3 Volumes (Complete)
Reading Status: Finished
Summary from Manga Updates:
Sakura Gari is a Taishou Era romantic story, ten years in the making. It centers around the 16 year old Tagami Masataka as he is aiming to find his place in life. While attempting to start prep school as a rounin he encounters Saiki Souma, the son of a distinguished noble of the Saiki Koushyaku family and becomes part of the Saiki household.
It seems as though this will be the story of Tagami’s life, taking us through both him growing up physically and emotionally.
Read it here on MangaDex
Warnings: Noncon, incest, death, suicide and abuse
Story: ★★★☆☆
I knew what I was getting into when I started reading, having found it after searching for more manga like A Cruel God Reigns. It’s a dark and depraved historical drama, which intrigued me. The ML does reveal to have some redeeming qualities, but besides the MC, the whole cast is corrupt and rife with conspiracy. Tragedies happen one after another, and the plot ends ambiguously with a trace of happiness. I enjoyed watching the characters struggle until they found peace, but it still felt like something was lacking, yet I can’t put my finger on it, so I’m giving it a 3/5.
Art: ★★★★★
The art is gothic and the men are drawn beautifully. There is an emotionality to the art style akin to the fragile sakura that are a heavy inspiration in this work.
Angst: ★★★★☆
It’s fun and horrifying to watch the MC slowly become tainted by those around him. Everyone suffers in some way in this manga, but it’s gradually revealed until you’re simultaneously hating and loving the story for the pain it’s causing.
Fluff: ★☆☆☆☆
There are few traditionally heartwarming moments, but the ones that do appear help to lighten the mood.
Spice: ★★★★☆
Titillating noncon that isn’t for the faint of heart. The small details in the closeups brought out the sensuality of the H scenes, but there were other times when the mangaka drew overt metaphors like glass shattering or a lit candle dripping to depict the emotional and physical experiences of the MC. The pain and pleasure were depicted realistically, as well as the trauma of the MC during and after the assault.
Recommend for:
People who don’t shy away from darker subjects and who like historical stories with complex family drama and tragic relationships.
BLrebyuu 