For the first time, Lois Lane has almost everything she wants. Non-temporary home? Check. Dream job? Double check. Incredible BFFs? The absolute best. And now, her online crush, SmallvilleGuy, is coming to Metropolis. If all goes well, they'll turn their long-distance friendship into a some-kind-of-fairy-tale romance. But when does all ever go well? Before she can check boyfriend off her list, Lois must take down a mad scientist plus a trio of mutant teens, protect the elusive flying man from the feds (including her dad), and navigate her very first date with SmallvilleGuy. In the follow-up to FALLOUT and DOUBLE DOWN, Gwenda Bond's reimagination of DC Comics's first leading lady takes on her toughest challenge yet: Love.
Gwenda Bond is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the first official Stranger Things novel, Suspicious Minds, the Lois Lane YA series, and the romantic comedies Not Your Average Hot Guy, The Date from Hell, and Mr. & Mrs. Witch. She has a number of forthcoming projects, including a magical art heist book, The Frame-Up. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in Publishers Weekly, Locus Magazine, Salon, the Los Angeles Times, and many other publications.
She co-founded and chairs the nonprofit Lexington Writer’s Room, and lives in a hundred-year-old house in Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, author Christopher Rowe, and a veritable zoo of adorable doggos and queenly cats. Visit her online at www.gwendabond.com or join her newsletter at www.gwendabond.substack.com.
Okay full disclosure: there is a chapter in the middle of this book that, when I read it today on my lunch break at work, turned me into a blushing, giggling MESS of a human being so I'm not at all sure there will be anything objective about this review. But here goes.
Gwenda Bond gets Lois Lane.
Period. End of sentence.
Bond gets that Lois Lane is a mess of contradictions in the best possible way: ruthless and brilliant while simultaneously nervous and prone to doing dumb stuff (with good intentions). She's a good friend... who's still learning how to be a friend. She's a dedicated journalist... who's still learning how to do be one. She's cautious when it comes to her friends' safety and completely foolhardy when it comes to her own. She's nosy, which is good in journalism and bad when you're accidentally interrogating your friends. Okay look honestly I'm not sure I'm making any sense right now because all my brain is doing is shouting CLARK AND LOIS CLARK AND LOIS and I don't wanna get there yet, brain, let me talk about how great Lois is as a character first. She's allowed to be bossy and secretive, and acknowledge those things about herself and get called out on those things by others. But she's also super awesome - brave and resourceful and kind and someone who's trying so very hard - because LOIS IS AWESOME. I'm having trouble articulating it (clearly), but ultimately I love that Bond treats Lois like the wonderful but complex person she is, giving her highs and lows, giving her strengths and weaknesses, and everything in between.
Bond expressed this best when she had Maddy tell Lois, "Please, I'm your friend - inside that tough-girl shell is a really tough girl. But you're motivated by how much you care." That's it. That's Lois. And it's beautiful.
But beyond just the sheer awesomeness that is Lois Lane, please know that this book is an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT from start to finish and I'm desperately attempting to avoid any spoilers right now because none of my friends have read it yet. I will say that I thought Fallout was good, Double Down was great, and that I adored Triple Threat. I think each one is better than the last and I'm actually quite sad to have finished it so quickly. These books are pure fun in a way that I so appreciate; sometimes you just want to read something that sucks you in and makes you happy and that's what these books are for me. The mystery may not be the most intricate or complex or whatever, but the mystery is fun and intriguing and just dire enough that when I got towards the end I kept doing that thing where I would read several pages and then put the book down for a few minutes because I was getting nervous... and then I'd read a few pages before putting it back down again... and repeat. I don't want to sound like I think this book is pure fluff or make it sound "less than" in any sort of way; that's not what I'm getting at. I was just trying to think of the best way to describe this book, and the only word I kept thinking of was "fun."
And I obviously have FEELINGS about other things and people but I'm keeping this review spoiler-free so just go reread the first sentence of this review and just be glad you were spared a capslock-ridden paragraph about feelings and the dumb teenagers who make me feel them. (Seriously, I've never been so grateful for an otherwise empty break room. I was literally giggling to myself. I do not admit this lightly.)
I saw on Twitter today (I think it was today?) where Bond said there are currently no plans for future books, and if that's the case I get it. This one finishes off in a lovely spot. I wouldn't feel cheated if this was the end of the series, but I also can't say I wouldn't be disappointed. I'd be over the moon if Bond kept writing Lois books. Hear that, Ms. Bond? You've got a librarian in SC who'll keep rec'ing the books if you keep writing them.
(OH OH OH GUYS THERE'S A COOL LIBRARIAN IN THIS BOOK. YAY LIBRARIANS.)
I’ve loved this series since book one came in as a breath of fresh air after one disastrous comic book tie-in novel experience I had years ago. It’s like someone decided to write a Teen AU fanfic starring Lois Lane, but took only the best parts of what make Lois tick and wrote the hell out of it. We don’t deserve Gwenda Bond, truly.
Triple Threat builds on the first two books, showing a Lois who is finding her place in Metropolis, doing her best to be a good friend, excelling (or trying to) at her career as a junior reporter, and finally tackling an IRL meeting with SmallvilleGuy, aka CLARK KENT.
Look, I’ll be the first to say that I felt the novel dragged on a bit with the actual plot seeming extremely insignificant in the grand scheme of things. (What really happened, in the end? It’s like nothing changed whatsoever.)
But. But!
Lois and Clark finally meet. THEY FINALLY MEET.
I was something like ten years old when Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman aired on one of the two main television stations we received in Kenya. They were the epitome of cool and I used to watch the show with hearts in my eyes, wanting to be like them. I have a very clear memory of the moment Lois finds out Clark is Superman. I never got to watch too much of the show, but they made such a huge impression on tiny me that I got excited right alongside Lois in Triple Threat when she finally meets Clark. The meting itself, the way they’re awkward and adorable around each other, the way things move slowly and LOGICALLY for kids their age who’ve only had an online relationship until now…it’s incredibly sweet and satisfying.
Back to the plot…honestly, there were some threads of interest here and there, but like I said before, ultimately nothing really happens. I did love the mature and different look at a teen relationship going on with Maddy and Dante, and I love that Lois has a really good relationship with all her friends and her family. (As good as it can be with her dad, really, which is really good here.)
Oh oh oh, one thing I did love: Lois turned around and did one of the most frustrating, stupid things a Strong Female Character can do, but then turned it around and became a truly strong character by realizing she was dumb and apologizing for it. I don’t need my female characters to be Strong and take on the world on their own – I need them to be whole. Which Lois is, and which I appreciate wholeheartedly.
This book is perfect for teen readers and adult Superman fans alike. I can’t recommend the series enough.
PS. I went looking for Lois & Clark gifs when writing this review and W O W I forgot the humongous crush I had on Dean Cain before I even realized what crushes were.
(I mean, COME ON.)
Time to scour the internet to see if I can do some re-watching and relive some childhood memories.
Intrepid girl reporter is on another hot story as kids with strange powers start appearing around Metropolis, and they appear to know who Lois is, and to be leading her somewhere. But even more thrilling: she might actually meet SmallvilleGuy IN THE FLESH! At one point in this book my eyes actually turned into hearts like an anime character. True story.
Unless something changes and I hear the next book is great, I don't think I will be reading any more books in this series, or by this author. Not for me. And this PAINS ME GREATLY. I love Superman. I love Lois & Clark. I love Lois Lane.
I don't know if the novelty has just worn off for me and her style has always been this way, or if I've changed, or if she really has lost steam, but I'm just not feeling this series at all. It feels mundane and obvious. The characters don't have depth for me anymore, the dialogue is clichéd, and a lot of times, pointless. The plots are terrible. (That has remained constant from book one for me.) I still find it absurd that a teenager would be given so much freedom, and be so involved in so many things in such implausible ways. (This is probably another side effect of the tone not working for me; I've been more than willing to overlook such things in the past.) I was utterly uncompelled throughout.
The only thing that salvaged this book for me, and the only reason I'm giving it two stars, is that Lois and Clark finally meet. But even that, which was the part of the book that had the most life in it, lacked the tension and spark I have always found when these two characters get together.
This is book three in the Lois Lane series. The story builds on the events in Fallout and Double Down so if you haven't read those books? Run. Don't walk. I'll wait.
Triple Threat takes place about six months after the events in Double Down. Lois and her friends (her fellow scoop reporters) are in a lull looking for their next big story. They don't have to wait long when one rushes right by Lois and the story takes off.
As in both Fallout and Double Down this is a story of a teenage Lois Lane. While her core personality traits are front and center, they are married with the insecurities of self which comes from being a teenager. I love this about the books, which I consider a Lois Lane origin series, because we are seeing Lois Lane as she grows in the woman we all know and love. Not a fully realized adult in a teenager's body.
Bond, as in the other two books, brings in many familiar characters and elements from the Superman mythology. Readers of the comic books will recognize settings and people, however she cleverly and seamlessly integrates it all in to this world so it is transparent to those who don’t read the comics.
What about SmallvilleGuy you might ask? He is here. And as the book blurb indicates, they meet. However? No blurb can do the actual moments leading to it and after it justice. It is charming, heartfelt and captures the early moments of a lifetime love in technicolor.
It is exhilarating to watch them take the first steps to a life time love. This includes the uncertainties and fears as they build the foundation of their lives.
As these are teenagers, the parents are involved too which makes for a lot of fun moments. I loved the meet the parents scenes.
Lois's relationship with her mom and her sister are close and loving. Lois and her dad have a more difficult relationship, as is often the case when parent and child are so alike. However, they love each other and that shines through.
Perry White is also an important part of this story. He provides guidance and stability for the young reporters.
And in writing her story? Lois explores the line between the public’s need to know and things better left alone. Truth isn’t always black and white. In facing this? We see Lois's integrity and honor. She is not in this for glory and there are lines she will not cross. Her ethical compass is strong.
Meanwhile, with Clark now a physical presence Bond is also able to explore their differing natures in real time. There is a scene in Centennial Park with a would be mugger which illustrates their opposite outlooks. This ends up complementing each other as seen in their their dealings with TheInventor.
The bond between Lois and Clark deepens in this story as they get to know each other beyond screen names. Bond is able to show that even as they make missteps? They are in sync and loyal to each other.
Bond brings in key elements of the 79 year story with a deft touch. She doesn't bog the reader down with extraneous details. This is important because it keeps the non comic book reader as engaged as someone who has been reading these books forever.
When the story ended? I was left wanting more. I would also love a book, an epilogue if you will, in this universe with Lois and Clark as adults. Who do I have to petition for that?
This is a must read series for Lois Lane fans. And this book in particular will make fans of Lois and Clark together hearts sing. There are so many moments which evoke the 79 years of their shared history.
I strongly recommend this book and not just for fans of the mythology. This is a story of a strong young woman who deeply believes in justice. And add to that? There is a strong thread of optimism, hope and joy through out the book.
This was the best one yet in the Lois Lane series. Her character continues to grow and change as the Metropolis villains decide to gang up on her. The third installment of the saga finds Lois with friends and a job she loves while her first meeting with Smallville Guy is imminent. What a great combination!
The crisis in this one was truly worthy of superhero intervention and also gives Lois a chance to mend fences with her family and make a difficult choice regarding an ethical job dilemma. Highly recommend, but read the first two books before this one as you find it a much more rewarding read.
When I read Double Down, I remember thinking "Wow, these books keep getting better."
Well, WOW. THESE BOOKS KEEP GETTING BETTER. (Hey Gwenda, any chance you want to just... you know... keep writing these.... forever...? because I'm totally game for lots of Lois and Clark and Team Daily Scoop/Planet shenanigans for years to come.)
These books turned me into a Lois fan. I was never a Lois hater, per say, but I found most interpretations to be either too bland and one-note or much too mean-spirited. This interpretation is neither. It manages to perfectly balance Lois' curiosity and hot-headed bravado with an earnest spirit and a love for the truth that truly gets to the heart of what this character really stands for. The little touch of teenage mannerisms was a welcome addition, never too obnoxious or abrasive. Clark is also a delight in these books. He's everything that Superman is and should be. The dynamic between him and Lois is so beautifully handled, and really is the highlight of these books. The plot is fast-paced and fun to read, with lots of action. The possible exception is the last one, which I felt dragged a bit more than the first two. That's okay, there was more than enough good character material to make up for it. Overall, a very fun read. Would recommend to any Superman fan who's looking to get a deeper look into the beginnings of Lois Lane.
I love this series so much and it simply does not get enough credit for how fun and adorable it is! It’s been year since I read the first two and I fell right back into this world so easily. This has hands down one of my favorite romance OTPs and I’m literally not even someone who ships characters very easily.
I love it and very much look forward to anything and everything Gwenda Bond puts out in the future!
essa série é pra todo mundo que assistiu smallville e ficou decepcionado, sério, tem os enredos insanos, os adolescentes se metendo onde não deviam e sendo jornalistas e acima de tudo, teve clark e lois sendo adoráveis, eu não conseguia parar de sorrir lendo
"We never know whether people deserve the credit we give them, but sometimes we have to trust in them anyway.
It took me FOREVER to read the last few pages in this book because my school's winter musical, South Pacific, opened this week and I am the tech director so I have been crazy busy so even though it looks like I took days to read this I read most of it over the course of two days. I could do that because this was just as fun and fast-paced as the two other books in the series. I love this series. I think it is so fun. As I have said before I love Lois Lane (and the other DC ladies. If you share this love I recommend the 3 books about them I read by Tim Hanley). The character hasn't always been treated the best in the comics but she is so interesting when done right and I think these books do a great job of describing what she would be like as a teenager. We see some characters in this book that will be familiar to DC fans and Lois finally gets to meet Clark in person. In all of these books, the mysteries are a little crazy because they live in a world where people have superpowers. Even though this makes the craziness a little more understandable I liked that this book dialed it back a little from the second book in terms of weirdness. I do like in this book that we're learning about how all the villains we're learning about fit together and you can start to see the path that the overall plot thread is heading down. I like that we are continuing to learn more about the lives of Lois' friends because I definitely find that they are a very interesting part of the story. I also like that though there are many new characters introduced in each of the books no character ever really feels underdeveloped. I also enjoyed seeing more of how Lois interacts with her family members, especially how she interacts with her father, even when she feels like he may be doing something that she thinks in wrong and doesn't agree with. I think this was a really great continuation of a super fun series. These books aren't made to be challenging and they don't need to be. I hope that the next book is in the works because I can't wait to hear about what happens to Lois next.
I'm so emotional that this trilogy is done, and even though I want nothing more than for Gwenda Bond to write another 2 or 200 books in this series, I love where this left off. I like that this brought her investigations in the first two books to a close, and how this trilogy has essentially established a Metropolis similar to the one in the Superman comics, and a Lois Lane we need to see even more of in all forms of media I can consume (has she even appeared in the Supergirl TV show, beyond Clark gushing about her?)
I've absolutely loved Lois as a character. She's so strong minded, and her will power is so admirable. She's dedicated and cares about the people around her, while still being flawed and so distinct as a female protagonist, and a teenager as well. Her friends are all fleshed out and each of them became characters with their own lives, outside of Lois and the main investigations and articles they wrote, and I'm so, so happy for that.
Also, I won't spoil much, but Lois and Clark do finally meet in this book, and it is one hundred percent worth the wait. Stick with it. Bask in it. Because they are ADORABLE. Also, another identity is revealed, and I'm ashamed for not guessing sooner who the person was because.... really? I've read the comics, I've loved the movies, and I didn't realise?
Thank you, Gwenda Bond, for writing such an incredibly trilogy. And please consider maybe perhaps writing another Lois Lane book when they are all older and working for the Planet and maybe a certain Superman is out and about? Because that would literally be a dream come true.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: I didn't realize this was true until my preorder arrived two weeks early, but I apparently want new Lois Lane books all the time. Like, I just want tons of Lois adventures, especially now that SmallvilleGuy (who we all know is a certain glasses-wearing icon) is in the picture. There's a lot going on in Triple Threat - so much so that I was a little concerned that it was too much. The mutant teens plot felt a bit farfetched and contrived at times. I think the flying man plot would've been a better focus for this book, especially since SmallvilleGuy finally makes an in-person appearance (plus TheInventor's identity is revealed, and I totally called who they'd be, and I'm so glad I was right). That plot felt like it was going to be more important than it was. I did enjoy watching Lois's romance with - can I just say it? We all know who Lois Lane dates eventually - Clark develop, although he felt more one-dimensional at times than I think he did in the past two books. Also because of the amount of plots going on, I felt like there wasn't enough of Lois's friends. They were only there when it was useful. As always, the language is still super clean, as are violence and romantic content.
The Verdict: Pretty good, but if this is to be the final book, there are still too many questions left unanswered.
I'm really happy with all this all wrapped up, even if I wish we could get more in this world, I'm happy with what we've gotten. I'm not that familiar with Lois Lane or the Superman comic world in general, but I was so happy to pick this up and see a teenage take on Lois. Well that on if you want to put a twist on a dc character, I'll jump on that.
Honestly, I think Lois was at her best in this book and I loved how she has grown from who she was in the first book. And how her dynamics with Maddy, Devin and James have evolved since book one. I also loved how her relationship with 'SmallvileGuy' has grown and how he finally makes an appearance in this book - even if anyone who's anyone knew who he was before he actually says who is he.
Though I will say that some parts did sound very juvenile, but it didn't away from my reading experience. And there's a lot of moments when the characters are texting or IMing but it's not text talk like a lot of other books. It's actual sentences with correct grammar and I love that because seriously, no one texts like that anymore. Overall, I'm happy to have read this series and could see a teenager, kickass version of Lois Lane.
Also, I just really want to kick myself for not putting two and two together to realize who TheInventor was before two seconds before it was revealed.
Oh how I enjoyed this book! In our age feminist characters who pull off strength without putting down or belittling the male characters is rare. But this Lois is amazing! She manages to show off her amazing strength while surrounded by other strong male characters. She is strong, but very human with genuine flaws of her own. A Mary Sue she is not.
Clark is also wonderfully portrayed. He is everything Superman should be. I really enjoyed Superman as a supporting character for Lois. I would enjoy seeing this dynamic more! He serves well as her conscience and anchor.
This concludes this series well, although I would love to see more of this take on Lois and Clark!
WELL. After reading the first two books, I was not expecting much from the third book. And maybe that's why this one wasn't so terrible. It was my favorite of the trio, but that's not saying much. This one was easier to get through, if only because I had gotten used to the characters and writing style. However, as a stand-alone book, it was nothing special. Maybe as this is branded as teen fiction, it's not quite up to par with YA. But that shouldn't be an excuse for shoddy characters and overdone tropes. If there is another Lois Lane book coming, I will not pick it up, despite having read the whole series thus far.
Amazing!! I cannot get enough of this series and Lois Lane in general. She is such a fascinating character and I love every step of this journey. This book showcases her relationship with SmallvilleGuy more and gives her a more human appeal in terms of being an average teenage girl. She has doubts and family stress and is still trying to figure out what it means to be a friend and have a permanent home. At the same time, she is as bossy, nosy, and headstrong as ever! We begin to have more of her world revealed and at the same time are introduced to TheInventor and who he really is. There are some twists and turns and of course, some MUCH needed facetime between her and Clark. This is the story of Lois Lane as a teenage girl, different yet similar to who she is as the adult woman of the comics. She still can't spell worth a damn but has a big heart and tries to do what is right, even when that is a difficult call to make. Still goes charging into danger to protect those she cares about and still bickers with her baby sister. While the science fiction parts of this book are interesting, they are competing for attention with Lois' love life as never before. She is striving to find the balance between school, family, friends, and The Scoop, and always manages to land on her feet at the end of the day. We are starting to see her grow into the woman we know later and this journey is definitely worth reading.
This series keeps delighting and surprising me. My love for Lois Lane goes way back, but this version of her feels fresh because she’s so young. Usually, when we meet Lois she is already a fully formed adult. It’s fun to see the whip-smart, curious skeptic with a heart of gold display the self-doubt and indecisión no teen can avoid. In this installment, the supporting characters, particularly the Lane family, really shine and we get a new sense of who Lois grows up to be from those who have shaped who she is thus far. I don’t know how much of my enjoyment of this series stems from my pre-existing interest in the Superman universe, but I know I would recommend this to every young girl I know.
I'd forgotten how much I love these books. Gwenda Bond perfectly encapsulates Lois Lane. She is smart, funny, determined, caring, and so much more.
This story is just so much fun! The mystery was interesting, though it doesn't have much depth. But who cares when you have the romance? I could not help squealing about Lois and Clark because they are so dang cute!!! I was dying!
It took me some time to remember the other characters and their roles, but once I became reacquainted, I loved them still. It made me want to read the first two again.
I know it's unlikely that there will be more books, but I would looooove more. The arc ended beautifully, but it definitely left me wanting more. Go read this series! It's fantastic!
Okay. Let me make this clear. This is the best of the trilogy and is probably the best of Clark-Lois romance/shenanigans. I do not prefer young romance in books. In fact, I actively avoid you. But I had been waiting for this.
After all the buildup from the last 2 books, I knew this has to be an endgame. Clark and Lois, Smallville and Metropolis, had to meet. And boy, I was grinning ear to ear all through the book.
Not taking anything away from the adventure and mystery this book had but I ONLY waited for those two to share the same screentime.
Loved loved loved it. Gwenda finally gave Lois the platform to shine and she shone brighter than Krypton's last son.
UGHHHHH. This was amazing. Beautiful. When she met him in real life... I was so giggly my dad asked me what was happening. It was just... amazing.
BUT I NEED MORE. I HAVE QUESTIONS. (Which may contain spoilers) 1. All of those mutated kids had some power of SUPERMAN. Why??? 2. Clark came and met her, and we get the IDEA that Lois suspects, but she never actually thinks it, and he never tells her. Like, come on??? 3. What happened between Maddy and James? I have GOT TO KNOW 4. How does Alex turn into one of Clark's worst enemies?