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heyjanice's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
4.0
I love Annie SO much. Honestly, this book was a little cathartic because I related with her so deeply - all the insecurities and fears that are instilled in you when growing up in a household that is subconsciously seeped in Confucian ideologies.
I think it really grapples with the conflict Asian Americans (and children of immigrants in general, I think) can have between the desire to be a good, filial child and the modern idea of pursuing your own happiness. Which is a theme I'm seeing more often in American media and stories, but it's the first time I'm seeing it in a sci-fi/fantasy romance about Asian-American superheroines; and I didn't realize it would make me so emotional to see an experience I relate with so deeply in a genre I love so much.
I think it really grapples with the conflict Asian Americans (and children of immigrants in general, I think) can have between the desire to be a good, filial child and the modern idea of pursuing your own happiness. Which is a theme I'm seeing more often in American media and stories, but it's the first time I'm seeing it in a sci-fi/fantasy romance about Asian-American superheroines; and I didn't realize it would make me so emotional to see an experience I relate with so deeply in a genre I love so much.
"Watching you was like watching one of those movies with all the men in tight outfits saving the world from explosions.
But I'm still so bored by weddings, I'm sorry. Even if it involves supernatural Bridezillas.
thelilbookwitch's review against another edition
3.0
I think this book fell prey to sequel syndrome, and spent a lot of time bumbling Aveda/Annie through without giving her the opportunity to show off meaningful growth until past the point I think a lot of people may have given up. Aveda is also a little challenging to relate to, especially since there wasn't any redemption work to soften readers between the first book (where she's a bit of a secondary antagonist of sorts) to this book where she's the titular heroine.
The beginning was a legitimate struggle to get through, and there wasn't a lot of substance happening with the plot to keep things progressing in a fashion that kept me invested. At times it felt like there wasn't a clear direction Aveda's journey was taking her, and almost like the author didn't like writing her as much as she had Evie.
I will continue to read the series, because I did enjoy the growth and communication that did happen towards the end of the book, and I do care about the side characters a lot and hope to see their HEAs too.
The beginning was a legitimate struggle to get through, and there wasn't a lot of substance happening with the plot to keep things progressing in a fashion that kept me invested. At times it felt like there wasn't a clear direction Aveda's journey was taking her, and almost like the author didn't like writing her as much as she had Evie.
I will continue to read the series, because I did enjoy the growth and communication that did happen towards the end of the book, and I do care about the side characters a lot and hope to see their HEAs too.
sherwoodreads's review against another edition
A fun sequel, this time told from the POV of super heroine Aveda Jupiter//Annie Chang.
And though we have a new supernatural big bad to find and defeat (which operates through a squadron of Bridezillas in a series of cinematically slapstick scenes), the central issue is that dichotomy between Aveda Jupiter, and scaredy-nerd Annie Chang who will never be good enough for her turbo-charged high achiever-oriented parents.
She also has to resolve her equally hot and cold feelings toward Scott, hers and Evie's childhood friend, who she thought for years was into Evie. There are lingering feelings even though Evie is clearly absorbed with half-demon Nate, who proposes marriage early on. Resolving that sexual intensity with Scott is only half the equation, especially when Aveda is desperate to smother her geeky, backward Annie self.
Meanwhile there is Evie's wedding to plan, and Aveda/Annie plans to make it the Best Wedding Ever in order to make up for all her shortcomings . . . even if what Evie really wants isn't the Best Wedding Ever.
It's a fun, fast-paced, very cinematic story with heart-warming themes of family and diversity as well as finding one's true love. At times the girls seemed emotionally more high-school aged in their exchanges and their idiom (does anyone, even teens, say 'totes' anymore?) but then that would be a stage in geeks growing up, to be ten years behind everyone else emotionally, while still coping with all the crazy having to do with powers and demons, portals, and angry Bridezilla gangs roaming around.
Then there is weird Maisie and her Pussy Queen shop, naughty lingerie, and Maisie's saccharine blog . . .
Jumble it all together and add up to a fun read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
And though we have a new supernatural big bad to find and defeat (which operates through a squadron of Bridezillas in a series of cinematically slapstick scenes), the central issue is that dichotomy between Aveda Jupiter, and scaredy-nerd Annie Chang who will never be good enough for her turbo-charged high achiever-oriented parents.
She also has to resolve her equally hot and cold feelings toward Scott, hers and Evie's childhood friend, who she thought for years was into Evie. There are lingering feelings even though Evie is clearly absorbed with half-demon Nate, who proposes marriage early on.
Spoiler
Alas, there is no further development about Nate in this book--which was the aspect I was looking forward to most.Meanwhile there is Evie's wedding to plan, and Aveda/Annie plans to make it the Best Wedding Ever in order to make up for all her shortcomings . . . even if what Evie really wants isn't the Best Wedding Ever.
It's a fun, fast-paced, very cinematic story with heart-warming themes of family and diversity as well as finding one's true love. At times the girls seemed emotionally more high-school aged in their exchanges and their idiom (does anyone, even teens, say 'totes' anymore?) but then that would be a stage in geeks growing up, to be ten years behind everyone else emotionally, while still coping with all the crazy having to do with powers and demons, portals, and angry Bridezilla gangs roaming around.
Then there is weird Maisie and her Pussy Queen shop, naughty lingerie, and Maisie's saccharine blog . . .
Jumble it all together and add up to a fun read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
sjones08's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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
3.75
mhockenson's review against another edition
4.0
A worthy follow up to Heroine Complex with some kick-ass heroines and demonic bridezillas. Definitely a fun read and looking forward to book 3.
blessedwannab's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my goodness, Heroine Worship was so cute and original! I guarantee nobody has read a superhero novel like this series. In the first book we got attack cupcakes, and this one is full of surprises that were just as creative! I feel like I’m an imaginative person, and I would never have thought of turning mundane every day things into possessed demons. I love it!
Not only do I think this series has a completely original plot, I also love that it’s not only about romance. While the relationship between Annie and Scott was definitely important, Annie’s relationship with Evie was also prominent. As was the relationship and friendship among all of the superhero gang. In particular, I’m interested in seeing how everything turns out with Evie and Bea.
Still, obviously it was the moments between Scott and Annie that really tugged my strings. I felt the heat between them when I was reading Heroine Worship, and knew when they came together it would be passionate, and it was. Each of their interactions had me grinning and smiling, and even giggling. I giggled right along with Annie every time she giggled! Scott was seriously dreamy, and I liked how he was playful more than he was serious, but he also knew when to turn that goofiness off. I also loved how Scott and Annie’s connection went back to their childhood. It created an interesting dynamic.
I liked Annie too. It always surprises me when I like the heroine as much as I like the hero, but I was able to relate to Annie in ways that surprised me. Outwardly, I’m definitely more like Evie, but I was able to understand Annie’s emotional turmoil. She was a little bit over the top and it was easy to see why her loved ones became annoyed, but there was something sincere about Annie. I felt for her, and I loved that she saw her flaws and was trying to recreate herself.
So, in Heroine Worship we got the story of Evie. In Heroine Worship, we got to delve into Annie’s personality. I wonder who’s next? I’m eager for more about Bea, but I think I want Lucy to be next. There’s still so much mystery about her, and I’m definitely intrigued. (I’d also love more about Shruti.)
If you guys are looking for an Urban Fantasy with great characters and a plot like nothing you’ve read before, you really should check out this series!
(And I still think the physical books should have colored graphic novel type illustrations.)
Thank you to DAW for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, and want to read more, check out Birdie Bookworm!
Not only do I think this series has a completely original plot, I also love that it’s not only about romance. While the relationship between Annie and Scott was definitely important, Annie’s relationship with Evie was also prominent. As was the relationship and friendship among all of the superhero gang. In particular, I’m interested in seeing how everything turns out with Evie and Bea.
Still, obviously it was the moments between Scott and Annie that really tugged my strings. I felt the heat between them when I was reading Heroine Worship, and knew when they came together it would be passionate, and it was. Each of their interactions had me grinning and smiling, and even giggling. I giggled right along with Annie every time she giggled! Scott was seriously dreamy, and I liked how he was playful more than he was serious, but he also knew when to turn that goofiness off. I also loved how Scott and Annie’s connection went back to their childhood. It created an interesting dynamic.
I liked Annie too. It always surprises me when I like the heroine as much as I like the hero, but I was able to relate to Annie in ways that surprised me. Outwardly, I’m definitely more like Evie, but I was able to understand Annie’s emotional turmoil. She was a little bit over the top and it was easy to see why her loved ones became annoyed, but there was something sincere about Annie. I felt for her, and I loved that she saw her flaws and was trying to recreate herself.
So, in Heroine Worship we got the story of Evie. In Heroine Worship, we got to delve into Annie’s personality. I wonder who’s next? I’m eager for more about Bea, but I think I want Lucy to be next. There’s still so much mystery about her, and I’m definitely intrigued. (I’d also love more about Shruti.)
If you guys are looking for an Urban Fantasy with great characters and a plot like nothing you’ve read before, you really should check out this series!
(And I still think the physical books should have colored graphic novel type illustrations.)
Thank you to DAW for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, and want to read more, check out Birdie Bookworm!
sadieros73's review against another edition
2.0
Didn't finish because I didn't care for the narrator and POV change.
okevamae's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This installment of the Heroine Complex series is even better than the first. I had a hard time putting it down! It's got the same humor, action, heart, romance, and clever dialogue of the first book, but the storyline itself feels a little more polished in the second book.
This book is from the POV of Aveda Jupiter, the Chinese-American Superheroine who is the best friend of Evie, the POV character from the last book. Aveda is still adjusting to sharing the superhero spotlight with her bestie, but she manages to be less of a diva about it than in the first book. With the exception of a few vulnerable moments, I found Aveda to be pretty unsympathetic in the first book. But in this book she's learned from her mistakes and is trying to be a better friend. And since we're inside her head in this book, her vulnerability is on full display. The fast-paced action is fun, and the dialogue (and internal monologue) is fantastic, but Aveda's struggles to reconcile the two parts of her personality, and to open herself up to those who love her, are what makes this book really special.
There were a few actions and elements that required suspension of disbelief beyond the whole superhero thing, and those scenes have a sillier, more cartoonish tone that in my opinion, don't quite jive with the tone of the rest of the book - which, while still humorous and fun, feels more realistic. Sometimes I just don't buy the way characters react to things. It was a bigger problem in the first book than it is in this one.
Overall, Heroine Worship is a really fun read with solid characterization, a great romance, fantastic dialogue and a ton of action. 4 stars.
This installment of the Heroine Complex series is even better than the first. I had a hard time putting it down! It's got the same humor, action, heart, romance, and clever dialogue of the first book, but the storyline itself feels a little more polished in the second book.
This book is from the POV of Aveda Jupiter, the Chinese-American Superheroine who is the best friend of Evie, the POV character from the last book. Aveda is still adjusting to sharing the superhero spotlight with her bestie, but she manages to be less of a diva about it than in the first book. With the exception of a few vulnerable moments, I found Aveda to be pretty unsympathetic in the first book. But in this book she's learned from her mistakes and is trying to be a better friend. And since we're inside her head in this book, her vulnerability is on full display. The fast-paced action is fun, and the dialogue (and internal monologue) is fantastic, but Aveda's struggles to reconcile the two parts of her personality, and to open herself up to those who love her, are what makes this book really special.
There were a few actions and elements that required suspension of disbelief beyond the whole superhero thing, and those scenes have a sillier, more cartoonish tone that in my opinion, don't quite jive with the tone of the rest of the book - which, while still humorous and fun, feels more realistic. Sometimes I just don't buy the way characters react to things. It was a bigger problem in the first book than it is in this one.
Overall, Heroine Worship is a really fun read with solid characterization, a great romance, fantastic dialogue and a ton of action. 4 stars.
themandimonster's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love how this book is from Annie's perspective when the first book was from Evie's perspective. You get to see things in hindsight in a new way. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one!
justinekorson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
I didn't write a review for the first novel but I'm going to talk about both of them here.
In the first story, Heroine Complex, I really loved Evie and how funny she was. The demon portal and all the funny/weird situations they all found themselves in were great! I also really felt for her because Aveda/Annie was not a good friend and genuinely did not seem like a good person (though I did understand her more toward the end of the story). In the first one, H.C, Evie was also pretty heavily badmouthed in all the media transcripts for Maisy's blog posts and it made me really dislike her (Maisy not Evie) and the other citizens of San Francisco who were giving Evie such a hard time when they didn't even know the full story themselves. So when the same thing started happening in this story, Heroine Worship, I was... pretty upset. Only, this time around, all the hate was focused on Aveda/Annie.
Like I mentioned, I did not particularly care for Aveda/Annie in the first novel but since this second one, H.W, is from her perspective, I could really see how hard she was trying to be a better friend/version of herself. Now suddenly Aveda was being completely trashed in the media, and being blamed for things by her friends and I didn't like it at all. It felt like Evie and Aveda's rolls had simply been reversed and I didn't like how it felt that Aveda and Evie were being pitted against each other?? Like I should like one of them more than the other because both women are actually really great, funny, and so caring and loyal. All of their mishaps in both of their books stemmed from them being so fiercely loyal to the other person to the point that they're way too codependent and they're working on it!
So while I still really enjoyed Aveda, Evie and Co. and really enjoyed the plot, I didn't like how the feelings I had from the first novel were essentially rehased.
In the first story, Heroine Complex, I really loved Evie and how funny she was. The demon portal and all the funny/weird situations they all found themselves in were great! I also really felt for her because Aveda/Annie was not a good friend and genuinely did not seem like a good person (though I did understand her more toward the end of the story). In the first one, H.C, Evie was also pretty heavily badmouthed in all the media transcripts for Maisy's blog posts and it made me really dislike her (Maisy not Evie) and the other citizens of San Francisco who were giving Evie such a hard time when they didn't even know the full story themselves. So when the same thing started happening in this story, Heroine Worship, I was... pretty upset. Only, this time around, all the hate was focused on Aveda/Annie.
Like I mentioned, I did not particularly care for Aveda/Annie in the first novel but since this second one, H.W, is from her perspective, I could really see how hard she was trying to be a better friend/version of herself. Now suddenly Aveda was being completely trashed in the media, and being blamed for things by her friends and I didn't like it at all. It felt like Evie and Aveda's rolls had simply been reversed and I didn't like how it felt that Aveda and Evie were being pitted against each other?? Like I should like one of them more than the other because both women are actually really great, funny, and so caring and loyal. All of their mishaps in both of their books stemmed from them being so fiercely loyal to the other person to the point that they're way too codependent and they're working on it!
So while I still really enjoyed Aveda, Evie and Co. and really enjoyed the plot, I didn't like how the feelings I had from the first novel were essentially rehased.