Book Review: Hero Academy (Just Cause Universe - Book 13)
Hero Academy (Just Cause Universe - Book 13)
By Adrienne Dellwo
4 stars
Category: Teen.
Note: I obtained a free copy via the author’s newsletter.
Summary: After growing a set of dragonfly wings, Chloe Wyld enrolls at Hero Academy. She meets a bunch of other young people with superpowers, including up-and-coming hero Zayden Lord, already known for saving people in several major accidents.
Comments: Even though this is listed as being Book 13 in the Just Cause Universe, this can be read as a standalone, though the faculty of Hero Academy has starred in other Just Cause books. This was first and foremost a high school drama, reminiscent of all the indie paranormal academy dramas currently on the market, with the superhero bits strictly secondary, so there was a lot of focus on Chloe discovering dating, getting to know her roommate, tangling with another student, and learning when to seek the help of teachers. There wasn’t much imagination put into the classes, which seemed rather standard: there was a philosophy class, a history class, and gym (for a superhero school, I expect amazing classes). The age of the kids was Percy Jackson demographic, so think early teens. This story did have fun introducing the reader to a host of characters with varied powers, with everyone being unique in their powers (it felt weird that no one had the same powers), including the fliers who all had different types of wings even. I loved that this book starred a girl just coming into her powers and didn’t try to sexualize her or reduce her to being the only token girl in an all-boys club. This book makes a point of being diverse (which it really wasn’t. I mean, there were characters with Spanish names and one with an Asian name, and some with darker-colored skin, but beyond that, there were no cultural details brought in) and topic conscious, which felt very forced at times, specifically the sexual harassment parts felt very lectured and pointed, rather than just touching on it organically, though it was interesting how it spotlighted the idea of a disabled superhero. It was nice seeing everyone work together as a team and get to know each other, but for my tastes it was too high school drama and I was hoping for a slightly older demographic.
By Adrienne Dellwo
4 stars
Category: Teen.
Note: I obtained a free copy via the author’s newsletter.
Summary: After growing a set of dragonfly wings, Chloe Wyld enrolls at Hero Academy. She meets a bunch of other young people with superpowers, including up-and-coming hero Zayden Lord, already known for saving people in several major accidents.
Comments: Even though this is listed as being Book 13 in the Just Cause Universe, this can be read as a standalone, though the faculty of Hero Academy has starred in other Just Cause books. This was first and foremost a high school drama, reminiscent of all the indie paranormal academy dramas currently on the market, with the superhero bits strictly secondary, so there was a lot of focus on Chloe discovering dating, getting to know her roommate, tangling with another student, and learning when to seek the help of teachers. There wasn’t much imagination put into the classes, which seemed rather standard: there was a philosophy class, a history class, and gym (for a superhero school, I expect amazing classes). The age of the kids was Percy Jackson demographic, so think early teens. This story did have fun introducing the reader to a host of characters with varied powers, with everyone being unique in their powers (it felt weird that no one had the same powers), including the fliers who all had different types of wings even. I loved that this book starred a girl just coming into her powers and didn’t try to sexualize her or reduce her to being the only token girl in an all-boys club. This book makes a point of being diverse (which it really wasn’t. I mean, there were characters with Spanish names and one with an Asian name, and some with darker-colored skin, but beyond that, there were no cultural details brought in) and topic conscious, which felt very forced at times, specifically the sexual harassment parts felt very lectured and pointed, rather than just touching on it organically, though it was interesting how it spotlighted the idea of a disabled superhero. It was nice seeing everyone work together as a team and get to know each other, but for my tastes it was too high school drama and I was hoping for a slightly older demographic.