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priya_amrev's review against another edition
4.0
Really fantastic. Great portrayal of some of the struggles that trans people face on a daily basis. It’s my own naïveté but I never thought that a trans person (I don’t want to say acknowledging but I can’t think of a better word rn) their true gender could be considered an assault to that gender by close-minded cis people. This makes me more aware of the education and appropriate mindset that needs to be perpetuated in society.
As for the MC, I liked her. Yes there were times when I thought she was being stupid and unnecessarily rash but overall I liked her. She was far from perfect - she was human. Parts of the book kind of seem as if this is a villain origin story, which would be really interesting. One thing that kept surprising me was whenever the book highlighted her blonde hair/being white because my brain from the beginning just thought of her as brown. Hmm now that I’m considered if I wonder what that says about my own unconscious biases.
Parts of the story also reminded me of that new Amazon prime animated show, the one about superheroes - invincible. Although I only watched the 1st episode so
As for the MC, I liked her. Yes there were times when I thought she was being stupid and unnecessarily rash but overall I liked her. She was far from perfect - she was human. Parts of the book kind of seem as if this is a villain origin story, which would be really interesting. One thing that kept surprising me was whenever the book highlighted her blonde hair/being white because my brain from the beginning just thought of her as brown. Hmm now that I’m considered if I wonder what that says about my own unconscious biases.
Parts of the story also reminded me of that new Amazon prime animated show, the one about superheroes - invincible. Although I only watched the 1st episode so
lines__lines's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
I'm not usually big on superhero stories, but that was a bingo square I had to fill, so I picked this one for the trans rep in particular. It was definitely the best of the three I read for that square, even though I didn't finish it on time to make the official card. Danny is an achingly realistic trans kid, and even with the most perfect transition physically she still has to deal with issues that so many face when coming out, from basic misunderstanding to outright hate and persecution. Plus, you know, a whole new set of superpowers and the world of white, gray, and black capes to navigate. There's also moments of ferocious joy and wild freedom. The overlap of a transition story with a "new superpowers" story worked really well, and the author built a great cast of characters to fill out this narrative. I might get around to the sequel eventually, though that was a lot of superheroes in a short amount of time for me.
teyn's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.75
I would've loved this if not for the gendered fatphobia and ableism that added absolutely nothing to the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Violence, Fatphobia, Deadnaming, Transphobia, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Homophobia, Addiction, Misogyny, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Ableism
Minor: Toxic friendship and Sexual harassment
fussl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
leafblade's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled with the writing and the pacing and I'm sad because I really really really wanted to like this.
Also, Sarah being latina has no point in the story. I'm saying this as a latina. There were times when I had to remind myself she was one, and I really didn't like that.
Anyway, if you're looking for positive transgender rep, this is your book! It's ownvoices so you know it's a safe choice.
I don't think I'll be reading the next one, but you never know.
Fourth #sapphicathon read!
Also, Sarah being latina has no point in the story. I'm saying this as a latina. There were times when I had to remind myself she was one, and I really didn't like that.
Anyway, if you're looking for positive transgender rep, this is your book! It's ownvoices so you know it's a safe choice.
I don't think I'll be reading the next one, but you never know.
Fourth #sapphicathon read!
tishywishy's review against another edition
4.0
Danny is coping with a lot. Dreadnought has passed on his powers to her and finally, she's gotten what she wanted, the ability to live her own truth and reality. If only it was that easy, on top of super heroes pressuring her to either become the next Dreadnought or step down, she must navigate her volatile + transphobic family and friends, figure out her new powers, learn to dress a whole new body, fight bad folks and get her homework done.
Daniels doesn't flinch from attacking trans-related issues head on or shy away from, what some might consider, tense topics (race, body image, patriarchy). It's fun and kick ass but also holds a lot of relatable situations. Would recommend.
Daniels doesn't flinch from attacking trans-related issues head on or shy away from, what some might consider, tense topics (race, body image, patriarchy). It's fun and kick ass but also holds a lot of relatable situations. Would recommend.
rarl's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
joanna1905's review against another edition
3.0
TW: Transphobia. Like so so so so so much transphobia.
All in all, I did like this book, it's very well written and engaging and makes for a really interesting take on a superhero origin story.
I also obviously loved reading about a trans lesbian superhero because hell yes we need more diverse superhero stories.
I can't speak to the quality of the trans representation - though obviously since Danielle's transition happens in a magical way it's not true to the trans experience.
There is also A LOT of transphobia in this book, to the point that it definitely felt gratuitous at times and while it's not inaccurate to the real world I think it's important to emphasise just how much there is so readers can go into this book informed. Anyone thinking of reading this book should do so with great caution if very graphic, explicit transphobia and slurs (including threats of violence and sexual assault) is triggering to you then I would either steer clear or only read this book if you know it won't cause you harm.
I'm definitely interested to see where Danielle's story goes and what going to happen now the Legion has fallen apart!
All in all, I did like this book, it's very well written and engaging and makes for a really interesting take on a superhero origin story.
I also obviously loved reading about a trans lesbian superhero because hell yes we need more diverse superhero stories.
I can't speak to the quality of the trans representation - though obviously since Danielle's transition happens in a magical way it's not true to the trans experience.
There is also A LOT of transphobia in this book, to the point that it definitely felt gratuitous at times and while it's not inaccurate to the real world I think it's important to emphasise just how much there is so readers can go into this book informed. Anyone thinking of reading this book should do so with great caution if very graphic, explicit transphobia and slurs (including threats of violence and sexual assault) is triggering to you then I would either steer clear or only read this book if you know it won't cause you harm.
I'm definitely interested to see where Danielle's story goes and what going to happen now the Legion has fallen apart!
missarnold's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25