3.61 AVERAGE

kittykatrain's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 9%

I've read it before and I actually love this book. But I'm choosing to focus on ones I haven't read
mysterious relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Fun YA book that covers the early years of a newly adult Bruce Wayne and before becoming the Batman. Fans of the character should enjoy, especially the mystery at the heart of the book. Biggest drawback is the unconvincing stances on cultural issues that Batman: Nightwalkers feels the need to comment on. Plays with ideas concerning vigilantism, police, drone usage, failings of U.S. healthcare system, gap between rich and poor, etc., and mostly fails to draw any clear conclusions, with some of the revelations actually working against Lu’s ideas. Being semi-pro “police should have drones” is an odd place to leave the novel. Very unconvincing approaches to these sensitive issues, especially in the context of Batman lore. Overall enjoyable for the target audience, with Lu doing a serviceable job crafting recognizable but unique depictions of Wayne and co. mixed with a solid storyline. Just wish it was more considerate of its more complex themes. 

This book was pleasantly surprise. I didn’t expect to find a Batman origin story compelling or unique, but this one managed to be both. I loved seeing a teen Bruce Wayne who behaves like a Robin without an experienced superhero to guide him. I also loved how the story is very critical of Bruce’s wealth and privilege, teaching him that if he really wants to help Gotham he’ll need to do more than drive a fast tech car or fight poor grunts.

My one criticism is the apparent “romance,” which had 0 chemistry—the other characters act like their romantic feelings are so obvious, even though they just acted, I don’t know, respectful towards each other? I didn’t hate the pairing, I just wish that attraction was shown rather than told.

I want to rate this higher. It was well written and I loved the plot and the characters but there wasn’t such a comic book presence and it didn’t join with the continuity of the DC Batman universe which was disappointing. Still: decent book.

The ending to this book had me turning the pages so fast!!

I'm loving these DC Icons series! Marie Lu's Batman installment is an interesting take on young Bruce Wayne, his friendships and his curiosity/sense of justice which will ultimately lead him to becoming the superhero we all know and love.

This book really captures the vibe of Gotham City and Arkham Asylum, but the main focus here is on Bruce Wayne as a person. I loved his friendship with Dianne and Harvey and father-figure relationship with Alfred and Lucius. And we get to see some fancy high-end Wayne Tech (i.e. the early days of the Batsuit and car), which was pretty cool.

The ending was action-packed and I sped through the pages wanting to know what would happen next.

This is a short, light read with high entertainment value. You might not learn anything new about Batman, but you'll have fun anyway :)

Boring. Just couldn't get into the story. Have the same issue with most of Mari Lu's books, they're written clinically, almost like they have no emotion behind them.

I know Bruce's face is on the cover but I'm still hoping for Alfred to be Batman.

Absolutely love this book and just love Marie Lu's writing SO MUCH

3.5