Locke & Key

The other day I received an email from the local public library announcing some of the new titles in their collection. As I was reading through the list, one of the titles caught my eye - Locke & Key: Alpha & Omega by Joe Hill. In the back of my head, I knew the author's name, but I couldn't recall any other titles. Since I could not remember how I knew this author's name, I Googled him, of course. Then it hit me. I knew the name because I read an article about him and his family last summer from The New York Times. Joe Hill is the son of Stephen and Tabitha King. If you are a fan of King's it is a must read article.

When I began to read the recommendation post, I realized, not only was this a book in a series, but it was the last book in a series. Which, if you read my last post, you will remember I like to begin reading a series once it has ended so I don't have to wait for the next book. I love anticipation (that is why Thursday is my favorite day of the week - it is all about the anticipation of Friday), but I don't want to wait too long, especially for an author to finish writing an entire book!

Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft
by Joe Hill
illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez

Any way, once I finished reading the email, I went immediately to the online catalog and placed the books on hold - yes all six volumes. I was able to get Volumes 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6 almost immediately. As soon as I got home I started reading the first book Welcome to Lovecraft. Not long after I started reading, I had to leave. So like I always do, I carried the book with me. Once I arrived at my destination, I had some free time, so I continued to read. I got through half of the book before it was actually time for me to get to my appointment. It took a great deal of self control to wait until I got home that evening to finish the book. As soon as I got home though, I sat down and finished it.

Wow! What a great story. I was hooked from the very beginning, even though it was a little difficult for me to follow at first. You see, this is not just any book. This is a graphic novel, which makes it even better, in my opinion because you have the illustrator's images to carry you through the story. Gabriel Rodriguez does a fantastic job of creating a haunting scene that perfectly encompasses Hill's dialogue.

I have read a few graphic novels over the years. I can't say they are my favorite. I was not a big comic book reader as a child. I will, however, say I was grabbed by the action immediately and did not want to put the book down. Now my biggest problem is the second book is still on hold. So, NOW I have to WAIT for the next book. It is driving me crazy!!! I hope it comes in soon. I must find out what happens to the Locke family.

UPDATE...

I finally got the text (and email) from the public library letting me know Volume 2 was ready for me to pick up. I couldn't get to the library quick enough. I spent the weekend with the Locke family and their twisted key adventures. Wow, what a trip. Like I said before the story grabbed me from the start and would not let me go. I was (an remain) fascinated by the variety of magical keys found by the Locke children (Giant key, Head key, Omega key, Shadow key, Mending key, just to name a few). I love the imagination Mr. Hill used in creating each of the keys and the wonderful background story of the keys which is first revealed in Volume 5 - Clockwork. I don't want to give any of the story line away because it is just so wonderful.

If you like Stephen King, you will LOVE his son. The mystery, plot twists, gore, and humor are combined to make a great series. I have to say I was very sad to see the series end. I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel series and look forward to reading more from the Hill & Rodriguez team.