down, I saw a site where someone compiled the links, and it is sooo worth it to find out what happens.
The amount you have to read after having watched the 2 seasons of the show is the equivalent of what would have been the 3rd season. And what a crazy season it would have been, as there were quite a number of shocking revelations.

Anyways read the translations, and while you might skip the novels that have been turned into the show to save time, don't miss out on the side stories!! The side stories not only give interesting background information, but make up some of the most interesting and EPIC parts of saiunkoku monogatari story.

For example, you think you understand Seiran's childhood and family circumstances? You don't. At all. For real. ^.^ (go read it-goreadit-goreadit, omg)

... Last updated on July 24th, 2014, 9:10pm

Saiunkoku is one of those stories that start light-hearted, then slowly develop into a bitter-sweet drama. Many acts and decisions that were praised in earlier volumes turn out to be fatal in later ones. One of the most surprising points may be .

This is really a high-grade fantasy drama and I hope someday it will be either licensed or translated (I guess I better start learning Japanese, this might be the faster way...).

This is one of the best story line that I've ever seen really,,, I just love all the characters, the settings, well, just add a little romance a bit I'm sure it will complete the spices of this novel...I have had completed watching season 1 and 2 and I'm looking forward to see the continuation of this story on television soon..It would be wonderful if it covers all the story of 8 clans in each season,,,base on my observation the season 1 was for the SA clan and RAN clan for the season 2 how I wish that every clan has its own history and story to tell..I love the writer of this story I must complement you for having this kind of imagination beyond creation. You inspired me a lot really..If only I know how to speak and be able to understand Japanese language I would love to translate it in English for free..