Reviews

Super Powereds: Year 1 by Drew Hayes

Only show reviews with written explanations

sidarous's review against another edition

3.0

fun "powered kids are college students learning to be superheroes" fiction. Definitely leans towards pulp with lots of chapter cliffhangers that don't quite pay off. Some engaging characters, hidden motivations, and typical college debauchery. I think Mr. Hayes needs to work on writing believable female characters, and there's certainly room to grow. Writing style is laid back and gets the job done. Definitely interested in finishing this though.

distractedearworm's review

Go to review page

Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mykittysaysmeow's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

titleistmuffin's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective 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

Having read the NPCs series first, I was hopeful Hayes's other major series would be as enjoyable, and he didn't disappoint. Hayes's ability to build world that immediately bring you into them without ever being heavy handed is just incredible and a joy to read. His worlds are so intimate and close yet grow outward to include a lot of complexity that never feels overwhelming or confusing.

Additionally, his character work is second to none. Amid all the action, he has these moments where he pauses and zooms in to reveal something meaningful about a particular character or relationship. These vignettes are beautifully-written and very rewarding as a reader because they feel so earned, and make you understand the characters so organically.

Thematically the book navigates concept around growing up, friends, loneliness, romance, and of course tons of campy chaos surrounding the world of these super heroes. The various special powers they all have are truly inventive and make for great action.

On to book 2!