Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29. 2023. 226p. ISBN 9781974746248. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

The confrontation between the Knights of the True Cross and the Exwires and the ultimate enemy, Satan, fully erupted on every front in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28. Rin, bravely confronts Satan head-on, and although he is utterly destroyed in the initial clash, his unique demonic nature grants him the power to immediately reform and remain in the fight. This fierce, high-stakes battle forms the core of the ongoing global conflict, pushing the combatants to their absolute limits.

Simultaneously, a complex magical counter-plan is set in motion. Shemihaza begins a ritual designed to crystallize and trap Satan, a crucial operation in which Shiemi is destined to play a vital role. However, the conflict escalates exponentially when Satan undergoes a dramatic and terrifying transformation to the next level of his power. This shift is so immense that it begins to warp time itself, forcing everyone present to witness a horrifying and unimaginable future ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist. Vol. 30.

Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421521725. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The battle against the Akatsuki, which proceeds in Naruto, Vol. 35, reaches a fever pitch as Asuma’s new team and the former members of Cell Number 10 (Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji) confront Hidan. A fanatic and sadistic warrior, Hidan possesses a terrifying, ritualistic ability that makes him perhaps the most unstoppable foe the Konoha ninja have ever encountered. As the fight turns desperate, it becomes clear that this encounter could mean the tragic end for one of Naruto’s longest-standing and most beloved allies.

While the battle rages, the wider world is thrown into chaos as the Akatsuki finally begins to reveal its master plan for the Tailed Beasts. As Naruto pushes himself through grueling training to prepare for the growing threat, the loss on the battlefield forces the young ninja of the Leaf Village to grow up faster than they ever imagined. The lines are drawn, and the stage is set for a massive confrontation that will reshape the future of the ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 37. 

The Chimera

Roger, Matt. The Chimera. Book 2 of the Black Forces Shorts series. 2018. 132p. ISBN 9781980540281.

For months, a chilling secret has been hidden high in the mountains of Bhutan, within the ancient, abandoned depths of a monastery. Here, a sinister group of individuals is tirelessly slaving away at makeshift workstations to concoct a terrifying pathogen: The Chimera virus.

Meanwhile, Colt Griffin, an ambitious former Special Forces operative, is in the midst of a personal journey in Bhutan's Paro Valley, attempting to find himself before embarking on a career in government black operations. His solitude is shattered when he is contacted by the mysterious organization known as Black Force. Colt is informed that the paramilitary group responsible for creating the Chimera is about to escape the monastery with the virus, which could unleash global catastrophe. Despite his lack of formal experience in black operations, Colt is identified as the only person capable of successfully infiltrating and storming the isolated, heavily fortified monastery in time. His first unexpected mission becomes a brutal race against the clock, carrying the weight of the world, and it may very well be his last ...

Fans of military thrillers and high-octane action adventure enjoy the exotic, remote setting of Bhutan, which provides a unique and visually compelling backdrop for intense paramilitary action. The plot elements of a biological weapons threat, a secret organization, and relentless action make it a gripping read for anyone seeking a fast-paced story with global stakes.

Exit Strategy

Wells, Martha. Exit Strategy. Book 4 of the Murderbot Diaries. 2018. 172p. ISBN 9781250191854.

Murderbot is a highly efficient security unit, or SecUnit, that was never programmed with the capacity for empathy or care. Despite this inherent lack of feeling, the SecUnit makes a crucial and deeply problematic decision to help the only human who ever treated it with respect, Dr. Mensah—a choice it suspects must be a significant "system glitch." After traversing the vast expanse of the galaxy to unearth the truth about both its own forgotten murderous history and the illegal activities of the monolithic GrayCris Corporation, Murderbot is now heading back to its base of operations.

Murderbot's critical mission is to assist Dr. Mensah in submitting the damning evidence it collected, which is crucial to preventing the GrayCris Corporation from destroying additional colonial settlements in its relentless, profitable pursuit of resources. However, this high-stakes endeavor is fraught with peril as Dr. Mensah is kidnapped by GrayCris and finds herself trapped on a space station. Despite its misgivings, Murderbot decides to rescue the doctor, while knowing that being captured will mean death or, even worse, analysis in a lab to figure out how it escaped its original programming. With the stake this high, Murderbot is one mistake away from losing the independence it savors!

Readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed science fiction and space operas will find Exit Strategy highly entertaining. It is perfectly suited for those who appreciate a unique, snarky, and self-aware AI protagonist whose inner monologue drives the narrative. Fans of stories involving corporate espionage, battles against ruthless megacorporations, and themes of identity, humanity, and found family will be drawn to Murderbot’s reluctant and dangerous mission to do the right thing. The mix of thrilling adventure and deep internal character development offers a satisfying read!

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.

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.

Hunger Games

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. 2008. 374p. ISBN 9780439023528. Available at FIC COL on the library shelves.

In the dystopian future, the nation of Panem rises from the ruins of North America, governed by a harsh and cruel Capitol that controls twelve outlying districts. To maintain order and as a brutal annual reminder of its power, the Capitol forces each district to send one boy and one girl, aged twelve to eighteen, to participate in the Hunger Games. This televised event is a fight to the death, where only one tribute can emerge victorious.

For sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives with her mother and younger sister, volunteering to take her sister's place in the Games feels like a death sentence. However, having faced near-death experiences before, survival is second nature to her. Without consciously intending to, Katniss becomes a formidable contender, but her journey forces her to confront agonizing choices that weigh her own survival against her humanity, and the very essence of life against the complexities of love.

The story continues in 

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27. 2021. 218p. ISBN 9781974731077. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Amidst the fiery debris of the Illuminati airship that crashed in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26, Rin battles to rein in his demonic alter ego, fearing it will consume both him and his brother, Yukio. A deep-seated mutual misunderstanding has driven a wedge between the siblings, culminating in an inevitable, all-out fight that has long been brewing. This intense confrontation forces their unresolved issues to the surface, demanding a brutal resolution.

Following the immediate aftermath, all the Exwires, save Shiemi, reunite to process the traumatic events they've endured. However, the conflict with Satan is far from over, as he finally gains control of a human body that closely resembles Father Fujimoto, Rin and Yukio's father. Meanwhile, Shiemi faces a formidable opponent who will rigorously test her newfound resolve, suggesting that her own significant challenges lie ahead, independent of the main group.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 19: Hot Mess

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 19: Hot Mess. 2024. 218p. ISBN 9781419766954. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley is facing a summer of mounting stress as his family descends upon a small beach house, trying to recreate magical moments from their youth. Spurred on by Greg's grandmother, the experience creates a chaotic blend of personalities and close quarters under the intense heat. The combination of numerous relatives crammed into a limited space is quickly proving to be a recipe for comical yet frustrating situations. Greg finds himself navigating the usual family dynamics of family members fighting with each other, amplified by the confined environment and the sweltering weather.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the vacation is the long-held family secret surrounding the ingredients of Gramma’s renowned meatballs. As Greg endures the various mishaps and interactions of the summer, he also becomes curious about uncovering this culinary mystery. The question remains whether he will successfully unravel the secrets of his family history before their vacation concludes, or if his presence will simply add more turmoil to the already overflowing pot of family dynamics.

Naruto, Vol. 34: Reunion

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 34: Reunion. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421520025. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their confrontation with Orichimaru in Naruto, Vol. 33, Naruto and Sakura, accompanied by Sai, finally track down Sasuke, their long-lost teammate, but their reunion is far from amicable. Sasuke remains resolute in his decision to sever ties with Konoha and refuses to return peacefully. This sets the stage for a fierce and unavoidable confrontation between the former allies, their skills and ideologies clashing in a potentially devastating battle.

The gravity of the situation is immense, and Naruto alone may not be enough to subdue Sasuke. Sasuke's power and determination have grown to a level that poses a significant threat even to his former comrades. Can Naruto find a way to bring Sasuke back without anyone getting harmed?

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26. 2020. 282p. ISBN 9781974718467. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following his trip back in time, which concluded in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25, Rin returns to find himself aboard the damaged Illuminati airship, Dominus Liminis, armed with the devastating truth about his and his brother's origins. He confronts Yukio, who is also on the airship, as their father, Satan, attempts to manipulate them both further into his control. Rin's primary goal is to convince Yukio to return to the Knights of the True Cross.

However, Yukio is unyielding, seemingly determined to provoke Rin into killing him. As the Dominus Liminis descends in flames, the confrontation between the brothers intensifies, transforming into a desperate battle for Yukio's very soul. The outcome of this fiery clash will determine not only their individual fates but also the ongoing struggle against Satan's influence.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 27.

Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421520018. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Now in position by the bridge after Naruto, Vol. 32, Naruto and his team await the results of the meeting between Yamato posing as Sasori and Kabuto. But Orochimaru anticipated this move, and he intervenes to capture Sasori. In the following confrontation, Naruto undergoes a terrifying transformation, his powers escalating to a point where he loses control and shockingly turns against his own teammates. This unexpected and dangerous shift throws his allies into immediate peril, forcing them to confront a vastly more powerful and unpredictable Naruto. The reasons behind this violent metamorphosis remain unclear, leaving his friends bewildered and struggling to understand the sudden betrayal by someone they trust.

Amidst this conflict and chaos, Orochimaru reveals a terrifying and far-reaching plot. His machinations, long shrouded in secrecy, are unveiled to have caused a staggering number of deaths, far exceeding what anyone had previously imagined. The revelation of Orochimaru's deadly scheme casts a dark shadow over the events, suggesting that Naruto's transformation might be intrinsically linked to this larger, more malevolent plan that threatens the entire ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 34. 

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25. 2020. 282p. ISBN 9781974718467. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Rin's visions of the past, which started in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23 and continued in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24, culminate in the devastating climax of the Blue Night, where he witnesses Satan's cloned body fail to contain the immense cosmic energies within him. This catastrophic event unleashes an unprecedented crisis upon the Knights of the True Cross, as a wave of destruction begins to sweep across the entire world, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Despite being a mere newborn, Rin possesses immense demonic power, his demon heart unleashing scorching blue flames that ravage the Knights of the True Cross. These destructive blue flames continue to spread relentlessly, ensuring that no one will be spared from their intense heat and the widespread devastation they cause.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26.

Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 32: The Search for Sasuke. 2011. 184p. ISBN 9781421519449. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Upon returning from their battle with Sasori in Naruto, Vol. 31, Team Kakashi faces the absence of their leader as Kakashi needs a week to recover. As a result, Naruto and Sakura are appointed a new leader and a new teammate, Sai, who is mysterious and has strange jitsu powers. Sai changes the team's dynamic for the worse, and both Sakura and Naruto are annoyed at his presence.

Meanwhile, Lady Tsunada convinces reluctant elders that it is better to send Naruto on missions than keeping him in Kohona, where he would be easy for his enemies to locate. Sent to make contact with a spy in Orochimaru's organization, Naruto's team head to a famous bridge in what could very well be an ambush!

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 33.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 18: No Brainer

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 18: No Brainer. 2023. 224p. ISBN 9781419766947. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley's adventures continue as his middle school now faces closure based on horrible test scores. Large budget cuts have undermined the educational mission of the school, and as a result test scores have plummeted. Initially indifferent to the prospect, Greg's perspective shifts when he realizes the closure would mean being separated from his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Suddenly, saving the school becomes a top priority, and Greg finds himself reluctantly joining forces with his classmates to prevent the inevitable.

Greg's efforts to rescue his school form the core of the story, as he and his classmates devise various schemes and plans. The potential closure of the school looms large, threatening to disrupt the established order of Greg's middle school life and usher in a new, uncertain chapter. 

No Brainer continues the familiar blend of humor and relatable middle school experiences that have made the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series a global phenomenon.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24. 2019. 210p. ISBN 9781974711727. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following his time travel with Mephisto in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23, Rin continues to confront the tragic events of the Blue Night. He witnessed the moment his mother, Yuri Egin, gave birth to him and Yukio. Though he had long resisted learning about his origins, this harrowing experience reveals crucial information about himself that might be vital for the impending conflict. This newfound knowledge comes at a heavy emotional cost, pushing Rin to grapple with a past he never wished to acknowledge.

Meanwhile, aboard the airship Dominus Liminus, the Illuminati and Lucifer relentlessly advance their apocalyptic agenda: to summon Satan and reduce the world to nothingness. Lucifer has seemingly welcomed Yukio as an ally into their ranks. However, Yukio harbors his own secret intentions, suggesting a deeper, more complex plan that could disrupt the Illuminati's destructive aspirations, even as the world stands on the brink of annihilation.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25.

Win, Lose, or Die

Gardner, John. Win, Lose, or Die. Book 8 of the James Bond series. 1989. 319p. ISBN 9780425122617.

M receives intelligence that BAST (Brotherhood of Anarchy and Secret Terrorism) plans to infiltrate and destroy the "Stewards' Meeting," a top-secret summit aboard a Royal Navy aircraft carrier involving President George H. W. Bush, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. To counter this threat, James Bond is reactivated to duty in the Royal Navy and promoted to Captain, tasked with infiltrating HMS Invincible to identify potential sleeper agents before the summit, scheduled a year later.

In the months leading up to the summit, Bond undergoes training to fly a Navy Sea Harrier jet. BAST, aware of his mission, attempts to eliminate him, first during a training exercise and later while he is on holiday in Italy, where his girlfriend, Beatrice Maria da Ricci, is seemingly killed. Upon returning, Bond boards HMS Invincible to manage security for the "Stewards' Meeting" amidst a massive joint war game, Landsea '89. However, he soon finds himself at the center of a murder investigation involving an American Naval Intelligence officer, and while he leaves to report the incident, BAST seizes the opportunity to capture the ship and hold the world leaders for a staggering $600 billion ransom.

Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle. 2011. 190p. ISBN 9781421519432. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The fight between Sasori, Sakura, and Granny Chiyo from Naruto, Vol. 30 continues as the three of them fight in the Akatsuki cavern. Sasori's powerful and masterful control of his puppets overwhelms Granny Chiyo's defenses. But Sasori's overconfidence in his abilities prove to be the end of him when Sakura defeats him. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Naruto chase Deidara to recover Gaara's body. A fight between the three of them result in Deidara losing his right arm and barely escaping with his life. Granny Chiyo transfers the last of her life energy into Gaara, bringing him back to life.

The action sequences are intense and visually stunning, effectively conveying the dangerous power of the Akatsuki. While Naruto's involvement is limited, Sakura's battle alongside Granny Chiyo against Sasori is highlighted as a standout moment, with the emotional depth of the scenes praised. Sasori's unique and unsettling character design adds a layer of creepiness and tragedy to the conflict, eliciting both fear and pity at his untimely demise.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 32.