Reviewed by Leigha on
I learned an important lesson reading this book. While I enjoy watching superheroes on film, I don't necessarily enjoy reading about them. I find the genre boring. However, I actually really did enjoy this novel despite my feelings for the genre. It's a character-driven story full of action, adventure, and heart.
Danny Tozer is a likeable heroine learning to control the powers she inherits from Superman Dreadnaught. The secondary characters all play an important role in either aiding or hindering Danny's transition into a superhero. Subsequently, these characters also provide support or opposition to her transformation as a female. The book explores the myriad attitudes and prejudices transgender people must experience after their transition - love, fear, revolution, acceptance, etc. It does verge toward melodramatic angst, but then again it's about a fifteen year old transgender superhero. Par the course, if you will.
I loved the world-building. The history and lore of Danny's world is realistically developed. The author naturally explains everything through Danny's perspective without overwhelming the reader with backstory.
The book did not feature any romance. Danny spends the book deciding upon her identity, both as a person and as a superhero. However, I could see future novels exploring romance (hopefully between her and a certain cowgirl hero).
tl;dr A quick, fun read full of memorable characters and excellent world-building.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 21 March, 2017: Finished reading
- 21 March, 2017: Reviewed