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Marvel Aconyte Novels
Liberty and Justice for All: A Marvel: Xavier's Institute Novel
Two young mutants take on the X-Men’s greatest foes single-handedly, in this breakneck superhero adventure from the extraordinary realm of Marvel comics
It’s exam time at Xavier’s Institute, and young mutants Tempus and Triage are barely surviving the Danger Room. Newly teamed up for a solo X-Copter flight exam, they approach Chicago unaware that Sentinels – giant Mutant-hunting robots – have attacked the Field Museum of Natural History. When they receive an SOS from the notorious Sabretooth, requesting help for wounded anti-mutant politician Graydon Creed, Triage is all for calling it in. But Tempus sees an opportunity to test their healing and time-manipulating powers for real. Whether it’s a trap or a chance for peace, the two students face their greatest challenge, and the X-Men’s worst enemies.
It’s exam time at Xavier’s Institute, and young mutants Tempus and Triage are barely surviving the Danger Room. Newly teamed up for a solo X-Copter flight exam, they approach Chicago unaware that Sentinels – giant Mutant-hunting robots – have attacked the Field Museum of Natural History. When they receive an SOS from the notorious Sabretooth, requesting help for wounded anti-mutant politician Graydon Creed, Triage is all for calling it in. But Tempus sees an opportunity to test their healing and time-manipulating powers for real. Whether it’s a trap or a chance for peace, the two students face their greatest challenge, and the X-Men’s worst enemies.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2020
9 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Harris
66 books346 followersCarrie Harris is a geek-of-all-trades and proud of it. Brains are her specialty; she used to work at a lab where they were delivered daily via FedEx. After that, it seemed only natural to write a zombie book. Now she lives in Utah with her ninja-doctor husband and three zombie-obsessed children.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 23, 2021
Tempus and Triage are two of the newest members of the X-Men. When they respond to a call for help while on a training mission, things quickly get out of hand as Sabertooth gets involved. This slots in perfectly during Brian Michael Bendis's run on Uncanny X-Men, particularly after Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 2: Broken. I was impressed with how much attention was paid to X-Men canon. It was a bit odd that it was set during a time 6 years ago but I really liked how it referenced other X-Men events of the era like Necrosha. Carrie Harris has written a well-researched, engaging X-Men novel. Hopefully, it's the first of many.
Received a review copy from Aconyte and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL
Received a review copy from Aconyte and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL
January 23, 2022
I haven't kept up with X-Men and other marvel movies but was intrigued to read some books in the universe. I found that even if it's been a very long time since I've seen the movies that I ended up enjoying it a lot anywho. Intrigued to read more of the marvel books. Think I've read one or two before
August 30, 2022
Engaging if inconsequential.
Features a well-known mutant and
Features a well-known mutant and
September 27, 2020
Tie-in novels, novelizations of movies, and so forth are all too often hack-work, poorly edited and relying on coincidence, cliche, and the popularity of the franchise to carry off a mediocre story. Happily, this X-Men novel does not fit any of those stereotypes. While strongly tied into the lore of the long-running Marvel franchise, it's mostly fresh, well executed, and gives some depth to the characters and their relationships. There are some gaping plot holes, but for me they didn't spoil my enjoyment too much.
The protagonists are two new recruits to the New Xavier School, run by Cyclops in the wilds of Canada. We first get some scenes with their roommates and other classmates and teachers that establish not only their powers, but that they are emotionally intelligent, keen to help others, able to take effective action, and more sensible and mature than some of their peers. They're college age, but read more YA than new adult.
Sent off on a training exercise in the X-Copter, they pick up a distress call from the infamous mercenary Sabretooth, and decide to help him. This was the weakest part of the story for me. Not only is there never any explanation of how Sabretooth was able to radio them, but the stupid decision they make to ditch their training mission, not tell their seniors, and help someone untrustworthy with an unknown danger is distinctly out of character for them. Unfortunately, it's also necessary in order for the plot to exist.
Bad decision made, the action moves swiftly, and they encounter hostile police (until they inexplicably stop encountering police where I would have expected them); Sentinels; a dangerous magical artefact reminiscent of Night at the Museum which can kill the living and resurrect the dead (including, apparently, models of the dead such as Neanderthals, who are stereotypically dumb cavemen communicating in grunts); and a powerful enemy they've previously encountered in backstory, who they're terrified of. Throughout, they manage to be courageous, mostly effective, clever, and committed to doing the right thing, and it was this, and the well-handled dynamics between and within the characters, that kept the book its fourth star for me despite the handwaving of some key plot points. All the characters, even a couple of the minor ones, come across as complex people, not flat stereotypes, and the main characters experience satisfying development throughout.
It's a pleasure, too, to get a book from Netgalley that isn't full of basic editing issues. Kudos to the author and copy editor.
The protagonists are two new recruits to the New Xavier School, run by Cyclops in the wilds of Canada. We first get some scenes with their roommates and other classmates and teachers that establish not only their powers, but that they are emotionally intelligent, keen to help others, able to take effective action, and more sensible and mature than some of their peers. They're college age, but read more YA than new adult.
Sent off on a training exercise in the X-Copter, they pick up a distress call from the infamous mercenary Sabretooth, and decide to help him. This was the weakest part of the story for me. Not only is there never any explanation of how Sabretooth was able to radio them, but the stupid decision they make to ditch their training mission, not tell their seniors, and help someone untrustworthy with an unknown danger is distinctly out of character for them. Unfortunately, it's also necessary in order for the plot to exist.
Bad decision made, the action moves swiftly, and they encounter hostile police (until they inexplicably stop encountering police where I would have expected them); Sentinels; a dangerous magical artefact reminiscent of Night at the Museum which can kill the living and resurrect the dead (including, apparently, models of the dead such as Neanderthals, who are stereotypically dumb cavemen communicating in grunts); and a powerful enemy they've previously encountered in backstory, who they're terrified of. Throughout, they manage to be courageous, mostly effective, clever, and committed to doing the right thing, and it was this, and the well-handled dynamics between and within the characters, that kept the book its fourth star for me despite the handwaving of some key plot points. All the characters, even a couple of the minor ones, come across as complex people, not flat stereotypes, and the main characters experience satisfying development throughout.
It's a pleasure, too, to get a book from Netgalley that isn't full of basic editing issues. Kudos to the author and copy editor.
November 30, 2020
Eva and Christopher are X-Men-in-training, impatient to get into the real world. But when a training exercise goes astray, they are about to be tested for real.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first X-Men novel by Carrie Harris, and the first X-Men story in a new set of Marvel novels by various authors.
I thought this book was good at starting a new story following Eva and Christopher, but its does benefit from familiarity with the X-Men COMIC world.
I've watched all of the films, which helped with the supporting characters; but I was lost as to what timeline it was.
The characters keep referring back to this big event, where they got pulled into this different plane, and it had a huge impact on their lives... it was kinda frustrating to not know what happened.
Anyways, this story follows Eva (Tempus), an Australian girl who can create time bubbles that freeze her enemies.
Her current roommate at Xavier's Institute is a teenage Jean Grey who has been thrown out of her own timeline.
It also follows Christopher (Triage), an American lad who can heal himself and others. Despite being very useful, Christopher often bemoans not having a flashier gift.
The two of them are the most driven in the group (some of the trainees are still pratting around), so they team up together when it's time to start flying practise.
During this first flight, they come across a mutant's request for help. Feeling very keen to take off the training wheels, and arguing that they could help quicker than reporting back to base first - they go to help a certain Sabretooth.
This was a fun story about Eva and Christopher trying to find their feet, as they get to use their powers in real-life situations. They learn their limits, and try to conquer their fears as they fight in an uncontrolled arena for the first time.
I liked the character of Sabretooth, after only knowing him briefly in the films. I thought he was fun, and he came across as confident in himself and his abilities. He's not afraid to scare people, and takes joy in this. But you also get the feeling that he's taking the trainees under his wing and will do anything to keep them safe.
I thought the writing was light and easy to follow. Once the story moves away from the Xavier's Institute it comes alive on its own, not being hampered by a massive backstory of X-Men expectations.
The not-so-good.
As I said before, I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read what preceded this story.
My only other issue is that I found it all quite slow and repetitive.
Our main characters are constantly spinning their wheels, first at the Institute; and then at the Museum.
I thought the story was very drawn out in places, and could easily have been compressed. I couldn't help thinking that some parts would have suited being a nice visual comic or film, rather than a novel.
Overall, this was OK, but I'm not interested in reading the rest of the series.
Maybe I'll give the comics a try.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first X-Men novel by Carrie Harris, and the first X-Men story in a new set of Marvel novels by various authors.
I thought this book was good at starting a new story following Eva and Christopher, but its does benefit from familiarity with the X-Men COMIC world.
I've watched all of the films, which helped with the supporting characters; but I was lost as to what timeline it was.
The characters keep referring back to this big event, where they got pulled into this different plane, and it had a huge impact on their lives... it was kinda frustrating to not know what happened.
Anyways, this story follows Eva (Tempus), an Australian girl who can create time bubbles that freeze her enemies.
Her current roommate at Xavier's Institute is a teenage Jean Grey who has been thrown out of her own timeline.
It also follows Christopher (Triage), an American lad who can heal himself and others. Despite being very useful, Christopher often bemoans not having a flashier gift.
The two of them are the most driven in the group (some of the trainees are still pratting around), so they team up together when it's time to start flying practise.
During this first flight, they come across a mutant's request for help. Feeling very keen to take off the training wheels, and arguing that they could help quicker than reporting back to base first - they go to help a certain Sabretooth.
This was a fun story about Eva and Christopher trying to find their feet, as they get to use their powers in real-life situations. They learn their limits, and try to conquer their fears as they fight in an uncontrolled arena for the first time.
I liked the character of Sabretooth, after only knowing him briefly in the films. I thought he was fun, and he came across as confident in himself and his abilities. He's not afraid to scare people, and takes joy in this. But you also get the feeling that he's taking the trainees under his wing and will do anything to keep them safe.
I thought the writing was light and easy to follow. Once the story moves away from the Xavier's Institute it comes alive on its own, not being hampered by a massive backstory of X-Men expectations.
The not-so-good.
As I said before, I think I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read what preceded this story.
My only other issue is that I found it all quite slow and repetitive.
Our main characters are constantly spinning their wheels, first at the Institute; and then at the Museum.
I thought the story was very drawn out in places, and could easily have been compressed. I couldn't help thinking that some parts would have suited being a nice visual comic or film, rather than a novel.
Overall, this was OK, but I'm not interested in reading the rest of the series.
Maybe I'll give the comics a try.
November 29, 2020
I'd give this 3.5 for my personal taste, but 4 for its intended audience.
For Tempus and Triage, otherwise known as Eva and Christopher, life as trainee X-Men isn’t quite what they expected. When they set out together in the X-Copter for their first solo flight, their delight at simply getting out of the school and away from their instructors quickly fades when they receive an SOS call from Sabretooth of all people. What they think will be a straightforward pickup, and a good opportunity to give their powers a quick workout, ends up becoming a battle that tests them beyond what they could have expected.
While not exactly a Young Adult novel (Eva and Christopher come across as young, but they’re in their early 20s rather than their teens), this definitely leans a little more towards that end of the fiction spectrum. Harris’ writing is clear, straightforward and to the point, with little extraneous detail or description, and alongside the ‘coming of age’ angle and the protagonists’ somewhat insular worldviews this lends proceedings a pace and perspective that should definitely suit younger readers. That’s not to say this will only appeal to a younger audience however, but the great thing about Aconyte’s growing range of Marvel novels is that there should be something for everyone! For anyone looking for a fun and relatively light tale of lesser-known X-Men finding their place within the team, this is definitely worth checking out.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2020/11/...
For Tempus and Triage, otherwise known as Eva and Christopher, life as trainee X-Men isn’t quite what they expected. When they set out together in the X-Copter for their first solo flight, their delight at simply getting out of the school and away from their instructors quickly fades when they receive an SOS call from Sabretooth of all people. What they think will be a straightforward pickup, and a good opportunity to give their powers a quick workout, ends up becoming a battle that tests them beyond what they could have expected.
While not exactly a Young Adult novel (Eva and Christopher come across as young, but they’re in their early 20s rather than their teens), this definitely leans a little more towards that end of the fiction spectrum. Harris’ writing is clear, straightforward and to the point, with little extraneous detail or description, and alongside the ‘coming of age’ angle and the protagonists’ somewhat insular worldviews this lends proceedings a pace and perspective that should definitely suit younger readers. That’s not to say this will only appeal to a younger audience however, but the great thing about Aconyte’s growing range of Marvel novels is that there should be something for everyone! For anyone looking for a fun and relatively light tale of lesser-known X-Men finding their place within the team, this is definitely worth checking out.
Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2020/11/...
October 18, 2021
Having read her Xavier Institute entry on an upcoming anthology, I wanted to check out Carrie Harris’ earlier novel in the series. Once again, I enjoyed her approach with a solid, stand-alone adventure that fits in well to established X-Men continuity. I liked that she kept the story focused and avoided an unwieldy cast. It moved along at a good pace and was easy to get through in just a few sessions of reading.
January 14, 2021
check out my interview with Carrie Harris at Comic Years!
November 2, 2022
‚Christopher umarmte den Mülleimer, als hätte er sich unsterblich verliebt und erwöge einen Heiratsantrag.‘
March 22, 2021
I am not sure how I feel about this book. Some of the other Marvel books that have come out recently feel like they could go either way in terms of being for adults versus young adults. This one feels more like a YA story (even though the protagonists are late teens/early twenties). If I were to consider the interactions between the four main characters in a general fashion, I enjoyed them. When I take into account who two of the characters are , the conversations and interactions do not make any sense whatsoever to me. The story, while okay, did hold my interesting until the end, so there is that. The character development is so-so; I think the author did a decent job overall with Tempus and Triage in terms of the novel (as I was not reading comics at the time this story takes place, I cannot say how well the development was in terms of the characters in the X-Men comics or how "accurate" it may or may not have been).
This story takes place after Uncanny X-Men vol. 3 #'s 6-7, so it at least gives the reader an idea when the story takes place in the Marvel U. I did appreciate the references to Dormammu, as it helped me figure out when the story takes place.
Maybe if the author would have chosen two different "villains" to team up with the heroes, I would have enjoyed the book "more" than I did. I mean, I did enjoy parts of it, on the one hand, and it did hold my interest throughout most of the book, but too many "out-of-character moments" for me (regarding the villains) to believe the story could have gone down the way it did. I liked parts of it but was disappointed with more parts of it than I "liked" or "enjoyed." Again, I think it might have been "better" if two different villains had been chosen. On the "bright side," it was a relatively fast read for me, overall, and I am glad that I took a chance on reading it. I'd say 2.3 - 2.5 stars, rounded down, for me.
This story takes place after Uncanny X-Men vol. 3 #'s 6-7, so it at least gives the reader an idea when the story takes place in the Marvel U. I did appreciate the references to Dormammu, as it helped me figure out when the story takes place.
Maybe if the author would have chosen two different "villains" to team up with the heroes, I would have enjoyed the book "more" than I did. I mean, I did enjoy parts of it, on the one hand, and it did hold my interest throughout most of the book, but too many "out-of-character moments" for me (regarding the villains) to believe the story could have gone down the way it did. I liked parts of it but was disappointed with more parts of it than I "liked" or "enjoyed." Again, I think it might have been "better" if two different villains had been chosen. On the "bright side," it was a relatively fast read for me, overall, and I am glad that I took a chance on reading it. I'd say 2.3 - 2.5 stars, rounded down, for me.
November 2, 2020
When the latest Spiderman film was released, a colleague and I took a group of teens to the cinema. Three of our crew were true blue Marvel fans and knew the ins-and-outs of all the storylines and debated the fates, flaws and fantastic adventures of their favourites. I admit I was super confused, so when this book was released for advance reading, I scooped up the chance to see what all the hype was about. (Totally realise Spiderman isn't an official X-man).
In the new-but-old Charles Xavier Institute the latest mutant recruits hone their skills. The students have recently survived a quick and distressing trip to Limbo where their fate depended on the frankly unhinged whims of the evil Dormammu. This sorcerer put the frighteners on all of the new mutants, even the magically gifted X-Institute teacher Illyana. Two of the students, Tempus and Triage fare better than the others on the gruelling coaching sessions and are rewarded with a solo training flight to Chicago on a tetchy X-copter. They are bursting with excitement and try their newfound confidence by broaching protocol and answering a distress call from the roguish Sabretooth, and he's not alone.
The action fires off quickly, Sabretooth is guarding a mysterious mutant-hating politician. There are sentinels baying for their blood and it seems the Natural History museum exhibits have come to life. Tempus and Triage find their super skills tested to destruction, but most of all, they must come to terms with some very human dilemmas. Can they trust the vicious Sabretooth? When they lose contact with the X-copter they need to rely on street sense and form some pretty unusual partnerships in order to see off danger and make it safely back to school.
I could tell that this was definitely a fan's book, so I swotted up on my X-knowledge, bought a comic that explained Eva and Christopher's (Tempus and Triage) backstory and set myself up for a film marathon. I was glad I did. All X-men have a disturbing past that makes their fantastic present relatable. Knowing this takes off the schmaltzy overtones of their heroic endings and their drive toward making good. However, Liberty and Justice for All (a quote from the USA Pledge of Allegiance known by every schoolchild in America) can be appreciated without any extra research, but hey, I'm a librarian and relish any chance to hit the books.
The character of Christopher Muse was my fave. He's a self-deprecating steampunk black kid who dresses up to keep out of trouble, and away from the cops. His quest to understand his mutation goes through the stages of denial, anger and acceptance. He grows throughout the novel and gradually discovers his powers are more than he anticipated. The struggle for Triage (he's a healer) is real. Through the application of his abilities and the sensibilities of his human nature, he drives himself forward to hone his capacity as a healer in a unique and supreme way.
The characterisations from Carrie Harris are fab. She describes herself as first and foremost a fan and this rings through. Sure, she puts the poor mutants through their paces, but they earn their stripes and make it through stronger, tougher and, ironically, a bit softer. This is a story of mutants who are, above all, humans. And what's not to like about that?
In the new-but-old Charles Xavier Institute the latest mutant recruits hone their skills. The students have recently survived a quick and distressing trip to Limbo where their fate depended on the frankly unhinged whims of the evil Dormammu. This sorcerer put the frighteners on all of the new mutants, even the magically gifted X-Institute teacher Illyana. Two of the students, Tempus and Triage fare better than the others on the gruelling coaching sessions and are rewarded with a solo training flight to Chicago on a tetchy X-copter. They are bursting with excitement and try their newfound confidence by broaching protocol and answering a distress call from the roguish Sabretooth, and he's not alone.
The action fires off quickly, Sabretooth is guarding a mysterious mutant-hating politician. There are sentinels baying for their blood and it seems the Natural History museum exhibits have come to life. Tempus and Triage find their super skills tested to destruction, but most of all, they must come to terms with some very human dilemmas. Can they trust the vicious Sabretooth? When they lose contact with the X-copter they need to rely on street sense and form some pretty unusual partnerships in order to see off danger and make it safely back to school.
I could tell that this was definitely a fan's book, so I swotted up on my X-knowledge, bought a comic that explained Eva and Christopher's (Tempus and Triage) backstory and set myself up for a film marathon. I was glad I did. All X-men have a disturbing past that makes their fantastic present relatable. Knowing this takes off the schmaltzy overtones of their heroic endings and their drive toward making good. However, Liberty and Justice for All (a quote from the USA Pledge of Allegiance known by every schoolchild in America) can be appreciated without any extra research, but hey, I'm a librarian and relish any chance to hit the books.
The character of Christopher Muse was my fave. He's a self-deprecating steampunk black kid who dresses up to keep out of trouble, and away from the cops. His quest to understand his mutation goes through the stages of denial, anger and acceptance. He grows throughout the novel and gradually discovers his powers are more than he anticipated. The struggle for Triage (he's a healer) is real. Through the application of his abilities and the sensibilities of his human nature, he drives himself forward to hone his capacity as a healer in a unique and supreme way.
The characterisations from Carrie Harris are fab. She describes herself as first and foremost a fan and this rings through. Sure, she puts the poor mutants through their paces, but they earn their stripes and make it through stronger, tougher and, ironically, a bit softer. This is a story of mutants who are, above all, humans. And what's not to like about that?
October 3, 2022
Oggi sono qui per parlarvi di un'altra bellissima opera arrivata nelle nostre librerie.
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmelo scappare? Assolutamente no.
Primo di un’originale serie di romanzi Marvel che coinvolge la Nuova Scuola Charles Xavier per Mutanti e i suoi studenti e che racconta come le reclute più recenti degli X-Men imparano a capire e a controllare i loro incredibili poteri.
Presentando i più giovani personaggi degli X-Men, i romanzi narrano le storie di questi supereroi che entrano in possesso dei loro poteri e scoprono una nuova "famiglia" che li comprende, e sono adatti tanto ai fan datati quanto ai nuovi lettori.
Ho già potuto apprezzare precedentemente l'autrice e ancora una volta si conferma ben presente il suo essere esperta di tie-in fiction, ex giocatrice di giochi da tavolo e creatrice di giochi: solo una vera nerd potrebbe scrivere così bene del mondo Marvel, specialmente del mondo X-Men che è davvero complesso.
I protagonisti di questo romanzo sono due nuove reclute della New Xavier School gestita da Ciclope, desiderosi più che mai di aiutare il prossimo.
Quando vengono mandati a un'esercitazione sull'X-Copter, ricevono una richiesta di soccorso dal mercenario Sabretooth e anche se non è l'idea migliore del mondo, decidono ugualmente di aiutarlo.
E' proprio questa decisione sbagliatissima, e devo dire purtroppo poco spiegata secondo me, a muovere però i fili della storia, conducendoli in una pericolosa avventura per evitare che un piano diabolico possa venire portato al termine e il mondo possa finire nel più totale caos.
Ammetto che ho sempre trovato interessante il mondo degli X-Men anche se sono più per il classico e i miei preferiti restano Tempesta e Ciclope (eh si, non Wolverine, super gettonato ahah), ho sentito quindi la mancanza della presenza costante dei miei amorini nel libro ma ovviamente è giusto così, la storia parla di personaggi del tutto nuovi e moderni.
Nonostante qualche dettaglio mancante qua e là, questa è stata una lettura davvero facile, scritta in modo così semplice e accattivante che ho divorato il libro in un solo giorno (e non mi capita spesso). Di certo è un romanzo per tutti gli appassionati, che non può mancare alla collezione Marvel che Asmodee sta pubblicando, ma è adattissimo anche a chi magari si approccia al mondo letterario dopo i film o i fumetti, per la prima volta.
Bello, bello, bello!
Come sapete sono una grande amante del genere, quindi potevo mai farmelo scappare? Assolutamente no.
Primo di un’originale serie di romanzi Marvel che coinvolge la Nuova Scuola Charles Xavier per Mutanti e i suoi studenti e che racconta come le reclute più recenti degli X-Men imparano a capire e a controllare i loro incredibili poteri.
Presentando i più giovani personaggi degli X-Men, i romanzi narrano le storie di questi supereroi che entrano in possesso dei loro poteri e scoprono una nuova "famiglia" che li comprende, e sono adatti tanto ai fan datati quanto ai nuovi lettori.
Ho già potuto apprezzare precedentemente l'autrice e ancora una volta si conferma ben presente il suo essere esperta di tie-in fiction, ex giocatrice di giochi da tavolo e creatrice di giochi: solo una vera nerd potrebbe scrivere così bene del mondo Marvel, specialmente del mondo X-Men che è davvero complesso.
I protagonisti di questo romanzo sono due nuove reclute della New Xavier School gestita da Ciclope, desiderosi più che mai di aiutare il prossimo.
Quando vengono mandati a un'esercitazione sull'X-Copter, ricevono una richiesta di soccorso dal mercenario Sabretooth e anche se non è l'idea migliore del mondo, decidono ugualmente di aiutarlo.
E' proprio questa decisione sbagliatissima, e devo dire purtroppo poco spiegata secondo me, a muovere però i fili della storia, conducendoli in una pericolosa avventura per evitare che un piano diabolico possa venire portato al termine e il mondo possa finire nel più totale caos.
Ammetto che ho sempre trovato interessante il mondo degli X-Men anche se sono più per il classico e i miei preferiti restano Tempesta e Ciclope (eh si, non Wolverine, super gettonato ahah), ho sentito quindi la mancanza della presenza costante dei miei amorini nel libro ma ovviamente è giusto così, la storia parla di personaggi del tutto nuovi e moderni.
Nonostante qualche dettaglio mancante qua e là, questa è stata una lettura davvero facile, scritta in modo così semplice e accattivante che ho divorato il libro in un solo giorno (e non mi capita spesso). Di certo è un romanzo per tutti gli appassionati, che non può mancare alla collezione Marvel che Asmodee sta pubblicando, ma è adattissimo anche a chi magari si approccia al mondo letterario dopo i film o i fumetti, per la prima volta.
Bello, bello, bello!
November 15, 2020
Comics can be hard to translate into other mediums, especially into prose novels, largely due to the very visual nature of the types of stories they tell. It can be easy to make huge battles with super powered beings look big and bold and entertaining in a comic, but sometimes that kind of action can be dull when it comes to prose, and stories can drag. This is why it's great whenever you can find a writer who's able to translate the characters and stories in ways that manage to keep the excitement of the source material; and Carrie Harris' Liberty and Justice For All is definitely a case of it working well.
Rather than trying to adapt a preexisting comic story, Harris has chosen instead to craft her own tale, one that focuses on two of the newer characters in the X-Men canon. Set after the events of X-Men: Schism, the book follows a number of the students in the New Charles Xavier School For Mutants in the old Weapon X facility in Canada. The book fits neatly into a definable time period in the myriad X-Men events and status changes, yet doesn't step on the toes of any pre-existing story, allowing it to do its own thing.
The book focuses on two of the newer X-students, Eva Bell and Christopher Muse, who would take on the mutant code names Tempus and Triage respectively. Despite the two of them going on to play big roles in the Marvel universe, especially Eva as a member of The Five, this is still early days for the two young mutants, and they've only been with the X-Men for a relatively short period. Having been cooped up in the gloomy Weapon X facility for weeks, except for a brief adventure in Limbo, the teens are beginning to go a little stir crazy, resulting in some of the students failing to survive a Danger Room session.
Despite this, Eva and Christopher have been working hard, and quickly latch on to each other as partners for the upcoming X-Copter evaluation, knowing that they're the two most likely to take the test seriously. It also means that they'll get the chance to leave the facility for a while, even if it is just to fly the helicopter for a few hours. Whilst on the test the two of them receive a distress call from the former villain Sabertooth, requesting their assistance.
Knowing that Sabertooth has been a vicious mercenary and killer in the past, and that they're only supposed to be proving that they can safely pilot the X-Copter, they're reluctant to help, but eventually decide to land in Chicago so that they can provide assistance.
However, they soon discover more than they bargained for when they find Sabertooth with an injured Graydon Creed, the former presidential candidate who campaigned for mutant extermination, as learn that they're being hunted by mutant killing machines, the Sentinels. Working alongside the two former enemies of the X-Men, Eva and Christopher must try to get to the bottom of the mystery and survive long enough to get back to the school.
I've been a fan of the X-Men for a long while, but have to admit that I've found myself drifting away from many of the X-Men books in recent years, and as such this was my first real experience with both Eva and Christopher. Being introduced to any new heroes can be a bit daunting if you've been out of the loop for a while, but Harris made it so easy to get to know both of these characters, and I had a good understanding of who they were, and what motivated them way before they even ended up getting involved in their mission. They were written so clearly, and with enough care that not only did I never feel like I was having to play catch-up with the comics, but I left the book wanting to spend more time with the two of them; I even went and researched which comics I could find them in.
It wasn't just the two leads who had a chance to shine, however, as both Sabertooth and Graydon Creed were written incredibly well. I've had a soft spot for a good Sabertooth since reading the Age of Apocalypse and Exiles comics, so the fact that the 616 universe Sabertooth has been given the chance to walk closer to the line of being a hero, and is allowed moments here where he gets to do the right thing, and creates a friendship with the two younger mutants was incredibly well received by myself. The scenes where he would be scolded by Eva for being a grouch, or took the time to make sure that Christopher was feeling okay after using his powers, or even just making jokes with the two of them were easily some of my favourites in the book.
I was also surprised that not only did I not end up hating Graydon Creed, a man who's always been portrayed as an out and out bigot, a person who would gladly march mutants into extermination camps, I actually kind of came to like him. I know that the character has gone through a lot over the more recent years with their constant cycle of death and resurrection, but to see him showing humanity, and basic decency was a big surprise for me, and made him one of the more interesting characters in the book.
The characters and their interactions are definitely the highlight of the book, and take focus over the action sequences which are fewer and further between than if this story was made in comic form. Yes, there are some big moments of the team having to fight against some cool opponents, but that's not really what the focus of the story is about. Instead, its about these two young heroes learning that being an X-Man isn't always just flashy costumes and big adventures, that sometimes they'll be tested in extreme circumstances, and can be left deeply effected by it.
Liberty And Justice For All isn't your standard X-Men adventure, it's one that focuses more on the human (or mutant) journey that happens to these characters, it spends quite moments with its characters and lets the reader get into their heads and see the effect this life would have on someone. It might not be what you'd be initially drawn to an X-Men book for, but it's what you'll come away loving and wanting more of.
Rather than trying to adapt a preexisting comic story, Harris has chosen instead to craft her own tale, one that focuses on two of the newer characters in the X-Men canon. Set after the events of X-Men: Schism, the book follows a number of the students in the New Charles Xavier School For Mutants in the old Weapon X facility in Canada. The book fits neatly into a definable time period in the myriad X-Men events and status changes, yet doesn't step on the toes of any pre-existing story, allowing it to do its own thing.
The book focuses on two of the newer X-students, Eva Bell and Christopher Muse, who would take on the mutant code names Tempus and Triage respectively. Despite the two of them going on to play big roles in the Marvel universe, especially Eva as a member of The Five, this is still early days for the two young mutants, and they've only been with the X-Men for a relatively short period. Having been cooped up in the gloomy Weapon X facility for weeks, except for a brief adventure in Limbo, the teens are beginning to go a little stir crazy, resulting in some of the students failing to survive a Danger Room session.
Despite this, Eva and Christopher have been working hard, and quickly latch on to each other as partners for the upcoming X-Copter evaluation, knowing that they're the two most likely to take the test seriously. It also means that they'll get the chance to leave the facility for a while, even if it is just to fly the helicopter for a few hours. Whilst on the test the two of them receive a distress call from the former villain Sabertooth, requesting their assistance.
Knowing that Sabertooth has been a vicious mercenary and killer in the past, and that they're only supposed to be proving that they can safely pilot the X-Copter, they're reluctant to help, but eventually decide to land in Chicago so that they can provide assistance.
However, they soon discover more than they bargained for when they find Sabertooth with an injured Graydon Creed, the former presidential candidate who campaigned for mutant extermination, as learn that they're being hunted by mutant killing machines, the Sentinels. Working alongside the two former enemies of the X-Men, Eva and Christopher must try to get to the bottom of the mystery and survive long enough to get back to the school.
I've been a fan of the X-Men for a long while, but have to admit that I've found myself drifting away from many of the X-Men books in recent years, and as such this was my first real experience with both Eva and Christopher. Being introduced to any new heroes can be a bit daunting if you've been out of the loop for a while, but Harris made it so easy to get to know both of these characters, and I had a good understanding of who they were, and what motivated them way before they even ended up getting involved in their mission. They were written so clearly, and with enough care that not only did I never feel like I was having to play catch-up with the comics, but I left the book wanting to spend more time with the two of them; I even went and researched which comics I could find them in.
It wasn't just the two leads who had a chance to shine, however, as both Sabertooth and Graydon Creed were written incredibly well. I've had a soft spot for a good Sabertooth since reading the Age of Apocalypse and Exiles comics, so the fact that the 616 universe Sabertooth has been given the chance to walk closer to the line of being a hero, and is allowed moments here where he gets to do the right thing, and creates a friendship with the two younger mutants was incredibly well received by myself. The scenes where he would be scolded by Eva for being a grouch, or took the time to make sure that Christopher was feeling okay after using his powers, or even just making jokes with the two of them were easily some of my favourites in the book.
I was also surprised that not only did I not end up hating Graydon Creed, a man who's always been portrayed as an out and out bigot, a person who would gladly march mutants into extermination camps, I actually kind of came to like him. I know that the character has gone through a lot over the more recent years with their constant cycle of death and resurrection, but to see him showing humanity, and basic decency was a big surprise for me, and made him one of the more interesting characters in the book.
The characters and their interactions are definitely the highlight of the book, and take focus over the action sequences which are fewer and further between than if this story was made in comic form. Yes, there are some big moments of the team having to fight against some cool opponents, but that's not really what the focus of the story is about. Instead, its about these two young heroes learning that being an X-Man isn't always just flashy costumes and big adventures, that sometimes they'll be tested in extreme circumstances, and can be left deeply effected by it.
Liberty And Justice For All isn't your standard X-Men adventure, it's one that focuses more on the human (or mutant) journey that happens to these characters, it spends quite moments with its characters and lets the reader get into their heads and see the effect this life would have on someone. It might not be what you'd be initially drawn to an X-Men book for, but it's what you'll come away loving and wanting more of.
April 17, 2022
I think this books biggest weakness is a lack of world-building. Now, this wasn't an issue for me personally as I'm very familiar with Marvel comics at the time this book takes place in. I think that's why I can give this book the benefit of the doubt. I wonder though, if anyone who isn't can appreciate this the same way. Some things are mentioned but not explained (like a young Jean). Again, I know why this is, but I don't recall the book ever mentioning why. Still a small adventure that does its job.
May 24, 2022
Drawn out
Long chapters that really don't say much. Then once you get to the ending have to wrap it up right say
Long chapters that really don't say much. Then once you get to the ending have to wrap it up right say
October 13, 2024
It's fun. I appreciated the x-men lore that did come up in it. I would have appreciated more though
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