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City of Legends #1
City of Legends
Maci Knight has grown up in the shadow of legends. Her father and her brother, Max, are Heroes, worshipped by humans and Supers alike for their strength and valor. All she’s ever wanted is to follow in their footsteps, to fight villains and protect humankind. But Maci has a secret—one that could change everything.
Maci had a twin sister who died the same day they were born. In their world, one twin is always good, while the other always eventually turns evil. There’s no way to tell which twin will go rogue . . . which means no one knows if Maci will suddenly become a villain.
The closer she gets to her eighteenth birthday, the more she has feelings she can’t control: Violence. Rage. Revenge. Maci wants to be a Hero. But she may not have a choice . . .
The first in a trilogy, City of Legends introduces a new superhero mythology and an unstoppable heroine.
This is a new edition of the previously self-published novel Powered.
Maci had a twin sister who died the same day they were born. In their world, one twin is always good, while the other always eventually turns evil. There’s no way to tell which twin will go rogue . . . which means no one knows if Maci will suddenly become a villain.
The closer she gets to her eighteenth birthday, the more she has feelings she can’t control: Violence. Rage. Revenge. Maci wants to be a Hero. But she may not have a choice . . .
The first in a trilogy, City of Legends introduces a new superhero mythology and an unstoppable heroine.
This is a new edition of the previously self-published novel Powered.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2013
45 people are currently reading
814 people want to read
About the author
Cheyanne Young
15 books584 followersCheyanne Young lives in Houston, Texas and is an award-winning author of several books for young adults, including The Last Wish of Sasha Cade, which is being adapted into a TV mini-series by Waterside Studios. She has a Master of Library Science degree from Texas Woman’s University and works as a Teen Librarian.
Cheyanne has a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, glitter, and sarcasm. Her hidden talents include being able to say the alphabet backwards and typing 130 words per minute. She lives with her family, two spoiled rotten dogs, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world.
Cheyanne has a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, glitter, and sarcasm. Her hidden talents include being able to say the alphabet backwards and typing 130 words per minute. She lives with her family, two spoiled rotten dogs, and a cat that is most likely plotting to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 6, 2016
2.5 Stars
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
(This book was previously called Powered, but I've read the new Alloy Entertainment edition which is called City of Legends. I don't know if there are any other changes between the two editions)
City of Legends was a conflicted read for me. At the one hand, I really wanted to like this superhero novel, at the other hand, there were quite a lot of things that just didn't make sense and I couldn't overlook all of them.
Maci is on the brink of becoming a Hero, for which she has trained almost her entire life. She's a Super, which means she has an extra circulation running outside of the body (Thanks evolution!). This was caused once by some kind of radiation in a cave. You know, the kind of radiation that adds extra genes to your genome. (#PuttingTheFictionInScienceFiction) The society is quite strange as in the Heroes do Superhero stuff protecting the normal humans, who are in reality looked upon as third class civilians. I still don't know if I actually like the world this story is set in.
Although Maci already has some anger issues, she's told at the most inconvenient of times that she once had a twin. This is terrible of course, for it is know that from every Super-twins born, one will turn evil, a Villain. For Maci, it's only downhill form there.
Man, Maci was an annoying girl at times. I get that maybe she was a bit upset or confused at the things she finds out, but she takes it to a whole new level. I really hope she gets a bit more bearable in the next books, or I might be cheering for the Villains in the end.
It was a fast read and besides the forced romance thing that apparently just had to be there, it was quite enjoyable. I'm still curious to find out what happens next.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
(This book was previously called Powered, but I've read the new Alloy Entertainment edition which is called City of Legends. I don't know if there are any other changes between the two editions)
City of Legends was a conflicted read for me. At the one hand, I really wanted to like this superhero novel, at the other hand, there were quite a lot of things that just didn't make sense and I couldn't overlook all of them.
Maci is on the brink of becoming a Hero, for which she has trained almost her entire life. She's a Super, which means she has an extra circulation running outside of the body (Thanks evolution!). This was caused once by some kind of radiation in a cave. You know, the kind of radiation that adds extra genes to your genome. (#PuttingTheFictionInScienceFiction) The society is quite strange as in the Heroes do Superhero stuff protecting the normal humans, who are in reality looked upon as third class civilians. I still don't know if I actually like the world this story is set in.
Although Maci already has some anger issues, she's told at the most inconvenient of times that she once had a twin. This is terrible of course, for it is know that from every Super-twins born, one will turn evil, a Villain. For Maci, it's only downhill form there.
Man, Maci was an annoying girl at times. I get that maybe she was a bit upset or confused at the things she finds out, but she takes it to a whole new level. I really hope she gets a bit more bearable in the next books, or I might be cheering for the Villains in the end.
It was a fast read and besides the forced romance thing that apparently just had to be there, it was quite enjoyable. I'm still curious to find out what happens next.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 22, 2015
You guys. This book rocks. I read it in one sitting, and laughed out loud SO many times.
Cheyanne has done a great job of capturing a main character's angst without going so overboard, you want to knock her upside her head. Not to mention, this character is a female potential SUPERhero. How often do you see a YA book with that kind of plot? Hardly ever. Maci Might has the ability to be a hero, but her temperament keeps getting in the way. Which makes the story, though not all that enjoyable for Maci, highly entertaining for the reader.
The other thing that I loved was that Maci was at first fighting with being different than everyone else, but learned, as the story progressed, to embrace this individuality and own it (even though it was socially unacceptable), which is something so many young adults (and even adults) struggle to do on a daily basis.
Quote #1: I say something lighthearted and dumb because my brain sucks. "Are you supposed to make out with someone for the first time while they're half paralyzed because you slammed them into a wall?"
Ha ha. Oh, Maci.
POWERED is the first in a trilogy. I loved Cheyanne's MOTOCROSS ME, but this one was even more up my alley than MM was. As I was skimming reviews on Goodreads, I noticed there aren't very many complaints for POWERED (and rightly so), but the few mentioned had to do with a slower pace about halfway through the story. To which I say, the slower pace was needed, because it allowed us to get to know the characters more as they got to know each other. What happens between Evan and Maci would not have been believable had that part have been taken away. And, those slow times where they hung out and whatnot were the times I laughed the most. So while I see what some readers were saying, I appreciated the change of pace. :)
One last quote: Oh, to be a bird and have no worries other than--Which way is south?--every time winter rolls around.
And I agree, Maci. Orange Gatorade is WAY better than lemon lime. :D
Cheyanne has done a great job of capturing a main character's angst without going so overboard, you want to knock her upside her head. Not to mention, this character is a female potential SUPERhero. How often do you see a YA book with that kind of plot? Hardly ever. Maci Might has the ability to be a hero, but her temperament keeps getting in the way. Which makes the story, though not all that enjoyable for Maci, highly entertaining for the reader.
The other thing that I loved was that Maci was at first fighting with being different than everyone else, but learned, as the story progressed, to embrace this individuality and own it (even though it was socially unacceptable), which is something so many young adults (and even adults) struggle to do on a daily basis.
Quote #1: I say something lighthearted and dumb because my brain sucks. "Are you supposed to make out with someone for the first time while they're half paralyzed because you slammed them into a wall?"
Ha ha. Oh, Maci.
POWERED is the first in a trilogy. I loved Cheyanne's MOTOCROSS ME, but this one was even more up my alley than MM was. As I was skimming reviews on Goodreads, I noticed there aren't very many complaints for POWERED (and rightly so), but the few mentioned had to do with a slower pace about halfway through the story. To which I say, the slower pace was needed, because it allowed us to get to know the characters more as they got to know each other. What happens between Evan and Maci would not have been believable had that part have been taken away. And, those slow times where they hung out and whatnot were the times I laughed the most. So while I see what some readers were saying, I appreciated the change of pace. :)
One last quote: Oh, to be a bird and have no worries other than--Which way is south?--every time winter rolls around.
And I agree, Maci. Orange Gatorade is WAY better than lemon lime. :D
February 7, 2016
Full review coming soon!
I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I greatly disliked this book. The only good part was the ending. No details about the characters or world made this a very bad read.
I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I greatly disliked this book. The only good part was the ending. No details about the characters or world made this a very bad read.
March 29, 2016
Where to start with this one. Maci Knight lives in a world where there are superheroes (they all pretty much have the same powers, speed, healing, strength, etc) and normal people. She's not just from a superhero race, she's the prized daughter of the Mayor of the Superheroes. She, like all members of her genetic race, has been training her whole life to become a hero like her older brother and her dad.
But right before she takes her final graduation tests she learns that she was born a twin (in a horribly stilted, cheesy way), and before her all twins born to the super race are killed because one always goes bad, and there is no way to tell which is which. The elders of the city are reluctant to let Maci become a hero and fail her... at which point Maci throws a fit and whines a whole lot about not getting her due.
There are some interesting ideas here. The concepts of supers and normals, and how supers are adored, but seem to look down on normals as frail and pitiful. The hero-worship culture, the normals being seen almost universally as lesser people who must be taken care of, and the tradition of killing all twins (except, of course, when the mayor had twins. Then he broke all the rules for his daughters. And this is the motivation for the bad guy.) even Maci's own subconscious programming to only accept being a hero as a valid path in her life, to view other positions in the super city itself as lesser, inferior, all could have been very very interesting subtexts.
But instead there's zero self awareness or introspection from our entitled, ill-tempered heroine. She doesn't care why losing hero status gets such a reaction from her. She doesn't wonder if her own narcissism is an issue, or even use learning that she is a twin to explore the idea of nurture over nature, or shades of gray in heroism. No, she just throws fits, breaks things, runs away, disobeys, defends the status quo, talks about how she deserves to be a hero because she's the best, gets people killed(!)...
And in the end it's almost like Maci manages to reach through the text and convince the author to give her what she wants. The cool guy likes her, even though she completely and totally looks down on him (he's not a hero). One would think he'd get tired of hearing how being a hero is the only thing she ever wanted and she totally deserves it, when her behavior says different. And the bad guy, who is completely and totally justified in feeling ire and anger against a system (And the iconic head of that system) that slaughters twins without a thought, EXCEPT when the mayor breaks the rules for himself after he has literally demanded the death and torture of thousands of people for not fitting the super-society norms. In the end the author touches only a tiny bit on that conflict, then ham-handedly turns the villain into a cartoon, blindly cackling and being evil just because.
I almost quit reading this one a hundred pages in. The whining fit-,throwing from entitled Maci toned down after a while, but the story didn't really redeem itself. If you want a Peep of a superhero story with battles, a villainous villain and a sassy hero, you might like this. If you prefer a complex meaty super tale, skip on, because this one avoids the most interesting parts of its own concept.
But right before she takes her final graduation tests she learns that she was born a twin (in a horribly stilted, cheesy way), and before her all twins born to the super race are killed because one always goes bad, and there is no way to tell which is which. The elders of the city are reluctant to let Maci become a hero and fail her... at which point Maci throws a fit and whines a whole lot about not getting her due.
There are some interesting ideas here. The concepts of supers and normals, and how supers are adored, but seem to look down on normals as frail and pitiful. The hero-worship culture, the normals being seen almost universally as lesser people who must be taken care of, and the tradition of killing all twins (except, of course, when the mayor had twins. Then he broke all the rules for his daughters. And this is the motivation for the bad guy.) even Maci's own subconscious programming to only accept being a hero as a valid path in her life, to view other positions in the super city itself as lesser, inferior, all could have been very very interesting subtexts.
But instead there's zero self awareness or introspection from our entitled, ill-tempered heroine. She doesn't care why losing hero status gets such a reaction from her. She doesn't wonder if her own narcissism is an issue, or even use learning that she is a twin to explore the idea of nurture over nature, or shades of gray in heroism. No, she just throws fits, breaks things, runs away, disobeys, defends the status quo, talks about how she deserves to be a hero because she's the best, gets people killed(!)...
And in the end it's almost like Maci manages to reach through the text and convince the author to give her what she wants. The cool guy likes her, even though she completely and totally looks down on him (he's not a hero). One would think he'd get tired of hearing how being a hero is the only thing she ever wanted and she totally deserves it, when her behavior says different. And the bad guy, who is completely and totally justified in feeling ire and anger against a system (And the iconic head of that system) that slaughters twins without a thought, EXCEPT when the mayor breaks the rules for himself after he has literally demanded the death and torture of thousands of people for not fitting the super-society norms. In the end the author touches only a tiny bit on that conflict, then ham-handedly turns the villain into a cartoon, blindly cackling and being evil just because.
I almost quit reading this one a hundred pages in. The whining fit-,throwing from entitled Maci toned down after a while, but the story didn't really redeem itself. If you want a Peep of a superhero story with battles, a villainous villain and a sassy hero, you might like this. If you prefer a complex meaty super tale, skip on, because this one avoids the most interesting parts of its own concept.
September 6, 2014
1.5 star rating
*sighs* I've been prying and trying to stay away from writing this review because of how much I wanted to like it. But I just have to say that I can't and won't.
Have you ever gotten so excited for a book that you read the sample... and then disliked it? Yeah, this was me a few months back, earlier in the year. But it was only a few chapters, right? Just in time for the release of its sequel, Overpowered I was gearing myself to read this because I love Cheyanne's books. Surprisingly, this was an exception in that list, and I have to be honest here and express my feelings... and anger, maybe?
Cheyanne has developed a beautiful idea here. Superheroes? Never written about in YA—at least from what I've read before. But I was wrong.
I feel like in order to tell you my feelings, I'd have to kill you, haha. *jokes* There were many things that went downhill with this novel, and one of those major things was the writing. Coming from a fantastic author who's works I've read from and really enjoyed before, I expected even better. This novel was poorly edited and the writing went downhill the whole time through.
Qualities that pained me:
• the word "Hero." THAT IS MY #1 PROBLEM WITH THIS BOOK. The word, "hero," was used in almost every sentence. How can someone be intrigued to a book that's sentences are not thought through? For example:
The choice he would make if he wasn't so loyal to Hero rules.
"Evan gnaws on his bottom lip. "You're a Hero now. You can't do this." "I don't care about the freaking Hero rules. This is my sister."
In the matter of six sentences, the word "hero" was used half of the time. That's horrifying, but there's even worse examples that I care not to show because of how bad it became.
•the slow plot. Nothing was happening half of the time and the slim plot got to me, and by the end, I ended up with a terrible book-hangover that got me not to READ ANYTHING ELSE because this went so badly. It all messed up by the end.
•the characters. Nova? Really? What a surprise that a character like her and with a role of hers came in. That was no plot-twist/cliffhanger whatsoever. Hmmph.
•the ending. NOOOOPEEEE. I didn't like it.
Things that were okay:
•Maci. She was alright for the most part. Kick-ass and hilarious, she's probably a character that you'd want to hang out with in reality. She has powers too, but she might be evil. *screams sarcastically*
•The beginning.
In conclusion, this book was very disappointing. I expected something fresh and exciting, but all I got (maybe it's just me) was a disappointing, boring book with uninteresting writing.
*sighs* I've been prying and trying to stay away from writing this review because of how much I wanted to like it. But I just have to say that I can't and won't.
Have you ever gotten so excited for a book that you read the sample... and then disliked it? Yeah, this was me a few months back, earlier in the year. But it was only a few chapters, right? Just in time for the release of its sequel, Overpowered I was gearing myself to read this because I love Cheyanne's books. Surprisingly, this was an exception in that list, and I have to be honest here and express my feelings... and anger, maybe?
Cheyanne has developed a beautiful idea here. Superheroes? Never written about in YA—at least from what I've read before. But I was wrong.
I feel like in order to tell you my feelings, I'd have to kill you, haha. *jokes* There were many things that went downhill with this novel, and one of those major things was the writing. Coming from a fantastic author who's works I've read from and really enjoyed before, I expected even better. This novel was poorly edited and the writing went downhill the whole time through.
Qualities that pained me:
• the word "Hero." THAT IS MY #1 PROBLEM WITH THIS BOOK. The word, "hero," was used in almost every sentence. How can someone be intrigued to a book that's sentences are not thought through? For example:
The choice he would make if he wasn't so loyal to Hero rules.
"Evan gnaws on his bottom lip. "You're a Hero now. You can't do this." "I don't care about the freaking Hero rules. This is my sister."
In the matter of six sentences, the word "hero" was used half of the time. That's horrifying, but there's even worse examples that I care not to show because of how bad it became.
•the slow plot. Nothing was happening half of the time and the slim plot got to me, and by the end, I ended up with a terrible book-hangover that got me not to READ ANYTHING ELSE because this went so badly. It all messed up by the end.
•the characters. Nova? Really? What a surprise that a character like her and with a role of hers came in. That was no plot-twist/cliffhanger whatsoever. Hmmph.
•the ending. NOOOOPEEEE. I didn't like it.
Things that were okay:
•Maci. She was alright for the most part. Kick-ass and hilarious, she's probably a character that you'd want to hang out with in reality. She has powers too, but she might be evil. *screams sarcastically*
•The beginning.
In conclusion, this book was very disappointing. I expected something fresh and exciting, but all I got (maybe it's just me) was a disappointing, boring book with uninteresting writing.
September 19, 2016
I'll start with sharing that my favorite thing about City of Legends is how skillfully author Cheyanne Young melded the best parts of contemporary romance with the bold parts of super hero fantasy.
The title lends an epic-ness to the world that I can confirm after reading the novel. It truly does have an expansive and complete feel that drew me in and held me fascinated with King City and the Hero world. Young painted a clear picture, which is so important to me when a book isn't rooted in our world.
Maci. Oh, Maci. She's so headstrong and strong! In some ways she reminds me of a puppy, totally oblivious to her own power, like she hasn't quite grown into it yet. Except she does know she's strong, but there's a difference. I wanted to tell her to settle down at times and listen to her father, for goodness sake, but of course then there wouldn't be a story and that's no fun. There's something to be said about breaking free, making our own mistakes, and growing from them and over the course of the story we experience that alongside our heroine.
The Super group was super cool. I'd love to hang with them for a day. I totally vibed with Crimson and Pepper. I loved the introduction of Hero suits. I got a bit carried away with thinking about what my suit would look like, you know, if I were a Hero. I really liked the slow build of romance that was genuine and sweet, despite the fact that Maci is a total butt-kicking bad a**.
The backstory of Super twins, the way Young weaves in the Super mythology, and how the plot kept twisting and turning, especially when we reached the halfway mark, was outstanding. I was surprised and guessing at what was going to happen next and that's my favorite. The stakes were high and the pace matched that intensity. Also, there was an insightful bit about chromosomes and choice and it gave me much to think about. So as to not give anything away, it reminded me of one of my favorite Dumbledore quotes...paraphrased: There comes a time when we have to choose between what is right and what is easy. That's all I'll say, but it was poignant amidst major conflict and life changing decisions.
City of Legends was fun, thrilling, and meaningful. A great first in a three part trilogy. I cant wait to read The Valiant!
The title lends an epic-ness to the world that I can confirm after reading the novel. It truly does have an expansive and complete feel that drew me in and held me fascinated with King City and the Hero world. Young painted a clear picture, which is so important to me when a book isn't rooted in our world.
Maci. Oh, Maci. She's so headstrong and strong! In some ways she reminds me of a puppy, totally oblivious to her own power, like she hasn't quite grown into it yet. Except she does know she's strong, but there's a difference. I wanted to tell her to settle down at times and listen to her father, for goodness sake, but of course then there wouldn't be a story and that's no fun. There's something to be said about breaking free, making our own mistakes, and growing from them and over the course of the story we experience that alongside our heroine.
The Super group was super cool. I'd love to hang with them for a day. I totally vibed with Crimson and Pepper. I loved the introduction of Hero suits. I got a bit carried away with thinking about what my suit would look like, you know, if I were a Hero. I really liked the slow build of romance that was genuine and sweet, despite the fact that Maci is a total butt-kicking bad a**.
The backstory of Super twins, the way Young weaves in the Super mythology, and how the plot kept twisting and turning, especially when we reached the halfway mark, was outstanding. I was surprised and guessing at what was going to happen next and that's my favorite. The stakes were high and the pace matched that intensity. Also, there was an insightful bit about chromosomes and choice and it gave me much to think about. So as to not give anything away, it reminded me of one of my favorite Dumbledore quotes...paraphrased: There comes a time when we have to choose between what is right and what is easy. That's all I'll say, but it was poignant amidst major conflict and life changing decisions.
City of Legends was fun, thrilling, and meaningful. A great first in a three part trilogy. I cant wait to read The Valiant!
July 28, 2014
Ugh, I really, REALLY REALLY wanted to like this book, but something about it set my teeth on edge.
So basically this book is about superheroes, and genetics, and all about how super heroes have this thing where they have a magnetic blood system that makes their powers grow and also if they are twins, somehow, you can be only good or evil and it's decided at birth.
So what I really, really hated about this book was the idea that all superheroes are supposed to have aryan fucking features. Literally there is one non-white person in this entire fucking book and they're treated like crap because of it, and aren't considered "hero material" because they've got Asian features which means black hair and brown eyes, as opposed to blond hair and blue eyes. And the main protagonist of this book is all like "WOE IS ME I AM TURNING INTO A BRUNETTE." And she's a brat. Like not even an understandable, tortured childhood, lack of privilege brat. She's a class-A, I've grown up in the lap of luxury and I don't want to acknowledge that, woe is me brat.
She's like the Taylor Swift of super hero characters and my god it was painful.
The thing is, this COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. I could have LOVED THIS BOOK. It had some AMAZING IDEAS but in the end I was just like "oh my god I can't believe I finished that."
Seriously I can't believe I paid for this book. Even if it was super cheap on kindle.
But I mean if you don't care about well-fleshed out characters or racism or anything, it's actually a really interesting story on genetics and nature vs. nurture. But getting past the former to get to the latter was harder than I would have liked.
So basically this book is about superheroes, and genetics, and all about how super heroes have this thing where they have a magnetic blood system that makes their powers grow and also if they are twins, somehow, you can be only good or evil and it's decided at birth.
So what I really, really hated about this book was the idea that all superheroes are supposed to have aryan fucking features. Literally there is one non-white person in this entire fucking book and they're treated like crap because of it, and aren't considered "hero material" because they've got Asian features which means black hair and brown eyes, as opposed to blond hair and blue eyes. And the main protagonist of this book is all like "WOE IS ME I AM TURNING INTO A BRUNETTE." And she's a brat. Like not even an understandable, tortured childhood, lack of privilege brat. She's a class-A, I've grown up in the lap of luxury and I don't want to acknowledge that, woe is me brat.
She's like the Taylor Swift of super hero characters and my god it was painful.
The thing is, this COULD HAVE BEEN SO GOOD. I could have LOVED THIS BOOK. It had some AMAZING IDEAS but in the end I was just like "oh my god I can't believe I finished that."
Seriously I can't believe I paid for this book. Even if it was super cheap on kindle.
But I mean if you don't care about well-fleshed out characters or racism or anything, it's actually a really interesting story on genetics and nature vs. nurture. But getting past the former to get to the latter was harder than I would have liked.
January 19, 2016
I’m definitely a sucker for superheroes. (I get very grumpy every time I think about how long I’ll have to wait between Avengers installments.) So I was very excited to get a review copy of Cheyanne Young’s CITY OF LEGENDS, a YA action-adventure that features Maci Knight, a feisty, super-powered teen.
All Maci has ever wanted is to be a Hero, just like her dad, brother, and BFF. So when her Hero test ends disastrously and she’s accused of being (yikes!) a villain, she teams up with brainiac inventor (and cutie) Evan to clear her name.
I’ve read several of Cheyanne’s other books (MOTOCROSS ME is a fave), so I was expecting lots of great banter, a lovable if flawed heroine, and tons of cuteness. CITY OF LEGENDS paid off on all those scores—but there were also amazing fight scenes! And suspense! And cool superhero technology!
Overall I had a blast reading CITY OF LEGENDS and I’m very pumped to find out what happens next in THE VALIANT.
All Maci has ever wanted is to be a Hero, just like her dad, brother, and BFF. So when her Hero test ends disastrously and she’s accused of being (yikes!) a villain, she teams up with brainiac inventor (and cutie) Evan to clear her name.
I’ve read several of Cheyanne’s other books (MOTOCROSS ME is a fave), so I was expecting lots of great banter, a lovable if flawed heroine, and tons of cuteness. CITY OF LEGENDS paid off on all those scores—but there were also amazing fight scenes! And suspense! And cool superhero technology!
Overall I had a blast reading CITY OF LEGENDS and I’m very pumped to find out what happens next in THE VALIANT.
March 7, 2016
This was my first super-hero book, and I loved the concept. More than the concept, I loved the nuance with a character that walks that fine line between good and evil. She'll have these thought processes that could be very easily extrapolated to great villainy, but yet she chooses to remain good. I'm definitely a fan of this series and have picked up the second book.
March 3, 2016
My Review:
This was a re-read for me, the next book in the series was updated and she added a few new things to this book since it is now being published by Alloy Entertainment. I was planning to skim this book just so I can start reading the next one and be able to follow along just in-case I missed anything new she added, however, I found myself once again reading word for word and realizing how much I still loved this book. You can read my original review below. I really loved all the world build and I adore Maci even more. I love the idea that she could be a villain since most stories are always about Superheroes but this is a great coming of age. I still loved the idea that she could be a villain but with such a big heart. I really love this book and can not wait to read the next one.
This was a re-read for me, the next book in the series was updated and she added a few new things to this book since it is now being published by Alloy Entertainment. I was planning to skim this book just so I can start reading the next one and be able to follow along just in-case I missed anything new she added, however, I found myself once again reading word for word and realizing how much I still loved this book. You can read my original review below. I really loved all the world build and I adore Maci even more. I love the idea that she could be a villain since most stories are always about Superheroes but this is a great coming of age. I still loved the idea that she could be a villain but with such a big heart. I really love this book and can not wait to read the next one.
Posted December 30, 2013
Powered by Cheyanne Young was something I had been wanting to read for quite some time. It was one of those books that you know you are going to love even before you read it. A serious must read and you know you must have it. I saw this book on a friends blog when the cover was revealed and something about the synopsis really had me going. I never read a book about a breed of superheros but this one was even better. She might be a superhero but she might be a villain.
Powered is a fantastic story about Maci Might a 16 year old girl who lives in King City a place for where super hero are born and live. It’s Maci’s 16th birthday the day she has been waiting for the day she is about to become a hero just like her dad and brother. She has a bit of a short fuse and she might actually act out more then she should but she is determined to pass the Hero’s test and become a true hero. Unfortunately her temper gets the best of her and she messes up pretty bad on the test. Her dad who just so happens to be the President of King City talks with the council to get them to reevaluate her test and they will decide in 7 days. 7 days is a very long time for a 16-year-old super hero. Maci was born a twin but an attacked killed her mom and her twin sister. Twins born to heroes have a 50% chance that one might be evil. Most people believe she is the evil one but she is determined to prove she is the true hero. If only she can keep her temper under control. When things start to get weird in King City and the place goes on lock down it is up to Maci to help save King City and be the true hero she has always wanted to be.
I loved Maci she is such a strong character and she really grows a lot during this book. I loved the entire idea that you knew she was most likely the evil one but she had such an amazing heart you really cheered her on when things would go bad for her. I can totally relate to Maci, I have always been described in my family as the evil one (insert crazy villain laugh here)but I really am a nice evil person, really I am
February 7, 2016
Maci Knight has grown up in the shadow of legends. Her father and her brother, Max, are Heroes, worshipped by humans and Supers alike for their strength and valor. All she’s ever wanted is to follow in their footsteps, to fight villains and protect humankind. But Maci has a secret—one that could change everything.
Maci had a twin sister who died the same day they were born. In their world, one twin is always good, while the other always eventually turns evil. There’s no way to tell which twin will go rogue . . . which means no one knows if Maci will suddenly become a villain.
The closer she gets to her eighteenth birthday, the more she has feelings she can’t control: Violence. Rage. Revenge. Maci wants to be a Hero. But she may not have a choice . . .
It's sad when a book lets you down because it does not live up to its potential. Reading the blurb, I was expecting a character-centric book about what it means to be a hero, and all that. But it is basically an Incredibles-like plot, with superhumans being an evolved species that live underground and protect the world. *yawn* Being a first book, I expect a bit more about the world than just some little backstory about how they came to be. What are the goals of the Supers society, why they protect humans, do all of them feel the same instinct to be heroes, why is murder such a big no-no, why is their world so black and white? Questions, questions and more questions and our heroine asks none of them. Heck, no character in the book asks it. Made me think like its a cult of superpowered beings. The Heroes are the elite of the society, who go around saving the world in sexy suits? Umm, do they have any ambition beyond that. They don't want to live in the world they want to save?
Another aspect where the world-building collapsed on itself is the fact that it establishes early on that good Supers are good, and the bad Supers become villains. Eventually, it even links it to genes (which is a lazy trope, right alongside the scientist who can do everything trope - looking at you, Evan) and then shows that the villain was one whom they had considered a good Super all along. Also, the whole no-murder thing threw me - they can never take any life, not even of a villain, but they can subject them to a cruel and inhumane process like depowering? Even when Maci undergoes that process, she doesn't think that maybe it is not the proper way to deal with villains. Like, where's the nobility in that?
Overall, I think it suffered from a case of plot-without-cause, and was mostly action-centric, but not even that could save it from terribly written scenes, or an unsatisfactory obstacle.
Received a free galley from Alloy Entertainment, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Maci had a twin sister who died the same day they were born. In their world, one twin is always good, while the other always eventually turns evil. There’s no way to tell which twin will go rogue . . . which means no one knows if Maci will suddenly become a villain.
The closer she gets to her eighteenth birthday, the more she has feelings she can’t control: Violence. Rage. Revenge. Maci wants to be a Hero. But she may not have a choice . . .
It's sad when a book lets you down because it does not live up to its potential. Reading the blurb, I was expecting a character-centric book about what it means to be a hero, and all that. But it is basically an Incredibles-like plot, with superhumans being an evolved species that live underground and protect the world. *yawn* Being a first book, I expect a bit more about the world than just some little backstory about how they came to be. What are the goals of the Supers society, why they protect humans, do all of them feel the same instinct to be heroes, why is murder such a big no-no, why is their world so black and white? Questions, questions and more questions and our heroine asks none of them. Heck, no character in the book asks it. Made me think like its a cult of superpowered beings. The Heroes are the elite of the society, who go around saving the world in sexy suits? Umm, do they have any ambition beyond that. They don't want to live in the world they want to save?
Another aspect where the world-building collapsed on itself is the fact that it establishes early on that good Supers are good, and the bad Supers become villains. Eventually, it even links it to genes (which is a lazy trope, right alongside the scientist who can do everything trope - looking at you, Evan) and then shows that the villain was one whom they had considered a good Super all along. Also, the whole no-murder thing threw me - they can never take any life, not even of a villain, but they can subject them to a cruel and inhumane process like depowering? Even when Maci undergoes that process, she doesn't think that maybe it is not the proper way to deal with villains. Like, where's the nobility in that?
Overall, I think it suffered from a case of plot-without-cause, and was mostly action-centric, but not even that could save it from terribly written scenes, or an unsatisfactory obstacle.
Received a free galley from Alloy Entertainment, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2013
I received this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Itching for Books and Cheyanne Young for giving me the opportunity to read this book and to be a part of this tour!
The author really managed to create a perfect story, with the twists written at the perfect time and characters well formed. It was exciting and fun reading this story and it kept me on edge the entire time. Even though the book it’s about superheroes, the story itself it’s believable, especially the interacting and the fight scenes.
The story starts with Maci Might who is turning sixteen soon. She is training to become a superhero, and when she finally turns the proper age, she is going to take her hero examination that will determine if she has hero material or not. She receives a mission, Maci feels she is more than ready, but in the mean time she finds out she didn’t pass the exam, and now she has to wait for another week to find out if she would get the hero status or not. The problem is, everyone expected her to get her hero status because her father it’s the president, and the cherry of everything, her brother got the exam with perfect score. It’s difficult for Maci to be in this situation. But what can she do?
This is just an introduction of the book, to say so. I’m trying not to give spoilers. But the book deserves five great stars. It was good and I loved it a lot! I think Powered it’s a unique story, for me at least. This book has everything in it and will keep you eager to read it. I can't wait for the second book of the series to come out. I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this book, especially to those who loves a great YA novel!
The author really managed to create a perfect story, with the twists written at the perfect time and characters well formed. It was exciting and fun reading this story and it kept me on edge the entire time. Even though the book it’s about superheroes, the story itself it’s believable, especially the interacting and the fight scenes.
The story starts with Maci Might who is turning sixteen soon. She is training to become a superhero, and when she finally turns the proper age, she is going to take her hero examination that will determine if she has hero material or not. She receives a mission, Maci feels she is more than ready, but in the mean time she finds out she didn’t pass the exam, and now she has to wait for another week to find out if she would get the hero status or not. The problem is, everyone expected her to get her hero status because her father it’s the president, and the cherry of everything, her brother got the exam with perfect score. It’s difficult for Maci to be in this situation. But what can she do?
This is just an introduction of the book, to say so. I’m trying not to give spoilers. But the book deserves five great stars. It was good and I loved it a lot! I think Powered it’s a unique story, for me at least. This book has everything in it and will keep you eager to read it. I can't wait for the second book of the series to come out. I need to know what happens next! I highly recommend this book, especially to those who loves a great YA novel!
January 24, 2016
This was not a book I could get into easily. It was a concept that I found really exciting, but the actual telling was a let down.
The writing gave off a really juvenile vibe. It gave me essence of Scott Pilgrim, overly exaggerated comic book style story telling but without meeting the mark it was reaching for.
The main character Maci, is not a bad protagonist per say, but she is unmemorable, and has very little personality that I could relate too. The entire premise of the book is whether Maci is the good or bad twin, which means her "anger issues" should have been a focus that was clear to the reader. However I found that this "anger issue" issue was only dropped off as a stopping point for the book. Until that moment it was completely irrelevant and untold in any way.. This meant that the attitude during the testing, which leads to her rejection, was extremely out of place, and frankly just made me think she was a jerk, so I had already stopped rooting for her.
Also her father explaining to her that she was a twin, was a typical YA bombshell spoke about to lightly, and not giving the dramatically entrance it deserved. It felt as if the author just wanted this discussion out of the way, and was only handling it because it progressed the story. After that my investment in the book had flat lined and I was reading as a chore rather than a labor of love.
I would not recommend this book, or would I continue on with the series.
The writing gave off a really juvenile vibe. It gave me essence of Scott Pilgrim, overly exaggerated comic book style story telling but without meeting the mark it was reaching for.
The main character Maci, is not a bad protagonist per say, but she is unmemorable, and has very little personality that I could relate too. The entire premise of the book is whether Maci is the good or bad twin, which means her "anger issues" should have been a focus that was clear to the reader. However I found that this "anger issue" issue was only dropped off as a stopping point for the book. Until that moment it was completely irrelevant and untold in any way.. This meant that the attitude during the testing, which leads to her rejection, was extremely out of place, and frankly just made me think she was a jerk, so I had already stopped rooting for her.
Also her father explaining to her that she was a twin, was a typical YA bombshell spoke about to lightly, and not giving the dramatically entrance it deserved. It felt as if the author just wanted this discussion out of the way, and was only handling it because it progressed the story. After that my investment in the book had flat lined and I was reading as a chore rather than a labor of love.
I would not recommend this book, or would I continue on with the series.
January 23, 2016
Disclaimer :I received a copy of book for honest review from Net galley
Cheyanne is one helluva writer and I kind of liked that whole super heroes and villain dynamics that was like on constant repeat in Maci's head. Start of this dynamics start with this awesome quote:
Well ,you go girl. This book also has
1.Over protective brother.
2. Badass Dad
3.One of those "monologue " villains. You know like in Love for the Cold-Blooded, or The Part-Time Evil Minion's Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero
4.Hot nerdy love interest.I ship that(I haven't figured a name yet).
Maci's worst nightmare: she may be evil. "gasp " .Most of us at that age are evil. Embrace it baby.
Also the shocking appearance of someone at the end
was easy to guess because that what's happens in these kind of storylines. But overall it was a fun read.
Cheyanne is one helluva writer and I kind of liked that whole super heroes and villain dynamics that was like on constant repeat in Maci's head. Start of this dynamics start with this awesome quote:
Do not lose control. I promise I wouldn't. But I guess that's what happens when I rip the wooden stake out of the woman's hand and shove it into her heart.
Well ,you go girl. This book also has
1.Over protective brother.
2. Badass Dad
3.One of those "monologue " villains. You know like in Love for the Cold-Blooded, or The Part-Time Evil Minion's Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero
4.Hot nerdy love interest.I ship that(I haven't figured a name yet).
Maci's worst nightmare: she may be evil. "gasp " .Most of us at that age are evil. Embrace it baby.
Also the shocking appearance of someone at the end
was easy to guess because that what's happens in these kind of storylines. But overall it was a fun read.
March 21, 2014
5 Super Powerful Stars
Are you ready for a book that has a whole lot of action, a little romance, and a whole lot of kick ass?!? Well this is the book for you. This is a unique story about superheros and villains. One of the things that makes it SO unique, is the fact that the main character for this superhero extravaganza is a girl. Meet Maci Might, a girl who has grown up knowing exactly what she wants to be once she turns 16, a hero. But unfortunately, Maci doesn't pass her superhero test. Here's the twist... Maci is a bit of a hot head, and that little trait tends to get her in a bit of trouble. But what's also interesting is that Maci is a twin, and in this superhero world, you usually have one good twin and one evil twin. But Maci's twin died, so no one truly knows if Maci is good or evil (though most suspect evil). Maci is determined to prove them all wrong, and will do whatever it takes to become a true hero. Throughout this story we get to watch Maci grow and mature. She learns how to control her temper a lot. This story is filled with wonderful twists and turns that will not let you put the book down until you discover what will happen next. I loved this story, characters, and the author's writing style! Can not wait for MUCH MUCH more Maci!
~Lauren~
Are you ready for a book that has a whole lot of action, a little romance, and a whole lot of kick ass?!? Well this is the book for you. This is a unique story about superheros and villains. One of the things that makes it SO unique, is the fact that the main character for this superhero extravaganza is a girl. Meet Maci Might, a girl who has grown up knowing exactly what she wants to be once she turns 16, a hero. But unfortunately, Maci doesn't pass her superhero test. Here's the twist... Maci is a bit of a hot head, and that little trait tends to get her in a bit of trouble. But what's also interesting is that Maci is a twin, and in this superhero world, you usually have one good twin and one evil twin. But Maci's twin died, so no one truly knows if Maci is good or evil (though most suspect evil). Maci is determined to prove them all wrong, and will do whatever it takes to become a true hero. Throughout this story we get to watch Maci grow and mature. She learns how to control her temper a lot. This story is filled with wonderful twists and turns that will not let you put the book down until you discover what will happen next. I loved this story, characters, and the author's writing style! Can not wait for MUCH MUCH more Maci!
~Lauren~
October 19, 2014
A copy of this novel was provided by the author for review.
Powered was a premise that I was extremely interested in: people with powers have to take a Hero test to be a fully fledged superhero, and a girl who doesn’t pass. Unfortunately, the main character, Maci was immature, childish, and downright annoying at times. I wasn’t rooting for her to get her hero status, and in fact I was hoping that she’d have to wait and grow up a little before she received the title. I really liked the character of Evan – I thought he was a good edition to the story, even if I thought he was a little too perfect at times. The world building and descriptions weren’t the greatest and sometimes I had no idea what the character’s surrounds looked like. Even so, I’m quite interested in reading the next book in the series, simply because there was quite a cliffhanger, and I’d like to see if Maci grows as a character over time.
© 2014, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
Powered was a premise that I was extremely interested in: people with powers have to take a Hero test to be a fully fledged superhero, and a girl who doesn’t pass. Unfortunately, the main character, Maci was immature, childish, and downright annoying at times. I wasn’t rooting for her to get her hero status, and in fact I was hoping that she’d have to wait and grow up a little before she received the title. I really liked the character of Evan – I thought he was a good edition to the story, even if I thought he was a little too perfect at times. The world building and descriptions weren’t the greatest and sometimes I had no idea what the character’s surrounds looked like. Even so, I’m quite interested in reading the next book in the series, simply because there was quite a cliffhanger, and I’d like to see if Maci grows as a character over time.
© 2014, Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity . All rights reserved.
January 19, 2016
City of Legends is a great fantasy tale of a world where heroes do exist and live with us. They are called the Heroes and Supers. This is about one of these girls that finds out the day before her tryout for her test to be a Hero, because she is a Super, that she was a twin. Twins had once been killed at birth because one would be evil and one would be good. She was worried now she might be the evil one since she had some anger issues. The panel judging her knows her history about being a twin, although her twin died and no one knows which she will turn out to be- good or evil- the panel is very critical and no one more than herself. Then, someone is out to get her, to kill her, but kills her friend instead. They have the Heroes thinking she killed her friend and has gone evil. It is an action packed adventure with super powered teens, evil vs good, a little romance, a good plot, and well developed characters. A female lead with strengths and weakness that are believable in an unbelievable world. Great story. A received this book for a honest review from NetGalley.
January 29, 2016
I felt like I was reading a book about caricatures, not actual characters. Everyone seemed superficial and stereotypical. The nube is nervous, the seasoned one is cocky, the black woman has attitude, etc. etc. While the characters had nothing going for them, the writing did flow well and I moved through the story easily. I really like the idea behind the story, but everything was predictable. I could tell that Evan was going to give his killer grin at any given moment. And I could almost hear Maci's "aha!" ideas before she did. I think if the characters were more flushed out and given more depth and less stereotypical average-ness, there could really be something here!
dnf
July 10, 2020Dnf 16%
I really need to learn to read the samples before I buy. The premise sounded intriguing when I bought it but when I started reading it I wasn’t sure I liked the whole good twin/ evil twin thing, being a twin myself.
I wanted to like it because I haven’t read a lot of superhero books but both the world building and the characterization were lacking. The world building felt flimsy and not well thought out. The characters were 2 dimensional caricatures, not believable as real people. There was not enough information to flesh them out, not even Maci, the main character. We are told that she has anger issues but there were no situations where we got to see this until it became relevant to the plot. When Maci is denied Hero status, she freaks out in a way that seems uncharacteristic to what we had previously been shown. I would say the beginning needed to be slowed down to allow us to get to know her and show us that she has anger issues, rather than just telling us. Her hero test occurs at around 12% of the way through, but I felt it should have been closer to the 25% mark.
I’m not sure if I missed something, but I thought that Maci’s hero test was real, not a simulation, and I felt a bit tricked. I also felt a bit tricked when it was revealed the human she killed in her fit of rage was just an android. I think her father’s response should also have been different, because it’s weird they would give an android an actual heart. Instead, he could have addressed the fact that her rage was directed at the person she was supposed to be protecting, not the people who were grading her and judging her actions.
I also have an issue with the fact that Heroes live for such a long time. Their Hero test is taken at 18, but they live for a couple hundred years. 18 is young even for a human, but for a Hero comparatively it is very young. They train for a decade prior to taking the test, but my question is why train them so young and send them out into the field if they live for such a long time? Maybe this is answered later in the book. Something that really bothered me is that Maci’s father is 116 years old and has an 18 year old daughter. The age difference just weirded me out, even though they say he only looks 30. I think the book really could have done with the Heroes having the perk of an extra-long lifespan.
Maci discovers that she was a twin in a way that doesn’t seem realistic. Her mom’s friend slips up and says her mom was excited knowing she was having girls. Maci automatically makes the connection that she was a twin, which seems unrealistic to me. I think the author knew they wanted to have her find out this information but didn’t know how. There were plenty of other more plausible ways she could have discovered this information, maybe when she went to take her test pr if she was going through records. Actually, the whole circumstances of her being a twin don’t make sense to me. Her mom, who was also part of this community, knew she was having twins and knew they would both have to be killed was excited about having them? Maci’s dad was trying to change the law so both of them wouldn’t be killed and figure out a test to find which one is good and which one is evil. Wouldn't Maci’s mother have been apprehensive and saddened knowing that she couldn’t have both of her daughters? It also seems like too much of a coincidence that villains attacked a human hospital then, the one where a super is secretly giving birth to twins, which causes one twin to die and casting doubt as to whether the surviving one is good or evil.
The story was also lacking tension and suspense. When Maci and Crimson are at the zoo trying to prevent a villain from stealing an endangered animal, there is no real fight with the villain. It’s over in an instant just basically slap handcuffs on to incapacitate them. It was too easy and anticlimactic. Maci’s “confrontation” with her dad about her being a twin was not even a confrontation because he doesn’t try to deny it, he just flat out says yes when she asks. He doesn’t question why she is asking or how she found out, he doesn’t try to derail the conversation or change the subject. He hid it from her for all these years, so why would he just admit to it so easily?
The author uses the word hero way too much. I knew something was bothering me about the way the story was written, and seeing other people point this out in their reviews made me realize that was what was bothering me. It felt like they were using hero in every other sentence and beating readers over the head with it, not trusting them to remember that the main character wants desperately to become a Hero. Another thing people pointed out in their reviews was that the rule for Heroes against killing villains doesn’t make sense. I mean, they previously killed both twins because they didn’t know which one would become a villain. They killed innocent children, yet they won’t kill villains who are actively endangering people and instead subject them to the torturously painful process of depowering them which leaves them disfigured for life.
I had a lot of problems with this book, and based on other reviews I read I already guessed what one of the “plot twists” would be. It was so obvious that it’s not even really a plot twist.
I really need to learn to read the samples before I buy. The premise sounded intriguing when I bought it but when I started reading it I wasn’t sure I liked the whole good twin/ evil twin thing, being a twin myself.
I wanted to like it because I haven’t read a lot of superhero books but both the world building and the characterization were lacking. The world building felt flimsy and not well thought out. The characters were 2 dimensional caricatures, not believable as real people. There was not enough information to flesh them out, not even Maci, the main character. We are told that she has anger issues but there were no situations where we got to see this until it became relevant to the plot. When Maci is denied Hero status, she freaks out in a way that seems uncharacteristic to what we had previously been shown. I would say the beginning needed to be slowed down to allow us to get to know her and show us that she has anger issues, rather than just telling us. Her hero test occurs at around 12% of the way through, but I felt it should have been closer to the 25% mark.
I’m not sure if I missed something, but I thought that Maci’s hero test was real, not a simulation, and I felt a bit tricked. I also felt a bit tricked when it was revealed the human she killed in her fit of rage was just an android. I think her father’s response should also have been different, because it’s weird they would give an android an actual heart. Instead, he could have addressed the fact that her rage was directed at the person she was supposed to be protecting, not the people who were grading her and judging her actions.
I also have an issue with the fact that Heroes live for such a long time. Their Hero test is taken at 18, but they live for a couple hundred years. 18 is young even for a human, but for a Hero comparatively it is very young. They train for a decade prior to taking the test, but my question is why train them so young and send them out into the field if they live for such a long time? Maybe this is answered later in the book. Something that really bothered me is that Maci’s father is 116 years old and has an 18 year old daughter. The age difference just weirded me out, even though they say he only looks 30. I think the book really could have done with the Heroes having the perk of an extra-long lifespan.
Maci discovers that she was a twin in a way that doesn’t seem realistic. Her mom’s friend slips up and says her mom was excited knowing she was having girls. Maci automatically makes the connection that she was a twin, which seems unrealistic to me. I think the author knew they wanted to have her find out this information but didn’t know how. There were plenty of other more plausible ways she could have discovered this information, maybe when she went to take her test pr if she was going through records. Actually, the whole circumstances of her being a twin don’t make sense to me. Her mom, who was also part of this community, knew she was having twins and knew they would both have to be killed was excited about having them? Maci’s dad was trying to change the law so both of them wouldn’t be killed and figure out a test to find which one is good and which one is evil. Wouldn't Maci’s mother have been apprehensive and saddened knowing that she couldn’t have both of her daughters? It also seems like too much of a coincidence that villains attacked a human hospital then, the one where a super is secretly giving birth to twins, which causes one twin to die and casting doubt as to whether the surviving one is good or evil.
The story was also lacking tension and suspense. When Maci and Crimson are at the zoo trying to prevent a villain from stealing an endangered animal, there is no real fight with the villain. It’s over in an instant just basically slap handcuffs on to incapacitate them. It was too easy and anticlimactic. Maci’s “confrontation” with her dad about her being a twin was not even a confrontation because he doesn’t try to deny it, he just flat out says yes when she asks. He doesn’t question why she is asking or how she found out, he doesn’t try to derail the conversation or change the subject. He hid it from her for all these years, so why would he just admit to it so easily?
The author uses the word hero way too much. I knew something was bothering me about the way the story was written, and seeing other people point this out in their reviews made me realize that was what was bothering me. It felt like they were using hero in every other sentence and beating readers over the head with it, not trusting them to remember that the main character wants desperately to become a Hero. Another thing people pointed out in their reviews was that the rule for Heroes against killing villains doesn’t make sense. I mean, they previously killed both twins because they didn’t know which one would become a villain. They killed innocent children, yet they won’t kill villains who are actively endangering people and instead subject them to the torturously painful process of depowering them which leaves them disfigured for life.
I had a lot of problems with this book, and based on other reviews I read I already guessed what one of the “plot twists” would be. It was so obvious that it’s not even really a plot twist.
February 5, 2016
Loved the charecters, loved the world building, loved this book. Kick ass protagonist and a well developed plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
February 22, 2017
this book has been in my to-be read list ever since I learned that Cheyanne Young have other books. and yes, almost all her books are in my tbr!
anyway, once again, i had a book illness. i can't read properly at the start of the book. that's why it took me awhile to finish this.
truthfully, superheroes are not my thing... i don't read comics much but I wouldn't mind watching superhero movies... i guess what I'm saying is I don't know how to take this book in. i just never read a superhero book before. and that sets Cheyanne Young apart!
the characters I think are pretty awesome! I liked the idea of these guys as more than normal. the society that they made is definitely something new because it's not your average superhero story. because these guys are born Supers already and not human turned Super. and i think it's quite interesting. I like Maci. her attitude, her problems, her insecurities make her so relatable. but Maci seems to be the only one though. Her leading guy! augh! this is just my pet peeves! i don't like the leading guys as perfect. i just thought in every angle, he just seems so perfect and flawless... since the focus is Maci, we won't get to learn about the other characters so deeply. but the villains here are woah!
anyway, once again, i had a book illness. i can't read properly at the start of the book. that's why it took me awhile to finish this.
truthfully, superheroes are not my thing... i don't read comics much but I wouldn't mind watching superhero movies... i guess what I'm saying is I don't know how to take this book in. i just never read a superhero book before. and that sets Cheyanne Young apart!
the characters I think are pretty awesome! I liked the idea of these guys as more than normal. the society that they made is definitely something new because it's not your average superhero story. because these guys are born Supers already and not human turned Super. and i think it's quite interesting. I like Maci. her attitude, her problems, her insecurities make her so relatable. but Maci seems to be the only one though. Her leading guy! augh! this is just my pet peeves! i don't like the leading guys as perfect. i just thought in every angle, he just seems so perfect and flawless... since the focus is Maci, we won't get to learn about the other characters so deeply. but the villains here are woah!
March 11, 2022
City of Legends
Book 1 of City of Legends
Cheyanne Young
I was really excited to read this book when I read the blurb. Did the book meet my expectations? Yes. Will I read the next book? Also, yes. I really enjoyed the twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what happens next for Maci and Evan.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 of City of Legends
Cheyanne Young
I was really excited to read this book when I read the blurb. Did the book meet my expectations? Yes. Will I read the next book? Also, yes. I really enjoyed the twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what happens next for Maci and Evan.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2022
Light hearted read that was very entertaining with a bada** named Maci! Add in a few kick*** fight scenes with a love interest and BOOM fireworks baby! I loved this book & can’t wait to read the rest!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2018
Interest book. Had some clearly unexpected twists & turns. I will probably read the rest of the series.
October 24, 2016
Review also posted at: http://underthebookcover.blogspot.com...
5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Alloy Entertainment for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for review!
City of Legends is the start to one of the best trilogies I have ever read and without a doubt one of my absolute favorite series of 2016, and possibly all time. Where to even start with this roller coaster of a book!
Maci Knight is the daughter and sister of two very famous Supers, who are both worshiped by humans and Supers alike. She has always wanted to follow in their footsteps and fight crime; she knows she is meant to be a Super just like them. But Maci has a secret: she's a twin. In the Super world, when it comes to twins, it is a fact that one will be good and one will eventually become a villain. With her birthday quickly approaching and her chances at being a Hero on the line, can she control the feelings of violence and rage that are starting to take over? Or will she turn villain?
Before I begin my uber-professional review of this book, let me just say oh my god oh my god oh my god this book. Now back to your regularly scheduled professional book review.
The very first thing that caught my interest about this book was the cover. It's bright, engaging, and makes me immediately interested in what the book was about. The title is a close second, because let's be real, how could you not be interested in what a book called City of Legends is about, right? By the time I read the synopsis, I was hooked. A book about superheroes is one that I have yet to come across, and this seemed like the perfect book to read to change that. Plus, the entire trilogy was available and I can't resist a good read-a-thon! If I remember correctly, I read all three books in just about a week, give or take a day.
Maci was such an amazing character throughout this book. She was strong and driven and believed in doing the right thing no matter what. I loved how sure she was of herself and her ability to be a Hero and how she refused to give up her dream no matter what was thrown at her. She took risks and tried her best to prove that she was Hero material despite some of the dangerous situations she was presented with. When she discovers that she is not only a twin, but the only surviving twin, she does start to question herself and wonder if she's the good or evil twin. All through the book she struggles with feelings that a villain would have, and yet still tries her best to complete missions and save people. When the city comes under attack by villains, Maci never stops trying to help save her family and her city, despite people thinking she's the one attacking the city. Just, kuddos to Cheyanne for writing such a strong female superhero character.
One thing that really stood out to me was the romance aspect. Normally, I find in a lot of YA books that whenever romance is involved, it's...over the top. But with Maci and Evan, I found that there was a really good balance, not too lovey-dovey but definitely still a hint of attraction between the two. There was never a moment where I was rolling my eyes due to some cheesy romance scene, but more like smiling because they were both so dorky together. I did get a kick out of how Maci was initially attracted to one guy, but when Evan stepped in, she was immediately all about Evan. That's just teenagers in a nutshell and it was fun to see that even superhero teenagers can act like that in this world.
Speaking of worlds, can we please talk about the world building? I found it interesting that the Supers lived in an underground city that looked out over the Grand Canyon, completely separated from the humans. It made me curious as to why, but when I read parts of the story where Max would get recognized when going into the "human world," I understood why. In this world, Heroes are very famous, and would get constantly bombarded with fans if they were to live where humans lived. If they're always having to meet and greet with human fans, they'd never be able to fight and capture villains. Also, Supers have pretty advanced technology that they're constantly developing, as well as villains that they have to keep locked up, so I could see why they kept themselves secluded. I also really enjoyed how descriptive the writing was, and how the author gave a fairly decent amount of backstory to help the reader understand the world they're reading about. The plot was great, maybe a bit slow at times towards the middle, but by the end I was absolutely dying!
City of Legends is a powerful and memorable beginning to a trilogy of books that will certainly leave you wanting more. With strong characters, an engaging and exciting plot, and a twist ending that will make you want to immediately pick up the second book, The Valiant, City of Legends is the perfect pickup to cure the need for a good YA superhero book!
5/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Alloy Entertainment for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for review!
City of Legends is the start to one of the best trilogies I have ever read and without a doubt one of my absolute favorite series of 2016, and possibly all time. Where to even start with this roller coaster of a book!
Maci Knight is the daughter and sister of two very famous Supers, who are both worshiped by humans and Supers alike. She has always wanted to follow in their footsteps and fight crime; she knows she is meant to be a Super just like them. But Maci has a secret: she's a twin. In the Super world, when it comes to twins, it is a fact that one will be good and one will eventually become a villain. With her birthday quickly approaching and her chances at being a Hero on the line, can she control the feelings of violence and rage that are starting to take over? Or will she turn villain?
Before I begin my uber-professional review of this book, let me just say oh my god oh my god oh my god this book. Now back to your regularly scheduled professional book review.
The very first thing that caught my interest about this book was the cover. It's bright, engaging, and makes me immediately interested in what the book was about. The title is a close second, because let's be real, how could you not be interested in what a book called City of Legends is about, right? By the time I read the synopsis, I was hooked. A book about superheroes is one that I have yet to come across, and this seemed like the perfect book to read to change that. Plus, the entire trilogy was available and I can't resist a good read-a-thon! If I remember correctly, I read all three books in just about a week, give or take a day.
Maci was such an amazing character throughout this book. She was strong and driven and believed in doing the right thing no matter what. I loved how sure she was of herself and her ability to be a Hero and how she refused to give up her dream no matter what was thrown at her. She took risks and tried her best to prove that she was Hero material despite some of the dangerous situations she was presented with. When she discovers that she is not only a twin, but the only surviving twin, she does start to question herself and wonder if she's the good or evil twin. All through the book she struggles with feelings that a villain would have, and yet still tries her best to complete missions and save people. When the city comes under attack by villains, Maci never stops trying to help save her family and her city, despite people thinking she's the one attacking the city. Just, kuddos to Cheyanne for writing such a strong female superhero character.
One thing that really stood out to me was the romance aspect. Normally, I find in a lot of YA books that whenever romance is involved, it's...over the top. But with Maci and Evan, I found that there was a really good balance, not too lovey-dovey but definitely still a hint of attraction between the two. There was never a moment where I was rolling my eyes due to some cheesy romance scene, but more like smiling because they were both so dorky together. I did get a kick out of how Maci was initially attracted to one guy, but when Evan stepped in, she was immediately all about Evan. That's just teenagers in a nutshell and it was fun to see that even superhero teenagers can act like that in this world.
Speaking of worlds, can we please talk about the world building? I found it interesting that the Supers lived in an underground city that looked out over the Grand Canyon, completely separated from the humans. It made me curious as to why, but when I read parts of the story where Max would get recognized when going into the "human world," I understood why. In this world, Heroes are very famous, and would get constantly bombarded with fans if they were to live where humans lived. If they're always having to meet and greet with human fans, they'd never be able to fight and capture villains. Also, Supers have pretty advanced technology that they're constantly developing, as well as villains that they have to keep locked up, so I could see why they kept themselves secluded. I also really enjoyed how descriptive the writing was, and how the author gave a fairly decent amount of backstory to help the reader understand the world they're reading about. The plot was great, maybe a bit slow at times towards the middle, but by the end I was absolutely dying!
City of Legends is a powerful and memorable beginning to a trilogy of books that will certainly leave you wanting more. With strong characters, an engaging and exciting plot, and a twist ending that will make you want to immediately pick up the second book, The Valiant, City of Legends is the perfect pickup to cure the need for a good YA superhero book!
November 30, 2013
Thank you to Shane Morgan (from Itching For Books) and Cheyanne Young for providing me a copy of the book. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I rated this a 4.5 on my blog, but love it so much. I couldn't bear to put 4 stars here.
(Usually I round up for half stars, unless I rate it 4.5 stars, then I usually round down.)
Check out my full review here.
I feel like this superhero genre (maybe subgenre?) is a really cool thing. It seems to be emerging, is it just me? Maybe it's because I've never read a superhero novel before and I've read two in a row? Who knows? But I was excited when I finally got my hands on this one (figuratively speaking, because it was an e-book). And holy cow, if I had had the time to read it all at once I would have. This was amazing.
So this book is told all the way through from Maci's POV. I swear, I fell in love with her in exactly two pages. She starts off strong, her character is great. Does it have flaws? Duh! But that's what makes her interesting. Especially because she probably is evil, but she tries so had to be good. I love books that make me think, and Maci sure did make me think. (More on that later.)
Evan starts off as a minor character but I guess correctly at his role later. Literally, the second he showed up. I knew. But he was pretty great regardless. He's all smart and dorky and he's so fun! I would love to hang out with him. Book boyfriend? Almost. But saying why would spoil everything, so I'll talk about that later(:
Crimson is Maci's best friend. Apparently she's pretty hot. Not that I would know at all. But she is pretty cool. Doesn't play that big of a role. She starts big but the plot drowns her out pretty fast.
There's also Maci's dad and her brother. They're mostly talked about but not around for most of it. Still, they make it interesting.
Other than that, there aren't too many characters. Most are minor, but I suspect they'll be major characters later. There's Pepper, the costume designer. He reminds me of Cinna, but that is all I will say.
A character named Aurora shows up, as well as a hooded figure who I will not reveal. So I'm definitely excited to learn more about them.
I thought this book was great. The characters were interesting, I was emotionally involved. There were omigod-I-can't-believe-that-just-freakin-happened moments all over the places. VERY EXCITING. I was able to guess a few things. Example: I knew exactly who that hooded figure was. Mostly because that's exactly what I would've done. So even though it was predictable, I appreciated it a lot.
I will warn you though. It starts off right away, with the action and excitement. And then the middle is a lot of filler pages. Where nothing really happened.
Here's the deal. I see what Cheyanne Young did and why. However it slowed down the pacing a lot. Did I like it? Yeah. It got the essential YA love part over with. And then it was over and went back to the fast pace.
Yes, it seemed at odds with Maci's character. Because she's determined and she pretty much does what she wants. So I was surprised that she let herself be holed up for so long. But at the same time, that lull brought a lot of information to the table.
So, yes, it's exciting. But watch out for that middle part. And know that the action returns and the ending is CRAZY. I cannot stress enough that I loved it. I am so looking forward to that next book.
For the record, that ending was totally Maci.
Real Rating: 4.5 stars
Why: it was amazing. I loved it so much I'm willing to overlook the slow-paced middle. The beginning and ending made up for it. Maci herself made up for it. Great stuff
Recommendation: Sci-fi lovers. Anyone who thinks they might like the superhero genre (or subgenre or whatever it is). Also anyone who likes action and amazing plot twists
I rated this a 4.5 on my blog, but love it so much. I couldn't bear to put 4 stars here.
(Usually I round up for half stars, unless I rate it 4.5 stars, then I usually round down.)
Check out my full review here.
I feel like this superhero genre (maybe subgenre?) is a really cool thing. It seems to be emerging, is it just me? Maybe it's because I've never read a superhero novel before and I've read two in a row? Who knows? But I was excited when I finally got my hands on this one (figuratively speaking, because it was an e-book). And holy cow, if I had had the time to read it all at once I would have. This was amazing.
So this book is told all the way through from Maci's POV. I swear, I fell in love with her in exactly two pages. She starts off strong, her character is great. Does it have flaws? Duh! But that's what makes her interesting. Especially because she probably is evil, but she tries so had to be good. I love books that make me think, and Maci sure did make me think. (More on that later.)
Evan starts off as a minor character but I guess correctly at his role later. Literally, the second he showed up. I knew. But he was pretty great regardless. He's all smart and dorky and he's so fun! I would love to hang out with him. Book boyfriend? Almost. But saying why would spoil everything, so I'll talk about that later(:
Crimson is Maci's best friend. Apparently she's pretty hot. Not that I would know at all. But she is pretty cool. Doesn't play that big of a role. She starts big but the plot drowns her out pretty fast.
There's also Maci's dad and her brother. They're mostly talked about but not around for most of it. Still, they make it interesting.
Other than that, there aren't too many characters. Most are minor, but I suspect they'll be major characters later. There's Pepper, the costume designer. He reminds me of Cinna, but that is all I will say.
A character named Aurora shows up, as well as a hooded figure who I will not reveal. So I'm definitely excited to learn more about them.
I thought this book was great. The characters were interesting, I was emotionally involved. There were omigod-I-can't-believe-that-just-freakin-happened moments all over the places. VERY EXCITING. I was able to guess a few things. Example: I knew exactly who that hooded figure was. Mostly because that's exactly what I would've done. So even though it was predictable, I appreciated it a lot.
I will warn you though. It starts off right away, with the action and excitement. And then the middle is a lot of filler pages. Where nothing really happened.
Here's the deal. I see what Cheyanne Young did and why. However it slowed down the pacing a lot. Did I like it? Yeah. It got the essential YA love part over with. And then it was over and went back to the fast pace.
Yes, it seemed at odds with Maci's character. Because she's determined and she pretty much does what she wants. So I was surprised that she let herself be holed up for so long. But at the same time, that lull brought a lot of information to the table.
So, yes, it's exciting. But watch out for that middle part. And know that the action returns and the ending is CRAZY. I cannot stress enough that I loved it. I am so looking forward to that next book.
For the record, that ending was totally Maci.
Real Rating: 4.5 stars
Why: it was amazing. I loved it so much I'm willing to overlook the slow-paced middle. The beginning and ending made up for it. Maci herself made up for it. Great stuff
Recommendation: Sci-fi lovers. Anyone who thinks they might like the superhero genre (or subgenre or whatever it is). Also anyone who likes action and amazing plot twists
December 27, 2013
This review originally appeared on my blog, Leeanna.me.
==
“The humans turn sixteen years old and call it a Sweet Sixteen. I call it Villain Ass-kicking Day. There will be no streamers, glitter, and pop music celebrating the day I turn sixteen, and there sure as hell won’t be any frosting-covered cupcakes. But I wouldn’t have it any other way (p. 1).”
POWERED is the story of Maci Might, sixteen-year-old Super Hero. Or almost Hero, that is. After waiting fifteen years and 364 days to take her Hero exam, Maci doesn’t pass it. Beyond disappointed -- she’s only ever wanted to be a Hero -- Maci’s determined to do whatever it takes to show the superiors of King City that she would make an AWESOME Hero. She’ll break any rule, do anything, say anything.
But that’s now how Heroes are supposed to act, and all her attempts just land Maci in even bigger trouble. Her dad is the President of Heroes, which means she has big expectations on her shoulders. And almost everyone in King City expects Maci to become a Villain, because she’s a twin. In the superhero world the author’s created, twins are never allowed to keep their powers, because one is always good, and one is always evil. Because Maci’s sister died at birth, there’s no way of knowing for sure if Maci is good or bad.
I was interested in POWERED because I’ve always wanted to read more super hero stories, but I just can’t read comic books. And once I started to read, I adored Maci. She might be a Super, but she’s also real. She’s a great fighter, but not so great with controlling her feelings. She’s powerful, but she’s not so great at coming up with plans. Maci grows quite a bit in POWERED, and I enjoyed watching it happen.
I also liked Evan, Maci’s friend and maybe more. He’s super smart, able to create things I could only dream of. As a nerd, I always like seeing other nerds in books. Plus he’s nice, and I was definitely wincing when Maci put her foot in her mouth when talking to him.
POWERED is a fast, enjoyable book. It is self-published, but is well edited and reads smoothly. I did find the middle a bit slow, because Maci was just hanging out with Evan and not doing much, but the book picks up by the end. I also wish the Villain, Aurora, would have shown up sooner, because I was wondering who Maci would fight against.
POWERED doesn’t end on a cliffhanger (yay!), but does leave Maci’s story open. I am definitely curious as to what will happen next with her, and am eager to see more of life in King City.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also participated in the blog tour for this book.
See more of my reviews:
==
“The humans turn sixteen years old and call it a Sweet Sixteen. I call it Villain Ass-kicking Day. There will be no streamers, glitter, and pop music celebrating the day I turn sixteen, and there sure as hell won’t be any frosting-covered cupcakes. But I wouldn’t have it any other way (p. 1).”
POWERED is the story of Maci Might, sixteen-year-old Super Hero. Or almost Hero, that is. After waiting fifteen years and 364 days to take her Hero exam, Maci doesn’t pass it. Beyond disappointed -- she’s only ever wanted to be a Hero -- Maci’s determined to do whatever it takes to show the superiors of King City that she would make an AWESOME Hero. She’ll break any rule, do anything, say anything.
But that’s now how Heroes are supposed to act, and all her attempts just land Maci in even bigger trouble. Her dad is the President of Heroes, which means she has big expectations on her shoulders. And almost everyone in King City expects Maci to become a Villain, because she’s a twin. In the superhero world the author’s created, twins are never allowed to keep their powers, because one is always good, and one is always evil. Because Maci’s sister died at birth, there’s no way of knowing for sure if Maci is good or bad.
I was interested in POWERED because I’ve always wanted to read more super hero stories, but I just can’t read comic books. And once I started to read, I adored Maci. She might be a Super, but she’s also real. She’s a great fighter, but not so great with controlling her feelings. She’s powerful, but she’s not so great at coming up with plans. Maci grows quite a bit in POWERED, and I enjoyed watching it happen.
I also liked Evan, Maci’s friend and maybe more. He’s super smart, able to create things I could only dream of. As a nerd, I always like seeing other nerds in books. Plus he’s nice, and I was definitely wincing when Maci put her foot in her mouth when talking to him.
POWERED is a fast, enjoyable book. It is self-published, but is well edited and reads smoothly. I did find the middle a bit slow, because Maci was just hanging out with Evan and not doing much, but the book picks up by the end. I also wish the Villain, Aurora, would have shown up sooner, because I was wondering who Maci would fight against.
POWERED doesn’t end on a cliffhanger (yay!), but does leave Maci’s story open. I am definitely curious as to what will happen next with her, and am eager to see more of life in King City.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I also participated in the blog tour for this book.
See more of my reviews:
September 29, 2016
Another great novel about are we born evil or are we made that way except this time it involves super heroes. This was a great book and I will continue to read. The plot moved pretty quickly and I can assure you I will read other books by this author.
August 11, 2013
As someone who wrote a series of superhero novels and another standalone superhero novel, I'm always interested in reading the competition. So I eagerly volunteered to read an advanced copy of this book. On the whole I really enjoyed it.
The biggest strength I think is that the author creates a unique world for the characters. In this world there are a bunch of "supers" (ie superhumans) most of whom live in "Central" in the Grand Canyon. The supers have a sort of caste system. There are the Heroes who do all the superheroic stuff like fighting villains and then there are the Retrievers. I didn't fully understand the Retrievers but I take it they pretty much clean up the mess afterwards.
Maci Might is 16 years old, which means her powers have finally reached their full potential. She then undergoes the test to determine if she'll be a Hero or a Retriever. This doesn't go quite as well as she hoped. From there Maci's life continues to unravel as she alienates her friends and family and has to take refuge in South Africa with a cute researcher named Evan. Probably too much time was spent on Maci and Evan hanging out before we get to the final showdown with the villain.
My main criticism is that I think the villain could have been stronger. Almost half the book goes by before we even find out who the villain is and then another quarter of the book goes by before the villain really becomes any kind of threat. Superhero stories are defined as much by the villain as the hero, like Batman vs. the Joker or Superman vs. Lex Luthor or the Scarlet Knight vs. the Black Dragoon.
The only other criticism would be that for what I presume is a YA book there's some gore in there that even made me cringe. The part where Maci suffers a severe head injury had me literally yelling, "Ewwwww, Gross!!!!" So it's probably not best suited for the younger end of the YA spectrum.
(One other technical note is people don't ride donkeys in the Grand Canyon. They ride mules, which are only half-donkey and half-horse. The stuffed mule I bought from the Grand Canyon gift shop wanted me to note that.)
Still, on the whole it's a brisk, fun read. And of course there's plenty of room for Maci's adventures to continue.
That is all.
The biggest strength I think is that the author creates a unique world for the characters. In this world there are a bunch of "supers" (ie superhumans) most of whom live in "Central" in the Grand Canyon. The supers have a sort of caste system. There are the Heroes who do all the superheroic stuff like fighting villains and then there are the Retrievers. I didn't fully understand the Retrievers but I take it they pretty much clean up the mess afterwards.
Maci Might is 16 years old, which means her powers have finally reached their full potential. She then undergoes the test to determine if she'll be a Hero or a Retriever. This doesn't go quite as well as she hoped. From there Maci's life continues to unravel as she alienates her friends and family and has to take refuge in South Africa with a cute researcher named Evan. Probably too much time was spent on Maci and Evan hanging out before we get to the final showdown with the villain.
My main criticism is that I think the villain could have been stronger. Almost half the book goes by before we even find out who the villain is and then another quarter of the book goes by before the villain really becomes any kind of threat. Superhero stories are defined as much by the villain as the hero, like Batman vs. the Joker or Superman vs. Lex Luthor or the Scarlet Knight vs. the Black Dragoon.
The only other criticism would be that for what I presume is a YA book there's some gore in there that even made me cringe. The part where Maci suffers a severe head injury had me literally yelling, "Ewwwww, Gross!!!!" So it's probably not best suited for the younger end of the YA spectrum.
(One other technical note is people don't ride donkeys in the Grand Canyon. They ride mules, which are only half-donkey and half-horse. The stuffed mule I bought from the Grand Canyon gift shop wanted me to note that.)
Still, on the whole it's a brisk, fun read. And of course there's plenty of room for Maci's adventures to continue.
That is all.
September 9, 2017
The whole heroes and villains spin isn't on that I've ever read before, and I have to say: I loved the way this story was executed.
Maci has just turned sixteen, this means that she is getting tested to see whether or not she will be granted Hero status as is her life-long dream, things however do not go to plan.
Maci is temperamental and lacks impulse control - traits that aren't the most hero-like, couple hat with the fact that she's always been shrouded with others' suspicion and Maci has a lot to prove.
She is up for the challenge, and may end up being the only one who can save her community and her family when it comes down to facing off against villains and their devastatingplans that hit a little too close to home...
I wasn't sure if I really liked Maci's character at the beginning of Powered, she was brash, selfish and arrogant, whilst naive to what it really means to be a Hero, she feels entitled and acts in an incredibly bratty manner. However, I definitely became a fan of her character as the novel progressed, she learnt a lot, matured a bit and her behaviour evened out as she actually figured out what it truly means to be a Hero, even if she had a little help coming to her realisation.
Evan is good-looking, intelligent and innovative in his ideas, I loved the way his character challenged Maci to choose for herself to be better by being bluntly honest with her, without being nasty or alienating her the way mos others did.
The Heroes and Villains world is very, very well constructed, Cheyanne integrates Hero rules and morals into the story through Maci's narration and character dialogues, creating an intensely exciting world where things are said to be clear cut, but don't necessarily seem to be so.
The plot is fast paced with twists and clues along the way, giving information and tying it all together in a way that keeps the readers wondering what will happen next up until the very end, whilst leaving you satisfied with the answers you receive.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment in the Powered trilogy!
Maci has just turned sixteen, this means that she is getting tested to see whether or not she will be granted Hero status as is her life-long dream, things however do not go to plan.
Maci is temperamental and lacks impulse control - traits that aren't the most hero-like, couple hat with the fact that she's always been shrouded with others' suspicion and Maci has a lot to prove.
She is up for the challenge, and may end up being the only one who can save her community and her family when it comes down to facing off against villains and their devastatingplans that hit a little too close to home...
I wasn't sure if I really liked Maci's character at the beginning of Powered, she was brash, selfish and arrogant, whilst naive to what it really means to be a Hero, she feels entitled and acts in an incredibly bratty manner. However, I definitely became a fan of her character as the novel progressed, she learnt a lot, matured a bit and her behaviour evened out as she actually figured out what it truly means to be a Hero, even if she had a little help coming to her realisation.
Evan is good-looking, intelligent and innovative in his ideas, I loved the way his character challenged Maci to choose for herself to be better by being bluntly honest with her, without being nasty or alienating her the way mos others did.
The Heroes and Villains world is very, very well constructed, Cheyanne integrates Hero rules and morals into the story through Maci's narration and character dialogues, creating an intensely exciting world where things are said to be clear cut, but don't necessarily seem to be so.
The plot is fast paced with twists and clues along the way, giving information and tying it all together in a way that keeps the readers wondering what will happen next up until the very end, whilst leaving you satisfied with the answers you receive.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment in the Powered trilogy!
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