What do you think?
BECOMING BROOKLYN
Nineteen-year-old Brooklyn Blackburn never knew her father.
Rex Blackburn died in the 9/11 attacks five months before she was born. And even though she never met him, she always daydreamed about what he must have been like before he died. In her mind, he was a hero.
Little did she know.
Brooklyn learns that her father had been a member of an elite military, anti-terrorism task force, made up of a very select group of people. The Army believes she inherited his same gifts, and suddenly Brooklyn is invited to train at West Point. She and five other 9/11 babies learn to hone their abilities in order to protect our nation.
While they’re training for war, war comes for them.
Rex Blackburn died in the 9/11 attacks five months before she was born. And even though she never met him, she always daydreamed about what he must have been like before he died. In her mind, he was a hero.
Little did she know.
Brooklyn learns that her father had been a member of an elite military, anti-terrorism task force, made up of a very select group of people. The Army believes she inherited his same gifts, and suddenly Brooklyn is invited to train at West Point. She and five other 9/11 babies learn to hone their abilities in order to protect our nation.
While they’re training for war, war comes for them.
380 pages, Hardcover
Published January 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2021
Reality takes a well-woven, superhero twist with a girl, who's so natural, that she feels like she could be the friend from next door.
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, whose father died in that day's terrorist attack. Eighteen years later, she takes part in an event with five other 9/11ers to remember the day, only to barely survive an attack on the gala. Before Brooklyn can digest what has happened, she learns that her father was the member of a special, elite group of soldiers...ones with superpowers. Convinced that she has inherited his gift, the Army sends her to West Point to immediately begin her special training. While she isn't sure this is what she wants, she has no choice but to join. The enemy already knows about the groups secret talents, and the attack on the gala was only the beginning of the hunt to destroy her, and those she was with.
This book starts out with a bang and grabs from the very first page. The reader joins Brooklyn as life is turned upside-down, and she learns that people with special talents exist around them. The shock that her father was one of them is only topped by the news that she has this power too. I enjoyed how the author takes a very normal girl and keeps her as a very normal girl, while she first has to digest that she might have a power and that she isn't just a weird misfit, who has trouble fitting in. The insecurity of a usual teen and learning to accept ones self is something easy to identify with. It also makes Brooklyn seem more real and likeable.
The plot is quick paced with several layers of intrigue and secrets twisted in. Some of these hang on the dangerous, terroristic plot, while others hit the young adult level of fitting in, bullying, romance, and self-esteem. Nothing is easy to guess, and it's hard not to cheer for Brooklyn the entire way through. Even the romantic interests, while holding a bit of insta-attraction, aren't smooth flowing and build tension as well.
Fans of superhero tales, teen romance, spies and intrigue will enjoy this read quite a bit. I received an ARC and enjoyed this one even more than I thought I would.
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, whose father died in that day's terrorist attack. Eighteen years later, she takes part in an event with five other 9/11ers to remember the day, only to barely survive an attack on the gala. Before Brooklyn can digest what has happened, she learns that her father was the member of a special, elite group of soldiers...ones with superpowers. Convinced that she has inherited his gift, the Army sends her to West Point to immediately begin her special training. While she isn't sure this is what she wants, she has no choice but to join. The enemy already knows about the groups secret talents, and the attack on the gala was only the beginning of the hunt to destroy her, and those she was with.
This book starts out with a bang and grabs from the very first page. The reader joins Brooklyn as life is turned upside-down, and she learns that people with special talents exist around them. The shock that her father was one of them is only topped by the news that she has this power too. I enjoyed how the author takes a very normal girl and keeps her as a very normal girl, while she first has to digest that she might have a power and that she isn't just a weird misfit, who has trouble fitting in. The insecurity of a usual teen and learning to accept ones self is something easy to identify with. It also makes Brooklyn seem more real and likeable.
The plot is quick paced with several layers of intrigue and secrets twisted in. Some of these hang on the dangerous, terroristic plot, while others hit the young adult level of fitting in, bullying, romance, and self-esteem. Nothing is easy to guess, and it's hard not to cheer for Brooklyn the entire way through. Even the romantic interests, while holding a bit of insta-attraction, aren't smooth flowing and build tension as well.
Fans of superhero tales, teen romance, spies and intrigue will enjoy this read quite a bit. I received an ARC and enjoyed this one even more than I thought I would.
February 14, 2021
I can’t recommend this book enough!! I love the story. The characters are so well written I was sad to see the story end. I hope the author continues these characters journeys’.
July 14, 2021
4 stars
This book starts out with a bang and grabs you from page one and forward. I love characters like Brooklyn, those who take you through the ride of their lives. We see how she learns that people with special talents exist and that her own father was one of them, also that she might be one of them too. I love that we learned this things with Brooklyn and what she feels resembles how anyone would feel if they get news like this, that made her a real full flesh out character and I loved it.
The plot here is pretty quick paced with some action, adventure, and a little bit of romance.
Becoming Brooklyn is a standalone novel that has all the potential to become a series and I really hope happens!
*Thank you to Xpresso tours pr for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book starts out with a bang and grabs you from page one and forward. I love characters like Brooklyn, those who take you through the ride of their lives. We see how she learns that people with special talents exist and that her own father was one of them, also that she might be one of them too. I love that we learned this things with Brooklyn and what she feels resembles how anyone would feel if they get news like this, that made her a real full flesh out character and I loved it.
The plot here is pretty quick paced with some action, adventure, and a little bit of romance.
Becoming Brooklyn is a standalone novel that has all the potential to become a series and I really hope happens!
*Thank you to Xpresso tours pr for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 20, 2021
prior to starting becoming brooklyn, i was so excited to read this book. who doesn’t want to read about superheroes??? i’ll admit, it definitely wasn’t like reading a marvel movie.
the good
we’ll start easy, with the things i liked about becoming brooklyn. obviously the superpowers were a major win. although i was disappointed with what the powers were, it was still fun to read about. i enjoyed how well the “superheroes” were woven into history. although entirely make believe, it gives the reader the thought “was that actually real?”
the plot twist was unexpected, and i’m still trying to figure out how i feel about it. i was definitely left surprised when the spy revealed themselves. and personally, i actually agreed with a lot of what they said (in their “reveal speech”). they made many points, roughly about how the government is all powerful, corrupt, and controlling, which i agree with. they mention how the military forces it’s people to do horrible things in the name of doing good, but it’s actually not. Said character then proceeds to do horrible backstabbing things, and that’s the end of any agreement i had with them. i was surprised by how relatable the villain was (in that moment).
the bad
now, for the things that i disliked. i’m sure this is something that i say in almost every review where the book has romance. instalove. can. we. not. compared to other books, this one was over the course of 2 months, which isn’t so bad, but still. it’s only been 2 months. calm down. you haven’t even known the person long enough to discover their flaws, plus you can’t even tell if your friends are trustworthy. idk, i just hate instalove.
aside from the romance, i felt that this book was written for teens ages 12-13 years, but it’s marketed towards the older teen group, 16-18 year olds. i felt the characters lacked the maturity of the older age group, despite the fact that they were 17/18.
overall
overall, it was the storyline that really pulled this book through. it was so fun and easy to read. some scenes felt a little all over the place, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story. (and my surprise shock when i felt more agreeable with the villain).
the good
we’ll start easy, with the things i liked about becoming brooklyn. obviously the superpowers were a major win. although i was disappointed with what the powers were, it was still fun to read about. i enjoyed how well the “superheroes” were woven into history. although entirely make believe, it gives the reader the thought “was that actually real?”
the plot twist was unexpected, and i’m still trying to figure out how i feel about it. i was definitely left surprised when the spy revealed themselves. and personally, i actually agreed with a lot of what they said (in their “reveal speech”). they made many points, roughly about how the government is all powerful, corrupt, and controlling, which i agree with. they mention how the military forces it’s people to do horrible things in the name of doing good, but it’s actually not. Said character then proceeds to do horrible backstabbing things, and that’s the end of any agreement i had with them. i was surprised by how relatable the villain was (in that moment).
the bad
now, for the things that i disliked. i’m sure this is something that i say in almost every review where the book has romance. instalove. can. we. not. compared to other books, this one was over the course of 2 months, which isn’t so bad, but still. it’s only been 2 months. calm down. you haven’t even known the person long enough to discover their flaws, plus you can’t even tell if your friends are trustworthy. idk, i just hate instalove.
aside from the romance, i felt that this book was written for teens ages 12-13 years, but it’s marketed towards the older teen group, 16-18 year olds. i felt the characters lacked the maturity of the older age group, despite the fact that they were 17/18.
overall
overall, it was the storyline that really pulled this book through. it was so fun and easy to read. some scenes felt a little all over the place, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story. (and my surprise shock when i felt more agreeable with the villain).
July 13, 2021
BECOMING BROOKLYN is a standalone novel that has the potential for a series. A series I really hope happens!
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, her father died in the terrorist attack. During a memorial service, terrorists attack again and Brooklyn, along with five others, are told the impossible -- that their parents had superpowers and worked with the government to stop terrorists. They are given the choice to follow in their footsteps. But things aren't always as they appear and they all have hard lessons to learn.
This was a great story. It is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of romance. I loved how the story panned out, and how they worked together, which made the ending even more jaw-dropping.
The characters are all well thought out and play to their own strengths. Told from Brooklyn's point of view, obviously, we learn more about her, but through her eyes, we learn about the others too. Brilliant storytelling!
I don't know if there are any plans for a sequel or series, but I would love to hear more from Brooklyn and see where the future takes her.
A fantastic contemporary superpower novel that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2021
Brooklyn is a 9/11 baby, her father died in the terrorist attack. During a memorial service, terrorists attack again and Brooklyn, along with five others, are told the impossible -- that their parents had superpowers and worked with the government to stop terrorists. They are given the choice to follow in their footsteps. But things aren't always as they appear and they all have hard lessons to learn.
This was a great story. It is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of romance. I loved how the story panned out, and how they worked together, which made the ending even more jaw-dropping.
The characters are all well thought out and play to their own strengths. Told from Brooklyn's point of view, obviously, we learn more about her, but through her eyes, we learn about the others too. Brilliant storytelling!
I don't know if there are any plans for a sequel or series, but I would love to hear more from Brooklyn and see where the future takes her.
A fantastic contemporary superpower novel that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 13, 2021
January 20, 2021
I could not put this down, and now I’m mad that i read it so fast because now it is over! It really sucked me in. As you get to know the characters, you can’t help but root for them. They started their lives in tragedy loosing their parents in the attacks on 9/11 and tragedy seems to follow them wherever they go. But each of the characters are determined to not let that define their lives and it is so fun to watch them grow into heroes...in more ways than one. The relationships between the characters are beautiful and this book is action packed to say the least. I don’t think I have audibly gasped that much in my life!! It is a profoundly patriotic book and 0% political. Just what we all need right now. Could not recommend it enough.
January 26, 2021
OH, GOODNESS ME! This is an amazing book... Such a action packed, fun, dynamic book. Great for all ages. A MUST READ!
January 21, 2021
Okay Amanda, time for the sequel!!
January 28, 2021
This book pulled me in from the start - couldn’t put it down! It’s a good read for adults who’d LIKE a few ‘superpowers’ in our government right now! LOVED it!!
July 16, 2021
Despite all evidence to the contrary, a couple of good things came out of the pandemic and one, for me, was the cessation of the endless stream of superhero entertainment, especially movies but really all forms. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it all but, heavens, it seemed as though a new adventure was coming out every month. That’s what I call oversaturation of the market so, yes, I welcomed the break. Then came the second Wonder Woman and I was ready for more by that time but it was sadly disappointing.
Then I heard about Becoming Brooklyn and, once again, I was excited and hopeful and, lo and behold, the joy is back! This book is refreshing in its concept and execution and, while there are flaws, the storyline is as enjoyable as I could have hoped.
Imagine finding out that the dad you never knew was a real life superhero AND that you just might be one, too. Brooklyn is excited to find out more and get the training that’s offered at West Point and, when that venerable institution and the cadets become the focus of terrorists, well, she and her fellow students have to react much sooner than they anticipated. Mayhem ensues, as it always does in the world of superheroes and this reader had a high old time enjoying the adventure 😄.
Then I heard about Becoming Brooklyn and, once again, I was excited and hopeful and, lo and behold, the joy is back! This book is refreshing in its concept and execution and, while there are flaws, the storyline is as enjoyable as I could have hoped.
Imagine finding out that the dad you never knew was a real life superhero AND that you just might be one, too. Brooklyn is excited to find out more and get the training that’s offered at West Point and, when that venerable institution and the cadets become the focus of terrorists, well, she and her fellow students have to react much sooner than they anticipated. Mayhem ensues, as it always does in the world of superheroes and this reader had a high old time enjoying the adventure 😄.
January 8, 2021
4.5*
Becoming Brooklyn tells the story of a girl who has a special gift and is recruited, along with other 9/11 babies whose parents had special gifts, to the Crest-an elite group trained at West Point.
I really liked the premise and characters and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of brave, patriotic young men and women who find their true purpose.
The only thing I didn't like was that once the Crest cadets were extracted from the grounds and the attack began, it felt like the chapters jumped to a new scene or event without explaining the transition-which was done very well up to that point. The intentions of the terrorists were not explained which I hope is an indication that it will be explored more in depth in future stories. For example, the Crest cadets are extracted from the grounds and then the next scene is the hospital...where did the helicopter land? How were the Crest cadets safely taken into the hospital? This may have been intentional on the authors part to reflect the chaos of the situation or could have been an oversight in editing.
*Fingers crossed* this is the beginning of a Crest series! This one really felt like the first of many stories to tell about the Crest. I will definitely read more by this author.
Becoming Brooklyn tells the story of a girl who has a special gift and is recruited, along with other 9/11 babies whose parents had special gifts, to the Crest-an elite group trained at West Point.
I really liked the premise and characters and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of brave, patriotic young men and women who find their true purpose.
The only thing I didn't like was that once the Crest cadets were extracted from the grounds and the attack began, it felt like the chapters jumped to a new scene or event without explaining the transition-which was done very well up to that point. The intentions of the terrorists were not explained which I hope is an indication that it will be explored more in depth in future stories. For example, the Crest cadets are extracted from the grounds and then the next scene is the hospital...where did the helicopter land? How were the Crest cadets safely taken into the hospital? This may have been intentional on the authors part to reflect the chaos of the situation or could have been an oversight in editing.
*Fingers crossed* this is the beginning of a Crest series! This one really felt like the first of many stories to tell about the Crest. I will definitely read more by this author.
April 30, 2022
The book started out so well, but, like with most YA books I've read, it didn't last.
The characters - Brooklyn worked through a lot of insecurities with Liam's help but I just couldn't take their romance. Especially when they were surviving in the wilderness. Isaac was actually a pretty likable character and Bree was relatable. I didn't see as much of Jacob as I would have liked. Same with Adrianna. What I didn't like was how 'progressive' it was. All the girls had gifts that usually guys would have. Strength. Endurance. With doesn't in itself bother me but it was more the flip side of feminizing the guys. Healing and calming people? Both are characteristics God has blessed women with. God has given men and women different roles. This doesn't mean that one is better than the other. Men and women are equal yet different and it doesn't honor God when we feminise men and masculine women.
The romance - There's a way to write romance that make readers love your characters all the more, that makes them squeal when ever they say something sweet. This is not done by centraling the attraction around sensual things, like looks and body shape. Not to mention there was a love triangle.
The characters - Brooklyn worked through a lot of insecurities with Liam's help but I just couldn't take their romance. Especially when they were surviving in the wilderness. Isaac was actually a pretty likable character and Bree was relatable. I didn't see as much of Jacob as I would have liked. Same with Adrianna. What I didn't like was how 'progressive' it was. All the girls had gifts that usually guys would have. Strength. Endurance. With doesn't in itself bother me but it was more the flip side of feminizing the guys. Healing and calming people? Both are characteristics God has blessed women with. God has given men and women different roles. This doesn't mean that one is better than the other. Men and women are equal yet different and it doesn't honor God when we feminise men and masculine women.
The romance - There's a way to write romance that make readers love your characters all the more, that makes them squeal when ever they say something sweet. This is not done by centraling the attraction around sensual things, like looks and body shape. Not to mention there was a love triangle.
July 12, 2021
I really love the plot or storyline of Becoming Brooklyn. Becoming Brooklyn is about this one girl, Brooklyn, and five other babies who were born on or right after the 911 attacks in New York that are known as 911 babies.
Each of the 911 babies have superhuman strength or powers, all of their powers are different. They each had a parent who was serving in the military on that day and died during the attack.
On the memorial day of the 911 attack of the towers the gala is attacked again. Brooklyn and the other five 911 babies are recruited to attend an elite school so they can train with their powers and become stronger.
On this day Brooklyn learns a great deal about her father who died in the 911 attack on the towers. Brooklyn learns that he had special superhuman powers and that she has inherited those same power.
Becoming Brooklyn grabbed my attention from the first page and never let up until the last page was turned. I love that Becoming Brooklyn is based on past events and future events and that superhuman powers were thrown into the mix. The characters all seemed so real. The storyline was so well created making it seem as if it was real. You know like you are reading a true story and not a fiction story.
Becoming Brooklyn reminds me of that TV show on Freeform Motherland: Fort Salem. The comparison between the two is that the students are attending school to strengthen their powers so that they can fight in the upcoming war and save their country.
Becoming Brooklyn is filled with action from the very beginning and never lets up. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I can’t wait to see where these characters take us next as I do believe they have more to say. I can’t wait to see how their powers develop in the future and how strong they may become. I can’t wait to see where this story leads next. I would like to see more of these characters but other characters in future books would be just as awesome as well.
Becoming Brooklyn is a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who is just looking for their next read especially if you are into characters with superhuman powers. One-click your copy of Becoming Brooklyn today!
Each of the 911 babies have superhuman strength or powers, all of their powers are different. They each had a parent who was serving in the military on that day and died during the attack.
On the memorial day of the 911 attack of the towers the gala is attacked again. Brooklyn and the other five 911 babies are recruited to attend an elite school so they can train with their powers and become stronger.
On this day Brooklyn learns a great deal about her father who died in the 911 attack on the towers. Brooklyn learns that he had special superhuman powers and that she has inherited those same power.
Becoming Brooklyn grabbed my attention from the first page and never let up until the last page was turned. I love that Becoming Brooklyn is based on past events and future events and that superhuman powers were thrown into the mix. The characters all seemed so real. The storyline was so well created making it seem as if it was real. You know like you are reading a true story and not a fiction story.
Becoming Brooklyn reminds me of that TV show on Freeform Motherland: Fort Salem. The comparison between the two is that the students are attending school to strengthen their powers so that they can fight in the upcoming war and save their country.
Becoming Brooklyn is filled with action from the very beginning and never lets up. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I can’t wait to see where these characters take us next as I do believe they have more to say. I can’t wait to see how their powers develop in the future and how strong they may become. I can’t wait to see where this story leads next. I would like to see more of these characters but other characters in future books would be just as awesome as well.
Becoming Brooklyn is a great story and I would recommend it to anyone who is just looking for their next read especially if you are into characters with superhuman powers. One-click your copy of Becoming Brooklyn today!
January 12, 2021
Interesting twist on P.G.Allison's Misty the Werecat. But I prefer protagonists that are more decisive and confident even if they are YA's. Brooklyn's adventures should have matured her and made her more confident and I didn't see that. 4 * is a stretch for the originality.
November 23, 2021
This book is amazing! I loved it so much! I loved the character build up! The plot itself is fast paced, but easy to follow! It had me guessing at every page! I felt like a detective trying to figure out all the clues!
Read
July 13, 2021tba
November 4, 2025
Young Adult action adventure and coming of age story. Well written with believable characters.
December 8, 2025
Absolutely captivating.
January 9, 2021
4.5*
Becoming Brooklyn tells the story of a girl who has a special gift and is recruited, along with other 9/11 babies whose parents had special gifts, to the Crest-an elite group trained at West Point.
I really liked the premise and characters and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of brave, patriotic young men and women who find their true purpose.
The only thing I didn't like was that once the Crest cadets were extracted from the grounds and the attack began, it felt like the chapters jumped to a new scene or event without explaining the transition-which was done very well up to that point. The intentions of the terrorists were not explained which I hope is an indication that it will be explored more in depth in future stories. For example, the Crest cadets are extracted from the grounds and then the next scene is the hospital...where did the helicopter land? How were the Crest cadets safely taken into the hospital? This may have been intentional on the authors part to reflect the chaos of the situation or could have been an oversight in editing.
*Fingers crossed* this is the beginning of a Crest series! This one really felt like the first of many stories to tell about the Crest. I will definitely read more by this author.
Becoming Brooklyn tells the story of a girl who has a special gift and is recruited, along with other 9/11 babies whose parents had special gifts, to the Crest-an elite group trained at West Point.
I really liked the premise and characters and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of brave, patriotic young men and women who find their true purpose.
The only thing I didn't like was that once the Crest cadets were extracted from the grounds and the attack began, it felt like the chapters jumped to a new scene or event without explaining the transition-which was done very well up to that point. The intentions of the terrorists were not explained which I hope is an indication that it will be explored more in depth in future stories. For example, the Crest cadets are extracted from the grounds and then the next scene is the hospital...where did the helicopter land? How were the Crest cadets safely taken into the hospital? This may have been intentional on the authors part to reflect the chaos of the situation or could have been an oversight in editing.
*Fingers crossed* this is the beginning of a Crest series! This one really felt like the first of many stories to tell about the Crest. I will definitely read more by this author.
January 6, 2021
Awesome book, I read it in one day. Great for both teenagers and adults. Becoming Brooklyn kept me engaged and wanting to find out what happens next. I also like that it is a complete book (no to be continued waiting 2 years) but the author does leave it so she can write more books with the characters because I love them.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews