The service industry is cutthroat. The hottest hosts fight to obtain the top spots and make the most money. But underneath the top pretty boy hosts lies a sinister world that might break everyone involved down.
About Shoot Juliet Down
Shoot Juliet Down is a BL manga series by Komachi Katsura. It is licensed in English by Kodansha. Komachi Katsura is also the creator of The Vampire and the Virgin Rose. In Shoot Juliet Down, the story is set in the host-service industry, where young men compete for the top spot as number 1 host. This means getting girls to buy expensive bottles of alcohol at the club and more.
Akatsuki is known as the beloved Prince by his loyal fangirls and is the number 2 top host. He can’t come close to the number 1 host, Juliet, though. Akatsuki sees all this mystery and intrigue surrounding Juliet, and can’t help but wonder what is truly behind the top host. As curiosity leads to experimentation, Juliet and Akatsuki get tangled up in a darkness-filled web.
My Thoughts
Immediately, I was lured in by the dreamy art. Komachi Katsura’s art style is so particular, and it works well with the dark, sensual themes of the story. Even though the service industry is a popular theme for BL manga, especially when it comes to the number 1 and number 2 hosts falling for each other, Shoot Juliet Down is so different.
Where the story differs for me lies within its two main characters. Akatsuki is initially drawn to Juliet because of the mystery surrounding him. Is he sleeping with clients, and is that how he’s maintaining the number one spot? Or is he actually gay, like the rumors say? When Akatsuki works to get closer to Juliet to find out, he ends up falling for Juliet, hard. Suddenly, Akatsuki can’t stop thinking about Juliet and wants him all for himself.
Juliet, on the other hand, has built a cold and aloof persona who is always charming with the girls. Yet in moments Akatsuki can’t see, he’s becoming undone by what Akatsuki says and does. The chemistry between them is so intense and sexy! I love how they both are going crazy over the other one, even if they can’t admit it just yet. There is just something so intoxicating about their connection.
When you think things will go well for them, a dark and sinister backstory starts unfolding. I’m so scared to learn the painful truth Juliet is hiding. And it also looks like Akatsuki has gotten himself caught up in some mess on his own. As scared as I am for what is to happen, I am looking forward to seeing him and Akatsuki navigate it together.
Where to Buy Shoot Juliet Down Vol 1
Shoot Juliet Down Vol 1
Mangaka: Komachi Katsura
Translation: Sawa Savage
Lettering: Carolina Hernández Mendoza
Editing: Alexandra McCullough-Garcia
Production: Shirley Fang, Yanfen Wu
Proofreading: Kevin Luo
Publisher: Kodansha
Shoot Juliet Down Vol 1 is available now.
Thank you to Kodansha and NetGalley for the DRC!
