I just can't stop reading!

Reading manga is something new for me, but it's so addictive. The stories are engaging and the illustrations are amazing. I find myself getting lost in the world of manga for hours on end.

What's more, manga is a great way to improve my language skills. Since I'm learning Japanese, reading manga in the original language helps me to understand the grammar and vocabulary better.

I'm really enjoying this new hobby and I can't wait to discover more great manga series.

I firmly disagree with the choice of having a villain as the protagonist.

Even though the art and the story might be great in many aspects, this particular concept just doesn't resonate with me.

I have my own preferences when it comes to the kind of characters I want to root for and identify with.

If, however, you have a penchant for antagonistic stories and find the idea of following the journey of a villain fascinating, then this might be the perfect fit for you.

It's important to note that the first volume doesn't truly give an accurate representation of what the tone of the other volumes, such as volume 2, will be like.

There could be significant changes and developments in the narrative that might surprise even the most ardent fans of the series.

So, it's always advisable to approach such works with an open mind and see where the story takes you.

3.75 stars
**This is a spoiler free review (spoilers are hidden); it may contain spoilers for previous instalments in series (scroll down)**

The second instalment in the Death Note manga was truly fantastic! I am completely in love with the conflict presented in it.

Specifically, the author's way of showing us both L and Light's perspectives is remarkable. It forces us to consider both viewpoints, which makes me extremely engaged. I am enjoying this much more than I initially thought I would, and that is indeed a very good thing.

I have been in a reading slump for around 2 months, but this series might just pull me out of it. Thanks to Death Note, I actually have the desire to read again!!

\\n  Story\\n: ★★★.75
As already mentioned, I love the dual perspective. I am not quite sure yet if I am on Team-L or Team-Light. Morally, I side with L, but just imagine how interesting it would be if Light started becoming more and more chaotic.

From a plot perspective, that would open up fascinating possibilities. And character-wise, it would be super engaging. However, I can't quite give this a full 4-star rating for the story.

I find it a bit odd how fast things are moving for the police force. The fact that they are so intense about some aspects and come to some conclusions really fast gives me the sense of a bit of convenience that I can't quite shake away.

The best part by far, though, was the little segment with Raye's (the FBI agent) fiancee Naomi. She was so smart, and the fact that she was manipulated by Light not only built up his character but also made me attached to Naomi!

\\n  Writing\\n: ★★★.75
The writing also improved a lot. However, I am not quite sure if it's to the extent that I would like (but again, time and translation are factors).

The conversations are no longer as awkward, and one of the jokes was really fantastic. Essentially, after seeing that Light can sew, Ryuk remarks that he must be popular with the ladies.

To this, Light says that he is, but not because of sewing and that it's his looks that count. Then he asks if Ryuk is not popular with the ladies, and Ryuk's face is truly priceless!!

There is still a lot of room for improvement, but I am not complaining at all. This time, I actually got the jokes!

Sidenote - when I started this, I thought Ryuk would be a totally different character. Right now, he is probably one of my favorites! <3

*manga completed as part of the July art-month challenge

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Volumes in manga:
#1 Boredom: ★★★.25
#2 Confluence: ★★★.75
#3 Hard Run: ★★★
#4 Love: ★★★★
#5 Whiteout: ★★.75
#6 Give-and-Take: ★★★★.25

Team Kira, I really don't care what anyone has to say.

There are certain people in this world who, in my opinion, just deserve what they get.

Take Raye Penber for example. He really kinda had it coming. Maybe he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe he was involved in something that he shouldn't have been.

And as for his fiancée, she should have minded her own business. She got herself into a situation that she couldn't handle, and in the end, it cost her.

Some might say that it's cruel to think this way, but I believe that sometimes, people bring their problems upon themselves.

Team Kira is just doing what they think is right, and if that means taking out a few people who deserve it, then so be it.

Who knows what the future holds for Team Kira, but one thing is for sure, they won't be stopped easily.

The price keeps going up, but there are a few things that the main character does that I didn't like, so I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book.

Plus, the story at times becomes too convoluted without much need, just to show how smart the main character is.

There are still some nice ideas, but at the moment it's kind of...juvenile.

It seems like the author is trying too hard to make the story complex and the main character overly intelligent, which takes away from the overall enjoyment.

Maybe if the story was a bit more streamlined and the main character's actions were more believable, it would be a better read.

However, I still have hope that the next book in the series will be an improvement and bring back the magic that I felt in the first one.

Light is an evil genius.

(i’ll be rating this series as a whole and writing a full review once i’m done with it!!)

pre-read