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Posterchildren #1
The Posterchildren: Origins
Nestled in the Cascade mountains in the Pacific Northwest, Maillardet's Foundation for the Future of Humanity is widely accepted as being the premiere training facility for young posthumans. The Academy accepts superpowered posterchildren from ages six through seventeen, guiding them through the training that they'll need if they want to become legally licensed heroes.
Maillardet's Academy advertises itself as being for all types, welcoming the offspring of the greatest heroes of today - like Ernest Wright, the son of the Commander - along with new posters just learning to control their powers - like Juniper Hovick, a temperamental New Yorker with a flaming menagerie. Maillardet's is where the heroes of tomorrow are assembled today, so the pressure to perform is high.
For disgraced legacy poster Malek Underwood, the third block of his training begins with him being knocked from his pedestal as the top student in the school, then paired with an almost failing lesbian speedster named Zipporah Chance. Though they come from different backgrounds, Ernest, Juniper, Malek, and Zipporah all have the same goal: surviving the year.
If they're ever going to become heroes, they have to make it to finals, first.
Maillardet's Academy advertises itself as being for all types, welcoming the offspring of the greatest heroes of today - like Ernest Wright, the son of the Commander - along with new posters just learning to control their powers - like Juniper Hovick, a temperamental New Yorker with a flaming menagerie. Maillardet's is where the heroes of tomorrow are assembled today, so the pressure to perform is high.
For disgraced legacy poster Malek Underwood, the third block of his training begins with him being knocked from his pedestal as the top student in the school, then paired with an almost failing lesbian speedster named Zipporah Chance. Though they come from different backgrounds, Ernest, Juniper, Malek, and Zipporah all have the same goal: surviving the year.
If they're ever going to become heroes, they have to make it to finals, first.
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First published May 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 17, 2013
Kitty Burroughs’ premiere novel, The Posterchildren, is a master work of an introduction to what promises to be a fascinating and complex new take on a superhero universe and teenage superheroes. The book uniquely combines the creation of an entirely new world with the struggles of the average American teen: crushes, homework, sexuality – oh and having to figure out how to control and push your superpowers without getting anyone killed.
Reminiscent of its arch-type forebears in DC and Marvel Comics, it paints a fresh, new picture of what it can mean to be a hero, in every possible way. Burroughs sets the stage in The Posterchildren: Origins, creating a believable new superhero universe, where those individuals showing abnormal, or “posthuman” abilities are expected to register with a government organization which labels those abilities loosely based on a color “band” system. Chapters are split into issue numbers to further emulate the feeling of a comic book universe, and the subtitle “Origins” is very apt – from the beginning it is clear that this is a much bigger world than one book can contain.
The Posterchildren features the POV of four teenage heroes – Malek (Mal) Underwood, Ernest Wright, Zipporah (Zip) Chance, and Juniper (June) Hovick – entering their first year of the third block at Maillardet’s Foundation for the Future of Humanity at age 14 (save June, who is a late-blooming posthuman and is entering age 15). Maillardet’s is the United States’ premiere education facility for posthumans, and the vast majority of its graduates go into some form of law enforcement or officially sanctioned superhero teams.
Each of our four heroes presents a unique viewpoint on life at Maillardet’s. Mal and Ernest are the legacy posters – their parents are known heroes (well, mostly heroes). The book opens with the funeral of Corbin Underwood, Mal’s father, setting a grim, but interesting tone that doesn’t hold true for now, but presents an accurate vision of how discordant relations between the poster and baseline human populations can be. Mal re-enters Maillardet’s with a very jaded view of the world, contrasting sharply with his childhood friend Ernest’s happy-go-lucky, golden-retriever-like attitude towards life.
Zip’s encounters with Mal and Ernest have been fleeting, but amiable, up through first and second block, as she naturally gravitates towards people who are as passionate about their abilities as she is about hers. Zip is a speedster, and her life and attitude reflect that. She tries her best to be the best person she can. As the newcomer, June’s perspective gives the reader the most direct insight into what life is like at Maillardet’s, in the sassiest possible way. June is a troublemaker; Maillardet’s being the most recent in a string of boarding schools June has attended. She’s smart, fat, and sassy, and she owns those traits and holds her chin high when someone tries to challenge her – no matter their size.
The four POV characters are far from the only important ones – but that’s why you need to read the book: to find out who, and why.
Reminiscent of its arch-type forebears in DC and Marvel Comics, it paints a fresh, new picture of what it can mean to be a hero, in every possible way. Burroughs sets the stage in The Posterchildren: Origins, creating a believable new superhero universe, where those individuals showing abnormal, or “posthuman” abilities are expected to register with a government organization which labels those abilities loosely based on a color “band” system. Chapters are split into issue numbers to further emulate the feeling of a comic book universe, and the subtitle “Origins” is very apt – from the beginning it is clear that this is a much bigger world than one book can contain.
The Posterchildren features the POV of four teenage heroes – Malek (Mal) Underwood, Ernest Wright, Zipporah (Zip) Chance, and Juniper (June) Hovick – entering their first year of the third block at Maillardet’s Foundation for the Future of Humanity at age 14 (save June, who is a late-blooming posthuman and is entering age 15). Maillardet’s is the United States’ premiere education facility for posthumans, and the vast majority of its graduates go into some form of law enforcement or officially sanctioned superhero teams.
Each of our four heroes presents a unique viewpoint on life at Maillardet’s. Mal and Ernest are the legacy posters – their parents are known heroes (well, mostly heroes). The book opens with the funeral of Corbin Underwood, Mal’s father, setting a grim, but interesting tone that doesn’t hold true for now, but presents an accurate vision of how discordant relations between the poster and baseline human populations can be. Mal re-enters Maillardet’s with a very jaded view of the world, contrasting sharply with his childhood friend Ernest’s happy-go-lucky, golden-retriever-like attitude towards life.
Zip’s encounters with Mal and Ernest have been fleeting, but amiable, up through first and second block, as she naturally gravitates towards people who are as passionate about their abilities as she is about hers. Zip is a speedster, and her life and attitude reflect that. She tries her best to be the best person she can. As the newcomer, June’s perspective gives the reader the most direct insight into what life is like at Maillardet’s, in the sassiest possible way. June is a troublemaker; Maillardet’s being the most recent in a string of boarding schools June has attended. She’s smart, fat, and sassy, and she owns those traits and holds her chin high when someone tries to challenge her – no matter their size.
The four POV characters are far from the only important ones – but that’s why you need to read the book: to find out who, and why.
July 21, 2019
4.5 stars
February 16, 2017
3.5 stars
June 14, 2019
3.5 stars
A solid superhero school story with likeable YA characters and fun dialogue. I did enjoy reading it overall. It's too bad that the story doesn't seem to have continued beyond Volume 1 and various short stories for years, as I'd like to follow up on the hints at conspiracies going on in the background, as well as the potential for character development. Several times while reading, it sorta felt like the narrative jumped a bit without slowing down to let the reader grasp what was going on in the character arcs and dynamics. I think this story could really hit its stride in the future, if given the chance. There's a lot of potential here.
Special shout-out to my personal faves: Ernest, June, Maks, Zip, and the Queen
A solid superhero school story with likeable YA characters and fun dialogue. I did enjoy reading it overall. It's too bad that the story doesn't seem to have continued beyond Volume 1 and various short stories for years, as I'd like to follow up on the hints at conspiracies going on in the background, as well as the potential for character development. Several times while reading, it sorta felt like the narrative jumped a bit without slowing down to let the reader grasp what was going on in the character arcs and dynamics. I think this story could really hit its stride in the future, if given the chance. There's a lot of potential here.
Special shout-out to my personal faves: Ernest, June, Maks, Zip, and the Queen
May 24, 2013
The trials and tribulations of four teen Post-humans, commonly known as "Posters", in their first year of the final block of their training. Will they learn to control their powers? Will they make it through class? Will they even make it through the year?
I really loved this. It was so FUN. It is self-published and shows some signs of it in strange pacing, an atypical plot, and occasional painful word repetition, but I don't even care. I ADORE these characters (all of them. Yep, all of them), and I want to see them learn and thrive and run up walls and argue with cats and get beaten to a bloody pulp. You know, the ushe.
I WANT TO BE THE QUEEN WHEN I GROW UP.
I WANT THE NEW BOOK.
I really loved this. It was so FUN. It is self-published and shows some signs of it in strange pacing, an atypical plot, and occasional painful word repetition, but I don't even care. I ADORE these characters (all of them. Yep, all of them), and I want to see them learn and thrive and run up walls and argue with cats and get beaten to a bloody pulp. You know, the ushe.
I WANT TO BE THE QUEEN WHEN I GROW UP.
I WANT THE NEW BOOK.
July 27, 2014
This book was amazing. It took me a while to get into it, perhaps a quarter of the way through the book or so, but once I did i was hooked and absolutely in love. The characters are all so distinct and loveable and I'd absolutely recommend it.
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July 1, 2021
June 2, 2013
Hey, hey.
Do you like superheroes? Even just a little bit?
How about teen superheroes?
Me, I love the idea of them and have had quite a bit of fun with some of the movies but have pretty consistently bounced off of the comics (both from Marvel/DC and smaller 'verses) partly because the many interconnected continuities don't play nice with my urge to readAll The Things everything there is to a Thing and partly because they have so, so much potential to show us so many different kinds of people and somehow the majority of 'em still end up being the same old straight/white/cis/able-bodied/neurotypical guys (and some women) and it's kind of heartbreaking and no matter how often I try and how much I enjoy the superhero comic I'm trying to get into that day, I always end up sighing dejectedly and wandering off again.
And then I'm sad because I really love the idea of superheroes gdi.
Early on Friday, I met the Posterchildren, and since then my weekend has been sunshine and sparkles.
Let me put it this way: I don't read prose all that quickly usually, but in the last 48 hours I've inhaled about 130.000 words of teen superhero fiction AND NOW AM OUT OF MORE POSTERCHILDREN TO READ AND THAT IS TERRIBLE
so now I am trying to write something between a blog post and a review in a rather desperate attempt to rope more people into this fandom so that I'm not making high-pitched squeaky noises in a vacuum anymore. And also because the Posterchildren make me RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY AND I WANT TO SPREAD THAT HAPPINESS AROUND.
... I will refrain from more excited capslock shouting for the rest of this reviewpostthing (maybe) but I am very excited I'll have you know.
So, what is this Posterchildren thing, precisely? And why should you care?
Alright. So. The Posterchildren: Origins is the first book in a series of superhero fiction that chronicles the lives of a set of young superhumans - called "posthumans" in this universe - as they attend Maillardet's, the USA's most prolific school for kids and teens with posterpowers. Sounds familiar? Well, that's because the Posterchildren universe is as much gleeful tribute to the tropes and plots that superhero fans know and love as it is its own thing, and it certainly never tries to hide its inspirations. Even I with my somewhat cursory knowledge of superhero comics can play Name The Marvel/DC Hero That Inspired This Character with the more obvious examples, but that doesn't detract from just how ridiculously engaging the Posterchildren are.
It is hard to say more about the story of Malek, Zipporah, June, Ernest, Maks and their fellow students than what's said in the official summary (link at the bottom of this post) because when it comes down to it, there isn't much in the way of plot here besides what's typical for both superhero and high school stories: make friends, roll your eyes at bullies, go to your classes, pick a codename, know when to break rules, make peace with the spandexy thing that is going to be your superhero costume (or embrace it whole-heartedly)...
There is a mystery going on in the background that comes back later to, quite literally, punch one of our narrators in the face, but overall, "make it through the school year" is the plot.
Because Origins is just the start of it all. A second book, charmingly titled "Retcons" is planned and starting this month there will be monthly short stories set in the universe that I can't get my hands on soon enough. So, not much crime fighting in spandex yet! And some very... teenage-y antics.
BUT. And you know there had to be a but because I'm not doing a very good job selling this thing right now, am I? So, but. This relative plot-less-ness is not actually a stumbling block for the book. (Well, unless you are looking for a super plotty read, I guess.) Because what makes it shine (or sparkle) are its characters. And the fact that they do, in fact, come in a veritable rainbow of different races/cultures/nationalities/sexual orientations/body types/etc. (This "etc." stretches to cover, among other things, both mental illness and neurodiversity as well as various gender identities, although as far as Origins goes I'm taking the latter from the author's blog more than the book itself.)
But this isn't a book about diversity. It's not about The Experience Of Being [Identity X]. (Because as much as I believe that these stories do have their place, they are also very, very much not for me.) It's a book about teenage superheroes. And let me just say that all of the characters that get a good amount ofscreenpage time (and a few that don't) are among the most relatable and engaging characters I've met in a while and I love them all. ALL OF THEM. They're allowed to be flawed and even sometimes be unlikeable as they navigate growing up, friendship and the Things They Do Not Talk About. (At least one of them has rather... traumatic bits in their past that remain largely mysterious.) But who they are always shines through, and wow does it ever shine brightly. (Even when they don't literally sparkle.) (And even when you sometimes have to look more closely and have to engage in highly illicit fry smuggling to see it.)
The bits of worldbuilding for the Posterchildren 'verse that we see here are fascinating and there's some great pun-loving humour in this book that made me laugh out loud more than once. I also loved the adults/teachers in this book who as a rule were actually both likeable and competent, which isn't exactly a given in this genre, first and foremost among them Mal's mother Amira because asdfghjkl a well-respected, intelligent hijabi with leadership abilities omg yes please. And how often can I say I REALLY LOVE THESE STUPID KIDS before you give up on the one-trick pony I've suddenly turned into?
If I absolutely had to find something negative to say about The Posterchildren: Origins it would be that there are some pacing hiccups in the second half of the book (although they didn't actually bother me) and the fact that it doesn't stand on its own too well (then again, it was never meant to), because it's essentially a prologue for things to come. But wow can we ever expect great things to come if Origins is any indication.
And maybe I am a tiny bit sad that it's a self-published book, but only because I know that that means that some people will dismiss it out of hand because of the reputation that self-published books are badly-written, terribly-edited messes. (I certainly enjoyed the writing, as you can tell, and think that the style fit the story very well, and that each of the four narrators got distinctive voices and all that. And as for editing, well. I think I found about three or four instances of missing punctuation marks or misplaced words? But four out of almost one hundred and thirty thousand doesn't sound too bad to me.)
I'm sure I'll think of more to say the moment I hit "post" on this but for now, I leave you with this: You can buy The Posterchildren: Origins at Smashwords for $5 and even read a sample that covers the first quarter of the book. If anything I've said in this overly long post/review sounds at all relevant to your interests, please give it a try.
(And if you have any specific questions, let me know via comment or PM and I'll do my best to answer.)
Do you like superheroes? Even just a little bit?
How about teen superheroes?
Me, I love the idea of them and have had quite a bit of fun with some of the movies but have pretty consistently bounced off of the comics (both from Marvel/DC and smaller 'verses) partly because the many interconnected continuities don't play nice with my urge to read
And then I'm sad because I really love the idea of superheroes gdi.
Early on Friday, I met the Posterchildren, and since then my weekend has been sunshine and sparkles.
Let me put it this way: I don't read prose all that quickly usually, but in the last 48 hours I've inhaled about 130.000 words of teen superhero fiction AND NOW AM OUT OF MORE POSTERCHILDREN TO READ AND THAT IS TERRIBLE
so now I am trying to write something between a blog post and a review in a rather desperate attempt to rope more people into this fandom so that I'm not making high-pitched squeaky noises in a vacuum anymore. And also because the Posterchildren make me RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY AND I WANT TO SPREAD THAT HAPPINESS AROUND.
... I will refrain from more excited capslock shouting for the rest of this reviewpostthing (maybe) but I am very excited I'll have you know.
So, what is this Posterchildren thing, precisely? And why should you care?
Alright. So. The Posterchildren: Origins is the first book in a series of superhero fiction that chronicles the lives of a set of young superhumans - called "posthumans" in this universe - as they attend Maillardet's, the USA's most prolific school for kids and teens with posterpowers. Sounds familiar? Well, that's because the Posterchildren universe is as much gleeful tribute to the tropes and plots that superhero fans know and love as it is its own thing, and it certainly never tries to hide its inspirations. Even I with my somewhat cursory knowledge of superhero comics can play Name The Marvel/DC Hero That Inspired This Character with the more obvious examples, but that doesn't detract from just how ridiculously engaging the Posterchildren are.
It is hard to say more about the story of Malek, Zipporah, June, Ernest, Maks and their fellow students than what's said in the official summary (link at the bottom of this post) because when it comes down to it, there isn't much in the way of plot here besides what's typical for both superhero and high school stories: make friends, roll your eyes at bullies, go to your classes, pick a codename, know when to break rules, make peace with the spandexy thing that is going to be your superhero costume (or embrace it whole-heartedly)...
There is a mystery going on in the background that comes back later to, quite literally, punch one of our narrators in the face, but overall, "make it through the school year" is the plot.
Because Origins is just the start of it all. A second book, charmingly titled "Retcons" is planned and starting this month there will be monthly short stories set in the universe that I can't get my hands on soon enough. So, not much crime fighting in spandex yet! And some very... teenage-y antics.
BUT. And you know there had to be a but because I'm not doing a very good job selling this thing right now, am I? So, but. This relative plot-less-ness is not actually a stumbling block for the book. (Well, unless you are looking for a super plotty read, I guess.) Because what makes it shine (or sparkle) are its characters. And the fact that they do, in fact, come in a veritable rainbow of different races/cultures/nationalities/sexual orientations/body types/etc. (This "etc." stretches to cover, among other things, both mental illness and neurodiversity as well as various gender identities, although as far as Origins goes I'm taking the latter from the author's blog more than the book itself.)
But this isn't a book about diversity. It's not about The Experience Of Being [Identity X]. (Because as much as I believe that these stories do have their place, they are also very, very much not for me.) It's a book about teenage superheroes. And let me just say that all of the characters that get a good amount of
The bits of worldbuilding for the Posterchildren 'verse that we see here are fascinating and there's some great pun-loving humour in this book that made me laugh out loud more than once. I also loved the adults/teachers in this book who as a rule were actually both likeable and competent, which isn't exactly a given in this genre, first and foremost among them Mal's mother Amira because asdfghjkl a well-respected, intelligent hijabi with leadership abilities omg yes please. And how often can I say I REALLY LOVE THESE STUPID KIDS before you give up on the one-trick pony I've suddenly turned into?
If I absolutely had to find something negative to say about The Posterchildren: Origins it would be that there are some pacing hiccups in the second half of the book (although they didn't actually bother me) and the fact that it doesn't stand on its own too well (then again, it was never meant to), because it's essentially a prologue for things to come. But wow can we ever expect great things to come if Origins is any indication.
And maybe I am a tiny bit sad that it's a self-published book, but only because I know that that means that some people will dismiss it out of hand because of the reputation that self-published books are badly-written, terribly-edited messes. (I certainly enjoyed the writing, as you can tell, and think that the style fit the story very well, and that each of the four narrators got distinctive voices and all that. And as for editing, well. I think I found about three or four instances of missing punctuation marks or misplaced words? But four out of almost one hundred and thirty thousand doesn't sound too bad to me.)
I'm sure I'll think of more to say the moment I hit "post" on this but for now, I leave you with this: You can buy The Posterchildren: Origins at Smashwords for $5 and even read a sample that covers the first quarter of the book. If anything I've said in this overly long post/review sounds at all relevant to your interests, please give it a try.
(And if you have any specific questions, let me know via comment or PM and I'll do my best to answer.)
October 15, 2018
The pacing was kind of weird, the beginning was slow, but once I got through it, I was really into it
The characters are amazing BUT there are too many. I had a hard time following them all, esp with the monikers as well (side note: Ellery and Ellie were two different characters and luckily they didn’t have big parts but it was a little confusing at first)
The super system was super interesting, once I got a handle on it. the fact that I had to use outside posts to get it was a little disappointing, but it was cool and consistent.
Best part of this book were the relationships. Luckily, this author understands the importance of platonic and familial relationships, so they really shined. Zip and Mal at the end were so super sweet, although the being was rocky and I was pissed at Mal.
Apparently an OT3 is in the works. I’m V excited for that.
The characters had some great internal and external arcs, and I always think the characters are the most important part of the book
Zip was my fave, she’s adorable and I love when there unapologetically good characters (Earnest as well, but Zip just struck a chord with me)
There was an ace character!!!! The word wasn’t used, but the experience was explicitly stated and author confirmed on her blog. I think later we might get the word itself. Downside: the ace character was my least favorite of the main characters :(
I think this might have been better to read each issue instead of all at once, but I’m not sure as I was not able to test my theory
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars!!! I’m pumped to read more of the author’s content and to see where the characters are headed!!!
The characters are amazing BUT there are too many. I had a hard time following them all, esp with the monikers as well (side note: Ellery and Ellie were two different characters and luckily they didn’t have big parts but it was a little confusing at first)
The super system was super interesting, once I got a handle on it. the fact that I had to use outside posts to get it was a little disappointing, but it was cool and consistent.
Best part of this book were the relationships. Luckily, this author understands the importance of platonic and familial relationships, so they really shined. Zip and Mal at the end were so super sweet, although the being was rocky and I was pissed at Mal.
Apparently an OT3 is in the works. I’m V excited for that.
The characters had some great internal and external arcs, and I always think the characters are the most important part of the book
Zip was my fave, she’s adorable and I love when there unapologetically good characters (Earnest as well, but Zip just struck a chord with me)
There was an ace character!!!! The word wasn’t used, but the experience was explicitly stated and author confirmed on her blog. I think later we might get the word itself. Downside: the ace character was my least favorite of the main characters :(
I think this might have been better to read each issue instead of all at once, but I’m not sure as I was not able to test my theory
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars!!! I’m pumped to read more of the author’s content and to see where the characters are headed!!!
August 29, 2023
This book was amazing. It took me a while to get into it, perhaps a quarter of the way through the book or so, but once I did i was hooked and absolutely in love. The characters are all so distinct and loveable and I'd absolutely recommend it.
May 17, 2013
I have a confession to make. The first thing I did when I received my copy of “The Posterchildren:Origins,” was stare at for a long moment, then close my eyes, and promise myself I wouldn't get my hopes up.
You see, I'd been intrigued by the premise of this book, because while the idea of a school for superheroes might not be a particularly new one, the promise of one built on realistic lines in a world much like our own, with characters who felt real and reflected the diversity of our world, in a setting that didn't run from, but instead embraced the story potential in both the opportunities and the obstacles of contemporary life, well, that is new idea, and rather a tall order at that. Could a story really do all that, and also be exciting and thrilling in its own right, with characters that would leap out of the page at you? It just didn't seem possible. So, I paused, and mentally chided myself for expecting too much, as that would only lead to being disappointed. And I honestly don't think I have ever been more wrong.
Put simply, “The Posterchildren: Origins” is a masterpiece, in vision, in clarity, in character, in storytelling and in intent, and while it promised a lot, it delivered so much more. I hardly know where to begin.
The story is set, for the most part, at the Maillardet Foundation, a school for young-adults with superpowers, referred to as “posthumans” in the novels universe. It is mostly told through the eyes of several different point of view characters, all students at the school. There is Ernest, the wholesome all-American powerhouse son of his equally all-American hero father The Commander, Mal, the angry, bitter, and over-achieving prodigal son of the recently diseased vigilante The Rook, June, a feisty and fiery New Yorker, a new arrival at the school whose powers developed late, and last but by no means least, Zip, a speedster and country girl, whose innate goodness radiates from deep within, but who is not without secrets of her own. Each character is far broader and far more interesting than my canned description above can convey, indeed, each is worthy of an essay in their own right, (as our many members of the supporting cast, if truth be told,) but, suffice to say, in each long-held stereotypes are banished or cleverly inverted and tried and trued archetypes are washed clean of unpleasant and unneeded detritus until they shine forth, bright and seemingly brand new, and you realise once again what makes those archetypes so powerful and compelling to us all.
Each characters voice is as unique as the character themselves, lending a new perspective and a new tone with each change of scene, which, far from being an obstacle to immersion, is instead used as an aid to comprehension thanks to the novels superb storytelling and flawless pacing. And on the subject of that storytelling, I can think of only one word to accurately describe it: Masterful. Juggling the complexities of both the plot and so many well drawn characters must have been challenging, but none of that challenge is on display to the reader, as the story simply flows ever onwards, page after wonderful, gripping, easy to read page, leading us through description that never fails to entice and inspire the minds eye, yet never drags or lingers, and line after line of witty, true-to-the ear dialogue, until you look up at the clock, start in disbelief at the amount you have read, realise you're late for something... and carry on reading to the end of the current scene anyway because the thought of leaving the story there is simply impossible.
Put simply, The Posterchildren:Origins is an utterly wonderful book, and one I would recommend without hesitation to readers of all ages and all reading levels. For those who enjoy stories about superheroes, I recommend this book as a loving and respectful look at that most disrespected of genres, one that really understands that the heart of a superhero story is ordinary people being given the opportunity to do something extraordinary, and how they respond to it. This is a story by a superheroes fan, for superheroes fans, and it shows on every page.
For those who enjoy young-adult stories, I recommend it wholeheartedly as a story whose heart and soul is young adults, the choices they make, the things they do, what they experience, and whose young adult characters feel like actual people, as opposed to ciphers and stereotypes. Indeed, in my opinion, this novel contains some of the most realistic portrayals of teenagers ever put to paper, characters who say and do and think as teenagers actually do.
And, most of all, to fans of good story above all else, I recommend it as the best story I have read in the last few years, with characters you won't forget in a setting you wont want to leave. Set your expectations to high-sky, because, believe me, you will not be disappointed!
~DreamR
You see, I'd been intrigued by the premise of this book, because while the idea of a school for superheroes might not be a particularly new one, the promise of one built on realistic lines in a world much like our own, with characters who felt real and reflected the diversity of our world, in a setting that didn't run from, but instead embraced the story potential in both the opportunities and the obstacles of contemporary life, well, that is new idea, and rather a tall order at that. Could a story really do all that, and also be exciting and thrilling in its own right, with characters that would leap out of the page at you? It just didn't seem possible. So, I paused, and mentally chided myself for expecting too much, as that would only lead to being disappointed. And I honestly don't think I have ever been more wrong.
Put simply, “The Posterchildren: Origins” is a masterpiece, in vision, in clarity, in character, in storytelling and in intent, and while it promised a lot, it delivered so much more. I hardly know where to begin.
The story is set, for the most part, at the Maillardet Foundation, a school for young-adults with superpowers, referred to as “posthumans” in the novels universe. It is mostly told through the eyes of several different point of view characters, all students at the school. There is Ernest, the wholesome all-American powerhouse son of his equally all-American hero father The Commander, Mal, the angry, bitter, and over-achieving prodigal son of the recently diseased vigilante The Rook, June, a feisty and fiery New Yorker, a new arrival at the school whose powers developed late, and last but by no means least, Zip, a speedster and country girl, whose innate goodness radiates from deep within, but who is not without secrets of her own. Each character is far broader and far more interesting than my canned description above can convey, indeed, each is worthy of an essay in their own right, (as our many members of the supporting cast, if truth be told,) but, suffice to say, in each long-held stereotypes are banished or cleverly inverted and tried and trued archetypes are washed clean of unpleasant and unneeded detritus until they shine forth, bright and seemingly brand new, and you realise once again what makes those archetypes so powerful and compelling to us all.
Each characters voice is as unique as the character themselves, lending a new perspective and a new tone with each change of scene, which, far from being an obstacle to immersion, is instead used as an aid to comprehension thanks to the novels superb storytelling and flawless pacing. And on the subject of that storytelling, I can think of only one word to accurately describe it: Masterful. Juggling the complexities of both the plot and so many well drawn characters must have been challenging, but none of that challenge is on display to the reader, as the story simply flows ever onwards, page after wonderful, gripping, easy to read page, leading us through description that never fails to entice and inspire the minds eye, yet never drags or lingers, and line after line of witty, true-to-the ear dialogue, until you look up at the clock, start in disbelief at the amount you have read, realise you're late for something... and carry on reading to the end of the current scene anyway because the thought of leaving the story there is simply impossible.
Put simply, The Posterchildren:Origins is an utterly wonderful book, and one I would recommend without hesitation to readers of all ages and all reading levels. For those who enjoy stories about superheroes, I recommend this book as a loving and respectful look at that most disrespected of genres, one that really understands that the heart of a superhero story is ordinary people being given the opportunity to do something extraordinary, and how they respond to it. This is a story by a superheroes fan, for superheroes fans, and it shows on every page.
For those who enjoy young-adult stories, I recommend it wholeheartedly as a story whose heart and soul is young adults, the choices they make, the things they do, what they experience, and whose young adult characters feel like actual people, as opposed to ciphers and stereotypes. Indeed, in my opinion, this novel contains some of the most realistic portrayals of teenagers ever put to paper, characters who say and do and think as teenagers actually do.
And, most of all, to fans of good story above all else, I recommend it as the best story I have read in the last few years, with characters you won't forget in a setting you wont want to leave. Set your expectations to high-sky, because, believe me, you will not be disappointed!
~DreamR
May 21, 2013
If you like superheroes but mourn the lack of diversity in traditional superhero fiction, this book is for you. In her response to the Big Two (DC and Marvel), Kitty Burroughs provides a critique that is as fun and complex as it is critical. However, even though this series sets out to fix mistakes other superhero stories have made, there are plenty of parallels to superhero comic standards to amuse readers who are comics-savvy—and the parallels are subtle enough that those new to comics won't be left out.
The first installment to the series is primarily an effort in world-building and character development, and Burroughs doesn't pull any punches. Unlike most books, which group chunks of exposition together, TPC: Origins drops crumbs of world-building wherever it relates to a conversation, or an event, or the POV character's thoughts. Some readers may find this jarring, since it's so counter to most story-telling, but I found it provided more organic explanations. Instead of cramming paragraphs of exposition in the middle of a character's narration, Burroughs drops the information naturally into the flow of each character's thoughts, or in the situation, or even in a lecture. As you continue reading, the world is slowly built around you, becoming more and more complex as you turn each page. Plus, because this story-telling technique is so dependent on what the characters know and the situations they're in, it's easier for Burroughs to create giant holes in our knowledge—holes that can be used as plot-points later on, or holes that can be filled at a better, more dramatic time. However, the story-telling in the novel isn't perfect. Certain bits of key information are left out of this book, and that information can only be found online, at Burroughs's blog. Specifically, an explanation of part of the poster classification system is missing entirely from the book, even though it's mentioned numerous times by characters. It's likely this was simply an oversight—Burroughs had to cut massive swaths from the book in order to keep it at a readable length—but it does make it more difficult for the reader, especially for those who don't follow Burroughs on tumblr.
As for the characters themselves, there isn't much praise that I can't give. The book boasts four POV characters—a number that seems too high to be balanced effectively, and yet Burroughs manages it masterfully. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, making the decision even more apt. By the last page, Burroughs's characters are shining, complex creations with equally complex relationships between each other. As I mentioned earlier, this book is more concerned with character development and character relationships than plot. That's not to say that there's not plot whatsoever; rather, the book acts as a springboard for what is bound to be an action-packed sequel. It's sprinkled with small conflicts and foreshadowing that create a subtle but urgent sense of foreboding. By weaving characters' relationships so early, and emphasizing how strong some of them are, Burroughs creates a solid foundation for realistic conflict in later books. Again, while Burroughs does an astonishing job juggling characters, relationships, and character building, some characters do slip through the cracks. Most of the novel focuses on the four POV characters plus one other main character, and TPC: Origins is primarily concerned with building these characters and their relationships between each other and side characters. However, this still leaves handfuls of side characters without much characterization. Luckily, it's very clear this isn't going to remain the case. Burroughs plans to address these short-comings in a series of short stories, and I'm sure the characters will be fleshed out in the coming books. Based on what Burroughs has said elsewhere (mainly her blog), it's likely that the hundreds of pages she had to cut involved at least some of these side characters—and it's also clear that she has in-depth notes for these side characters, even though those notes weren't realized in this book.
Overall, this is a very, very strong start to what is an extremely promising superhero series. Burroughs is well aware of the importance of diverse characters, and hers are a rainbow of sexualities, relationships, body types, personalities, races, religions, and genders. (Unfortunately, since I hoped to write a spoiler-free review, I'm unable to gush over the exact details here.) If Goodreads offered a more exacting rating system, I would've given the book a 4.5 out of 5. As it is, the problems are minute enough that I can give it a full 5 without any conflict.
So, what are you waiting for? Read it and bask in a complex world of superheroes—and of superheroes that are, above all, *people*.
The first installment to the series is primarily an effort in world-building and character development, and Burroughs doesn't pull any punches. Unlike most books, which group chunks of exposition together, TPC: Origins drops crumbs of world-building wherever it relates to a conversation, or an event, or the POV character's thoughts. Some readers may find this jarring, since it's so counter to most story-telling, but I found it provided more organic explanations. Instead of cramming paragraphs of exposition in the middle of a character's narration, Burroughs drops the information naturally into the flow of each character's thoughts, or in the situation, or even in a lecture. As you continue reading, the world is slowly built around you, becoming more and more complex as you turn each page. Plus, because this story-telling technique is so dependent on what the characters know and the situations they're in, it's easier for Burroughs to create giant holes in our knowledge—holes that can be used as plot-points later on, or holes that can be filled at a better, more dramatic time. However, the story-telling in the novel isn't perfect. Certain bits of key information are left out of this book, and that information can only be found online, at Burroughs's blog. Specifically, an explanation of part of the poster classification system is missing entirely from the book, even though it's mentioned numerous times by characters. It's likely this was simply an oversight—Burroughs had to cut massive swaths from the book in order to keep it at a readable length—but it does make it more difficult for the reader, especially for those who don't follow Burroughs on tumblr.
As for the characters themselves, there isn't much praise that I can't give. The book boasts four POV characters—a number that seems too high to be balanced effectively, and yet Burroughs manages it masterfully. Each character has a distinct voice and personality, making the decision even more apt. By the last page, Burroughs's characters are shining, complex creations with equally complex relationships between each other. As I mentioned earlier, this book is more concerned with character development and character relationships than plot. That's not to say that there's not plot whatsoever; rather, the book acts as a springboard for what is bound to be an action-packed sequel. It's sprinkled with small conflicts and foreshadowing that create a subtle but urgent sense of foreboding. By weaving characters' relationships so early, and emphasizing how strong some of them are, Burroughs creates a solid foundation for realistic conflict in later books. Again, while Burroughs does an astonishing job juggling characters, relationships, and character building, some characters do slip through the cracks. Most of the novel focuses on the four POV characters plus one other main character, and TPC: Origins is primarily concerned with building these characters and their relationships between each other and side characters. However, this still leaves handfuls of side characters without much characterization. Luckily, it's very clear this isn't going to remain the case. Burroughs plans to address these short-comings in a series of short stories, and I'm sure the characters will be fleshed out in the coming books. Based on what Burroughs has said elsewhere (mainly her blog), it's likely that the hundreds of pages she had to cut involved at least some of these side characters—and it's also clear that she has in-depth notes for these side characters, even though those notes weren't realized in this book.
Overall, this is a very, very strong start to what is an extremely promising superhero series. Burroughs is well aware of the importance of diverse characters, and hers are a rainbow of sexualities, relationships, body types, personalities, races, religions, and genders. (Unfortunately, since I hoped to write a spoiler-free review, I'm unable to gush over the exact details here.) If Goodreads offered a more exacting rating system, I would've given the book a 4.5 out of 5. As it is, the problems are minute enough that I can give it a full 5 without any conflict.
So, what are you waiting for? Read it and bask in a complex world of superheroes—and of superheroes that are, above all, *people*.
July 26, 2015
This is a story about teenagers in a special boarding school learning to deal with their powers and training to become superheroes; some of them are non-white, female and/or queer. All of them are awesome.
I have wanted to read a book like this in the superhero sub-genre for so long. I mean the premise alone -- teenage superheroes in a training academy that deals with the realities and difficulties of actually being a superhero-in-training as well as the usual teen dramas of being different and discovering your own identity -- sign me up.
The world-building in this story is amazing. Both what is read and what is inferred gives us such a rounded view of what a world that has accepted the existence of posthumans (legally and socially at least) might look like. And, of course, discrimination and commercialism come into play when something like superhero is defined as a legitimate career choice. I would love to read more about the world described in this universe.
The characters are all fantastically wrought. Each of them has their own distinct voice and story; the characterisation is definitely the strongest aspect of this novel. Even the characters who don't have a direct point of view are unique and interesting and have their own story weaving into and around the stories of the other characters. I love the friendships and alliances that develop, the personality clashes and grudging admiration. I like every character in this book -- even the nasty ones, because they're all written that well.
Of course I'm going to love the feminist and queer themes of the book. It's an obvious and important aspect of the novel and of the characters but it's not something preachy and obnoxious that overtakes the plot or the characters of the book -- something I very much appreciate.
The only real issue I had with the book is with the plot and pacing towards the back third of the book.
Overall, this was a fantastically written, wonderfully characterised book with the sort of plot and world-building I could immerse myself in and read for days at a time. I highly recommend it for everyone even vaguely interested in young adult and superhero stories.
I have wanted to read a book like this in the superhero sub-genre for so long. I mean the premise alone -- teenage superheroes in a training academy that deals with the realities and difficulties of actually being a superhero-in-training as well as the usual teen dramas of being different and discovering your own identity -- sign me up.
The world-building in this story is amazing. Both what is read and what is inferred gives us such a rounded view of what a world that has accepted the existence of posthumans (legally and socially at least) might look like. And, of course, discrimination and commercialism come into play when something like superhero is defined as a legitimate career choice. I would love to read more about the world described in this universe.
The characters are all fantastically wrought. Each of them has their own distinct voice and story; the characterisation is definitely the strongest aspect of this novel. Even the characters who don't have a direct point of view are unique and interesting and have their own story weaving into and around the stories of the other characters. I love the friendships and alliances that develop, the personality clashes and grudging admiration. I like every character in this book -- even the nasty ones, because they're all written that well.
Of course I'm going to love the feminist and queer themes of the book. It's an obvious and important aspect of the novel and of the characters but it's not something preachy and obnoxious that overtakes the plot or the characters of the book -- something I very much appreciate.
The only real issue I had with the book is with the plot and pacing towards the back third of the book.
Overall, this was a fantastically written, wonderfully characterised book with the sort of plot and world-building I could immerse myself in and read for days at a time. I highly recommend it for everyone even vaguely interested in young adult and superhero stories.
August 4, 2015
When it comes to superheroes, I've always been a bigger fan of the teams as opposed to heroes who work solo. Not that I have anything against them, but there is something I find thrilling about a team of heroes coming together, complementing each other into a unified front to take on the villains. It was this idea of a superhero team, especially one in training, that drew me to The Posterchildren: Origins by Kitty Burroughs.
The Posterchildren: Origins follows a group of teenage heroes at Maillardet's Foundation for the Future of Humanity, a Hogwarts of sorts for up and coming superheroes. The story primarily follows Mal (who can heal himself), Zipporah (a speedster), Ernest (who has super strength and invulnerability) and June (who can create and control fire animals). Other characters weave through the stories, including Maks (an acrobat who emits electricity), Roz (who can effectively nullify the powers of those around her), Clay (who can turn invisible) as well as Jack (an empath) and Cindy (who can manipulate oxygen). Made up of eight issues, The Posterchildren: Origins tells the tale of how these young heroes were paired off at school and learned to work together, working through as many dangerous scenarios as teenage feelings.
I liked how Burroughs dropped the reader right into the world of The Posterchildren, though I do think some additional exposition on the classification system for the various heroes' powers (heroes are assigned various colors based on their abilities) may have been helpful (or even a chart at the start of the book). Burroughs excelled with her characterization - I particularly enjoyed figuring out who was who from the cover. And while I had a hard time connecting with Mal and his storyline (though his story was that much more rewarding when he finally dropped his cold shoulder), I found myself getting really attached to the other characters, especially Ernest, Zip, Maks and Cindy (whose power I found to be very unique among the usual superhero tropes but was sadly underused). That said, Burroughs did a fantastic job of juggling the many elements in this book - stories and backstories, powers and relationships, even characters themselves - and I'd be eager to see how the stories unfold throughout the next set of issues.
The Posterchildren: Origins follows a group of teenage heroes at Maillardet's Foundation for the Future of Humanity, a Hogwarts of sorts for up and coming superheroes. The story primarily follows Mal (who can heal himself), Zipporah (a speedster), Ernest (who has super strength and invulnerability) and June (who can create and control fire animals). Other characters weave through the stories, including Maks (an acrobat who emits electricity), Roz (who can effectively nullify the powers of those around her), Clay (who can turn invisible) as well as Jack (an empath) and Cindy (who can manipulate oxygen). Made up of eight issues, The Posterchildren: Origins tells the tale of how these young heroes were paired off at school and learned to work together, working through as many dangerous scenarios as teenage feelings.
I liked how Burroughs dropped the reader right into the world of The Posterchildren, though I do think some additional exposition on the classification system for the various heroes' powers (heroes are assigned various colors based on their abilities) may have been helpful (or even a chart at the start of the book). Burroughs excelled with her characterization - I particularly enjoyed figuring out who was who from the cover. And while I had a hard time connecting with Mal and his storyline (though his story was that much more rewarding when he finally dropped his cold shoulder), I found myself getting really attached to the other characters, especially Ernest, Zip, Maks and Cindy (whose power I found to be very unique among the usual superhero tropes but was sadly underused). That said, Burroughs did a fantastic job of juggling the many elements in this book - stories and backstories, powers and relationships, even characters themselves - and I'd be eager to see how the stories unfold throughout the next set of issues.
July 23, 2016
I highly recommend this book series!
There's a few mistakes, typos, paragraphs or dialogue not fitting together, things getting repeated too close to each other. Not huge things, but they are made all the more glaring because of how well every other part of the book is written. It is so good though and well above many other published authors I've read, so a few mistakes are easy to ignore. Also not a huge fan of the layout, but that's just a pet peeve I guess.
The best thing about this book is definitely the characters. Despite juggling quite a lot of POVs all of the characters are so fleshed out and completely believable. They are also all different from each other and it makes reading their perspectives all the more interesting.
I only have two critique points, one being the characters ages and two the ending.
The ages just seems so off. They are all supposed to hover around 14 years in the beginning, but it just doesn't quite fit. Like you have them wondering about having families and children, commenting on life experience that doesn't exactly match 14 years of age etc. I assume that their age has something to do with where they placed in the school system, but the whole book would make so much more sense if the characters were 17-18.
The ending didn't make any sense. It didn't really have an ending, it just stopped. There were so many plot point set up that just wasn't commented on or resolved.
If this had been t´like a comic publication it would have made sense with the issues and whatnot where everything will be explained in future issues, but this is a book and it seems decidedly unfinished. Yes you can end it on a cliffhanger and leave your readers guessing, but this wasn't like that, this just felt like there was missing a part og the book. Honestly if the writing and characterization hadn't been so amazing this would have put me completely off the series.
But the writing and characterization is amazing and I'll definitely be reading the accompanying short stories and eagerly await the next book in the series.
There's a few mistakes, typos, paragraphs or dialogue not fitting together, things getting repeated too close to each other. Not huge things, but they are made all the more glaring because of how well every other part of the book is written. It is so good though and well above many other published authors I've read, so a few mistakes are easy to ignore. Also not a huge fan of the layout, but that's just a pet peeve I guess.
The best thing about this book is definitely the characters. Despite juggling quite a lot of POVs all of the characters are so fleshed out and completely believable. They are also all different from each other and it makes reading their perspectives all the more interesting.
I only have two critique points, one being the characters ages and two the ending.
The ages just seems so off. They are all supposed to hover around 14 years in the beginning, but it just doesn't quite fit. Like you have them wondering about having families and children, commenting on life experience that doesn't exactly match 14 years of age etc. I assume that their age has something to do with where they placed in the school system, but the whole book would make so much more sense if the characters were 17-18.
The ending didn't make any sense. It didn't really have an ending, it just stopped. There were so many plot point set up that just wasn't commented on or resolved.
If this had been t´like a comic publication it would have made sense with the issues and whatnot where everything will be explained in future issues, but this is a book and it seems decidedly unfinished. Yes you can end it on a cliffhanger and leave your readers guessing, but this wasn't like that, this just felt like there was missing a part og the book. Honestly if the writing and characterization hadn't been so amazing this would have put me completely off the series.
But the writing and characterization is amazing and I'll definitely be reading the accompanying short stories and eagerly await the next book in the series.
June 17, 2013
The Posterchildren is delightful, the teen superhero romp I've been wanting for a long time. Although it does show signs of being self-published and a first novel (some syntactical oddities, a few typos, and some continuity/structural weaknesses), it more than makes up for those issues with engaging, fully realized characters, an interesting world (clearly the product of much critical thought about superhero settings as they exist in comic books, and subsequently both innovative and referential), and a crisp, fresh narrative voice which successfully delineates between four different points of view with little apparent effort. The cast is incredibly diverse, offering fleshed-out characters one doesn't usually see in young adult lit (or even adult lit, to be honest): a mixed-race boy of Arabic descent who is on the grey-A spectrum, a lesbian from a low-income background, a shy boy with anxiety issues, and a fat femme fashionista ready to tear the patriarchy apart with her bare hands. And those are just the main characters! The supporting cast is just as, if not more, diverse, and the book handles sensitively issues of sexuality, religion, race, mental illness, and other difficult topics. It eschews traditional plot structure to instead focus on developing and rounding out the characters, a choice I deeply appreciate, and it is guaranteed to have you clutching your heart and yelling about how much you love every one of them by the end.
July 13, 2016
The posterchildren is a seriously good book, though I may be biased because I am an avid reader of fanfiction and this book definitely reads as one.
The characters are interesting but gimmicky; you have the sassy but deep down insecure girl (who controls fire), the bubbly but insecure class clown (seeing a pattern here?) and blond superman junior who is also not-so secretly very insecure, which is a realistic portray of teenagers I suppose.. While I have heard some people complain about tokenism, I feel that the diverse cast only adds to the story, and it doesn't feel forced the way people being from everywhere doesn't feel like that either in real life.
My only complain is the older characters, and specially certain superpowered parents who are hyped through the whole story and then just fall flat on the interesting scale.
Definitely a recommended read for people who like superpowers, school drama and a combination of both.
The characters are interesting but gimmicky; you have the sassy but deep down insecure girl (who controls fire), the bubbly but insecure class clown (seeing a pattern here?) and blond superman junior who is also not-so secretly very insecure, which is a realistic portray of teenagers I suppose.. While I have heard some people complain about tokenism, I feel that the diverse cast only adds to the story, and it doesn't feel forced the way people being from everywhere doesn't feel like that either in real life.
My only complain is the older characters, and specially certain superpowered parents who are hyped through the whole story and then just fall flat on the interesting scale.
Definitely a recommended read for people who like superpowers, school drama and a combination of both.
May 17, 2013
While this isn't my first time reading Kitty's work (I loved her No Dawn No Day Batfam fanfic), this was the first time I'd read something of hers that wasn't focused around an already-defined world. I loved this book from the moment I started reading it. All of the characters are different than ones you'd normally find in a YA book, and the superhero scheme makes them even more interesting. By the time you finish the book, you're simultaneously screaming into a pillow because of cuteness, overwhelming feelings, and anger that you've already managed to finish the book in a single sitting. If you like comics, superheros, YA books, or all of the above, you should read this. For sure. If not, read it for the characters that leave such an impression on you that you find yourself wondering why there hasn't been anyone else like them before.
September 20, 2013
The book is good, the characters are enjoyable, and the relationships and problems that the characters encounter are handled well. There were parts that had weird pacing issues, and it was obvious at times that the book hadn't benefited from a professional editor's help, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. My biggest pet peeve was that it seemed like the author was withholding information that was vital for the reader to understand parts of the book - not on purpose, as a storytelling device, but because she's so familiar with her own work that she forgot that the readers don't know everything that she knows. I was able to find a lot of information to fill in the gaps online, but not having it as part of the book was really detrimental. I'm planning to keep up with the series, as I did enjoy it despite my frustrations.
October 22, 2013
I have a lot of feels about this book (for a variety of reasons), but for now I'll just say that I think it's more a 3.5 than a 4 because it doesn't have an ending - it just kind of stops. I mean, there is a resolution to one subplot but the major arcs are still hanging out, unresolved. Which, you know, I get that it's an ongoing series, but I found the ending abrupt (the pacing in the last third is kind of weird too). The timeline was also kind of confusing to me, so I was surprised it was only December at the end. And there are a couple of nitpicky things that should have been corrected in punctuating the dialogue, which I'll let slide in something I didn't pay for, but I did pay for this so...
But overall, highly enjoyable. If you've enjoyed the author's fanfic, which I have, you will probably like this a lot, since they share many things in common.
But overall, highly enjoyable. If you've enjoyed the author's fanfic, which I have, you will probably like this a lot, since they share many things in common.
May 18, 2013
Great book and a very enjoyable read. This book is pretty character driven and I wouldn't have it any other way. I could have read about these characters for another 1000 pages, easy. They all have their own unique voice, something I find a lot of authors have trouble with. Each character is unique and it shows. This novel has a lot of world building that is so effortlessly entwined with the story that it doesn't feel like a how to manual for something new.
Overall, this is a great book. It's diverse and amusing and funny and will have you on the edge of your seat and cheering for all of these characters and wanting more.
Overall, this is a great book. It's diverse and amusing and funny and will have you on the edge of your seat and cheering for all of these characters and wanting more.
June 7, 2015
Pure art. I loved every second and had to be dragged away for meals. I may or may not have missed my bus stop once while rereading on the way to a doctor's appointment. Yeah... If you don't like happiness and joy and truly involved and completely developed story lines and characters you should not read this book. I wait with baited breath for each Timely Tales installment. *rubs kindle against face* I'm currently trying to convince the owners of my comic book store to get it in stock when the paperback comes out. Everything is beautiful and nothing hurts. Even the parts that hurt are beautiful.
May 18, 2013
This was one of the best teen books I've read in a while. The characters are interesting, with the main focus being on their backstories and the way that they interact and bounce off each other. The book isn't set up in the typical three act structure, so you can reach the end of the book and ask where the resolution is if you aren't aware of that fact. It was nice to have characters that were unique and, well, real, for lack of a better way of phrasing it. June was my favorite, as she reminded me of my sister.
April 20, 2015
Literally, the only real flaw I have with this book is the ending. I won't go that far into it because I don't want to give spoilers, but the ending was a little abrupt and didn't properly resolve the book whose plot was a little loosey-goosey anyway. Still, it's got my two favorite things: LGBTQ+ representation and superheroes. I can't complain. The characters are interesting and believable, the universe seems well-fleshed-out, and the storylines are compelling if somewhat loosely plotted. I'm invested now, and I can't wait for the sequel!
September 1, 2016
This was actually surprisingly good in my opinion. It is the story of a group of teens at a super hero training academy and their experiences at the academy and in their personal life. There are of course overarching mysteries that add to the above and a sort of light hearted tone that I found enjoyable. The heroes vary in personality and ability and were interesting to follow. This seems to end sort of abruptly and I don't seem to find a follow up novel, so I guess that's a weakness, but other than that this would be an excellent first novel for a series.
May 1, 2013
The Posterchildren is everything I ever wanted from my superheroes and never got. It doesn't shy away from difficult subjects, but doesn't force itself to be grimdark in order to appear mature. You're immediately attached to the characters and you only grow more attached as you come to see that these dumb babies are people just like you. The kind of self-reflections we've been waiting for for so long.
May 17, 2013
The Posterchildren by Kitty Burroughs reminds me why I support independent artists. The story was fast paced, sharp, and witty, with characters unique enough that a reader is sure to find SOMEONE to empathize with. I personally fell in love with June and Ernest almost from the start, but the others had a humanity that made me eager to know their stories as well. All in all, a fabulous book, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
January 11, 2016
The author has created a wonderful and diverse world and cast for her novel The Posterchildren, and I love every second of it.
I recommend this book to anyone that will listen to me! All of the characters are amazing, and the author does such a good job of looking at situations from different character perspectives!
There are also at least 10 "short" stories published for this universe, which provide more background on the perspectives of different characters and on the world itself.
I recommend this book to anyone that will listen to me! All of the characters are amazing, and the author does such a good job of looking at situations from different character perspectives!
There are also at least 10 "short" stories published for this universe, which provide more background on the perspectives of different characters and on the world itself.
March 17, 2016
Kitty really goes above and beyond with her writing. All the characters feel so real, like I actually know them. The issues the book presents are real, and the characters' reactions and emotions to them are real. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys stunning characters and an enthralling plot, combined with easily some of the best writing I've ever come across.
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