Incredible story and compelling characters! This series has everything!     Jun 07, 2007     reviewed by AnimeG0ddess    

Basara is classified as a shoujo series, but this isn't girly stuff at all. The story telling in Basara is the best that I have ever read. There is action, comedy, romance, drama, sadness, and happiness all rolled into this one series. The world is a fantasy based desert Japan ruled by tyrannical kings. The main character is Sarasa who grew up hidden in the shadows of her twin brother, Tatara. A prophecy made people believe that Tatara was the chosen savior born to unite the poor and helpless common people and overthrow the tyrannical kings. When Tatara was murdered by the cruel and ruthless Red King, Sarasa brings up her courage and pretends to be her brother and unite the people against the awful tyranny. Sarasa is by no means a brilliant, naturally talented, great leader. She's not strong and she does not have the demeanor of a leader, but she's clever. She makes many, many mistakes, but she learns from them. She makes many friends along the way that she can rely on, because believe me, there are times when no human being can keep going in the face of death and adversity; at least not alone. Her wit and cunning wins her battles, not strength or numbers. Like I said, great story, great characters, everything in this series is perfectly written, so definitely read it!

AnimeG0ddess also recommended: Red River, Chicago, Fushigi Yugi, Planet Ladder,
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Revenge, Power, Friendship, and Love - Facets of War Within Basara     Jul 25, 2007     reviewed by DamageCtrl    

From the breath-taking, definitive style of Yumi Tamura comes this epic story of revenge, war, and love; all before the background of a post-apocalyptic, desert Japan. In an unforeseen future, Japan has fallen back into a medieval time of powerful kings and oppressed people. Hope for a better future lays in the hands on a child, prophesied to bring an end to the tyranny. When Tatara, the boy believed to be the one to end the monarchy, is killed by the Red King, his twin sister, Sarasa, must take up his identity to lead the people in his stead. Unprepared for the roll of a lifetime, Sarasa struggles with much trail and error, blood and tears, to make reality the future her brother was supposed to bring; all the while trying to balancing who she is as the young woman - Sarasa, with who she is supposed to be as the Boy of Destiny - Tatara. Tamura carefully weaves love and friendship amongst the violent backdrop of a nation on the edges of civil war; gripping the reader and submerging them into another universe. Featuring an arsenal of supporting characters, sweeping artwork, and engaging leads, “Basara” is an addictive story that will bring you into a world, make you see two sides of every story, and the passion behind those who are a part of it.

DamageCtrl also recommended: Red River,
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