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renpuspita's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
Part of Heroine Complex series binge reading.
Heroine Worship is book #2 in a series about Asian superheroine, Aveda Jupiter, her personal assistant turn superheroine, Evie Tanaka and people around them. The story continued from book #1, Heroine Complex so this book must be read after you finish book #1. If Heroine Complex is about Evie finally embrace her power and become a superheroine of her own right, then Heroine Worship told from Aveda or Annie Chang's 1st PoV. Basically, this book is a redemption story of sort for Aveda, from a superheroine with diva attitude, hog spotlight for herself, less than stellar best friend to Evie, to become a new version of herself. Understanding, supporting and well, become less diva. But, of course change didn't happen overnight.
Kuhn did a good job to write Aveda story from Aveda's first PoV so I know that Aveda is genuine about her change. It's just people around her constantly doubting her because they already know her tantrums and bossy signature. Aveda is still bossy, still bludgeon through problems like she is the only problem solver here, but she also try to amend her method. She want to ensure that Evie get her a best wedding ceremony ever, yet her old method were ugly and it's always end up in disaster because people assume that she didn't want to share the spotlight with Evie. I like that Kuhn also didn't shy away from showing that Aveda and Evie's friendship were toxic but she also write that it can be mended although not instantly. The key is communication, and when Aveda and Annie finally being true to each other, I'm green with envy reading their friendship. Not everyone got a dynamic like that, not like Aveda and Evie.
Heroine Worship is more emotional compared to Heroine Complex. Aveda or Annie Chang is basically a mess. Though her childhood is basically one of Asian Childhood trope with parents that constantly compared Aveda to her cousin and disapproved of her choice to become superheroine. No wonder Aveda try so hard to squeeze her Annie Chang persona and embrace her more badass Aveda avatar because Annie Chang remind her of her weakness. Again, the way Kuhn address this issue is wonderful and the scene when Aveda finally have heart to heart talk with her mother is one of the spotlight. Just like with Evie, sometimes what Aveda need is to talk and be true to herself.
The romance itself was well written. Although I still prefer Evie and Nate, I think the trope of childhood friend to lover between Aveda and Scott also well executed. And the problem is also the same for Aveda regarding Scott feeling to her. Too many assumption and yes, lack of communication. If Evie known for her people pleaser and want to avoid conflict at any cost, then Aveda try to act with bravado because she want to hide her hurt feelings. Especially when she knew Scott and Evie have a history of sort and she have this ugly thought that she always become a second choice to Scott while the truth was otherwise. Maybe we Asians are, indeed, best in repressed our feeling and I think it's not good for our mental health.
While the story is more to drama, the action is still there. The demon make its comeback by affecting the brides to be, turn them into Bridezilla. The stake while is not on world ending level, still high since Aveda insist to give Evie the wedding of the century and become the best maid of honor ever while people around her become skeptical. For me, this book is well written compared to book 2 and I'm glad that Aveda amend her err way and embrace her Annie Chang personal. I recommend to start with Heroine Complex, when the story begin and prepare to read an action packed urban fantasy with hearts and found family trope.
Heroine Worship is book #2 in a series about Asian superheroine, Aveda Jupiter, her personal assistant turn superheroine, Evie Tanaka and people around them. The story continued from book #1, Heroine Complex so this book must be read after you finish book #1. If Heroine Complex is about Evie finally embrace her power and become a superheroine of her own right, then Heroine Worship told from Aveda or Annie Chang's 1st PoV. Basically, this book is a redemption story of sort for Aveda, from a superheroine with diva attitude, hog spotlight for herself, less than stellar best friend to Evie, to become a new version of herself. Understanding, supporting and well, become less diva. But, of course change didn't happen overnight.
Kuhn did a good job to write Aveda story from Aveda's first PoV so I know that Aveda is genuine about her change. It's just people around her constantly doubting her because they already know her tantrums and bossy signature. Aveda is still bossy, still bludgeon through problems like she is the only problem solver here, but she also try to amend her method. She want to ensure that Evie get her a best wedding ceremony ever, yet her old method were ugly and it's always end up in disaster because people assume that she didn't want to share the spotlight with Evie. I like that Kuhn also didn't shy away from showing that Aveda and Evie's friendship were toxic but she also write that it can be mended although not instantly. The key is communication, and when Aveda and Annie finally being true to each other, I'm green with envy reading their friendship. Not everyone got a dynamic like that, not like Aveda and Evie.
Heroine Worship is more emotional compared to Heroine Complex. Aveda or Annie Chang is basically a mess. Though her childhood is basically one of Asian Childhood trope with parents that constantly compared Aveda to her cousin and disapproved of her choice to become superheroine. No wonder Aveda try so hard to squeeze her Annie Chang persona and embrace her more badass Aveda avatar because Annie Chang remind her of her weakness. Again, the way Kuhn address this issue is wonderful and the scene when Aveda finally have heart to heart talk with her mother is one of the spotlight. Just like with Evie, sometimes what Aveda need is to talk and be true to herself.
The romance itself was well written. Although I still prefer Evie and Nate, I think the trope of childhood friend to lover between Aveda and Scott also well executed. And the problem is also the same for Aveda regarding Scott feeling to her. Too many assumption and yes, lack of communication. If Evie known for her people pleaser and want to avoid conflict at any cost, then Aveda try to act with bravado because she want to hide her hurt feelings. Especially when she knew Scott and Evie have a history of sort and she have this ugly thought that she always become a second choice to Scott while the truth was otherwise. Maybe we Asians are, indeed, best in repressed our feeling and I think it's not good for our mental health.
While the story is more to drama, the action is still there. The demon make its comeback by affecting the brides to be, turn them into Bridezilla. The stake while is not on world ending level, still high since Aveda insist to give Evie the wedding of the century and become the best maid of honor ever while people around her become skeptical. For me, this book is well written compared to book 2 and I'm glad that Aveda amend her err way and embrace her Annie Chang personal. I recommend to start with Heroine Complex, when the story begin and prepare to read an action packed urban fantasy with hearts and found family trope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Sexual content and Body shaming
Minor: Kidnapping
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