What do you think?
薔薇嬢のキス [Barajou no Kiss] #3
薔薇嬢のキス 3
「薔薇の契約」によって、「騎士」を従えるアニス。今回は、いきなりアニスにライバル宣言する人が現れる!? 大人気、ハイテンションキューティーコメディ第３弾！
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 15, 2019
Still loving this series! The art, the characters, and finding out more about what it means to actually be a sovereign. Like I said before, I feel like this could easily be a reverse harem. Am I hopeful about it? Heck yes!
Also, Seiran is so pure and is my favorite. So if anything happens to him, I’m gonna lose my shit!
Blog | Instagram
Also, Seiran is so pure and is my favorite. So if anything happens to him, I’m gonna lose my shit!
Blog | Instagram
May 16, 2021
This volume was so good ! I'm excited to for them to look for the cards, kinda excited for the idol group story next ! I think im gonna really enjoy this seriesssss
June 9, 2026
Another great volume!
Felt pretty fast in the beginning and was, funny enough, SO relieved about one certain character being okay! I can only be thankful that Anise really reached them and that we will see them in a much different way later on!
ALSO SEIRAN!!!! THE PRECIOUS BEAN!! His smile lights up the whole room! 😭😭😭😭😭
Also, Anise's poor teacher! I admire his determination to do everything he can to help Anise understand everything about the contract and actively listen to what he's saying! LOL!
Speaking of, the guys looked SO great in their new outfits! I appreciated hearing more about what the "real" contract is, even if I'm wondering what exactly that means for things later on. I do feel there is some foreshadowing based on what has happened in the past and how close one of the knights is to Anise? Seems pretty obvious, but can't say I'm mad about it since I do like them! Hehe!
I am VERY happy to see Mutsuki starting to open up more to Anise! The part with the fitness test made me laugh, and I'm glad she was able to help him hold back for the most part! LOL!
The ending left me surprised and once again excited to see where the series goes!!
Felt pretty fast in the beginning and was, funny enough, SO relieved about one certain character being okay! I can only be thankful that Anise really reached them and that we will see them in a much different way later on!
ALSO SEIRAN!!!! THE PRECIOUS BEAN!! His smile lights up the whole room! 😭😭😭😭😭
Also, Anise's poor teacher! I admire his determination to do everything he can to help Anise understand everything about the contract and actively listen to what he's saying! LOL!
Speaking of, the guys looked SO great in their new outfits! I appreciated hearing more about what the "real" contract is, even if I'm wondering what exactly that means for things later on. I do feel there is some foreshadowing based on what has happened in the past and how close one of the knights is to Anise? Seems pretty obvious, but can't say I'm mad about it since I do like them! Hehe!
I am VERY happy to see Mutsuki starting to open up more to Anise! The part with the fitness test made me laugh, and I'm glad she was able to help him hold back for the most part! LOL!
The ending left me surprised and once again excited to see where the series goes!!
February 19, 2015
"Rose, oh reiner widerspruch. Rose, oh pure contradiction."
Kiss of the Rose Princess isn't a shoujo that takes itself seriously. And you shouldn't take it seriously either. Most would agree that as far as shoujo is concerned, most of it isn't something to be taken seriously. Then we get outrageous, pun-filled series like Ouran and Kiss of the Rose Princess that really go far out to make fun of itself, the reverse-harem and shoujo in general.
This is the shoujo I like. I want something to make me laugh, recognize cultural puns, and just relax. And most importantly-not have to nitpick the series because it's not trying to do anything to make you go "Wow! So original!"
Then we get series like Kamisama Kiss, where the plot and characters are so vital to the series as a whole that I can both relax and enjoy it, but also take a serious look at the development of the series. And for a serious shoujo, Kamisama nails every point. I have no gripes with that series at all. (I am biased, lol).
With this 3rd volume, Kiss of the Rose Princess once again tries to make a gloomy and depressing atmosphere only to twist it around and make fun of high school physical exams!! You know, the one where your measurements are taken? Nope? Yeah, only in Japan.
And Tenjo steals this spotlight, but of course, this is all for a plan Anise put into action. See, Haruto realizes he needs to stop being a butt, and
Kiss of the Rose Princess isn't a shoujo that takes itself seriously. And you shouldn't take it seriously either. Most would agree that as far as shoujo is concerned, most of it isn't something to be taken seriously. Then we get outrageous, pun-filled series like Ouran and Kiss of the Rose Princess that really go far out to make fun of itself, the reverse-harem and shoujo in general.
This is the shoujo I like. I want something to make me laugh, recognize cultural puns, and just relax. And most importantly-not have to nitpick the series because it's not trying to do anything to make you go "Wow! So original!"
Then we get series like Kamisama Kiss, where the plot and characters are so vital to the series as a whole that I can both relax and enjoy it, but also take a serious look at the development of the series. And for a serious shoujo, Kamisama nails every point. I have no gripes with that series at all. (I am biased, lol).
With this 3rd volume, Kiss of the Rose Princess once again tries to make a gloomy and depressing atmosphere only to twist it around and make fun of high school physical exams!! You know, the one where your measurements are taken? Nope? Yeah, only in Japan.
And Tenjo steals this spotlight, but of course, this is all for a plan Anise put into action. See, Haruto realizes he needs to stop being a butt, and
July 27, 2021
Okay… I’m feeling like Kaede’s the one for Anise!!!!
December 27, 2019
Ah the red rose is coool.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2013
So I'm really upset because there aren't actual physical English translated copies of this manga available which really sucks because I really wanted it on my bookshelf. The only ones available are either in French, German or Italian and I've completely forgotten any Italian and French I learned in school and have no clue how to speak German, let alone read it. I'm tempted to buy the Japanese versions just because the artwork is so pretty but they're so expensive and I don't want cheap used ones. I can't even buy any others from the author because NONE of them are available in physical manga books in English. UGH. FML.
Anywho, this was a good follow up. Anis and her interaction with her dad is quite comical and we start to see the relationships between the Rhode knights and the dominion grow. I wonder who she'll end up with? That last little extra was adorable and it was fun to read. Here's to hoping the next volume is just as good, although the boys entering into a competition as an idol group sounds like a really fun read to me so I have high expectations.
Anywho, this was a good follow up. Anis and her interaction with her dad is quite comical and we start to see the relationships between the Rhode knights and the dominion grow. I wonder who she'll end up with? That last little extra was adorable and it was fun to read. Here's to hoping the next volume is just as good, although the boys entering into a competition as an idol group sounds like a really fun read to me so I have high expectations.
September 6, 2018
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures: http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/20...
Volume 3 of Kiss of the Rose Princess is uneven in terms of plot. It starts off strong, with Anise needing to seal off an escaping Demon Lord. But then that scene ends and it’s back to high school. Anise’s dad is presumably a villain (maybe? not enough plot for us to really know…), and he comes to school posing as a teacher because he wants to find out what the Rose Knights’ abilities are. So it’s a comedic “hey guys, please be normal!” kind of deal. Unfortunately, the high school parts of the story are not my favorites. I want to see romance, plot, and Demon Lords, not gym class.
I think my problem with this series is that every time the plot seems to move, we’re back to high school hijinks. And there is an interesting plot somewhere in this manga. It’s just that it’s so spread out that I don’t feel like there’s any reward for continuing reading. And given that I had purchased three volumes of the manga, this is where I stop and switch to a series that I actually enjoy. I really wanted to like this series, especially because I loved Aya Shouto’s series He’s My Only Vampire so much. But in the end, this one just isn’t for me.
Volume 3 of Kiss of the Rose Princess is uneven in terms of plot. It starts off strong, with Anise needing to seal off an escaping Demon Lord. But then that scene ends and it’s back to high school. Anise’s dad is presumably a villain (maybe? not enough plot for us to really know…), and he comes to school posing as a teacher because he wants to find out what the Rose Knights’ abilities are. So it’s a comedic “hey guys, please be normal!” kind of deal. Unfortunately, the high school parts of the story are not my favorites. I want to see romance, plot, and Demon Lords, not gym class.
I think my problem with this series is that every time the plot seems to move, we’re back to high school hijinks. And there is an interesting plot somewhere in this manga. It’s just that it’s so spread out that I don’t feel like there’s any reward for continuing reading. And given that I had purchased three volumes of the manga, this is where I stop and switch to a series that I actually enjoy. I really wanted to like this series, especially because I loved Aya Shouto’s series He’s My Only Vampire so much. But in the end, this one just isn’t for me.
June 20, 2020
2020 reread
4.5 stars
I can’t feel anything but love for this series. Can we have a volume just about Mitsuki’s backstory? 😀
4.5 stars
I can’t feel anything but love for this series. Can we have a volume just about Mitsuki’s backstory? 😀
April 17, 2026
Still love it and the humor and the story and everything! The magic system is also getting really good! This took about 2 hours for me to read.
September 24, 2017
*****This review sort of has spoilers*****
The story is entertaining and funny (full of cliches tho).
Anis continues to be a good lead; she takes shit from no one and most of the time is sort of immune to the "charm" of the boys... I really like that if they want her they would have to work to "seduce" her :P
The bat thing is not good as a companion animal, so in my mind its presence sort of takes away points from the story... the teacher is more helpful but barely (not sure how I feel about him).
For the sake of seeing how the story develops I'm going to rate the knights from favorite to least favorite:
1- Kaede (red rose knight) he's so transparent! (it's obviously he liked Anis even before he knew she was the rose princess) and despite the tsundere actitude he is a good friend to Anis (I suspect he is end game)
2 - the white rose - So he has the buffoon act going on but I'm pretty sure he's very Slytherin about his own motives (which are still a secret, but we'll see)
3 - the blue rose - I like him, but I don't see any romantic situations happening among him and Anis
4 - the black rose - I like this Sebastian look a-like (pretty sure years ago when I first read this manga he was my favorite), but now it feels like he is a very big walking cliché... I mean he looks like Sebastian, is not human, he's basically a vampire (dark stalker pff, don't forget the 'sleep for years in a coffin' LOL), at first he was like "I don't accept her as my dominion" only to change his mind when realizing Anis does care about other people (she was nice and considerate to him), and to top it of he has a lost memory problem!
And then we have the yellow rose, Anis' best friend from the past, whom I adored!! He was a drama queen (just as Anis dad!) about the 'betrayed by the other roses in my past life' but I really like how Anis confront him about that shit, and we would see more of him... but I suspect he would not have a bigger role.
The story is entertaining and funny (full of cliches tho).
Anis continues to be a good lead; she takes shit from no one and most of the time is sort of immune to the "charm" of the boys... I really like that if they want her they would have to work to "seduce" her :P
The bat thing is not good as a companion animal, so in my mind its presence sort of takes away points from the story... the teacher is more helpful but barely (not sure how I feel about him).
For the sake of seeing how the story develops I'm going to rate the knights from favorite to least favorite:
1- Kaede (red rose knight) he's so transparent! (it's obviously he liked Anis even before he knew she was the rose princess) and despite the tsundere actitude he is a good friend to Anis (I suspect he is end game)
2 - the white rose - So he has the buffoon act going on but I'm pretty sure he's very Slytherin about his own motives (which are still a secret, but we'll see)
3 - the blue rose - I like him, but I don't see any romantic situations happening among him and Anis
4 - the black rose - I like this Sebastian look a-like (pretty sure years ago when I first read this manga he was my favorite), but now it feels like he is a very big walking cliché... I mean he looks like Sebastian, is not human, he's basically a vampire (dark stalker pff, don't forget the 'sleep for years in a coffin' LOL), at first he was like "I don't accept her as my dominion" only to change his mind when realizing Anis does care about other people (she was nice and considerate to him), and to top it of he has a lost memory problem!
And then we have the yellow rose, Anis' best friend from the past, whom I adored!! He was a drama queen (just as Anis dad!) about the 'betrayed by the other roses in my past life' but I really like how Anis confront him about that shit, and we would see more of him... but I suspect he would not have a bigger role.
August 12, 2015
Re-Read Review (October 6th, 2022):
Getting to re-read this volume made me re-discover parts to it I've forgotten in the last seven years. Anise taking charge in her next step, realizing that she can't put the pressure of this system on her own, the Rose Prince contract becoming more complicated (but in a fun/awkward way), and Shouoto deciding to make fun of school sports festival and examination tropes. Mary mentioned this is the kind of series you don't take seriously. After re-reading her review, this volume proves why. In the first fourth of the series, Kiss of the Rose Princess is able to delicately balance its humor and somber story beats without losing sight of itself or sacrificing its characters' comfort. Let the foreshadowing and shojo/reverse harem hijinks continue!
P.S. Past Jack, that anime's never going to happen, and not just because Aya Hirano doesn't do a lot of voice work anymore. Maybe a Tsukigami to Bonbon release stateside's more likely?
First Read Review (October 8th, 2015):
:3 Another fantastic volume. There were a lot of sweet and funny moments, and I'm very interested in where the plot developments are going from here.
I just found out there are drama CDs for the first 2 volumes. Kind of still makes me really wish this becomes an anime. I'd watch it. XD
Getting to re-read this volume made me re-discover parts to it I've forgotten in the last seven years. Anise taking charge in her next step, realizing that she can't put the pressure of this system on her own, the Rose Prince contract becoming more complicated (but in a fun/awkward way), and Shouoto deciding to make fun of school sports festival and examination tropes. Mary mentioned this is the kind of series you don't take seriously. After re-reading her review, this volume proves why. In the first fourth of the series, Kiss of the Rose Princess is able to delicately balance its humor and somber story beats without losing sight of itself or sacrificing its characters' comfort. Let the foreshadowing and shojo/reverse harem hijinks continue!
P.S. Past Jack, that anime's never going to happen, and not just because Aya Hirano doesn't do a lot of voice work anymore. Maybe a Tsukigami to Bonbon release stateside's more likely?
First Read Review (October 8th, 2015):
:3 Another fantastic volume. There were a lot of sweet and funny moments, and I'm very interested in where the plot developments are going from here.
I just found out there are drama CDs for the first 2 volumes. Kind of still makes me really wish this becomes an anime. I'd watch it. XD
July 19, 2013
Kaede and Anis should totally get together!!!!
October 28, 2015
This ia fabulous. The characters are so hot and the action is eye catching. I want to read more.
March 9, 2020
Anise forms a True Contract with White, Red, and Black and they're off to rescue Blue from Yellow (damn this sounds like I'm talking about Pokemon characters) and finally the group has gotten some sense knocked into them and hopefully they won't keep dangerous secrets anymore.
ROMANCE UPDATE
Also, Anise's father becomes the school doctor and has secret minions attending the school so more hilarious, wacky, supernatural drama is likely to follow.
This series has 9 volumes.
ROMANCE UPDATE
Also, Anise's father becomes the school doctor and has secret minions attending the school so more hilarious, wacky, supernatural drama is likely to follow.
This series has 9 volumes.
April 9, 2026
ok so volume 3 really picked things back up! i was almost ready to quit after the absurdity of volume 2 ngl😭😂
the dire fantastic "we're all going to die!" theme ended as abruptly as it had begun, sort of satisfyingly? it should never have happened though imo xD
we go back to a sort of contemporary/modern setting, with a "pe exam" that anise and the rose knights must fake... so that anise's DAD who is now the school physician (and still their #1 enemy btw...) doesn't get dAtA
it was honestly completely ridiculous but it still made me chuckle so😭😭😅
and i'm kinda feeling the romantic tension between kaede and anise now help😏 that little rooftop scene was sorta cuteee
i do suspect that the author might be trying to push the mitsuru-anise ship for later...
cw: mentions of sealing a "demon portal," talk of an "engagement contract"
the dire fantastic "we're all going to die!" theme ended as abruptly as it had begun, sort of satisfyingly? it should never have happened though imo xD
we go back to a sort of contemporary/modern setting, with a "pe exam" that anise and the rose knights must fake... so that anise's DAD who is now the school physician (and still their #1 enemy btw...) doesn't get dAtA
it was honestly completely ridiculous but it still made me chuckle so😭😭😅
and i'm kinda feeling the romantic tension between kaede and anise now help😏 that little rooftop scene was sorta cuteee
i do suspect that the author might be trying to push the mitsuru-anise ship for later...
cw: mentions of sealing a "demon portal," talk of an "engagement contract"
June 1, 2019
3.5 stars. The plot thickens more. I don't like Anise's dad. Also,
August 5, 2024
meh. After picking up in volume 2 this one went straight downhill again with weird rushed pacing and kinda stupid gimmicks. It DOES seem like it's finally settling into its Sailor Moon-style format now, so I'm going to give it one more volume to see how I feel about that, but I'm guessing I'll end up dropping the series after volume 4
August 8, 2017
This was kind of hilarious.
I absolutely love the art style and they keep it going throughout. It reminds me a bit of Code Geass, but more refined.
Good plot building and some new characters thrown in near the end. Seems to be going along pretty well.
I absolutely love the art style and they keep it going throughout. It reminds me a bit of Code Geass, but more refined.
Good plot building and some new characters thrown in near the end. Seems to be going along pretty well.
October 18, 2017
This is so much fun! I want to learn more about these characters.
November 11, 2017
Awesome story!! I love it!
February 20, 2018
Things are just getting started....
The plot is thickening and heating up! Anything can happen.... I guess I simply need to keep on reading more to find out.
The plot is thickening and heating up! Anything can happen.... I guess I simply need to keep on reading more to find out.
June 7, 2021
Really great fantasy Shoujo manga, cool characters, great art and story 👍😻❤️
June 4, 2023
I'm not even sure what to think of this series anymore; it's honestly so ridiculous. Am I still going to read it? Probably.
December 21, 2024
Ok. The characters are getting more development though the plot feels a bit cheesy. Hoping for more depth as the story goes on.
December 29, 2025
Five stars once again.
May 2, 2020
4.5⭐️
I’m enjoying this series more than I thought I might!
I’m enjoying this series more than I thought I might!
January 22, 2024
im so dead
May 8, 2015
I know that when I say I should just drop a series, but the reality is unless I get so pissed off by it, I’m probably going to stick it out until the bitter end. There are things about Kiss of the Rose Princess that I do really like—I like the idea of the plot, it’s a reverse harem (and I love me reverse harems), and I think although the character designs are super-busy, I still think that they’re cute. And the plot has actually began to show up, starting with the last volume’s introduction of the false Roses and Mutsuki’s locked memories and the Seal of the Demon Lord and how it relates to the Rose Princess (although that still hasn’t been answered.)
The problem is that instead of getting into or explaining any of the plotlines, Shouto Aya is more interested in the comedic elements rather than advancing the plot.
This starts off really strong. I really liked the fight between the Knights and Haruto in order to save Seiran, I really loved that end of the Yellow Rose arc is Haruto choosing to sacrifice himself to save Anise from getting pulled into the seal (although I don’t like the fact that we get a fairly emotional scene followed up “Oh, he’s okay! He’s in Hong Kong!”). I had kinda guessed what the purpose of the Rose Knights and the Rose Princess was going to be, given out what we found out about the Yellow Rose’s history in volume 2. I really liked the scene when Anise summons Kaede because she’s lonely and she wants someone to talk to. I liked that there’s a new threat that the group has to face as Anise’s father appears at the school and two new Roses.
And all of this would be great on its own, except that the majority of these plot points revolve around a chapter about wacky sports day hijinx that manages to throw in a bit of plot at the end. It’s made even more frustrating with the fact that one of the big reasons why this happens is that Schwartz does want to find out what the Roses’ abilities are, so Anise has to make sure that they act completely and utterly normal! (Except I’m going “But…he knows about the Roses already and who they are and ow my brain.”) This is volume 3. Yes, there’s been some development in the plot and getting into the history of the Rose Knights and their relationship with the Rose Princess but we still don’t know enough to figure out what’s going on. I don’t feel a threat coming from Schwartz (and to be honest, he doesn’t seem that threatening, especially when he answers “Why, I just want to see my cute daughter.” Skeevy, yes; threatening, no.), and I don’t like that Anise’s reaction to him showing up is “GUYS YOU CAN’T BE SUPER SPECIAL” and not, “Crap, what is he doing here we’re so screwed.”
This feels like a lot of padding, especially this early on (and I know, serialized storytelling), and it feels like Shouto doesn’t have a focus on whether or not she wants an action romance or magical romantic comedy. (Plus added in the factor of “We have to catch all theClow Arcana Cards!”) It is bumpy, and although I do like that we are seeing elements of an actual plot line appearing, I still don’t think there’s enough to entirely work so far in this series.
The problem is that instead of getting into or explaining any of the plotlines, Shouto Aya is more interested in the comedic elements rather than advancing the plot.
This starts off really strong. I really liked the fight between the Knights and Haruto in order to save Seiran, I really loved that end of the Yellow Rose arc is Haruto choosing to sacrifice himself to save Anise from getting pulled into the seal (although I don’t like the fact that we get a fairly emotional scene followed up “Oh, he’s okay! He’s in Hong Kong!”). I had kinda guessed what the purpose of the Rose Knights and the Rose Princess was going to be, given out what we found out about the Yellow Rose’s history in volume 2. I really liked the scene when Anise summons Kaede because she’s lonely and she wants someone to talk to. I liked that there’s a new threat that the group has to face as Anise’s father appears at the school and two new Roses.
And all of this would be great on its own, except that the majority of these plot points revolve around a chapter about wacky sports day hijinx that manages to throw in a bit of plot at the end. It’s made even more frustrating with the fact that one of the big reasons why this happens is that Schwartz does want to find out what the Roses’ abilities are, so Anise has to make sure that they act completely and utterly normal! (Except I’m going “But…he knows about the Roses already and who they are and ow my brain.”) This is volume 3. Yes, there’s been some development in the plot and getting into the history of the Rose Knights and their relationship with the Rose Princess but we still don’t know enough to figure out what’s going on. I don’t feel a threat coming from Schwartz (and to be honest, he doesn’t seem that threatening, especially when he answers “Why, I just want to see my cute daughter.” Skeevy, yes; threatening, no.), and I don’t like that Anise’s reaction to him showing up is “GUYS YOU CAN’T BE SUPER SPECIAL” and not, “Crap, what is he doing here we’re so screwed.”
This feels like a lot of padding, especially this early on (and I know, serialized storytelling), and it feels like Shouto doesn’t have a focus on whether or not she wants an action romance or magical romantic comedy. (Plus added in the factor of “We have to catch all the
May 7, 2015
In Summary
Kiss of the Rose Princess changes gears again. After a desperate battle to contain the Demon Lord and proclamations of self-sacrifice, the story shifts back to Anise’s embarrassing social life and a ridiculous school fitness check imposed by her dad. While the general thread of sealing away the Demon Lord continues, the plot’s a bit schizophrenic in its mood swings, which makes it especially difficult to take Schwartz seriously as an enemy.
The Review
Volume 2 left our heroes in a desperate situation. As such, they take desperate measures to rescue the Blue Rose Knight. The battle to thwart the Yellow Rose’s plot finally gives the guys a chance to act like real knights for once. Unfortunately, it ends all too quickly. I had thought the Yellow Rose would join the regular cast as a nemesis, but he’s pretty much done his job and exits by the middle of Volume 3.
Shouoto-sensei then begins the next arc by adding another layer of complexity to Anise’s contract with her knights. Apparently, the guys can “level up” in power, depending on their relationship with Anise. The whole arrangement has a distinctly videogame vibe, as does their new quest to collect Arcana Cards to keep the Demon Lord at bay. Add to that the knights’ new transformation sequences and uniforms (?), and Kiss of the Rose Princess really starts to look like a mishmash of tropes.
With this new card quest, I anticipated the story continuing in a more serious tone, but Shouoto-sensei instead returns to comedy. Anise’s dad, who’s been working in the shadows, abruptly shows up as Shobi Academy’s new doctor. He promptly imposes a schoolwide fitness exam as a means to gather data on the Rose Knights, but the exam mostly serves the purpose of reinforcing Anise’s impression that her knights are all weirdos. The volume closes with Anise forcing the guys to enter an idol contest to win an Arcana Card. Despite all Schwarz’ talk of punishment and despair, most of the Rose Knights’ efforts go into pretty superficial stuff.
Extras include the opening splash illustration and table of contents printed in color; character profiles and story thus far; a mini-manga about the mangaka and her editor; and bonus illustrations.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
Kiss of the Rose Princess changes gears again. After a desperate battle to contain the Demon Lord and proclamations of self-sacrifice, the story shifts back to Anise’s embarrassing social life and a ridiculous school fitness check imposed by her dad. While the general thread of sealing away the Demon Lord continues, the plot’s a bit schizophrenic in its mood swings, which makes it especially difficult to take Schwartz seriously as an enemy.
The Review
Volume 2 left our heroes in a desperate situation. As such, they take desperate measures to rescue the Blue Rose Knight. The battle to thwart the Yellow Rose’s plot finally gives the guys a chance to act like real knights for once. Unfortunately, it ends all too quickly. I had thought the Yellow Rose would join the regular cast as a nemesis, but he’s pretty much done his job and exits by the middle of Volume 3.
Shouoto-sensei then begins the next arc by adding another layer of complexity to Anise’s contract with her knights. Apparently, the guys can “level up” in power, depending on their relationship with Anise. The whole arrangement has a distinctly videogame vibe, as does their new quest to collect Arcana Cards to keep the Demon Lord at bay. Add to that the knights’ new transformation sequences and uniforms (?), and Kiss of the Rose Princess really starts to look like a mishmash of tropes.
With this new card quest, I anticipated the story continuing in a more serious tone, but Shouoto-sensei instead returns to comedy. Anise’s dad, who’s been working in the shadows, abruptly shows up as Shobi Academy’s new doctor. He promptly imposes a schoolwide fitness exam as a means to gather data on the Rose Knights, but the exam mostly serves the purpose of reinforcing Anise’s impression that her knights are all weirdos. The volume closes with Anise forcing the guys to enter an idol contest to win an Arcana Card. Despite all Schwarz’ talk of punishment and despair, most of the Rose Knights’ efforts go into pretty superficial stuff.
Extras include the opening splash illustration and table of contents printed in color; character profiles and story thus far; a mini-manga about the mangaka and her editor; and bonus illustrations.
For more manga and book reviews, drop by my blog Keeping It In Canon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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