Trying to Kill the Sun

by T.F. Author

When atomic bombs flew back and forth forty years ago, superheroes were an unintended consequence.

In present day,

Builder is a 23-year-old sidekick with the powers of duplication and post cognition. He's thought about quitting, Captain Miracle keeps telling him that he's too old for him. When his identity is leaked while on a routine League mission to prove that super powered people deserve to exist, along with a harrowing list of crimes he could not have committed, he has two choices. Go with Captain Miracle's overeager arch nemesis who pledges to protect him or turn himself in to the police.

The Centipede is a 29-year-old roboticist. He hates his narcissistic arch nemesis, Captain Miracle, but is too in love with Miracle’s sidekick, Builder, to give up his career as a villain for pay. When Builder's identity is leaked and he is accused of a huge list of crimes, The Centipede springs into action to save him and prove that Captain Miracle isn't who he says he is.

Will they clear Builder's name or will When atomic bombs flew back and forth forty years ago, superheroes were an unintended consequence
In present day,
Builder is a 23-year-old sidekick with the powers of duplication and post cognition. He's thought about quitting, Captain Miracle keeps telling him that he's too old for him. When his identity is leaked while on a routine League mission to prove that super powered people deserve to exist, along with a harrowing list of crimes he could not have committed, he has two choices. Go with Captain Miracle's overeager arch nemesis who pledges to protect him or turn himself in to the police.
The Centipede is a 29-year-old roboticist. He hates his narcissistic arch nemesis, Captain Miracle, but is too in love with Miracle’s sidekick, Builder, to give up his career as a villain for pay. When Builder's identity is leaked and he is accused of a huge list of crimes, The Centipede springs into action to save him and prove that Captain Miracle isn't who he says he is.
Will they clear Builder's name or will they be sunscorched?

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Superheroes, M M Romance, Gay

498 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2024

Reviews

[Eren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I wish I had when I was younger. It takes place in a world where the “good guys” in power are really the bad guys, and the bad guys are trying to make the world a semblance of better. Superhero is a profession — a concept I have loved since my hero academia but never could get into with that manga’s execution.
This story primarily focuses on the romance, which I was a little sad about because of how complex and interesting the world and its politics are. I felt that the middle dragged a bit and the end was rushed more than it needed to be. That being said, it is a very sweet, heartwarming romance. I wish I’d had a book that dived so deeply into trauma, how it affects our relationships, and how we can heal together.
I’m really looking forward to more books in this world! I’m grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this.

[The Book Mage J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating to say the least. amazing book dealing with a lot of issues. I loved the characters and growth of them, reading their personalities unfold was a real treat. can't wait for the next book.
star of the whole book for me was Millie 💖 definitely in love!

[PrettyLadyMaine Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC read I’m a huge super hero fan this was a good book. I like how you said to annotate the book because we all will crumble into dust eventually so we should leave our proof we existed. I never was one to write in my physical books or in my kindle but this makes sense.

[Matt Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told through a gritty and pleasing narrative, this smashing superhero saga is epic throughout its entirety. An absolute recomendation!

[Persephone Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that deals with heavy topics (such as the aftermath of SA) with grace, kindness, and stunning accuracy. That's not something one can say about many books with that kind of content.

This book takes place in a dystopia that is eerily similar to contemporary times, which makes it scarier to read about. It takes place in a universe based on changes made during the Cold War, and the author clearly knows his history, which makes the story even more immersive.

The romance is beautiful, and I was rooting for the characters to get together from almost the first page. The secondary and minor characters feel necessary to the plot, and have you rooting for, or wanting to defeat, every character who shows up. (P.S.: You'll like Milli. He's a great character, though my favorite is the Centipede.)

The second book, "Haunted by the Shattered Sun" comes out soon, and I greatly anticipate reading what happens to the character.

[Alix Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai adoré ce livre!
L’histoire se déroule dans un présent dystopique dans lequel les gens vivent avec les répercussions d’une guerre froide qui n’est pas restée froide. Des missiles ont été échangés et de la radioactivité ont émergés des individus dotés de super-pouvoirs.
Mais les conséquences ne s’arrête pas là, les USA se sont rebaptisé United Allies et appliquent une politique dure et totalitaire anti-communiste, anti-queer, anti-super-héros… brûlant les bibliothèques et prohibant toute information qui ne provient pas de leur gouvernement.

Les seuls super-héros autorisés à exercer sont ceux qui sont sous contrat professionnel, le reste d’entre eux sera arrêté et condamné s’il est surpris à user de ses pouvoirs.

(Presque un roman d’anticipation sur l’avenir très proche de l’Amérique du Nord, ayant été écrit en 2024 et au vu du climat actuel dans ce pays).👀

Mais ceux qui se font appeler "héros" sont simplement ceux qui ont le pouvoir, et qui feront tout pour le conserver, comme modeler la vérité, faire pression sur les gens qu’il faut, et bien pire.

Noah est un sidekick, l’un des rares se battant encore pour un véritable idéal de justice. Il est gentil, presque naïf sur le monde dans lequel il vit et il va lutter pour déconstruire ce dont on lui a bourré le crâne. Et arriver à réaliser ce qu’on lui a fait.
Noah est capable de dupliquer les choses et possède le don de rétrocognition/post-cognition, ce qui signifie qu’il peut voir des événements s’étant déjà produits.

Noah est le sidekick du super-héros Captain Minab… euh Miracle, ennemi juré de The Centipede, alias Anatoly, inventeur de génie et super-villain éperdument épris de Noah.

Je l’ai trouvé adorable. C’est le type super intelligent, protecteur et courageux mais qui va se transformer en gâchis frémissant devant son crush.
Et il a le plus génialissime des bras droits. Un ex-force special hyper compétant jouant les dame marieuse avec toute la délicatesse et la grasse d’un phacochère. Milli est juste parfait.😭🤌✨♥️

💥Sidekick/Villain
🦹‍♂️Dystopie
💥Trans MMC/Cis MMC
🦹‍♂️Pan/demisexuel
💥Proximité forcée

TW/CW: Abus (physiques, sexuels et psychologiques décrit au passé), gaslighting, SSPT, abus sur mineur, traffic d’enfant.

[avis03]

Autistic MC

[Meg Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I loved this book SO much. Anatoly and Noah are just incredible. Anatoly is down B A D for Noah and is high key obsessed but Anatoly is a respectful king about it 👑. Their relationship is just incredibly well written, exploring the darkest parts of Anatoly and giving Noah space to process them as I said, Anatoly is RESPECTFUL 🫡
Noah 😭 I love him. He made my heart hurt in SO many scenes I was screaming YOU DESERVE LOVE TOO 😭. The plot was incredible, I could see everything so clearly it felt like I was there. The dystopia written by Theoren gave me chills in a good way, it was so haunting yet there were many beautiful moments throughout this book. A lot of humor throughout as well . An incredible ensemble of side characters who are hysterical and amazingly fleshed out - I need another book focused on them okay!
This book deals with the aftermath and healing from SA. This was one of the many things that drew me to this incredible book. There are several scenes in trying to kill the sun that just made me sob, milli is the friend we all need okay 😭. This book was an incredible read from start to finish I enjoyed every second.

[Sol F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memorable superhero epic that combines unique worldbuilding with complex characters. I absolutely loved this book and the world the author has created. It takes place in the aftermath of a nuclear war that resulted in superhero abilities. The background of this conflict set the stage for the cast, creating a dangerous and oppressive system to navigate at its core. This book explores many difficult topics with care. I enjoyed following the characters on their individual, and collective, journeys. The romance element was sweet while not shying away from the trauma the characters had faced.

Other items of note:
- The quotes used at the beginning of each chapter were absolutely perfect. They fit the themes of the book and individual chapters.
- I adored the found family trope.
- The snark and sarcasm had me cracking up.
- There was a great balance between dialogue and action scenes. The action is super entertaining.

I'm looking forward to the sequel and other works by this author.

[Mc Chanster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This was a fun read!

I thought it started off really strong with how it set up the main characters – I loved the idea of heroes and villains having a ‘contract’ with each other and the sidekicks were such great supports. Plus, the meet-cute between Builder and Centipede had me giggling. Their mutual awkwardness was adorable and their gradual romance was pretty sweet. I also quite liked getting to know Builder and the Centipede and their backgrounds. This all being said, I personally found this book to be a little long.

There was enough action and I can understand the need for build-up, but honestly, I skimmed a few chapters in the middle and didn’t feel like I missed much. I hate to say that there were even moments I was a little bored. Still, Trying to Kill the Sun was a good read. It definitely gave me “The Boys” vibes and I would be interested to see what else comes from this author in the future.

Thank you Voracious Readers and TF Author for my copy. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Greg Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.F. Author weaves a tale of woes, triumphs, romance, violence and the people that perpetrate and survive them all. He brings vibrant life to diverse characters through wonderful and witty dialogue and strong personalities highlighting relationships both long since established and those newly forged. The cast is easy to fall for and even easier to root for and while it isn't like we have superpowered problems in our daily lives so many of their struggles are entirely too relatable. Their world may be a bit dark at times and they have many villians both super and more mundane but sometimes all you need is a good group of friends and you can take on anything.

Overall a great story about self acceptance, growth and healing from trauma, healthy and not-so-healthy relations ships and superheroes both in the news and in the smaller ways too.

I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy darker tones in their stories, those wanting queer representation in their stories, those that enjoy the romance genre and those who enjoy older superhero comics.

Final thoughts: They say never to idolize people who are still alive.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an emotional rollercoaster that goes from hilarious banter to difficult themes that are handled with care. I was drawn in by the superhero/dystopian world building only to stay for the heartfelt relationship between noah and the centipede. It’s a really sincere and almost cathartic read about two people who learn and grow from each other while they navigate their respective trauma together. It has some action as any superhero story does which isnt my favorite thing to read but it’s done in such a way where it doesn’t drag like i’m watching a dbz episode. All in all, Trying to Kill the Sun is a great book about how queer people with trauma deserve love just as much as anyone else. So if you’re looking for a romance novel with endearing queer characters and thought provoking writing then i more then recommend giving this book a read!

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah 'the Builder' is a junior superhero, and has been captured by the villain The Centipede! The problem is the Centipede is actually kinda handsome, and is treating him incredibly kindly... what does it all mean?

Alternate history where a small scale nuclear exchange mutated kids do they developed superpowers.

Alas, most of the superheroes are varying degrees of asshole.

Dark book, lots of trigger warnings. But interesting. Kept me reading, liked the characters and the storyline.
3.5/5 stars,

[Maggie]

Rswp

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly feel like this book was a healing experience for me. The love and affection and JUSTICE hit all the marks. And the author did an amazing job on the audiobook narration! 10/10!!!

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 6%

I'm sorry, but no. How does one "do" communism outside of a burnt down public library???

[K.V. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of superhero comics/media will enjoy this. I liked how there was a lot of focus on the sidekick's point of view rather than only the main hero like in most superhero stories. This was a humourous, unique story that explored relatable issues.