Cantarella

Giving this series a 10/10 for everything- story, art, character, enjoyment. Its a story full of angst, forbidden relationships and unrequited love. Each character is doomed to suffer emotionally for life. And the protagonist Cesare has the worst share of them all. Story: The story is well woven with historical facts (can't say how much percentage though) + heavy dose of supernatural elements to it, similar to how the Hakuouki anime series has been made. It gave me a vague idea of what kind of struggles must have taken place between France and Italy which was really interesting to read, since I haven't really read much abouttheir history. And Hetalia series has ruined me XD. Alexander VI's ascension to the seat of the pope, the internal struggle and grudges between the cardinals, scheming and manipulation by Cesare for avoiding French to capture Naples and finally pull the strings to unite Italy under the jurisdiction of the pope- all are very well written. The only thing I felt was a rushed ending. After vol 10, I was expecting that I'd get to read more of Cesare's prowess on the battlefield. But sadly that doesn't happen. Art: The art is simply gorgeous!!! Cesare and Chiaro are so so so handsome!! Expressions of all characters are very well drawn to convey their intentions. The buildings of the era have been drawn superbly with fine details in most pictures. Battle scenes have been aptly drawn. Characters: The strongest point of the series. Most characters have a distinct and a very strong personality. It was sort of horrifying most of the times to read how much twisted, selfish and greedy each person in the story is, and the things they do to get what they want. But then again, since the goals have been reached via impure intentions and methods none of them get to enjoy their victories. I especially felt bad reading how the women in the story have been used as mere tools for political reasons. Cesare has an angelic face but is the darkest of all of the characters. The cursed circumstances under which he is brought into the world render him doomed to be hated by his family. He is trapped in a complex forbidden emotional situation involving his own sister and later his best friend. The one person's heart he seeks doesn't reciprocate to his feelings. Lucrezia is manipulated to be married for political reasons. She has feelings for her brother which she tries to conceal. But probably never succeeds completely. Her affair with Chiaro finally makes her happy again but the happiness doesn't last long. Cesare's father has done all he can to gain power. But when he finally ascends to the seat of the Pope, he is forced to be a mere puppet of Cesare. Similar misfortune has be portrayed for all other characters in the story. And its mostly the unsatisfied emotions of all the characters that drives the story towards its tragic finale. Enjoyment and Overall: The story is very tragic and dark. Heavily political, the story is well paced except for the abrupt ending. The character development is very well done. If you like reading tragedies, then this story is a must read.