Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28. 2022. 220p. ISBN 9781974740734. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following her withdrawal with the Gregorii in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27, Shiemi faces her old enemy, Amaimon, the demon king of earth, who drastically underestimates the power she has recently gained. For Shiemi to fully embrace her destiny, she must recognize and utilize her own true strength in this battle. 

Meanwhile, back in the human world of Assiah, the fate of the entire world hangs in the balance as Satan and his demonic forces prepare for a massive showdown against Mephisto and the Knights of the True Cross. To prepare for this decisive conflict, the Exwires receive enchanted power-ups and finalize their battle strategy. Rin, who is committed to defeating Satan, is part of the vanguard team tasked with engaging the enemy directly. The time has finally arrived for Rin to fulfill his long-standing promise and use his unique powers to confront and overcome Satan, marking a critical turning point in the war between worlds ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29.

The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict, and Warnings from History

Westad, Odd Arne. The Coming Storm: Power, Conflict, and Warnings from History. 2026. 256p. ISBN 9781250410283.

For decades, the majority of the global population has lived within a remarkably stable and predictable international order presided over by one or two superpowers. However, that era of predictability is over. An increasing number of Great Powers—including the U.S., China, and Russia—jostle for regional supremacy and competitive advantages in AI, nuclear technology, space, and trade. The world has become dangerously fragile, and the outbreak of a global war among today’s powers is becoming increasingly likely. Such a conflict would reach a magnitude of devastation never before seen in human history.

To navigate this combustible new terrain, The Coming Storm examines "eerie parallels" of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This was a time defined by rising nationalism and populism, escalating tariffs, and a widespread feeling that globalization had failed. Much like today, the public discourse was dominated by anxieties over immigration and terrorism, with citizens often blaming foreign nations for domestic hardships. By analyzing these historical echoes, The Coming Storm provides a sobering look at how similar patterns led to catastrophe in the past and offers a vital framework for understanding the existential threats facing the modern world.

Fans of history will enjoy learning about the structural causes of global conflict. The Coming Storm offers a political philosophy that includes a deeply researched warning for policymakers and concerned citizens alike about the precarious state of peace in the twenty-first century.

DONE - What Is Free Speech?: The History of a Dangerous Idea

Dabhoiwala, Fara. What Is Free Speech?: The History of a Dangerous Idea. 2025. 480p. ISBN 9780241347478.

The meaning of "free speech" is a highly contested topic across the globe. While it is celebrated as a core value in Western nations, there is significant internal disagreement about its scope and limitations. In contrast, many other cultures, including those in China, India, and the Islamic world, often suppress unorthodox views on politics, religion, and sex. This global discord is complicated by evolving power imbalances, cultural taboos, rapid technological advancements, and a fast-changing media landscape, making the origin and purpose of free speech critical questions.

Modern ideas of free expression did not emerge as an absolute principle, but were invented in Britain around 1700. The history of this concept is a complex story shaped by the lives of countless individuals over 300 years, from slaves and imperialists to poets and revolutionaries, across Europe, North America, and South Asia. By examining this intricate history, What is Free Speech? leads to better understand our contemporary challenges and move beyond simple platitudes, allowing for a deeper consideration of free speech as a global issue and suggesting fresh possibilities for its future.

Catching Fire

Collins, Susan. Catching Fire. Book 2  of the Hunger Games series. 2009. 391p. ISBN 9780439023498. Available at FIC COL on the library shelves. 

After her improbable victory in the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen finds herself miraculously alive alongside her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark. Though she has returned to her family and her friend, Gale, nothing feels right. Gale is emotionally distant, and Peeta has completely turned his back on her. Meanwhile, whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol have begun to circulate, and Katniss and Peeta are at the center of the rumors, having unwittingly sparked the unrest.

To her shock, Katniss realizes she has ignited a rebellion that she's unsure she can, or even should, stop. As the time for the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour approaches, the stakes become terrifyingly high. She and Peeta must convince the Capitol, without a doubt, that their love for each other is genuine, as the horrifying consequences for failing to do so are unimaginable.

The story concludes in Mockingjay. 

The Tribe

Rogers, Matt. The Tribe. Book 3 of the Black Force Shorts series. 2018. 140p. ISBN 9781980659112.

Former government agent Sam Rollins finds himself imprisoned on a snowy mountainside in the Peruvian Andes, facing a lifetime sentence. His incarceration stems from botching a critical mission concerning a secretive indigenous group while working for a black operations division of the U.S. military. Disavowed by his government, his life is deemed forfeit after this catastrophic failure, leaving him isolated and resigned to his fate in his cell.

Rollins' desolate existence is violently interrupted one freezing afternoon by a stranger who mercilessly defeats the guards to reach his cell. The intruder identifies himself as Jason King and delivers a sharp, imperative message: “My name is Jason King, and I’m here to get you out. You need to finish the job.” This forceful rescue yanks Rollins back into the deadly world of covert operations, compelling him to face the very mission failure that originally cost him his freedom.

This story is tailor-made for readers who love gritty, espionage-fueled action thrillers with a focus on dark government secrets and morally compromised protagonists. It will appeal strongly to fans of complex narratives involving "deniable assets," high-altitude adventure, and prison-break scenarios. Readers drawn to the raw, visceral intensity of the murky world of black ops will find the character of Sam Rollins—a betrayed operative forced back into service—immediately compelling. The promise of finishing a mysterious, dangerous job in the dramatic setting of the Andes ensures a fast-paced, suspenseful read.

Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 35: The New Two. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421520032. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Sasuke in Naruto, Vol. 34, Kakashi works with Naruto to intensify his training regimen. Meanwhile, the ominous Akatsuki organization methodically targets individuals who possess the power of the Tailed Beasts. The Akatsuki's relentless pursuit of these powerful entities casts a dark shadow over the ninja world, threatening the lives and stability of various nations.

As the Akatsuki close in their next target, Lady Tsunada wonders what is the Akatsuki's sinister agenda. The clash between Naruto's determined efforts to grow stronger and the Akatsuki's calculated and dangerous operations sets the stage for a potentially devastating confrontation, highlighting the ever-present threat posed by this shadowy group and the vulnerability of those who hold the Tailed Beasts within them.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 36.

Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower

Sakakibara, Saya. Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower. 2026. 336p. ISBN 

In the high-stakes world of elite athletics, Saya Sakakibara was a rising star destined for BMX greatness until a single moment shattered her confidence. After watching her brother, Kai, suffer a life-altering brain injury during a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics, the track transformed from a place of joy into a landscape of trauma. Haunted by the memory of her brother’s crash and burdened by her own history of six concussions, Saya makes the difficult decision to step away from the sport that defined her life. The safety she seeks in retirement, however, is complicated by the deep-rooted passion that still lingers beneath her fear.

Supported by her resilient family, including a brother who refuses to let his injury end his own athletic dreams, Saya begins a grueling mental and physical journey to reclaim her identity. She must navigate the delicate balance between the terrifying risks of BMX racing and the undeniable pull of the finish line. As she prepares to face the very obstacles that nearly broke her family, the pressure of the international stage looms larger than ever. With the world watching, will she be able to conquer the psychological scars of her past, or will the memory of the crash cause her to falter at the gate when it matters most?

Fans of sports biographies and inspirational memoirs will appreciate this book for its raw look at the psychological toll of professional competition. The narrative offers immense value to high school students by exploring themes of grit, sibling loyalty, and the importance of mental health in achieving personal goals. It serves as a compelling case study on how to process trauma while pursuing excellence under extreme pressure.