Mikura Hall is a well-known place, filled with countless books that have been taken care of by Mifuyu’s family for many years. However, when a book is stolen from the collection, a curse descends upon the town based on the plot of the missing book. The only way to break the curse is to recover the stolen book. Mifuyu teams up with the mysterious girl Mishiro to track down the thief and save the town from being cursed forever.
“Whoever Steals This Book” continues in manga form, following the light novel of the same name. The story delves into the second curse, inspired by the detective noir novel “Black Book.” Mifuyu and Mishiro find themselves on the run from the police and team up with the original protagonist of the novel, Ricky McCloy. The town has banned books, making it challenging to find the book thief. The third curse introduces a steampunk world with a Silver Beast (dragon) that propels the city into a new technological era. Mifuyu must navigate this new world, evade the beast, and still find the thief.
The manga shines when it fully embraces the lore and genre of each book. The detective noir segment features exciting shoot-outs, car chases, and underground organizations. The steampunk arc showcases a cool dragon design and a transformed city. However, the added ‘curse’ rule, where humans turn into foxes, can be confusing, especially when trying to distinguish characters.
While the plot progresses, there is room for character development, particularly for the main protagonist Mifuyu. Mishiro remains mysterious yet supportive, guiding Mifuyu through each curse. Their friendship grows as they face each new challenge together. Mifuyu’s growth in courage and determination is satisfying to witness as she tackles each obstacle.
The pacing and story in Volume 2 are more cohesive, with attempts to connect loose ends. The introduction of a potential villain adds intrigue and sets the stage for a twist in the next volume. The artwork continues to be captivating, bringing the curses to life with intricate details and atmospheric illustrations.
“Whoever Steals this Book” may not be flawless, but it offers an engaging adventure with a love for books at its core. The series embraces the whimsical nature of storytelling, reminiscent of “Alice in Wonderland.” The anticipation for the final volume is high as readers await the resolution of the captivating tale.
Our review copy from Yen Press was provided by Diamond Book Distributors UK.
