What do you think?
Rate this book
Heroine Complex #6
Holiday Heroine: The Heroine Complex, Book 6
Nobody loves Christmas like Bea Tanaka—so when her family visits her for a special holiday celebration, she’s beside herself with joy.
After years of chaos, questionable decisions, and flirtations with the supervillain path, Bea is finally thriving. She’s got a sweet new gig hunting demons in Maui, she’s working hard to hone her powers, and her big sister, Evie, is proud of her at last. In fact, everyone is so proud of her that she can’t tell them the she’s feeling lost and adrift. She and her boyfriend, Sam Fujikawa, are struggling to make their long-distance love work, and her powers are displaying some intriguing new elements—elements that could lead her down an evil, mind-controlling path once more.
When her family’s holiday visit is disrupted by otherworldly monsters rising out of the Maui ocean, Bea throws herself into the battle—until she’s suddenly and mysteriously transported to the perfect Christmas back in San Francisco, surrounded by her family and an excess of merrymaking.
As she finds herself trapped in the bizarre holiday rom-com of her nightmares, Bea must unravel a treacherous demon plot, save the world from unspeakable evil, and resist the siren song of a supervillain destiny. And hey, maybe she’ll find time for a little holiday cheer after all...
After years of chaos, questionable decisions, and flirtations with the supervillain path, Bea is finally thriving. She’s got a sweet new gig hunting demons in Maui, she’s working hard to hone her powers, and her big sister, Evie, is proud of her at last. In fact, everyone is so proud of her that she can’t tell them the she’s feeling lost and adrift. She and her boyfriend, Sam Fujikawa, are struggling to make their long-distance love work, and her powers are displaying some intriguing new elements—elements that could lead her down an evil, mind-controlling path once more.
When her family’s holiday visit is disrupted by otherworldly monsters rising out of the Maui ocean, Bea throws herself into the battle—until she’s suddenly and mysteriously transported to the perfect Christmas back in San Francisco, surrounded by her family and an excess of merrymaking.
As she finds herself trapped in the bizarre holiday rom-com of her nightmares, Bea must unravel a treacherous demon plot, save the world from unspeakable evil, and resist the siren song of a supervillain destiny. And hey, maybe she’ll find time for a little holiday cheer after all...
Audible Audio
First published August 30, 2022
5 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Kuhn
68 books668 followersSarah Kuhn is the author of Heroine Complex—the first in a series starring Asian American superheroines—for DAW Books. She also wrote The Ruby Equation for the comics anthology Fresh Romance and the romantic comedy novella One Con Glory, which earned praise from io9 and USA Today and is in development as a feature film. Her articles and essays on such topics as geek girl culture, comic book continuity, and Sailor Moon cosplay have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, AngryAsianMan.com, IGN.com, Back Stage, The Hollywood Reporter, StarTrek.com, Creative Screenwriting, and the Hugo-nominated anthology Chicks Dig Comics. In 2011, she was selected as a finalist for the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New Writers Award.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 29, 2022
3.25 stars
rep: bisexual biracial (Japanese, white) protagonist, Japanese-American love interest, sapphic biracial (Black, Japanese) side character, biracial (Japanese, white) side character, Chinese-American side character
I’ve really enjoyed the Heroine Complex series over the past few years, and I’m a bit sad to let these characters go. However, we have to say goodbye eventually and it was nice to see where they all end up. Holiday Heroine was a decent finale that wrapped up Bea’s story nicely.
After moving to Hawai’i to gain her independence, Bea is thriving — or so she wants you to think. In truth, she’s lonely and homesick, especially with all the issues she’s been having with her long-distance boyfriend Sam. When the entire crew comes to visit, a beach trip goes awry after a giant monster attacks them. Then Bea suddenly finds herself transported to months in the future in San Francisco. She must uncover who’s behind the attack, as well as learning more about her new time-travelling power.
Although we’ve seen snippets of Bea in the last two books, it was interesting to return to her point-of-view and see how she’s actually very lonely. She’s also been stifling herself in the name of “maturing herself,” toning down her loud energy to conform more. Her bright personality still shines through though, and I was glad to see how she eventually realizes that she’s at her best when she’s herself.
I was glad to see more of Bea and Sam! Their romance was one of my favorite parts of her first book, and I enjoyed every scene they had together. Even though their relationship had some low points in this book, I liked that they got to relearn each other and why they love each other.
Honestly though, I was fairly bored while reading the majority of this book. I loved the first half of the series, but now that I’ve read all six (and the novella), I’ve come to the conclusion that the second half basically rehashed everything we saw in the first few books. They follow the same characters so of course they’d experience similar things, I know, but at some point the latter half of the series felt stagnant and repetitive.
I thought this book would be better since Bea’s was my favorite out of the original trilogy, but sadly I grew bored very quickly. So much of this book was literally just reminding you of events that happened in previous books. As much as I usually appreciate reminders of previous events, I didn’t need to basically read them and what the characters were feeling during them all over again.
This is partially due to my mood though so I don’t want to discourage others from reading this series. I still recommend it! I just think the first half of the series is a lot better, but if you’re in the market for Asian-American superheroes and a tightly knit found family, you may enjoy the Heroine Complex series.
...now that I've finished the second half of the series, I genuinely don't think the second trilogy was necessary at all. as much as I loved bea's book in the first half of the series, this one was just nothing new like I feel like the last three books just rehashed everything the main characters went through in the first three books
this is prob more a 3-star read but I feel like I'm just in a bad mood so bumping up to 3.25 for nostalgia purposes idk
read on my blog
rep: bisexual biracial (Japanese, white) protagonist, Japanese-American love interest, sapphic biracial (Black, Japanese) side character, biracial (Japanese, white) side character, Chinese-American side character
**I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley. These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
I’ve really enjoyed the Heroine Complex series over the past few years, and I’m a bit sad to let these characters go. However, we have to say goodbye eventually and it was nice to see where they all end up. Holiday Heroine was a decent finale that wrapped up Bea’s story nicely.
After moving to Hawai’i to gain her independence, Bea is thriving — or so she wants you to think. In truth, she’s lonely and homesick, especially with all the issues she’s been having with her long-distance boyfriend Sam. When the entire crew comes to visit, a beach trip goes awry after a giant monster attacks them. Then Bea suddenly finds herself transported to months in the future in San Francisco. She must uncover who’s behind the attack, as well as learning more about her new time-travelling power.
Although we’ve seen snippets of Bea in the last two books, it was interesting to return to her point-of-view and see how she’s actually very lonely. She’s also been stifling herself in the name of “maturing herself,” toning down her loud energy to conform more. Her bright personality still shines through though, and I was glad to see how she eventually realizes that she’s at her best when she’s herself.
I was glad to see more of Bea and Sam! Their romance was one of my favorite parts of her first book, and I enjoyed every scene they had together. Even though their relationship had some low points in this book, I liked that they got to relearn each other and why they love each other.
Honestly though, I was fairly bored while reading the majority of this book. I loved the first half of the series, but now that I’ve read all six (and the novella), I’ve come to the conclusion that the second half basically rehashed everything we saw in the first few books. They follow the same characters so of course they’d experience similar things, I know, but at some point the latter half of the series felt stagnant and repetitive.
I thought this book would be better since Bea’s was my favorite out of the original trilogy, but sadly I grew bored very quickly. So much of this book was literally just reminding you of events that happened in previous books. As much as I usually appreciate reminders of previous events, I didn’t need to basically read them and what the characters were feeling during them all over again.
This is partially due to my mood though so I don’t want to discourage others from reading this series. I still recommend it! I just think the first half of the series is a lot better, but if you’re in the market for Asian-American superheroes and a tightly knit found family, you may enjoy the Heroine Complex series.
original review:
...now that I've finished the second half of the series, I genuinely don't think the second trilogy was necessary at all. as much as I loved bea's book in the first half of the series, this one was just nothing new like I feel like the last three books just rehashed everything the main characters went through in the first three books
this is prob more a 3-star read but I feel like I'm just in a bad mood so bumping up to 3.25 for nostalgia purposes idk
September 12, 2022
Holiday Heroine is the 6th book in the Heroine Complex series by Sarah Kuhn and if there’s one thing I can say about this series is that it’s just fun. From the first page of the first book to the last page of this one, these books have just been filled with supernatural hijinx and a diverse superhero team kicking ass. I do think these are incredibly underrated for what they are, these books always have a romance arc throughout them, AND strong female relationships at the core. I don’t know what else we could ask for!
This book finds Bea having moved to Maui on her own, trying to prove to herself and her family that she can be her own powerful superhero and not need people saving her for once. I absolutely loved the twist that Bea’s issue took form as in this one. Bea is Asian American, and that’s always been celebrated in these books, and this is done in a unique way here with some of the Holiday memories and the demons involved. It’s one of the strongest aspects of these books and it made this one even better.
This book finds Bea having moved to Maui on her own, trying to prove to herself and her family that she can be her own powerful superhero and not need people saving her for once. I absolutely loved the twist that Bea’s issue took form as in this one. Bea is Asian American, and that’s always been celebrated in these books, and this is done in a unique way here with some of the Holiday memories and the demons involved. It’s one of the strongest aspects of these books and it made this one even better.
August 24, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
After five books of excellence (more or less), Heroine Complex hits a snag with Holiday Heroine. I was so excited for this one for a number of reasons, not the least of which that I finally got approved for a review copy! But I found myself sadly let down.
But let’s start with the good. As Bea moved to Maui at the end of her previous book, you get some Hawaiian flavor this time around. While I have mixed feelings overall of the vast majority of genre fiction narratives about Hawaii being tourist/newcomer based, Sarah Kuhn seems to have knowledge of the local culture to the point where she can present enough information from those characters’ perspectives to share with Bea as she becomes ingratiated in her new surroundings. Reading about the characters eating malasadas and going to an ABC Store was absolutely delightful.
And I do continue to love the relationships between characters. While I do have issues with how it manifests at points here when the supernatural elements come into play, the pure family stuff is delightful, like Evie finally having her baby.
But the monster stuff was so freaking weird and confusing. The way it results in a kind of time warp/AU threw me, and it really dragged getting to the point. It tries to tie in her serious issues with her love for the holidays and romcoms, but it just didn’t work in execution.
I’m sad this is the book that closes out the second trilogy (and possibly the series overall), especially after hyping it up so much in my mind and it not really delivering. But despite the lackluster supernatural elements, it does deliver on the character work and relationships, which have always been a highlight of the series anyway.
After five books of excellence (more or less), Heroine Complex hits a snag with Holiday Heroine. I was so excited for this one for a number of reasons, not the least of which that I finally got approved for a review copy! But I found myself sadly let down.
But let’s start with the good. As Bea moved to Maui at the end of her previous book, you get some Hawaiian flavor this time around. While I have mixed feelings overall of the vast majority of genre fiction narratives about Hawaii being tourist/newcomer based, Sarah Kuhn seems to have knowledge of the local culture to the point where she can present enough information from those characters’ perspectives to share with Bea as she becomes ingratiated in her new surroundings. Reading about the characters eating malasadas and going to an ABC Store was absolutely delightful.
And I do continue to love the relationships between characters. While I do have issues with how it manifests at points here when the supernatural elements come into play, the pure family stuff is delightful, like Evie finally having her baby.
But the monster stuff was so freaking weird and confusing. The way it results in a kind of time warp/AU threw me, and it really dragged getting to the point. It tries to tie in her serious issues with her love for the holidays and romcoms, but it just didn’t work in execution.
I’m sad this is the book that closes out the second trilogy (and possibly the series overall), especially after hyping it up so much in my mind and it not really delivering. But despite the lackluster supernatural elements, it does deliver on the character work and relationships, which have always been a highlight of the series anyway.
September 5, 2022
3.5 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Get ready for a wild ride with Holiday Heroine . Christmas and kaijus go hand-in-hand in Bea Tanaka’s second outing.
After making the leap from the family nest in San Francisco, Bea is determined to show her loved ones that she is thriving in Maui. She’s determined to blend in, make no waves, and keep her dangerous powers under lock and key. Yet though she’s made a close group of friends for herself already, Bea desperately misses her boyfriend, Sam, her sister, Evie, and everyone at Jupiter/Tanaka, Inc. When her family shows up for a visit, things start to go terribly wrong. Kaiju are popping up in Maui and Bea’s powers are out of control. When she passes out only to wake up in a mysteriously perfect Christmas in San Francisco, Bea knows she can’t just luxuriate in the holiday rom-com of her dreams. She has to get to the bottom of what’s happening before she loses everything and everyone she loves.
Bea is a vibrant heroine who has tamped down on her sparkly, over-the-top personality. She’s determined to be normal, to resist her powers and the supervillain path they could potentially take her on. She broke my heart more than once because she’s dimmed her light so much. I wanted to see her be the strong, confident, rainbow disco ball of a heroine she’s meant to be. Author Sarah Kuhn doesn’t make things easy on Bea in Holiday Heroine . Our brilliant heroine still has a lot to learn about being herself and it was great to see her bumpy journey to happily ever after. I can’t say much about that journey because it would spoil the story. Suffice it to say Kuhn takes readers on a twisty paranormal adventure.
I had a hard time rating Holiday Heroine because there’s a lot I love about the Heroine Complex world. Bea and her loved ones are all unique, well-drawn, endearing characters and I enjoy any time spent with them. But this book did drag for the first half as Bea – and readers – have no idea what’s happening or why. It’s only at the halfway point that things start to pick up. From there the repetition makes sense as Bea has lessons to learn, but unlike every other book in this series I didn’t have a hard time putting this one down, which was a pity. Still, even though this wasn’t my favorite Heroine Complex book I did love the way it turned out. Love in all its forms is key to this story and the way Kuhn flushed out Bea’s relationships with everyone in her life – especially herself – made this story shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Get ready for a wild ride with Holiday Heroine . Christmas and kaijus go hand-in-hand in Bea Tanaka’s second outing.
After making the leap from the family nest in San Francisco, Bea is determined to show her loved ones that she is thriving in Maui. She’s determined to blend in, make no waves, and keep her dangerous powers under lock and key. Yet though she’s made a close group of friends for herself already, Bea desperately misses her boyfriend, Sam, her sister, Evie, and everyone at Jupiter/Tanaka, Inc. When her family shows up for a visit, things start to go terribly wrong. Kaiju are popping up in Maui and Bea’s powers are out of control. When she passes out only to wake up in a mysteriously perfect Christmas in San Francisco, Bea knows she can’t just luxuriate in the holiday rom-com of her dreams. She has to get to the bottom of what’s happening before she loses everything and everyone she loves.
Bea is a vibrant heroine who has tamped down on her sparkly, over-the-top personality. She’s determined to be normal, to resist her powers and the supervillain path they could potentially take her on. She broke my heart more than once because she’s dimmed her light so much. I wanted to see her be the strong, confident, rainbow disco ball of a heroine she’s meant to be. Author Sarah Kuhn doesn’t make things easy on Bea in Holiday Heroine . Our brilliant heroine still has a lot to learn about being herself and it was great to see her bumpy journey to happily ever after. I can’t say much about that journey because it would spoil the story. Suffice it to say Kuhn takes readers on a twisty paranormal adventure.
I had a hard time rating Holiday Heroine because there’s a lot I love about the Heroine Complex world. Bea and her loved ones are all unique, well-drawn, endearing characters and I enjoy any time spent with them. But this book did drag for the first half as Bea – and readers – have no idea what’s happening or why. It’s only at the halfway point that things start to pick up. From there the repetition makes sense as Bea has lessons to learn, but unlike every other book in this series I didn’t have a hard time putting this one down, which was a pity. Still, even though this wasn’t my favorite Heroine Complex book I did love the way it turned out. Love in all its forms is key to this story and the way Kuhn flushed out Bea’s relationships with everyone in her life – especially herself – made this story shine.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 29, 2022
I loved this final installment of the Heroine Complex series. Sarah Kuhn really knows how to stick the landing.
The third installment of the new series, sixth overall, is from Bea’s point of view. In this book, we get a whole new style of storytelling for the series. Saying pretty much anything more about it will be a massive spoiler but the new plot point really worked for Bea’s character and our familiar, lovable Tanaka-Jupiter clan. Sarah Kuhn’s characters are so well developed and complex but still reliable. And even after years of getting to know them, there’s always something new to look forward to. This is a vastly underrated series that has just gotten better with each installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The third installment of the new series, sixth overall, is from Bea’s point of view. In this book, we get a whole new style of storytelling for the series. Saying pretty much anything more about it will be a massive spoiler but the new plot point really worked for Bea’s character and our familiar, lovable Tanaka-Jupiter clan. Sarah Kuhn’s characters are so well developed and complex but still reliable. And even after years of getting to know them, there’s always something new to look forward to. This is a vastly underrated series that has just gotten better with each installment!
Thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
I love this series, it’s a lot of fun and really cute. But Bea isn’t my favorite character. She would have exhausted me when I was in my early twenties, she’s a caricature of the squirrelly barely adult going scattershot through life with terrible communication skills. Still a cute book and her side of kind of dumb for a bright person is tolerable because these are light cheery books. I was old and crotchety even in my twenties though. Ok, by my teens … so take my opinion of her flightiness with several grains of salt. Still a cute series well worth reading if you want a cute urban fantasy.
September 4, 2022
The perfect ending to an utterly delightful series!! I’m going to miss this wondrous, wacky, ass-kicking family SO MUCH!
August 30, 2022
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Holiday Heroine is one of my favorite reads from the Heroine Complex series. I have been excited for Bea's story from the very first time I met Bea. So her own perspective was always going to get me in the gut. But what I didn't expect was how much Bea's story would resonate with me. Bea struggles to see and accept herself. If you ever thought you were your worst enemy, Bea is for you. She's so convinced that her powers should be feared and that she is this chaotic nightmare which needs to 'grow up'.
I felt like this desire to be different, to think the worst of us, and to have trouble accepting ourselves is so universal. Her struggle to see herself and her abilities resonated deeply with me. For anyone who has felt like they weren't okay the way they are will no doubt see themselves in Bea's journey. At the same time, Holiday Heroine examines the ethics of powers and mind manipulation. As this is a popular power, I loved seeing Kuhn examine the ramifications and self-doubt with this power.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Holiday Heroine is one of my favorite reads from the Heroine Complex series. I have been excited for Bea's story from the very first time I met Bea. So her own perspective was always going to get me in the gut. But what I didn't expect was how much Bea's story would resonate with me. Bea struggles to see and accept herself. If you ever thought you were your worst enemy, Bea is for you. She's so convinced that her powers should be feared and that she is this chaotic nightmare which needs to 'grow up'.
I felt like this desire to be different, to think the worst of us, and to have trouble accepting ourselves is so universal. Her struggle to see herself and her abilities resonated deeply with me. For anyone who has felt like they weren't okay the way they are will no doubt see themselves in Bea's journey. At the same time, Holiday Heroine examines the ethics of powers and mind manipulation. As this is a popular power, I loved seeing Kuhn examine the ramifications and self-doubt with this power.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
August 26, 2022
**Note: there may be minor spoilers for books 1-5**
The Heroine Complex series is always such a joy to read. Beatrice (Bea) Tanaka is one of my favorite characters of the series. And after the events of Heroine’s Journey—where she uprooted her life with a big move to Maui—I was hoping for another book from her perspective, to further explore her character directly. That’s essentially what this book delves into, and it does it so well. And with a good dose of holiday rom-con themed hijinks (and nightmare scenarios), time travel and its perils, and an abundance of otherworldly chaos, the sixth and latest installment—Holiday Heroine—to date is one of my top-favorites.
I liked Kuhn’s approach to both the old and new characters. The cast has always been colorful—big personalities, plenty of drama and mishaps—but the series has centered on their deeply personal issues and the strength of their relationships (both platonic and romantic). For me, it’s one of the highlights.
I also enjoyed the holiday themes. Rom-coms are always fun, and I liked how many of the hallmark aspects were incorporated throughout the story.
As Evie’s younger sister, I was used to Bea being in proximity to the core characters and main events of the series. The hub of supernatural activity has, for much of the series, remained in San Francisco, but the past two books have expended on that. And with her being so far away, there was somewhat of a noticeable absence. With the change in location, she clearly viewed it as a chance at independence and proving how mature and in control she was of her life and over her superpowers. Even the best laid plans, however, can have their hiccups, and once the latest threat was established, it proved that there was a lot left Bea had to learn and accept about herself.
I liked the way Sarah Kuhn handled Bea’s doubts. Outwardly, she was a confident and smart character, but inside she had a lot of turmoil and conflict associated with her powers to unpack. It affected her relationships, and made her vulnerable in unexpected ways. The frank realness of that particular end of the story was refreshing.
Holiday Heroine was the perfect mix of action, super heroes, and romance. If you’re a fan of this series, you’re going to love this one.
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (DAW Books) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
This review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
The Heroine Complex series is always such a joy to read. Beatrice (Bea) Tanaka is one of my favorite characters of the series. And after the events of Heroine’s Journey—where she uprooted her life with a big move to Maui—I was hoping for another book from her perspective, to further explore her character directly. That’s essentially what this book delves into, and it does it so well. And with a good dose of holiday rom-con themed hijinks (and nightmare scenarios), time travel and its perils, and an abundance of otherworldly chaos, the sixth and latest installment—Holiday Heroine—to date is one of my top-favorites.
I liked Kuhn’s approach to both the old and new characters. The cast has always been colorful—big personalities, plenty of drama and mishaps—but the series has centered on their deeply personal issues and the strength of their relationships (both platonic and romantic). For me, it’s one of the highlights.
I also enjoyed the holiday themes. Rom-coms are always fun, and I liked how many of the hallmark aspects were incorporated throughout the story.
As Evie’s younger sister, I was used to Bea being in proximity to the core characters and main events of the series. The hub of supernatural activity has, for much of the series, remained in San Francisco, but the past two books have expended on that. And with her being so far away, there was somewhat of a noticeable absence. With the change in location, she clearly viewed it as a chance at independence and proving how mature and in control she was of her life and over her superpowers. Even the best laid plans, however, can have their hiccups, and once the latest threat was established, it proved that there was a lot left Bea had to learn and accept about herself.
I liked the way Sarah Kuhn handled Bea’s doubts. Outwardly, she was a confident and smart character, but inside she had a lot of turmoil and conflict associated with her powers to unpack. It affected her relationships, and made her vulnerable in unexpected ways. The frank realness of that particular end of the story was refreshing.
Holiday Heroine was the perfect mix of action, super heroes, and romance. If you’re a fan of this series, you’re going to love this one.
Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (DAW Books) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
This review is also posted on my blog, Our Thoughts Precisely
September 28, 2022
Alright so I don't want to spoil the series so I'm just going to gush about the series in general.
I have said this a million times; this series is so underrated! I didn't find this series until the 3rd book came out but now I eagerly await the next book every year. I am constantly trying to get people to read this series.
I have always loved super hero stories but I get so tired of the same straight white men as heros so this series is such a breath of fresh air. Not only does this series follow women on color who kick ass. We also have a main character and several queer side characters.
This series is also so much fun! Yes each book deals with serious subjects as well but there is always so much fun as well. There is also some great fight scenes like any good hero series needs.
Seriously just do yourself a favor and read this series! You will not regret it! If you enjoy super heros or strong women or you just want an alternative to the same old Marvel or DC formula this is for you.
I have said this a million times; this series is so underrated! I didn't find this series until the 3rd book came out but now I eagerly await the next book every year. I am constantly trying to get people to read this series.
I have always loved super hero stories but I get so tired of the same straight white men as heros so this series is such a breath of fresh air. Not only does this series follow women on color who kick ass. We also have a main character and several queer side characters.
This series is also so much fun! Yes each book deals with serious subjects as well but there is always so much fun as well. There is also some great fight scenes like any good hero series needs.
Seriously just do yourself a favor and read this series! You will not regret it! If you enjoy super heros or strong women or you just want an alternative to the same old Marvel or DC formula this is for you.
Want to read
July 19, 2022***WHY?***
This is a series I hear no one talking about. I love it nonetheless. It's fun, snarky, has the Power of Friendship™ and people with powers who kick ass.
What's not to love?
This is a series I hear no one talking about. I love it nonetheless. It's fun, snarky, has the Power of Friendship™ and people with powers who kick ass.
What's not to love?
October 1, 2023
4 stars
Part of binge reading of Heroine Complex series
Finally my binge reading end with Holiday Heroine, the 6th and also the final book for Heroine Complex series. Just like its predecessor and the first arc, the sole narrator for this book is no other than Beatrice "Bea" Tanaka. The wayward little sister, trouble maker and holiday romcom aficionado that decide to move into Maui in the end of book 3. Just like Aveda, Bea kinda redeemed herself of sort, from a girl that love to throw tantrum as a result of unprocessed trauma and grief to be her matured herself. From a super heroine in the verge of abusing her mind control mojo therefore will slip into super villain path to a super heroine that try to resist the allure of villainy. Yet, like Evie and Aveda, the problems is just a start for Bea since she's feel overwhelmed with her new awakening power. She also try to balance things with long distance relationship with Sam Fujikawa, her boyfriend. And things getting awry when Bea suddenly time traveling to a bizarre timeline with Christmas at its core.
Since I read all the books back to back, I can said than the second arc of the book, start from Haunted Heroine follow same patterns. All of the heroine, Evie, Aveda and Bea face inner turmoil result from their unresolved past or result of they try to being mature, changed or to be resilient. Then, they will be away from their one true love. But, in case of Bea, Kuhn up the stake with not only make Bea kinda break up with Sam, but make it a disaster, more that Evie's emotional distance with Nate or Aveda's jealousy with Scott. Bea sure didn't go in easy way, though. Don't fret, Bea and Sam's romance still end up in HEA though, and true to its predecessor they will have heart to heart talk and communication that will solve some Bea's problems. See, patterns. If you read the book in a year gap, the pattern might be not too recognizable. However, since I did a binge reading, it's all pretty glaring.
The time travel thingie is pretty much sketchy and can be confusing as fuck and maybe Kuhn got inspiration from Avengers or what. Of course there's a mention of the said Avengers when in the final showdowns against the Otherworld and none other than Shasta, Bea assemble all the member of Tanaka-Aveda super heroine team. Pretty meta, though. If Evie and Aveda have each other as best friend, then Bea have Leah as her BFF and Leah also provide as support for Bea with things going awry for Sam. I can also feel how Bea herself love Evie so much, despite their hard past. I also liked that Kuhn decide to not write more about Bea and Evie's dad since said Dad didn't deserve their forgiveness; and glad that Bea found a father figure in the form of Pika, the grumpy chef that she befriend in Maui. I also like the theme of the holiday rom-com as part of the time travel and how Kuhn incorporated that happiness is thing that Bea choose. That Kuhn choose to not writing a martyr trope in this book is also a plus point. Sadly, I kinda missed Maisy Kane's blog or commentary since maybe because this book is written from Bea's PoV there's no room for Maisy's witty remarks.
Overall, Heroine Complex series is pretty solid from the first book (Heroine Complex) to the last (Holiday Heroine). All the heroines, Evie, Aveda and Bea, all of them are messy, complicated, unlikable of sort, yet they thrive to be a better person of themselves with the help of their loved ones. This series also pretty much diverse, not only in ethnicity but also sexuality and gender as well. Kuhn also address the problem that PoC faced and maybe it's still relevant to this day. Some of her insight maybe too blatant for my taste like in book 4 or book 5, though I still understand her frustration as well. Being an Indonesian, so basically also Asian like Evie, Aveda and Bea, I understand some of their struggle especially I found myself to be like Evie since we also tend to bottled up our feelings. No wonder that Evie is my favorite and although her own book, Heroine Complex is not that good compared to the next book, I understand that it's just book 1 in series problem. I end up like her second arc book, Haunted Heroine! For Aveda, I like her redemption in Heroine Worship but feel her second arc book follow the same pattern with Haunted Heroine and it's the same case with Bea's final book as well.
With the ups and the downs, I still recommend Heroine Complex series especially if you search for an urban fantasy series that have hearts, messy, unlikable heroines that will make you sympathize with their inner turmoils, swoony romances with different flavour of friend to lover trope, solid teamwork and diverse characters! Just start with book 1, Heroine Complex and enjoy the adventures of the super heroine of San Fransisco in the making!
Part of binge reading of Heroine Complex series
Finally my binge reading end with Holiday Heroine, the 6th and also the final book for Heroine Complex series. Just like its predecessor and the first arc, the sole narrator for this book is no other than Beatrice "Bea" Tanaka. The wayward little sister, trouble maker and holiday romcom aficionado that decide to move into Maui in the end of book 3. Just like Aveda, Bea kinda redeemed herself of sort, from a girl that love to throw tantrum as a result of unprocessed trauma and grief to be her matured herself. From a super heroine in the verge of abusing her mind control mojo therefore will slip into super villain path to a super heroine that try to resist the allure of villainy. Yet, like Evie and Aveda, the problems is just a start for Bea since she's feel overwhelmed with her new awakening power. She also try to balance things with long distance relationship with Sam Fujikawa, her boyfriend. And things getting awry when Bea suddenly time traveling to a bizarre timeline with Christmas at its core.
Since I read all the books back to back, I can said than the second arc of the book, start from Haunted Heroine follow same patterns. All of the heroine, Evie, Aveda and Bea face inner turmoil result from their unresolved past or result of they try to being mature, changed or to be resilient. Then, they will be away from their one true love. But, in case of Bea, Kuhn up the stake with not only make Bea kinda break up with Sam, but make it a disaster, more that Evie's emotional distance with Nate or Aveda's jealousy with Scott. Bea sure didn't go in easy way, though. Don't fret, Bea and Sam's romance still end up in HEA though, and true to its predecessor they will have heart to heart talk and communication that will solve some Bea's problems. See, patterns. If you read the book in a year gap, the pattern might be not too recognizable. However, since I did a binge reading, it's all pretty glaring.
The time travel thingie is pretty much sketchy and can be confusing as fuck and maybe Kuhn got inspiration from Avengers or what. Of course there's a mention of the said Avengers when in the final showdowns against the Otherworld and none other than Shasta, Bea assemble all the member of Tanaka-Aveda super heroine team. Pretty meta, though. If Evie and Aveda have each other as best friend, then Bea have Leah as her BFF and Leah also provide as support for Bea with things going awry for Sam. I can also feel how Bea herself love Evie so much, despite their hard past. I also liked that Kuhn decide to not write more about Bea and Evie's dad since said Dad didn't deserve their forgiveness; and glad that Bea found a father figure in the form of Pika, the grumpy chef that she befriend in Maui. I also like the theme of the holiday rom-com as part of the time travel and how Kuhn incorporated that happiness is thing that Bea choose. That Kuhn choose to not writing a martyr trope in this book is also a plus point. Sadly, I kinda missed Maisy Kane's blog or commentary since maybe because this book is written from Bea's PoV there's no room for Maisy's witty remarks.
Overall, Heroine Complex series is pretty solid from the first book (Heroine Complex) to the last (Holiday Heroine). All the heroines, Evie, Aveda and Bea, all of them are messy, complicated, unlikable of sort, yet they thrive to be a better person of themselves with the help of their loved ones. This series also pretty much diverse, not only in ethnicity but also sexuality and gender as well. Kuhn also address the problem that PoC faced and maybe it's still relevant to this day. Some of her insight maybe too blatant for my taste like in book 4 or book 5, though I still understand her frustration as well. Being an Indonesian, so basically also Asian like Evie, Aveda and Bea, I understand some of their struggle especially I found myself to be like Evie since we also tend to bottled up our feelings. No wonder that Evie is my favorite and although her own book, Heroine Complex is not that good compared to the next book, I understand that it's just book 1 in series problem. I end up like her second arc book, Haunted Heroine! For Aveda, I like her redemption in Heroine Worship but feel her second arc book follow the same pattern with Haunted Heroine and it's the same case with Bea's final book as well.
With the ups and the downs, I still recommend Heroine Complex series especially if you search for an urban fantasy series that have hearts, messy, unlikable heroines that will make you sympathize with their inner turmoils, swoony romances with different flavour of friend to lover trope, solid teamwork and diverse characters! Just start with book 1, Heroine Complex and enjoy the adventures of the super heroine of San Fransisco in the making!
September 5, 2025
I'm not crying! YOU'RE crying. Shut up!
This book signals the end of the Heroine Complex series. While, yes, I do believe there could be more adventures for this little family, I can understand why the author decided to let it lie here. It does end on a hopeful and happy note. And it's so fluffy.
The final book returns to Bea as the main character. She's settled down in Maui and studying potential demonology threats that may have broken out in other places besides San Francisco where her sister and Aveda Jupiter are living. But this time, Bea will have to either embrace her inner darkness and still manage not to go supervillain to save not only the world, but her own family. In this book, there's one particular incident on a beach that occurs and causes a major problem for Bea. Somehow, in the midst of this particular incident ... she freaking TIME TRAVELS. And she has no idea how she did it. But once she's stuck in the future, she has to figure out what happened in the past and what had accidentally changed. Above all, she has to find out who's responsible for everything happening AND how to stop it or risk messing up her entire timeline.
This book had all the fuzziness of the holiday season since it's set AROUND (sorta) Christmastime. I loved reading about the new friends she'd made while she was in Hawaii and I was heavily invested in her working out her long-distance relationship with Sam. It was such a good read too. Now, I do admit that I got myself a little bit bored in the middle because I couldn't keep my head on the book, but I got into it and faced down what I knew was the ending to finish the series.
Now I'm not going to lie, I'm still a little puzzled about how everything got defeated in the end, so I hope one day to be able to talk to someone about this. I mean, I can't figure out if the ultimate baddie actually got defeated or if they simply ruined any potential plan of theirs and got away until another time. It was a bit unclear, admittedly.
Still, the end of this series only reinforces the knowledge that I will always pick up anything Sarah Kuhn writes without question. She covers the challenges of being Asian-American and handling the racism that is thrown at the characters constantly with grace and humor. It is done in such a way that she's able to make her point without being preachy or taking away from the stories she writes. This is true with this book as well.
I always recommend this series. It's six books; they're fast reads, and they are so funny and lighthearted when they need to be, but they also have these romantic subplots that can leave you swoony. Each book puts one of the characters in the limelight as their own narrator, so they each encompass different parts of what's happening around them.
Book 1 -Evie
Book 2 -Aveda
Book 3 -Bea
Book 4 -Evie
Book 5 -Aveda
Book 6 -Bea
Pick them up and talk about these books with me, already. :D
Happy Reading, Superheroines!
This book signals the end of the Heroine Complex series. While, yes, I do believe there could be more adventures for this little family, I can understand why the author decided to let it lie here. It does end on a hopeful and happy note. And it's so fluffy.
The final book returns to Bea as the main character. She's settled down in Maui and studying potential demonology threats that may have broken out in other places besides San Francisco where her sister and Aveda Jupiter are living. But this time, Bea will have to either embrace her inner darkness and still manage not to go supervillain to save not only the world, but her own family. In this book, there's one particular incident on a beach that occurs and causes a major problem for Bea. Somehow, in the midst of this particular incident ... she freaking TIME TRAVELS. And she has no idea how she did it. But once she's stuck in the future, she has to figure out what happened in the past and what had accidentally changed. Above all, she has to find out who's responsible for everything happening AND how to stop it or risk messing up her entire timeline.
This book had all the fuzziness of the holiday season since it's set AROUND (sorta) Christmastime. I loved reading about the new friends she'd made while she was in Hawaii and I was heavily invested in her working out her long-distance relationship with Sam. It was such a good read too. Now, I do admit that I got myself a little bit bored in the middle because I couldn't keep my head on the book, but I got into it and faced down what I knew was the ending to finish the series.
Now I'm not going to lie, I'm still a little puzzled about how everything got defeated in the end, so I hope one day to be able to talk to someone about this. I mean, I can't figure out if the ultimate baddie actually got defeated or if they simply ruined any potential plan of theirs and got away until another time. It was a bit unclear, admittedly.
Still, the end of this series only reinforces the knowledge that I will always pick up anything Sarah Kuhn writes without question. She covers the challenges of being Asian-American and handling the racism that is thrown at the characters constantly with grace and humor. It is done in such a way that she's able to make her point without being preachy or taking away from the stories she writes. This is true with this book as well.
I always recommend this series. It's six books; they're fast reads, and they are so funny and lighthearted when they need to be, but they also have these romantic subplots that can leave you swoony. Each book puts one of the characters in the limelight as their own narrator, so they each encompass different parts of what's happening around them.
Book 1 -Evie
Book 2 -Aveda
Book 3 -Bea
Book 4 -Evie
Book 5 -Aveda
Book 6 -Bea
Pick them up and talk about these books with me, already. :D
Happy Reading, Superheroines!
October 13, 2022
What I like best about Sarah Kuhn’s style with this series is the way she blends fairly serious themes with quirky and unusual heroines. One of the best elements of the sixth book in the series is the chance to hang with Bea Tanaka as she figures out how to believe in herself, believe in her power, and trust that she is a superheroine just like her sister Evie and Aveda. She also learns not to allow others to tell her who she is but to embrace hope, choose love, and break every trope in the book. And in exploring these themes, Sarah Kuhn has created an uplifting and delightful story.
Bea Tanaka is fun and emotional. I love that part of her journey is embracing her emotions, learning that it’s okay to trust those around you, ask for help when you need it and even that she struggles with the complexities of adulthood. I feel like most women can embrace these issues. I know I have always had a hard time letting go and asking for help, not being 100% in charge all the time and this novel in particular spoke to me, especially as Bea starts out trying to be perfect and tamp down on who her genuine self is. I think more people need to trust themselves and embrace what makes them unique.
There is also mad sexy romance, loving friends, and warm family moments, both born family and found family. The story is adventurous but it is the emotional ties that resonate with me. This book is glittery, crazy fun but most of all uplifting and delightful because it revolves around love, joy, and hope, just like Christmas and other holidays with family. If you love family, along with demons and magical adventures, check out this book, along with the rest of the series.
Bea Tanaka is fun and emotional. I love that part of her journey is embracing her emotions, learning that it’s okay to trust those around you, ask for help when you need it and even that she struggles with the complexities of adulthood. I feel like most women can embrace these issues. I know I have always had a hard time letting go and asking for help, not being 100% in charge all the time and this novel in particular spoke to me, especially as Bea starts out trying to be perfect and tamp down on who her genuine self is. I think more people need to trust themselves and embrace what makes them unique.
There is also mad sexy romance, loving friends, and warm family moments, both born family and found family. The story is adventurous but it is the emotional ties that resonate with me. This book is glittery, crazy fun but most of all uplifting and delightful because it revolves around love, joy, and hope, just like Christmas and other holidays with family. If you love family, along with demons and magical adventures, check out this book, along with the rest of the series.
May 19, 2023
I still can't believe the series is over, and what a grand finale "Holiday Heroine" turned out to be! I've been so invested in the adventures of the Heroing Complex crew that I'm going to really miss them.
Sarah Kuhn delivers another imaginative tale in the last installment of this series, spinning a wild narrative that includes, of all things, time travel. I won't lie, the time travel elements got a bit confusing at times, but the characters and their journeys were the real stars of the book.
From the first book to this last, it's truly amazing to see how much these characters have grown. It's as if they've fully come into their own, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and love for them. It's a testament to Kuhn's talent for character development.
In "Holiday Heroine", our Asian-American superheroine, Bea Tanaka, battles her own insecurities while also dealing with an array of otherworldly monsters and the complexities of a long-distance relationship. The mix of fantastical elements and real-life issues created a wonderful balance, and the holiday setting brought an extra layer of warmth and cheer to the tale. Not to mention the KAIJU!
For those who've been following the series, this book is a must-read. Not only does it give us a look into the future of our beloved characters, but it also wraps up the series beautifully. I was completely satisfied with the ending, and while I'm sad to see the series conclude, I can't wait to see what Kuhn has in store for us next!
Sarah Kuhn delivers another imaginative tale in the last installment of this series, spinning a wild narrative that includes, of all things, time travel. I won't lie, the time travel elements got a bit confusing at times, but the characters and their journeys were the real stars of the book.
From the first book to this last, it's truly amazing to see how much these characters have grown. It's as if they've fully come into their own, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and love for them. It's a testament to Kuhn's talent for character development.
In "Holiday Heroine", our Asian-American superheroine, Bea Tanaka, battles her own insecurities while also dealing with an array of otherworldly monsters and the complexities of a long-distance relationship. The mix of fantastical elements and real-life issues created a wonderful balance, and the holiday setting brought an extra layer of warmth and cheer to the tale. Not to mention the KAIJU!
For those who've been following the series, this book is a must-read. Not only does it give us a look into the future of our beloved characters, but it also wraps up the series beautifully. I was completely satisfied with the ending, and while I'm sad to see the series conclude, I can't wait to see what Kuhn has in store for us next!
September 3, 2022
Intertwine time travel into an already epic series and you got me hooked - so much to where that this final installment of the "Heroine Complex" was the fastest I had ever gotten through, out of all six books. The odds, the shifts in time and outcome makes this one a true page turner. While I didn't really care for the Christmas element interspersed throughout the novel (seeing that I'm not a Christmas fanatic like Bea is), I did think that it did make for a useful device for both the story and for broadening Bea as a character.
Similar to what I said about "Hollywood Heroine," I love how much Bea has evolved throughout the series, and how she navigates her time traveling adventures - even in the face of doubt within herself - definitely shows that. She's not that bratty teenager she was introduced as six years ago, and in all the moments where she took the high ground, I truly commended her for that.
I'm truly going to miss this series. It's been a fun, wild ride. But I also can't wait to see what Sarah Kuhn cooks up next.
Similar to what I said about "Hollywood Heroine," I love how much Bea has evolved throughout the series, and how she navigates her time traveling adventures - even in the face of doubt within herself - definitely shows that. She's not that bratty teenager she was introduced as six years ago, and in all the moments where she took the high ground, I truly commended her for that.
I'm truly going to miss this series. It's been a fun, wild ride. But I also can't wait to see what Sarah Kuhn cooks up next.
January 24, 2023
As with the other books in this series I absolutely adored it and I am so sad that the series is at an end. It took forever for me to get my hands on this but it was worth the wait. Remembering everything the whole trio has been through and especially Bea was wonderful and this was a great wrap up. Basing it around the holidays makes sense with the theme of family and I really enjoyed all of the character growth. If you have not already read these, start with Heroine Complex and enjoy the pure sexiness, camp and beauty of this series. It really does have everything you could want and I would be more than happy to re-read all of these as many times as I can.
January 2, 2024
The Fantastic conclusion to the Heroine Complex series.
This time around, the book is taken from Bea Tanaka's point of view as she attempts to celebrate Christmas with her friends and family. The only issue is that her happiness might be a bit untimely as certain otherworldly beings will interfere not only in her family's happiness but also in her perception of herself.
My only critique is that I wish this was not the final installment.
I look forward to the author's next series. Maybe, an extension or short stories of Heroine Complex universe following other characters.
Happy New Year!
This time around, the book is taken from Bea Tanaka's point of view as she attempts to celebrate Christmas with her friends and family. The only issue is that her happiness might be a bit untimely as certain otherworldly beings will interfere not only in her family's happiness but also in her perception of herself.
My only critique is that I wish this was not the final installment.
I look forward to the author's next series. Maybe, an extension or short stories of Heroine Complex universe following other characters.
Happy New Year!
November 10, 2022
I had to stop myself from crying while reading because I was at work. I think this is my absolute favorite installment of the Heroine Complex series. While I love Evie and Aveda (Annie) I think Bea is my favorite of the trio. I've loved watching her grow into this amazing and badass superheroine who realized that she's not on the path to supervilliany and learned to love herself. I think the only character I may like more than Bea is Mrs. Fujikawa XD
I've really loved this series and I'm a little sad that this is the end, but the way Sarah Kuhn ended it was perfect.
I've really loved this series and I'm a little sad that this is the end, but the way Sarah Kuhn ended it was perfect.
April 3, 2025
I love the whole series (I'm not quite as partial to books 4 and 5 as much as the other books), but this book is my absolute favorite in the whole series. I'm partial to Bea as the main character as well. I like her quirkiness and her excitement over a lot of things.This book had the whole time travel element as well which made it even more interesting. All in all, this was definitely my favorite installation in the series. Very well done! And I don't even like Christmas, but this book somehow manages to draw me into the whole spirit of it all. Well done!
January 9, 2023
Easing back into reading with one from a series—only to find it's the last in that series. Boo. But it felt like a last book in the series, so at least that's somewhat satisfying. It was good, though I was sometimes annoyed with the protagonist's opinion of herself and/or take on what was happening. In some ways this read like YA, except with fairly explicit love scenes (that were hot). I'll miss the Heroines. It was fun getting to know them.
March 30, 2023
A low three stars, which is unfortunate as I enjoyed this silly, off the wall paranormal/fantasy series up until now. Bea's POV was just hard to stay with for the entire book and while it made sense to have her be the pivotal point, it just made me miss Evie, Aveda, and Lucy.
A bit too repetitive thematically so I ended up skimming the majority of the time skips.
Looking forward to the next series by Sarah Kuhn though!
A bit too repetitive thematically so I ended up skimming the majority of the time skips.
Looking forward to the next series by Sarah Kuhn though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
4 stars
This was a fitting end to the series. I didn't enjoy Bea earlier in the series, but I liked her more in this one. I will admit that this series has always joked around due to stereotypes and how some unknowingly act towards minorities in an eye rolling way. The last couple of books, however, it has come across more of an insult than the previous, "can you believe this guy" kind of way.
This was a fitting end to the series. I didn't enjoy Bea earlier in the series, but I liked her more in this one. I will admit that this series has always joked around due to stereotypes and how some unknowingly act towards minorities in an eye rolling way. The last couple of books, however, it has come across more of an insult than the previous, "can you believe this guy" kind of way.
August 11, 2023
Didn't expect to like this one best, but life's full of surprises. It was appropriately twisty, Bea got better-fleshed-out than in her first book, and the happily-ever-after-for-everyone ending was expected but fair. Even had a good sex scene - or did I just think it was good because, for once, there weren't guttural growls from the back of the throat, aching nipples and mentions of a woman's "most secret place"?
September 21, 2022
A bit bumpy, this one. Bea is my least favourite of the trio, and bloody Shasta finally gets her end (she’s never really engaged me, and the plots to foil her get needlessly complicated, which is acknowledged here) but I also think choosing to read this when I was feeling anxious and depressed was probably not the best choice…
October 19, 2022
I don’t want the Heroine Complex series to ever end, but if it has to end this book does it justice. Three interesting, complex Asian American women who are superheroes figuring out their places in the world and with each other. I would add two more words to this review, but that would be a spoiler.
December 27, 2022
This book was alright. I liked the setting a lot and Bea is a very fun and lovable character. I think that, at the end of the day, this book just ended up not being my cup of tea as I'm not all that into superhero type stuff. But it was a fun enough read.
February 17, 2023
I've found it challenging to read Bea's point of view before, but this was exactly the book that Bea needed and that I needed for her. Her introspection and growth was wonderful to see, and it was so nicely done with her love of Christmas romcoms. Really enjoyable and exciting to read.
April 2, 2024
A good end to the series, with the horizon wide-open for Team Tanaka-Jupiter. Bea remains a colorful bi disaster with undiagnosed ADHD, and at times being in her head can be exhausting, but I still love her.
April 11, 2024
Book 33 for 2024! 4.5/5 stars for this female superhero read! Another fun series with amazing characters and fun adventures! Can't recommend this series enough! I hope we get more from these characters, but this catches me up on the series for now! It also maybe has a hint of spice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews