Even though I miss the first L, this book doubles the action with a final introduction of Mello and Near; Light seems to be slow and Ryuk is fairly unforthcoming, but that’s nothing in comparison with the new Shinigami in town, gripes! The story is getting increasingly complex, but is still neatly presented and quite simple to understand.

Ho hum! More Death Note – after awhile, these volumes start to blur together. Either I’m reading them too fast and too close together or they’re reiterating the plotting and twists and turns of disguising themselves and their motives. Spoilers again for people who haven’t read this far…

So here we are in a world dominated by Kira and his growing numbers of supporters. We ended the last volume with Mello (one of L’s heirs) and his gang kidnapping Sayu (Light’s sister – remember her?) and holding her ransom for a Death Note. With much hemming and hawing, they do indeed make the trade with the task force (specifically Soichiro). Meanwhile, we learn that Ryuk has not been terribly forthcoming with information. Over the years, he’s never once mentioned that he stole one of his Death Notes from another shinigami, Sidoh. Sidoh realizes that he needs to write another human’s name in the Death Note if he wants to extend his life, and goes on a search to find the owner. Light must contend with this shinigami interfering with his plans while also trying to outmanuever Mello and Near.

Unlike vol. 7, we’re back to the slow-paced opening, overly elaborate plans, and eventual rise in action half-way through. I’m really liking Mello, perhaps because his weakness is that he’s overly emotional, unpredictable, and competitive. He contrasts Light, who seems to have grown comfortable in his position as Kira and L. If you feel for anyone in this series, it’s for Soichiro and Misa – Misa has been neglected by Light since she first met him and she still sticks by his side. This isn’t one of the best volumes out there, but you do get to learn more about Mello and Near, which is a welcome break from Light. I miss L!!!

Oh, and have a chocolate bar handy while you’re reading. You’ll want so much chocolate!