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Captain Stellar #1
Captain Stellar
Cal Bolden is a college dropout working in construction and has difficulty committing to his boyfriend, Jin. On the night of a meteor shower, Cal’s life changes when a genius scientist named Dr. Almighty abducts him, giving him superpowers against his will. Thrust into a laboratory hidden in Chicago, Cal meets Fernando and Margo, siblings with powers from Dr. Almighty. They promise to train him to reach his full potential. As Cal learns to harness his powers, he becomes attracted to his handsome and mysterious mentor, Fernando. Caught between Jin’s concerns about his disappearance and his unexpected feelings for Fernando, Cal flees the lab for a life without superpowers. When Dr. Almighty and his team of recruits threaten to attack the city, Cal must face his fears and fight as Captain Stellar before losing the people he loves most. Join the adventure in this exciting LGBT science fiction romance series.
222 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 26, 2019
This week, I read the debut novel Captain Stellar by R.J. Sorrento. I’ve read tons of snippets by this author on the #writeLGBTQ hashtag, so I was excited to dive in. And Sorrento didn’t disappoint. This was a delightful and unexpected read.
The superhero genre isn’t one I’m familiar with per se. I’ve seen a few of the recent hyped-up major motion pictures from the Marvel and DC Comics universes, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a superhero story. (I did read a novella where the “super villain” was the MC, but this was a first full-length for me!) I found I quite enjoyed the world and the pace kept me interested and turning the page. I enjoyed Sorrento’s style and her characters were easy to love.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a unique read. Especially if you enjoy superheros and “comic book” type world building. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to someone who was specifically looking for romance because it’s more of a subplot than the focus, but I have a feeling we’re going see more growth and depth to the relationship as Sorrento continues the series.
The superhero genre isn’t one I’m familiar with per se. I’ve seen a few of the recent hyped-up major motion pictures from the Marvel and DC Comics universes, but I don’t think I’ve ever read a superhero story. (I did read a novella where the “super villain” was the MC, but this was a first full-length for me!) I found I quite enjoyed the world and the pace kept me interested and turning the page. I enjoyed Sorrento’s style and her characters were easy to love.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a unique read. Especially if you enjoy superheros and “comic book” type world building. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to someone who was specifically looking for romance because it’s more of a subplot than the focus, but I have a feeling we’re going see more growth and depth to the relationship as Sorrento continues the series.
June 23, 2019
Today's review is a super fresh and unique read for me. I'll admit upfront I am a major sucker for super hero stories. Like... super sucker. It speaks to my happily ever after loving heart in so many ways. Good triumphing over evil, love winning out over all...
But I digress. Captain Stellar starts in the way every good super hero story does, with an average, everyday Joe just trying to find his best life now. That is our Cal. Now, he might be just a regular dude, but he also happens to have a model perfect face and finely chiseled bod thanks to his day job as a construction worker.
He also has a hot af boyfriend that could be the front man for a K-Pop band.
Unfortunately... Cal has an affliction many do... he's a total commitment phobe. Yeah, our boy loves his man, but taking the next step in their relationship and moving in with him has Cal shaking in his work boots.
And then tragedy strikes on Cal's job site and plunges our hero into a place where he questions everything in his life and it is all thrown into jarring perspective.
This is where it all COULD end. He could run to Jin and decide to solidifying their relationship and explore the after side of happily ever after, right?
Yeah, not so much.
Cal is abducted on the night of a meteor shower and given super powers that he never asked for. Never wanted. And, quite frankly, flipping hates.
At least at first.
As time progresses at the underground lab where Cal has been held he slowly accepts and learns to control his powers. He also grows ever closer with his counterparts in training, Margo and her brother Fernando. Especially Fernando. Now not only has Cal been handed a new future with the possession of his abilities, the once inevitable life with Jin isn't quite so inevitable.
The entire world has been crafted so well I was absolutely sucked in and couldn't stop until I'd reached the last page. This is a fresh take on a well loved super hero trope. Also Captain Stellar sports a trendy and eye catching cover that makes it instantly recognizable.
But I digress. Captain Stellar starts in the way every good super hero story does, with an average, everyday Joe just trying to find his best life now. That is our Cal. Now, he might be just a regular dude, but he also happens to have a model perfect face and finely chiseled bod thanks to his day job as a construction worker.
He also has a hot af boyfriend that could be the front man for a K-Pop band.
Unfortunately... Cal has an affliction many do... he's a total commitment phobe. Yeah, our boy loves his man, but taking the next step in their relationship and moving in with him has Cal shaking in his work boots.
And then tragedy strikes on Cal's job site and plunges our hero into a place where he questions everything in his life and it is all thrown into jarring perspective.
This is where it all COULD end. He could run to Jin and decide to solidifying their relationship and explore the after side of happily ever after, right?
Yeah, not so much.
Cal is abducted on the night of a meteor shower and given super powers that he never asked for. Never wanted. And, quite frankly, flipping hates.
At least at first.
As time progresses at the underground lab where Cal has been held he slowly accepts and learns to control his powers. He also grows ever closer with his counterparts in training, Margo and her brother Fernando. Especially Fernando. Now not only has Cal been handed a new future with the possession of his abilities, the once inevitable life with Jin isn't quite so inevitable.
The entire world has been crafted so well I was absolutely sucked in and couldn't stop until I'd reached the last page. This is a fresh take on a well loved super hero trope. Also Captain Stellar sports a trendy and eye catching cover that makes it instantly recognizable.
August 2, 2019
With great power comes great responsibility.
That saying has been drilled into the heads of every superhero fan for decades. Captain Stellar comes at this question in a fun, adventurous, and at times heartachingly serious manner. What is that responsibility? To one's loved ones? To people in general? To oneself? We follow Cal's journey as he attempts to learn about a world he never dreamed could exist, and if he had, never once thought to be a part of. With imperfect characters who are just trying to do what they think is best, we are treated to a cast of people who feel genuine and whose struggles feel all the more real because of it.
It sometimes seems that the morality or ethical weight of good and evil, right and wring, heroes and villains, is often left unaddressed in superhero fiction. We are left to believe that they heroes are always beneficent, the villains always self-centered and self-serving. But, as with all things, it is never so black and white. Sorrento does an amazing job of approaching this and so many other issues in Captain Stellar. Make no mistakes, it's an exciting adventure of self-discovery and heroism; it just also has some delightfully deep realizations and revelations that make the reader all the more invested in Cal, Fernando, Margo, and the rest of the crew.
That saying has been drilled into the heads of every superhero fan for decades. Captain Stellar comes at this question in a fun, adventurous, and at times heartachingly serious manner. What is that responsibility? To one's loved ones? To people in general? To oneself? We follow Cal's journey as he attempts to learn about a world he never dreamed could exist, and if he had, never once thought to be a part of. With imperfect characters who are just trying to do what they think is best, we are treated to a cast of people who feel genuine and whose struggles feel all the more real because of it.
It sometimes seems that the morality or ethical weight of good and evil, right and wring, heroes and villains, is often left unaddressed in superhero fiction. We are left to believe that they heroes are always beneficent, the villains always self-centered and self-serving. But, as with all things, it is never so black and white. Sorrento does an amazing job of approaching this and so many other issues in Captain Stellar. Make no mistakes, it's an exciting adventure of self-discovery and heroism; it just also has some delightfully deep realizations and revelations that make the reader all the more invested in Cal, Fernando, Margo, and the rest of the crew.
June 27, 2019
Captain Stellar was my first superhero read, and what a STELLAR read it was!
The world-building was amazing. I found myself immersed into the queer superhero world Sorrento created. Cal and Fernando are great characters, and I became super invested in them from the beginning. There are also several other minor characters that work really well with the story. They are fleshed out enough to add something extra and keep the plot moving without muddying up the story.
I am looking forward to reading more about Cal and Fernando's adventures!
The world-building was amazing. I found myself immersed into the queer superhero world Sorrento created. Cal and Fernando are great characters, and I became super invested in them from the beginning. There are also several other minor characters that work really well with the story. They are fleshed out enough to add something extra and keep the plot moving without muddying up the story.
I am looking forward to reading more about Cal and Fernando's adventures!
July 8, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
If nothing else, Captain Stellar capitalizes on the superhero craze, but balances it with a reluctant hero. First, Cal is basically kidnapped after work and wakes up in a strange location with the ability to fly. Rather than enter into a Peter Parker montage of “this is awesome, let’s figure it out,” Cal does what he does best: suppresses the fact that he can fly. There is a brief mention of him having to be careful at his construction job with his newly discovered super strength, as well. From the get go, Cal seems so very uninterested in these powers. I liked this juxtaposition in a superhuman universe.
That said, there are a lot of plot and continuity issues surrounding the superpowered characters. For example, it was never clear who was responsible for the kidnapping (because if Fernando, Margo, and Cal are any indication, Ted kidnaps a lot of his test subjects). Sometimes it was clearly Ted—which makes sense. since making superheroes is sort of his bag. Sometimes, it seemed like it was Fernando and Margo—which makes sense. since they’ve been under Ted’s thumb since they were kidnapped themselves. But it didn’t make any sense to me that these two would only act on their conscience once Cal enters the picture. Also, Ted’s had the ability to create superhumans for at least 10 years. He has a whole laboratory set up to train these people. Yet only test subjects who have been captured during the on-page timeline of the main story appear in the book. I never knew what happened to the years’ of previous recruits who presumably also have superpowers and were trained to use them. This is thrown into sharp relief when it’s made abundantly clear that no other superheroes have ever been seen in the world when a cell-phone video of Cal using his powers goes viral.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
If nothing else, Captain Stellar capitalizes on the superhero craze, but balances it with a reluctant hero. First, Cal is basically kidnapped after work and wakes up in a strange location with the ability to fly. Rather than enter into a Peter Parker montage of “this is awesome, let’s figure it out,” Cal does what he does best: suppresses the fact that he can fly. There is a brief mention of him having to be careful at his construction job with his newly discovered super strength, as well. From the get go, Cal seems so very uninterested in these powers. I liked this juxtaposition in a superhuman universe.
That said, there are a lot of plot and continuity issues surrounding the superpowered characters. For example, it was never clear who was responsible for the kidnapping (because if Fernando, Margo, and Cal are any indication, Ted kidnaps a lot of his test subjects). Sometimes it was clearly Ted—which makes sense. since making superheroes is sort of his bag. Sometimes, it seemed like it was Fernando and Margo—which makes sense. since they’ve been under Ted’s thumb since they were kidnapped themselves. But it didn’t make any sense to me that these two would only act on their conscience once Cal enters the picture. Also, Ted’s had the ability to create superhumans for at least 10 years. He has a whole laboratory set up to train these people. Yet only test subjects who have been captured during the on-page timeline of the main story appear in the book. I never knew what happened to the years’ of previous recruits who presumably also have superpowers and were trained to use them. This is thrown into sharp relief when it’s made abundantly clear that no other superheroes have ever been seen in the world when a cell-phone video of Cal using his powers goes viral.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
July 27, 2019
I'll write a fuller review a bit later, but for now I have to say that this was, as the name would suggest, absolutely stellar.
If you want a book about queer superheroes (starting out reluctant and confused, but slowly coming into their own) that will keep you on your toes until the very end, this is the one for you.
I have great hope for the sequel, as I'm super intrigued to read more about these characters.
If you want a book about queer superheroes (starting out reluctant and confused, but slowly coming into their own) that will keep you on your toes until the very end, this is the one for you.
I have great hope for the sequel, as I'm super intrigued to read more about these characters.
July 3, 2019
Loved! Review soon!💕
August 16, 2019
BOOK REVIEW -- Captain Stellar, By R.J. Sorrento
R.J. Sorrento’s queer superhero story is, simply put, a breath of fresh air.
I’ll be honest: I’m not generally drawn towards superhero novels. The last book I read that had humans with superpowers probably included werewolves and angsty vampires who sparkled in sunlight. So…it’s been a while, to say the least.
It was an easy read, with all the goods that, by all rights, should accompany a well-balanced novel—drama, romance, action, diversity, and character development. Not to mention, there was just enough oomph of a cliffhanger to leave me eagerly anticipating the sequel. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is out there looking for their next superhero fix, or, like me, wants something fresh and fun that’ll lead them back to their old reading stomping grounds.
Also, STEAMY ROMANCE. Drool.
ALSO, GAY SUPERHERO. HECK YES.
Please use the link below for the full review!
https://ntiessenwrites.tumblr.com/pos...
R.J. Sorrento’s queer superhero story is, simply put, a breath of fresh air.
I’ll be honest: I’m not generally drawn towards superhero novels. The last book I read that had humans with superpowers probably included werewolves and angsty vampires who sparkled in sunlight. So…it’s been a while, to say the least.
It was an easy read, with all the goods that, by all rights, should accompany a well-balanced novel—drama, romance, action, diversity, and character development. Not to mention, there was just enough oomph of a cliffhanger to leave me eagerly anticipating the sequel. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is out there looking for their next superhero fix, or, like me, wants something fresh and fun that’ll lead them back to their old reading stomping grounds.
Also, STEAMY ROMANCE. Drool.
ALSO, GAY SUPERHERO. HECK YES.
Please use the link below for the full review!
https://ntiessenwrites.tumblr.com/pos...
October 26, 2019
What made me purchase Captain Stellar? I don't remember. I think I was just looking for something different.
Why do I love this book? The story! From beginning to end, there was not one dull moment. The pacing was PERFECT and I was spoon fed information as needed. Not once was I drawn out of the story by unnecessary flashbacks or irrelevant tangents.
It normally takes me a while to get to know the characters and invest in a book. Not this one. Chapter One had me hooked. I actually forced myself to put it down when I saw the remaining pages shrinking, because I knew it was going to end and I didn't want it to!
Thankfully, Captain Stellar will be returning in book 2.
I was recently asked what my top three recommended books of the year were, and I only had two to rave about. This book filled that third slot.
Who should read this book? All humans. All of them.
Why do I love this book? The story! From beginning to end, there was not one dull moment. The pacing was PERFECT and I was spoon fed information as needed. Not once was I drawn out of the story by unnecessary flashbacks or irrelevant tangents.
It normally takes me a while to get to know the characters and invest in a book. Not this one. Chapter One had me hooked. I actually forced myself to put it down when I saw the remaining pages shrinking, because I knew it was going to end and I didn't want it to!
Thankfully, Captain Stellar will be returning in book 2.
I was recently asked what my top three recommended books of the year were, and I only had two to rave about. This book filled that third slot.
Who should read this book? All humans. All of them.
October 11, 2019
Captain Stellar and His Dream team
Captain Stellar is a fast paced superhero adventure with danger, slow burn romance, humor, and delicious descriptions of food. It was enjoyable read which kept me turning the pages to learn what happened next. If you are looking for a story about friendship, duty, and love with a mastermind villain, Captain Stellar is your book. Can’t wait for more.
Captain Stellar is a fast paced superhero adventure with danger, slow burn romance, humor, and delicious descriptions of food. It was enjoyable read which kept me turning the pages to learn what happened next. If you are looking for a story about friendship, duty, and love with a mastermind villain, Captain Stellar is your book. Can’t wait for more.
June 29, 2019
Every now and then you run across a book like “Captain Stellar” and it leaves you wowed, and that I was! This book grabbed my attention from the very first page. Not only is the storyline interesting and exciting, the characters are so well written. I honestly couldn’t put this book down, and I can’t wait for book two so I can see what RJ Sorrento has in store for these amazing characters.
January 16, 2020
Captain Stellar was well-written and fun with engaging LGBT characters that I'm still thinking about. Cal made a great relatable protagonist as the reluctant hero and the action kept me turning pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a great and entertaining escape.
October 6, 2019
An excellent twist on a superhero origin story! The characters are way more complex and adorable than your typical superhero tale (especially Fernando). Lots of action, some romance, some angst, and food descriptions! Oh the food descriptions! Love how this novel feels like a cozy romance and a superhero movie at the same time. I can’t wait to read more!
June 28, 2019
This book is so fun, great characters. Goofy, adorable, perfectly flawed Cal is super relatable. Fernando is gorgeous and waspish. Margot pops up at all the wrong times. Can't wait for book two and for Jin's novella. Really enjoyable read.
March 7, 2024
Captain Stellar is a super hero story in the guise of a slice of life story (but aren't they all). I typically avoid super hero stories, because for the most part, they gain powers, smash through all obsticles, then emerge unharmed on the other side, learn nothing, and expect the average population to give them adoration because of their amazing feats. Ok, maybe not all superhero books are like that, but I've read enough of those kind to be put off from superhero stories now, so I try to avoid them. But, what the heck, this one was free (for a 24 hour period), and I picked it up, figuring what the heck, it's been a while, and perhaps this one will surprise.
It did, in that it wasn't your typical superhero story as described above. In fact, this hero would have been just as happy if he'd been able to stay hidden the entire time. And, struggling with normal everyday problems makes this character seem down to earth (although spoiler, he does fly). (see what I did there?) In any case, if you're a superhero fan, you will probably like this book, though if you're the type of fan that likes reading the kinds of stories described above, you may be disappointed with this one). If you're not a superhero fan, then you can probably ignore that for the most part in this story, since it is part of the story, but the story doesn't depend on it to tell a good tale, and that's the difference.
Will I read more in this series? hmm, probably not, but that's likely due more to my dislike of superhero stories in general, rather than anything this book did (really, it's not the author's fault), I'm just burned out on superhero stories (probably for life), so don't take my general dislike of the genre as an indication that this particular book is bad, it isn't. But, this story wasn't good enough to overcome my prejudice of the genre as a whole. There may be triggering events for some people, (gay/lgbqtrzhxy or whatever that alphabet soup is) for instance, but personally, I generally don't care what the characters are, as long as it's a good story, but just be advised if that kind of thing offends you. Otherwise, I could recommend this one for folks that like superhero stories with a down to earth vibe.
It did, in that it wasn't your typical superhero story as described above. In fact, this hero would have been just as happy if he'd been able to stay hidden the entire time. And, struggling with normal everyday problems makes this character seem down to earth (although spoiler, he does fly). (see what I did there?) In any case, if you're a superhero fan, you will probably like this book, though if you're the type of fan that likes reading the kinds of stories described above, you may be disappointed with this one). If you're not a superhero fan, then you can probably ignore that for the most part in this story, since it is part of the story, but the story doesn't depend on it to tell a good tale, and that's the difference.
Will I read more in this series? hmm, probably not, but that's likely due more to my dislike of superhero stories in general, rather than anything this book did (really, it's not the author's fault), I'm just burned out on superhero stories (probably for life), so don't take my general dislike of the genre as an indication that this particular book is bad, it isn't. But, this story wasn't good enough to overcome my prejudice of the genre as a whole. There may be triggering events for some people, (gay/lgbqtrzhxy or whatever that alphabet soup is) for instance, but personally, I generally don't care what the characters are, as long as it's a good story, but just be advised if that kind of thing offends you. Otherwise, I could recommend this one for folks that like superhero stories with a down to earth vibe.
December 8, 2019
R.J. Sorrento and I are friends on Twitter, and I really enjoyed their cute regency romance mystery novelette Death at Sagehollow. When I heard their debut Captain Stellar was out, I bought a copy as soon as I could. I'm so glad I did!
Cal struggles. He struggles to be a good son to his divorced mother and a good boyfriend to Jin. He struggles to fit in time to build his photography portfolio between grueling shifts at his construction job with a truly terrible boss. You'd think, maybe, getting superpowers would make things better. But when those superpowers are granted without consent by a mad geneticist, when they introduce him to smokin' Fernando and his bubbly sister Margo, when superpowers mean a whole other set of responsibilities & tough choices...his world is turned upside down instead.
The writing sparkled in Captain Stellar. All the characters felt incredibly realistic and three dimensional, with organic flaws and true strengths. Cal's character in particular was fantastic: he looks like a hero from comics, with the typical blonde hair, strong-jaw, and muscles. Scratch him though, and he subverts the cliche. He's gay, afraid of commitment, and prone to running. He's a good, imperfect man. Besides the characters, Captain Stellar boasts a very lived-in and realistic depiction of Chicago and several yummy food scenes. Reading made me hungry. The pacing was excellent, the plot gripped, and the world-building was well-polished.
Captain Stellar is a brilliant novel with memorable moments, well-drawn characters, and a lovely romance. I definitely recommend it to superhero fans everyplace!
Cal struggles. He struggles to be a good son to his divorced mother and a good boyfriend to Jin. He struggles to fit in time to build his photography portfolio between grueling shifts at his construction job with a truly terrible boss. You'd think, maybe, getting superpowers would make things better. But when those superpowers are granted without consent by a mad geneticist, when they introduce him to smokin' Fernando and his bubbly sister Margo, when superpowers mean a whole other set of responsibilities & tough choices...his world is turned upside down instead.
The writing sparkled in Captain Stellar. All the characters felt incredibly realistic and three dimensional, with organic flaws and true strengths. Cal's character in particular was fantastic: he looks like a hero from comics, with the typical blonde hair, strong-jaw, and muscles. Scratch him though, and he subverts the cliche. He's gay, afraid of commitment, and prone to running. He's a good, imperfect man. Besides the characters, Captain Stellar boasts a very lived-in and realistic depiction of Chicago and several yummy food scenes. Reading made me hungry. The pacing was excellent, the plot gripped, and the world-building was well-polished.
Captain Stellar is a brilliant novel with memorable moments, well-drawn characters, and a lovely romance. I definitely recommend it to superhero fans everyplace!
April 18, 2020
Wow! Such a fun read. Fast pace, doesn't let you get bored, but not corny or over the top. I loved the characters the most, they were well fleshed out and fun to get to know. The only con was there was some relationship cheating that put me off, but I happily finished the book and can't wait for the next one.
February 29, 2024
Captain Stellar
Despite the very light sexual references this is more of a young adult book. I wanted to like it more but at times I found it quite predictable. That could just be me.
Despite the very light sexual references this is more of a young adult book. I wanted to like it more but at times I found it quite predictable. That could just be me.
January 15, 2020
Its ok...
Theatrical plot, over the top villians with romance sprinkled in. Like Amazon's The Boys mixed with Simon vs the HSA.
Its readable not something I would reread.
Theatrical plot, over the top villians with romance sprinkled in. Like Amazon's The Boys mixed with Simon vs the HSA.
Its readable not something I would reread.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews