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We Could Be Heroes
A typical morning romp at the dog park turns into a battle to survive and opens up a whole new world for Kate and her pack. Called by Goddesses from Ancient Myth, Humans and Others have joined forces to protect the developing sentience of the Earth. Kate’s fiery and adventurous daughter, Olivia, jumps at the chance to be a warrior in this battle, but is Kate ready to become a hero? Encouraged by Jane and Seymour, Kate’s friends and long-time members of the Called, Kate must discover for herself if this is an adventure on which she will choose to embark. To that end, she is introduced to Tony; Army veteran, environmental protector, pack leader and completely unexpected love interest. When an enemy from another planet, bent on precipitating chaos, threatens the life of Coby Jackson, young son of Kate’s dear friends Clay and Nerissa, courage becomes imperative. Kate accepts the call, and not a moment too soon as both Coby and Jane are kidnapped and Kate and the pack must mount a rescue.
- GenresFiction
248 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 11, 2019
Sarah Dale’s novel begins with an introduction so beautifully written, succinct and detailed, that a reader enters in to her novel trusting her as a storyteller. She makes it clear from the get-go that this story is only a small part of a grander whole, as though we are invited to gaze into the workings of a single ant hill as it acts as a microcosm of the entire universe. The story begins with our heroine, Kate, and her morning routine, which takes her for a walk with her dogs, important characters themselves. But though the story begins in a place as ordinary as a dog park, it ends in a much bigger place, in a much bigger world, if still on planet Earth.
And our planet is in fact not just a setting here, but a character too. Dale has made august choices and developed a setting that is alive, that breathes into her characters and is as affected by them as they are by her. To do this, she relies on ancient Greek mythology, calling up some of Hesiod’s "Theogony" and using the original pantheon, the one that gave us Chaos and Gaia, but also their successors, both children and grandchildren. Dale’s use of the ancient Greek family is quite matter-of-factly and she is able to transform them into believable Earth dwellers. Perhaps dwellers implies they live on the same plane, but in fact they live between the spaces, visible only to those who are Called.
And of course being Called is what this first book in the series is about. Our heroine, and those closest to her, are chosen to face down the evil that seems to be vying for the planet. I write “seems to be” because by the end of this first book we haven’t learned enough about Erebus and his chaotic lineage to understand why they are bent on messing with Gaia’s family. One may guess, but it is more than likely our writer’s pleasure to show us in the anticipated second volume, for which we anxiously await.
Environmental and climate literature are on the rise, and one doesn’t need to guess why. We live in uncertain times. But Sarah Dale has taken the trope and turned it on its head, suggesting that power lies with us, that the Earth grows in strength with our contribution rather than our being at her mercy. "We Could Be Heroes" suggests we have been working to save our planet from the beginning, and have been growing in tandem with her. She thrives, as we do. Dale’s magic lies on the surface, in the crevasses, and deep in the belly of the wife and mother of Uranus (Heaven), which means the beings—every living thing—on Earth are magic, too.
I will add that Dale’s world reminded me of the one Gaiman creates with his unique characters and enchanting setting in "The Ocean at the End of the Lane." She asks you, as he does, to suspend logic and wants you to see the giants, goblins, ghosts, and Cetus as if they are as real as the basset hound moping at your feet. But she doesn’t do so without equipping you with the most economical and direct prose to do so. The story is told with precision, and panache, and you will come to its close hoping it won’t end.
And our planet is in fact not just a setting here, but a character too. Dale has made august choices and developed a setting that is alive, that breathes into her characters and is as affected by them as they are by her. To do this, she relies on ancient Greek mythology, calling up some of Hesiod’s "Theogony" and using the original pantheon, the one that gave us Chaos and Gaia, but also their successors, both children and grandchildren. Dale’s use of the ancient Greek family is quite matter-of-factly and she is able to transform them into believable Earth dwellers. Perhaps dwellers implies they live on the same plane, but in fact they live between the spaces, visible only to those who are Called.
And of course being Called is what this first book in the series is about. Our heroine, and those closest to her, are chosen to face down the evil that seems to be vying for the planet. I write “seems to be” because by the end of this first book we haven’t learned enough about Erebus and his chaotic lineage to understand why they are bent on messing with Gaia’s family. One may guess, but it is more than likely our writer’s pleasure to show us in the anticipated second volume, for which we anxiously await.
Environmental and climate literature are on the rise, and one doesn’t need to guess why. We live in uncertain times. But Sarah Dale has taken the trope and turned it on its head, suggesting that power lies with us, that the Earth grows in strength with our contribution rather than our being at her mercy. "We Could Be Heroes" suggests we have been working to save our planet from the beginning, and have been growing in tandem with her. She thrives, as we do. Dale’s magic lies on the surface, in the crevasses, and deep in the belly of the wife and mother of Uranus (Heaven), which means the beings—every living thing—on Earth are magic, too.
I will add that Dale’s world reminded me of the one Gaiman creates with his unique characters and enchanting setting in "The Ocean at the End of the Lane." She asks you, as he does, to suspend logic and wants you to see the giants, goblins, ghosts, and Cetus as if they are as real as the basset hound moping at your feet. But she doesn’t do so without equipping you with the most economical and direct prose to do so. The story is told with precision, and panache, and you will come to its close hoping it won’t end.
February 19, 2017
Yay! I needed a book that was uplifting and restorative. This was just the ticket. Sarah Dale wove together a story about family (chosen and otherwise), our canine family, mythical creatures, magic, loyalty, and great mother-daughter banter. The story lent itself well to an audio format as I was easily able to put it down and pick it back up as time allowed. I found myself frequently driving and laughing or thinking about some element of the book later in the day. I also really enjoyed the thoughtful descriptions of life in Lincoln Nebraska as I used to live there.
May 29, 2017
The story is fascinating, while it borrows some from themes in fantasy, the twists and setting and story line are extremely original. The characters are well developed you start to care about each one very quickly. You don't get to see very many urban fantasies with such hope and such a personal warmness for everyone involved. The plot will grab you attention quickly and develops into quite an odyssey. Overall a wonderful read!
July 6, 2017
I'll admit, as a tremendous dog lover, to being biased about this book from the start, since communication with dogs and other types of beings and people is such a major part of the plot. I'm also a fan of mythology and the glimpse at some familiar characters from ancient legends was fun, but Sarah put an original spin on those characters and built them a new and unique world that refreshed the old myths. I especially liked the main character, Kate and her relationship with daughter Olivia. Looking forward to seeing how their relationship and their skills develop.
The story is fast, fun, full of action, love (both familial and romantic) and thrills.
The author was kind enough to gift me a copy of this book for review
The story is fast, fun, full of action, love (both familial and romantic) and thrills.
The author was kind enough to gift me a copy of this book for review
January 17, 2019
A great fantasy story
Dale pens a great story in We Could Be Heroes. I only recently became aware of Dale's work, and this is the third book that I've read by this author. The fantasy aspect of the story worked well with the plot, but it wasn't just about that. I liked the growth of the characters, and they weren't so dark, even in a situation that may call for that. It was a fun and easy read, and I liked the introduction of the dogs and their personalities as they are their own characters. I liked this story very much and look forward to reading more by this author.
Dale pens a great story in We Could Be Heroes. I only recently became aware of Dale's work, and this is the third book that I've read by this author. The fantasy aspect of the story worked well with the plot, but it wasn't just about that. I liked the growth of the characters, and they weren't so dark, even in a situation that may call for that. It was a fun and easy read, and I liked the introduction of the dogs and their personalities as they are their own characters. I liked this story very much and look forward to reading more by this author.
January 17, 2017
Hmmmm, it's fiction and yet I know some of these people. ;)
October 7, 2016
This had me right away because of the realness of the characters. My 4 stars comes about because it's not a genre I'm as comfortable reading. Having said that, I can't wait for the sequel...there is a sequel, right? After all, I was brought to tears near the end by the event that transpired and is unresolved! That's how real the characters became to me. I want to spend more time with them!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews