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lauritzc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
fishky's review
4.0
I would have loved this book as a teen! Amazing to see such a range of kickass Asian representation.
unperfectreads's review
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.0
turtleofhades's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
cindershelby's review
4.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
First I just want to say that despite what I say below, I DID enjoy this story and fully intend to pick up book two. Minor spoilers ahead.
So here's my dilemma, this book has everything going for it: super kickass asian american super heroines, snarky dialog, and a totally adorable love interest; yet, it some how misses the mark.
Perhaps it's the plot - it's flimsy at best and predictable more often than not. Everything was too convenient: Aveda gets hurt: lets have Evie pretend to be her WHAT CAN GO WRONG; Evie can't control her fire: fire suddenly starts to obey after YEARS of not because she finally lets it loose; sister is being a brat: sister is suddenly super helpful and joins the team; and (my personal favorite), Evie HATES Nate... you know what happens next.
Maybe it's the fact that I never really connected with the characters, especially Evie. The girl you meet at the beginning of the story is a completely different person from the girl at the end. Listen, I'm all for character development, but in a 350+ page book, it was WAY too fast. You don't go from being an emotionally stunted wallflower to an emotionally balanced, fully in control superhero over night. Granted, this does take about 4 weeks in the story, but it moves too quick to feel like that. This isn't a movie - take your time.
Finally, the author completely nails giving enough information that most people won't question, but not enough detail to actually explain what the fuck is driving the demons and this story along. I see you. To quote Evie, "I actually did that thing where you take your pointer and middle finger and point them directly at the other persons eyes and then back at your own."
That being said, Heroine Complex is a fun, quick read and I would recommend if you're looking for something more action packed than a contemporary and less detailed than a fantasy. I just hope that book two is plotted out a little better.
First I just want to say that despite what I say below, I DID enjoy this story and fully intend to pick up book two. Minor spoilers ahead.
So here's my dilemma, this book has everything going for it: super kickass asian american super heroines, snarky dialog, and a totally adorable love interest; yet, it some how misses the mark.
Perhaps it's the plot - it's flimsy at best and predictable more often than not. Everything was too convenient: Aveda gets hurt: lets have Evie pretend to be her WHAT CAN GO WRONG; Evie can't control her fire: fire suddenly starts to obey after YEARS of not because she finally lets it loose; sister is being a brat: sister is suddenly super helpful and joins the team; and (my personal favorite), Evie HATES Nate... you know what happens next.
Maybe it's the fact that I never really connected with the characters, especially Evie. The girl you meet at the beginning of the story is a completely different person from the girl at the end. Listen, I'm all for character development, but in a 350+ page book, it was WAY too fast. You don't go from being an emotionally stunted wallflower to an emotionally balanced, fully in control superhero over night. Granted, this does take about 4 weeks in the story, but it moves too quick to feel like that. This isn't a movie - take your time.
Finally, the author completely nails giving enough information that most people won't question, but not enough detail to actually explain what the fuck is driving the demons and this story along. I see you. To quote Evie, "I actually did that thing where you take your pointer and middle finger and point them directly at the other persons eyes and then back at your own."
That being said, Heroine Complex is a fun, quick read and I would recommend if you're looking for something more action packed than a contemporary and less detailed than a fantasy. I just hope that book two is plotted out a little better.
indecisivesailorscout's review
4.0
Once I got past the extremely annoying bits of the beginning, I ended up really enjoying this book. Definitely a few serious bumps in the road, but overall it was funny and heartwarming in all the right places.
tarmiriel's review
5.0
Awesome writing and great characters! The pacing was perfect and there was a lovely balance of humor and seriousness. World building was also pretty good, and I think there's a lot of potential for the series to expand and grow. Great addition to my urban fantasy collection, and I immediately bought a copy!