Interesting, brutal, tender... I grew up wishing I could be a knight, and this series rekindled that desire to have an honorable liege again. (It included plenty of examples of why that's a very dumb principle to build your society on, but I just never thought I would have that feeling again.)

An alternate history that basically merges back into our timeline! I haven't seen that before. ( )

A really interesting manga set in 1700s Japan where a disease kills 75% of men. The story centers around the inner chambers of the shogun. The ending is a big cliffhanger - worth a read! ( )

I’m at the 6th volume in this series, and I heartily recommend it!!!

At first the premise might seem like it could lead to something light and romance-focused (a powerful woman who controls a harem full of handsome men!). In fact, this series is a very serious and thoughtful exploration of a reversal of gender roles and a demographic cataclysm.

- The political games takes centre stage — it’s palace intrigue at its best (I’m into 50-episode long Asian shows about dynastic conflict, and Ooku is on par with the best of those.)
- It really captures well the mores of the Edo period. It’s a ruthless time in many ways.
- The art is gorgeous.
- I’m very taken by the psychological drama the characters go through. It’s this constant push and pull between duty and one’s own desires and needs.

My only gripe is with the stilted English translation. Most historical novels don’t feel the need to go back to Elizabethan speech. You get used to the ”prithee” and the “fie” over time.

I would recommend it to readers who enjoy power games more than a sexy shojo in which a female character has a lot of men at her disposition. If that’s your poison, then do dive in into the wonderful world of Ooku! ( )

Excellent manga. More please. ( )

An alternate history manga set during the Edo period. A plague has struck Japan, killing some 75% of the men; women take over the running of the country and men are cossetted breeding stock. The art is beautiful and the story has pricked my interest, although the translation is kind of clunky, with what I'm sure is very formal Japanese translated into absurd faux "ye olden times" English. ( )