Sakura Hime Vol. 12by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Sakura is deep in grief when more tragedy strikes. Byakuya provides some unexpected assistance as Sakura makes a final stand against Enju ... and Princess Kaguya!I can't believe this is the final volume! It really didn't feel like we were that close to wrapping things up. However, I am quite satisfied with the ending. I will try to be as spoiler-free as possible in this review, but I must say that I was a bit shocked at the amount of death in this volume. It works out in a fitting way, but it's still shocking. The manga-ka does an excellent job at portraying a deep level of grief; it feels very believable. I'm not sure how Sakura is able to put that kind of grief aside, especially when things get worse all around her. The fire scene works well as a transition though! Shuri and Enju's actions surprise me a little. They are within their character, I just wasn't expecting them, especially Enju's semi-awakening. While Princess Kaguya's appearance is surprising, it's not nearly as surprising as Byakuya's secret, which is the most surprising thing in this series! In this final volume, she became my favorite character with the truth revealed and her actions to continue helping Sakura and everyone. It would not have worked for the overall plot it she had revealed before now, but it sure would have saved a lot of people. We learn something more about the sword, and it really makes me wonder why we saw so few youko after the first few volumes (knowing that the plot needed the main characters to suffer and die exactly like they did). I also really like the magical-girl ending where Sakura uses the support of all those she cares about to defeat her enemy. Princess Kaguya is forgettable, and she's a weak and easily-defeated enemy. Her actions are important, but next to Enju's actions in this volume she really pales. One of the reasons I love this so much as a final volume is the last few pages. Sakura's change is as appropriate as it is magical. And Shuri has become quite hot in the time that's passed! I like how Hayate has matured as well, but he doesn't have the wow-factor that Shuri does. I like that Kohaku can't decide between Hayate and Shuri, and her embrace of them makes this happy ending (in my head) one where she doesn't have to choose. I stand by my opinion that I've voice before -- this is a fantastic series and well worth the read from start to finish (which is easy to do with only 12 volumes), but it's not something I'd re-read or keep in my personal library. Written: February 1, 2014
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