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julieabe89'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
5.0
This was a phenomenal sequel. It developed Annie so well. I liked her a lot more in this book because it showed how insecure she really felt all the time and that spoke to me so deeply.
heyjanice's review against another edition
4.0
I love Annie SO much. Honestly, this book was a little cathartic because I related with her so deeply - all the insecurities and fears that are instilled in you when growing up in a household that is subconsciously seeped in Confucian ideologies.
I think it really grapples with the conflict Asian Americans (and children of immigrants in general, I think) can have between the desire to be a good, filial child and the modern idea of pursuing your own happiness. Which is a theme I'm seeing more often in American media and stories, but it's the first time I'm seeing it in a sci-fi/fantasy romance about Asian-American superheroines; and I didn't realize it would make me so emotional to see an experience I relate with so deeply in a genre I love so much.
But I'm still so bored by weddings, I'm sorry. Even if it involves supernatural Bridezillas.
I think it really grapples with the conflict Asian Americans (and children of immigrants in general, I think) can have between the desire to be a good, filial child and the modern idea of pursuing your own happiness. Which is a theme I'm seeing more often in American media and stories, but it's the first time I'm seeing it in a sci-fi/fantasy romance about Asian-American superheroines; and I didn't realize it would make me so emotional to see an experience I relate with so deeply in a genre I love so much.
"Watching you was like watching one of those movies with all the men in tight outfits saving the world from explosions.
But I'm still so bored by weddings, I'm sorry. Even if it involves supernatural Bridezillas.
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
5.0
I think I put off reading this book for so long (over a year!) because I loved the first book in the series so much, I thought there was no way the next book could measure up. Well, I shouldn’t have denied myself the pleasure, because Heroine Worship is every bit as swoonworthy as its predecessor. I love that this book focuses on Annie, better known as Aveda Jupiter, San Francisco’s premier superheroine, who we know from the first book as something of a narcissistic steamroller. Surprise--once you get inside her head, she’s actually a complex character with insecurities and issues of her own. I related super hard to Annie’s perfectionism and appreciated that while she makes progress and grows as a person, it’s in a halting way that feels realistic. Just like the first book, there’s a strong thread of romance here, but Kuhn makes sure to give equal weight to the female friendships. Even if you don’t think you like superhero stories, if you like women kicking ass and supporting each other against evil incursions from the spirit realm, this series will be your slice of cake.
bookworm5732'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
3.5
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
ceskykure's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
3.0
CAWPILE SCORE
C-6
A-5
W-5
P-6
I-6
L-5
E-5
TOTAL-5.57/10
This is a good sequel to the first book. Parts of it just didn’t work as well for me. Other parts did work well.
CAWPILE
Characters
Aveda Jupiter/Annie Chang lots of good emotional and character growth
Scott normal things, funny that he made an anti-love spell
Bea is still dumb
Atmosphere
Nothing really notable for me
Writing
Standard writing, nothing exceptional or bad
Plot
Decent plot that did have me guessing who was behind it and why the whole time.
Investment
Hard for me to be invested. I wanted more Evie and Nate
Logic
Followed its own rules consistently.
Enjoyment
I mostly enjoyed reading this.
Misc
I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 08/27/2023
C-6
A-5
W-5
P-6
I-6
L-5
E-5
TOTAL-5.57/10
This is a good sequel to the first book. Parts of it just didn’t work as well for me. Other parts did work well.
CAWPILE
Characters
Aveda Jupiter/Annie Chang lots of good emotional and character growth
Scott normal things, funny that he made an anti-love spell
Bea is still dumb
Atmosphere
Nothing really notable for me
Writing
Standard writing, nothing exceptional or bad
Plot
Decent plot that did have me guessing who was behind it and why the whole time.
Investment
Hard for me to be invested. I wanted more Evie and Nate
Logic
Followed its own rules consistently.
Enjoyment
I mostly enjoyed reading this.
Misc
I will be talking about it on Libromancy https://libromancy.podbean.com/ on 08/27/2023
kristinalyssa's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nodoze's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
aquietglow's review against another edition
5.0
This was so great!!!! I feel like it must be hard to switch perspectives between books and still make the reader like and relate to everyone; I'm impressed at how well it was executed. I didn't expect to connect to Annie as deeply as I did.
emmascc's review against another edition
5.0
If you haven't read this series, you need to get onto it ASAP! I have been looking forward to this since I finished Heroine Complex and it was well worth the wait. Everything about this book was great and I am in love with Annie. I read this in one sitting because I could not put it down! Also: second chance romance trope plus fake engagement