Reviews

How to Date a Superhero (And Not Die Trying) by Cristina Fernandez

sebbyreads's review

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is such a love letter to the supers genre and as a lifelong superhero lover, I devoured it. It centers more on being a ordinary human on the outskirts of superhero life than it does on the actual supers aspect, so if you're looking for an action filled adventure book, this might not be for you. But as someone who would happily comb through hours and hours of content about all the little parts of life in a super world, this was perfect for me. 

The characters are all phenomenal too and it's so much fun to have college aged protagonists in a lighthearted book like this. I really wish publishing would give us more of it! Astrid was very relatable to all us anxious overachievers, David was such a fun, caring but realistic friend, and Max is just an absolute sweetheart. And the whole rest of the cast of characters are all fun and lovely in their own way as well. I could read far more in this universe and be happy as a clam. 

At times the plot was very predictable (though, c'mon, that's a staple of the genre) and while I didn't really need a ton of action, the end still felt a little too rushed, which is why I can't quite give it the full 5 stars, but I really did love this and am looking forward to seeing what else Cristina Fernandez does. 

chenoah97's review

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

ididsomereading's review

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

alicepaprikareader's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this! I think the whole idea was a lot of fun and I loved the characters.

toncheech's review

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jillian96's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

lyoungthebookfae's review

5.0

I loved this book.

I LOVED this book.

I have read my fair share of superhero stories, because I’m definitely a big fan of heroes and powers and having fun with it! But I LOVED this book because it wasn’t fully about the hero! Taking the world of the hero and showing it through the eyes of someone “normal” is one of my favorite things. And I’ve read quite a few of those books, as well!

Since heroes tend to come from comics or cartoons, a lot of the other books are more like romantic comedies, and really highlight the comedy part of that genre.

This was *so much more* than that, and I absolutely love that about it. The raw moments of Astrid and her anxiety; the serious moments of danger; the breathless moments of Astrid describing her feelings for Max… I could go ON AND ON, but that might end up too spoilery.

So yes, if you love heroes, if you love twists on the typical stories or genres of superhero worlds, then this book is absolutely for you.

dashiemouse's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

While I didn't love this book, I think the author is one to watch for the future.  My main gripe here is the pacing and repetition.  The first one half to two thirds of the book just established how busy and blindly goal-oriented Astrid is; the last section is where we actually get to see the world of superheroes and civilians in action.  The descriptions of young love are very touching, and the writing is always clear and engaging.  It was an enjoyable read, but not an outstanding one.  However, all the elements are there, and I think as Fernandez hones her craft, things will only get better!

emjayreads's review

I just kept doing everything else except pick up this book.

sparrowthebird's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0