Completely bored with his everyday life. Straight A high school student Light Yagumi is about to experience excitement he has never dreamed of. After class, Light comes upon a black book lying on the ground titled Death Note. The user instructions describe if a persons name is written in the book, then that person would die from a heart attack in a certain amount of time.
After testing the book on an armed man during a hostage situation. Light learns that the book is far from a hoax. Now with the new power that was given to him. Light embarks on his one man quest to change the world. His plan is to rid society of all criminals, and make himself the God of the new world.
Previous Volumes:
Death Note Volume 1: Boredom
Death Note Volume 2: Confluence
Death Note Volume 3: Hard Run
Death Note Volume 4: Love
Death Note Volume 5: Whiteout
Death Note Volume 6: Give and Take
Death Note Volume 7: Zero
The third "Kira" has been revealed, manipulated, and captured by the task force who are led by L and Light. After learning how the murders are committed, L takes possession of the Death Note and is now also able to confirm the existance of Shinigami's. Light also takes possession of it, and in the process his memories are restored. Light can now put into action his plan, which is to kill L, cleanse the world of all evil, and rule in the new world as its God.-summary
After a somewhat slow middle, Death Note picks up again to deliver a first class suspense thriller. This is quite possibly the second most important volume of the series, which requires the least amount of spoilers as possible. From the very moment Light regains his memories, the story immediately kicks into overdrive. While reading through the chapters, one can easily see something big is going to take place, but it's a matter of when and how.
Many questions are answered in great detail during this volume, and the clever writing involving Light's plan is outstanding to say the least. The cat and mouse game appears to be close to an end, and it almost seems that the roles have been reversed.
The first half is neck high in its tension build up and there isn't a single dull moment. The pacing is excellent, and it keeps the reader constantly guessing and waiting. The plot thickens with everything falling into Light's favor. L is now forced to take back accusations, due to the Death Note being seized and examined. The rules of the book come into play, and as a result, Misa and Light are cleared of being the first and second "Kira". This allows Light to manipulate both humans and shinigami with ease.
This volume also continues with more character development for the Shinigami Rem, which mainly began in the previous volume. Her feelings for Misa were clear in the beginning, but her actions prove a statement by Ryuk to be wrong. Some of the side characters are simply fulfilling their small roles, while others are just there. Even the ultra annoying Misa is given much less face time, when compared to the earlier volumes. The second half introduces more characters, and the suspense picks up once again.
Another portion of the story that stands out happens to be the peoples appreciation of Kira. L has given the word to the police, to not release criminals faces or profiles to the media. However, this doesn't stop the law abiding public from releasing a vast amount of mugshots on-line. It appears to be clear that the world is beginning to accept "Kira" as their new God.
This volume is very good, and my complaints aren't many. The second half does have its slow moments, but it's only to deliver the new story taking place and set up the atmosphere. The story continues to run very strong into the later volumes. However, there is one small occasion I don't believe at least one characters action was quite believable. But, I'll leave that part alone because I guess it's based on how one sees it.
The artwork is still very good and well detailed as in previous volumes. The facial expressions can display the characters feelings without the use of extensive dialogue, or any dialogue for that matter. The artwork is definitely another portion of the story that I enjoy.
This volume quite possibly ends on the biggest cliffhanger up to this point. But don't worry, because the series is close to its finale, and the road isn't bumpy on its way. This volume is 210 pages spread through 9 more chapters.
Chapter 53:Scream
Chapter 54:Inside
Chapter 55:Creation
Chapter 56:Embrace
Chapter 57:Two Choices
Chapter 58:Feelings Within
Chapter 59:Zero
Chapter 60:Kidnapping
Chapter 61:Number Two
Pros:
-Shocking moments, very clever and effective plot twist, chapter 58
Cons:
-Slows down a bit towards the end
