Reviews written by Artemis Moonsong

One of the sweetest, heart-clenching BL animes I've ever seen. For those who would challenge its classification as a BL, I ask that you try to explain why Kantarou blushes during several key scenes. Just try.

Kantarou is a uniquely compelling character. He is a "youkai-buster," but also a part-time writer and folklorist. He is severely lazy about his writing and scandalously condescending towards others. Small wonder that Haruka finds him less than appealing at the beginning of the series.

Both characters grow immensely as the plot builds. The ending is exciting; we learn some disturbing truths about Haruka (he is a tengu, after all ... a demon), but we also learn the truth about his feelings for Kantarou, and Kantarou's for him. Additionally, a heartwarming side story will leave you brushing at the tears on your cheeks, though the overall ending is still blissfully sweet.

Season 1 -- A must-see for all BL, shoujo, and fantasy anime fans. There is also a healthy does of vaguely complicated political intrigue that will keep you tuning in to the next episode. There are hints at various pairings, both het and yaoi! Many fans find Shuurei a strong and nontraditional shoujo heroine, but yours truly finds her a bit too silly to truly like. By the end of the first season, the viewer has a decent idea of whom to pair with whom.

Season 2 -- While the political intrigue continues to build, pairing enthusiasts will DESPAIR to discover that all previously potential yaoi pairings have been debunked. Viewers are teased with various male characters hitting on other males characters, as well as female characters, but all pairings hinted at in the previous season seem null and void. This was VERY FRUSTRATING to this particular ardent fan of the first season. The show begins to show its true colors as a reverse harem anime, where, one by one, the male characters begin to fall for Shuurei.

I give it three stars, for the wonderful first season and the genuinely intriguing storyline and beautiful artwork. But the devastatingly disappointing second season left me with a bad taste in my mouth.