Locke and Key: Heaven and Earth

Title: Locke and Key: Heaven and Earth

Author: Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

Publisher: IDW 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 72

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Following the Small World deluxe edition, this special deluxe release finally reprints the oft-requested and long-denied Eisner-winning one-shot, "Open the Moon!" Plus the other long-sold-out one-shot, "Grindhouse!" PLUS plus: the even more hard-to-find IDW 10th anniversary Locke & Key tale, "In the Can!" And additional covers, behind-the-scenes photos and more, all wrapped up in a beautiful 72-page hardcover package.

Love the extra little stories we get collected in this volume. Of the stories collected, I really loved "Grindhouse!" as it was the most in spirit of the original series. Very in line with the horror of the keys and the house.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day by Seanan McGuire

Title: Dusk or Dark or Dawn or Day

Author: Seanan McGuire

Publisher: Tor 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 182

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Time of day; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Sunglasses

When her sister Patty died, Jenna blamed herself. When Jenna died, she blamed herself for that, too. Unfortunately Jenna died too soon. Living or dead, every soul is promised a certain amount of time, and when Jenna passed she found a heavy debt of time in her record. Unwilling to simply steal that time from the living, Jenna earns every day she leeches with volunteer work at a suicide prevention hotline.

But something has come for the ghosts of New York, something beyond reason, beyond death, beyond hope; something that can bind ghosts to mirrors and make them do its bidding. Only Jenna stands in its way.

Such an atmospheric novella. I randomly picked this one up while looking for some of McGuire's other books. I didn't even know this one existed. I immediately dove into the ghost world of Jenna's Manhattan. McGuire created a full-fleshed world in just a few pages. I was drawn in and didn't get out until the end of the book. I loved the mystery surrounding the ghosts and witches. Sophie was definitely my favorite character. Loved it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Symbiont by Mira Grant

Title: Symbiont (Parasitology #2)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2015

Genre: Sciences Fiction

Pages: 518

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Blue on Cover

The SymboGen designed tapeworms were created to relieve humanity of disease and sickness. But the implants in the majority of the world's population began attacking their hosts, turning them into a ravenous horde.

Now those who do not appear to be afflicted are being gathered for quarantine as panic spreads, but Sal and her companions must discover how the tapeworms are taking over their hosts, what their eventual goal is, and how they can be stopped.

According to the author, this series started out as a duology, but during the writing of these volume, she expanded it to a trilogy. For the most part, I really enjoyed this volume. Sal is a great character. And all the side characters are super fun and interesting in their own rights. I really enjoyed the storyline. I loved the adventure with Sherman. But... there were a few times that I wanted the book to go just a little faster. Don't worry. I will be picking up the third book to read soon.

Parasitology

#1 Parasite
#2 Symbiont
#3 Chimera

Next up on the TBR pile:

Giant Days Vol. 5-7

Title: Giant Days Vol. 5

Author: John Allison, Max Sarin, Liz Fleming

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Written by John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and illustrated by Max Sarin, Giant Days Volume 5 finishes off freshman year in style, collecting issues #17-20 of the Eisner Award-nominated series. Their freshman year is finally coming to a close and Daisy, Susan, and Esther say goodbye to Catterick Hall forever. Literally forever. It’s being bulldozed and re-purposed as a luxury dorm next semester. But as one door closes, another opens and between end of semester hookups, music festivals, and moving into their first home together, their life experiences are just getting started.

Such a fun volume of comics. I really loved the entire music festival sequence. These three ladies are the best. I can't wait to see their next shenanigans.

Title: Giant Days Vol. 6

Author: John Allison, Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Lissa Treiman

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Second year begins and Daisy, Susan, and Esther have taken their friendship commitment to the next level by moving off-campus. But the keys came with a whole new load of responsibilities. Unwanted suitor visits, a robbery, and Susan living only a few blocks apart from her ex-boyfriend, McGraw, has made the dorms feel like a haven. The girls are in for a dose of reality. John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and illustrator Max Sarbin welcome you back to Sophomore year in Giant Days Volume 6, collecting issues #21-24

Love this series so much. The fun, the drama, the friendships are sustaining me through some tough days currently. This is such a fun slice of life comic.

Title: Giant Days Vol. 7

Author: John Allison, Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Lissa Treiman, Whitney Cogar

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Fast friends Susan, Daisy, and Esther continue their second year at Sheffield University. Education and looking ahead to the future isn’t all that college holds in store for these ladies—grocery store protests, family reunions, and even an MMORPG wedding are all on this semester’s docket. Collects issues #25-28 of the Eisner Award-nominated series.

Great volume, but I must that the wedding was the absolute best bit in this one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Anomaly by Michael Rutger

Title: The Anomaly

Author: Michael Rutger

Publisher: Grand Central 2018

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Share-a-Tea; Seasonal Series - Cool Drink

If Indiana Jones lived in the X-Files era, he might bear at least a passing resemblance to Nolan Moore -- a rogue archaeologist hosting a documentary series derisively dismissed by the "real" experts, but beloved of conspiracy theorists.

Nolan sets out to retrace the steps of an explorer from 1909 who claimed to have discovered a mysterious cavern high up in the ancient rock of the Grand Canyon. And, for once, he may have actually found what he seeks. Then the trip takes a nasty turn, and the cave begins turning against them in mysterious ways.

Nolan's story becomes one of survival against seemingly impossible odds. The only way out is to answer a series of intriguing questions: What is this strange cave? How has it remained hidden for so long? And what secret does it conceal that made its last visitors attempt to seal it forever?

My June selection from Book of the Month. I picked it to get away from the dysfunctional family and Gone Girl-esque books that are the usual offerings. This one sounded like a fun spooky thriller with strains of Indiana Jones and Ghosthunters. Thankfully the book delivered all that I hoped for and was a very fun and enjoyable read. The first three chapters were a bit slow, but once the expedition hit the canyon, everything sped up dramatically. I immediately fell for the motley crew of characters and their approach to the mystery of Kincaid's Cave. By the time the halfway mark arrived, I was speeding through the pages on edge just waiting to find out what was going to happen next. Very creepy I must say. And I love the slightly ambiguous ending. Could there be a sequel in the works?

Next up on the TBR pile:

Giant Days Vol. 1-4

Title: Giant Days Vol. 1

Author: John Allison, Lissa Treiman

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

What It Is: Susan, Esther, and Daisy started at university three weeks ago and became fast friends. Now, away from home for the first time, all three want to reinvent themselves. But in the face of handwringing boys, "personal experimentation," influenza, mystery mold, nuchauvinism, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of "academia," they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive. Collects issues #1-4.

A departure from my usual fantasy and scifi driven comics, but I really enjoyed this fun contemporary volume. The three main characters are so different and yet so alike. I love each one of them. And the side characters really help fill out the story. can't wait to see what happens next.

Title: Giant Days Vol. 2

Author: John Allison, Lissa Treiman, Max Sarin

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Susan, Esther, and Daisy started at university three weeks ago and became fast friends because their dorm rooms were next to each other. Now, away from home for the first time, all three want to reinvent themselves. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, "personal experimentation," influenza, mystery mold, nuchauvinism, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of "academia," they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive. Collects issues #5-8

And the story continues. I loved the entire influenza sequences; so much fun! The story just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to see what befalls the ladies next.

Title: Giant Days Vol. 3

Author: John Allison, Lissa Treiman, Max Sarin

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Continuing their first semester at university, fast friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy want to find their footing in life. The girls, along with their male hall-mates, Ed and McGraw find that college is more than academics and bad microwavable meals. Add some pub hopping, hookups, breakups and political scandal this might just be the most eventful first semester ever. Giant Days, the comedic slice-of-life series from creator John Allison (Bad Machinery, Scary Go Round) and fantastic newcomer Max Sarin, has graduated to a third volume, collecting issues 9-12 of the Eisner Award-nominated series

Loving this series so much. Such a fun read to brighten up my afternoon. I can't wait to see what happens. But I must say that the path of Susan And McGraw's relationship saddened me so much. Oh well. I guess it's all about growth and the college experience.

Title: Giant Days Vol. 4

Author: John Allison, Lissa Treiman, Max Sarin

Publisher: BOOM Box! 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

It’s springtime at Sheffield University—the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and fast-pals Susan, Esther, and Daisy continue to survive their freshman year of university. Susan is barely dealing with her recent breakup with McGraw, Esther is considering dropping out of school, and Daisy is trying to keep everyone and everything from falling apart! Combined with house- hunting, indie film festivals, and online dating, can the girls make it to second year? Collects issues #13-16.

We get a fun little side adventure at Esther's house before going back to university for the rest of the year. The house hunting sequence was great fun. But my favorite part was the indie film festival. Loved Susan and Daisy's "film."

Next up on the TBR pile:

Keeper of the Castle by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Keeper of the Castle (Haunted Home Renovation #5)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2014

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 314

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: A to Z - K; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series Summer - Picnic Read

Lately, Mel has been worried about finding enough historic renovation work to pay the bills. But while Turner Construction is in need of a project, Mel’s boyfriend, Graham, has his hands full managing the reconstruction of an ancient building shipped over from Scotland.

With the job plagued by rumors that the stones are cursed, Graham brings in Mel to look for paranormal activity. And while the ghost of a charming Scottish clansman does seem to be hanging around the site, the real shock comes when they stumble upon a body.

When the original construction crew starts running scared, Mel brings in her team to finish the job. Now all she has to do is nail down the killer, and put the spirits to rest, before anyone else winds up heading for the highlands…

Not my favorite of the series so far, but I did really enjoy this adventure involving an ancient Scottish monastery, two ghosts, and some intriguing side characters. I loved the continuation of Mel's romance with Graham and her relationship with Caleb. The ghost mystery itself wasn't the most inventive or exciting, but I do enjoy reading this "light and fluffy" mystery series.

Haunted Home Renovation

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wayward Vol. 4-5

Title: Wayward Vol. 4 Threads and Portents

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2017

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 132

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The group is pulled apart, and the hidden mythic worlds of Ireland and Japan are revealed. JIM ZUB (Thunderbolts, Samurai Jack) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Dead Shot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with foreign cultures and fascinating mythological monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist STEVEN CUMMINGS and new profiles on mythical creatures by monster scholars Zack Davisson and Ann O'Regan.

Such an interesting turn in this volume. I love the connection between Japan and Ireland. Rori's story is fascinating and I love seeing her find her way in this new world. The storyline is fast-paced, as usual, with lots of fun. The art is beautiful.

Title: Wayward Vol. 5 Tethered Souls

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Japan and Ireland are torn apart by conflict. The new power that defines the modern world rages out of control. JIM ZUB (Avengers, SKULLKICKERS) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Deadshot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer with foreign cultures and fascinating mythological monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist STEVEN CUMMINGS and profiles on mythical creatures by monster scholars ZACK DAVISSON and ANN O’REGAN not found in the single issues. Collects WAYWARD #21-25

OH my goodness. I don't even know what to say after the events of this volume. Everything is hanging by a thread and I can't take the suspense. I need to see how this story ends, but alas, I have to wait until the next trade is released (please say fall...). Until then I will revel in the awesome storyline and characters in this volume. So incredibly good! And I must say, I've really enjoyed the small essays in the back with explanations about the monsters, history, and folklore.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wayward Vol. 1-3

Title: Wayward Vol. 1 String Theory

Author: Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, John Rauch

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 144

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can Rori unlock the secrets of her power before it's too late? JIM ZUB (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and STEVE CUMMINGS (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) team-up to create an all-new Image supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of Buffy with the action and mystery of Hellboy. Collects WAYWARD #1-5.

Wasn't sure what to expect with this series, but I'll try just about anything from Image. Thankfully, this was an amazing start to a very interesting and detailed series. I love the real setting in Japan overlaid with Japanese folklore entities and real modern people. The attention to detail is perfect! And the characters are fun and inviting. Can't wait to see what happens after that crazy last page!

Title: Wayward Vol. 2 Ties That Bind

Author: Jim Sub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain, Zack Davisson

Publisher: Image 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great pattern of destiny and power that will change Japan forever? Jim Zub (Conan/Red Sonja, Samurai Jack) and Steve Cummings (Deadshot, Legends of the Dark Knight) continue their supernatural spectacle that combines the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with Japan's engaging culture and mythic monsters. This volume includes design artwork by artist Steve Cummings and profiles on mythical creatures by noted monster researcher Zack Davisson. Collects Wayward #6-10.

Love that Volume two starts with a whole new character. We get a nice parallel to Rori's introduction and storyline. We get a bit more backstory as to the larger mystery at play. And the big baddies are expanded. My favorite were the dirt spiders. Can't wait to see how they all play into the story going forward.

Title: Wayward Vol. 3 Out from the Shadows

Author: Jim Sub, Steve Cummings, Tamra Bonvillain

Publisher: Image 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The new gods of Japan have arrived and a clash with the myths of old will change the country forever. JIM ZUB (Conan Red Sonja, Samurai Jack) and STEVEN CUMMINGS (Dead Shot, Legends of the Dark Knight) combine the camaraderie and emotion of shows like Buffy with Japan's engaging culture and mythic monsters.

Hmmm... well that took an interesting turn. I did not see that twist coming, but maybe I should have. I do love the parallel stories within this volume. And we get a new character, Inaba, who may or may not be trusted. I am loving seeing these traditional monsters come to life. Such fun!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Last Castle by Denise Kiernan

Title: The Last Castle

Author: Denise Kiernan

Publisher: Touchstone 2017

Genre: U.S. History

Pages: 388

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Perpetual - Nonfiction Adventure; Popsugar - 2017 Prompt (Recommended by a Librarian); Modern Mrs. Darcy - Biography

A New York Times bestseller with an "engaging narrative and array of detail” (The Wall Street Journal), the “intimate and sweeping” (Raleigh News & Observer) untold, true story behind the Biltmore Estate—the largest, grandest private residence in North America, which has seen more than 120 years of history pass by its front door.

This was our book club selection for June and I was super excited to read it. I love social history and the subject matter was something I knew little about. I must say that after reading this book, I know a lot more about the Vanderbilts, various other contemporary figures, random concurrent historical events, and Biltmore itself. The story lends itself to a fascinating look at the rise and (somewhat) fall of one of America's great families. What I found even more interesting was the surrounding non-Vanderbilt characters. The residents and employees of Biltmore contributed in many ways to the construction and building of the great house. I Overall a very interesting book. At times the writing became a bit too detailed and slowed down my reading, but I made it through to the end and learned a lot in the process.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Paper Girls Vol. 4

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 4

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang, Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 123

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

The mind-bending, time-warping adventure from BRIAN K. VAUGHAN & CLIFF CHIANG continues as intrepid newspaper deliverer Tiffany is launched from the prehistoric past into the year 2000! In this harrowing version of our past, Y2K was even more of a cataclysm than experts feared, and the only person who can save the future is a 12-year-old girl from 1988. Collects PAPER GIRLS #16-20

How exactly am I supposed to keep everything straight at this point? I feel a little like the Paper Girls themselves, very confused and slightly angry. But all in a good way. I'm really loving this series and all the twists and turns. Plus, how great was it to meet older Tiffany in this volume? Such fun! I can't wait to see what happens next!

Next up on the TBR pile:

A History of the Wife by Margaret Yalom

Title: A History of the Wife

Author: Margaret Yalom

Publisher: Harper 2002

Genre: Nonfiction - Social Sciences; History

Pages: 464

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Reading Assignment; Perpetual - Nonfic Ad

How did marriage, considered a religious duty in medieval Europe, become a venue for personal fulfillment in contemporary America? How did the notion of romantic love, a novelty in the Middle Ages, become a prerequisite for marriage today? And, if the original purpose of marriage was procreation, what exactly is the purpose of marriage for women now?

A very very very dense social science book but very interesting. I do appreciate Yalom's adherence to detail when examining marriage throughout history. This isn't the most uplifting book, but I was intrigued by the topic and the exploration of the historical record.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Crown by Kiera Cass

Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2016

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 250

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Great Love Story

Eadlyn didn’t think she would find a real partner among the Selection’s thirty-five suitors, let alone true love. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and now Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more difficult—and more important—than she ever expected.

A fitting end to The Selection series. I really fell for Eadlyn and her story. Turns out that I did predict the ending of the series, but that's okay. I still enjoyed my reading of it. Plus we get to check in with all the other characters from the series along with meeting some new characters. Definitely an enjoyable series.

The Selection:

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Title: The Heir (The Selection #4)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2015

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Four or More Books

Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story...but as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she’s always thought.

For this volume, Cass thankfully moved the storyline ahead to write Eadlyn's story. I was unsure of the princess when we first met her, but I grew to like her over the book. Again, I figured out the ending (or at least I think I have) before the rest of the storyline was set up. And yet, I enjoyed reading the volume so much. I loved experiencing another Selection but with a twist. Can't wait to finish out the series.

The Selection:

Next up on the TBR pile:

Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

Title: Happily Ever After (The Selection #3.5, #4.5)

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen 2015

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 387

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - 24 Hours

Meet Prince Maxon before he fell in love with America, and a girl named Amberly before she became queen. See the Selection through the eyes of a guard who watched his first love drift away and a girl who fell for a boy who wasn’t the prince. This must-have companion to the Selection series includes all four novellas as well as exclusive bonus content.

This was an interesting mix of some Selection short stories and series extras. The First two stories were prints from the other short story collection. I've already read those. But then, Cass added some interesting new stories. We get Amberly's story which I wasn't a super fan of. We also get Marlee's story; much more interesting to me. And we get some fun "Where are they now" passages. Overall, a nice companion to the series.

The Selection:

#0.5 The Prince
#1 The Selection
#2 The Elite
#2.5 The Guard
#3 The One
#3.5 The Queen
#4 The Heir
#4.5 The Favorite
#5 The Crown

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Stanforth Secrets by Jo Beverley

Title: The Stanforth Secrets (Renfrew/Kyle #1)

Author: Jo Beverley

Publisher: 1989

Genre: Regency Romance

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR

Though the widowed Chloe Stanforth loves her house by the sea, a series of puzzling incidents has left her unsettled and anxious to find a new home. Her situation is complicated by the arrival of her husband's cousin, for whom she has long harbored a deep and guilty attraction.

Back from the war, Justin Delamere hopes he can finally woo Chloe, until he suspects her guilty of treason-and murder. Can he trust the woman he's always desired, and can Chloe surrender her most private secrets to the man who controls her freedom and now her heart?

I needed a fun Regency romance series for this month and I think I have found it. Apparently the copies I have of this series are the reissues from the 2000s. The series was originally writing in the 1980s and 1990s. I started with #2 according to release date, but #1 according to chronology. At any rate, I really enjoyed this fun story of espionage and romance. Justin and Chloe were a fun couple. I will definitely be picking up the next in the series.

Renfrew/Kyle

#1 The Stanforth Secrets
#2 Lord Wraybourne's Betrothed
#3 The Stolen Bride
#4 Emily and the Dark Angel
#4.5 If Fancy Be the Food of Love
#5 The Fortune Hunter
#6 Deirdre and Don Juan

Next up on the TBR pile:

Parasite by Mira Grant

Title: Parasite (Parasitology #1)

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Orbit 2013

Genre: Sciences Fiction

Pages: 502

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: TBR Pile; Share a tea; Seasonal Series -- Set in the real world

We owe our good health to a humble parasite -- a genetically engineered tapeworm developed by the pioneering SymboGen Corporation. When implanted, the Intestinal Bodyguard worm protects us from illness, boosts our immune system -- even secretes designer drugs. It's been successful beyond the scientists' wildest dreams. Now, years on, almost every human being has a SymboGen tapeworm living within them.
But these parasites are getting restless. They want their own lives . . . and will do anything to get them.

Why did I leave this book sitting on my shelf for this long? I loved Mira Grant's Newflesh series and couldn't wait to read this newer series, but somehow it just got shoved to the back. I finally picked this one up and holy cow! I love love loved it! Love Grant's mix of science and fiction. In this series, we follow a seemingly normal girl on her journey to find out what's really going on in the world. Had my suspicions about what was really going on and it turns out I was right. And yet, I didn't care. I was along for the ride and loved every minute of it. I'm ready to read the next in the series!

Parasitology

#1 Parasite
#2 Symbiont
#3 Chimera

Next up on the TBR pile:

March Volume 3

Title: March Volume 3

Author: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell

Publisher: Top Shelf 2016

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

By Fall 1963, the Civil Rights Movement is an undeniable keystone of the national conversation, and as chair of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, John Lewis is right in the thick of it. With the stakes continuing to rise, white supremacists intensify their opposition through government obstruction and civilian terrorist attacks, a supportive president is assassinated, and African-Americans across the South are still blatantly prohibited from voting. To carry out their nonviolent revolution, Lewis and an army of young activists launch a series of innovative projects, including the Freedom Vote, Mississippi Freedom Summer, and a pitched battle for the soul of the Democratic Party waged live on national television. But strategic disputes are deepening within the movement, even as 25-year-old John Lewis heads to Alabama to risk everything in a historic showdown that will shock the world.

Beautiful conclusion to John Lewis's experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. I learned more details about the movement and many of the specific events that Lewis was involved in. The storytelling is incredibly. There were a few times when I definitely teared up. Should be required reading.

Next up on the TBR pile:

March Volume 2

Title: March Volume 2

Author: John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell

Publisher: Top Shelf 2015

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

After the success of the Nashville sit-in campaign, John Lewis is more committed than ever to changing the world through nonviolence - but as he and his fellow Freedom Riders board a bus into the vicious heart of the deep south, they will be tested like never before.

Faced with beatings, police brutality, imprisonment, arson, and even murder, the young activists of the movement struggle with internal conflicts as well. But their courage will attract the notice of powerful allies, from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy... and once Lewis is elected chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, this 23-year-old will be thrust into the national spotlight, becoming one of the "Big Six" leaders of the civil rights movement and a central figure in the landmark 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Finally felt like I was ready for volume two of John Lewis's story. The subject matter is very intense but oh so important to learn. I was very involved in the history and loved learning more about Lewis's personal experience during the Civil Rights Movements. Such great stories. Such great drawings.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Home for the Haunting by Juliet Blackwell

Title: Home for the Haunting (Haunted Home Renovation #4)

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Publisher: Obsidian 2013

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Pages: 312

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Spring Colors on Cover

San Francisco contractor Mel Turner is leading a volunteer home renovation project, and while she expects lots of questions from her inexperienced crew, she can’t help asking a few of her own—especially about the haunted house next door…the place local kids call the Murder House.

But when volunteers discover a body while cleaning out a shed, questions pile up faster than discarded lumber. Mel notices signs of ghostly activity next door and she wonders: Are the Murder House ghosts reaching out to her for help, or has the house claimed another victim?

Now, surprised to find herself as the SFPD’s unofficial “ghost consultant,” Mel must investigate murders both past and present before a spooky killer finishes another job.

Another great cozy mystery book from Juliet Blackwell. I really really enjoy this series so much. Mel and her various acquaintances are such great characters. This volume was another fun adventure for Mel and her growing ghost-busting business. I do wish the book had bit more ghost activity, but overall I still really enjoy this.

Haunted Home Renovation

#1 If Walls Could Talk
#2 Dead Bolt
#3 Murder on the House
#4 Home for the Haunting
#5 Keeper of the Castle
#5.5 A Haunting is Brewing
#6 Give Up the Ghost
#7 A Ghostly Light

Next up on the TBR pile: