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rogoreads's review against another edition
2.0
I was excited to read something from Annie/Aveda's point of view, and I found her potential journey much more compelling than Evie's, from book 1. But some beats felt way too similar to the last book, and Scott was pretty boring as a love interest. I also found Bea pretty annoying since she seems like a walking teenage slang machine. So I'm not planning to read book 3, which will be from her point of view.
barkshark's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
abookishbginning's review against another edition
4.5
I've been needing a good superhero romp, and this one absolutely delivered! It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, and I loved diving into Aveda and Scott's story.
I love when a series puts a previously frustrating character at the forefront, because I feel like it adds so much depth to be able to see things from their perspective, and Annie Chang, also known as Aveda Jupiter, is no different. I felt for Aveda so deeply in this book, from her identity crisis to her struggle to rebuild her friendship with Evie. On top of her personal struggles, she also deals with the public's perception of her, and their growing dislike as she continues to be painted as a diva that craves the spotlight. Aveda goes through the ringer in this book, and she undoubtedly makes so many mistakes, but that makes it all the more meaningful when she learns to embrace her more emotional, Annie Chang-like tendencies, and learns how to be a better friend.
The romance between her and Scott was such a sweet addition to this action-packed story. Their love story is definitely of the "it's always been you" and "childhood friends to lovers" type, and I enjoyed watching the ups and downs of their relationship. Aveda undergoes such wonderful character development in that through the story she comes to realize that with the danger she faces as a superhero, life is too short and unpredictable to not be honest about her feelings for Scott. This allowed for the pair, once they finally decided to embrace their feelings, to communicate with each other about what they want from their relationship (wow, no miscommunication, a novel concept). I also loved the "she's grumpy, he's sunshine" dynamic they had. Scott was truly the golden retriever to her black cat, and I loved every second of it.
Watching Aveda and Evie heal their friendship was another thing I was really looking forward to in this book. Aveda's actions were so frustrating in Heroine Complex, and I loved seeing the pair start to communicate more openly. One of my favorite moments was when Evie helps Aveda realize that her Annie Chang side is just as important as her superhero alter ego. I especially appreciated that the other characters took accountability in their treatment of Aveda. At the end of the day, all the characters are not without their flaws, and through the story they come to realize their wrongdoings, and their bonds are only strengthened because of it.
While the dialogue is at times exposition-heavy and unnatural, particularly in the slang that characters use, the story is still wacky, superhero-filled fun.
If you're looking for a fun mix of superheroes, demon puppies, and heart-warming romance, then this is a series that you need to check out!
I love when a series puts a previously frustrating character at the forefront, because I feel like it adds so much depth to be able to see things from their perspective, and Annie Chang, also known as Aveda Jupiter, is no different. I felt for Aveda so deeply in this book, from her identity crisis to her struggle to rebuild her friendship with Evie. On top of her personal struggles, she also deals with the public's perception of her, and their growing dislike as she continues to be painted as a diva that craves the spotlight. Aveda goes through the ringer in this book, and she undoubtedly makes so many mistakes, but that makes it all the more meaningful when she learns to embrace her more emotional, Annie Chang-like tendencies, and learns how to be a better friend.
The romance between her and Scott was such a sweet addition to this action-packed story. Their love story is definitely of the "it's always been you" and "childhood friends to lovers" type, and I enjoyed watching the ups and downs of their relationship. Aveda undergoes such wonderful character development in that through the story she comes to realize that with the danger she faces as a superhero, life is too short and unpredictable to not be honest about her feelings for Scott. This allowed for the pair, once they finally decided to embrace their feelings, to communicate with each other about what they want from their relationship (wow, no miscommunication, a novel concept). I also loved the "she's grumpy, he's sunshine" dynamic they had. Scott was truly the golden retriever to her black cat, and I loved every second of it.
Watching Aveda and Evie heal their friendship was another thing I was really looking forward to in this book. Aveda's actions were so frustrating in Heroine Complex, and I loved seeing the pair start to communicate more openly. One of my favorite moments was when Evie helps Aveda realize that her Annie Chang side is just as important as her superhero alter ego. I especially appreciated that the other characters took accountability in their treatment of Aveda. At the end of the day, all the characters are not without their flaws, and through the story they come to realize their wrongdoings, and their bonds are only strengthened because of it.
While the dialogue is at times exposition-heavy and unnatural, particularly in the slang that characters use, the story is still wacky, superhero-filled fun.
If you're looking for a fun mix of superheroes, demon puppies, and heart-warming romance, then this is a series that you need to check out!
dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition
5.0
This book was such a joy to read. Funny, action-packed, and incredibly cathartic, not to mention it passes the Bechdel test like nothing else. It was cool to see things from Aveda's perspective, especially after she's done some real soul-searching. I wonder if the next book will be from Bea's perspective?
xavia's review against another edition
3.0
I had a lot of fun with this book, but I still don't like Aveda/Annie
Don't get me wrong, I think her story and her journey were beautifully written and so important, but Aveda or Annie, I didn't really like her.
Let's start with the biggest plot point. Evie is getting married, and Aveda is her maid of honor. And, while Evie isn't completely blameless in this, Aveda proceeds to ignore everything she says she wants for her wedding and keeps insisting that Evie WOULD like these things if she would just try them. As Evie's oldest and best friend she should know better. Aveda also keeps going on about how she wants to be a better friend, and a better co-heroine, and yet everything she does is just.... pushy and rude.
To be fair, I did feel bad for Aveda. She was treated really unfairly in this book, and I sympathize with her identity crisis, wherein everything she's worked so hard for has been completely forgotten because someone with cooler powers showed up. And yeah, she is pushy and rude, but so are a lot of these so called fans.
Anyway, the plot of this book was great! The build up of the mystery was really well paced and I greatly enjoyed trying to figure out who dun it. And honestly, I was not expecting that reveal (I am glad it wasn't who I thought it was because I really liked that character).
I'm very interested to see what happens in the next book, though knowing me, it will be another year before I get around to it.
Don't get me wrong, I think her story and her journey were beautifully written and so important, but Aveda or Annie, I didn't really like her.
Let's start with the biggest plot point. Evie is getting married, and Aveda is her maid of honor. And, while Evie isn't completely blameless in this, Aveda proceeds to ignore everything she says she wants for her wedding and keeps insisting that Evie WOULD like these things if she would just try them. As Evie's oldest and best friend she should know better. Aveda also keeps going on about how she wants to be a better friend, and a better co-heroine, and yet everything she does is just.... pushy and rude.
To be fair, I did feel bad for Aveda. She was treated really unfairly in this book, and I sympathize with her identity crisis, wherein everything she's worked so hard for has been completely forgotten because someone with cooler powers showed up. And yeah, she is pushy and rude, but so are a lot of these so called fans.
Anyway, the plot of this book was great! The build up of the mystery was really well paced and I greatly enjoyed trying to figure out who dun it. And honestly, I was not expecting that reveal (I am glad it wasn't who I thought it was because I really liked that character).
I'm very interested to see what happens in the next book, though knowing me, it will be another year before I get around to it.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
4.0
So I powered (*cough*) through Heroine Worship last night and today. Everything I liked about the relationships in [b:Heroine Complex|27209443|Heroine Complex (Heroine Complex, #1)|Sarah Kuhn|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1460482959l/27209443._SY75_.jpg|47250933] was further developed, and Annie's journey of self-discovery (and her eventual willingness to take risks) was awesome. I also thought the pop culture references were very well done; admittedly I am a bit of a sucker for Star Trek references.
annvsted87's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
julieabe89's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a phenomenal sequel. It developed Annie so well. I liked her a lot more in this book because it showed how insecure she really felt all the time and that spoke to me so deeply.
readingwithhippos's review
5.0
I think I put off reading this book for so long (over a year!) because I loved the first book in the series so much, I thought there was no way the next book could measure up. Well, I shouldn’t have denied myself the pleasure, because Heroine Worship is every bit as swoonworthy as its predecessor. I love that this book focuses on Annie, better known as Aveda Jupiter, San Francisco’s premier superheroine, who we know from the first book as something of a narcissistic steamroller. Surprise--once you get inside her head, she’s actually a complex character with insecurities and issues of her own. I related super hard to Annie’s perfectionism and appreciated that while she makes progress and grows as a person, it’s in a halting way that feels realistic. Just like the first book, there’s a strong thread of romance here, but Kuhn makes sure to give equal weight to the female friendships. Even if you don’t think you like superhero stories, if you like women kicking ass and supporting each other against evil incursions from the spirit realm, this series will be your slice of cake.
bookworm5732's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5