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Hero Complex
Being labeled a mad scientist doesn’t faze Bronte Scales. Accidentally gaining superpowers didn’t even seem that strange. It’s not until she realizes someone is out to get her and her do-it-yourself super tech invention, that she reluctantly becomes one part of a superpowered crime fighting team. Then things really get out of hand. And somewhere along the way she accidentally kidnaps a nurse—a smart, kind, and beautiful sort of nurse. Bronte’s screwed.
Athena Papadaki doesn’t have superpowers, but she’s scary good at squeezing everything she can from each waking minute. That feels heroic until she’s kidnapped by a group of knuckleheads who need more rescuing than she does. Once she’s done saving the day, she’ll walk away and most certainly never think about Bronte Scales ever again. Nothing to see here.
Can Bronte and Athena, and their unlikely friends, work together to defeat Bronte’s arch archnemesis? The fate of love, humanity, and the world might depend on it. No pressure.
Athena Papadaki doesn’t have superpowers, but she’s scary good at squeezing everything she can from each waking minute. That feels heroic until she’s kidnapped by a group of knuckleheads who need more rescuing than she does. Once she’s done saving the day, she’ll walk away and most certainly never think about Bronte Scales ever again. Nothing to see here.
Can Bronte and Athena, and their unlikely friends, work together to defeat Bronte’s arch archnemesis? The fate of love, humanity, and the world might depend on it. No pressure.
Unknown Binding
Published January 10, 2023
16 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Jesse J. Thoma
11 books50 followersJesse Thoma splits her professional time between graduate school and work. She is a project manager in a clinical research lab and spends a good amount of time in methadone clinics and prisons collecting data and talking to people. Jesse grew up in Northern California but headed east for college. She never looked back, although her baseball allegiance is still loyally with the San Francisco Giants. She has lived in New England for ten years and has finally learned to leave extra time in the morning to scrape snow off the car. Jesse is blissfully married and is happiest when she is out for a walk with her wife and their dog, pretending she still has the soccer skills she had as an eighteen-year-old, eating anything her wife bakes, or sitting at the computer to write a few lines. (from the publisher's website)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 11, 2023
Bronte Scales has invented a medical breakthrough in cancer research and wants to share it with the world. Bard Verstrand plans to steal and contort the breakthrough to build up her empire. Nurse Athena Papadaki becomes caught up in helping Bronte and others who have fallen victim to Bard.
Thoma has created a reluctant superhero with a trio of deuteragonists who fully captures your attention. She takes her time to lay out the story which this reader truly appreciates. The science fiction aspects are explicitly descriptive to be easily envisioned and the romance has time to evolve generically.
Hero Complex on the surface is a fun and exciting read but there is a subtext of how power corrupts with our reliance on all things technological. Either way you view this novel, it is well worth adding to your list of must reads.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoma has created a reluctant superhero with a trio of deuteragonists who fully captures your attention. She takes her time to lay out the story which this reader truly appreciates. The science fiction aspects are explicitly descriptive to be easily envisioned and the romance has time to evolve generically.
Hero Complex on the surface is a fun and exciting read but there is a subtext of how power corrupts with our reliance on all things technological. Either way you view this novel, it is well worth adding to your list of must reads.
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 24, 2023
Athena Papadakis’s first day at her new job certainly takes a turn when she’s kidnapped by a woman made of steel, a man whose face has been fused to a computer and the doctor who was keeping them as healthy as possible, all running away from basilisk-like creatures.
I love superheroes and origin stories can be fun yet even though I usually enjoy Jesse J. Thoma’s books very much, this one didn’t work for me the way previous ones did. It read like a comic book, which in itself is far from bad, but without the drawings it felt incomplete.
The villains are very villainy, the MCs are nice and they have good chemistry. Spero – the computer guy – is an interesting character but my favourite is Galen, the doctor who hears everyone’s emotions. She’s snarky and petty and she kept me entertained.
If you’ve never read Thoma’s books, I’d recommend starting with the Serenity Prayer novels or Seneca Falls, which I didn’t review but remember liking years ago.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
January 5, 2023
3.25 stars. I was very excited when I saw the release of this book as I’m a big fan of superhero stories and I have enjoyed Thoma’s books a great deal in the past. This book is a true superhero origin story and has all the ingredients you would expect in such a story; there’s action, unexpected/unlikely friendships, humor, some romance, and a strong good vs. bad vibe. There were parts of this book I enjoyed, but there were also unfortunately several bumps. I don’t know if it is due to my high expectations, but this book was not what I had hoped for in the end.
Origin stories are fun and often a bit awkward, the superhero obtains powers and has to learn to deal with them. That’s definitely the case in this story where scientist Bronte has to learn what she can do with her newly obtained powers (or even accept her superhero status). Due to circumstances she and three others are stuck with each other and an unlikely friendship develops between them. Meanwhile, they are facing a supervillain who wants to dominate the world and needs to be stopped.
Clearly this story has all the ingredients I like, but as mentioned there were some bumps. The first one was the pacing, the story starts with some action scenes, but it quickly slows down. This would be no problem if it gives room for character and/or romance development, but this didn’t really happen, so I found the story dragging in the middle until the speed picked up near the end. The action scenes were fun and somewhat awkward, as can be predicted with an origin story. However, I expected these very intelligent and mature mains to be a bit smarter about their actions, they often went in without much of a plan and relied on luck or coincidences.
The romance arc shows a clear attraction between Bronte and Athena, but I wondered what it really was that they liked about each other (other than physical attraction) and the I love yous were therefore too soon for me. Since this seems to be a first in a series I wish it stayed at a HFN scenario and would evolve into love later on in the series.
The side characters were fun and each had their own specific quirks. I didn’t really know what to think of Galen, she had the strangest character development of all characters, or perhaps I should say personality shift. I didn’t care for her much at the start, but I liked her weird personality at the end.
I think fans of superhero stories might like this book, it did not quite live up to my expectations, but it could for others, be sure to check out some other reviews as well.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Origin stories are fun and often a bit awkward, the superhero obtains powers and has to learn to deal with them. That’s definitely the case in this story where scientist Bronte has to learn what she can do with her newly obtained powers (or even accept her superhero status). Due to circumstances she and three others are stuck with each other and an unlikely friendship develops between them. Meanwhile, they are facing a supervillain who wants to dominate the world and needs to be stopped.
Clearly this story has all the ingredients I like, but as mentioned there were some bumps. The first one was the pacing, the story starts with some action scenes, but it quickly slows down. This would be no problem if it gives room for character and/or romance development, but this didn’t really happen, so I found the story dragging in the middle until the speed picked up near the end. The action scenes were fun and somewhat awkward, as can be predicted with an origin story. However, I expected these very intelligent and mature mains to be a bit smarter about their actions, they often went in without much of a plan and relied on luck or coincidences.
The romance arc shows a clear attraction between Bronte and Athena, but I wondered what it really was that they liked about each other (other than physical attraction) and the I love yous were therefore too soon for me. Since this seems to be a first in a series I wish it stayed at a HFN scenario and would evolve into love later on in the series.
The side characters were fun and each had their own specific quirks. I didn’t really know what to think of Galen, she had the strangest character development of all characters, or perhaps I should say personality shift. I didn’t care for her much at the start, but I liked her weird personality at the end.
I think fans of superhero stories might like this book, it did not quite live up to my expectations, but it could for others, be sure to check out some other reviews as well.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2023
This is a story about Brontë Scales who is a scientist trying to find the cure for cancer. She creates these nano bites that are supposed to stop the cancer cells from developing. The company she works for (Vestrand Industries) tries to steal her research and use it to make a ton of money. Bard Verstrand is the acting CEO of Vestrand industries and is very evil and corrupt person and has a group of henchmen working for her that do her dirty work. As Bard tries to steel Brontë research, Brontë drinks her research and is taken captive and held in a comatose state for a year.
Brontë gets a new nurse, Athena, who on the first day on the job gets kidnapped by Bronte’s doctor, Galen and researcher, Spero. They escape together and form a team to take down Bard. While in hiding they learn about Brontë ‘s new superhero powers.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the superhero adventure premise. Love the name Brontë ! Nurse Athena seemed to become a techie genius instantly with no explained background. That was very unbelievable for me. In fact her whole personality seemed to change the minute she was kidnapped and she instantly falls in love with Brontë. Not sure how that happened other than instant attraction. I needed more development for the romance to be believable.
Overall this was an ok book. It slowed down in the middle and then picked up speed with a big fight scene at the end. And it left me with the impression that a sequel is in the works.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
Brontë gets a new nurse, Athena, who on the first day on the job gets kidnapped by Bronte’s doctor, Galen and researcher, Spero. They escape together and form a team to take down Bard. While in hiding they learn about Brontë ‘s new superhero powers.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book and the superhero adventure premise. Love the name Brontë ! Nurse Athena seemed to become a techie genius instantly with no explained background. That was very unbelievable for me. In fact her whole personality seemed to change the minute she was kidnapped and she instantly falls in love with Brontë. Not sure how that happened other than instant attraction. I needed more development for the romance to be believable.
Overall this was an ok book. It slowed down in the middle and then picked up speed with a big fight scene at the end. And it left me with the impression that a sequel is in the works.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
January 6, 2023
This is a really fun and inventive story, with a great cast of characters! But definitely has its hiccups.
The blurb honestly doesn't really paint the story as best as it could.
The TL;DR is basically Dr Bronte Scales is a scientist working on a special almost nanite-based technology to cure cancer, when the company she was working for tried to take over her work, and make her disappear - for their own gains. She injects them into herself and ends up with what are essentially super powers.
We then meet nurse Athena Papadaki who starts off her first day in a mysterious basement wing of the hospital, with strange patients she realises are more like test subjects. All hell breaks loose, and she along with two patients and a doctor have to make some decisions to escape.
The banter between the two women love-interests is hot and sexy. We get to know each of them and their individual fears throughout understanding the conspiracy happening to them, and the strange powers Bronte has. However I agree with other reviewers that said their connection did not go deep enough. At times Athena came off as an adrenalin junkie, and that was the only reason she was attracted to Bronte, thinking about the wild scenarios she could get into with her.
I enjoyed our two side-characters as well. Dr Galen uses her sarcastic wit to hide behind emotions that are too much for her. While Spero is a unique case with much mystery to discover. I don't want to let it all out of the bag!
But suffice to say this rag-tag group become something more to each other, and want to take down the company that had lied and manipulated them, who is now up to even worse antics on a grander scale.
My few complaints was it got bogged down a bit here and there, with rehashing the same lines of thought and fears for the women. Denial of their attraction and feelings for one another. My other irk was that the ending felt a little too easily wrapped up, leaving a fair few things hanging in my mind.
I'm not sure if there will be more installments with these characters, but I think I would really like that. It was ultimately a very enjoyable story with a good balance of humour and emotion. It could have just done with some tightening up in places and some more in-depth connections for the love interests.
I'd recommend it to lovers of Sci-Fi and if you enjoy stories of the underdog winning out against the odds.
*I received a copy on NetGalley for honest review.
The blurb honestly doesn't really paint the story as best as it could.
The TL;DR is basically Dr Bronte Scales is a scientist working on a special almost nanite-based technology to cure cancer, when the company she was working for tried to take over her work, and make her disappear - for their own gains. She injects them into herself and ends up with what are essentially super powers.
We then meet nurse Athena Papadaki who starts off her first day in a mysterious basement wing of the hospital, with strange patients she realises are more like test subjects. All hell breaks loose, and she along with two patients and a doctor have to make some decisions to escape.
The banter between the two women love-interests is hot and sexy. We get to know each of them and their individual fears throughout understanding the conspiracy happening to them, and the strange powers Bronte has. However I agree with other reviewers that said their connection did not go deep enough. At times Athena came off as an adrenalin junkie, and that was the only reason she was attracted to Bronte, thinking about the wild scenarios she could get into with her.
I enjoyed our two side-characters as well. Dr Galen uses her sarcastic wit to hide behind emotions that are too much for her. While Spero is a unique case with much mystery to discover. I don't want to let it all out of the bag!
But suffice to say this rag-tag group become something more to each other, and want to take down the company that had lied and manipulated them, who is now up to even worse antics on a grander scale.
My few complaints was it got bogged down a bit here and there, with rehashing the same lines of thought and fears for the women. Denial of their attraction and feelings for one another. My other irk was that the ending felt a little too easily wrapped up, leaving a fair few things hanging in my mind.
I'm not sure if there will be more installments with these characters, but I think I would really like that. It was ultimately a very enjoyable story with a good balance of humour and emotion. It could have just done with some tightening up in places and some more in-depth connections for the love interests.
I'd recommend it to lovers of Sci-Fi and if you enjoy stories of the underdog winning out against the odds.
*I received a copy on NetGalley for honest review.
January 7, 2023
I’ve really enjoyed reading Thoma’s Serenity series and this seemingly reluctant and accidental superhero origin story seemed like it should be another winner. For me, it wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for.
The book started out strong with some immediate action and the creation of the superhero. And that is basically where all the fun ended until you get toward the end. Bronte is a smart scientist, Athena a kick ass nurse with anxiety,Galen a doc with a drug problem and Spero some tech genius, but together they might just be the stupidest group of people. Some decisions they made and how they go about it all… Not always the best choices. The romance between Athena and Bronte is surface level at best, from both sides. Athena is attracted to the shiny (literally and figuratively) Bronte and Bronte admires the “goddess of war”. It’s all a little awkward and unbelievable. The I love yous should never have been said, and the sex scene? Don’t even get me started. Seemingly added as an afterthought in 3 or so chapters before the end and it is very imaginative, let’s go with that.
The last 20% was sorta fun again, when the action picked up, but the large middle dragging but already turned me off this story. With the way this book ended I could see more books coming, not sure if they would be for me.
The writing in Thoma’s Serenity books flowed so easily, even with the heavier subjects, you could just enjoy the read and be absorbed into the story. In this book it all seemed just a bit off, I never get into the flow and get swept up in the story. Which is something I would definitely expect for a superhero story, it just never came about.
*ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The book started out strong with some immediate action and the creation of the superhero. And that is basically where all the fun ended until you get toward the end. Bronte is a smart scientist, Athena a kick ass nurse with anxiety,Galen a doc with a drug problem and Spero some tech genius, but together they might just be the stupidest group of people. Some decisions they made and how they go about it all… Not always the best choices. The romance between Athena and Bronte is surface level at best, from both sides. Athena is attracted to the shiny (literally and figuratively) Bronte and Bronte admires the “goddess of war”. It’s all a little awkward and unbelievable. The I love yous should never have been said, and the sex scene? Don’t even get me started. Seemingly added as an afterthought in 3 or so chapters before the end and it is very imaginative, let’s go with that.
The last 20% was sorta fun again, when the action picked up, but the large middle dragging but already turned me off this story. With the way this book ended I could see more books coming, not sure if they would be for me.
The writing in Thoma’s Serenity books flowed so easily, even with the heavier subjects, you could just enjoy the read and be absorbed into the story. In this book it all seemed just a bit off, I never get into the flow and get swept up in the story. Which is something I would definitely expect for a superhero story, it just never came about.
*ARC received from the publisher (Bold Stroke Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2024
3,25 stars
A superhero origin story with overblown motivations, colour-coded minions, ridiculous solutions to unbelievable situations and frankly stupid bouts of reckless bravery.
That being said, as much as I would've loved this in comic form, it feels a bit more stupid as plain text. It's like a Scooby Doo cartoon. Animated=hilarious, written down as a story=weird.
The story kinda retained the pacing and type of storytelling of a "superhero comic" genre, but instead of pictures there were long-winded descriptions and sometimes more details than necessary.
There are appropriate forms/media for different types of stories, that let them shine. This wasn't a good pick for this story.
So I'd love this as a comic book, I really would. But as regular literature...
Mediocre
A superhero origin story with overblown motivations, colour-coded minions, ridiculous solutions to unbelievable situations and frankly stupid bouts of reckless bravery.
That being said, as much as I would've loved this in comic form, it feels a bit more stupid as plain text. It's like a Scooby Doo cartoon. Animated=hilarious, written down as a story=weird.
The story kinda retained the pacing and type of storytelling of a "superhero comic" genre, but instead of pictures there were long-winded descriptions and sometimes more details than necessary.
There are appropriate forms/media for different types of stories, that let them shine. This wasn't a good pick for this story.
So I'd love this as a comic book, I really would. But as regular literature...
Mediocre
January 11, 2023
Bronte Scales is a scientist who inadvertently turned herself into a superhuman and finds herself held against her will by an evil ceo, Bard Verstrand. When Athena Papadaki starts a new nursing job and encounters a wing full of highly unusual patients she's regretting taking the job. Athena and Bronte are thrown together with another patient and a doctor from the ward to save the world from the evil Bard.
I wanted to like this and the blurb sounded like so much fun but it fell a bit short for me. The book starts out very fast paced but then lulls for the next while until the end making it feel a bit anticlimactic. I didn't feel like there was enough character development for me to really connect with either MC. Galen added some humor and I liked Spero but felt like too much effort went into his pantomimes in a book that isn't that long. I liked the idea and I've liked books by Thoma in the past but the execution wasn't quite there for me. I'll try the next one though, I liked Thoma's serenity series so I think it was just this particular story that didn't click for me.
I wanted to like this and the blurb sounded like so much fun but it fell a bit short for me. The book starts out very fast paced but then lulls for the next while until the end making it feel a bit anticlimactic. I didn't feel like there was enough character development for me to really connect with either MC. Galen added some humor and I liked Spero but felt like too much effort went into his pantomimes in a book that isn't that long. I liked the idea and I've liked books by Thoma in the past but the execution wasn't quite there for me. I'll try the next one though, I liked Thoma's serenity series so I think it was just this particular story that didn't click for me.
March 13, 2023
3.5 stars
this was not what i was expecting but i enjoyed it nonetheless
based on the synopsis i thought we were going to get an enemies to lovers type of situation and also a group of criminals like six of crows but none of that actually happened. what we did get was a group of people that were kind of morally gray (but not really) who were trying to save the day and the romance was more of a friends to lovers.
i won't shut up about how much i love friends to lovers but this romance wasn't it for me. it's definitely instalove and i cannot deal with that. the characters were thinking the word "love" after knowing each other for 24hrs and that's insane, plus they didn't really click. i liked both of them individually but their pairing was just off.
even though, it wasn't the epic story i was hoping for i still had a fun time reading this book. like i said, i liked the characters (besides the romance) and there were a lot of situations were i was laughing and completely invested on where the story was going.
if you decide to pick up this book, keep in mind that is mostly just a fun and quick read which is great if you've been reading a lot of books with more complex plots like i had.
this was not what i was expecting but i enjoyed it nonetheless
based on the synopsis i thought we were going to get an enemies to lovers type of situation and also a group of criminals like six of crows but none of that actually happened. what we did get was a group of people that were kind of morally gray (but not really) who were trying to save the day and the romance was more of a friends to lovers.
i won't shut up about how much i love friends to lovers but this romance wasn't it for me. it's definitely instalove and i cannot deal with that. the characters were thinking the word "love" after knowing each other for 24hrs and that's insane, plus they didn't really click. i liked both of them individually but their pairing was just off.
even though, it wasn't the epic story i was hoping for i still had a fun time reading this book. like i said, i liked the characters (besides the romance) and there were a lot of situations were i was laughing and completely invested on where the story was going.
if you decide to pick up this book, keep in mind that is mostly just a fun and quick read which is great if you've been reading a lot of books with more complex plots like i had.
January 7, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Brontë is a scientist who trying to find a cure for cancer. She develops nano bites that are supposed to stop the cancer cells from developing when she learns CEO Bard of Vestrand industries tries to steal her research she takes what she develops into her to stop Bard from getting to it. Brontë is held captive by Bard and her men. Athena is starting her new job as a nurse where Brontë is being held although she finds things usual she there to help. She gets kidnapped and forms a team with Brontë, who accidentally kidnap her Galen and Spero as they learn about Brontë superpowers from the nano bites. Brontë and Athena starts to fall for each other why they are in hiding. This was a good read humorous I do wish we got more of romance because it’s felt some scenes drag on that could’ve been focus on romance even though they trying dodge danger I did like their banter and getting know characters together and apart.
Brontë is a scientist who trying to find a cure for cancer. She develops nano bites that are supposed to stop the cancer cells from developing when she learns CEO Bard of Vestrand industries tries to steal her research she takes what she develops into her to stop Bard from getting to it. Brontë is held captive by Bard and her men. Athena is starting her new job as a nurse where Brontë is being held although she finds things usual she there to help. She gets kidnapped and forms a team with Brontë, who accidentally kidnap her Galen and Spero as they learn about Brontë superpowers from the nano bites. Brontë and Athena starts to fall for each other why they are in hiding. This was a good read humorous I do wish we got more of romance because it’s felt some scenes drag on that could’ve been focus on romance even though they trying dodge danger I did like their banter and getting know characters together and apart.
January 1, 2023
(3.5 Stars) I’m not a big fantasy or speculative fiction reader. As I’ve never read a book about a super hero I took a leap. For the most part the story is straight forward. Bronte Scales is a genius scientists looking at bots as a way to cure cancer. Bard Verstrand wants the discoveries at all costs. Bronte destroys her own lab when Bard’s goons raid the lab and she injects herself with the lone sample of her work. Fast forward to a year later and nurse Athena Papadaki begins working in a secret section of her hospital. She finds test subjects and is surprised when one unexpectedly wakes. Working with another patient and a doctor the group needs to escape, figure out Bronte’s abilities and try to stop Bard from finding them all.
This is a fun adventure that moves a long. There is some world building and a little backstory for everyone but not a lot of details. And mundane things like getting money and finding a safe place seems like filler but are realistically important. From the ending I’m assuming the story is hopeful to continue. I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars because I like it enough and think people who read this type of fiction will enjoy it even more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Book for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun adventure that moves a long. There is some world building and a little backstory for everyone but not a lot of details. And mundane things like getting money and finding a safe place seems like filler but are realistically important. From the ending I’m assuming the story is hopeful to continue. I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars because I like it enough and think people who read this type of fiction will enjoy it even more than I did. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Book for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2023
almost dropped this book, but I stuck around and it was worth it. the middle was a bit slow sometimes, but the concept was intriguing so I wanted to tough it out. Happy I did.
February 2, 2023
eARC provided by NetGalley for reviewing purposes.
This was a real disappointment for me. I was so excited when I was approved for this book (the first one I've read by Jesse J Thoma) but it was a real struggle for me to get through. A major hurdle was how misleading the blurb was. I was expecting action, something like Megamind where we get a little backstory and then we're in the middle of the action. Really, the whole thing is more of an origin story. A better summary would be:
Scientist Bronte Scales makes a breakthrough, but when her aspiring-supervillain boss attempts to use her discovery for evil, Bronte ends up with superpowers. Moments later, she is comatose for a year, imprisoned in a hospital. On her first day in a new ward, nurse Athena inadvertently ends up waking Bronte and breaking her out, with a couple tag-alongs.
This is the first 20% of the book- the longest part of the book, the middle 60% really drags. There's some superhero training and learning to use powers. The writing feels very young (or maybe it's the characters), there's lots of charades and "is this what you mean?" communication with a nonverbal character. The two leads have basically instant-love and some clunky "before I knew you" storytelling bonding. The dialogue is cringey. It feels like so much filler and nothing happens, not even good character or relationship development. It picked up a little near the end, and I could see tiny nuggets of what could've been a potentially great story, but overall I was really put off trying anything else by this author, and I didn't enjoy this book.
This was a real disappointment for me. I was so excited when I was approved for this book (the first one I've read by Jesse J Thoma) but it was a real struggle for me to get through. A major hurdle was how misleading the blurb was. I was expecting action, something like Megamind where we get a little backstory and then we're in the middle of the action. Really, the whole thing is more of an origin story. A better summary would be:
Scientist Bronte Scales makes a breakthrough, but when her aspiring-supervillain boss attempts to use her discovery for evil, Bronte ends up with superpowers. Moments later, she is comatose for a year, imprisoned in a hospital. On her first day in a new ward, nurse Athena inadvertently ends up waking Bronte and breaking her out, with a couple tag-alongs.
This is the first 20% of the book- the longest part of the book, the middle 60% really drags. There's some superhero training and learning to use powers. The writing feels very young (or maybe it's the characters), there's lots of charades and "is this what you mean?" communication with a nonverbal character. The two leads have basically instant-love and some clunky "before I knew you" storytelling bonding. The dialogue is cringey. It feels like so much filler and nothing happens, not even good character or relationship development. It picked up a little near the end, and I could see tiny nuggets of what could've been a potentially great story, but overall I was really put off trying anything else by this author, and I didn't enjoy this book.
January 5, 2023
3.5 stars. Two of my favorite things are wlw books and superheroes so when I heard about this book I was very excited to read it!
Bronte Stones is a scientist trying to find a cure for cancer when all of a sudden her door gets smashed in by some people after her findings. She ends up injecting herself with her research and gets the ability to turn into metal. That is short lived however when she ends up in a coma for over a year. Athena Papadaki is an ER nurse and it is her first day on the job. Athena comes across Bronte who has surprisingly been woken up by another patient. Together the group tries to escape the hospital and go into hiding.
This was an entertaining book to read especially when Bronte is figuring out her abilities. The pacing however was a little off and at times I felt like not much was happening. I felt at points some of the scenes dragged out or were not necessary, but overall thought it was a fun read. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bronte Stones is a scientist trying to find a cure for cancer when all of a sudden her door gets smashed in by some people after her findings. She ends up injecting herself with her research and gets the ability to turn into metal. That is short lived however when she ends up in a coma for over a year. Athena Papadaki is an ER nurse and it is her first day on the job. Athena comes across Bronte who has surprisingly been woken up by another patient. Together the group tries to escape the hospital and go into hiding.
This was an entertaining book to read especially when Bronte is figuring out her abilities. The pacing however was a little off and at times I felt like not much was happening. I felt at points some of the scenes dragged out or were not necessary, but overall thought it was a fun read. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2023
This was a delightful little read. Once you can get into it, and suspend a little bit of belief on certain things. I haven't really read any specific super hero books, (although I do my best to find them), this was a nice surprise.
I felt in the beginning that the relationships were more telling than showing, but in the end I was invested in the romance between Bronte and Athena. I wanted Spero and Galen to win. I appreciate also that they did manage to speak to some of the silly things that happened, and poke fun at the them.
It was a delightful sapphic super hero novel, and I recommend if you're looking for an origina story.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
I felt in the beginning that the relationships were more telling than showing, but in the end I was invested in the romance between Bronte and Athena. I wanted Spero and Galen to win. I appreciate also that they did manage to speak to some of the silly things that happened, and poke fun at the them.
It was a delightful sapphic super hero novel, and I recommend if you're looking for an origina story.
Thank you to Negalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with this ARC in return of an honest review.
-
I was very excited to read an origin story of a sapphic protagonist and started reading this with my partner since they are also a fan of superhero stories. They tapped out after chapter 3 and I was almost convinced to do the same but I do not like to leave reviews on books I have not finished and since I wanted to leave a review, I fought my way through this novel.
Summary: Good idea, bad execution
Worst offender: Writing and pacing
-
Besides the premise and the ending, there is not anything I can say I liked.
The writing is underdeveloped, repetitive and feels clumsy at times. It reminded me of those bad Wattpad fanfictions. It could have profited from a lot of rewriting and thorough editing. There is a lot of vague language which kills worldbuilding and realism. You want me to believe that the main characters are adult nurses and scientists but the words used to describe things are “medical supplies”, “important data” and “electronics”??? Tell me what medical supplies are needed, what makes the data important and what kind of electronics are missing. And even the made-up things like “zeptobots” are never explained in any detail. There is a definite lack of research and in a time where we are overexposed to superhero media, not adding detail to your story makes the world unbelievable and the characters look stupid.
The characters are shallow and superficial but worse than that often inconsistent and annoying. They act in non-sensical ways and feel like they should be aged down to teenagers because otherwise their way of thinking and talking clash with their supposed character traits and background stories. The dialogue between characters was so embarrassing at times, I had to put my phone down and go do something else to shake off what I had just read actual adults say to and do around each other. The villain felt cartoon-ish and I had a hard time understanding the overall character motivations, despite that last chapter of hers and I did enjoy that. I really disliked most of the main characters because of these things but also some questionable, off-hand comments that rubbed me the wrong way.
The romantic relationship was instant-love and there was no build-up or growth. I don’t know why these two characters feel more than shallow attraction to each other because it was never shown or told. They do not know each other.
The pacing is something I saw other reviewers mention as well. There was action at the beginning and then during most of the story there was nothing happening. We didn’t even really learn anything new about the major plot hooks or the villain. We also get minimal – if any – character and relationship development. It picks back up towards the end but that means this book could’ve been around 150 pages shorter ( - my digital version had around 250 pages).
I also think that this story might have benefited from being published as a comic or graphic novel perhaps? The images would have helped with – for a lack of a better phrase – painting a better picture and selling the “younger” feel of the story. It would maybe also do well as a children’s cartoon series.
Overall, I would have rather spent my time with something more worthwhile. This was not it for me.
-
I was very excited to read an origin story of a sapphic protagonist and started reading this with my partner since they are also a fan of superhero stories. They tapped out after chapter 3 and I was almost convinced to do the same but I do not like to leave reviews on books I have not finished and since I wanted to leave a review, I fought my way through this novel.
Summary: Good idea, bad execution
Worst offender: Writing and pacing
-
Besides the premise and the ending, there is not anything I can say I liked.
The writing is underdeveloped, repetitive and feels clumsy at times. It reminded me of those bad Wattpad fanfictions. It could have profited from a lot of rewriting and thorough editing. There is a lot of vague language which kills worldbuilding and realism. You want me to believe that the main characters are adult nurses and scientists but the words used to describe things are “medical supplies”, “important data” and “electronics”??? Tell me what medical supplies are needed, what makes the data important and what kind of electronics are missing. And even the made-up things like “zeptobots” are never explained in any detail. There is a definite lack of research and in a time where we are overexposed to superhero media, not adding detail to your story makes the world unbelievable and the characters look stupid.
The characters are shallow and superficial but worse than that often inconsistent and annoying. They act in non-sensical ways and feel like they should be aged down to teenagers because otherwise their way of thinking and talking clash with their supposed character traits and background stories. The dialogue between characters was so embarrassing at times, I had to put my phone down and go do something else to shake off what I had just read actual adults say to and do around each other. The villain felt cartoon-ish and I had a hard time understanding the overall character motivations, despite that last chapter of hers and I did enjoy that. I really disliked most of the main characters because of these things but also some questionable, off-hand comments that rubbed me the wrong way.
The romantic relationship was instant-love and there was no build-up or growth. I don’t know why these two characters feel more than shallow attraction to each other because it was never shown or told. They do not know each other.
The pacing is something I saw other reviewers mention as well. There was action at the beginning and then during most of the story there was nothing happening. We didn’t even really learn anything new about the major plot hooks or the villain. We also get minimal – if any – character and relationship development. It picks back up towards the end but that means this book could’ve been around 150 pages shorter ( - my digital version had around 250 pages).
I also think that this story might have benefited from being published as a comic or graphic novel perhaps? The images would have helped with – for a lack of a better phrase – painting a better picture and selling the “younger” feel of the story. It would maybe also do well as a children’s cartoon series.
Overall, I would have rather spent my time with something more worthwhile. This was not it for me.
January 18, 2023
I rarely enjoy writing one star reviews, but this book was truly dreadful. The start was awesome, and I really thought from the prologue that I was getting into something good.
Queer superhero romance? Count me in. But alas.
Plot: the plot was so lost. The action was hard to get into. It got convoluted, random, boring, back and forth, repetitive, and all together you could be 200 pages in and still confused. Superhero stories are hard to write because of the specific layout of plot that is required to give a superhero their proper arc. The hero complex.
Characters:
Bronte- literally there was not a single chapter where she felt like the same character. She had weird and forever changing morals that were super inconsistent and boring. Her dialogue was always flat and she made me so bored, for a protagonist. Her own self hatred was boring too, and there was nothing interesting about her or her powers. Powers that felt way too much like god-modding and had 0 structure or sense behind them.
Athena- good character with a bad writer syndrome. She had potential but the author just kept dragging her back. Every time Athena had development it was erased 2 chapters later. Every time Athena had a solid sense of self, she lost it. Her morals were more solid but she had a hard time holding to them.
Galen- Omg bad girl with a troubled life trope. No. Respectfully Galen was rude and creepy as hell. IF ANYONE spoke like that to me or my partner they would be gone in seconds. Their language was disrespectful and uncomfortable and icky and made me feel nasty. And her ‘accent’ was inconsistent. She served no purpose other then being the trademark ‘bad hero’ and her powers at the end made literally no sense whatsoever
Spero- I actually liked him and it would’ve been cool to see more exploration, but once again, Spero was lost in the plot. His powers were nothing but a plot decide and I couldn’t find myself to be interested past a certain point.
Bard- villains are hard. I get it. But I was just confused. What even was she? What was the point? Who was everyone else? Why was she doing what she was doing beyond pettiness?
Romance: I love queer rep. But this was just bad. They had 0 chemistry and fell in love after ten minutes. Every single chapter they talked and were like “I love you” but then the next chapter it was like “I’m scared to tell her how I feel” as If they didn’t do just that?? Not to mention Bronte had a really skewed perception of Athena and compared her more to the Greek goddess then seeing who she actually was. And Athena was so brought in by the hero thing it just felt weird. The two intimate scenes the characters had were forced, strangled, random, and rudely interrupted by Galen the absolute creep.
Overall, save yourself. It’s not worth reading this.
Queer superhero romance? Count me in. But alas.
Plot: the plot was so lost. The action was hard to get into. It got convoluted, random, boring, back and forth, repetitive, and all together you could be 200 pages in and still confused. Superhero stories are hard to write because of the specific layout of plot that is required to give a superhero their proper arc. The hero complex.
Characters:
Bronte- literally there was not a single chapter where she felt like the same character. She had weird and forever changing morals that were super inconsistent and boring. Her dialogue was always flat and she made me so bored, for a protagonist. Her own self hatred was boring too, and there was nothing interesting about her or her powers. Powers that felt way too much like god-modding and had 0 structure or sense behind them.
Athena- good character with a bad writer syndrome. She had potential but the author just kept dragging her back. Every time Athena had development it was erased 2 chapters later. Every time Athena had a solid sense of self, she lost it. Her morals were more solid but she had a hard time holding to them.
Galen- Omg bad girl with a troubled life trope. No. Respectfully Galen was rude and creepy as hell. IF ANYONE spoke like that to me or my partner they would be gone in seconds. Their language was disrespectful and uncomfortable and icky and made me feel nasty. And her ‘accent’ was inconsistent. She served no purpose other then being the trademark ‘bad hero’ and her powers at the end made literally no sense whatsoever
Spero- I actually liked him and it would’ve been cool to see more exploration, but once again, Spero was lost in the plot. His powers were nothing but a plot decide and I couldn’t find myself to be interested past a certain point.
Bard- villains are hard. I get it. But I was just confused. What even was she? What was the point? Who was everyone else? Why was she doing what she was doing beyond pettiness?
Romance: I love queer rep. But this was just bad. They had 0 chemistry and fell in love after ten minutes. Every single chapter they talked and were like “I love you” but then the next chapter it was like “I’m scared to tell her how I feel” as If they didn’t do just that?? Not to mention Bronte had a really skewed perception of Athena and compared her more to the Greek goddess then seeing who she actually was. And Athena was so brought in by the hero thing it just felt weird. The two intimate scenes the characters had were forced, strangled, random, and rudely interrupted by Galen the absolute creep.
Overall, save yourself. It’s not worth reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
2.5 stars. Sorry, I could not get onboard with Hero Complex. I somehow made it to the end out of indifference and a sense of duty when I had nothing else to read, but I was bored long before the halfway point. The concept is reasonably interesting, and yet the characters seem to spend so much time waiting around... there wasn't enough tension in the scenes at the warehouse to make it feel like they were really building up to facing Bard. I couldn't suspend my belief at the sci-fi parts: I hated the end of each chapter, which would summarize the character's emotional state, and bombard the reader with repetitive questions about what they should do. Worse, my initial interest in Bronte and Athena's romance flickered and died when their mutual attraction seemed to be blocked with "I can't do this, I'm not right for you" in a dozen different iterations.
Yet... I read the whole story, which counts for something. It'll stick out in my mind for the worldbuilding. I can totally see how someone who has time to kill and isn't as pedantic about commas would be thrilled with Hero Complex.
Yet... I read the whole story, which counts for something. It'll stick out in my mind for the worldbuilding. I can totally see how someone who has time to kill and isn't as pedantic about commas would be thrilled with Hero Complex.
January 4, 2023
I requested this book because of the author. I’ve read most of her other books and really enjoyed them. I am a fan of DC and Marvel superheroes but these days normally in films. (Many years ago I read the comics). But I don’t usually read them in book form. However I found this quite entertaining and it kept my attention. It was quite action filled with the superhero finding out as she went along just what she could do. Just one slight niggle in reference to mentioning Batman as a superhero with powers he discovered with time. Although Batman is regarded as a superhero and included in the Justice League line up he does not have superpowers. All his abilities are by using ingenious technological gadgets (which may in fact make him better than the ones who acquired it through gamma rays or spider bites or just being from another planet!) However this is not a critique of Batman but Jesse J’s book. I liked it. Quite a lot! Hopefully there will be a sequel. .I’ve given this 3 stars but would really like it to be 3½..
February 13, 2023
Thank you to Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bronte Scales is a scientist working on the next great cancer breakthrough - who accidentally gives herself super powers in an effort to keep her research out of the wrong hands. Athena Papadaki is a nurse who is all about maintaining her freedom and minimising her ties. Together they find themselves on the run from a CEO and her henchmen, trying to save the day.
Unfortunately for me, this was a Did Not Finish. I was drawn in by the concept - I love super heroes, and romance so it was ticking the boxes. However, I did not find myself connecting with either side of the story. The romance felt forced, and the crime fighting felt hurried.
There were some interesting elements in the book, such as how the villain was trying to utilise technology. This is definitely a book that others have and will enjoy. Personally for me though it was harder to pick up each time I put it down - I think I am just not the person for this book.
Bronte Scales is a scientist working on the next great cancer breakthrough - who accidentally gives herself super powers in an effort to keep her research out of the wrong hands. Athena Papadaki is a nurse who is all about maintaining her freedom and minimising her ties. Together they find themselves on the run from a CEO and her henchmen, trying to save the day.
Unfortunately for me, this was a Did Not Finish. I was drawn in by the concept - I love super heroes, and romance so it was ticking the boxes. However, I did not find myself connecting with either side of the story. The romance felt forced, and the crime fighting felt hurried.
There were some interesting elements in the book, such as how the villain was trying to utilise technology. This is definitely a book that others have and will enjoy. Personally for me though it was harder to pick up each time I put it down - I think I am just not the person for this book.
Read
February 17, 2023So I got a chance to check out the new book by Jesse Thoma, Hero complex, it’s a good dip into the super hero genre for people who do not want to have to watch19 movies to get up to speed.
The story centers around Bronte Scales a scientist who is developing nanotechnology to cure cancer whose work is sought by the head of a greedy corporation. She is captured and held prisoner until a new nurse at the facility Athena Papadaki ends up freeing her and some other inhabitants and before you know it the group is on the run and forced to join forces to stop the evil corporations plans for world domination.
The book was pleasant to read, the world building was light but the snarky banter between Athena and Bronte as their romance grows was entertaining. I also really enjoyed that Athena the person in the foursome who does not have any powers grows to be the center of the group and the heart of their found family. You should pick this one up if you are a fan or romance, super heroes or both.
The story centers around Bronte Scales a scientist who is developing nanotechnology to cure cancer whose work is sought by the head of a greedy corporation. She is captured and held prisoner until a new nurse at the facility Athena Papadaki ends up freeing her and some other inhabitants and before you know it the group is on the run and forced to join forces to stop the evil corporations plans for world domination.
The book was pleasant to read, the world building was light but the snarky banter between Athena and Bronte as their romance grows was entertaining. I also really enjoyed that Athena the person in the foursome who does not have any powers grows to be the center of the group and the heart of their found family. You should pick this one up if you are a fan or romance, super heroes or both.
July 15, 2023
What a wild story! A scientist was working to discover something that would help people, but her landlady and minions broke in to steal the discovery. Bronte, the scientist, injected herself with the new technology to keep it from the evil mogul. She wakes up a year or so later when Athena is hired as a nurse at the hospital where Bronte and other experimental subjects are kept. Athena, Bronte, the doctor Galen and Spero, a male subject, end up fleeing the facility. The rest of the story is exciting and a bit of a whirlwind in places. All except Athena have some kind of power that they are learning how to use, since they’re being hunted.
The team grow closer, have lots of various interactions and escapades, some of which make them more distrustful of each other, but ultimately they coalesce. The story has an action/adventure story line as well as a romance between Athena and Bronte, and disparate people learning how to overcome adversity, work together, and trust each other. Another theme, which seems apropos today in light of new tech advances is the corrosiveness of power.
The team grow closer, have lots of various interactions and escapades, some of which make them more distrustful of each other, but ultimately they coalesce. The story has an action/adventure story line as well as a romance between Athena and Bronte, and disparate people learning how to overcome adversity, work together, and trust each other. Another theme, which seems apropos today in light of new tech advances is the corrosiveness of power.
February 19, 2023
Superheroes and a romance with women? Count me in.
This book really does start out with a lot of action and then slows down a little too much for me, the plot almost kind of meandering a little even though it seems the romance feels incredibly fast, with very little clear of what they really liked about one another to get serious about their feelings.
I do like however the detail this book has about the science and technology involved in the story, with lots of really interesting depth to the story and a theme of relying on tech a bit too much can be a bad thing. I really do kind of hope for more in the series, maybe about the whole team which would allow for this relationship to flourish even better.
I do feel like I'm repeating much of what has been said already however I do think if you like superheroes, you'd like this I just want more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC for review!
This book really does start out with a lot of action and then slows down a little too much for me, the plot almost kind of meandering a little even though it seems the romance feels incredibly fast, with very little clear of what they really liked about one another to get serious about their feelings.
I do like however the detail this book has about the science and technology involved in the story, with lots of really interesting depth to the story and a theme of relying on tech a bit too much can be a bad thing. I really do kind of hope for more in the series, maybe about the whole team which would allow for this relationship to flourish even better.
I do feel like I'm repeating much of what has been said already however I do think if you like superheroes, you'd like this I just want more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes for the ARC for review!
January 5, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🦸♀️👩🏼⚕️👨🏽💻🦚🦹♀️
Selfmade Sapphic Superheros? Yes, please!
I really enjoyed this book. The plot, the found family, and the relationship between Athena and Bronte.
I loved the snark and sexual innuendos by Galen and Spero was an amazing, funny character with the way he communicated with his computer screen. And the zeptobots were fantastic characters too!
The plot line was great, from explaining how Bronte got her powers, to our main characters meeting, training and working out how to stop the villain. I loved how our Villain, Bard got her on POV chapters so we got to know her thinking behind her actions.
The action scenes were very well written, and captivating, making the book hard to put down.
Oh and that flying scene. 🤌
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🦸♀️👩🏼⚕️👨🏽💻🦚🦹♀️
Selfmade Sapphic Superheros? Yes, please!
I really enjoyed this book. The plot, the found family, and the relationship between Athena and Bronte.
I loved the snark and sexual innuendos by Galen and Spero was an amazing, funny character with the way he communicated with his computer screen. And the zeptobots were fantastic characters too!
The plot line was great, from explaining how Bronte got her powers, to our main characters meeting, training and working out how to stop the villain. I loved how our Villain, Bard got her on POV chapters so we got to know her thinking behind her actions.
The action scenes were very well written, and captivating, making the book hard to put down.
Oh and that flying scene. 🤌
I received a free advance review copy from Bold Strokes Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2023
This was a well written and entertaining story. I liked Brontë as a character and I think Bard was a brilliant "baddie" but some of the other characters, I found irritating.
The story is about Brontë as a scientist trying to find a cure for cancer but Bard has other plans for the research. Brontë takes a huge risk and it has consequences which work out through the rest of the plot. Ms Thoma knows how to spin a yarn and this is clever with some real moral complexities. The book does grip and while the ending is satisfactory, I think there might be movement enough for Brontë and her comrades to return. I would read any further stories.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
The story is about Brontë as a scientist trying to find a cure for cancer but Bard has other plans for the research. Brontë takes a huge risk and it has consequences which work out through the rest of the plot. Ms Thoma knows how to spin a yarn and this is clever with some real moral complexities. The book does grip and while the ending is satisfactory, I think there might be movement enough for Brontë and her comrades to return. I would read any further stories.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley
January 15, 2023
Totally love a superhero book and this one has all the ingredients for a great series. The zeptobots were intriguing and the scientist who uses their own experiment on themselves is an established trope that works. The other members of the gang provided good support and I definitely want to know more Galen as well as the baddie, Bard. I loved the first half of the story as it was fast paced and full of action. The second half, in the warehouse, wasn’t as interesting and I found myself skimming a bit to push the story on as it seemed to get bogged down. The romance was ok and I enjoyed their flirting, but the sex scene made me cringe. A shame as the overall premise of the book is excellent.
January 9, 2023
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
As someone who's been yearning for another adult superhero vs villain story, Hero Complex seemed like an exciting read.
(The main character was the genius researcher and it's sapphic? I immediately hit the request button.)
Unfortunately, reading the first pages was a disappointment because the author's prose is mediocre.
I found it odd that this novel is so dialogue-heavy that it reads like a rushed screenplay.
The characters also have the same speech pattern; it was really difficult to determine who's speaking.
The conversations are also long, stilted, and the humor fell flat. It tried to be funny.
The romance was also okay.
What I did appreciate was how action-packed the first scenes were; however, I couldn't get in the zone.
As someone who's been yearning for another adult superhero vs villain story, Hero Complex seemed like an exciting read.
(The main character was the genius researcher and it's sapphic? I immediately hit the request button.)
Unfortunately, reading the first pages was a disappointment because the author's prose is mediocre.
I found it odd that this novel is so dialogue-heavy that it reads like a rushed screenplay.
The characters also have the same speech pattern; it was really difficult to determine who's speaking.
The conversations are also long, stilted, and the humor fell flat. It tried to be funny.
The romance was also okay.
What I did appreciate was how action-packed the first scenes were; however, I couldn't get in the zone.
February 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC of this novel. While the concept was intriguing, I did not enjoy the writing of this novel. I found myself skimming most of it so I could see the plot points but was not a fan of how it all came together. This may be more me than the author as she has written several novels so just not my cup of tea. It is not as much of a romance IMO than it is a sci-fic superhero epic. It does look to leave itself open for a sequel but is also a solid ending. This was not for me but it could be for you.
October 1, 2023
This was a really fast read. It feels like it is going to start slow, but it suddenly springs into action in a way that I did not expect. The middle moves slower, but during that time the characters are growing, so it feels necessary and purposeful. There is a slow burn romance that is quite sweet. I like the characters. I like that we get multiple POVs. I feel like I needed a little more from or about the villain. She didn't feel developed enough compared to the growth the other characters get to have.
Read
June 5, 2023Unexpected Hero
Good story overall and set up for future books in series nicely. Bard's a question mark. She could be in later books. That said, I wasn't A big fan of the ending. It did wrap things up for later, but it all seemed really fast compared to the rest of the book. Thus not 5 stars.
Good story overall and set up for future books in series nicely. Bard's a question mark. She could be in later books. That said, I wasn't A big fan of the ending. It did wrap things up for later, but it all seemed really fast compared to the rest of the book. Thus not 5 stars.
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