Thursday, June 30, 2016

#Thursday Review - SuperNova by Liz Long (Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy) @LizCLong

Series: Heroes of Arcania # 1
Format: E-Galley, 279 pages
Release Date: June 16, 2016
Publisher: Amazon
Source: Author
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction


The streets of Arcania are overrun with crime, deteriorating as a madman named Fortune makes himself at home. He shows no mercy, striking down anyone in his path – including Nova Benson’s little sister. Devastated, Nova vows to seek justice for her family, but aside from her freak strength and impenetrable skin, how is she supposed to stop a monster like Fortune?
Cole Warner wants to help people. Entrusted to keep his family’s secret, he’s also frustrated at having to hide his gift. He knows he could do more to help in the fight against Fortune. If he could convince his sister Penelope to join him, they might even have a chance at beating him. When Cole meets Nova, he realizes his whole world is about to change. And he’s going to welcome it with open arms.
Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan. Then again, neither was becoming a superhero.



SuperNova is the first installment in Liz Long's Heroes of Arcania trilogy. Meet 17-year old Nova Benson. She of the impenetrable skin, increased strength, speed, and agility. The one her little sister Sterling called SuperNova before she was killed by a villain named Fortune. The one who lives in a town called Arcania which was once a thriving place to live, but now is overrun with criminals and like minded individuals. The one that has hid her abilities from everyone fearing reprisals. 

Nova, after losing her sister to Fortune, has to make a decision. After Six months of anger, resentment, and self-loathing that she didn't do anything to save Sterling, she now must make the choice to finally do something. She must become the person who fights back against evil doers. Her first foray into the "heroes" arena, doesn't exactly go as plan. In fact, I dare say the author has a sense of humor and definitely proves it with the banter between Nova and the bad guy. Then comes the day that everything changes. The day that Nova saves a boy from school from being killed in front of everyone. The day her best friend, Henry, decides to go all in and make her a hero. 

Meet 17-year old Cole Warner, the new kid in Arcania along with his sister Penelope and father Benjamin. Cole and Penelope have had to remain in the shadows instead of going out into the light. They've moved around a lot. They're both gifted individuals. Cole with the ability to stop time, Penelope with Telekinesis. After watching Nova save a fellow student and survive without a scratch on her, Cole makes the decision to enlighten her about what she really is. But, not before Penelope warns that Nova is obsessed with her sisters murder and putting down Fortune.

Let's put this puppy to bed, shall we? This is really a story about personal struggle. How do you move on after a brutal loss of someone you love? How do you find revenge against the man who killed your sister, when that man is probably the most dangerous man alive? How do you not reveal your identity to the entire world when your own parents have warned you against it? Can you trust the boy you just met to keep your secrets? Can you trust the boys sister who seems a bit on the edge and angry all the time? Here's the best part: where does Nova's powers come from? Her Parents? Her Grandparents? Que the puzzled look.

Now the not so much. If you are into twisted high school relationships, triangles of doom, and angst that just won't stop no matter how hard you pray for it to go away, then you will love this book. If you love broken characters who want to rid the world of villains because they believe they are Unbreakable, then you will love this story. If you like a twisted cliffhanger ending that changes everything, then you will love this story. If you like shocking betrayals, then you will love this story.

Need I say, more? 

Oh, right, since I have already started this trilogy and didn't entirely dislike it, I will be moving forward to see what happens to Nova, and Cole. 





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