shell_s's review
5.0
Excellent twist on superhero stories with very high and satisfying emotional stakes and relatable characters who must come to terms with their new powers, or the powered people around them. I'm definitely going to collect and finish out this series in the anthology Rough Passages.
In this world powers manifest randomly at age 40+ and it's a refreshing change from the usual adolescent onset, before a person's life is truly settled into work and committed relationships that will be turned upside down and inside out. This manifestation, the "rollover," happens so frequently (and sometimes so abruptly and with such dangerous results) that the population undergoes mandatory testing every year.
Those who "rollover" are whisked off to a government facility for training and special assignments (if they are fortunate). They also keep looking "human" enough that it may not force a radical change in their employment or closest relationships (if they are fortunate).
The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the infrastructures and policies that would arise from such a fantastic reality. Even better, she really explores the emotional costs and great personal sacrifices that come with having powers you can't control--or can't yet--and facing the prejudice of the 'normal' population without powers. There's a very X-men vibe there but without all the masked vigilantes, and the population's fear is palpable and believable.
Without spoiling the ending (which both broke and warmed my heart), there are poignant emotional arcs for the characters in this first novella that are hard-earned, and accomplished with just the right light touch.
IF YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
In this world powers manifest randomly at age 40+ and it's a refreshing change from the usual adolescent onset, before a person's life is truly settled into work and committed relationships that will be turned upside down and inside out. This manifestation, the "rollover," happens so frequently (and sometimes so abruptly and with such dangerous results) that the population undergoes mandatory testing every year.
Those who "rollover" are whisked off to a government facility for training and special assignments (if they are fortunate). They also keep looking "human" enough that it may not force a radical change in their employment or closest relationships (if they are fortunate).
The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the infrastructures and policies that would arise from such a fantastic reality. Even better, she really explores the emotional costs and great personal sacrifices that come with having powers you can't control--or can't yet--and facing the prejudice of the 'normal' population without powers. There's a very X-men vibe there but without all the masked vigilantes, and the population's fear is palpable and believable.
Without spoiling the ending (which both broke and warmed my heart), there are poignant emotional arcs for the characters in this first novella that are hard-earned, and accomplished with just the right light touch.
IF YOU LOVE A STORY, SPEAK UP--BOOST THE SIGNAL!
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