Blue Exorcist, Vol. 18

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 18. 2016. 186p. ISBN 9781421593333. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

When Rin and Yukio discovered Shura's past in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 17, they did everything they could to save her from a fate she has expected her whole life. But as she sinks into the lake, dragged by the demon snake Hachirotaro, Shura decides she wants to live. In tandem with Rin, Yukio, and Shima, Shura manage to defeat the demon, which feels straight in the arms of the Illuminati.

Back at True Cross Academy, Yukio wonders if he has feelings for Shura. Okumura and Rin likewise attempt to maneuver their emotions and feelings for the other as Amaimon, the evil demon brother of Sir Pheles, returns to school, having promised to behave.  Lightning pushes Bon deep into an investigation of the Illuminati, trying to locate more information on the secretive group. But these are secrets for a reason ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 19.

Inheritance of Scars

Seitz, Crystal. Inheritance of Scars. 2024. 416p. ISBN 9781665959926.

When Astrid's grandmother goes missing, she returns home to her ancestral village, a place her father removed her from when she was young. As a child, she loved spending time with her grandmother, who would tell her stories about the creatures that dwell in the Tiveden Forest, and especially of the King of the forest and of his bloodthirsty draugrs.  But her father feared something in this village, and he took Astrid away. Now she's back, and not much seems to have changed in the village.

Searching her grandmother's house, Astrid discovers a hidden chamber and inadvertently awakens Soren, a centuries-old warrior imprisoned within. Initially fearing him as a monstrous creature who has been imprisoned by Skaga, one of her ancestors. Soren at first believes Astrid to be Skaga, and it takes effort to convince him otherwise. As they spend time together, Astrid gradually realizes that Soren, while possessing supernatural strength, is not the villain he is perceived to be by the forest's residents.

As they delve deeper into the forest, facing perilous encounters with mythical creatures and uncovering a long-buried family secret, Astrid and Soren develop an unexpected connection. When Astrid suddenly discovers that her family, including her grandmother, is responsible for the horrors inside the forest, she must decide whether love or blood is stronger.

Inheritance of Scars explores themes of identity, family legacy, and the blurred lines between good and evil. While the world-building within the modern-day setting could be further developed. The captivating atmosphere within the ancient forest, filled with danger, intrigue, and a touch of forbidden romance help the story move along, and fans of fantasy and romance will enjoy this story set in an unfamiliar setting.

The School That Escaped the Nazis: The True Story of the Schoolteacher Who Defied Hitler

Cadbury, Deborah. The School That Escaped the Nazis: The True Story of the Schoolteacher Who Defied Hitler. 2022. 464p. ISBN 9781541751194.

The School that Escaped the Nazis recounts the remarkable story of Anna Essinger, a German schoolteacher who recognized the imminent danger posed by the rise of Nazism in 1933. Foreseeing the devastating impact of Hitler's ideology on her students, Anna made the audacious decision to relocate her entire progressive school from Germany to England. This daring escape allowed her to safeguard her pupils from the impending horrors of the Nazi regime.

As the war intensified in Europe, Anna's school in Kent, England, provided refuge not only to her original students but also to orphaned children who had endured unimaginable suffering under Nazi persecution. Anna's unwavering commitment to offering love, security, and a brighter future for these traumatized children serves as a testament to her resilience and her unwavering belief in the power of compassion and human connection. 

This poignant historical account, drawing upon firsthand testimonies, letters, and diaries, offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust and serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of standing against hatred and violence.

Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories

MrBallen. Illustrated by Andrea Mutti. Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories. 2024. 208p. ISBN 9781984863423.

What would you do if you thought there was a ghost coming into your room every night while you were spending a week skiing the White Mountains in New Hampshire? What if there were giants living in the mountains of Kandahar, in Afghanistan? What if there was a place so remote and dangerous that those who went panning for gold there simply disappeared? These are just some of the unexplained phenomena that Strange, Dark & Mysterious explores. All of the events described really occurred, yet there is no explanation for why they took place or even how they took place.

Some of the stories are not for the faint of heart. A German camp counselor has a nightmare that a crown of thorns is pushed on her head, only to awaken and realize that a fox has been mauling her while sleeping. Other stories, such as the beast of Gevaudan, are more well-known. But put together, these stories demonstrate that paranormal activities, where no scientific explanation exists, are taking place around the world.

Told in graphic novel form, the stories are captivating and are sure to inspire a fright or two! Fans of the paranormal will enjoy these true stories, but probably shouldn't read this late at night!

The Other Side of Infinity

Smith, Joan F. The Other Side of Infinity. 2023. 336p. ISBN 9781250843388.

When seventeen-year-old December, who possesses the unique ability to foresee the future, intervenes to save a drowning man named Nick during a poolside incident, she inadvertently alters the course of both their lives. Not only does this unexpected act lead to a burgeoning romance between the two, but December also foresees that Nick's life is now in danger. This realization forces December, who has always avoided deep connections due to her precognitive abilities, to embark on a mission to protect Nick, while also navigating the complexities of a newfound love.

Simultaneously, Nick, grappling with the shame of his initial hesitation during the rescue, seeks to redeem himself by helping December search for her missing mother. As their bond deepens, December's precognitive visions become increasingly erratic, and unsettling truths about Nick's family begin to surface. Both characters must confront their fears, learn to trust their instincts, and ultimately discover the true meaning of heroism before time runs out and the consequences of December's actions become irreversible.

From Here

Mufleh, Luna. From Here. 2023. 320p. ISBN 9780593354452.

Growing up gay can be challenging under most circumstances, but it is even more difficult as a Muslim woman. Luna Mufleh recounts her years as a child and teenager in Jordan, a conservative Muslim society, and she describes how she grappled with her sexuality, a concept that remained unspoken in her cultural context. Fear of rejection and potential violence forced her to conceal her true self, leading to a desperate yearning for escape. This desire culminated in her acceptance to a U.S. college and a subsequent application for political asylum, a decision that tragically severed ties with her family.

Finding herself alone and adrift as a refugee in America, Luma faced numerous hardships. However, with the support of newfound friends and the kindness of strangers, she gradually rebuilt her life, embracing her identity and forging a new sense of belonging. This journey of self-discovery ultimately led her to establish Fugees Family, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting refugee children in the United States. From Here is a poignant and inspiring memoir that explores the complexities of identity, the search for belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol. 6

Patterson, James and NaRae Lee. Maximum Ride, the Manga, Vol. 6. 2012. 240p. ISBN 9780759529724. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Imprisoned at the school once again, Max's flock discovered that Angel had betrayed them in Maximum Ride, vol. 5. As they face execution at the hands of the mechanized Erasers, Angel reveals that she acted as a double agent and infiltrated Itex. She frees the flock, and they fly away after a brutal battle. Fang is not thrilled that Max allowed Ari to come with them. In the past, Ari has been their sworn enemy, and fought against them. But now saddled with an expiration date, Ari turns his coat and wishes to spend the little time that remains with friends, instead of with scientists.

The decision to let Ari come splits the flock in two. Gassy, Izzy and Fang head west to California, while Max, Nudge, Angel and Ari board a plane to England, hoping to take the battle directly to Itex headquarters. First, they need to track it down. However, while they are here, Max agrees to play tourists, and the flock spends time enjoying the sights in London, then Paris, before discovering that Itex's facility is in Germany.

On the West Coast, Izzy is desperate for Fang and Gassy to describe the scenery. Fang continues to post on his blog, warning people of Itex' plans for eliminating half of the human race. The messages are supportive, but when he receives a note from Max informing him of Itex's location in Germany, all three of them agree to rejoin Max, despite Ari's presence.

At the facility Max meets her mother, only to learn that she's mother only in sponsoring the program. Jeb and Dr. Martinez, whom Max met in Maximum Ride, vol. 1, are her real parents. Itex relentlessly pursues its program, and all of the remaining hybrids are to be eliminated, having been replaced by perfected models. Max thus finds herself in a competition with the newest Eraser model, with the loser being eliminated ...

The story continues in Maximum Ride, vol 7.

Tegan and Sara: Junior High

Quin, Tegan and Sara Quin. Tegan and Sara: Junior High. 2023. 304p. ISBN 9780374313029.

Tegan and Sara: Junior High is a fictionalized account of the famous Canadian indie musicians, identical twins Tegan and Sara Quin, transporting their 1991 middle school experiences into the present day. Tegan and Sara have just moved to a new city with their mother and stepfather, and they're entering into a new middle school with its social dynamics and cliques. The sisters attempt to navigate the challenges of a new school, the complexities of early adolescence, and the evolving dynamics of their twinhood while improving their musical talent. 

While they face the universal experiences of first crushes and the anxieties of puberty, Tegan and Sara also grapple with emerging differences as they grow into their own persons, forging individual paths and exploring their burgeoning queer identities. As they make different friends and develop an understanding of who they are attracted to, the twins remain best friends, even as they seek to answer the question of who they are when their twin is not around.

This coming-of-age story offers a unique perspective on the twin experience, exploring the intricate balance between sisterhood and individuality. Through their honest and insightful portrayal of their early lives, Tegan and Sara provide a glimpse into the roots of their musical journey and offer a poignant reflection on the complexities of growing up and finding one's own voice.

The Little Book of Exoplanets

Winn, Joshua N. The Little Book of Exoplanets. 2023. 304p. ISBN 9780691215471.

Since the 1990s, technological advancements have enabled astronomers to detect thousands of planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system, with discoveries accelerating rapidly in recent years. The Little Book of Exoplanets chronicles this remarkable era of exploration, detailing the innovative techniques used to find and study these distant worlds. Exoplanets turn out to be surprisingly diverse, from gas giants to "super-Earths" and even planets orbiting multiple stars, challenging our previous understanding of planetary formation.

These discoveries profoundly impacted understanding of the universe and revolutionized astronomy, from refining our knowledge of star formation to providing insights into the potential for life beyond Earth. By examining the characteristics and properties of these distant worlds, scientists are gaining a deeper appreciation for the vast range of possibilities in planetary systems and our place within the cosmos.

Readers who enjoy scientific stories or like to read about astronomy will appreciate the details presented in The Little Book of Exoplanets, and will enjoy learning more about our universe.

Hellboy Omnibus, Volume 3: The Wild Hunt

Mignola, Mike. Hellboy Omnibus, Volume 3: The Wild Hunt. 2018. 528p. ISBN 9781506706689. 

Having escaped dangers in Hellboy Omnibus, Volume 2: Strange Places, Hellboy returns to England just in time for witches to summon Hellboy's most powerful enemy yet, Nimue. Living in King Arthur's time, Nimue seduced Merlin and stole all of his secrets. These secrets drove her mad. Taking refuge among the witches, she was eventually betrayed by them before being slaughtered. Her remains were eventually buried in a secret place, but she's now been freed so she can lead an army of the downtrodden monsters against humans, spilling their blood throughout the world.

First, Hellboy has to confront Baba Yaga's champion, a man who cannot die until the Russian witch releases him. Hellboy survives this conflict as a much drained Baba Yaga must sink all of her reserve powers to bolster her champion, who fails in the end. 

Manipulated by some, guided by others, Hellboy reconnects with Alice, and learns that he is the first-born male descendent of King Arthur, making him the legitimate King of England. To defeat Nimue, he will need to claim his heritage, something Hellboy has been avoiding his whole life. His destiny is not to serve as the pawn of others but to hold on to his humanity. As the end of the world nears, Hellboy is humanity's only hope ...    

The story concludes in Hellboy Omnibus, Vol. 4: Hellboy in Hell.

Under the Same Stars

Bray, Libba. Under the Same Stars. 2025. 480p. ISBN 9780374388942.

Under the Same Stars weaves together three interconnected stories across generations, all centered around a mysterious oak tree in a forest in Germany believed to possess magical powers.

In the late 1930s Nazi Germany, Sophie, a young woman yearning for love, discovers a cryptic message hidden within the oak, sparking a romantic intrigue. Her best friend, Hanna and her have always looked to the oak tree to provide guidance on their lives, to the point of being insulted by the local boys who mocked them. As Germany provokes a war, however, the girls start using the tree for a more urgent purpose: to communicate with the resistance movement against the Nazi regime. But Sophie is still hopeful that one day she will find love.

In the 1980s, American teenager Jenny has just moved to West Germany and is struggling to adapt to her new life away from her friends. Jenny finds herself drawn to Lena, a rebellious punk rocker determined to break down the Berlin Wall. Their lives intertwine with Frau Hermann, an elderly woman harboring secrets connected to the oak tree's past.

Finally, in the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, two friends, Miles and Chloe, stumble upon a forgotten mystery while investigating the disappearance of two teenagers linked to the Bridegroom's Oak eighty years prior. As Miles and Chloe suffer through lockdowns and a loss of social contacts, they come across information that shed a light on what happened in the forest back in 1942, and that connect their lives to that of Sophie, Hanna, and Jenny.

This book explores themes of love, loss, resistance, and the enduring power of history. It weaves together the past and present, connecting the lives of these diverse characters through the enigmatic oak tree, revealing its secrets and the profound impact it has had on their lives and the world around them. Fans of coming of age story, or who want to learn more about living in Nazi Germany or another totalitarian society will enjoy Under the Same Stars.

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be

Delbanco, Andrew. College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be. 2023. 280p. ISBN 9780691246376.

Over the last decades, the traditional four-year college experience, characterized by exploration and intellectual growth, has been eroded by the increasing emphasis on pre-professional training, threatening the very essence of the meaning of liberal arts education. Our understanding of what a liberal arts education is an environment which fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. This transition to more technical and professional training originates with the push towards more STEM and STEAM education, and a shift towards emphasizing technical skills.

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be traces the historical evolution of the American college, highlighting its origins in Puritan thought and its gradual expansion to include women, minorities, and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It argues for the enduring value of a humanistic education in an increasingly globalized world, acknowledging the importance of STEM fields while advocating for a balanced curriculum that cultivates well-rounded individuals. The challenges that face higher education today, such as financial, intellectual, and ethical issues are important, but ultimately, preserving the ideals of a liberal arts education remains crucial for the continued success of American democracy.