After I finished the series (Up to episode 39 and the appendix episode 40), I felt like a changed man. Here was an epic tale, a completely new world, and a lesson on what it takes to be a great ruler. I learned what it meant to deserve luxury, and I learned how to be a ladies' man like Rakushun. (Ladies' Rat?) I got chills at the end of the story, when the main characters end up proving their worth.

Pay attention to Rakushun, Enki, and Shoryu. They're a funny trio.

This is my favorite anime of all time, period. Then again, I've only seen the ones put out by Toonami and Adult Swim, but none of them were as good as this.

If you want an intellectually involving and stimulating series, eat this one up. It will make you think and re-think the way you see your world.

Overall, this series sits high on my recommendation list. While the very basic concept (schoolgirl-made-fantasy-heroine) is well known within the anime realm, the way the story and characters are presented is top-notch. I've heard this series described as "a well drawn version of Fushigi Yuugi, with all the things you didn't like removed, and a whole host of interesting things added." This gives you a general feel for the anime, though I'd ask that you start watching the series without any preconceptions. Despite the couple review episodes (which at least had some new footage and information), I've enjoyed the entire series, both the first time through as well as subsequent viewings in which I introduced the anime to my friends.