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Redline’s Downfall #1
Induction
Volta has a lot on her mind. Becoming a Hero demands sacrifice.
As the scion of the wealthy Travers family and a struggling trainee in a prestigious superhero academy, the wolf must contend with loneliness, gender dysphoria, and the Dampener – a special device designed to suppress her unstable powers.
Stretched thin, stressed, and in constant fear of being outed to her parents, Volta may crack under pressure if she cannot graduate on time. Graduation is only the first hurdle, though; then she’ll be a Hero full-time, fighting all kinds of villains both standalone and organized – including the enigmatic group spreading its influence across the country: the Korps.
The only reprieve in sight is a new friend – an impossibly beautiful and charismatic tabby, fascinated by Volta’s troubles. Student researcher Carmen provides an oasis of comfort and patience for the wolf, but Volta can’t help but wonder, why is she so interested in the first place?
As the scion of the wealthy Travers family and a struggling trainee in a prestigious superhero academy, the wolf must contend with loneliness, gender dysphoria, and the Dampener – a special device designed to suppress her unstable powers.
Stretched thin, stressed, and in constant fear of being outed to her parents, Volta may crack under pressure if she cannot graduate on time. Graduation is only the first hurdle, though; then she’ll be a Hero full-time, fighting all kinds of villains both standalone and organized – including the enigmatic group spreading its influence across the country: the Korps.
The only reprieve in sight is a new friend – an impossibly beautiful and charismatic tabby, fascinated by Volta’s troubles. Student researcher Carmen provides an oasis of comfort and patience for the wolf, but Volta can’t help but wonder, why is she so interested in the first place?
- GenresQueer
296 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2024
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 29, 2024
You might like this book if you'd enjoy:
-A refreshing, queer twist on the superhero genre
-Transgender fiction
-An interwoven and vast universe to sink your teeth into
-Unapologetically progressive themes
-Explorations of depression, anxiety, and social awkwardness
-Sexy furry supervillains in skintight outfits punching Republicans in the face
This is the first of the Korps books to be published, and it makes for a great introduction to this wildly progressive series. The Korps Universe is an expansive saga written by multiple authors who are clearly eager to bring a refreshing queer perspective to the superhero genre. I think this book is a great place to get started with the series. (Probably because it was how I got started with the series, but I digress.)
Despite being part of the superhero genre, the Korps Universe focuses on villains--or at least what the society in these books calls "villains". The world of the Korps is ruled by traditionalist, oftentimes fascist, powers, and we all know that when the bad guys are in charge, the good guys are labeled the villains. The Korps has taken to that label, fully adopting the aesthetic of villainy while fighting for progress in this conservative dystopia--one with a familiar flavor to our own world.
The story follows Volta, a red wolf and aspiring superhero attending a training school that's fully entrenched in that conservativism. Volta is secretly trans, and thus lives in an oppressive environment with constant reminders of the hell she'll have to pay if she ever reveals who she really is. But one day a gorgeous tabby cat researcher named Carmen takes a liking to Volta and begins to help her gain confidence and become a better hero. We find out very quickly that Carmen is a Korps agent, and she wants to help Volta escape her societal bonds.
It's a typical superhero academy setup, but the trans perspective elevates it into something new and interesting. Volta's inner conflict is so well-developed, and it strengthens the depiction of how incompatible she is with her conservative surroundings. Even her beliefs are incompatible, as Volta knows with seemingly 100% certainty that she's trans, but also believes much of the traditionalism that's been forced upon her. She's unable to reconcile the contradictions of her life until Carmen comes along, and the unweaving of her misconceptions was really fun to read about.
Syntax Takes's writing style also perfectly fits this story. They use an energetic, yet flowing writing style with unique punctuation and grammar (use of all caps, the tilde, etc) to bring to life the inner thoughts of the characters and give them a bit more flavor. I know many people balk at the idea of unconventional punctuation and formatting, but I love it. It's especially fitting in a story about a break in traditionalism. It's always cool to see a writing style match a book's themes.
And speaking of breaking traditionalism, this book really pulls no punches in its messaging. It's extremely unapologetic about being as progressive and queer as possible. If one of those people who sees "wokeness" in every shadow were to read this book their head would probably explode, and frankly I find that very refreshing. I imagine it's very liberating as a writer to shrug off the fear of being too on-the-nose or in people's faces about a message. The Korps Universe contains themes and messages that deserve to be shouted from the rooftops, and Syntax Takes pulls no punches in that effort.
So yeah, if you're looking for unapologetically progressive trans fiction and a refreshing take on the superhero genre, this is probably the book for you. This book is everything queer readers could want in a superhero series, and it's just the beginning.
-A refreshing, queer twist on the superhero genre
-Transgender fiction
-An interwoven and vast universe to sink your teeth into
-Unapologetically progressive themes
-Explorations of depression, anxiety, and social awkwardness
-Sexy furry supervillains in skintight outfits punching Republicans in the face
This is the first of the Korps books to be published, and it makes for a great introduction to this wildly progressive series. The Korps Universe is an expansive saga written by multiple authors who are clearly eager to bring a refreshing queer perspective to the superhero genre. I think this book is a great place to get started with the series. (Probably because it was how I got started with the series, but I digress.)
Despite being part of the superhero genre, the Korps Universe focuses on villains--or at least what the society in these books calls "villains". The world of the Korps is ruled by traditionalist, oftentimes fascist, powers, and we all know that when the bad guys are in charge, the good guys are labeled the villains. The Korps has taken to that label, fully adopting the aesthetic of villainy while fighting for progress in this conservative dystopia--one with a familiar flavor to our own world.
The story follows Volta, a red wolf and aspiring superhero attending a training school that's fully entrenched in that conservativism. Volta is secretly trans, and thus lives in an oppressive environment with constant reminders of the hell she'll have to pay if she ever reveals who she really is. But one day a gorgeous tabby cat researcher named Carmen takes a liking to Volta and begins to help her gain confidence and become a better hero. We find out very quickly that Carmen is a Korps agent, and she wants to help Volta escape her societal bonds.
It's a typical superhero academy setup, but the trans perspective elevates it into something new and interesting. Volta's inner conflict is so well-developed, and it strengthens the depiction of how incompatible she is with her conservative surroundings. Even her beliefs are incompatible, as Volta knows with seemingly 100% certainty that she's trans, but also believes much of the traditionalism that's been forced upon her. She's unable to reconcile the contradictions of her life until Carmen comes along, and the unweaving of her misconceptions was really fun to read about.
Syntax Takes's writing style also perfectly fits this story. They use an energetic, yet flowing writing style with unique punctuation and grammar (use of all caps, the tilde, etc) to bring to life the inner thoughts of the characters and give them a bit more flavor. I know many people balk at the idea of unconventional punctuation and formatting, but I love it. It's especially fitting in a story about a break in traditionalism. It's always cool to see a writing style match a book's themes.
And speaking of breaking traditionalism, this book really pulls no punches in its messaging. It's extremely unapologetic about being as progressive and queer as possible. If one of those people who sees "wokeness" in every shadow were to read this book their head would probably explode, and frankly I find that very refreshing. I imagine it's very liberating as a writer to shrug off the fear of being too on-the-nose or in people's faces about a message. The Korps Universe contains themes and messages that deserve to be shouted from the rooftops, and Syntax Takes pulls no punches in that effort.
So yeah, if you're looking for unapologetically progressive trans fiction and a refreshing take on the superhero genre, this is probably the book for you. This book is everything queer readers could want in a superhero series, and it's just the beginning.
January 11, 2025
This is exactly the sort of egg-cracking book I wish I'd had years ago.
Unapologetically queer, this is a truly delightful read from start to finish. The story world feels incredibly vast, even if only a very small part of it is explored here. It uses and deconstructs so many tropes familiar to the superhero/villain genres and adds its own queer spin.
I was fascinated by Korps stuff years ago when I first heard about it, but pre-egg cracking me was too scared to engage with it. Maybe if this book was there around that time, things would have been different for me in terms of coming out earlier.
I am so happy this is here now. This will be a crucially important book for so many people questioning their identity.
Unapologetically queer, this is a truly delightful read from start to finish. The story world feels incredibly vast, even if only a very small part of it is explored here. It uses and deconstructs so many tropes familiar to the superhero/villain genres and adds its own queer spin.
I was fascinated by Korps stuff years ago when I first heard about it, but pre-egg cracking me was too scared to engage with it. Maybe if this book was there around that time, things would have been different for me in terms of coming out earlier.
I am so happy this is here now. This will be a crucially important book for so many people questioning their identity.
February 1, 2025
My first dive into the Korps universe, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Everything about this book was so well written that I couldn't help but be sucked in.
First off, I loved the characters. Reading about Volta and her struggles as she had to navigate the abuse she suffered at the hands of people who were supposed to care about and help her was heartbreaking, but watching as Carmen helped bring out her true self and seeing her confidence at the end of the story was so so liberating and sweet. (And the moments she stood up to those who were breaking her were some of the best moments). The other characters also had their own merits though. Carmen's sweet and caring nature in helping Volta and her affection for her was heartwarming and I'm so happy they got together in the end. Even the characters that we're meant to hate (Volta's parents, Tullis, and Olson) were done in a way that made me furious at their actions and sweetly enjoy them getting their moments of karma.
The author also did a wonderful job writing this story. There was a great mix of addressing the hard topics while adding humorous and wholesome moments to keep it from overwhelming me. I especially loved all of Voltra's inner thoughts (my favorites have to be whenever she's fawning over Carmen, realizes it, and starts panicking). The plot was always understandable and I felt like every scene offered a purpose and every character had their role to play, even if it was small (though just personally, I hope Wren gets more screentime in the next book as I loved their sass and would love to see them and Volta interact).
Also on a side note, the artist, Eight-Stroke did an amazing job on the cover art.
This book made me fall in love not just with Volta but with the Korps and their universe. I have never rooted for a villainous organization to come out on top harder than I have this one. I can't wait to see what the 2nd book in this series has to offer. Keep up the great work, Syntax Takes.
First off, I loved the characters. Reading about Volta and her struggles as she had to navigate the abuse she suffered at the hands of people who were supposed to care about and help her was heartbreaking, but watching as Carmen helped bring out her true self and seeing her confidence at the end of the story was so so liberating and sweet. (And the moments she stood up to those who were breaking her were some of the best moments). The other characters also had their own merits though. Carmen's sweet and caring nature in helping Volta and her affection for her was heartwarming and I'm so happy they got together in the end. Even the characters that we're meant to hate (Volta's parents, Tullis, and Olson) were done in a way that made me furious at their actions and sweetly enjoy them getting their moments of karma.
The author also did a wonderful job writing this story. There was a great mix of addressing the hard topics while adding humorous and wholesome moments to keep it from overwhelming me. I especially loved all of Voltra's inner thoughts (my favorites have to be whenever she's fawning over Carmen, realizes it, and starts panicking). The plot was always understandable and I felt like every scene offered a purpose and every character had their role to play, even if it was small (though just personally, I hope Wren gets more screentime in the next book as I loved their sass and would love to see them and Volta interact).
Also on a side note, the artist, Eight-Stroke did an amazing job on the cover art.
This book made me fall in love not just with Volta but with the Korps and their universe. I have never rooted for a villainous organization to come out on top harder than I have this one. I can't wait to see what the 2nd book in this series has to offer. Keep up the great work, Syntax Takes.
August 22, 2025
A must read. Syntax’s writing is incredible. The plot left me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Absolutely read this book.
August 2, 2025
"With opened eyes, found at last, every second is a joy."
Just finished reading Induction last night, couldn't put it down after chapter 7. I went into this book not knowing exactly what to expect. I knew of the Korps setting and this was highly recommended by multiple people when asking about where to start exploring it. I don't often have the time to read, but I made time for this one, because its subject matter is something special to me.
As soon as it started, I was instantly hooked. Character writing is, to me, the key to an instant hook, and the characters all felt REAL. Some in ways that their experiences mirrored some of my own experiences, some I felt like were the ones I needed most years ago and still need--notably, Carmen. And some felt like exactly who I tend to be surrounded by, most days.
This book is a hard read, but not in a cynical way. And it is WELL worth even the most tear-jerking moments that wracked my heart so badly that I HAD to binge and get all the way through. I couldn't put it down. I can't describe just how much I NEEDED this book, this story, this experience. Every second is a joy, something this book helped to remind me. Syntax Takes has made something incredibly special here, and I can't sing its praises enough. Please buy and read this beautiful story, not just for the action, but also for a tale of personal growth, questioning the status quo, finding real family, and facing hard truths with opened eyes.
Just finished reading Induction last night, couldn't put it down after chapter 7. I went into this book not knowing exactly what to expect. I knew of the Korps setting and this was highly recommended by multiple people when asking about where to start exploring it. I don't often have the time to read, but I made time for this one, because its subject matter is something special to me.
As soon as it started, I was instantly hooked. Character writing is, to me, the key to an instant hook, and the characters all felt REAL. Some in ways that their experiences mirrored some of my own experiences, some I felt like were the ones I needed most years ago and still need--notably, Carmen. And some felt like exactly who I tend to be surrounded by, most days.
This book is a hard read, but not in a cynical way. And it is WELL worth even the most tear-jerking moments that wracked my heart so badly that I HAD to binge and get all the way through. I couldn't put it down. I can't describe just how much I NEEDED this book, this story, this experience. Every second is a joy, something this book helped to remind me. Syntax Takes has made something incredibly special here, and I can't sing its praises enough. Please buy and read this beautiful story, not just for the action, but also for a tale of personal growth, questioning the status quo, finding real family, and facing hard truths with opened eyes.
July 17, 2025
My main takeaway from this story is that Texas *really fucking sucks*.
Actually though, a delightful story that was personally: very cathartic. There's a lot of parts of myself I couldn't help but see in Volta as I read through this, but chief among them was just how *hard* it is to really truly de-program from some of the political narratives you grow up with. It was painfully familiar to read the shitty, prejudiced bile coming out of these characters, knowing that there was nothing fictional about these attitudes, about the pain they cause. But it made the conclusion all the more satisfying: You can't help but to cheer Volta along and hope in turn that someone somewhere is cheering you on as well.
As it becomes ever more apparent how our own current reality is filled with just as many shitty, powerful people that want to beat us down, I can't help but to feel the infectious hope seep out from this story. We can build a world for ourselves and each other.
I hope Volta finally gets to try pizza.
Actually though, a delightful story that was personally: very cathartic. There's a lot of parts of myself I couldn't help but see in Volta as I read through this, but chief among them was just how *hard* it is to really truly de-program from some of the political narratives you grow up with. It was painfully familiar to read the shitty, prejudiced bile coming out of these characters, knowing that there was nothing fictional about these attitudes, about the pain they cause. But it made the conclusion all the more satisfying: You can't help but to cheer Volta along and hope in turn that someone somewhere is cheering you on as well.
As it becomes ever more apparent how our own current reality is filled with just as many shitty, powerful people that want to beat us down, I can't help but to feel the infectious hope seep out from this story. We can build a world for ourselves and each other.
I hope Volta finally gets to try pizza.
May 31, 2025
Oh my gosh these Korps books are SO FREAKING GOOD. Fair warning though, the abuse, etc, warnings at the start are really no joke. I found myself hit pretty close to home and it messed me up a little. Should have taken them a little more seriously.
June 17, 2025
Induction is my first exposure to the shared universe of queer supervillains that is the Korps and I don’t think I could have picked a better jumping on point. The story of Volta and her struggles hits so hard while reading. I teared up quite a few times. If you are trans yourself, or have friends and family who are, this book will wreck you emotionally.
The way in which the story is written has the tone and looseness that I would associate with a heavily repressed and closeted 19 year old. That is not a small feat to achieve and Syntax hits all of the marks beautifully. There’s so much to be said about the use of the Dampener, a device that suppresses Volta’s electric based powers, and the ways in which she is forced to suppress herself in order to make it anywhere in the hero academy.
Carmen is a fantastic supporting character. There to be the mentor to Volta and give her the support and guidance she needs to be able to break free of the bonds of control her family has over her.
My biggest criticism is that the informal tone of some of the dialogue and how it is structured can sometimes get in the way of the reading experience. Nothing too bad, but there were times I felt like it could have been tightened up a little bit.
I feel like if you want to read more superhero stuff, but desperately wish it was more queer, then you should give this book a go. It was a wild ride and I’m absolutely going to be checking out the other authors that are writing in this universe now.
The way in which the story is written has the tone and looseness that I would associate with a heavily repressed and closeted 19 year old. That is not a small feat to achieve and Syntax hits all of the marks beautifully. There’s so much to be said about the use of the Dampener, a device that suppresses Volta’s electric based powers, and the ways in which she is forced to suppress herself in order to make it anywhere in the hero academy.
Carmen is a fantastic supporting character. There to be the mentor to Volta and give her the support and guidance she needs to be able to break free of the bonds of control her family has over her.
My biggest criticism is that the informal tone of some of the dialogue and how it is structured can sometimes get in the way of the reading experience. Nothing too bad, but there were times I felt like it could have been tightened up a little bit.
I feel like if you want to read more superhero stuff, but desperately wish it was more queer, then you should give this book a go. It was a wild ride and I’m absolutely going to be checking out the other authors that are writing in this universe now.
July 24, 2025
Induction by Syntax Takes
Induction is a brilliantly written, confidently queer story about a trans woman coming to terms with her identity in an ultra-conservative environment, and finding community in the "villainous" Korps. The protagonist Volta's struggles will be relatable to any transgender woman, and the story's superhero-filled world is full of witty parallels to the real-world oppression and slander that lgbt people face from right-wing oppression every day.
But politics aside, Induction is fantastic in it's own right. Volta's relationship with the mysterious Carmen is wonderful to follow and watch develop, and when the story gets into it's full motion, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, always excited to see what happens next!
It is commonly said that Induction is the best entry point when getting into the Korps universe, and as a first time reader, I couldn't agree more, as much of the story is about Volta herself learning more about the world!
Now that I've finally read it after hearing my other furry-literature-reading friends rave about it, I can say it absolutely lives up to the hype!
Induction is a brilliantly written, confidently queer story about a trans woman coming to terms with her identity in an ultra-conservative environment, and finding community in the "villainous" Korps. The protagonist Volta's struggles will be relatable to any transgender woman, and the story's superhero-filled world is full of witty parallels to the real-world oppression and slander that lgbt people face from right-wing oppression every day.
But politics aside, Induction is fantastic in it's own right. Volta's relationship with the mysterious Carmen is wonderful to follow and watch develop, and when the story gets into it's full motion, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, always excited to see what happens next!
It is commonly said that Induction is the best entry point when getting into the Korps universe, and as a first time reader, I couldn't agree more, as much of the story is about Volta herself learning more about the world!
Now that I've finally read it after hearing my other furry-literature-reading friends rave about it, I can say it absolutely lives up to the hype!
April 12, 2025
I first read Induction when I went on a camping trip a year or two back (the digital version). I had it downloaded on my phone in chapter-by-chapter PDFs. The night was hot and humid so to pass time while it cooled down, I pulled up the chapters and started reading.
I read the entire thing in one sitting and finished it at 3am. I could not put it down as every paragraph had me wanting to see what happened next.
Volta's story in this is intensely touching, and I spent much of the book wanting to just reach in and keep her safe. If you like hero-villain origin stories, if you like queer characters awkwardly finding their way through identity and relationships, if you want to read a story with a Trans femme protagonist wrestling with the expectations placed upon them - Read Induction.
I read the entire thing in one sitting and finished it at 3am. I could not put it down as every paragraph had me wanting to see what happened next.
Volta's story in this is intensely touching, and I spent much of the book wanting to just reach in and keep her safe. If you like hero-villain origin stories, if you like queer characters awkwardly finding their way through identity and relationships, if you want to read a story with a Trans femme protagonist wrestling with the expectations placed upon them - Read Induction.
November 10, 2024
Induction is an extremely powerful story of a character struggling to find her place in a world that doesn't accept her. Volta's story feels so visceral and real and is instantly recognizable to so many queer and trans readers. Syntax is incredibly capable of capturing the emotion and creating rich, nuanced characters. If you are queer, questioning, or just want to understand the inner struggles of those that are, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
September 4, 2025
Made me feel a bunch of things, i liked that.
but its hard to give it five stars, the plot felt at times overstretched but at the same time rushed. Maybe it was the overal lack of characters and how in a few chapters it was pretty much just Volta, Carmen and Wren. Then it felt like it ended too soon.
still reading the next one, made me regret buying it so long ago then tossing it in a corner until now.
but its hard to give it five stars, the plot felt at times overstretched but at the same time rushed. Maybe it was the overal lack of characters and how in a few chapters it was pretty much just Volta, Carmen and Wren. Then it felt like it ended too soon.
still reading the next one, made me regret buying it so long ago then tossing it in a corner until now.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews