Though the romance between Hiro and Mao is the main driver of the story, House of the Sun's many side characters and subplots really makes it stand out. As the relationship between the two deepen, Mao will gradually discover what is ultimately important to her; although Hiro is the principle interest of the manga, he is far from Mao's only focus. This manga never shies away from the many friendships and relationships the main protagonist has with other people, and the way Taamo, the author, explores these relationships is masterful. The themes of love and family become increasingly apparent as the narrative progresses and she interacts with more people--these themes grow with Mao. She learns the importance of family and what it means to love them. She learns that having loving friendships will give her a sense of fulfillment she was missing. Mao's development throughout the story is one of, if not the strongest aspect of this manga. Through Mao's growth, the importance of family and love are portrayed beautifully.
Taamo's artwork is also one of the best things about this piece. It is probably safe to say that the art displayed in House of the Sun is some of the cutest shit that I have ever seen. The character's expressions (especially the female characters) are vivid and animated, all despite the rather deceptively simple art.
The one gripe I would have with this manga is that the ending felt a little rushed. Hina and Daiki could've used a bit more development during the last few volumes--it's a shame because I really like both of these characters. That is not to say, Mao's conclusion to her character arc was nearly perfectly executed. I just wish that the other characters' arcs were as nearly developed.
With its diabetes-inducing art, excellent character development, and resonating themes of family, friendship, and love, House of the Sun is a great short read for not only shoujo enthusiasts, but also for those looking for meaningful themes and excellent character-driven narratives.
