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Marvel Aconyte Novels
Marvel: Xavier Institue - First Team Novel
Victor Borkowski – aka Anole – has adjusted well to life at Xavier’s Institute, gaining control over his reptilian mutant powers and the respect of his fellow students. However, when he discovers that his parents have been kidnapped by anti-mutant extremists, the Purifiers, Victor’s discipline and trust in the X-Men is strained to breaking point. Setting out alone in defiance of his instructors, he’s quickly in serious trouble. It isn’t just the fanatical Purifiers threatening his family, there’s a villainous scientist waiting to get hold of Victor himself. Maybe he can’t do this by himself after all…
346 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
9 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Robbie MacNiven
123 books114 followersRobbie MacNiven is a Scottish author and historian. His published fiction includes over a dozen novels, many fantasy or sci-fi works for IPs such as Warhammer 40,000 and Marvel's X-Men. He has also written two novellas, numerous short stories and audio dramas, has worked on narrative and character dialogue for multiple digital games (SMITE: Blitz and Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground), has written the colour text for multiple RPG rulebooks and has penned the scripts for two graphic novels and three comics, for Osprey Publishing and Commando Comics respectively. In 2022 his X-Men novel "First Team" won a Scribe Award.
On the non-fiction front, Robbie specialises in Early Modern military history, particularly focussing on the 18th century. He has a PhD in American Revolutionary War massacres from the University of Edinburgh - where he won the Compton Prize for American History - and an MLitt in War Studies from the University of Glasgow. Along with numerous articles for military history magazines he has written six books on different aspects of the American Revolutionary War, five for Osprey Publishing and one for Helion Books. He has also written the scripts for ten episodes of the hit YouTube educational channel Extra Credits.
Outside of work and writing, his passions include re-enacting, gaming, and football.
On the non-fiction front, Robbie specialises in Early Modern military history, particularly focussing on the 18th century. He has a PhD in American Revolutionary War massacres from the University of Edinburgh - where he won the Compton Prize for American History - and an MLitt in War Studies from the University of Glasgow. Along with numerous articles for military history magazines he has written six books on different aspects of the American Revolutionary War, five for Osprey Publishing and one for Helion Books. He has also written the scripts for ten episodes of the hit YouTube educational channel Extra Credits.
Outside of work and writing, his passions include re-enacting, gaming, and football.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 29, 2021
This may have been the best prose Marvel novel by Aconyte yet. It follows one of the younger X-Men, Anole, and his friends Cipher, Graymalkin, and Rockslide as they are menaced by the Purifiers. The Purifiers are basically the KKK, but they hate mutants as well, and have advanced weaponry. After starting a bit slow, the book is action packed. I had a lot of fun with it.
MacNiven's handling of Anole is great. I especially liked how unlike most mutants his family and small town has always been supportive of him. The book is LGBTQ+ as two of the characters are gay.
The story is not canon as some things happen to Anole that already happened years before this. The story is rooted though in X-Men lore. Anole, Cipher, and Graymalken's friendship did begin in Young X-Men and events from that comic are referenced frequently. The book is set at Cyclop's school in Canada which would set the book during the time Brian Michael Bendis wrote Uncanny X-Men.
Received a review copy from Aconyte Books and NetGalley. 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
MacNiven's handling of Anole is great. I especially liked how unlike most mutants his family and small town has always been supportive of him. The book is LGBTQ+ as two of the characters are gay.
The story is not canon as some things happen to Anole that already happened years before this. The story is rooted though in X-Men lore. Anole, Cipher, and Graymalken's friendship did begin in Young X-Men and events from that comic are referenced frequently. The book is set at Cyclop's school in Canada which would set the book during the time Brian Michael Bendis wrote Uncanny X-Men.
Received a review copy from Aconyte Books and NetGalley. 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
February 28, 2021
First Team by Robbie MacNiven is an excellent X-Men, high fantasy read.
If you're seeking a fun, fantasy read that brings Marvel characters to life then this book is for you! It's a long read but it is mighty worth it!
I wasn't aware of most of these Marvel characters, but I am sure many comic book fans will be aware of them. Even if you don't know them, Robbie MacNiven gives you enough background and history to help you. You don't need to worry about going into this book blind! The character development and prose of this book is where it really shines. I was honestly amazed at how brilliant the writing was! Add in the incredible word choice and it felt like a book that went above and beyond what I expected of it. I'm truly impressed.
Also: LGBTQ+ Representation! Woo!
Reader beware: I picked up this book because it was marketed to me as a Comic Book/Graphic Novel - it is not. It's a full chapter book. All of my research couldn't find any concrete proof that it was or wasn't a comic book - it's not. Full book!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
If you're seeking a fun, fantasy read that brings Marvel characters to life then this book is for you! It's a long read but it is mighty worth it!
I wasn't aware of most of these Marvel characters, but I am sure many comic book fans will be aware of them. Even if you don't know them, Robbie MacNiven gives you enough background and history to help you. You don't need to worry about going into this book blind! The character development and prose of this book is where it really shines. I was honestly amazed at how brilliant the writing was! Add in the incredible word choice and it felt like a book that went above and beyond what I expected of it. I'm truly impressed.
Also: LGBTQ+ Representation! Woo!
Reader beware: I picked up this book because it was marketed to me as a Comic Book/Graphic Novel - it is not. It's a full chapter book. All of my research couldn't find any concrete proof that it was or wasn't a comic book - it's not. Full book!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
February 20, 2021
*I received a free ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As an X-men fan since I was but a wee one, I was excited to read First Team. Despite being unfamiliar with the X-men it focused on, I more than enjoyed the read and now have an appreciation for a new cast of characters. While I am not sure if those unfamiliar with Marvel’s world would be keen to read this, I think any X-men fan will find it hard not to enjoy.
Robbie MacNiven’s pacing in this novel was fantastic. The initial set-up was great and there was plenty of background story for characters mixed in with the relentless action. The relationship building between the characters and the time spent establishing Anole’s backstory with his family were a pleasure to read. Of course this read comes with a bit of corny dialogue and overly convenient coincidences tucked in here or there, but that is wholly expected with a novel set in this universe.
I’m also impressed with the decision to put not one, but two queer characters front and center in the novel. Anole was so fun to read about and Graymalkin really added a unique perspective to the team and the overall story. I will definitely be looking out for more material featuring them in the Marvel universe.
Overall, this novel is 1 part high-octane thriller, 1 part coming-of-age story, and 1 part heartwarming meditation on the importance of family and friendship (yes, I did say heartwarming- it honestly is). If you are a fan of the X-men or Marvel in general, I think you owe it to yourself to pick this one up!
****************************************
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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
As an X-men fan since I was but a wee one, I was excited to read First Team. Despite being unfamiliar with the X-men it focused on, I more than enjoyed the read and now have an appreciation for a new cast of characters. While I am not sure if those unfamiliar with Marvel’s world would be keen to read this, I think any X-men fan will find it hard not to enjoy.
Robbie MacNiven’s pacing in this novel was fantastic. The initial set-up was great and there was plenty of background story for characters mixed in with the relentless action. The relationship building between the characters and the time spent establishing Anole’s backstory with his family were a pleasure to read. Of course this read comes with a bit of corny dialogue and overly convenient coincidences tucked in here or there, but that is wholly expected with a novel set in this universe.
I’m also impressed with the decision to put not one, but two queer characters front and center in the novel. Anole was so fun to read about and Graymalkin really added a unique perspective to the team and the overall story. I will definitely be looking out for more material featuring them in the Marvel universe.
Overall, this novel is 1 part high-octane thriller, 1 part coming-of-age story, and 1 part heartwarming meditation on the importance of family and friendship (yes, I did say heartwarming- it honestly is). If you are a fan of the X-men or Marvel in general, I think you owe it to yourself to pick this one up!
****************************************
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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
January 21, 2021
Can I just say how incredibly exciting the tie-in game is right now? This is probably the most fun it’s been in years. Titan Books is the new Dark Horse with Predator and Alien novels along with Marvel reprints and new books. Encyclopocalypse Publications just crushed it with the Wishmaster novelization and more coming. And then there’s upstart Aconyte with their incredible Marvel line. Aconyte has a wild slate ahead ranging from a mobile tie-in book to a Dark Avengers novel.
Next up on that slate is today’s topic. First Team by Robbie MacNiven, the second book in the Xavier’s Institute subcategory. I’ve already covered the first book, Liberty and Justice For All by Carrie Harris. If you missed that review, I loved that book greatly. It was exciting to see a modern, diverse book that drew from Bendis and Aaron rather than Claremont/Byrne. I had a lot of hope the second book would continue that. Did it?
We’re in blissfully simple story territory here. Xavier’s Institute student Anole goes home to see his parents. His hometown gets overrun by the Purifiers, an anti-mutant cult seeking Anole. His home gets destroyed, his father taken, and his mother injured. Anole, with friends Rockslide, Cipher, and Graymalkin, searches for his father. Much superhero fun ensues.
Yeah, let me cut to the chase here. I dug this a lot. Not quite as much as Liberty and Justice For All, but I still had a blast. This is a tight, fun little read that feels incredibly fresh. There’s almost no fat in the book with a plot that moves from point to point agilely. It’s as simple as stories get but that’s how comic books should feel. This utterly drips with comic book energy.
That’s not to say it’s style free. MacNiven knows his imagery. There’s not one page of the book that didn’t feel as visual as the source. I could imagine every setting to the smallest detail and the action pops boldly. It’s one cracking read.
I also really liked the character work. Anole is an intensely likable lead, an openly gay protagonist unburdened by the usual family trauma. That he has a tight bond with his family actually gives a nice contrast with his much more troubled peers. There’s not enough superheroes showing why an untroubled life is actually quite dramatic. And I love that Anole being gay is as casually played as it would be if he was straight.
If I have a gripe it’s that his friends are a bit redundant. Graymalkin and Cipher have extremely similar power sets and similar backstories. They’re not bad characters but they all blend after a while. I get why this was done but it did wear on me a bit.
This is a minor gripe about a book I’m more than happy to recommend. I loved this read and I am in for the line. If this is the future, it shines.
This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest 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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
Next up on that slate is today’s topic. First Team by Robbie MacNiven, the second book in the Xavier’s Institute subcategory. I’ve already covered the first book, Liberty and Justice For All by Carrie Harris. If you missed that review, I loved that book greatly. It was exciting to see a modern, diverse book that drew from Bendis and Aaron rather than Claremont/Byrne. I had a lot of hope the second book would continue that. Did it?
We’re in blissfully simple story territory here. Xavier’s Institute student Anole goes home to see his parents. His hometown gets overrun by the Purifiers, an anti-mutant cult seeking Anole. His home gets destroyed, his father taken, and his mother injured. Anole, with friends Rockslide, Cipher, and Graymalkin, searches for his father. Much superhero fun ensues.
Yeah, let me cut to the chase here. I dug this a lot. Not quite as much as Liberty and Justice For All, but I still had a blast. This is a tight, fun little read that feels incredibly fresh. There’s almost no fat in the book with a plot that moves from point to point agilely. It’s as simple as stories get but that’s how comic books should feel. This utterly drips with comic book energy.
That’s not to say it’s style free. MacNiven knows his imagery. There’s not one page of the book that didn’t feel as visual as the source. I could imagine every setting to the smallest detail and the action pops boldly. It’s one cracking read.
I also really liked the character work. Anole is an intensely likable lead, an openly gay protagonist unburdened by the usual family trauma. That he has a tight bond with his family actually gives a nice contrast with his much more troubled peers. There’s not enough superheroes showing why an untroubled life is actually quite dramatic. And I love that Anole being gay is as casually played as it would be if he was straight.
If I have a gripe it’s that his friends are a bit redundant. Graymalkin and Cipher have extremely similar power sets and similar backstories. They’re not bad characters but they all blend after a while. I get why this was done but it did wear on me a bit.
This is a minor gripe about a book I’m more than happy to recommend. I loved this read and I am in for the line. If this is the future, it shines.
This book was given to me by NetGalley for an honest 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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
February 10, 2021
This book was given to me for an honest review.
Such a fabulous story by MacNiven. This book will please both the YA market, as well as adult readers as they read about Anole and his battle with the Purifiers.
The characters are brought to life so well, that you really cheer them on when they get into dire straits and all the aspects that make these characters mutants are so perfectly depicted and fit well into the X-men Universe.
I would happily read more from this author and feel confident that they could take me on a journey that I would enjoy.
#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
Such a fabulous story by MacNiven. This book will please both the YA market, as well as adult readers as they read about Anole and his battle with the Purifiers.
The characters are brought to life so well, that you really cheer them on when they get into dire straits and all the aspects that make these characters mutants are so perfectly depicted and fit well into the X-men Universe.
I would happily read more from this author and feel confident that they could take me on a journey that I would enjoy.
#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
August 13, 2022
Victor Borkowski (auch Anole genannt) ist relativ am Ende seiner Ausbildung zum X-Men als fanatische Kultisten, die sich Purifier nennen, immer mehr Mutanten und ihre Unterstützer angreifen.
Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Mutanten hat er liebevolle Eltern und er war nie ein Ausgestoßener in seiner Heimatstadt. Deshalb macht er sich auch Sorgen als die Purifier immer dreister werden und beschließt, seine Eltern zu besuchen.
Dort kann er die Zeit aber nicht lange genießen, denn die Purifier greifen ihn und seine Eltern an und entführen seinen Vater.
Natürlich würde Victor alles tun, um seinen Vater zurück zu holen. Zum Glück hat er Freunde, die ihn dabei nicht gern allein lassen.
Mir hat das Buch beim Lesen wirklich gut gefallen. Bis zu einem gewissen Punkt, fand ich Ciphers Kräfte etwas übermächtig, aber auch sie hat sich ja dann als verletzlich herausgestellt.
Ich mochte die Protagonisten, bei den Gegenspielern hätte ich mir mehr Infos über den Propheten Xodus gewünscht. So war er nicht mehr als ein kranker Irrer.
Das Buch war kurzweilig zu lesen und daher vergebe ich 4,5 von 5 Sternen.
Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Mutanten hat er liebevolle Eltern und er war nie ein Ausgestoßener in seiner Heimatstadt. Deshalb macht er sich auch Sorgen als die Purifier immer dreister werden und beschließt, seine Eltern zu besuchen.
Dort kann er die Zeit aber nicht lange genießen, denn die Purifier greifen ihn und seine Eltern an und entführen seinen Vater.
Natürlich würde Victor alles tun, um seinen Vater zurück zu holen. Zum Glück hat er Freunde, die ihn dabei nicht gern allein lassen.
Mir hat das Buch beim Lesen wirklich gut gefallen. Bis zu einem gewissen Punkt, fand ich Ciphers Kräfte etwas übermächtig, aber auch sie hat sich ja dann als verletzlich herausgestellt.
Ich mochte die Protagonisten, bei den Gegenspielern hätte ich mir mehr Infos über den Propheten Xodus gewünscht. So war er nicht mehr als ein kranker Irrer.
Das Buch war kurzweilig zu lesen und daher vergebe ich 4,5 von 5 Sternen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
Eigentlich läuft in Victors Leben alles gut: er lernt mit seinen Reptilien Kräften umzugehen, hat im Institut Freund*innen gefunden und sich gut eingelebt. Doch die Anti-Mutanten- Extremisten, die sogenannten Purifier, erhalten immer mehr Zulauf und als sie seine Eltern entführen, werden Victor und seine Freund*innen vor Entscheidungen gestellt, die über ihre Zukunft bei den X-Men entscheiden könnten.
Victor (Anole) ist ein sehr sympathischer Hauptprotagonist. Er ist mutig, besitzt einen starken Gerechtigkeitssinn und ist bereit große Risiken einzugehen, um die Menschen zu schützen, die ihm etwas bedeuten. Manchmal handelt er zwar impulsiv, doch sein guter Wille, ist hinter jeder Tat spürbar.
Bei Büchern, die in einem bereits existierenden Franchise spielen und bereits existierende Charaktere aufgreifen, hatte ich schon oft das Gefühl, dass viel Wissen vorausgesetzt wird, was hier jedoch nicht der Fall war. Es wird gut in das X-Men Universum eingeführt, sodass auch Personen, die nicht bis ins kleinste Detail mit den X-Men vertraut sind, alles verstehen. Das Buch war durchgehend spannend und unterhaltsam, die Action- und Kampfszenen konnte mich immer überzeugen und mitreißen und auch an Humor mangelt es in diesem Roman nicht. Des weiteren konnte mich neben der spannungsgeladenen Handlung rund um die den paramilitärischen, sektenartigen Kultur der Purifier, die Themenwahl überzeugen: Freundschaft, Familie, Gerechtigkeit, Zusammenhalt, aber auch (sexuelle) Selbstfindung und Identität werden thematisiert. Dass wir zum ersten Mal einen queeren Superhelden bekommen, war für mich dann noch die Kirsche auf dem Sahnehäubchen.
Es gab keine ultimativ, überraschende Wendung für mich, aber das hat das Buch aus meiner Sicht auch gar nicht gebraucht. Negativ aufgefallen sind mir dann jedoch die wiederholte Verwendungen, ableistischer Begriffe. Hier hoffe ich, dass die Übersetzer beim nächsten mal etwas mehr Sensibilität walten lassen.
Ihr mögt Marvel? Superhelden? Die X-Men? Spannende Actionszenen?
Dann werdet ihr bei dem Buch voll auf eure Kosten kommen.
„Das erste Team“ von Robbie MAcNiven ist ein unterhaltsamer und spannender Roman über die nächste Generation der X-Men, der mit actionreichen Szenen, Humor, queeren Charakteren und bedingungsloser Freund*innenschaft überzeugt.
Victor (Anole) ist ein sehr sympathischer Hauptprotagonist. Er ist mutig, besitzt einen starken Gerechtigkeitssinn und ist bereit große Risiken einzugehen, um die Menschen zu schützen, die ihm etwas bedeuten. Manchmal handelt er zwar impulsiv, doch sein guter Wille, ist hinter jeder Tat spürbar.
Bei Büchern, die in einem bereits existierenden Franchise spielen und bereits existierende Charaktere aufgreifen, hatte ich schon oft das Gefühl, dass viel Wissen vorausgesetzt wird, was hier jedoch nicht der Fall war. Es wird gut in das X-Men Universum eingeführt, sodass auch Personen, die nicht bis ins kleinste Detail mit den X-Men vertraut sind, alles verstehen. Das Buch war durchgehend spannend und unterhaltsam, die Action- und Kampfszenen konnte mich immer überzeugen und mitreißen und auch an Humor mangelt es in diesem Roman nicht. Des weiteren konnte mich neben der spannungsgeladenen Handlung rund um die den paramilitärischen, sektenartigen Kultur der Purifier, die Themenwahl überzeugen: Freundschaft, Familie, Gerechtigkeit, Zusammenhalt, aber auch (sexuelle) Selbstfindung und Identität werden thematisiert. Dass wir zum ersten Mal einen queeren Superhelden bekommen, war für mich dann noch die Kirsche auf dem Sahnehäubchen.
Es gab keine ultimativ, überraschende Wendung für mich, aber das hat das Buch aus meiner Sicht auch gar nicht gebraucht. Negativ aufgefallen sind mir dann jedoch die wiederholte Verwendungen, ableistischer Begriffe. Hier hoffe ich, dass die Übersetzer beim nächsten mal etwas mehr Sensibilität walten lassen.
Ihr mögt Marvel? Superhelden? Die X-Men? Spannende Actionszenen?
Dann werdet ihr bei dem Buch voll auf eure Kosten kommen.
„Das erste Team“ von Robbie MAcNiven ist ein unterhaltsamer und spannender Roman über die nächste Generation der X-Men, der mit actionreichen Szenen, Humor, queeren Charakteren und bedingungsloser Freund*innenschaft überzeugt.
March 31, 2021
DRC provided by Aconyte Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: gay protagonist. Black deuteragonist, gay deuteragonist, Latine deuteragonist.
Content Warning: violence, homophobia, vivisepulture, death, fanaticism.
First Team: A Marvel: Xavier’s Institute Novel by Robbie MacNiven is an adventure-packed, superhero novel, starring three spectacular and gifted young heroes.
Victor Borowski, also known as Anole, is one of students at the Xavier’s Institute, where they are trained physically and mentally to become the next generation of X-Men. His life is disrupted when his hometown is attacked by a small horde of anti-mutant fanatics called the Purifiers. Unbeknownst to him, though, the cultists are only puppets in the hands of evil secret puppeteer.
I have to say I expected something more from the novel. I was really excited to read about Anole and Graymalkin and Cipher, characters who are usually found in the background in the comics, but I found the novel lacking both in substance and in the writing, which was sometime repetitive.
Nonetheless, it was not what one would call a train-wreck. The trio of young mutants are exceptionally loveable and every scene between Graymalkin and Anole moved me to tears. The ending did as well, even though I frankly expected as much. Moreover, the novel maintains the same level of action one would expect from a comic, which is definitely a positive.
In conclusion, I wish it had been more, but I still enjoyed it.
Representation: gay protagonist. Black deuteragonist, gay deuteragonist, Latine deuteragonist.
Content Warning: violence, homophobia, vivisepulture, death, fanaticism.
First Team: A Marvel: Xavier’s Institute Novel by Robbie MacNiven is an adventure-packed, superhero novel, starring three spectacular and gifted young heroes.
Victor Borowski, also known as Anole, is one of students at the Xavier’s Institute, where they are trained physically and mentally to become the next generation of X-Men. His life is disrupted when his hometown is attacked by a small horde of anti-mutant fanatics called the Purifiers. Unbeknownst to him, though, the cultists are only puppets in the hands of evil secret puppeteer.
I have to say I expected something more from the novel. I was really excited to read about Anole and Graymalkin and Cipher, characters who are usually found in the background in the comics, but I found the novel lacking both in substance and in the writing, which was sometime repetitive.
Nonetheless, it was not what one would call a train-wreck. The trio of young mutants are exceptionally loveable and every scene between Graymalkin and Anole moved me to tears. The ending did as well, even though I frankly expected as much. Moreover, the novel maintains the same level of action one would expect from a comic, which is definitely a positive.
In conclusion, I wish it had been more, but I still enjoyed it.
February 23, 2021
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to enjoy this book because I was drawn in by the fact that we have a Marvel book centered on a queer character. But the story lost my attention after a few chapters, as the plot became very contrived and predictable and lost in an unengaging storyline. Victor was an interesting character and I liked his love for his family and the fact that he was one of the few whose home life was happy and content, that he was both a mutant and gay, and yet his parents and neighbors all still loved him. I enjoyed Graymalkin and Cipher were pretty great friends, and I really loved Graymalkin's character and completely died over him. Overall, this was a decent read, but didn't quite meet my expectations.
~~~
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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
I really wanted to enjoy this book because I was drawn in by the fact that we have a Marvel book centered on a queer character. But the story lost my attention after a few chapters, as the plot became very contrived and predictable and lost in an unengaging storyline. Victor was an interesting character and I liked his love for his family and the fact that he was one of the few whose home life was happy and content, that he was both a mutant and gay, and yet his parents and neighbors all still loved him. I enjoyed Graymalkin and Cipher were pretty great friends, and I really loved Graymalkin's character and completely died over him. Overall, this was a decent read, but didn't quite meet my expectations.
~~~
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
#Marvel #MarvelEnt #Aconytebooks #review
November 27, 2021
Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, which is always a good thing. It's pacing is decent; some parts move faster and some move slower and a couple of parts nearly ground to a halt for me, but it still held my interest throughout. The ending did seem pretty dragged out to me, to be honest. I felt like it could have ended a few chapters earlier. The character development was pretty good. The only familiar character for me would have been Rockslide; I vaguely remember the Hulk ripping Rockslide's arms off and throwing them into "New Jersey" (or wherever the Hulk threw them) during the World War Hulk storyline, so it was nice getting to know these other three characters I knew nothing about over the course of the story.
These books do tend to surprise me a little bit; I am used to the "primary X-teams/characters" getting most of the attention in early X-Men novels (granted, prior books did not have nearly as many mutant characters to populate the pages with, so that is part of the reason why they focused on the "big names" for the X-Men, such as Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, Storm, Iceman, Wolverine, Gambit, Bishop, Beast, Angel, Psylocke, Colossus, and Kitty Pryde come immediately to mind). So it has been a bit refreshing, in some ways, to read about "new-ish" characters on the team with whom I am unfamiliar. I did enjoy the characters this book focused on more than I did in the prior book (Liberty and Justice For All), which was nice. I think these characters were better developed than in the first book (and I realize that can be a hard thing, in light of their appearing in the comics as well, so the character development in the books may or may not match what is happening in the comics).
It was a stronger book than the first book in this "series" of stories, but it was still not without what I saw as its weaknesses.
I did like the friendship between Victor and Rockslide as well as Victor with Cipher and Graymalkin. I thought those friendships felt natural and "real." They did not feel forced to me, so they were well-written. I also thought it was interesting how Victor had a better home life than most other mutants, how his small town was so supportive of him. That was an interesting twist as most mutants are portrayed as either being abandoned by their parents or their parents trying to kill them once their mutant gifts are revealed. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about Rockslide and what he was capable of; I was pretty unfamiliar with him prior to reading this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. As I said at the start, it did seem to slow down at times, but I still enjoyed the character development because of my complete lack of familiarity with three of the four main characters in the story (I include Rockslide because he still plays an important role in the tale). I would probably rate it 2.7 - 2.8 stars, rounded up. I am glad that I took a chance and read it.
These books do tend to surprise me a little bit; I am used to the "primary X-teams/characters" getting most of the attention in early X-Men novels (granted, prior books did not have nearly as many mutant characters to populate the pages with, so that is part of the reason why they focused on the "big names" for the X-Men, such as Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, Storm, Iceman, Wolverine, Gambit, Bishop, Beast, Angel, Psylocke, Colossus, and Kitty Pryde come immediately to mind). So it has been a bit refreshing, in some ways, to read about "new-ish" characters on the team with whom I am unfamiliar. I did enjoy the characters this book focused on more than I did in the prior book (Liberty and Justice For All), which was nice. I think these characters were better developed than in the first book (and I realize that can be a hard thing, in light of their appearing in the comics as well, so the character development in the books may or may not match what is happening in the comics).
It was a stronger book than the first book in this "series" of stories, but it was still not without what I saw as its weaknesses.
I did like the friendship between Victor and Rockslide as well as Victor with Cipher and Graymalkin. I thought those friendships felt natural and "real." They did not feel forced to me, so they were well-written. I also thought it was interesting how Victor had a better home life than most other mutants, how his small town was so supportive of him. That was an interesting twist as most mutants are portrayed as either being abandoned by their parents or their parents trying to kill them once their mutant gifts are revealed. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about Rockslide and what he was capable of; I was pretty unfamiliar with him prior to reading this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. As I said at the start, it did seem to slow down at times, but I still enjoyed the character development because of my complete lack of familiarity with three of the four main characters in the story (I include Rockslide because he still plays an important role in the tale). I would probably rate it 2.7 - 2.8 stars, rounded up. I am glad that I took a chance and read it.
March 15, 2021
I have been provided with an advance copy of the new Xavier’s Institute book First Team by Robbie MacNiven, published by Aconyte Books, so here is the honest review I promised in exchange for the book.
So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.
Secondly I am a friend of Robbie on Facebook, and whilst we aren’t best buds, we do interact with each other on occasion and I consider him a class person.
I am going to try my best to not let these things cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.
What is Marvel
Look at this point I would bore you with a bit of background to the game/universe, but lets not, you all know the Marvel Universe, if you don’t have you been living under a rock!
The Xavier’s Institute novel series is focued on the heroes that attend this school and their adventures and the two books in the series thus far (disclaimer I never actually read the first one yet) have focuses on what would very much be considered b-list heroes, which is good because it allows the authors to do a lot more with the characters than they would be able to do with more established heroes.
The Story
This is not an origin story, but you aren’t gonna need to know the background, you do get a decent explanation of the characters. Speaking of which the main character is Victor Borkowski, aka Anole, a lizard type mutant who had a really good upbringing compared to other mutants, and this story sees his dad kidnaped by anti-mutant extremists known as the Purifiers.
Pretty much this whole book is about the b-list X-Men with a little bit of Cyclops and a cameo by Kitty Pryde (The best of all X-Men and I will die on that hill), with Greymalkin, Cipher and Rockside forming the titular First Team. All of these are fan favourites but haven’t really had the exposure to the wider public before.
The story is one about family, a theme familar to those who are X-Men fans, family that is biological, adopted, genetic and forged of friendship. Mutants have often been shown to be more likely to suffer abandonment, being made orphaned or just plain abused, and this really delves into that in the unusualness of Anole having had a normal loving upbringing in an acepting community, despite being both a mutant and gay.
The family bonds we have are so often more than simple blood, they are forged in love and friendship, and this book really gets to the core of that, family is more than blood, and looks at what we would give up when our families are under threat.
Conclusion
This book is a real page turner and is to me seemingly a story in four parts almost, don’t know if that’s important but it felt like the book had four acts almost in which the feeling of the book changed quite a bit, which worked for me.
The featured X-Men are well rounded, you get a good feeling for who they are and what their motivations are, except perhaps Cipher, but I think that is intentional as she is a rather caged and guarded character.
Anole is a fan favourite and for good reason, we know that he was originally intended to commit suicide in the comics whilst struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, but just like the comics quickly realised that this would be a crass and awful thing to do, Anole here is at peace with his secuality and very happy with that part of himself, which was very warming to read.
I also liked that fact that although there were two gay blokes in this story, there was no automatic coupling, they were friends and often in comics and books, where there are two gay characters, they are often forced into a relationship by the writer, but here is a rare example of two gay men, who just enjoy each others company in a non-romantic way, and that to me makes their bond all that much stronger.
The theme of family, is infused into this book so naturally and so well, that it really makes you realise exactly how talented a writer Robbie is, it would be so easy to shove it in your face point to it and make it so obvious that its painful. But instead he has written a book that does this in a subtle way that you don’t realise how much focus the book places on the concept until you get to the epilogue, in that respect its a very well crafted book.
But thats not to say its a perfect book, and my biggest critisism is the villans, although we get some chapters from thier point of view, they feel very one dimensional, they are there, there is no background, they just exist as an obsticle with no real motivation other than hate and greed.
The big bad of the book, is sort of implied to be a mutant, but this is then forgotten about and we don’t actually have an explantaion about him. I know who he is and what his background is, but its not very well explained or expanded upon, which is a shame as the concept of him is, interesting in the comics.
To be frank, he could have been any generic bad guy and it wouldn’t have made a difference to the story which is what annoyed me about this, I feel in that respect Robbie did the character a disservice.
Same with the Purifiers, an existing organisation in the 616 continuity that honestly could have been any generic anti-mutant religious group.
All I am saying is that I think that original creations would have been better, because it really felt like the baddies were sort of not really well served in the story, and that’s not a bad thing, because the focus is and should have been the protagonists.
So in conclusion I am giving this a solid 4 out of 5
The eBook is out now and the paperback hits the shelves on 27th May.
So here is an important disclaimer which is always important to put out there first. I have a casual work contact with Asmodee to demonstrate board games for them in stores and at conventions. Asmodee being the parent company of Aconyte the publisher.
Secondly I am a friend of Robbie on Facebook, and whilst we aren’t best buds, we do interact with each other on occasion and I consider him a class person.
I am going to try my best to not let these things cloud my judgement in this review, but I accept that subconsciously it might.
What is Marvel
Look at this point I would bore you with a bit of background to the game/universe, but lets not, you all know the Marvel Universe, if you don’t have you been living under a rock!
The Xavier’s Institute novel series is focued on the heroes that attend this school and their adventures and the two books in the series thus far (disclaimer I never actually read the first one yet) have focuses on what would very much be considered b-list heroes, which is good because it allows the authors to do a lot more with the characters than they would be able to do with more established heroes.
The Story
This is not an origin story, but you aren’t gonna need to know the background, you do get a decent explanation of the characters. Speaking of which the main character is Victor Borkowski, aka Anole, a lizard type mutant who had a really good upbringing compared to other mutants, and this story sees his dad kidnaped by anti-mutant extremists known as the Purifiers.
Pretty much this whole book is about the b-list X-Men with a little bit of Cyclops and a cameo by Kitty Pryde (The best of all X-Men and I will die on that hill), with Greymalkin, Cipher and Rockside forming the titular First Team. All of these are fan favourites but haven’t really had the exposure to the wider public before.
The story is one about family, a theme familar to those who are X-Men fans, family that is biological, adopted, genetic and forged of friendship. Mutants have often been shown to be more likely to suffer abandonment, being made orphaned or just plain abused, and this really delves into that in the unusualness of Anole having had a normal loving upbringing in an acepting community, despite being both a mutant and gay.
The family bonds we have are so often more than simple blood, they are forged in love and friendship, and this book really gets to the core of that, family is more than blood, and looks at what we would give up when our families are under threat.
Conclusion
This book is a real page turner and is to me seemingly a story in four parts almost, don’t know if that’s important but it felt like the book had four acts almost in which the feeling of the book changed quite a bit, which worked for me.
The featured X-Men are well rounded, you get a good feeling for who they are and what their motivations are, except perhaps Cipher, but I think that is intentional as she is a rather caged and guarded character.
Anole is a fan favourite and for good reason, we know that he was originally intended to commit suicide in the comics whilst struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, but just like the comics quickly realised that this would be a crass and awful thing to do, Anole here is at peace with his secuality and very happy with that part of himself, which was very warming to read.
I also liked that fact that although there were two gay blokes in this story, there was no automatic coupling, they were friends and often in comics and books, where there are two gay characters, they are often forced into a relationship by the writer, but here is a rare example of two gay men, who just enjoy each others company in a non-romantic way, and that to me makes their bond all that much stronger.
The theme of family, is infused into this book so naturally and so well, that it really makes you realise exactly how talented a writer Robbie is, it would be so easy to shove it in your face point to it and make it so obvious that its painful. But instead he has written a book that does this in a subtle way that you don’t realise how much focus the book places on the concept until you get to the epilogue, in that respect its a very well crafted book.
But thats not to say its a perfect book, and my biggest critisism is the villans, although we get some chapters from thier point of view, they feel very one dimensional, they are there, there is no background, they just exist as an obsticle with no real motivation other than hate and greed.
The big bad of the book, is sort of implied to be a mutant, but this is then forgotten about and we don’t actually have an explantaion about him. I know who he is and what his background is, but its not very well explained or expanded upon, which is a shame as the concept of him is, interesting in the comics.
To be frank, he could have been any generic bad guy and it wouldn’t have made a difference to the story which is what annoyed me about this, I feel in that respect Robbie did the character a disservice.
Same with the Purifiers, an existing organisation in the 616 continuity that honestly could have been any generic anti-mutant religious group.
All I am saying is that I think that original creations would have been better, because it really felt like the baddies were sort of not really well served in the story, and that’s not a bad thing, because the focus is and should have been the protagonists.
So in conclusion I am giving this a solid 4 out of 5
The eBook is out now and the paperback hits the shelves on 27th May.
March 20, 2021
I've been reading comics for years. I love YouTube channels like Comic Drake, Variant, and Comics Explained. But the X-Men? I couldn't really get into them. It was something about the whole saga, how X-Men ruled the 90s comic landscape and changed everything. I couldn't really get into the movies, I loved Evan Peters as Quicksilver, and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, but I just couldn't understand the whole idea of mutantkind, or the time-travel shenanigans, the deaths and the resurrections, or... Deadpool. Comic-fan blasphemy, I know! I just couldn't get into Deadpool for the life of me!
I needed something that was a palate cleanser, an introduction that was easy to follow, easy to know. The idea of Xavier's Institute is such a cool one, it's like Harry Potter; a school full of powered individuals, with powerful teachers, learning how to hone their skills to be helpful in the rest of the world. First Team by Robbie MacNiven fulfills that desire and need.
We follow Victor Borkowski, a mutant with Lizard abilities. His hero alter-ego? Anole. With scaly skin, an expandable tongue, camouflage abilities, and wall climbing similar to Spider-Man, Anole wants to join the ranks of the X-Men, and he's already one step ahead by attending Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters.
Victor is obviously a step out of normal, thanks in part to his green skin and the fact that his parents are bother middle class, working, powerless humans. So, when the Purifiers - a cultist group bent on eradicating mutant-kind - attempt to subdue Anole, kidnapping his father in the process, Victor must figure out how to put a stop to this, all the while working with his friends Cipher and Graymalkin, fellow mutants while he travels to take down the Purifiers and rescue his father.
I have to say, I loved this story. It was a quick read, simply because the style and pacing was amazing. MacNiven really understands these characters, and when we jump from perspectives, it is seamless as the powers are set, they're never really augmented to fit the standards, and we get a good feel of what these characters feel. Even in prose, a comic novel reads like a comic, and that is, in no way, a bad thing. Comics are GREAT with dialogue, and the great things about comics is the writer typically does this thing where the character's thoughts are shown in a little thought bubble. Here, however, those thoughts are told in an energetic, quick way. It doesn't intrude or interrupt on action or dialogue, it's naturally said.
I honestly think that's why it was such a fun read. It was engaging and to the point, and the perspective changes kept the suspense up, as we may learn the villain's motives in one chapter, and in the next we have Victor trying to track him down, or Cipher trying to help a character in the Institute. It keeps you on your toes.
This feels like Harry Potter, Superheroes, and the road-trip excitement of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," wrapped into one, and man was it engaging. I couldn't put it down when I really got into the thick of it!
That's the issue I have, however. The pacing was really good, but it had a slower start than normal in the beginning. Of course, I'm glad it was a lot more character-driven, and we got a feel of Vic and his friends, his family, and the looming threat of the Purifiers, but around the forty percent mark it started to get exciting, and didn't really slow down in it's pacing until the end. I like comics (and now prose based around superheroes... maybe more than comics itself) because you can go one minute with character-expanding dialogue, and the next is an epic battle. I just was left wondering when it would happen, and I felt a little on edge waiting for it as I flipped from page-to-page.
And my-oh-my am I left with questions about what universe this is supposed to be! As a comic geek, placing the correct universe something is in is important to me. Anole has been a staple of X-Men comics since his first appearance in "New Mutants" back in 2003. So, is this story in the main marvel universe (Earth-616)? Or does the Aconyte set of novels have it's own, separate universe with all of their different superhero novels, such as The Harrowing of Doom and Domino: Strays to, most recently, this and Elsa Bloodstone: Bequest? It keeps me thinking, but man, is this version of the Marvel Universe interesting! There's minor references here that I'm sure fans will get a kick out of, and I'm not going to spoil any of them, but the keen reading eye will surely have no trouble catching them.
I think the villain is an interesting one, I've loved "evil bloodlust cult" as a main antagonist since Far Cry 5's Joseph Seed and the Project at Eden's Gate, and Xodus and his crew is a really engaging group that I want to know more about.
All-in-all, I think besides the pacing issues at the beginning with the whole buildup of the conflict, this novel is a 4 stars out of 5 in my book. I REALLY Recommend this as an introduction to what the X-Men is as a group. It was what I needed, especially with the rumors of them eventually entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe soon.
Once again, SPECIAL THANKS to the people at Aconyte and Marvel for giving me a copy of this! It was truly a joy.
I needed something that was a palate cleanser, an introduction that was easy to follow, easy to know. The idea of Xavier's Institute is such a cool one, it's like Harry Potter; a school full of powered individuals, with powerful teachers, learning how to hone their skills to be helpful in the rest of the world. First Team by Robbie MacNiven fulfills that desire and need.
We follow Victor Borkowski, a mutant with Lizard abilities. His hero alter-ego? Anole. With scaly skin, an expandable tongue, camouflage abilities, and wall climbing similar to Spider-Man, Anole wants to join the ranks of the X-Men, and he's already one step ahead by attending Xavier's Institute for Gifted Youngsters.
Victor is obviously a step out of normal, thanks in part to his green skin and the fact that his parents are bother middle class, working, powerless humans. So, when the Purifiers - a cultist group bent on eradicating mutant-kind - attempt to subdue Anole, kidnapping his father in the process, Victor must figure out how to put a stop to this, all the while working with his friends Cipher and Graymalkin, fellow mutants while he travels to take down the Purifiers and rescue his father.
I have to say, I loved this story. It was a quick read, simply because the style and pacing was amazing. MacNiven really understands these characters, and when we jump from perspectives, it is seamless as the powers are set, they're never really augmented to fit the standards, and we get a good feel of what these characters feel. Even in prose, a comic novel reads like a comic, and that is, in no way, a bad thing. Comics are GREAT with dialogue, and the great things about comics is the writer typically does this thing where the character's thoughts are shown in a little thought bubble. Here, however, those thoughts are told in an energetic, quick way. It doesn't intrude or interrupt on action or dialogue, it's naturally said.
I honestly think that's why it was such a fun read. It was engaging and to the point, and the perspective changes kept the suspense up, as we may learn the villain's motives in one chapter, and in the next we have Victor trying to track him down, or Cipher trying to help a character in the Institute. It keeps you on your toes.
This feels like Harry Potter, Superheroes, and the road-trip excitement of "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," wrapped into one, and man was it engaging. I couldn't put it down when I really got into the thick of it!
That's the issue I have, however. The pacing was really good, but it had a slower start than normal in the beginning. Of course, I'm glad it was a lot more character-driven, and we got a feel of Vic and his friends, his family, and the looming threat of the Purifiers, but around the forty percent mark it started to get exciting, and didn't really slow down in it's pacing until the end. I like comics (and now prose based around superheroes... maybe more than comics itself) because you can go one minute with character-expanding dialogue, and the next is an epic battle. I just was left wondering when it would happen, and I felt a little on edge waiting for it as I flipped from page-to-page.
And my-oh-my am I left with questions about what universe this is supposed to be! As a comic geek, placing the correct universe something is in is important to me. Anole has been a staple of X-Men comics since his first appearance in "New Mutants" back in 2003. So, is this story in the main marvel universe (Earth-616)? Or does the Aconyte set of novels have it's own, separate universe with all of their different superhero novels, such as The Harrowing of Doom and Domino: Strays to, most recently, this and Elsa Bloodstone: Bequest? It keeps me thinking, but man, is this version of the Marvel Universe interesting! There's minor references here that I'm sure fans will get a kick out of, and I'm not going to spoil any of them, but the keen reading eye will surely have no trouble catching them.
I think the villain is an interesting one, I've loved "evil bloodlust cult" as a main antagonist since Far Cry 5's Joseph Seed and the Project at Eden's Gate, and Xodus and his crew is a really engaging group that I want to know more about.
All-in-all, I think besides the pacing issues at the beginning with the whole buildup of the conflict, this novel is a 4 stars out of 5 in my book. I REALLY Recommend this as an introduction to what the X-Men is as a group. It was what I needed, especially with the rumors of them eventually entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe soon.
Once again, SPECIAL THANKS to the people at Aconyte and Marvel for giving me a copy of this! It was truly a joy.
June 11, 2023
This was my first encounter with the new Marvel novels from Aconyte, and I admit to being dubious. Novelisations of past Marvel properties haven't been great - sort of like '80s fantasy and superhero movies - and I had my mental fingers crossed that this would be more on a level with the original 'X-Men' movie.
It's better.
I was familiar with (Doctor) Robbie MacNiven from his Warhammer 40K books, but this stands on its own as original fiction within an OP. I had to look up some of the characters, although the book does an excellent job of introducing them and their personalities/powers, so I never felt lost. If this had been one of the recent 'First Class' movies, I'd have been very happy!
The tale takes the constant themes of X-Men comicbooks and runs with them right from the off. Themes of sexuality, gender and politics are undercurrents throughout, and while it's impossible to miss them, it feels as natural as such viewpoints are in daily life for most people. The superpowers seemed almost incidental sometimes - these are just everyday kids, trying to find their way in life. Until they're sent on missions or are forced to protect their families from mobs incited to violence.
And this was written before the storming of the Capitol Building.
At the time of reading, I was really struck by how much the author had nailed the current politics of the United States, and looking back now, it seems almost prophetic. I felt for these characters (even though I'm not a superhero!), and that's the real treasure here. Clever, insightful writing with a message that we can all understand. I'm sure young people in particular will find this book resonates with them.
Very impressed and looking forward to what comes next.
It's better.
I was familiar with (Doctor) Robbie MacNiven from his Warhammer 40K books, but this stands on its own as original fiction within an OP. I had to look up some of the characters, although the book does an excellent job of introducing them and their personalities/powers, so I never felt lost. If this had been one of the recent 'First Class' movies, I'd have been very happy!
The tale takes the constant themes of X-Men comicbooks and runs with them right from the off. Themes of sexuality, gender and politics are undercurrents throughout, and while it's impossible to miss them, it feels as natural as such viewpoints are in daily life for most people. The superpowers seemed almost incidental sometimes - these are just everyday kids, trying to find their way in life. Until they're sent on missions or are forced to protect their families from mobs incited to violence.
And this was written before the storming of the Capitol Building.
At the time of reading, I was really struck by how much the author had nailed the current politics of the United States, and looking back now, it seems almost prophetic. I felt for these characters (even though I'm not a superhero!), and that's the real treasure here. Clever, insightful writing with a message that we can all understand. I'm sure young people in particular will find this book resonates with them.
Very impressed and looking forward to what comes next.
April 6, 2021
A Xavier’s Institute novel
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
When a mutant-hating cult attacks his hometown and takes his father hostage, X Man-in-training Anole (Victor Borkowski) has to rely on his friends to help him rescue his dad and survive. I’ve been a fan of prove superhero novels since the 1990s and I’m so glad and Marvel and Aconyte Books are issuing more of this type of book. I’m not a close follower of the X-Men because there are so many different teams and so many mutant students to populate them, but I’m glad that I chose to try this one out.
The book focuses on four current or former students at Xavier’s Institute: Anole, who possesses the camouflage abilities of a chameleon along with a prehensile tongue and lizard-like climbing ability; Cipher, who can phase through solid matter and prevent herself from being seen or heard; Graymalkin, who gains incredible powers in darkness; and Rockslide, a being of solid rock who can also use his willpower to manipulate solid rock.
The villains include the Purifiers, a religious cult wanting to eliminate mutant-kind; cult leader Xodus; and Lobe, a corporate hot-shot who funds the cult so he can develop a serum giving mutant powers to whoever will pay top dollar for it.
I gave First Team five stars. Sometimes I thought there were too many gaps without action, but when the action occurred it was worth the wait.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
When a mutant-hating cult attacks his hometown and takes his father hostage, X Man-in-training Anole (Victor Borkowski) has to rely on his friends to help him rescue his dad and survive. I’ve been a fan of prove superhero novels since the 1990s and I’m so glad and Marvel and Aconyte Books are issuing more of this type of book. I’m not a close follower of the X-Men because there are so many different teams and so many mutant students to populate them, but I’m glad that I chose to try this one out.
The book focuses on four current or former students at Xavier’s Institute: Anole, who possesses the camouflage abilities of a chameleon along with a prehensile tongue and lizard-like climbing ability; Cipher, who can phase through solid matter and prevent herself from being seen or heard; Graymalkin, who gains incredible powers in darkness; and Rockslide, a being of solid rock who can also use his willpower to manipulate solid rock.
The villains include the Purifiers, a religious cult wanting to eliminate mutant-kind; cult leader Xodus; and Lobe, a corporate hot-shot who funds the cult so he can develop a serum giving mutant powers to whoever will pay top dollar for it.
I gave First Team five stars. Sometimes I thought there were too many gaps without action, but when the action occurred it was worth the wait.
March 8, 2021
Compared with many of his peers at the Xavier Institute, Anole – otherwise known as Victor Borkowski – knows that he’s had a remarkably comfortable life for a mutant. When his parents are threatened by the anti-mutant extremist group known as the Purifiers, however, he gets first-hand experience of the hatred that many mutants suffer under, and finds himself relying upon his found family at the Institute – particularly close friends Cipher and Greymalkin – for support in his mission to track down and stop the Purifiers.
Much like the first book in the Xavier’s Institute series, this is a tale of young mutants coming of age and recognising the family that they’ve built around themselves. The focus is primarily on a character in Vic who’s comfortable in his own skin – as comfortable being a mutant as he is with being gay – but who has to learn to rely on others for support when he simply can’t achieve everything he needs to on his own.
There’s a real sense of contrast between Vic’s home life in calm, happy Fairbury and the appalling reality of life for mutants in America, in particular the horrifying behaviour of the Purifiers and the helplessness of watching as they’re left to act virtually unopposed. It all makes for a story that’s dark and emotional in places, but hopeful too and ultimately a lot of fun. Readers of any age are likely to find lots to enjoy hereregardless of how much prior knowledge they have of this setting – if you think the X-Men are cool (which they obviously are) then definitely check this out.
Read my full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/03/...
Much like the first book in the Xavier’s Institute series, this is a tale of young mutants coming of age and recognising the family that they’ve built around themselves. The focus is primarily on a character in Vic who’s comfortable in his own skin – as comfortable being a mutant as he is with being gay – but who has to learn to rely on others for support when he simply can’t achieve everything he needs to on his own.
There’s a real sense of contrast between Vic’s home life in calm, happy Fairbury and the appalling reality of life for mutants in America, in particular the horrifying behaviour of the Purifiers and the helplessness of watching as they’re left to act virtually unopposed. It all makes for a story that’s dark and emotional in places, but hopeful too and ultimately a lot of fun. Readers of any age are likely to find lots to enjoy hereregardless of how much prior knowledge they have of this setting – if you think the X-Men are cool (which they obviously are) then definitely check this out.
Read my full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/03/...
October 21, 2021
I enjoyed Robbie MacNiven's novel featuring the young heroes of Xavier's Institute. Although Anole is the main protagonist of the tale, the author also fleshes out the rest of the cast as well as the enemies they face.
What I really enjoyed was MacNiven's attention to detail, especially in describing our hero's return to his hometown. There were many elements in there that reminded me of my own youth; these touchstones help the reader to connect and relate even when the story involves superhuman mutant characters and high action encounters.
What I really enjoyed was MacNiven's attention to detail, especially in describing our hero's return to his hometown. There were many elements in there that reminded me of my own youth; these touchstones help the reader to connect and relate even when the story involves superhuman mutant characters and high action encounters.
December 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was set in its own timeline and reality from the main X-Men continuity. Although some aspects are brought over like the friendship between the young mutants. I thought this was a great spotlight for Anole who is one of my favorite X characters. I enjoyed diving more into his backstory and life. It also gave more insight into Cipher and Graymalkin, 2 criminally underused characters from the comics. I hope the main x-men continuity takes some notes and bring these 3 back into the spotlight.
November 2, 2024
Over all pretty good
Weirdly insistent on using technical terms for pieces of a church, without really explaining them
Weirdly insistent on using technical terms for pieces of a church, without really explaining them
April 21, 2024
I would have enjoyed this a lot more if it hadn’t dragged on so much. A lot of the action got to be a bit repetitive, or the characters repeated the same kind of thing over and over. I’m not a regular reader of the X-Men comics, preferring to pick up the occasional graphic novel now and then, so my main introduction to these characters have been some of the Marvel books. So far, I’ve read School of X and The Harrowing of Doom, and First Team falls right between the two in terms of how much I enjoyed them.
Victor (Anole), Cipher and Graymalkin are interesting characters and it was great to see their relationship developing. Like most X-Men stories, there’s definitely a found family feel to this. Anole’s parents are kidnapped by the Purifiers, anti-mutant extremists, and Victor sets out to rescue them, without the permission of Cyclops, but with moral support from his friends.
Victor does what he can, but ultimately realises what all X-Men must: there isn’t much they can do without a team.
I liked the characters well enough, but the conversations between them became repetitive and it felt like a lot of the book was spent waiting around. The action scenes when they came were good but, again, did eventually feel repetitive. It could have benefited from being tighter, a bit shorter, as it often gave the sense of characters going around in circles, especially when it came to emotions and how they felt about certain situations.
The good parts were really good, but overall I noticed the same sort of issues I saw in the previous Marvel book I read – a storyline that doesn’t justify the full length, and a generally bloated book that feels like it runs out of steam.
Victor (Anole), Cipher and Graymalkin are interesting characters and it was great to see their relationship developing. Like most X-Men stories, there’s definitely a found family feel to this. Anole’s parents are kidnapped by the Purifiers, anti-mutant extremists, and Victor sets out to rescue them, without the permission of Cyclops, but with moral support from his friends.
Victor does what he can, but ultimately realises what all X-Men must: there isn’t much they can do without a team.
I liked the characters well enough, but the conversations between them became repetitive and it felt like a lot of the book was spent waiting around. The action scenes when they came were good but, again, did eventually feel repetitive. It could have benefited from being tighter, a bit shorter, as it often gave the sense of characters going around in circles, especially when it came to emotions and how they felt about certain situations.
The good parts were really good, but overall I noticed the same sort of issues I saw in the previous Marvel book I read – a storyline that doesn’t justify the full length, and a generally bloated book that feels like it runs out of steam.
November 16, 2021
First time reading a Marvel/X-Men novel and it was fun!
I enjoyed this short book very much, it really kept me engaged the whole time. Even though I have little knowledge of the X-Men universe beyond the movies, this book was able to set up the scene and the characters without making me feel like I should have read anything else to understand the situation. I've read in other reviews that there are some fun cameos and references for the real X-Men fans, but not knowing about them didn't make me feel lost at any point in this story.
The protagonist Vic was an interesting mutant, and his description reminded me of my favorite X-Men character: Nightcrawler; with different powers obviously. Him and his friends were an entertaining group of young mutants. Finally, it was also great to see LGBTQ+ representation in the X-Men Universe and in a Young Adult novel.
Between the characters, the plot and the writing style, this was a very enjoable book to read, and would recommend to X-Men fans of all levels, Marvel or other superheroes enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun quick read about teenagers with super-powers.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this short book very much, it really kept me engaged the whole time. Even though I have little knowledge of the X-Men universe beyond the movies, this book was able to set up the scene and the characters without making me feel like I should have read anything else to understand the situation. I've read in other reviews that there are some fun cameos and references for the real X-Men fans, but not knowing about them didn't make me feel lost at any point in this story.
The protagonist Vic was an interesting mutant, and his description reminded me of my favorite X-Men character: Nightcrawler; with different powers obviously. Him and his friends were an entertaining group of young mutants. Finally, it was also great to see LGBTQ+ representation in the X-Men Universe and in a Young Adult novel.
Between the characters, the plot and the writing style, this was a very enjoable book to read, and would recommend to X-Men fans of all levels, Marvel or other superheroes enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun quick read about teenagers with super-powers.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
I was surprised how much I liked First Team, especially since I had requested it on NetGalley because of my younger sibling who loves Anole. Despite having little knowledge of Anole, Cipher, Graymalkin and Rockslide, I ended up really liking all of their characters and am considering trying to read them in comics at some point.
The story is written in third person and switches perspectives across most of the characters in the story, both the teens on the team, and the villains as well. It was action packed and a quick read, once I started I didn't want to stop. I did feel a bit distanced from the characters compared to what I usually prefer, but that tends to happen a lot in the IP novels I've read, so take that with a grain of salt. Overall, it was a fun, diverse superhero story that I'd definitely recommend for libraries and anyone who loves superheroes.
The story is written in third person and switches perspectives across most of the characters in the story, both the teens on the team, and the villains as well. It was action packed and a quick read, once I started I didn't want to stop. I did feel a bit distanced from the characters compared to what I usually prefer, but that tends to happen a lot in the IP novels I've read, so take that with a grain of salt. Overall, it was a fun, diverse superhero story that I'd definitely recommend for libraries and anyone who loves superheroes.
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