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UnCovered review by Filomena Scotto DiVetta, ACLS Galloway Branch

I listened to “The Lager Queen of Minnesota” by J. Ryan Stradal on the Libby app that the library provides. It was fun listening to it on my way to and from work. I was so intrigued by the story that I also listened to it around my house!

This book is about two sisters, Edith and Helen, who are raised on a farm in Minnesota. As the years go by they grow apart - each one with their own differences and struggles. Helen is more rigid than her sister Edith, who is always taking care of people in her life. Helen inherits the farm with a plan to make her dream come true of owning a successful brewery. This puts a strain between the sisters who go years without talking. Diana, Edith’s granddaughter, ends up living with her grandmother and develops the same interest for running a brewery as her great-aunt Helen.

This book will make you laugh and cry. You will enjoy getting to read or listen to the characters as they go through life. The author does an amazing job of making the characters unique and different from each other.

UnCovered Review by Collette Jones, Branch Manager, ACLS Egg Harbor City Branch

Helen Phillips' HUM is a gripping near-future dystopia that explores the complexities of technology, family, and the human condition. Set in a world overrun by intelligent robots called "hums," the novel delves into the consequences of unchecked technological advancement and its impact on society. The story follows May, a mother struggling to maintain a semblance of normality in a rapidly changing world. As AI encroaches on human jobs, May finds herself unemployed and desperate to provide for her family, which leads her to participate in a radical experiment that could alter her life forever. Phillips' writing is both lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a society teetering on the brink of collapse. The novel's themes of identity, surveillance, and the blurring lines between human and machine are explored with depth and nuance.

While HUM is a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of technology, it also offers a glimmer of hope. The novel's characters are complex and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs all the more poignant. If you enjoy dystopian fiction that challenges your thinking and offers a compelling commentary on the human condition, HUM is highly recommended.

unCovered review by Elizabeth Sausto, ACLS Galloway Branch

Rebecca Yarros’ FOURTH WING was unlike any novel I had ever read before. Taking place in the kingdom of Navarre at the brutal Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail, a frail and bookish young woman, has always wanted to be a scribe like her late father. But Violet’s mother, a tough and callous general, is forcing her to train to become a dragon rider. Knowing that death awaits if she doesn’t keep her wits about her, Violet must not only be wary of ferocious dragons but of other cadets who will take their hatred for her mother out on her- like Xaden Riorson, whose father was executed for taking part in a rebellion years earlier. 

FOURTH WING was a very interesting read. Besides the violence, there were several explicit sequences that involved intense sexual situations. However, these scenes were not simply for shock value. If anything, they strengthened the plot. Whenever the story moved in a truly mature direction, I found that I hungered for the excitement and drama. 

I also liked how diverse the characters were. They were of different skin colors and sexual orientations. One of the supporting characters was deaf and several of her acquaintances knew sign language in order to communicate properly with her. These different character designs also bolstered the plot. Honestly, I hardly ever encountered such a varied cast in the plethora of books I had already read.

unCovered Review by Emily Monte, ACLS Absecon Branch

Why can't a woman be a hero as well?

UnCovered Review by Collette Jones, ACLS Egg Harbor City Branch

Omar Epps and Clarence A. Haynes' NUBIA: THE RECKONING picks up directly from the pulse-pounding cliffhanger of THE AWAKENING, thrusting Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho into a dystopian New York City where their newfound Nubian powers become the target of a ruthless government. While the sequel doubles down on action and world-building, it stumbles slightly in character development and narrative coherence. The world-building flourishes in this sequel. We delve deeper into the lost history and forgotten magic of Nubia, uncovering secrets that heighten the intrigue. The futuristic dystopia of Tri-State East feels fleshed out, showcasing both its oppressive nature and pockets of resistance. However, some readers might find the world-building elements occasionally overshadowing the character development.

The story explodes with conflicts. Uzochi, hailed as the "Nubian Catalyst," faces not only the power-hungry Sky King but also his own conflicted cousin, Lencho, now a pawn in the government's game. The introduction of an ancient, malevolent force adds another layer of danger, but its connection to the overall narrative feels somewhat forced. The characters grapple with internal conflicts and external pressures. Uzochi struggles with the weight of leadership and the burden of his abilities. Zuberi's loyalty is tested, and Lencho's descent into darkness is explored, albeit not always with the nuance it deserves. The supporting characters, particularly Sandra, offer complexity and depth, enriching the narrative tapestry.

Epps and Haynes deliver action-packed sequences that are sure to keep readers engaged. The final battle is epic in scope, showcasing the full potential of the Nubian powers. The action sequences are undoubtedly thrilling, showcasing the characters' evolving abilities in creative and cinematic ways. Zuberi's command over water and Uzochi's manipulation of energy are particularly well-explored, leading to some truly epic battles. However, the relentless pace leaves little room for character introspection, hindering their emotional growth. Lencho's descent into villainy feels rushed, and Zuberi remains somewhat stagnant, despite her pivotal role.

The world-building shines, expanding on the rich tapestry of Nubian history and culture. We delve deeper into the island's tragic fall and the struggles of its diaspora, adding weight to the characters' motivations. The depiction of a climate-ravaged New York is both bleak and hauntingly beautiful, creating a captivating backdrop for the unfolding drama. Epps and Haynes' writing is clear and engaging, but occasionally falls into exposition dumps, especially when introducing new characters or plot points. The dialogue, however, is sharp and witty, capturing the distinct personalities of the characters, particularly Lencho's humor.

UnCovered Review by Debbie Brahmi, ACLS Pleasantville Branch

Do not judge this book by its cover! Kimi Cunningham Grant’s THESE SILENT WOODS is not your run-of-the-mill psychological thriller. This is a tale of a father’s love for his daughter that will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lump in your throat. 

In this very emotional story Cooper and his young daughter Finch have been living under the radar in an isolated cabin in the woods with no electricity for the past eight years, ever since she was just a baby, but Finch is starting to ask too many questions that Cooper is not willing to answer. No one knows where they are, except for Scotland, a mysterious neighbor, and Jake, a trusted friend who delivers food and supplies to the cabin once a year.

When Jake fails to show up as planned, Cooper must venture outside his comfort zone and drive to the nearest Walmart (with Finch hiding under a blanket) and purchase what they will need to survive for another year. A close encounter with a police officer leaves Cooper a bit shaken, but things really start to fall apart when a stranger is spotted wandering around near the cabin, a young woman, and Finch becomes obsessed with meeting her. 

Cooper is not ready to leave the cabin and risk losing his daughter, maybe forever, but Finch, unaware of Cooper’s past sins, is giving him no choice.

Marylue Wigglesworth Biography                                    Marylue Wigglesworth Wiki

A New Jersey woman accused of killing her husband on Christmas Day has been arrested in connection with his death, authorities said.

UnCovered review by Matt DiBella, ACLS Director