Review: R.O.D. Read or Die (Volume 1) by Hideyuki Kirata and Shutaro Yamada

Synopsis: Yomiko Readman's love for literature goes far beyond any run-of-the-mill bookworm's! In fact, she has a supernatural ability to manipulate paper in the most amazing ways. From turning a tiny scrap into a lethal throwing dagger to making a single sheet hard enough to block bullets, she's only limited by her imagination. She uses her phenomenal power to seek out legendary books containing secret information that, in the wrong hands, could be dangerous. Backed by a Special Operations Division in England, Yomiko has her hands full battling evildoers, saving the world, and trying to find time to curl up with a good book. (from the back of the book)

Review: Given my own bibliophile nature, when I stumbled across Volumes 2-4 at a thrift store (dollar a bag), I quickly purchased this volume and dug in the moment it arrived. And was, just as quickly, disappointed. It's a neat premise, but the execution is lacking. The villain seemed completely implausible, Yomiko is neither likable, nor a character I abhor - she's just, blah. The side characters are just as bland, and the plot seems contrived and unnecessarily dramatic. There is also a strange bit where Yomiko tries on a bunch of clothes? Anyway, sadly disappointed in this first volume. However, since there are only 4, I'll read all of them, with the hope that the story improves in future volumes.

Bookmarks: 6 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-4215-0248-9
Year Published:
Date Finished: 1-17-2016
Pages: 250