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pointofvin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.25
dynamogk's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mischievous_monkey's review against another edition
4.0
This is not a comic book/graphic novel. I don't know why I thought it was but that is what kept me from reading it sooner. It is also a heavier read than I expected but it was all the better for that.
I like that the main characters were unlikable to me at first and that Lee Winter slowly peeled back the layers on them until she exposed the likeable bits underneath.
I like that the main characters were unlikable to me at first and that Lee Winter slowly peeled back the layers on them until she exposed the likeable bits underneath.
joannchristine's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
readalert's review against another edition
2.5
Like 90% of it is good, but the villian being framed as hysterical and clinging to a nonexistent past full of fear when he is a refugee who was immediately attacked upon seeking asylum reeks of a white author. His actions are unjustifiable of course, but framing his fears as unreasonable is ridiculous
lezreadalot's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. I won't put too fine a point on it, but the end of this book kinda felt like a slap to the face. I didn't like it. If I had read reviews before starting this, I'd have been prepared for that, but I didn't, so I wasn't prepared. I never read the entirety of blurbs (since most blurbs give away too much) but even if I had read this one, I'd have still thought that this was a romance with an HEA. Because I really loved our two main characters together. Mileages vary, I guess, as I've read reviews from people who saw it coming/didn't think Lena and Nyah had chemistry, but I loved them together. Especially since they were both butch/andro. We don't get a lot of butch/butch f/f romance and I was soooooo happy about that. So the ending tripped me up so bad. I was making food while listening to the last part and my egg ended up getting a little burned because I was just stood there in my kitchen staring into space like 'huh???'
The rest of the book was fine. I liked the world-building around the Guardians; that type of alternate history stuff is really interesting to me. I was never super convinced of how the cover up could last for so long, but I guess I get it. The commentary on race wasn't particularly refined but I guess I appreciated it. I liked Lena a lot, particularly her educational background; I just love having characters with issues like that. (I'm not sure if it was dyslexia or a learning disability, but I appreciate the inclusion.) I adored Nyah, everything about her physical description and powers and background. And I honestly might have adored her more if this was only Lena's POV. I know I've said it before, but I feel like single POV romance can be so special when it thoroughly shows you one character through another's eyes. This is the second book I've read by Winters where she abruptly introduced a second POV after the halfway point and I really really did not like that. I'm picky! I know! The writing was fine; I've definitely read better from Winter. And again, there were some pet peeves of mine that just kept popping up.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden; great as always. I guess the book itself was fine, but for me, it was a huge let-down. RIP to my romantic expectations and also to my sandwich.
(I still ate it tho.)
The rest of the book was fine. I liked the world-building around the Guardians; that type of alternate history stuff is really interesting to me. I was never super convinced of how the cover up could last for so long, but I guess I get it. The commentary on race wasn't particularly refined but I guess I appreciated it. I liked Lena a lot, particularly her educational background; I just love having characters with issues like that. (I'm not sure if it was dyslexia or a learning disability, but I appreciate the inclusion.) I adored Nyah, everything about her physical description and powers and background. And I honestly might have adored her more if this was only Lena's POV. I know I've said it before, but I feel like single POV romance can be so special when it thoroughly shows you one character through another's eyes. This is the second book I've read by Winters where she abruptly introduced a second POV after the halfway point and I really really did not like that. I'm picky! I know! The writing was fine; I've definitely read better from Winter. And again, there were some pet peeves of mine that just kept popping up.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden; great as always. I guess the book itself was fine, but for me, it was a huge let-down. RIP to my romantic expectations and also to my sandwich.
(I still ate it tho.)
aliu6's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Over a century ago, when aliens first arrived on Earth seeking refuge after the destruction of their home planet, they became humankind's protectors and so-called Guardians. The only problem is, some Guardians have gotten tired of the superhero lifestyle and have gone off the grid. Lena Martin is a tracker who brings in these rogue Guardians, and she's one of the best. Her perfect record might be in jeopardy when she's assigned to track down Shattergirl, Earth's only black and out-lesbian superhero. The initial head-butting between the two women turns into grudging respect, with a chance for more...
cw: sexual assault of a child (side character, briefly mentioned), suicide (side characters, briefly mentioned), discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia; briefly mentioned), abusive work practices (re: Guardians), forced medication (of depressed Guardians)
As usual, Lee Winter does not disappoint. This is a smart, engaging read with deeper themes behind the romance.
The Characters: Both characters have painful pasts that have made them closed off, so it was really interesting to watch them slowly open up to each other and to finally find out the whole story. Lena and Nyah (Shattergirl) are likable characters with great chemistry and verbal sparring. Since much of the story involves Lena and Nyah sheltering in an isolated cave, side characters don't play a big role.
The Romance: The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites. Lena and Nyah complement each other well, not just in a romantic sense, but as people. They hold their own against each other, despite each being elite in her field. However, if you dislike open endings...
The Plot: Trust Lee Winter to include very real issues in a lesfic. This is one of her darker, more depressing ones, where we get a look at the ugliness of the human race. (There's a reason Shattergirl gives up on rescuing people.) Did this book make me go, wow, we suck as humans? Yes. But it also left me with some hope, or at least a desire to not fall into the same pattern.
The Writing: Flawless, as always. Not sure if former journalists make better writers, or if it's just Lee Winter, but yes, so good.
All in all, this was a great, entertaining read. It wasn't quite what I was looking for... (quarantine has me yearning for fuzzier romances), but I would definitely recommend it, especially if you want a realistic take on the world today, or a reminder that no one is beyond saving.
Over a century ago, when aliens first arrived on Earth seeking refuge after the destruction of their home planet, they became humankind's protectors and so-called Guardians. The only problem is, some Guardians have gotten tired of the superhero lifestyle and have gone off the grid. Lena Martin is a tracker who brings in these rogue Guardians, and she's one of the best. Her perfect record might be in jeopardy when she's assigned to track down Shattergirl, Earth's only black and out-lesbian superhero. The initial head-butting between the two women turns into grudging respect, with a chance for more...
cw: sexual assault of a child (side character, briefly mentioned), suicide (side characters, briefly mentioned), discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia; briefly mentioned), abusive work practices (re: Guardians), forced medication (of depressed Guardians)
As usual, Lee Winter does not disappoint. This is a smart, engaging read with deeper themes behind the romance.
The Characters: Both characters have painful pasts that have made them closed off, so it was really interesting to watch them slowly open up to each other and to finally find out the whole story. Lena and Nyah (Shattergirl) are likable characters with great chemistry and verbal sparring. Since much of the story involves Lena and Nyah sheltering in an isolated cave, side characters don't play a big role.
The Romance: The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites. Lena and Nyah complement each other well, not just in a romantic sense, but as people. They hold their own against each other, despite each being elite in her field. However, if you dislike open endings...
Spoiler
There is no HEA for Lena and Nyah. They do end up having sex, but then they both agree that they're too different for a relationship to work out. They've changed each other as people, and for the better, and they still maintain a friendship, but the end of the book implies that they're both ready to begin relationships with other people.The Plot: Trust Lee Winter to include very real issues in a lesfic. This is one of her darker, more depressing ones, where we get a look at the ugliness of the human race. (There's a reason Shattergirl gives up on rescuing people.) Did this book make me go, wow, we suck as humans? Yes. But it also left me with some hope, or at least a desire to not fall into the same pattern.
The Writing: Flawless, as always. Not sure if former journalists make better writers, or if it's just Lee Winter, but yes, so good.
All in all, this was a great, entertaining read. It wasn't quite what I was looking for... (quarantine has me yearning for fuzzier romances), but I would definitely recommend it, especially if you want a realistic take on the world today, or a reminder that no one is beyond saving.
laconni4's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
3.75
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
The superhero genre anything isn't quite something I love reading nor watching. Enjoyed them as kids but along the way lost the spark for superheros even though some of them will always have spot in my heart. This one sounded very interesting and I decided to give it ago and I was so surprised in how much I actually enjoyed this one. The lesbian romance in this just made it excellent and the storyline was equally as good
misthios_pat's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed the read, the self development of MC was remarkable and seeing them sparring was rather amusing.
The end though, left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I get it, makes sense, but it didn't feel quite right, ya know. Hope one day Lee goes back and gives us an "after whatever happened here", whichever way she decides to take it.
I didn't hate Lena, but I didn't like her either for about 40% of the story, for someone as hardened by life as her she was pure contradiction and obtuseness over some subjects. I'm glad the veil was lifted for her. I think she's more like the anti-hero person that if you ever get to like it'll be with a grain of salt(hope I used this one correctly).
Shattergirl made me think about all the cute anime girls who say N**h hahaha. Now seriously, I think she was nice and I liked her but I missed following her POV. I'd love to get to see her mind, get to know her in a proper way, with 99,9% of it being Lena's, and them not interacting for some part of it, it was almost impossible to actually know the hero.
I recommend this one and rn I think it's still available through Kindle Unlimited, but if you're a hopeless romantic be aware that it's not a sad story, nor quite a HEA or HFN kind of story you might be seeking.
The end though, left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. I get it, makes sense, but it didn't feel quite right, ya know. Hope one day Lee goes back and gives us an "after whatever happened here", whichever way she decides to take it.
I didn't hate Lena, but I didn't like her either for about 40% of the story, for someone as hardened by life as her she was pure contradiction and obtuseness over some subjects. I'm glad the veil was lifted for her. I think she's more like the anti-hero person that if you ever get to like it'll be with a grain of salt(hope I used this one correctly).
Shattergirl made me think about all the cute anime girls who say N**h hahaha. Now seriously, I think she was nice and I liked her but I missed following her POV. I'd love to get to see her mind, get to know her in a proper way, with 99,9% of it being Lena's, and them not interacting for some part of it, it was almost impossible to actually know the hero.
I recommend this one and rn I think it's still available through Kindle Unlimited, but if you're a hopeless romantic be aware that it's not a sad story, nor quite a HEA or HFN kind of story you might be seeking.