Rating: 4.78 out of 5

I honestly did not think Sakuraphoenix could top the first book, but somehow this sequel managed to be even better. I was literally counting down the days to read this because the cliffhanger from "Sakura Of The Wind" had me stressed for weeks. Seeing Sakura Sanada back in the pre-Meiji era after a whole year has passed in the timeline felt so rewarding.

The character growth is insane. In the first book, Sakura was kind of just reacting to everything, but in this one, she is standing her ground. She isn't just a lost college girl anymore; she is fighting alongside Noroi and it is the coolest thing ever. And speaking of Noroi... oh my gosh. The transition from "Blade of Withering Shadow" to "Blade of New Light" is such a beautiful metaphor. You can actually feel him opening up and becoming less of a cold weapon and more of a human being because of her. Their relationship is the definition of a slow burn that pays off.

The war setting adds so much suspense. It is not just them being cute; there are actual stakes. The way the author describes the battles and the chaos of the era makes you worry that they might not get a happy ending. I was genuinely scared during the middle chapters that history would try to separate them again.

The climax was beautiful. I won't spoil it, but the way the "New Light" title plays into the ending made me tear up. It felt like a perfect wrap-up to their journey.

If you loved the first book, you absolutely have to read this. It is romantic, action-packed, and just really satisfying. 4.78/5 because Noroi is the standard for fictional boyfriends now.