Natalie Recommends Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising

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Beyond the edge of the galaxy lies the Unknown Regions: chaotic, uncharted, and near impassable, with hidden secrets and dangers in equal measure. And nestled within its swirling chaos is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the nine ruling families that lead them. The peace of the Ascendancy, a beacon of calm and stability, is shattered after a daring attack on the Chiss capital that leaves no trace of the enemy. Baffled, the Ascendancy dispatches Thrawn, one of its brightest young military officers, to root out the unseen assailants.

I'm making an effort to read through the  Zahn's Thrawn books. And since I haven't read much of the newer books, I thought I would read this new release.  I really enjoyed this.  It intersects with Clone Wars briefly and we get to see the Chiss society expanded on since Thrawn has been reintroduced to the canon (when Disney bought Star Wars pretty much all of the novels and games before the merge were designated as "Legends" and no longer canon).  I liked how it was divided into two parts, memories and the present time of the novels.  And while Thrawn's character is explored through characters who interacted with him rather than the character himself, it was still a neat read.  

This can be found in our Adult Science Fiction section, but Teens could also read this.

Jamie recommends The Midnight Library

 

It's the time of year when It's a Wonderful Life is somewhere on television. This novel is the book equivalent of the movie classic. Nora Seed lives a life of regret. Of things she has done and things she has not done. In a fit of despair, she makes a choice that leaves her between life and death; enter The Midnight Library. In the Midnight Library you can examine your life and see what life would be like if you had chosen differently. Once you find complete happiness, you stay in the life you have chosen, slowly forgetting that it wasn't quite the life you lead to begin with. Nora pops in and out of lives, trying on different versions of herself.

This novel was interesting and a very quick read. I was able to read it in an afternoon because it was engaging and interesting. Recommended for adults with the warning that suicide is a plot point.

Meghan recommends "Cobra Kai"

 

Looking for a new show to binge?

Cobra Kai is a reboot of “The Karate Kid” that flips the classic ‘80s movie on its head. The show springs viewers forward 25 years to find Johnny as a washed-up, alcoholic handyman and Danny as a successful car dealership owner. Though they haven’t seen each other in years, their rivalry is rekindled when Johnny opens a new Cobra Kai dojo. However, this time Johnny is the underdog, teaching a rag tag bunch of kids who get bullied at school, while Daniel has all the advantages of money and success.

Johnny is pretty rough around the edges, and his teaching style is aggressive and even offensive. But slowly, he discovers his own heart of gold while trying to get his life on track and repair his relationships. This might make the show sound serious but overall it’s quite funny, gently making fun of the tropes it embraces, and all the over-the-top qualities of teen drama.

The actual actors reprise their roles from the 80s, and footage from the movie is woven in making for silly, funny, nostalgic entertainment.

There is language that parents might find objectionable, as well as some mature situations and of course, lots of fighting to resolve problems, so I’d recommend this show for teens and adults.