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Dear Hero #1
Dear Hero
There’s an app for everything, even meeting a new nemesis.
Up-and-coming teen superhero Cortex is on top of the world—at least, until his villain dumps him. If he’s going to save his reputation, he needs a new villain to fight, and fast. Meanwhile, the villainous Vortex has once again gotten a little overeager and taken out a hero prematurely. Will any young hero be able to keep up with her? Maybe she should work on finding a steady relationship with an enemy she won’t kill in the first round.
Enter Meta-Match, a nemesis pairing site for heroes and villains. The two match right away, and after throwing punches at each other behind coffee shops, practicing their fight choreography, and hiring henchmen to do their bidding (mostly just getting them coffee), they realize they have a lot more in common than names that annoyingly rhyme. After all, they're still rising through the ranks in their respective circles, and their reputations need good press.
But not everything in the superhero world is as it seems. Can a hero really trust a villain to do the right thing? And can a villain trust a hero not to screw them over? As darkness from the past threatens them both, they may need each other for the fight to come—one with much higher stakes than their choreographed meet-ups on weekends.
Told entirely through texts, transcriptions, and direct messages, this darkly humorous chat fiction rom-com goes behind the scenes of the superworld.
Up-and-coming teen superhero Cortex is on top of the world—at least, until his villain dumps him. If he’s going to save his reputation, he needs a new villain to fight, and fast. Meanwhile, the villainous Vortex has once again gotten a little overeager and taken out a hero prematurely. Will any young hero be able to keep up with her? Maybe she should work on finding a steady relationship with an enemy she won’t kill in the first round.
Enter Meta-Match, a nemesis pairing site for heroes and villains. The two match right away, and after throwing punches at each other behind coffee shops, practicing their fight choreography, and hiring henchmen to do their bidding (mostly just getting them coffee), they realize they have a lot more in common than names that annoyingly rhyme. After all, they're still rising through the ranks in their respective circles, and their reputations need good press.
But not everything in the superhero world is as it seems. Can a hero really trust a villain to do the right thing? And can a villain trust a hero not to screw them over? As darkness from the past threatens them both, they may need each other for the fight to come—one with much higher stakes than their choreographed meet-ups on weekends.
Told entirely through texts, transcriptions, and direct messages, this darkly humorous chat fiction rom-com goes behind the scenes of the superworld.
406 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
22 people are currently reading
4072 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 19, 2024
This was so clever! There was a mood of satire throughout this story, but at the same time it could be very serious, and I enjoyed the blend!
I loved how the story was told using the the text/chat format. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it at first, but I didn’t mind it at all and ended up being quite a fan! It was the perfect format for this story. The characters also felt like incredibly realistic teenagers to me, and their interactions were snappy and engaging. I wasn’t clear on a couple aspects of the world (e.g. was it fantasy, since there were mentions of dragons and vampires?). As a whole, though, it was a very well thought-out setting with the unique hero/villain interactions adding a twist. It took me by surprise how the characters used a lot of “romantic language” (“breakup,” “together,” etc.) to describe those interactions, but that didn’t bother me too much. Overall, this was a very uniquely-told superhero story, and Meta Match added a fun dimension to the worldbuilding, taking it beyond typical superhero clichés. It was absolutely hilarious how the authors poked fun at cliches; both the cliché-jibes and the banter caused me to crack up several times. (There were also a few sly, amusing comments about authors slipped in.)
The story doesn’t take itself too seriously and pokes fun at a lot of clichés, which is great and often fun. But I did squirm a bit at how how death was included in those jokes; the characters treat death pretty casually. Permeating the story are so many jokes about killing and body counts and the “villain” killing the people she’s annoyed with. Also, there were several instances of mild language and quite a few off-color jokes that surprised me.
In conclusion, though, Dear Hero is a fun, unique book overall!
🦸🏻♂️ content: violence, kissing, brief mentions of depression and suicidal thoughts, mild language (a couple uses of “god-awful,” a couple uses of p**s, a couple uses of of h**l, a few misuses of God’s name), jokes about being lesbian and gay, frat house humor (Kevin lives in a frat house, where guys dress skimpily and play beer pong), some other off-color jokes 🦸🏻♂️
I loved how the story was told using the the text/chat format. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it at first, but I didn’t mind it at all and ended up being quite a fan! It was the perfect format for this story. The characters also felt like incredibly realistic teenagers to me, and their interactions were snappy and engaging. I wasn’t clear on a couple aspects of the world (e.g. was it fantasy, since there were mentions of dragons and vampires?). As a whole, though, it was a very well thought-out setting with the unique hero/villain interactions adding a twist. It took me by surprise how the characters used a lot of “romantic language” (“breakup,” “together,” etc.) to describe those interactions, but that didn’t bother me too much. Overall, this was a very uniquely-told superhero story, and Meta Match added a fun dimension to the worldbuilding, taking it beyond typical superhero clichés. It was absolutely hilarious how the authors poked fun at cliches; both the cliché-jibes and the banter caused me to crack up several times. (There were also a few sly, amusing comments about authors slipped in.)
The story doesn’t take itself too seriously and pokes fun at a lot of clichés, which is great and often fun. But I did squirm a bit at how how death was included in those jokes; the characters treat death pretty casually. Permeating the story are so many jokes about killing and body counts and the “villain” killing the people she’s annoyed with. Also, there were several instances of mild language and quite a few off-color jokes that surprised me.
In conclusion, though, Dear Hero is a fun, unique book overall!
🦸🏻♂️ content: violence, kissing, brief mentions of depression and suicidal thoughts, mild language (a couple uses of “god-awful,” a couple uses of p**s, a couple uses of of h**l, a few misuses of God’s name), jokes about being lesbian and gay, frat house humor (Kevin lives in a frat house, where guys dress skimpily and play beer pong), some other off-color jokes 🦸🏻♂️
September 2, 2020
This book is basically about a dating app for superheroes and supervillains. And it’s adorable. The characters and their voices are super vivid. It’s just...fun! Definitely read if you want a lightning paced rom com with lots and lots of sass and snark.
What I loved:
1. The characters. Just...yeah I’m very attached to them now.
2. The nods to pop culture.
3. How fun the book was
The only thing that bugged me was that it’s ALL written in a DM style. The whole book. I think this is a preference thing, but it was very confusing to figure out what was going on through dialogue alone.
What I loved:
1. The characters. Just...yeah I’m very attached to them now.
2. The nods to pop culture.
3. How fun the book was
The only thing that bugged me was that it’s ALL written in a DM style. The whole book. I think this is a preference thing, but it was very confusing to figure out what was going on through dialogue alone.
September 22, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars
I really love the concept for this book - heroes and villains meet up on a site called Meta-Match, where you can find someone to be your nemesis. The superheroes and villains in this book are more like hardcore influencers, focused on building a following. Fights are scheduled - and even choreographed if you really want to get those views.
Dear Hero is written in an epistolary format, told entirely via the exchange of private messages and group chats on the Meta-Match website. The authors work in some tech so they have a voice-to-text/text-to-voice option (and some zaniness that means it's turned on when it otherwise wouldn't have been), but it's still an extremely limited way to tell a story and the overall story itself does sometimes suffer from it. It might have been nice to have a mix of this epistolary style alternating with more traditional chapters - but then again, maybe that would have spoiled the charm of it all.
Cortex and Vortex (oh no, their names rhyme! V's gonna barf!) are both really fun characters, and I especially liked some of the side characters like Bernard (V's octogenarian dragon-shifter butler) and Cortex's little sister Himari. I liked the thought of superheroes and villains as more of a performative piece and a job, but wish there had been more world-building (again, something I feel was limited by the style). V stole the show for me, and I love her to pieces and want to hug her to pieces and hope she doesn't decide she hates it and murder me. There were some EXTREMELY funny bits in this book that kept me reading and laughing and reluctant to put it down. It also managed to make me cry (twice) which I didn't expect from something that started out as such a bizarre sort of comedy seeming thing.
If you love superheroes and villains (especially when they start exploring what it means to be a "hero" or a "villain"), sidekicks and evil henchmen, online dating and opposites-attract romances, laughing and maybe crying a tiny bit - this could be the book for you. ;)
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via the authors for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
I really love the concept for this book - heroes and villains meet up on a site called Meta-Match, where you can find someone to be your nemesis. The superheroes and villains in this book are more like hardcore influencers, focused on building a following. Fights are scheduled - and even choreographed if you really want to get those views.
Dear Hero is written in an epistolary format, told entirely via the exchange of private messages and group chats on the Meta-Match website. The authors work in some tech so they have a voice-to-text/text-to-voice option (and some zaniness that means it's turned on when it otherwise wouldn't have been), but it's still an extremely limited way to tell a story and the overall story itself does sometimes suffer from it. It might have been nice to have a mix of this epistolary style alternating with more traditional chapters - but then again, maybe that would have spoiled the charm of it all.
Cortex and Vortex (oh no, their names rhyme! V's gonna barf!) are both really fun characters, and I especially liked some of the side characters like Bernard (V's octogenarian dragon-shifter butler) and Cortex's little sister Himari. I liked the thought of superheroes and villains as more of a performative piece and a job, but wish there had been more world-building (again, something I feel was limited by the style). V stole the show for me, and I love her to pieces and want to hug her to pieces and hope she doesn't decide she hates it and murder me. There were some EXTREMELY funny bits in this book that kept me reading and laughing and reluctant to put it down. It also managed to make me cry (twice) which I didn't expect from something that started out as such a bizarre sort of comedy seeming thing.
If you love superheroes and villains (especially when they start exploring what it means to be a "hero" or a "villain"), sidekicks and evil henchmen, online dating and opposites-attract romances, laughing and maybe crying a tiny bit - this could be the book for you. ;)
A digital ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via the authors for review. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
August 2, 2020
I was one of the authors, so I personally really enjoyed writing this. Alyssa helped break me out of my comfort zone, and this was a fun work to tackle during one of the most difficult summers of my life. Thank you sincerely to anyone who has read this work, and we hope it made you smile ❤️
August 28, 2020
TW: manipulative relationships
Thank you to one of the authors, Hope Bolinger, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The description of this book completely drew me in and I had absolutely no doubts about accepting a review copy. I love the whole trope of heroes and villains and I thought a match maker for heroes and villains to find a nemesis was really clever. I also love that this entire book is written as text messages! I'm always looking for books with interesting formats and Dear Hero definitely checked that box.
The main characters, Cortex and Vortex, meet through Meta-Match and begin a professional nemesis relationship. I liked both of these characters, but I feel like we don't learn much about them and a lot of their personality rests on their identity as a hero or a villain, even though these lines are often blurry. They also do things sometimes that I felt were really unrealistic and they often seemed to lack emotion in situations that I feel should warrant more. I don't know if this is just the nuance of text messages and how hard it can be to show emotion through it, but Cortex in particular seemed really dismissive of things and didn't even react as you would expect when his loved ones were in danger.
I really liked the format of the book, but I did find it to be a bit confusing at times, especially during group chats or when they were using "speech-to-text" in action moments. I got lost sometimes in what was happening and being able to imagine the scenarios from these texts alone. I think it is really clever though and the authors did find some really creative ways around the restraints of text messages.
Overall, this book was okay and I definitely enjoyed parts of it and appreciate the creativity, but there were also a few things that I wish had been a bit different or developed more.
Thank you to one of the authors, Hope Bolinger, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The description of this book completely drew me in and I had absolutely no doubts about accepting a review copy. I love the whole trope of heroes and villains and I thought a match maker for heroes and villains to find a nemesis was really clever. I also love that this entire book is written as text messages! I'm always looking for books with interesting formats and Dear Hero definitely checked that box.
The main characters, Cortex and Vortex, meet through Meta-Match and begin a professional nemesis relationship. I liked both of these characters, but I feel like we don't learn much about them and a lot of their personality rests on their identity as a hero or a villain, even though these lines are often blurry. They also do things sometimes that I felt were really unrealistic and they often seemed to lack emotion in situations that I feel should warrant more. I don't know if this is just the nuance of text messages and how hard it can be to show emotion through it, but Cortex in particular seemed really dismissive of things and didn't even react as you would expect when his loved ones were in danger.
I really liked the format of the book, but I did find it to be a bit confusing at times, especially during group chats or when they were using "speech-to-text" in action moments. I got lost sometimes in what was happening and being able to imagine the scenarios from these texts alone. I think it is really clever though and the authors did find some really creative ways around the restraints of text messages.
Overall, this book was okay and I definitely enjoyed parts of it and appreciate the creativity, but there were also a few things that I wish had been a bit different or developed more.
September 4, 2020
Whether or not you're a fan of superheroes, you'll enjoy Dear Hero by Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat, who have constructed their young adult novel completely of text/chat exchanges. It's the story of Cortex and V, who meet on a nemesis pairing site for heroes and villains called Meta-Match, where the fireworks begin. As the story progresses, they find they must work together to rescue a person in distress. Which is, after all, what superheroes are for. This clever, fast-paced story is a fun read!
September 22, 2020
Whether you’re a fan of the super-hero genre, or if you feel it’s been overdone into the ground, this delightful satirical romance will have you laughing, crying, and unable to stop reading until the last page! Are you a fan of reading the comments section online? Of scrolling through pages and pages in online forums? Do you love dialogue, but hate heavy exposition, pose, and description? Then this is the book for you! Written in a series of Direct Messages, each character’s personality just pops off the page! For a story about a hero finding his perfect villain, the chemistry and connection between characters is so rich, you’ll be left wanting more! Not to mention the dead-pan and dark humor are absolutely on-point for this genre!
Content Disclosure (Note, I’m changing how I approach this section):
There is PG-13 violence described but not shown directly. PG language and some PG-13 thematic content are present too. Overall, the content is in the PG range, with a few moments that are dark or heavier. Note, this book relies heavily on dark humor, so that may make or break your enjoyment of this book.
Overall, this book is a fun ride, and one I highly recommend! It reminded me of the best chewing gum in the world, and it was a delight to chew!
If this sounds like a fun read to you, check it out!
Content Disclosure (Note, I’m changing how I approach this section):
There is PG-13 violence described but not shown directly. PG language and some PG-13 thematic content are present too. Overall, the content is in the PG range, with a few moments that are dark or heavier. Note, this book relies heavily on dark humor, so that may make or break your enjoyment of this book.
Overall, this book is a fun ride, and one I highly recommend! It reminded me of the best chewing gum in the world, and it was a delight to chew!
If this sounds like a fun read to you, check it out!
September 24, 2020
LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY. WIth characters you’ll still be remembering fondly long after you’ve finished. Honestly, this book is for the nerds and cosplayers, the heroes, and the villains...and anyone who just fancies themselves part of the superhero fandom. You won’t need a cape to fly through this hidden gem (you see what I did there)
October 9, 2020
Oh my goodness, this book! I am on my second way through this punchy, fast-paced story, and I'm still laughing out loud! Good night, where has this book been all my life? If you like superheroes and spot-on humor, this book has all that and more. Love!
January 25, 2026
3⭐️
OKAY. I honestly thought I was gonna hate this because the entire book was told through text exchanges and it was a bit of a satirical rom-com kinda but also not really, I have no idea, it's 12 am as I wrte this. The romance was cute and kinda funny, but a lot of the jokes fell flat in the book, and it was very repetitive. V could have had WAY more character development as a whole, in my opinion. I mean, THE BOOK WAS OVER 400 PAGES THATS ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT UGH AND WHY WAS CALEB DATING SO MANY OLD WOMEN EWWW ADJDKDWKEJFBKJFF. Anways though, that's that, and I think I wanna skip the second book in the series, but the third book looks pretty good so uhhh, yeah. I really don't reccomend this book to anyone that knows me in person by the way. 😀
OKAY. I honestly thought I was gonna hate this because the entire book was told through text exchanges and it was a bit of a satirical rom-com kinda but also not really, I have no idea, it's 12 am as I wrte this. The romance was cute and kinda funny, but a lot of the jokes fell flat in the book, and it was very repetitive. V could have had WAY more character development as a whole, in my opinion. I mean, THE BOOK WAS OVER 400 PAGES THATS ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT UGH AND WHY WAS CALEB DATING SO MANY OLD WOMEN EWWW ADJDKDWKEJFBKJFF. Anways though, that's that, and I think I wanna skip the second book in the series, but the third book looks pretty good so uhhh, yeah. I really don't reccomend this book to anyone that knows me in person by the way. 😀
September 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the format, especially for someone like me who doesn’t read that much. (Of course, it’s good for people who do read, too.) I really liked the characters. They were all very funny and I want to know more about V and Bernard’s rock sister. I liked all the theater references as a theater kid myself. If you like superheroes, randomly bursting into song, and enemies to lovers, you’ll like this book. (Even if you don’t like those things you should read it anyway.)
March 20, 2023
4.5 stars. I absolutely ADORED this book! It was so much fun and had me grinning like an idiot all the way through. Since the story was told exclusively through texts, there wasn't much immersion and some of the descriptions of action scenes were a bit of a stretch. That said, the dialogue was on point and all the characters were lovable. (Cortex and V were just adorbs!) There was never a dull moment and I'm VERY excited to dive into book 2! :)
October 3, 2020
I’ll be honest, I was kind of skeptical when picking up this book. Written entirely in message form? How do you get character development from that? How do you even get attached to characters? Get immersed in the setting??
BUT IT WORKS. Maybe it is because I am a pretty big dialogue fan and this was nothing but dialogue, but this really did work for me and I could hardly put it down. It was funny, odd, heartwarming...and I sooo shipped V and Cortex 😎
BUT IT WORKS. Maybe it is because I am a pretty big dialogue fan and this was nothing but dialogue, but this really did work for me and I could hardly put it down. It was funny, odd, heartwarming...and I sooo shipped V and Cortex 😎
July 4, 2022
Dear Hero was a fun read. I actually had the pleasure of growing up with the author, Hope, and one of our favorite things to do at seven and five years old was to play superhero’s! I also appreciated some of the gentle nods towards our childhood. A refreshing and interesting take on the hero-villain matchup. Can’t wait to read book two!
September 24, 2020
This book takes a lot of common tropes, but puts a fresh and new twist on them. It's unique format helps the reader see a way people might meet in the current media age.
August 29, 2023
A super fun and entertaining book about heroes and villains finding their perfect match!
October 28, 2024
Love the story!! The format does take some getting used to, and can be a little distracting at times, but overall, it's a great read.
June 9, 2021
This was...definitely a mixed bag for me.
On the one hand, I thought the concept was really fascinating. A Tinder-like app for superheroes to meet supervillains so they can become nemeses? I love it. It's funny, it's quirky, it sounds like a wild ride. And I really did love the uniqueness of the format, being told in text messages. It was a nice break from the usual novel format. Though unfortunately, I feel like the story suffered a little because of this format. It didn't feel entirely coherent a lot of the time, at least for me. Things were rushed when I feel like they shouldn't have been while some things dragged on for too long. And the characters using earpieces almost felt like cheating? In a way? It felt kinda weird and sometimes really out of place for the characters to be using their speech-to-text in certain situations. I understand it was needed for the story to progress, but it still just felt a little off to me.
But I think the thing that unsettled me the most was how flippantly death is treated throughout the entire novel. Now, I understand that these are superheroes and supervillains we're talking about here. I watch Marvel. I get it. But also...I mean, they're literal teenagers? That seem totally chill with maiming, seriously hurting, and killing each other? A lot? And a lot of the characters seem totally chill with joking about being killed, but they actually believe that they could be killed? And they still joke about it? All the time? One of the characters even flaunts the fact that they have an extremely high body count. This is not supposed to be the main "actual" villain of the story (air quotes because technically they are a villain, but...they're a main character?) This is a character that I'm supposed to like and relate to.
I just really didn't.
With the way death is treated, it also made the target audience for this novel a bit of a mystery. At times, the writing style reads almost like a middle grade novel. But the things the characters talk about seem much more mature than that, and mixed in with the carefree attitude toward death?
I don't know man.
The whole tone of the novel felt a bit off to me, honestly. The villain was severely underdeveloped and I saw the big twist coming from a mile away, which made it frustrating when the characters couldn't figure it out sooner. This could just be a personal preference, as I love villains that have a deep and meaningful backstory that a reader can sympathize with (or at least understand). This just wasn't it, chief. The villain isn't revealed until over halfway through the book (even though I knew who it was going to be right from the beginning). Why? Why not build up their villainy and make them a really threat? Why only throw it in towards the end?
The two-dimensionality of some of the side characters was also frustrating. Going into this novel, I felt like the whole of point of the book was to turn campy superhero tropes on their heads and put a unique spin on stereotypes in the genre. But the side characters especially felt really cliche and underdeveloped to me, which was disappointing. I still liked them, but it felt like a very surface-level type of enjoyment, you know?
I hadn't realized how much I had to say about this book haha, and it feels like I'm bashing it quite a bit when in actuality it was an interesting read. The characters had good banter—if a little corny and off the wall sometimes—their dynamics were good, the whole concept was really interesting, and the unique format did really create a neat reading experience. But I just wasn't entirely sold with the story and a lot of the morals of the characters. It wasn't a bad read, but I'm not entirely sure if I enjoyed it either.
But that's just me. If this sounds like an interesting story to you, go for it! Don't let me stop you. It doesn't take long to read, because of the text message format, so if you're curious, give it a try! Maybe you'll be able to enjoy it more than I did. :)
3/5.
On the one hand, I thought the concept was really fascinating. A Tinder-like app for superheroes to meet supervillains so they can become nemeses? I love it. It's funny, it's quirky, it sounds like a wild ride. And I really did love the uniqueness of the format, being told in text messages. It was a nice break from the usual novel format. Though unfortunately, I feel like the story suffered a little because of this format. It didn't feel entirely coherent a lot of the time, at least for me. Things were rushed when I feel like they shouldn't have been while some things dragged on for too long. And the characters using earpieces almost felt like cheating? In a way? It felt kinda weird and sometimes really out of place for the characters to be using their speech-to-text in certain situations. I understand it was needed for the story to progress, but it still just felt a little off to me.
But I think the thing that unsettled me the most was how flippantly death is treated throughout the entire novel. Now, I understand that these are superheroes and supervillains we're talking about here. I watch Marvel. I get it. But also...I mean, they're literal teenagers? That seem totally chill with maiming, seriously hurting, and killing each other? A lot? And a lot of the characters seem totally chill with joking about being killed, but they actually believe that they could be killed? And they still joke about it? All the time? One of the characters even flaunts the fact that they have an extremely high body count. This is not supposed to be the main "actual" villain of the story (air quotes because technically they are a villain, but...they're a main character?) This is a character that I'm supposed to like and relate to.
I just really didn't.
With the way death is treated, it also made the target audience for this novel a bit of a mystery. At times, the writing style reads almost like a middle grade novel. But the things the characters talk about seem much more mature than that, and mixed in with the carefree attitude toward death?
I don't know man.
The whole tone of the novel felt a bit off to me, honestly. The villain was severely underdeveloped and I saw the big twist coming from a mile away, which made it frustrating when the characters couldn't figure it out sooner. This could just be a personal preference, as I love villains that have a deep and meaningful backstory that a reader can sympathize with (or at least understand). This just wasn't it, chief. The villain isn't revealed until over halfway through the book (even though I knew who it was going to be right from the beginning). Why? Why not build up their villainy and make them a really threat? Why only throw it in towards the end?
The two-dimensionality of some of the side characters was also frustrating. Going into this novel, I felt like the whole of point of the book was to turn campy superhero tropes on their heads and put a unique spin on stereotypes in the genre. But the side characters especially felt really cliche and underdeveloped to me, which was disappointing. I still liked them, but it felt like a very surface-level type of enjoyment, you know?
I hadn't realized how much I had to say about this book haha, and it feels like I'm bashing it quite a bit when in actuality it was an interesting read. The characters had good banter—if a little corny and off the wall sometimes—their dynamics were good, the whole concept was really interesting, and the unique format did really create a neat reading experience. But I just wasn't entirely sold with the story and a lot of the morals of the characters. It wasn't a bad read, but I'm not entirely sure if I enjoyed it either.
But that's just me. If this sounds like an interesting story to you, go for it! Don't let me stop you. It doesn't take long to read, because of the text message format, so if you're curious, give it a try! Maybe you'll be able to enjoy it more than I did. :)
3/5.
August 1, 2020
This book start with the idea of superheroes and villains chatting online, a concept which sounds easy but in practice is hard to sustain. Fortunately, the authors are game and they rise to the challenge.
They take an idea which you know would work as a comedy sketch, but hard to sustain for the full length of a novel, and produce some clever plot twists and solutions that keep it working throughout the book. Plotwise, there's plenty of hilarious romantic comedy and commentary on the troubles that superheroes have to deal with. As the book goes on, those troubles become more complex and the book turns into an interesting reflection on some of the contradictions inherent in superhero stories. All told, a very worthwhile read.
They take an idea which you know would work as a comedy sketch, but hard to sustain for the full length of a novel, and produce some clever plot twists and solutions that keep it working throughout the book. Plotwise, there's plenty of hilarious romantic comedy and commentary on the troubles that superheroes have to deal with. As the book goes on, those troubles become more complex and the book turns into an interesting reflection on some of the contradictions inherent in superhero stories. All told, a very worthwhile read.
January 11, 2021
This book has me laughing out loud! V and Cortex are so cute—I personally love V, but I’ve always been one for the villains.
Definitely worth the read if you’re looking for something totally bingeworthy!
More details:
This book isn't incredibly deep or literary--but I don't think it's meant to be. It's highly entertaining and a little cheesy at times--but what superhero story isn't?
This book delves into the dangers of black and white thinking--what is good, what is evil, who is a villain, who is a hero, can they be the same person, and what happens when you're willing to risk everything to keep the person you love safe?
Due to the nature of the medium--chats and message transcripts--some elements of story are left out. You don't get to see the epic fight scenes, but you do get to hear them. Other action moments are skipped over entirely--simply because "the chat system is turned off".
The plot is a little predictable, but again, if you're looking for something deep or not seen before, you're not looking at the right book. This book will entertain you. It will make you laugh. It will make you smile, and you'll ship the characters.
Being predictable doesn't mean it isn't still a good story. After all, it's a romance. You already know how it's going to end.
Definitely worth the read if you're looking for something a little lighter than your average action/adventure superhero story.
Definitely worth the read if you’re looking for something totally bingeworthy!
More details:
This book isn't incredibly deep or literary--but I don't think it's meant to be. It's highly entertaining and a little cheesy at times--but what superhero story isn't?
This book delves into the dangers of black and white thinking--what is good, what is evil, who is a villain, who is a hero, can they be the same person, and what happens when you're willing to risk everything to keep the person you love safe?
Due to the nature of the medium--chats and message transcripts--some elements of story are left out. You don't get to see the epic fight scenes, but you do get to hear them. Other action moments are skipped over entirely--simply because "the chat system is turned off".
The plot is a little predictable, but again, if you're looking for something deep or not seen before, you're not looking at the right book. This book will entertain you. It will make you laugh. It will make you smile, and you'll ship the characters.
Being predictable doesn't mean it isn't still a good story. After all, it's a romance. You already know how it's going to end.
Definitely worth the read if you're looking for something a little lighter than your average action/adventure superhero story.
September 28, 2020
Dear Hero delivers a fast-paced, investing story of a hero just trying to find his perfect villain.
When I read that the story is told entirely through text messages, I had doubts about how well it would work. To my pleasant surprise, authors Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger pull off the concept with grace and lots of humor. The story flows seamlessly and quickly. The format allows character voices and personalities to shine in a unique way. I couldn’t get enough!
I was also delighted by how invested I became in the characters’ lives. The concept and humor sucked me in, but the emotional depth and character journeys kept me thinking, “Just one more text … Just one more chat.”
If you’re a fan of superheroes, comedy, romance, or out-of-the-box storytelling, check out Dear Hero!
When I read that the story is told entirely through text messages, I had doubts about how well it would work. To my pleasant surprise, authors Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger pull off the concept with grace and lots of humor. The story flows seamlessly and quickly. The format allows character voices and personalities to shine in a unique way. I couldn’t get enough!
I was also delighted by how invested I became in the characters’ lives. The concept and humor sucked me in, but the emotional depth and character journeys kept me thinking, “Just one more text … Just one more chat.”
If you’re a fan of superheroes, comedy, romance, or out-of-the-box storytelling, check out Dear Hero!
October 5, 2020
Dear Hero begins with a hilarious concept—a dating-style website but with the goal of pairing up heroes with their perfect nemeses—and delivers in a big way! With a cleverly constructed narrative via text messages, Bolinger and Roat carry out a funny, fast-paced plot with authentically flawed and likeable characters. V and Cortex may struggle with what it means to be a hero, but their reader fans are sure to champion their story with superhero-level enthusiasm!
January 15, 2021
Reminiscent of the illuminae files, Bolinger and Roat have create two endearing characters, a hero and a villain, who fall in love in a sequence of messages that let readers peek into their lives when they aren’t wearing the tights and cape. Full of humor and wit, I wish there was a graphic novel of the i between events.
December 26, 2024
Dear Hero made me fall head over heels for Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat's writing. The snappy epistolary dialogue between Caleb and V, interspersed with the dry wit of Bernard and asides from other characters, had me racing through chapters to learn what would happen next. I remember coming to a pivotal plot point right before church started and thinking, "No, this is a *terrible* place to stop!" But stop I did, partly because of church but partly because I didn't want Dear Hero to end too soon.
In addition to that snappy dialogue, I loved Caleb and V as characters. They've got a fun enemies-to-friends-to-almost-lovers thing going on, which is common in YA fiction. But the superhero motif, plus Hope and Alyssa's light, yet deep tone, make it unique. In fact, the best thing about Dear Hero is just when you think you've settled in with a light, fun "quick read," the author team throws a curve that reminds me of the world you're in and the stakes that can come with it.
That world did leave me with a couple questions, which I'll get to in a minute. Despite those questions, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting it. Hope and Alyssa expertly mix the contemporary with the fantastical, such that heroes and villains can become regular, relatable people without losing the power and mystique that make us love them so much. I admit, I'm much more a Narnia and Harry Potter person than a Marvel Universe person, but thanks to this series, I now have some new favorite heroes and villains.
Speaking of those, Caleb, V, and their cohorts on both sides are expertly developed beyond their "public personas." As a woman, I got more into V; I could relate more to her emotions and ways of handling pain or trauma. Still, Caleb is far from flat, boring, or a slouch. In fact, I got pretty sucked into his arc because not far into Dear Hero, I became unsure of where it would go. Caleb and V, Caleb in particular, end up on journeys of self-discovery that don't read like you might expect.
That's another great thing about Dear Hero and subsequent books (to be reviewed soon). In them, Alyssa and Hope blur a lot of expected lines and challenge readers to do so, too. While reading, I could understand how and why such a plot would be aimed at teens and younger adults. But even as a "full" adult, I embraced the philosophical questions Caleb and V were sometimes overtly but often subtly grappling with. Namely, when does a hero run the risk of becoming a villain? How about the reverse? Are there ethics, morals, or commitments "higher" than one's calling, superpowered or not, and when do those kick in? Is anyone ever 100% hero or villain, or are we all a muddled mixture--or are we a mixture, but more hopeful than muddled?
Dear Hero and its authors also get plenty of brownie points for their humor. Not 10% through, I was absolutely cackling. Special mention to gems including but not limited to:
-This has been a dark version of Sesame Street (paraphrase)
-CallMeVortieandDie
-Bernard's constant sarcasm/wit ("Shall I vaporize him for you?")
-A moment where Caleb does something so typical of a guy his age, and yet so dense, you facepalm and howl with laughter at the fallout. C'mon dude, it's the 21st century, pay more attention to what your computer is doing--or rather, what you're telling it to do!
As noted, Dear Hero does leave some questions unanswered, that I thought should be answered for clarity's sake or on a technical level. For instance, I got a bit confused about the role of "regular" authorities in Dear Hero's world. Do the local police force and first responders just accept the presence of heroes and villains, and if yes, how long has this been the case? (How do these responders still have jobs)? Could Caleb and V "get in trouble" once their relationship started to change? My guess is no, since no one ever said anything--but should someone have said something, given the world's parameters? And in the spiritual realm--considering the "rules" of V and Caleb's world, when someone dies, where do they "go?" Caleb's mom was the only character I could truly pinpoint as a believer, which is fine, I guess, but that did make me wonder about the "rules" otherwise.
These questions aside, Dear Hero is a wonderful book for the target audience and works great as a crossover. It's just plain fun, with plenty of subtle depth. Grab a copy for the young adult in your life, or even for yourself. I'd suggest it for classroom libraries too, or even school or church ones if they have an opening.
In addition to that snappy dialogue, I loved Caleb and V as characters. They've got a fun enemies-to-friends-to-almost-lovers thing going on, which is common in YA fiction. But the superhero motif, plus Hope and Alyssa's light, yet deep tone, make it unique. In fact, the best thing about Dear Hero is just when you think you've settled in with a light, fun "quick read," the author team throws a curve that reminds me of the world you're in and the stakes that can come with it.
That world did leave me with a couple questions, which I'll get to in a minute. Despite those questions, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting it. Hope and Alyssa expertly mix the contemporary with the fantastical, such that heroes and villains can become regular, relatable people without losing the power and mystique that make us love them so much. I admit, I'm much more a Narnia and Harry Potter person than a Marvel Universe person, but thanks to this series, I now have some new favorite heroes and villains.
Speaking of those, Caleb, V, and their cohorts on both sides are expertly developed beyond their "public personas." As a woman, I got more into V; I could relate more to her emotions and ways of handling pain or trauma. Still, Caleb is far from flat, boring, or a slouch. In fact, I got pretty sucked into his arc because not far into Dear Hero, I became unsure of where it would go. Caleb and V, Caleb in particular, end up on journeys of self-discovery that don't read like you might expect.
That's another great thing about Dear Hero and subsequent books (to be reviewed soon). In them, Alyssa and Hope blur a lot of expected lines and challenge readers to do so, too. While reading, I could understand how and why such a plot would be aimed at teens and younger adults. But even as a "full" adult, I embraced the philosophical questions Caleb and V were sometimes overtly but often subtly grappling with. Namely, when does a hero run the risk of becoming a villain? How about the reverse? Are there ethics, morals, or commitments "higher" than one's calling, superpowered or not, and when do those kick in? Is anyone ever 100% hero or villain, or are we all a muddled mixture--or are we a mixture, but more hopeful than muddled?
Dear Hero and its authors also get plenty of brownie points for their humor. Not 10% through, I was absolutely cackling. Special mention to gems including but not limited to:
-This has been a dark version of Sesame Street (paraphrase)
-CallMeVortieandDie
-Bernard's constant sarcasm/wit ("Shall I vaporize him for you?")
-A moment where Caleb does something so typical of a guy his age, and yet so dense, you facepalm and howl with laughter at the fallout. C'mon dude, it's the 21st century, pay more attention to what your computer is doing--or rather, what you're telling it to do!
As noted, Dear Hero does leave some questions unanswered, that I thought should be answered for clarity's sake or on a technical level. For instance, I got a bit confused about the role of "regular" authorities in Dear Hero's world. Do the local police force and first responders just accept the presence of heroes and villains, and if yes, how long has this been the case? (How do these responders still have jobs)? Could Caleb and V "get in trouble" once their relationship started to change? My guess is no, since no one ever said anything--but should someone have said something, given the world's parameters? And in the spiritual realm--considering the "rules" of V and Caleb's world, when someone dies, where do they "go?" Caleb's mom was the only character I could truly pinpoint as a believer, which is fine, I guess, but that did make me wonder about the "rules" otherwise.
These questions aside, Dear Hero is a wonderful book for the target audience and works great as a crossover. It's just plain fun, with plenty of subtle depth. Grab a copy for the young adult in your life, or even for yourself. I'd suggest it for classroom libraries too, or even school or church ones if they have an opening.
August 31, 2020
*I received a free ARC from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review*
Meta Match is unlike any other social media app out there. It provides a platform for heroes and villains to meet and interact online before hitting the streets—and each other. For hero Cortex, the app is the perfect place to find his new nemesis and build his resume. He ends up messaging with the villainous V, and the two try to determine if they would make a legendary match. But when Cortex’s girlfriend is kidnapped by his ex-villain Seizure, Cortex and V must team up to save her.
In Dear Hero, Bolinger and Roat demonstrate a shared creative, cooperative spirit that drives the heart of this book. Told through texts sent via Meta Match, this book’s structure breaks the mold of typical YA novels. Through its comparison of the superhero world with that of the business world—the characters navigate resume building and specialized training for their careers as supers—it also offers a fresh perspective on common superhero tropes and themes.
Despite the creative use of structure, however, the book ultimately feels as if it doesn’t live up to its expectations. Because of restricting the entire plot to the confines of text (and, in some instances, speech-to-text), some of the dialogue feels awkward and unrealistic. For example, when a character sends a photo, they immediately describe what the photo contains, as if the person they sent it to is visually impaired. Texts also restrict a lot of the action, which is forced to occur off-screen and can at times be confusing to follow. Bolinger and Roat still manage to convey a sense of tension, but it’s lowered from what it could be if the scene were described, as in a traditional novel. This could have been amended by including phone transcriptions or security/body-cam descriptions in the novel, and not limiting it to only text conversations sent through Meta Match.
On that note, some of the dialogue was also too polished for texting. There were zero misspellings (which could have led to other characters making witty remarks in response to the typo), and all the grammar and punctuation remained flawless. While a reader would most likely become vexed with a constant barrage of text-speak, adding some of those elements would assist in making the story more immersive. It could also help define character voices. As it is, there’s no balance between text-speak and the polished grammar of a published book aside from a few “lol”s half-heartedly tossed in.
Another issue with the novel is the lack of world building, specifically related to the amorphous world of supers. Cortex, V, and other young supers use Meta Match to find opponents, which in turn builds their resumes. The end goal of all the resume-building is unclear. Are there real villains who act unprovoked and must be stopped? All the reader knows is that there is a league of big-time heroes. The entire economical sensibility of the super world is absent, and it appears governments have no restrictions on supers. Anyone can become a super, as long as you have powers (the acquisitions of which is lightly, and unsatisfactorily, touched on) and a “backstory.” But again, what’s the point? Fame? If fame is the purpose for becoming a super, then it would make more sense to have a super-version of an app like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, where supers could post about their epic battles, thus gaining followers and becoming super-influencers. Having super-influencers would probably fit the story better, which would require, perhaps for the best, the awkward comparison with entering the workforce to be dropped.
Overall, Dear Hero promises a lot but struggles to deliver. The premise is creative, the characters and their powers are clever, but ultimately it falls flat. The message of shared humanity first, before one’s hero/villain identity, is certainly a positive one, but it is not enough for a hearty recommendation of this novel. Perhaps it’s worth a peek, but in the end, Dear Hero struggles to establish its world and narrative structure in a clear and logical way that immerses the reader within the story.
Meta Match is unlike any other social media app out there. It provides a platform for heroes and villains to meet and interact online before hitting the streets—and each other. For hero Cortex, the app is the perfect place to find his new nemesis and build his resume. He ends up messaging with the villainous V, and the two try to determine if they would make a legendary match. But when Cortex’s girlfriend is kidnapped by his ex-villain Seizure, Cortex and V must team up to save her.
In Dear Hero, Bolinger and Roat demonstrate a shared creative, cooperative spirit that drives the heart of this book. Told through texts sent via Meta Match, this book’s structure breaks the mold of typical YA novels. Through its comparison of the superhero world with that of the business world—the characters navigate resume building and specialized training for their careers as supers—it also offers a fresh perspective on common superhero tropes and themes.
Despite the creative use of structure, however, the book ultimately feels as if it doesn’t live up to its expectations. Because of restricting the entire plot to the confines of text (and, in some instances, speech-to-text), some of the dialogue feels awkward and unrealistic. For example, when a character sends a photo, they immediately describe what the photo contains, as if the person they sent it to is visually impaired. Texts also restrict a lot of the action, which is forced to occur off-screen and can at times be confusing to follow. Bolinger and Roat still manage to convey a sense of tension, but it’s lowered from what it could be if the scene were described, as in a traditional novel. This could have been amended by including phone transcriptions or security/body-cam descriptions in the novel, and not limiting it to only text conversations sent through Meta Match.
On that note, some of the dialogue was also too polished for texting. There were zero misspellings (which could have led to other characters making witty remarks in response to the typo), and all the grammar and punctuation remained flawless. While a reader would most likely become vexed with a constant barrage of text-speak, adding some of those elements would assist in making the story more immersive. It could also help define character voices. As it is, there’s no balance between text-speak and the polished grammar of a published book aside from a few “lol”s half-heartedly tossed in.
Another issue with the novel is the lack of world building, specifically related to the amorphous world of supers. Cortex, V, and other young supers use Meta Match to find opponents, which in turn builds their resumes. The end goal of all the resume-building is unclear. Are there real villains who act unprovoked and must be stopped? All the reader knows is that there is a league of big-time heroes. The entire economical sensibility of the super world is absent, and it appears governments have no restrictions on supers. Anyone can become a super, as long as you have powers (the acquisitions of which is lightly, and unsatisfactorily, touched on) and a “backstory.” But again, what’s the point? Fame? If fame is the purpose for becoming a super, then it would make more sense to have a super-version of an app like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, where supers could post about their epic battles, thus gaining followers and becoming super-influencers. Having super-influencers would probably fit the story better, which would require, perhaps for the best, the awkward comparison with entering the workforce to be dropped.
Overall, Dear Hero promises a lot but struggles to deliver. The premise is creative, the characters and their powers are clever, but ultimately it falls flat. The message of shared humanity first, before one’s hero/villain identity, is certainly a positive one, but it is not enough for a hearty recommendation of this novel. Perhaps it’s worth a peek, but in the end, Dear Hero struggles to establish its world and narrative structure in a clear and logical way that immerses the reader within the story.
December 10, 2020
[Crossposting from Amazon.com]
This year has been notable for many things. Tragically, one of those things is that I've found myself with less motivation to read than ever before. For someone who's always loved books as much as I have, this is a concerning trend--a sort of literary eating disorder, or "reading disorder," if you will.
The perfect antidote to my slump arrived in the form of this book. Dear Hero is a wonderful "airport read," a book that, by nature of its format (it's told in chat- or text-message-like segments, which are very short) moves quickly enough to hold your attention, but is also easy to pick up/put down and find your place again if you get distracted. I'll admit, though, that sometimes the format has its drawbacks--at some points, it was difficult for me to follow/picture in my head what was happening. Telling the story through "texts" means that readers don't get to really "see" the characters or get much of a window into the action, but rather are told about the action after the fact (a tad anticlimactic) or have the action narrated to them somehow while it's happening (which can come off as forced). Hence the 4-star review, since this method of storytelling might not work for everyone; it's likely to appeal more to a younger crowd.
I won't give too much away, but the premise is certainly clever--Cortex and V, our main heroes (but one of them's a villain...or maybe both are?...If that confuses you, you'll have to read to find out!) match on some kind of networking site for heroes and villains. Of course, what starts out as a professional LinkedIn-esque relationship might not stay that way for long. As the lines between villain and hero blur, the characters have to figure out who they really are, what they really want out of life, and whether they can really trust those who seem trustworthy.
Now, I'm not usually a fan of romances (fortunately, this one's pretty easy on the eyes--in other words, not much need for eye-rolling!), but I AM fond of stories that have humor and heart. This one has a lot of both! I genuinely snorted/laughed out loud several times while reading. It's one of those stories with a character ensemble you kind of just want to watch run around and get into mischief. I particularly enjoyed some of the inventive superpowers.
But...those last few pages, y'all. Those last couple pages actually choked me up a little bit.
To the authors, thank you from the bottom of my heart for weaving a tale that rescued me (hehe) from a sad bookless year and helped ease me back into reading for pleasure.
This year has been notable for many things. Tragically, one of those things is that I've found myself with less motivation to read than ever before. For someone who's always loved books as much as I have, this is a concerning trend--a sort of literary eating disorder, or "reading disorder," if you will.
The perfect antidote to my slump arrived in the form of this book. Dear Hero is a wonderful "airport read," a book that, by nature of its format (it's told in chat- or text-message-like segments, which are very short) moves quickly enough to hold your attention, but is also easy to pick up/put down and find your place again if you get distracted. I'll admit, though, that sometimes the format has its drawbacks--at some points, it was difficult for me to follow/picture in my head what was happening. Telling the story through "texts" means that readers don't get to really "see" the characters or get much of a window into the action, but rather are told about the action after the fact (a tad anticlimactic) or have the action narrated to them somehow while it's happening (which can come off as forced). Hence the 4-star review, since this method of storytelling might not work for everyone; it's likely to appeal more to a younger crowd.
I won't give too much away, but the premise is certainly clever--Cortex and V, our main heroes (but one of them's a villain...or maybe both are?...If that confuses you, you'll have to read to find out!) match on some kind of networking site for heroes and villains. Of course, what starts out as a professional LinkedIn-esque relationship might not stay that way for long. As the lines between villain and hero blur, the characters have to figure out who they really are, what they really want out of life, and whether they can really trust those who seem trustworthy.
Now, I'm not usually a fan of romances (fortunately, this one's pretty easy on the eyes--in other words, not much need for eye-rolling!), but I AM fond of stories that have humor and heart. This one has a lot of both! I genuinely snorted/laughed out loud several times while reading. It's one of those stories with a character ensemble you kind of just want to watch run around and get into mischief. I particularly enjoyed some of the inventive superpowers.
But...those last few pages, y'all. Those last couple pages actually choked me up a little bit.
To the authors, thank you from the bottom of my heart for weaving a tale that rescued me (hehe) from a sad bookless year and helped ease me back into reading for pleasure.
September 13, 2020
I am always on the lookout for superhero novels. a) they are an awesome mix of action and either fantasy or science fiction and b) they are hard to come by, so I jumped at the chance to read Dear Hero. Dear Hero is written entirely in short messages shared between the two main characters, which makes for a creative novel, if one that leaves the backstory and world building a little unclear.
Cortex is a hero. When his last villain leaves him, he decides to reach out on Meta-Match to find a new one. V is looking for a hero to fight with. She and Cortex begin exchanging messages and then they start to meet to practice their hero villain routine, but when someone close to them is kidnapped, they have to team up.
My main problem with this books comes down to the format. I applaud the authors for giving it a go. Writing an entire book in text messages or DMs would not be easy. It’s creative and quick to read. The problem comes with the reader trying to get an accurate view of the characters, backstory, world and culture. All those things remained unclear. I needed, wanted to know more about the concept of how the hero and villain structure works, why they do what they do, more about the governance of heroes and villains and how they fit into the larger world picture, the pop culture that surrounds it and the world that had been created. I wanted to know more about V and Cortex, who they were, outside of what they present to each other in their messages. The text message format also means the action happens offscreen and is relayed to the reader as the characters reflect back, which takes the excitement out of the action and feels a little stilted.
If you are like novels with creative formats, definitely give Dear Hero a go, but I think the story would have been stronger had the authors not been restricted to the one format.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Cortex is a hero. When his last villain leaves him, he decides to reach out on Meta-Match to find a new one. V is looking for a hero to fight with. She and Cortex begin exchanging messages and then they start to meet to practice their hero villain routine, but when someone close to them is kidnapped, they have to team up.
My main problem with this books comes down to the format. I applaud the authors for giving it a go. Writing an entire book in text messages or DMs would not be easy. It’s creative and quick to read. The problem comes with the reader trying to get an accurate view of the characters, backstory, world and culture. All those things remained unclear. I needed, wanted to know more about the concept of how the hero and villain structure works, why they do what they do, more about the governance of heroes and villains and how they fit into the larger world picture, the pop culture that surrounds it and the world that had been created. I wanted to know more about V and Cortex, who they were, outside of what they present to each other in their messages. The text message format also means the action happens offscreen and is relayed to the reader as the characters reflect back, which takes the excitement out of the action and feels a little stilted.
If you are like novels with creative formats, definitely give Dear Hero a go, but I think the story would have been stronger had the authors not been restricted to the one format.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
October 30, 2024
Dear Hero by Alyssa Roat is a delightfully fresh take on the superhero genre, blending humor, romance, and heart in a novel that explores the connections between heroes and villains. The story kicks off with an intriguing premise: Captain Might and Kid Chaos, two individuals on opposite sides of the superhero spectrum, connect through an app designed to match heroes with villains. But as they engage in their classic rivalry, they soon find themselves bonding in unexpected ways, leading to a plot filled with twists, heartfelt moments, and comedic exchanges.
What makes Dear Hero stand out is Roat’s witty and engaging writing style. The book is written in a unique format, with much of the story unfolding through text messages, emails, and app interactions. This format not only adds a modern and relatable touch but also allows readers to delve directly into the personalities and quirks of the characters. Captain Might is the epitome of a well-meaning but sometimes clueless hero, while Kid Chaos is the chaotic villain with layers of depth, insecurity, and unexpected softness. Their exchanges range from hilarious to deeply emotional, making the development of their relationship feel both authentic and endearing.
Roat excels in creating a cast of characters who, despite their superhuman abilities, feel incredibly human. The secondary characters also add flavor to the story, with a range of quirky sidekicks, heroes, and villains that enrich the world without overshadowing the main pair. The book cleverly tackles themes like identity, expectations, and the fine line between good and evil, all without losing its humorous and lighthearted tone.
In a genre often dominated by action-driven plots, Dear Hero brings something refreshing by focusing on connection and personal growth. It's perfect for fans of superhero stories looking for a fun twist or those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of romance. Roat’s debut is a highly entertaining read that balances humor with heart, making it a must-read for YA and superhero fans alike.
What makes Dear Hero stand out is Roat’s witty and engaging writing style. The book is written in a unique format, with much of the story unfolding through text messages, emails, and app interactions. This format not only adds a modern and relatable touch but also allows readers to delve directly into the personalities and quirks of the characters. Captain Might is the epitome of a well-meaning but sometimes clueless hero, while Kid Chaos is the chaotic villain with layers of depth, insecurity, and unexpected softness. Their exchanges range from hilarious to deeply emotional, making the development of their relationship feel both authentic and endearing.
Roat excels in creating a cast of characters who, despite their superhuman abilities, feel incredibly human. The secondary characters also add flavor to the story, with a range of quirky sidekicks, heroes, and villains that enrich the world without overshadowing the main pair. The book cleverly tackles themes like identity, expectations, and the fine line between good and evil, all without losing its humorous and lighthearted tone.
In a genre often dominated by action-driven plots, Dear Hero brings something refreshing by focusing on connection and personal growth. It's perfect for fans of superhero stories looking for a fun twist or those who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of romance. Roat’s debut is a highly entertaining read that balances humor with heart, making it a must-read for YA and superhero fans alike.
November 13, 2020
Cortex has a problem. He is only in high school., but he’s already a superhero. Blame his family—his parents are both superheroes, and Cortex grew up going to parties with the finest (if aging) superheroes in the country. What choice does he have, really, except to become a superhero himself? But he has no nemesis, no supervillain, that he can fight against. What is a superhero to do?
Enter Meta-Match, an app where heroes and villains can create their own profiles and meet up (virtually) to see if they want to give the relationship a try. Cortex matches with V, a supervillain who has sharks with pets and has killed a lot of people. (In her defense, they weren’t very good people.) But as they start chatting, they seem to fall into a natural rhythm. This could be a match.
The more they talk, the more they realize that they’ll be good together. They coordinate a meet-up in real life to see if they can fight successfully while still looking cool. They share more of their life stories with each other. They volunteer some time at camp together (it’s to pay back their fight coordinator).
Everything seems to be on track for them to be hero ‘n’ villain together.
But when Cortex gets involved with a jealous girlfriend and V suffers a personal tragedy, will their relationship be able to survive? Or will everything fall apart?
Dear Hero by Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat is a fun, whimsical look at how teenaged heroes and villains might hook up in modern times. The way these characters develop through the story is heart-warming, and the action takes twists and turns you will not see coming. Told entirely through app messages and texts, Dear Hero is an epistolary novel like no other, and a superhero tale that brings you inside the real lives of teenaged heroes and villains in fun and unexpected ways.
A copy of Dear Hero was provided by the authors and Intense Publications, with many thanks.
Enter Meta-Match, an app where heroes and villains can create their own profiles and meet up (virtually) to see if they want to give the relationship a try. Cortex matches with V, a supervillain who has sharks with pets and has killed a lot of people. (In her defense, they weren’t very good people.) But as they start chatting, they seem to fall into a natural rhythm. This could be a match.
The more they talk, the more they realize that they’ll be good together. They coordinate a meet-up in real life to see if they can fight successfully while still looking cool. They share more of their life stories with each other. They volunteer some time at camp together (it’s to pay back their fight coordinator).
Everything seems to be on track for them to be hero ‘n’ villain together.
But when Cortex gets involved with a jealous girlfriend and V suffers a personal tragedy, will their relationship be able to survive? Or will everything fall apart?
Dear Hero by Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat is a fun, whimsical look at how teenaged heroes and villains might hook up in modern times. The way these characters develop through the story is heart-warming, and the action takes twists and turns you will not see coming. Told entirely through app messages and texts, Dear Hero is an epistolary novel like no other, and a superhero tale that brings you inside the real lives of teenaged heroes and villains in fun and unexpected ways.
A copy of Dear Hero was provided by the authors and Intense Publications, with many thanks.
retry-another-time
October 29, 2024I've been debating whether or not to write something for the past few days.
I started this book on Book Sirens, my first book on there. The concept really caught my interest, it sounded very original and exciting. Though I was a bit confused why it was posted as an ARC while this book has been published several years ago.
Sadly, quickly into this book something... confused me. And not in a good way. Look, I'm autistic and I'm not good with tone, especially not when it's written. I often see things and wonder if the writer meant to be offensive or if I just feel like it has an offensive tone. The hero in the story was talking about, I think a hypothetical someone? I don't remember who. All I remember is 'he or she (or it)'. Now, maybe I'm sensitive or whatever, but it felt like it was making fun of trans people and pronouns. It would have been very easy to say 'or they', but they went with 'or it'. That left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was going to let it slide and continue to see if there was a pattern of this, but then I found out that Book Sirens continues to promote Harry Potter and it's obvious transphobic author in the year 2024. I immediately closed my (new) account.
This ebook is now on my google play books, but it doesn't feel fair to read it while I'm no longer part of the site that made it possible for me to read it. I don't know the rules about this because I'm still new to reading ARCs and such.
I'm not leaving a rating because I didn't get pretty far into this, but I felt like I had to explain why I am not continuing this book.
Maybe one day I'll pick it up and give it another try, but only if I hear good things about it from people I trust.
And next time I'll be doing research into a company before I accept an invitation to join them so I can avoid this from happening again 😅
I started this book on Book Sirens, my first book on there. The concept really caught my interest, it sounded very original and exciting. Though I was a bit confused why it was posted as an ARC while this book has been published several years ago.
Sadly, quickly into this book something... confused me. And not in a good way. Look, I'm autistic and I'm not good with tone, especially not when it's written. I often see things and wonder if the writer meant to be offensive or if I just feel like it has an offensive tone. The hero in the story was talking about, I think a hypothetical someone? I don't remember who. All I remember is 'he or she (or it)'. Now, maybe I'm sensitive or whatever, but it felt like it was making fun of trans people and pronouns. It would have been very easy to say 'or they', but they went with 'or it'. That left a bad taste in my mouth.
I was going to let it slide and continue to see if there was a pattern of this, but then I found out that Book Sirens continues to promote Harry Potter and it's obvious transphobic author in the year 2024. I immediately closed my (new) account.
This ebook is now on my google play books, but it doesn't feel fair to read it while I'm no longer part of the site that made it possible for me to read it. I don't know the rules about this because I'm still new to reading ARCs and such.
I'm not leaving a rating because I didn't get pretty far into this, but I felt like I had to explain why I am not continuing this book.
Maybe one day I'll pick it up and give it another try, but only if I hear good things about it from people I trust.
And next time I'll be doing research into a company before I accept an invitation to join them so I can avoid this from happening again 😅
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