I liked this second volume even more than I liked the first one. This volume was extremely juicy.
The first volume was all about Romeo and Juliet’s love origin story, which is not something I fully endorse (if you read my volume 1 review you know this already). But this volume is after they’ve already been together for a decent while and it’s been a long enough time that now they have to start facing things which they were previously able to push aside. There’s unreciprocated love, there’s civil war, there’s fighting dirty. It’s like I said: Very spicy. Drama-wise. Actual romance-wise though? Ehhhhh… Not at all.
This is the weird thing for me. In certain ways these high schoolers act way more like elementary school kids than anything else. Like… It’s been a decent while since Romeo and Juliet started dating, right? Well, I’m pretty sure they haven’t even kissed yet. Actually, forget kissing, I don’t think they’ve even hugged or held hands, for Christ’s sake. They’ve accidentally fallen on top of one another and stared really up-close at each other a couple times, but that’s literally the extent of their physical relationship.
Do you get why I say they act like elementary school kids now? Heck, they’re probably worse, actually. I’m sure even elementary school kids hug and hold hands. Jesus Christ the kids in this manga are a mess. This doesn’t actually bother me though, because I don’t read and enjoy this series for the romance, I read it for the comedy and drama/story, and it delivers very nicely on those fronts. If you’re here for proper romance though, you’re going to be disappointed.
If you want a manga that actually has a mature presentation of highschool romance (and you also really hate yourself) I recommend you to Scum's Wish. I actually haven’t read the manga, but I’m watching the anime airing right now (I’m on episode 5 as I’m writing this). And oh boy, oohhhhh booooyyyy is there a ginormous contrast in the sexual maturity present in the characters between these two series.
In regards to my main problem I had with the first volume—the unhealthy core to Romeo and Juliet’s relationship, that is the fact that it’s one-sided—it didn’t seem so bad at all during this second volume. It seemed slightly less that Juliet was just going with whatever Romeo expected of her, and was actually involved in their relationship herself. Looking back, I can still remember times where this still seems to be a problem, but while I was reading it it didn’t bother me so much.
I’m very much enjoying this series right now. I’m looking forward to more spicy drama in future volumes, and some actual romantic progression would also be nice.
Click to read all of my Juliet of Boarding School Reviews: One-shot Volumes: 1, 2*, 3, 4
This is a fun, quick read with an endearing romance and some fun albeit one dimensional side characters. What I enjoy about this series is seeing two people tasked with leading their respective dorms (and by extension their countries) but they just want to do ordinary romantic activities. I also love how Juliet has to cross dress to hang out with Romio at his dorm, the things they do for love. I also like how Romio is just as invested in doing romantic things with Juliet rather than being "too cool"or embarrassed about it. Its nice that Juliet is not a tsundere-seriously I cannot express enough how happy I am that Kaneda did not make her a tsundere, it easily makes the series better. The humor is pretty spot on, not comedy gold mind you but when it occurs it is funny. Unfortunately, the side characters I mentioned before are what keep this volume at 3 stars. Aside from Char, who is adorable and has slightly more personality, most of the side characters are one-dimensional and often flat-out annoying. Seriously, Aby and Somali are so ridiculously one-note it's almost impossible to take them seriously (a narcissistic pretty boy and an air-head borderline yandere? Sooooo interesting). Maybe they will be flushed out in later volumes, only time will tell, but I definitely lost interest in them almost immediately. I do enjoy the series and will continue with it since its leads are endearing and I am genuinely invested in their romance.
By the second half, I really started losing interest. The first third (with ) was funny, and the also gave me a few giggles, but it jut kind of lost me after that.
For me, this succeeds as a goofy rom com. When they start getting into the... not quite "politics" of this school is when it just doesn't do as much for me, and that was the latter half (give or take)
Ok so the kinda cliff hanger is getting to me. Also I’m living the development of the two houses and their factions. Very interesting. Hoping for more Persia and inuzuka moments in the next volume as well as more Char cuz I kinda love her.
I was hesitant to read this volume because the first didn’t really appeal to me too much, but I did it because I like to give mangas two volumes.
I’m glad I did.
I found volume 2 to be more humorous and relatable. I like how the relationship is progressing and the drama being thrown in. I’m anxious now to see how the athletic competition ends and what happens with the Aby faction.
Is it just me, or is anyone else sensing other potential pairings between the black doggies and white cats. If only they could get along...
Really loved this manga version of Romeo and Juliet! There are these 2 dorms at the Dahlia Academy; The black doggies and White cats and they have this longstanding feud(Like the Capulets/Mantagues) And Persia Juliet and Inuzuka Romio have to keep there love a secret! Really awesome beautiful story and artwork! Highly recommend if you enjoy any Romeo and Juliet Renditions😁😻❤️❤️
I am so a “judge a book by its cover” person that initially that’s why I was drawn to this series. It’s cute enough, it is a bit childish though for my taste. Loosely follows a Romeo and Juliet plot. Volume 2 was a lot easier to get through than 1. It could be perfect for other readers, it just didn’t suit me!
I would have liked to see this story in a university/at work setting instead of high school. I feel I am starting to outgrow the bulk of high school shoujo manga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.