Locke & Key Volume 3: Crown of Shadows/ Joe Hill

Locke & Key Volume 3: Crown of Shadows graphic literature, adult content, graphic violence, horror, compelling storyline, supernatural 152 pages

Before I begin reviewing this title, I feel that I must address something that both my mom and co-workers brought up in critique of my last post concerning this series. When I said that I managed to read the whole book during a shift at work, this DID NOT MEAN THAT I WAS NOT WORKING. I should have more accurately stated that when I finished a book at work, this was during my breaks during an eight hour shift. I apologize to any and all staff members/ parents who raised me better than that who read my post and assumed I was giving it anything less than 100% during work hours...That being said, this next volume was one that was certainly on my mind, even when I was working.

The story of the Locke family and the mysterious supernatural circumstances surrounding their past and their mysterious estate, the Keyhouse. In the third installment of this gripping tale, we weren't introduced to as many connections between characters as we had in the past two volumes, but this doesn't mean there wasn't a fair share of awesome story. We were introduced to some new characters who befriended rebellious middle-child Kinsey, who were especially humorous.

In terms of new supernatural keys that were introduced in this volume, I would have to say this may have been the most disappointing aspect. One key had the ability to control shadows, but such a wide use made it seem pretty uninteresting, and I kind of hope it doesn't come into use again. The other key appearing in this volume, the giant key, made for one interesting fight, but also a key that I hope doesn't resurface too often.

Perhaps the most awesome part about volume 3 was the resurfacing of psychotic murderer Sam Lesser. Although Lesser was "killed" in the first volume, he has resurfaced as a ghost (who has taken on a cool green color, if I may add) who is actually now aligning himself against Luke/Zach/Dodge/Woman from the Wellhouse. I'm having trouble naming this major villain of the series, but from what I've read online, i'm not alone. That being said, I definitely hope the 4th volume will come out sooner rather than later, but that may just be me being optimistic.