Generation Comet

by Lynn W. Francis

It’s Ivy O’Connor’s last day alive, and for Hugo Wright it’s just another Thursday.
But the Hicks-Cooper Comet is about to pass the earth for the first time in over a decade.
And nothing will be the same ever again.

Among the wreckage of the fallen Hicks-Cooper comet, Ivy wakes from a suicide attempt and discovers that her body will rapidly heal any wound inflicted upon it. Hugo is able to move things with his mind, fulfilling his childhood dream of wielding superpowers.
Far from solving their problems, however, these abilities bring new challenges. Ivy is plagued by guilt over this miracle she does not feel she deserves, and haunted by ghosts from her past. Hugo is burdened with the need to save everyone he can, from the best friend he’s been fighting with for months to the niece haunted by nightmares.
As the teens and their city of Cottonwood Rapids reckon with the fallout of the Hicks-Cooper, one question remains. Will they be able to bring light to the darkness within the city and themselves?

Paperback

Published July 21, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much- the struggles of the characters were all so real, and Lynn didn’t shy away from talking about very difficult, painful topics. I would describe this book as a teenage found family comprised of overcoming self loathing and learning to live not only for your friends but also yourself while learning what it takes to be a hero. There was so many touching parts in the book- I laughed, I cried, I loved. I appreciated the diversity of the characters backgrounds, from Catholic nerd Hugo, to playboy jock Cary, to little sister-esque Sam, to neglected heir of fortune Ivy. They all have so much more depth and development to them than what you first think. I especially loved that it was set in a fictional Michigan town, which was extra fun as I’m from Michigan myself and you don’t see that very often in books!

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teens have troubles in life in general but after a group of teens gain superpowers when a comet crashes, they have even more problems. Not all the teens are using their superpowers for good, which is where the other teens come in. One has vague premonitions, one can levitate or push things with great force and another cannot seem to kill herself.

This book should have a number of trigger warnings (suicide, physical abuse to others, parental abuse, dysfunctional families).

I did like how Hugo’s caring actions turned Ivy around so she actually wanted to live and interact with others.

[m_apparentlyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC

I had a great time reading this story. I really felt for Ivy as she went through everything she was going through. Generation Comet is a great coming-of-age story that blends superheroes and powers with important real life themes. I can't wait to find out what happens next if there is ever a sequel to this story! Thank you to Netgalley, Lynn W. Francis, and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Alex Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Well thought out characters that hit close to home at times. So glad that the other was willing to touch on things that others tend to pretend don’t affect teens the way they do. I also love getting the story from multiple characters prospectives

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie Grohall · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an adult, I really enjoyed this book! It is very fast paced, and I struggled to pause reading when I needed to go to sleep, because I wanted ONE MORE PAGE!
The characters were very real, the plot was intriguing, things were revealed at a good pace, I just kept wanting to know more. I loved Hugo, Ivy, Samantha, and Boswell. (I didn't like Cary, the second male character...) The writing was great and I remember only 2 typos, so I think the author deserves 4 stars for the story itself, but parents should be warned about a few things to make a decision if it's appropriate for their children.

What I think parents should know:
The youngest of the four main characters is 13, and the art on this book made me think it would be safe for younger teens, and with a lot of the content in the book, that is the reason I knocked off two stars.

Hell-28 (and 1 "hella")
Da*n - 3 (and 1 da*ned)
Bi**h - 3
Bas**rds - 1
Sh*t - 3 (and 1 "sh*tshow)
God - 3 (these are "omg" style, there are many more respectful references to God Himself)
In one line, an adult male thinks of an adult female as "sexy as hell" which I found out of place and too mature for a book with an MC aged as young as 13.
"do-me" eyes - 2

I was worried about the sexual-abuse mention that was going to happen, but I feel that was very mild and safe for teens. It is inferred and not too descriptive.

I did appreciate that the main male character--Hugo--seemed the most clean in his words and actions. He even turns to God when he is struggling. As a Christian, I was really hoping he would have shared God more with Ivy when she was struggling, but instead he was just quietly there for her, which is an acceptable reaction as well (so if you aren't into Christian books, the faith is VERY light, and would still be enjoyable for you).

There is very strong indication that one character had s*x with another. This occurred prior to the book but is a VERY big part of the strain between the two male characters. I had hoped that the initial description was going to turn out to be that they just made out and perhaps had started taking off clothes? But later it was explained that there "should have been a sock on the door." They don't go into detail, so I would say it's probably still safe enough for teens, but what I didn't like was the way that it felt brushed off by the end, as if it was totally okay for teens to do this and the only problem seemed to be that another character already had a crush on the girl.

I should probably also mention that, of course, there is a lot of suicide mention and self-harm because the main female character struggles with this, for the entire book. It STARTS with this topic, so it is not a secret. I knew this was a main point of the book. I was a little surprised that she struggles with it the whole time, but I feel it was written respectfully, not encouraging or glorifying it. I really liked the way Hugo helped her through it.

There's a lot that the reader is allowed to think about and decide how they feel about it--the author didn't push "this is right!" or "this is wrong!" and there's even a conflicting message about whether taking a life of a killer is right or wrong (as one characters struggles with this and sees both sides). While this is great in a book, I think parents should have conversations with their teens after/during reading, to see how they are perceiving the topics, and I think it's safest for older teens.

(I do want to mention, this was an ARC read, in case any changes occur in the future)

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a rare comet makes its way around Earth and manages to leave a path of destruction, the true impact it has gradually unfolds, changing the lives of many in Generation Comet by Lynn W. Francis.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

On the day that the Hicks-Cooper comet was passing, and before it fell, changing the course of their lives, Ivy was determined to bring her life to an end, while for Hugo it was simply another ordinary day of working his summer job before going home and reading comics with his niece, Samantha. But the comet’s plummet to Earth triggered a change, and they now have rather unique abilities: Ivy revives and finds herself able to rapidly heal, Hugo can move things with his mind, and Samantha is plagued by nightmarish premonitions. While having superpowers might seem like it could be helpful in dealing with their town’s unsolved crime problem, acting as a vigilante raises its own issues, and the teens have plenty of emotional baggage to contend with already. Navigating the complexities of existing and new problems, they begin to address changes in the world and people around them.

Presenting a teenagers-turned-superheroes premise that adds depth and darkness by not shying away from depicting heavy topics and discussing difficult situations that many might rather ignore, the writing approaches these with care while encouraging readers to seriously consider the topics. Each of the diverse characters is depicted with their own rather serious traumas that they’re struggling with or coping with, which provides good depth to their development, but there is a slight sense of whiplash in the rate of change taking place at times in their emotional state, even if believable, with teen emotions presenting as a tad mercurial in nature or overly intense. The story is provided through perspectives of a variety of characters, though primarily derived from the narrative’s focus on Ivy and Hugo, and support from Samantha; while the additional characters offer added context, expanding the scope and possibilities for where the story could go, it detracts from a steady pacing building from the emotional emphasis growing between the teens as they confront both the situation at hand and themselves. With many of the narrative’s events resolved to a decent satisfaction, there were aspects left unresolved, though they segued in a manner that seemed meant as a transition for a potential sequel, or at the very least left the possibility open for one.

Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the long awaited arrival of a comet unexpectedly causes havoc for the inhabitants of a small town, some find their lives irrevocably changed in the aftermath.

Two such individuals are teenagers Hugo and Ivy. Despite her suicide attempt, the energies unleashed by the cosmic event somehow not only bring Ivy back to life, but appear to have made her virtually indestructible - preventing any further self harm attempts.

Meanwhile, Hugo - an avid reader of superhero comics - is amazed to find out that he appears to have superpowers himself. But can these powers help him to do what he really wants?

How can he help his beloved niece Sam to recover from the trauma she has been through, and how can he keep the people he loves safe? As Hugo soon discovers, life - even with superpowers - is far from simple...

This is a gorgeous story. It is moving, creative, and peopled with well-drawn characters. My only gripe is that It ends on a semi-cliffhanger, and we now have to wait for the next installment! Definitely worth checking out, it gets 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Generation Comet by Lynn W. Francis. The book opens fast, introducing us to Ivy, who just wants to end her life to escape it all, and Hugo, a typical teen with a live for superhero comics that is navigating through life. When the Hicks-Cooper Comet unexpectedly drops into the town, their lives become intwined in ways neither expected.

Ivy finds herself unable to die - her body immediately healing. Hugo finds himself moving things with his mind. While the two think they are alone in their newfound powers, their story starts to unfold and we meet friends and family (and enemies) that play important roles in the story.

I truly enjoyed the world that the author created and the stories that she wove in. The characters truly came alive and I think readers will be able to relate to them, even with superhero powers appearing! I was content with the ending and eager to know what happens next. Overall, a delightful read that engaged me from the start.

[Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: GENERATION COMET. NETGALLEY ARC new. Release 07/21.

The expression "A strange thing happened" is not uncommon, and sometimes it's even accurate. But mundane everyday reality would be very hard pressed to produce the kind of "Strange Things Happened" that provide the knockout (quite literally) Reader's Hook to this exciting and deeply delineated YA Contemporary Science Fiction Adventure. I couldn't have imagined; so I'm very thankful the Universe provides SF authors with such wide-ranging imaginations to gift us.
Don't expect a namby-pamby on-the-surface flit-through-the-garden: this story goes Deep, and the author peels the layers of her characters like peeling an onion: no secrets can hide.
Read on: and Ponder!

[Jon Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime superhero fan and an appreciator of well written, beautiful stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this read! It's at once a relatable and timely look at mental health and the importance of community, a throwback to superhero stories of decades past, and a powerful statement on finding a reason to live. I grew to love these characters deeply throughout my time reading! They are the crown jewel of this work. If you want something inspiring, fun, and a ragtag group of misfits up to superhero shenanigans, you should definitely pick up this book!

[E Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good storyline, with powers and twists that shock you. I didn't expect that they would know events and have to fight for eachother and I liked how this all came together. I would have liked to be able to have more of a connection with the characters and had more of their powers seen throughout and more action. Having said that, the author brings in some serious topics which should be spoken about more often with suicide and self harm being some along with loss and grief. All in all this was a good flowing easy to read book, but I had to do this one in sections.

[Jennyfer]

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me for a couple of reasons:
~ I struggled to gel with the characters
~ Despite the content warning inside the book, I was rather blindsided by certain graphic scenes early in the book, and I wouldn't have picked this up if I'd known this particular content was going to be included.

This is meant to be a YA book, and I wouldn't give this to any readers in the YA reading age, given that confronting content.

Not giving a star rating, just an explanation for the DNF.

[Sophia Pearl ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generation Comet is a breathtaking ode to comic books, found family, self-discovery, and everyday acts of courage. Francis has crafted a story worth reading over and over again. With a colorful setting and characters who practically walk off the page, this book will surely stick with readers long after the cover is closed.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more a coming-of-age story than a superhero story. It describes all the angst and struggles teenagers have before they find their true identity. The language is accessible but the emotions run deep without resorting to the use of big words.

[Kayliani Shi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high stakes YA story with multiple POVs and allllll the teenage angst. This is a fantastic debut!

[Trey Pankratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good story written in a style that emulates the feeling of reading a comic book!

[NJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fast phased and finally a teen superhero story in a modern but none dystopian setting. Received an arc and immediately dive in into the world of Ivy and Hugo. The book comes with a lot of trigger warning though including the talk of abuse, suicide and also death.

Reading it gives a mix of teen titans and big hero six vibes during the first chapters and overall explains how each teens dealt with their mundane lives despite having to hide their new found powers. Let us also take note how lovely each protagonist are and how well written they were. They really give off the attitude of how modern teens do things in today’s society.

🎧Playlist: Immortals by Fall Out Boys

[mavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just so charming. I've always loved superhero stories, and Generation Comet is no exception. Each and every character was such a delight, and Ivy O'Connor especially endeared herself to me. If there will ever be a sequel, just know that I will be there.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fervent Ink for providing me an ARC to review.