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Heroine Complex #2
Heroine Worship
Asian-American superheroines Evie Tanaka and Aveda Jupiter protect San Francisco from perilous threats in the second book in Sarah Kuhn's snarky and smart fantasy trilogy • "The superheroine we’ve been waiting for." —Seanan McGuire
Once upon a time, Aveda Jupiter (aka Annie Chang) was demon-infested San Francisco’s most beloved superheroine, a beacon of hope and strength and really awesome outfits. But all that changed the day she agreed to share the spotlight with her best friend and former assistant Evie Tanaka—who’s now a badass, fire-wielding superheroine in her own right. They were supposed to be a dynamic duo, but more and more, Aveda finds herself shoved into the sidekick role. Where, it must be said, she is not at all comfortable.
It doesn’t help that Aveda’s finally being forced to deal with fallout from her diva behavior—and the fact that she’s been a less than stellar friend to Evie. Or that Scott Cameron—the man Aveda’s loved for nearly a decade—is suddenly giving her the cold shoulder after what seemed to be some promising steps toward friendship. Or that the city has been demon-free for three months in the wake of Evie and Aveda’s apocalypse-preventing battle against the evil forces of the Otherworld, leaving Aveda without the one thing she craves most in life: a mission.
All of this is causing Aveda’s burning sense of heroic purpose—the thing that’s guided her all these years—to falter.
In short, Aveda Jupiter is having an identity crisis.
When Evie gets engaged and drafts Aveda as her maid-of-honor, Aveda finally sees a chance to reclaim her sense of self and sets out on a single-minded mission to make sure Evie has the most epic wedding ever. But when a mysterious, unseen supernatural evil rises up and starts attacking brides-to-be, Aveda must summon both her superheroine and best friend mojo to take down the enemy and make sure Evie’s wedding goes off without a hitch—or see both her city and her most important friendship destroyed forever.
Once upon a time, Aveda Jupiter (aka Annie Chang) was demon-infested San Francisco’s most beloved superheroine, a beacon of hope and strength and really awesome outfits. But all that changed the day she agreed to share the spotlight with her best friend and former assistant Evie Tanaka—who’s now a badass, fire-wielding superheroine in her own right. They were supposed to be a dynamic duo, but more and more, Aveda finds herself shoved into the sidekick role. Where, it must be said, she is not at all comfortable.
It doesn’t help that Aveda’s finally being forced to deal with fallout from her diva behavior—and the fact that she’s been a less than stellar friend to Evie. Or that Scott Cameron—the man Aveda’s loved for nearly a decade—is suddenly giving her the cold shoulder after what seemed to be some promising steps toward friendship. Or that the city has been demon-free for three months in the wake of Evie and Aveda’s apocalypse-preventing battle against the evil forces of the Otherworld, leaving Aveda without the one thing she craves most in life: a mission.
All of this is causing Aveda’s burning sense of heroic purpose—the thing that’s guided her all these years—to falter.
In short, Aveda Jupiter is having an identity crisis.
When Evie gets engaged and drafts Aveda as her maid-of-honor, Aveda finally sees a chance to reclaim her sense of self and sets out on a single-minded mission to make sure Evie has the most epic wedding ever. But when a mysterious, unseen supernatural evil rises up and starts attacking brides-to-be, Aveda must summon both her superheroine and best friend mojo to take down the enemy and make sure Evie’s wedding goes off without a hitch—or see both her city and her most important friendship destroyed forever.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2017
63 people are currently reading
1409 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Kuhn
68 books668 followersSarah Kuhn is the author of Heroine Complex—the first in a series starring Asian American superheroines—for DAW Books. She also wrote The Ruby Equation for the comics anthology Fresh Romance and the romantic comedy novella One Con Glory, which earned praise from io9 and USA Today and is in development as a feature film. Her articles and essays on such topics as geek girl culture, comic book continuity, and Sailor Moon cosplay have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, AngryAsianMan.com, IGN.com, Back Stage, The Hollywood Reporter, StarTrek.com, Creative Screenwriting, and the Hugo-nominated anthology Chicks Dig Comics. In 2011, she was selected as a finalist for the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New Writers Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
May 14, 2017
Without any flowery preamble, I’m just going to say Heroine Worship is so damn beautiful. I cried plenty while reading. I couldn’t ask for a better follow up.
The book started four months after the ending of Heroine Complex. Annie Chang also known as Aveda Jupiter is having an identity crisis. She’s not used at being a sidekick. In this story, we get to know her intimately.
Heroine Worship explores Annie and Evie’s relationship. If you think everything was wrapped up nicely in the first book, well you’re wrong! There’s so much pages to unravel between the both. Kuhn didn’t sugarcoat their unhealthy history. It was addressed in the text. I love everything about it. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Evie and Annie stand as one of literature’s best dynamic duo.
We also get to know Scott, the love interest, in an in-depth level. It was nice to finally put a backstory behind his face through Annie’s perspective. I’ve always been a sucker for second chance. It’s usually intertwined with angst, pinning, and history. Annie and Scott have plenty of hot moments. The banter, and reconnecting were intense. I also like that at one scene they both acknowledged she’s stronger than him physically.
Lastly, Annie/Aveda’s chacterization deserves a standing ovation. She’s not only unlikable because she’s assertive, manipulative, aggressive, physically powerful, and headstrong, but because she was also caught up with her own issues, she didn’t realize she was hurting her best-friend. That’s not how most heroines should be, especially for a woman of color. We have a lot of standards, we are subjected to. I like that her character isn’t portrayed as black and white, there’s complexity behind it, too. She seems perfect, and untouchable, but not really. Even though, she works hard for everything, she’s still not enough for the people, for her family, and her friends, and most especially herself.
Aveda’s story was not about reforming her unlikable personality, it’s not about thawing her heart either. It’s about accepting her flaws. It’s about admitting even superheroes have weakness, that you can have multiple identities. It’s about seeing Aveda and Annie can be one. I think that’s goddamn beautiful and I’m going to fight anyone that dares to agree.
Heroine Worship is theoretically different than Heroine Complex except that it’s not. You can still expect geeky pop-culture reference, family/friends dynamics, and romance. I want more people to read this series.
Full review to come.
The book started four months after the ending of Heroine Complex. Annie Chang also known as Aveda Jupiter is having an identity crisis. She’s not used at being a sidekick. In this story, we get to know her intimately.
Heroine Worship explores Annie and Evie’s relationship. If you think everything was wrapped up nicely in the first book, well you’re wrong! There’s so much pages to unravel between the both. Kuhn didn’t sugarcoat their unhealthy history. It was addressed in the text. I love everything about it. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Evie and Annie stand as one of literature’s best dynamic duo.
We also get to know Scott, the love interest, in an in-depth level. It was nice to finally put a backstory behind his face through Annie’s perspective. I’ve always been a sucker for second chance. It’s usually intertwined with angst, pinning, and history. Annie and Scott have plenty of hot moments. The banter, and reconnecting were intense. I also like that at one scene they both acknowledged she’s stronger than him physically.
Lastly, Annie/Aveda’s chacterization deserves a standing ovation. She’s not only unlikable because she’s assertive, manipulative, aggressive, physically powerful, and headstrong, but because she was also caught up with her own issues, she didn’t realize she was hurting her best-friend. That’s not how most heroines should be, especially for a woman of color. We have a lot of standards, we are subjected to. I like that her character isn’t portrayed as black and white, there’s complexity behind it, too. She seems perfect, and untouchable, but not really. Even though, she works hard for everything, she’s still not enough for the people, for her family, and her friends, and most especially herself.
Aveda’s story was not about reforming her unlikable personality, it’s not about thawing her heart either. It’s about accepting her flaws. It’s about admitting even superheroes have weakness, that you can have multiple identities. It’s about seeing Aveda and Annie can be one. I think that’s goddamn beautiful and I’m going to fight anyone that dares to agree.
Heroine Worship is theoretically different than Heroine Complex except that it’s not. You can still expect geeky pop-culture reference, family/friends dynamics, and romance. I want more people to read this series.
Full review to come.
dnf
June 27, 2017
I LOVE the covers for this series. Perfect representation of the story and characters found within. Great use of graphics. It is colorful and eye-catching as well.
After reading and LOVING book one in this series, I was super excited to get my hands on this book. Alas, I am disappointed to say that this one just isn't working for me and I am tapping out at 50%.
I found this one just incredibly boring and slow, and I couldn't stand Aveda Jupiter AT ALL. She came across way too narcissistic and abrasive, and since she is the narrator of the story, it made it almost a painful experience to read.
That said, I will most likely still give book three a go, and I hope it will be more like book one.
August 19, 2020
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner!
Beware spoilers ahead!
Trigger Warning(s): Controlling parents, racism, and bullying.
Reading Challenge(s): Book 14 for #StartOnYourShelfathon.
Rep: Evie and Bea are Irish-Japanese-American. Bea is queer. Aveda is Chinese American. Lucy is Puerto Rican-Mexican-British and is a Lesbian. Rose is Black and queer. Kevin is Black-Latino-Asian. Shruti is Indian-American. Nate, Scott, Dave, and Maisy are white.
My Thoughts Before Reading: I’ve owned the Heroine Complex series for years. I had initially bought the books because I heard that they would be fun. Also in part because of the rep and the superhero aspect.
I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
What I Liked: For this review I'll be listing everything that I enjoyed in points. Rather than full paragraphs.
1. Aveda and Evie actively try to improve their relationship. They don't completely succeed, but I enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
2. Aveda and Scott's relationship was strained in the beginning. As time (and pages) progressed their relationship improved greatly. I loved the two of them as a couple!
3. Aveda's character development was so well done! I loved seeing her work on herself and fully realize the harm she caused those around her. She is definitely my favourite character.
4. Aveda's relationship with her parents is very strained even prior to the book series. I didn't really like them in the beginning, but I loved seeing them grow with Aveda. I cried reading that scene with Aveda and her mother.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: Normally I’d say the sequel, but at the time where I’m writing this review, I have already read the sequel.
Conclusion: Overall I loved Heroine Worship! I highly recommend this series.
Beware spoilers ahead!
Trigger Warning(s): Controlling parents, racism, and bullying.
Reading Challenge(s): Book 14 for #StartOnYourShelfathon.
Rep: Evie and Bea are Irish-Japanese-American. Bea is queer. Aveda is Chinese American. Lucy is Puerto Rican-Mexican-British and is a Lesbian. Rose is Black and queer. Kevin is Black-Latino-Asian. Shruti is Indian-American. Nate, Scott, Dave, and Maisy are white.
My Thoughts Before Reading: I’ve owned the Heroine Complex series for years. I had initially bought the books because I heard that they would be fun. Also in part because of the rep and the superhero aspect.
I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
What I Liked: For this review I'll be listing everything that I enjoyed in points. Rather than full paragraphs.
1. Aveda and Evie actively try to improve their relationship. They don't completely succeed, but I enjoyed seeing how everything played out.
2. Aveda and Scott's relationship was strained in the beginning. As time (and pages) progressed their relationship improved greatly. I loved the two of them as a couple!
3. Aveda's character development was so well done! I loved seeing her work on herself and fully realize the harm she caused those around her. She is definitely my favourite character.
4. Aveda's relationship with her parents is very strained even prior to the book series. I didn't really like them in the beginning, but I loved seeing them grow with Aveda. I cried reading that scene with Aveda and her mother.
My Criticism(s): Absolutely nothing!
What I’m Looking Forward To: Normally I’d say the sequel, but at the time where I’m writing this review, I have already read the sequel.
Conclusion: Overall I loved Heroine Worship! I highly recommend this series.
July 3, 2017
Heroine Worship was such a great addition to the Heroine Complex series. This book was just as action packed and humorous as the previous book. The pop culture references, family and friend dynamics, and witty remarks were just as plentiful in this book. I found this book just as addictive as the first novel, and I do not think fans of this series will be disappointed. I will say that I would have liked to see a little bit more of Evie and her fiancé, but I was still happy with the moments that they were present for.
I will admit that I was a little wary going into this book. I wasn't a huge fan of Aveda/Annie in the previous book, so I wasn't sure if I was going to like having her as the main character of this book. She did grow on me throughout the first book, but she was never my favorite character. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading about Annie. She came off as snooty, manipulative, and narcissistic at times, but there was so much more to her than that. Annie wasn't perfect and that is what I liked about her. She was a very strong and determined woman who would sometimes get sidetracked by her passions. It was nice to see her make mistakes and then realize how she was hurting the people she cared about.
Annie's character arc throughout this book didn't necessarily make her more "likable", but it made her more human. I felt like I truly understood her more and related to her more. It was wonderful to see Annie accept her flaws and realize she wasn't perfect. That was the crux of this story, and I loved it. It reminded me that not everyone is going to be the heroic and noble ALL THE TIME. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect, and we have to accept that. Annie went on that journey of self-discovery and it was was a beautiful arc for her.
The friendship between Evie and Annie was a strong and complex relationship. This book really delved into their friendship and exposed the holes in their friendship. I really liked how the author addressed their relationship in a real and honest manner. There were obvious issues in their friendship and I was glad that they weren't glossed over. I cannot wait to see their friendship develop even more in the next book.
The romance in this book was just as wonderful as the romance in the first book. The romance Annie has in this book was hinted at in book one, so I was extremely excited to see how it was going to develop. I thought Annie's romance developed at a natural and extremely steamy pace. This second chance romance had plenty of banter, sweet moments, and sexy moments to reel me in. I loved it!
Overall, this was a kick-ass and exciting book. Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this book! I cannot wait to get my hands on book three!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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I will admit that I was a little wary going into this book. I wasn't a huge fan of Aveda/Annie in the previous book, so I wasn't sure if I was going to like having her as the main character of this book. She did grow on me throughout the first book, but she was never my favorite character. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading about Annie. She came off as snooty, manipulative, and narcissistic at times, but there was so much more to her than that. Annie wasn't perfect and that is what I liked about her. She was a very strong and determined woman who would sometimes get sidetracked by her passions. It was nice to see her make mistakes and then realize how she was hurting the people she cared about.
Annie's character arc throughout this book didn't necessarily make her more "likable", but it made her more human. I felt like I truly understood her more and related to her more. It was wonderful to see Annie accept her flaws and realize she wasn't perfect. That was the crux of this story, and I loved it. It reminded me that not everyone is going to be the heroic and noble ALL THE TIME. Everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect, and we have to accept that. Annie went on that journey of self-discovery and it was was a beautiful arc for her.
The friendship between Evie and Annie was a strong and complex relationship. This book really delved into their friendship and exposed the holes in their friendship. I really liked how the author addressed their relationship in a real and honest manner. There were obvious issues in their friendship and I was glad that they weren't glossed over. I cannot wait to see their friendship develop even more in the next book.
The romance in this book was just as wonderful as the romance in the first book. The romance Annie has in this book was hinted at in book one, so I was extremely excited to see how it was going to develop. I thought Annie's romance developed at a natural and extremely steamy pace. This second chance romance had plenty of banter, sweet moments, and sexy moments to reel me in. I loved it!
Overall, this was a kick-ass and exciting book. Fans of this series will not be disappointed with this book! I cannot wait to get my hands on book three!
4 / 5 Fangs
*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
January 14, 2023
The sequel to Heroine Complex switches gears abruptly, because the first-person narrator is no longer Evie Tanaka but her long-time friend and superheroine partner known publicly as Aveda Jupiter, a name and persona she made up to bury the scared, vulnerable person inside her. That person goes by her birth name Annie Chang, and Annie just won't stay buried, much to Aveda's mortification, because Aveda is honestly trying to be the very best she can be while so many other people see her as a diva. Well, we certainly did in the first book!
One of the best things the author has done this time, by bringing us into Aveda's thoughts and actions, has been to create a remarkable blend of Aveda's earnest striving and the bossy diva part of her personality--we see what's behind what the public sees. That inner conflict between Aveda and Annie, and its arc of development, form the serious backbone of another delightfully wacky adventure involving an incorporeal puppy demon and a whole bunch of rampant brides-to-be.
Oh, and there's a romance too, because it's painfully obvious that Annie/Aveda and Scott Cameron have been in love since the sixth grade but couldn't acknowledge their feelings, to themselves or to each other. Romance fans will be pleased with this book, I think. And it's not the romance you might have been expecting from the first book, either, because Nate proposes to Evie in chapter two and there's very little more of their personal stuff. It's the preparation for their wedding that propels this adventure with the puppy demon and the bridezillas of San Francisco.
Although there's a lot of recapitulation of previous events, I think that to enjoy this sequel fully you really have to read the first book to get the complete set-up (as told from Evie's perspective, remember)--how Evie and Annie became friends as the only Asian-Americans in their school, how San Francisco was infested with demons, and how a few people picked up superpowers. Or, if you like, my review has a six-paragraph summary of the basic story: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Those little demons who came through little portals after the big invasion died down and took center stage for the first book are now called puppy demons, and "reformed half-demon princess Maisy Kane," as she calls herself, owns the lingerie shop in San Francisco's Mission district that contains one of those long-dormant little portals. When a demonic problem pops up there, Maisy calls Aveda and Evie, and off we go.
It turns out that this new puppy demon, instead of imprinting on a cupcake, injects people with rage that stimulates physical combat (mostly of the comic kind), and the most susceptible targets are brides-to-be shopping for bridal dresses and, of course, bridal lingerie. Hello, Maisy; hello, invisible demon. Lots of funny situations, with kind of a serious turn about halfway through, building up to a major climactic scene that was a bit unsettling for me because some of the off-stage action was never made clear ().
Even so, and even with seemingly interminable dwelling on Annie/Aveda's inner conflict, this was at least a 3.5 star read, and I round that up in any case. It was particularly good to see a real team develop among such diverse characters--not just Evie and Aveda but Scott, Nate, Lucy (Latina), Evie's teenage sister Bea whose power is reverse empathy, and Shruti with her Sikh background and her weaponized, prehensile hair. Together with Rose of the city police department's demon squad, who's African-American, that's at least six ethnic backgrounds represented!
One of the best things the author has done this time, by bringing us into Aveda's thoughts and actions, has been to create a remarkable blend of Aveda's earnest striving and the bossy diva part of her personality--we see what's behind what the public sees. That inner conflict between Aveda and Annie, and its arc of development, form the serious backbone of another delightfully wacky adventure involving an incorporeal puppy demon and a whole bunch of rampant brides-to-be.
Oh, and there's a romance too, because it's painfully obvious that Annie/Aveda and Scott Cameron have been in love since the sixth grade but couldn't acknowledge their feelings, to themselves or to each other. Romance fans will be pleased with this book, I think. And it's not the romance you might have been expecting from the first book, either, because Nate proposes to Evie in chapter two and there's very little more of their personal stuff. It's the preparation for their wedding that propels this adventure with the puppy demon and the bridezillas of San Francisco.
Although there's a lot of recapitulation of previous events, I think that to enjoy this sequel fully you really have to read the first book to get the complete set-up (as told from Evie's perspective, remember)--how Evie and Annie became friends as the only Asian-Americans in their school, how San Francisco was infested with demons, and how a few people picked up superpowers. Or, if you like, my review has a six-paragraph summary of the basic story: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
Those little demons who came through little portals after the big invasion died down and took center stage for the first book are now called puppy demons, and "reformed half-demon princess Maisy Kane," as she calls herself, owns the lingerie shop in San Francisco's Mission district that contains one of those long-dormant little portals. When a demonic problem pops up there, Maisy calls Aveda and Evie, and off we go.
It turns out that this new puppy demon, instead of imprinting on a cupcake, injects people with rage that stimulates physical combat (mostly of the comic kind), and the most susceptible targets are brides-to-be shopping for bridal dresses and, of course, bridal lingerie. Hello, Maisy; hello, invisible demon. Lots of funny situations, with kind of a serious turn about halfway through, building up to a major climactic scene that was a bit unsettling for me because some of the off-stage action was never made clear ().
Even so, and even with seemingly interminable dwelling on Annie/Aveda's inner conflict, this was at least a 3.5 star read, and I round that up in any case. It was particularly good to see a real team develop among such diverse characters--not just Evie and Aveda but Scott, Nate, Lucy (Latina), Evie's teenage sister Bea whose power is reverse empathy, and Shruti with her Sikh background and her weaponized, prehensile hair. Together with Rose of the city police department's demon squad, who's African-American, that's at least six ethnic backgrounds represented!
May 14, 2018
I love this series about awesome (and emotionally complicated) superheroine best friends sharing a big old house in modern-day San Francisco, with cupcakes and friend-issues, tons of hilarious comedy, and some very, very hot romance with fabulous guys, too. Each book has a different heroine, and in this one, I fell so, so hard in love with Aveda Jupiter (a.k.a. Annie Chang)’s emotional journey as well as her friend-journey with fellow superheroine Evie; the creation of a real found family that can finally accept her for exactly who she is; oh, and an incredibly heart-warming romance, too, with an absolute sweetheart of a hero who is perfect for her.
And it’s funny! It is so funny. Evie in Book 1 loved baked goods, so we got demon-possessed cupcakes; Aveda/Annie adores fashion, so here we have demon-possessed wedding dresses and lingerie, and the idea of bridezillas (as Aveda pushes herself to arrange Evie’s upcoming wedding PERFECTLY) taken to hilarious, supernaturally-induced extremes. I laughed out loud again and again, I teared up in a couple of scenes, and I cheered SO HARD for the book’s ending. Aveda/Annie and Evie make the best superheroine partners as well as friends…
…and I cannot wait to read Book 3, Heroine’s Journey (which will bring in Evie’s little sister as the perfect third string to their Heroic Trio) as soon as it comes out this July. I want more! :)
(And you can read a much longer and more confessional review of this book on my blog, because it really struck a personal chord!)
And it’s funny! It is so funny. Evie in Book 1 loved baked goods, so we got demon-possessed cupcakes; Aveda/Annie adores fashion, so here we have demon-possessed wedding dresses and lingerie, and the idea of bridezillas (as Aveda pushes herself to arrange Evie’s upcoming wedding PERFECTLY) taken to hilarious, supernaturally-induced extremes. I laughed out loud again and again, I teared up in a couple of scenes, and I cheered SO HARD for the book’s ending. Aveda/Annie and Evie make the best superheroine partners as well as friends…
…and I cannot wait to read Book 3, Heroine’s Journey (which will bring in Evie’s little sister as the perfect third string to their Heroic Trio) as soon as it comes out this July. I want more! :)
(And you can read a much longer and more confessional review of this book on my blog, because it really struck a personal chord!)
July 6, 2017
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Heroine Worship is the second installment in author Sarah Kuhn's Heroine Complex series. Heroine Worship picks up a few months after Heroine Complex. This is a series that is set 80 years after Demon Princess Shasta sent her humanoid demons through a portal which shut immediately. When the portals shut, it killed the invasion team, and sent their powers into various San Franciscans Evie Tanaka and Annie Chang. Annie aka Aveda Jupiter is the protagonist for this book, and to say that she deals with a whole lot of issues, would be the understatement of the year.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult, Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Heroine Worship is the second installment in author Sarah Kuhn's Heroine Complex series. Heroine Worship picks up a few months after Heroine Complex. This is a series that is set 80 years after Demon Princess Shasta sent her humanoid demons through a portal which shut immediately. When the portals shut, it killed the invasion team, and sent their powers into various San Franciscans Evie Tanaka and Annie Chang. Annie aka Aveda Jupiter is the protagonist for this book, and to say that she deals with a whole lot of issues, would be the understatement of the year.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Read
September 12, 2017Heroine Worship isn’t an easy book to write about, because it means so much for an audience that doesn’t see itself much in literature: young Asian women who might be looking for representation but so rarely get it in mainstream books. In Heroine Complex, she introduces best friends Evie Tanaka and Aveda Jupiter, living millennial lives in San Francisco while fighting off demons trying to take over their city. In Heroine Worship, we return to Evie and Aveda’s life through the eyes of Annie Chang, Aveda’s real identity, but Kuhn doesn’t rehash old tricks. Annie is selfish, and overly dramatic, and more than most people can handle, and she is so very very relatable. In Annie, Sarah Kuhn writes a reminder to women like us who feel too much, who do too much, who want so much, and who have no idea how to manage all of those things at once. She is richly drawn and explored, and given agency to be all that she is, even if some of it isn’t pleasant to look at. It’s a perspective we don’t get to see very often from Asian women, and Sarah Kuhn’s work grapples with it alongside us, comforting even as it pushes past our expectations.
–Angel Cruz
from The Best Books We Read In May 2017: https://bookriot.com/2017/06/02/riot-...
–Angel Cruz
from The Best Books We Read In May 2017: https://bookriot.com/2017/06/02/riot-...
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August 3, 2017A fun sequel, this time told from the POV of super heroine Aveda Jupiter//Annie Chang.
And though we have a new supernatural big bad to find and defeat (which operates through a squadron of Bridezillas in a series of cinematically slapstick scenes), the central issue is that dichotomy between Aveda Jupiter, and scaredy-nerd Annie Chang who will never be good enough for her turbo-charged high achiever-oriented parents.
She also has to resolve her equally hot and cold feelings toward Scott, hers and Evie's childhood friend, who she thought for years was into Evie. There are lingering feelings even though Evie is clearly absorbed with half-demon Nate, who proposes marriage early on. Resolving that sexual intensity with Scott is only half the equation, especially when Aveda is desperate to smother her geeky, backward Annie self.
Meanwhile there is Evie's wedding to plan, and Aveda/Annie plans to make it the Best Wedding Ever in order to make up for all her shortcomings . . . even if what Evie really wants isn't the Best Wedding Ever.
It's a fun, fast-paced, very cinematic story with heart-warming themes of family and diversity as well as finding one's true love. At times the girls seemed emotionally more high-school aged in their exchanges and their idiom (does anyone, even teens, say 'totes' anymore?) but then that would be a stage in geeks growing up, to be ten years behind everyone else emotionally, while still coping with all the crazy having to do with powers and demons, portals, and angry Bridezilla gangs roaming around.
Then there is weird Maisie and her Pussy Queen shop, naughty lingerie, and Maisie's saccharine blog . . .
Jumble it all together and add up to a fun read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
And though we have a new supernatural big bad to find and defeat (which operates through a squadron of Bridezillas in a series of cinematically slapstick scenes), the central issue is that dichotomy between Aveda Jupiter, and scaredy-nerd Annie Chang who will never be good enough for her turbo-charged high achiever-oriented parents.
She also has to resolve her equally hot and cold feelings toward Scott, hers and Evie's childhood friend, who she thought for years was into Evie. There are lingering feelings even though Evie is clearly absorbed with half-demon Nate, who proposes marriage early on. Resolving that sexual intensity with Scott is only half the equation, especially when Aveda is desperate to smother her geeky, backward Annie self.
Meanwhile there is Evie's wedding to plan, and Aveda/Annie plans to make it the Best Wedding Ever in order to make up for all her shortcomings . . . even if what Evie really wants isn't the Best Wedding Ever.
It's a fun, fast-paced, very cinematic story with heart-warming themes of family and diversity as well as finding one's true love. At times the girls seemed emotionally more high-school aged in their exchanges and their idiom (does anyone, even teens, say 'totes' anymore?) but then that would be a stage in geeks growing up, to be ten years behind everyone else emotionally, while still coping with all the crazy having to do with powers and demons, portals, and angry Bridezilla gangs roaming around.
Then there is weird Maisie and her Pussy Queen shop, naughty lingerie, and Maisie's saccharine blog . . .
Jumble it all together and add up to a fun read.
Copy provided by NetGalley
July 8, 2017
I am just so starry-eyed over this series. It's so good and funny and cute and bags of dildos. Anyways, LOVE.
July 3, 2017
Oh my goodness, Heroine Worship was so cute and original! I guarantee nobody has read a superhero novel like this series. In the first book we got attack cupcakes, and this one is full of surprises that were just as creative! I feel like I’m an imaginative person, and I would never have thought of turning mundane every day things into possessed demons. I love it!
Not only do I think this series has a completely original plot, I also love that it’s not only about romance. While the relationship between Annie and Scott was definitely important, Annie’s relationship with Evie was also prominent. As was the relationship and friendship among all of the superhero gang. In particular, I’m interested in seeing how everything turns out with Evie and Bea.
Still, obviously it was the moments between Scott and Annie that really tugged my strings. I felt the heat between them when I was reading Heroine Worship, and knew when they came together it would be passionate, and it was. Each of their interactions had me grinning and smiling, and even giggling. I giggled right along with Annie every time she giggled! Scott was seriously dreamy, and I liked how he was playful more than he was serious, but he also knew when to turn that goofiness off. I also loved how Scott and Annie’s connection went back to their childhood. It created an interesting dynamic.
I liked Annie too. It always surprises me when I like the heroine as much as I like the hero, but I was able to relate to Annie in ways that surprised me. Outwardly, I’m definitely more like Evie, but I was able to understand Annie’s emotional turmoil. She was a little bit over the top and it was easy to see why her loved ones became annoyed, but there was something sincere about Annie. I felt for her, and I loved that she saw her flaws and was trying to recreate herself.
So, in Heroine Worship we got the story of Evie. In Heroine Worship, we got to delve into Annie’s personality. I wonder who’s next? I’m eager for more about Bea, but I think I want Lucy to be next. There’s still so much mystery about her, and I’m definitely intrigued. (I’d also love more about Shruti.)
If you guys are looking for an Urban Fantasy with great characters and a plot like nothing you’ve read before, you really should check out this series!
(And I still think the physical books should have colored graphic novel type illustrations.)
Thank you to DAW for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, and want to read more, check out Birdie Bookworm!
Not only do I think this series has a completely original plot, I also love that it’s not only about romance. While the relationship between Annie and Scott was definitely important, Annie’s relationship with Evie was also prominent. As was the relationship and friendship among all of the superhero gang. In particular, I’m interested in seeing how everything turns out with Evie and Bea.
Still, obviously it was the moments between Scott and Annie that really tugged my strings. I felt the heat between them when I was reading Heroine Worship, and knew when they came together it would be passionate, and it was. Each of their interactions had me grinning and smiling, and even giggling. I giggled right along with Annie every time she giggled! Scott was seriously dreamy, and I liked how he was playful more than he was serious, but he also knew when to turn that goofiness off. I also loved how Scott and Annie’s connection went back to their childhood. It created an interesting dynamic.
I liked Annie too. It always surprises me when I like the heroine as much as I like the hero, but I was able to relate to Annie in ways that surprised me. Outwardly, I’m definitely more like Evie, but I was able to understand Annie’s emotional turmoil. She was a little bit over the top and it was easy to see why her loved ones became annoyed, but there was something sincere about Annie. I felt for her, and I loved that she saw her flaws and was trying to recreate herself.
So, in Heroine Worship we got the story of Evie. In Heroine Worship, we got to delve into Annie’s personality. I wonder who’s next? I’m eager for more about Bea, but I think I want Lucy to be next. There’s still so much mystery about her, and I’m definitely intrigued. (I’d also love more about Shruti.)
If you guys are looking for an Urban Fantasy with great characters and a plot like nothing you’ve read before, you really should check out this series!
(And I still think the physical books should have colored graphic novel type illustrations.)
Thank you to DAW for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, and want to read more, check out Birdie Bookworm!
July 21, 2017
teared up a little at the end. loved the character development and honest discussions of healthy relationships. and of course the demon fighting action😁
July 2, 2018
This is a fairly disappointing follow-up to the excellent Heroine Complex. This book follows Aveda Jupiter/Annie Chang, the titular superheroine, and while it's fun to get in her head, the plot is so lackluster and silly that it takes away from the attempted character development. It also felt a little over-the-top, and at times the characters are both too good at communicating and willfully terrible at communicating. I found myself thinking that Aveda gets a raw deal at several points in the book. And the romance isn't as good, either.
I may try the third book, if only because it promises 1000% fewer brides (spare me from any more commentary on the wedding industrial complex) and potentially a respite from the Evie/Aveda relationship.
I may try the third book, if only because it promises 1000% fewer brides (spare me from any more commentary on the wedding industrial complex) and potentially a respite from the Evie/Aveda relationship.
October 8, 2017
Who doesn't love character development?!??!
July 17, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
With legitimately crazy bridezillas, amusing incident reports, and a dab of romance, HEROINE WORSHIP manages to follow in the footsteps of HEROINE COMPLEX nicely. Clever and entertaining, HEROINE WORSHIP is an excellent entry in the urban fantasy genre.
My biggest complaint about HEROINE WORSHIP was the switch in narrators from Evie to Aveda/Annie was mildly annoying. Evie was less narcissistic, and at times Aveda's inner monologue got repetitive and grating. I do understand that she was working through some changes in her life, but sometimes it felt the author was dragging it out a bit much. However, because of the switch in narrators, it felt more like a stand-alone novel instead of the second in the series, making it easier for somebody to pick HEROINE WORSHIP up without reading HEROINE COMPLEX.
As the book went on though, I became more used to Aveda's narration and got into the story. The plot line was more interesting in this installment, I felt, with a mystery and some very interesting things happening around the group. And the dynamics of the friend group again were a highlight for me. I liked how the women interacted with each other - how they felt so real and authentic. The changes Aveda went through felt as real as they could as well, being that we're talking about superheroes. She dealt with family issues, relationship confusion, and jealousy of her friend - all things that most people can relate to. So, while she was a bit over the top about most things, in the end, I really felt like I understood her and where she was coming from.
Also, I love how HEROINE WORSHIP has a diverse cast of characters without it feeling forced. There's different ethnicities, different sexual orientations, and different superpowers. 😉 It's refreshing in a world of urban fantasy where a lot of time the heroine is a straight white girl surrounded by sexy men. HEROINE WORSHIP gives us a glimpse into a world that looks a lot more like ours and definitely benefits from this representation.
All in all, HEROINE WORSHIP is a welcome addition to my library and well worth the read.
Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex, closed-door sex scenes
With legitimately crazy bridezillas, amusing incident reports, and a dab of romance, HEROINE WORSHIP manages to follow in the footsteps of HEROINE COMPLEX nicely. Clever and entertaining, HEROINE WORSHIP is an excellent entry in the urban fantasy genre.
My biggest complaint about HEROINE WORSHIP was the switch in narrators from Evie to Aveda/Annie was mildly annoying. Evie was less narcissistic, and at times Aveda's inner monologue got repetitive and grating. I do understand that she was working through some changes in her life, but sometimes it felt the author was dragging it out a bit much. However, because of the switch in narrators, it felt more like a stand-alone novel instead of the second in the series, making it easier for somebody to pick HEROINE WORSHIP up without reading HEROINE COMPLEX.
As the book went on though, I became more used to Aveda's narration and got into the story. The plot line was more interesting in this installment, I felt, with a mystery and some very interesting things happening around the group. And the dynamics of the friend group again were a highlight for me. I liked how the women interacted with each other - how they felt so real and authentic. The changes Aveda went through felt as real as they could as well, being that we're talking about superheroes. She dealt with family issues, relationship confusion, and jealousy of her friend - all things that most people can relate to. So, while she was a bit over the top about most things, in the end, I really felt like I understood her and where she was coming from.
Also, I love how HEROINE WORSHIP has a diverse cast of characters without it feeling forced. There's different ethnicities, different sexual orientations, and different superpowers. 😉 It's refreshing in a world of urban fantasy where a lot of time the heroine is a straight white girl surrounded by sexy men. HEROINE WORSHIP gives us a glimpse into a world that looks a lot more like ours and definitely benefits from this representation.
All in all, HEROINE WORSHIP is a welcome addition to my library and well worth the read.
Sexual content: Kissing, references to sex, closed-door sex scenes
May 25, 2020
I wish I loved this story as much as I love the cover. This was kind of meh.
Heroine Worship is told entirely from Aveda Jupiter's POV. I didn't like Aveda in the first book. She's very much a diva, and not in a good way. Everything is about her. She's very insecure too. She wasn't awful in this book. I didn't hate following her as much as I thought I would.
I liked the romance. That was my favorite part of this whole book. It was sweet, it was steamy. I rooted for it.
The whole plot of this book was really dumb. It wasn't that good. They kept using this term "puppy demon," and I came to hate seeing that word. They used it every couple pages. It was the worst.
I also got a little annoyed how every little thing was considered racist to Aveda. She's over sensitive about it, in my opinion. I also found it irritating how every bully or mean person she encountered is pointed out for being white.
I wish I liked this book more then I did. With a better plot, maybe that could have happened. The only thing really good about it was the romance.
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5
Kind of Annoying
July 6, 2017
Just now adding this but oh man what a pitch perfect book...it has everything I could ever want in a book especially a romance one and has so many familiar elements to me, I cannot wait to read Sarah Kuhn's future writing.
Annie Chung is such a fabulous relatable heroine and I loved seeing the cast back together from Heroine Complex and the hints of Bea's book which I desperately desperately need now. The romance is so great ofc but the friendship between Annie and Evie, the complicated relationship Annie has with her mom and others was done so well.
review to come closer to release
Annie Chung is such a fabulous relatable heroine and I loved seeing the cast back together from Heroine Complex and the hints of Bea's book which I desperately desperately need now. The romance is so great ofc but the friendship between Annie and Evie, the complicated relationship Annie has with her mom and others was done so well.
review to come closer to release
August 6, 2017
If interested, please see my review at Girls with Books
June 15, 2017
If you read my review of Heroine Complex last year, you’d know I’m all over this amazing series! Two badass female Asian-American heroes, fighting demons and taking names? I’m in! So when I saw the sequel was coming out this year, I pounced. And Heroine Worship delivers everything I wanted and more!
The biggest change compared to Heroine Complex is the different POV: we’re no longer following Evie, we’re following Aveda. Aveda feels awful for the way she treated Evie in the last book, and is working hard on fixing their relationship, and being a good friend. But it’s not always easy: now Evie is San Francisco’s beloved leading lady, and nothing Aveda can do seems to make the blogverse happy. This throws her into an identity crisis: is she Annie Chang, or Aveda Jupiter? Is she a hero or a sidekick?
My favorite thing about this series is how unabashedly honest the characters (and the author) are. There is absolutely no sugarcoating. The fallout from the last book is still being addressed, and Aveda is trying very hard to be different, but nothing seems to work. And they actually TALK about it. The unhealthy history is addressed in length, as they try to resolve their issues like adults.
I was surprised to see so little of Nate in this story, but he’s just a supporting character for Evie (they’re engaged! Finally!). The love interest in this novel is Scott, which will come as no shock to readers of Heroine Complex. Hearing Annie/Aveda’s story with him, how she say the events Evie told us about in the last book, gave us a fresh new perspective and reason to root for them together as a team. And just as in Heroine Complex, Kuhn gives us quite the relationship! There’s an intensity there that the author writes incredibly well, and we need more healthy couples in literature! (Dang, that’s hot!)
While the demonic plot was a little all over the place and I’m not quite sure was about, the real heart of this novel was on Aveda Jupiter coming to terms with Annie Chang. She is an incredibly complex character, and relatable all the way through her identity crisis. She strives for perfection in everything she does, and it still isn’t enough for the people of San Francisco, or even her own parents. People are always telling her how she should be, and not giving her the space to actually be herself. Honestly, her characterization could be the subject of hour long book club debates.
I noticed a few readers found her unlikable (at first), but for me she was more relatable than Evie. I guess I’m a lot like her: headstrong, extroverted, perfectionist, and assertive. Traits that usually get called “Bossy.” There’s an idea that since she’s a woman hero she needs to be held to a higher standard, but she’s doing her job, and she’s doing it well. Here we are talking about how Aveda needs to be a better friend to Evie, and I’m wondering if Evie couldn’t try a little more herself.
In short, here’s what I love about this series: healthy relationships, dang good romance, powerful female friendships, leading ladies of color who are aware of the power of this own image, incredible honesty, downright perfect writing about what it is to be human, and the most dynamic duo since… ever.
And of course: hilarious, laugh out loud moments! Fantastic geekery! Love in all its forms! Sexiness and dildo jokes! WHY AREN’T PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS SERIES?
I got a copy of this book from DAW books, which in no way affected my review. Thanks, DAW books!
The biggest change compared to Heroine Complex is the different POV: we’re no longer following Evie, we’re following Aveda. Aveda feels awful for the way she treated Evie in the last book, and is working hard on fixing their relationship, and being a good friend. But it’s not always easy: now Evie is San Francisco’s beloved leading lady, and nothing Aveda can do seems to make the blogverse happy. This throws her into an identity crisis: is she Annie Chang, or Aveda Jupiter? Is she a hero or a sidekick?
My favorite thing about this series is how unabashedly honest the characters (and the author) are. There is absolutely no sugarcoating. The fallout from the last book is still being addressed, and Aveda is trying very hard to be different, but nothing seems to work. And they actually TALK about it. The unhealthy history is addressed in length, as they try to resolve their issues like adults.
I was surprised to see so little of Nate in this story, but he’s just a supporting character for Evie (they’re engaged! Finally!). The love interest in this novel is Scott, which will come as no shock to readers of Heroine Complex. Hearing Annie/Aveda’s story with him, how she say the events Evie told us about in the last book, gave us a fresh new perspective and reason to root for them together as a team. And just as in Heroine Complex, Kuhn gives us quite the relationship! There’s an intensity there that the author writes incredibly well, and we need more healthy couples in literature! (Dang, that’s hot!)
While the demonic plot was a little all over the place and I’m not quite sure was about, the real heart of this novel was on Aveda Jupiter coming to terms with Annie Chang. She is an incredibly complex character, and relatable all the way through her identity crisis. She strives for perfection in everything she does, and it still isn’t enough for the people of San Francisco, or even her own parents. People are always telling her how she should be, and not giving her the space to actually be herself. Honestly, her characterization could be the subject of hour long book club debates.
I noticed a few readers found her unlikable (at first), but for me she was more relatable than Evie. I guess I’m a lot like her: headstrong, extroverted, perfectionist, and assertive. Traits that usually get called “Bossy.” There’s an idea that since she’s a woman hero she needs to be held to a higher standard, but she’s doing her job, and she’s doing it well. Here we are talking about how Aveda needs to be a better friend to Evie, and I’m wondering if Evie couldn’t try a little more herself.
In short, here’s what I love about this series: healthy relationships, dang good romance, powerful female friendships, leading ladies of color who are aware of the power of this own image, incredible honesty, downright perfect writing about what it is to be human, and the most dynamic duo since… ever.
And of course: hilarious, laugh out loud moments! Fantastic geekery! Love in all its forms! Sexiness and dildo jokes! WHY AREN’T PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS SERIES?
I got a copy of this book from DAW books, which in no way affected my review. Thanks, DAW books!
October 23, 2019
I think I put off reading this book for so long (over a year!) because I loved the first book in the series so much, I thought there was no way the next book could measure up. Well, I shouldn’t have denied myself the pleasure, because Heroine Worship is every bit as swoonworthy as its predecessor. I love that this book focuses on Annie, better known as Aveda Jupiter, San Francisco’s premier superheroine, who we know from the first book as something of a narcissistic steamroller. Surprise--once you get inside her head, she’s actually a complex character with insecurities and issues of her own. I related super hard to Annie’s perfectionism and appreciated that while she makes progress and grows as a person, it’s in a halting way that feels realistic. Just like the first book, there’s a strong thread of romance here, but Kuhn makes sure to give equal weight to the female friendships. Even if you don’t think you like superhero stories, if you like women kicking ass and supporting each other against evil incursions from the spirit realm, this series will be your slice of cake.
July 5, 2019
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Heroine Complex series is one of those series you become hooked on and you don't want to give up. Whether it's the characters in Heroine Worship that are relatable - even when they are sprouting fire from their palms - the romance that weaves through the book, or the action packed plot, you won't want to stop reading!
There's something about Heroine Worship that just clicked with me. It's hard to pick when there are so many fabulous elements to choose from - their unique family, Annie's character, the romance, or the action. But if I had to choose one, I'd choose Annie. In the first book, Annie is a side character, Evie's diva boss who used to be her best friend. But in Heroine Worship Annie takes center stage. And she is faced with the difficult challenge - can she really change? It's not only a process of being less diva-like, but everything that's become tied up with Aveda Jupiter.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
The Heroine Complex series is one of those series you become hooked on and you don't want to give up. Whether it's the characters in Heroine Worship that are relatable - even when they are sprouting fire from their palms - the romance that weaves through the book, or the action packed plot, you won't want to stop reading!
There's something about Heroine Worship that just clicked with me. It's hard to pick when there are so many fabulous elements to choose from - their unique family, Annie's character, the romance, or the action. But if I had to choose one, I'd choose Annie. In the first book, Annie is a side character, Evie's diva boss who used to be her best friend. But in Heroine Worship Annie takes center stage. And she is faced with the difficult challenge - can she really change? It's not only a process of being less diva-like, but everything that's become tied up with Aveda Jupiter.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
December 27, 2018
There were two reasons why I was reluctant to try this book. Though, before I get there, I should note that I rather enjoyed the first book in the series and eagerly turned to the second. So, those two reasons? 1) The story turned from following Evie Tanaka to following Aveda Jupiter (who is, quite frankly, a rather unlikable character in book 1 of this series); 2) price.
But, eventually – long after publication (so long after that the third book in the series had already been published before I read book 2), I bought book two. And continued to put other books in front of it on the ‘read next’ list.
So – interesting good story here.
Pros: the author really handled having a basically unliked character take over the lead role quite well.
Cons: there’s a pattern that flows through all three books – in terms of the romance plot-line, at least. Repetitive. I won’t get more into it.
Right, so, Aveda Jupiter is closer to her ‘group’ and is trying to be a better person. But she’s very bored. At the end of the prior book they’d ‘handled’ the demon problem that had been ravaging San Francisco for years. And there hasn’t been much call for superheroes since. At this point, or at the beginning of the book at least, Aveda would eagerly become the bestest superhero at rescuing cats from trees . . . if it’d finally allow her to ‘do her thing’.
The plot line in this one is a major spoiler for book one so….
Everyone from book one of importance returns. At least I think so. Been a while since I read book one.
Enjoyed this book. So much so that I eagerly bought and read book three. Now I wait until 2019 for . . . a short story?
Rating: 4.25
October 2 2018
But, eventually – long after publication (so long after that the third book in the series had already been published before I read book 2), I bought book two. And continued to put other books in front of it on the ‘read next’ list.
So – interesting good story here.
Pros: the author really handled having a basically unliked character take over the lead role quite well.
Cons: there’s a pattern that flows through all three books – in terms of the romance plot-line, at least. Repetitive. I won’t get more into it.
Right, so, Aveda Jupiter is closer to her ‘group’ and is trying to be a better person. But she’s very bored. At the end of the prior book they’d ‘handled’ the demon problem that had been ravaging San Francisco for years. And there hasn’t been much call for superheroes since. At this point, or at the beginning of the book at least, Aveda would eagerly become the bestest superhero at rescuing cats from trees . . . if it’d finally allow her to ‘do her thing’.
The plot line in this one is a major spoiler for book one so….
Everyone from book one of importance returns. At least I think so. Been a while since I read book one.
Enjoyed this book. So much so that I eagerly bought and read book three. Now I wait until 2019 for . . . a short story?
Rating: 4.25
October 2 2018
September 13, 2017
I ordered this book right after I finished the first book in this series.
And this is yet another fun read.
Aveda is not as easy to like as Evie, in fact I didn't much like her in the first book. But in this book you get to see more about what makes her tick, and soon I could understand why Aveda is such a difficult person. I even started to root for her. It sure helps that Aveda is aware of her flaws and is actively trying to better herself, even though not always in the best way. By the end of the book I loved Aveda.
Aveda's love interest was also a character in the first book, and I wasn't impressed by him there, and in this book he didn't manage to make much of an impression either.
Luckily there's so much more to this book than the romance. I was invested in what was going on from the start and wanted to find out who or what was behind all the strange things that were happening. As with the first book I love how suspense and humor manage to go hand in hand. There isn't a dull moment.
Even though the first book is still my favorite, I very much enjoyed this book as well, and you bet I will get my greedy trotters on the third book once it releases.
And this is yet another fun read.
Aveda is not as easy to like as Evie, in fact I didn't much like her in the first book. But in this book you get to see more about what makes her tick, and soon I could understand why Aveda is such a difficult person. I even started to root for her. It sure helps that Aveda is aware of her flaws and is actively trying to better herself, even though not always in the best way. By the end of the book I loved Aveda.
Aveda's love interest was also a character in the first book, and I wasn't impressed by him there, and in this book he didn't manage to make much of an impression either.
Luckily there's so much more to this book than the romance. I was invested in what was going on from the start and wanted to find out who or what was behind all the strange things that were happening. As with the first book I love how suspense and humor manage to go hand in hand. There isn't a dull moment.
Even though the first book is still my favorite, I very much enjoyed this book as well, and you bet I will get my greedy trotters on the third book once it releases.
June 11, 2018
I started with the second book of the series, and I don't think it made the reading difficult at all.
This was a really lovely story; anxious protagonist coping with the fact that she is no longer the One Biggest And Best superheroine and also bringing all her determination to bear on being the Best Friend and Best Maid of Honour ever! Friendship, comedy, those heart-hurting fights you have when everyone is trying to do the right thing and is just not getting it, found family, bridal hijinks.
Plot-wise, I found there were also beautifully seeded hints as to what's going on-- I didn't catch on early enough to figure it out and get exasperated at the characters for not getting it, but the writing was definitely pointing me in the direction that I needed to be looking in, and the ultimate resolution felt really satisfying.
Would recommend.
This was a really lovely story; anxious protagonist coping with the fact that she is no longer the One Biggest And Best superheroine and also bringing all her determination to bear on being the Best Friend and Best Maid of Honour ever! Friendship, comedy, those heart-hurting fights you have when everyone is trying to do the right thing and is just not getting it, found family, bridal hijinks.
Plot-wise, I found there were also beautifully seeded hints as to what's going on-- I didn't catch on early enough to figure it out and get exasperated at the characters for not getting it, but the writing was definitely pointing me in the direction that I needed to be looking in, and the ultimate resolution felt really satisfying.
Would recommend.
September 15, 2017
I love everyone in this bar. (and related to Aveda/Annie way more than I thought I would, who knew)
August 31, 2017
Great series!
I just have two major gripes about it. The Romance and The Pacing. (Mild spoilers ahead)
This book was slow in the beginning. Then it just seemed to pick up the pace until the end just wooshed by.
I could spot the romance from three towns over. While I do appreciate the talking and resolving of issues in all the relationships in this book, the romance felt a bit... iffy and forced? Flat like Scott's abs? I don't really buy it. I hope this isn't going to be a trend in the romance territory of these books, because it felt very much the same as the start of #natevie . Please, no more oblivious girls that must be coaxed out by a man. Can't the girl(s) initiate and go for it? Maybe both Aveda and Evie are dense and oblivious, I hope the books about (I guess) Lucy and Bea's romances start and develop differently. Give us a bit more variation of the meet-cutes. Not every girl is insecure and held back waiting on the guy to show interest. Please, Bea, Lucy, show 'em how it can be done.
I just have two major gripes about it. The Romance and The Pacing. (Mild spoilers ahead)
This book was slow in the beginning. Then it just seemed to pick up the pace until the end just wooshed by.
I could spot the romance from three towns over. While I do appreciate the talking and resolving of issues in all the relationships in this book, the romance felt a bit... iffy and forced? Flat like Scott's abs? I don't really buy it. I hope this isn't going to be a trend in the romance territory of these books, because it felt very much the same as the start of #natevie . Please, no more oblivious girls that must be coaxed out by a man. Can't the girl(s) initiate and go for it? Maybe both Aveda and Evie are dense and oblivious, I hope the books about (I guess) Lucy and Bea's romances start and develop differently. Give us a bit more variation of the meet-cutes. Not every girl is insecure and held back waiting on the guy to show interest. Please, Bea, Lucy, show 'em how it can be done.
September 17, 2019
It's three months after the great showdown with the demon Shastra, formerly owner of chic boutique Pussy Queen, and her horde from the Otherworld; things are slow at Aveda Jupiter Inc, with portals closed and demons vanquished Aveda – now narrator, taking over from best friend and now San Francisco’s co-super-heroine Evie Tanaka, surrendering her
Heroine Complex
role. Aveda doesn’t do waiting and is struggling with the democratisation of superheroinedom (and multiple cereal course breakfasts: when the action is fading days, have to be filled in), not out of envy but because since kindergarten she’s protected Evie, who now, as a dramatic fire-thrower, needs less protection, even though she is learning to cope with her newly elevated powers.
Sarah Kuhn’s sharply satirical, Asian-woman superheroes, Bay Area defenders and smiters of demons continues with a more personal thread – can Hurricane Annie Chang (Aveda Jupiter by her other name) not ruin her friendship with Evie by being maid of honour for her forthcoming wedding? Aveda’s not so good at listening and has pretty clear ideas about how these things should be done (she is perhaps a little more of her mother’s daughter than she cares to admit – that’s the mother who seems perpetually disappointed that Aveda is making a career as superheroine, not a doctor like her cousin Sophie). Just as this maid-of-honour thing seems to be rearing its not-so-straightforward head (the wedding is only 4 weeks away from the surprise engagement) a demon appears, despite that last portal – Shastra’s one in Pussy Queen – being firmly closed; what’s more it seems to be attacking brides-to-be.
As AJI swings into action, everything seems to go wrong for Aveda. She is no longer the city’s favourite superheroine – but is now seen as a controlling diva out to overshadow Evie. This is partly the consequence of Shastra’s former minion-turned-part-demon (reformed) PQ owner Maisey Kane, whose blog seems to favour the newly adored Evie. This, then, is a tale of wedding dresses that attack, true love, and loneliness, hair that becomes a weapon in battles against the supernatural (and on occasion, strangles), boosted superpowers and possessed lingerie – but most of all it is a tale of a strained friendship and a Bridezilla army.
Kuhn’s style is light, engaging and well-paced – and that’s a tough combination. Packed with savvy characters, weird (but unexpectedly useful) superpowers (Evie’s sister Bea has the now Powered Up ability of reverse empathy, to impose her emotions on others) and continuous commentary on the quirks, irrationalities and trends of Millennial life. Bea’s Demon Encounter Reports are a delightful parody of an officious genre, and the sardonic role of celebrity wedding dress designed Marcus Wong is all too sharply cast. The shifting narratorial voice juxtaposes Evie’s put-upon-ness in Heroine Complex with Aveda’s lack-of-confidence-behind-diva-dom, enriching the back story of the friends and the their goofy (turned hunk) friend Scott Campbell, whose magical powers make him an important part of AJI where the empowered and the regularly human seem to be developing into a tight team.
In making this a much more personal story, Kuhn has turned the super-hero-side-kick relationship on it edge, adding complexity to a well-established trope, while making it all a whole bunch of fun. Bring on more of the Bay Area’s most kick-ass Asian-American defenders against the supernatural from the Otherworld.
Sarah Kuhn’s sharply satirical, Asian-woman superheroes, Bay Area defenders and smiters of demons continues with a more personal thread – can Hurricane Annie Chang (Aveda Jupiter by her other name) not ruin her friendship with Evie by being maid of honour for her forthcoming wedding? Aveda’s not so good at listening and has pretty clear ideas about how these things should be done (she is perhaps a little more of her mother’s daughter than she cares to admit – that’s the mother who seems perpetually disappointed that Aveda is making a career as superheroine, not a doctor like her cousin Sophie). Just as this maid-of-honour thing seems to be rearing its not-so-straightforward head (the wedding is only 4 weeks away from the surprise engagement) a demon appears, despite that last portal – Shastra’s one in Pussy Queen – being firmly closed; what’s more it seems to be attacking brides-to-be.
As AJI swings into action, everything seems to go wrong for Aveda. She is no longer the city’s favourite superheroine – but is now seen as a controlling diva out to overshadow Evie. This is partly the consequence of Shastra’s former minion-turned-part-demon (reformed) PQ owner Maisey Kane, whose blog seems to favour the newly adored Evie. This, then, is a tale of wedding dresses that attack, true love, and loneliness, hair that becomes a weapon in battles against the supernatural (and on occasion, strangles), boosted superpowers and possessed lingerie – but most of all it is a tale of a strained friendship and a Bridezilla army.
Kuhn’s style is light, engaging and well-paced – and that’s a tough combination. Packed with savvy characters, weird (but unexpectedly useful) superpowers (Evie’s sister Bea has the now Powered Up ability of reverse empathy, to impose her emotions on others) and continuous commentary on the quirks, irrationalities and trends of Millennial life. Bea’s Demon Encounter Reports are a delightful parody of an officious genre, and the sardonic role of celebrity wedding dress designed Marcus Wong is all too sharply cast. The shifting narratorial voice juxtaposes Evie’s put-upon-ness in Heroine Complex with Aveda’s lack-of-confidence-behind-diva-dom, enriching the back story of the friends and the their goofy (turned hunk) friend Scott Campbell, whose magical powers make him an important part of AJI where the empowered and the regularly human seem to be developing into a tight team.
In making this a much more personal story, Kuhn has turned the super-hero-side-kick relationship on it edge, adding complexity to a well-established trope, while making it all a whole bunch of fun. Bring on more of the Bay Area’s most kick-ass Asian-American defenders against the supernatural from the Otherworld.
July 25, 2017
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I absolutely adored Heroine Complex (see my review here), I am a huge fan of superhero stories so this series is right up my street. When I saw that Heroine Worship, was on Netgalley, I decide to request it and I was approved. I'm very grateful for that. Since this book is the second in a series, there will be some spoilers for the first.
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I really enjoyed the story, it was a load of fun. However, I had the feeling I was reading a standalone and not a sequel. It totally works as a standalone, as the events of the previous book are summarised in Heroine Worship. However, since I was reading this book as part of a series, I was quite disappointed that the open questions from the last book weren't explored and that we didn't receive answers. For example, the entire situation about Nate being half-demon and his mother being the antagonist of the first book was not discussed. I was really disappointed about that and other open questions. Reading this book led to a whole new lot of questions, and I really hope that the third book will answer all of the questions that I have.
Nevertheless, I still had a lot of fun reading this book. It was delightful to be in Aveda's perspective and find out more about how she felt about critical scenes in the first book, Heroine Complex.
The romance scenes are so cute. I loved how their confusion about their feelings played into events and how the Aveda and her love interest, slowly get to know what the other wants.
I loved reading the reports that Bea wrote about the different demon attacks, as we are also able to see Nate's corrections and he had a very dry, direct correcting method that totally didn't fit to Bea's fun and non-scientific writing style. It was quite funny.
Shruti is an interesting character, and I'm very happy that she had more page time in this book. Her superhero talent is a complicated issue for her, and I enjoyed reading her analysis of this issue. This is also the first time I've read a book with a brown, Sikh superheroine!
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I enjoyed Heroine Worship as a standalone novel, however as a sequel I feel like it was missing some substance. The reader is thrown into a new situation and the old situation isn't cleared up at all. Nevertheless, I still think it was a fun book and I'm going to be reading the next book as I enjoy the premise a lot and have grown quite attached to the characters.
I absolutely adored Heroine Complex (see my review here), I am a huge fan of superhero stories so this series is right up my street. When I saw that Heroine Worship, was on Netgalley, I decide to request it and I was approved. I'm very grateful for that. Since this book is the second in a series, there will be some spoilers for the first.
__
I really enjoyed the story, it was a load of fun. However, I had the feeling I was reading a standalone and not a sequel. It totally works as a standalone, as the events of the previous book are summarised in Heroine Worship. However, since I was reading this book as part of a series, I was quite disappointed that the open questions from the last book weren't explored and that we didn't receive answers. For example, the entire situation about Nate being half-demon and his mother being the antagonist of the first book was not discussed. I was really disappointed about that and other open questions. Reading this book led to a whole new lot of questions, and I really hope that the third book will answer all of the questions that I have.
Nevertheless, I still had a lot of fun reading this book. It was delightful to be in Aveda's perspective and find out more about how she felt about critical scenes in the first book, Heroine Complex.
The romance scenes are so cute. I loved how their confusion about their feelings played into events and how the Aveda and her love interest, slowly get to know what the other wants.
I loved reading the reports that Bea wrote about the different demon attacks, as we are also able to see Nate's corrections and he had a very dry, direct correcting method that totally didn't fit to Bea's fun and non-scientific writing style. It was quite funny.
Shruti is an interesting character, and I'm very happy that she had more page time in this book. Her superhero talent is a complicated issue for her, and I enjoyed reading her analysis of this issue. This is also the first time I've read a book with a brown, Sikh superheroine!
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I enjoyed Heroine Worship as a standalone novel, however as a sequel I feel like it was missing some substance. The reader is thrown into a new situation and the old situation isn't cleared up at all. Nevertheless, I still think it was a fun book and I'm going to be reading the next book as I enjoy the premise a lot and have grown quite attached to the characters.
June 27, 2017
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This installment of the Heroine Complex series is even better than the first. I had a hard time putting it down! It's got the same humor, action, heart, romance, and clever dialogue of the first book, but the storyline itself feels a little more polished in the second book.
This book is from the POV of Aveda Jupiter, the Chinese-American Superheroine who is the best friend of Evie, the POV character from the last book. Aveda is still adjusting to sharing the superhero spotlight with her bestie, but she manages to be less of a diva about it than in the first book. With the exception of a few vulnerable moments, I found Aveda to be pretty unsympathetic in the first book. But in this book she's learned from her mistakes and is trying to be a better friend. And since we're inside her head in this book, her vulnerability is on full display. The fast-paced action is fun, and the dialogue (and internal monologue) is fantastic, but Aveda's struggles to reconcile the two parts of her personality, and to open herself up to those who love her, are what makes this book really special.
There were a few actions and elements that required suspension of disbelief beyond the whole superhero thing, and those scenes have a sillier, more cartoonish tone that in my opinion, don't quite jive with the tone of the rest of the book - which, while still humorous and fun, feels more realistic. Sometimes I just don't buy the way characters react to things. It was a bigger problem in the first book than it is in this one.
Overall, Heroine Worship is a really fun read with solid characterization, a great romance, fantastic dialogue and a ton of action. 4 stars.
This installment of the Heroine Complex series is even better than the first. I had a hard time putting it down! It's got the same humor, action, heart, romance, and clever dialogue of the first book, but the storyline itself feels a little more polished in the second book.
This book is from the POV of Aveda Jupiter, the Chinese-American Superheroine who is the best friend of Evie, the POV character from the last book. Aveda is still adjusting to sharing the superhero spotlight with her bestie, but she manages to be less of a diva about it than in the first book. With the exception of a few vulnerable moments, I found Aveda to be pretty unsympathetic in the first book. But in this book she's learned from her mistakes and is trying to be a better friend. And since we're inside her head in this book, her vulnerability is on full display. The fast-paced action is fun, and the dialogue (and internal monologue) is fantastic, but Aveda's struggles to reconcile the two parts of her personality, and to open herself up to those who love her, are what makes this book really special.
There were a few actions and elements that required suspension of disbelief beyond the whole superhero thing, and those scenes have a sillier, more cartoonish tone that in my opinion, don't quite jive with the tone of the rest of the book - which, while still humorous and fun, feels more realistic. Sometimes I just don't buy the way characters react to things. It was a bigger problem in the first book than it is in this one.
Overall, Heroine Worship is a really fun read with solid characterization, a great romance, fantastic dialogue and a ton of action. 4 stars.
November 20, 2017
Focusing on Aveda Jupiter after seeing her from Evie's perspective in the previous book is wonderful. Because Aveda wears short shorts and Evie wears t-shirts, and that doesn't mean they can't be best friends. A dynamic duo inspired by the Heroic Trio. I genuinely appreciate how much these books focus on the relationships between friends, sisters, and women in general.
And of course this is nicely illustrated in the villains of this book: Bridezillas obsessed with the dress. By having demonic entities flatten the personalities of women into the usual two dimensional caricatures we are so often presented with in media, Kuhn does a wonderful job of critiquing those ideas. I love the fickle nature of social media, Aveda dealing with her own need to be popular, and Annie's relationship with her parents. So often Clark Kent is only allowed to take off the cape and be himself only with Jonathan and Martha. The fact that Annie's parents don't know how to deal with Aveda seems a lot more interesting and realistic.
This series is basically superheroes presented entirely as fanservice to an audience of women. If you're the type that enjoys descriptions of wedding dresses and also demon fighting, this book is for you. I would recommend checking out Heroine Complex first, though, only because this book definitely has spoilers for the ending of that one.
And of course this is nicely illustrated in the villains of this book: Bridezillas obsessed with the dress. By having demonic entities flatten the personalities of women into the usual two dimensional caricatures we are so often presented with in media, Kuhn does a wonderful job of critiquing those ideas. I love the fickle nature of social media, Aveda dealing with her own need to be popular, and Annie's relationship with her parents. So often Clark Kent is only allowed to take off the cape and be himself only with Jonathan and Martha. The fact that Annie's parents don't know how to deal with Aveda seems a lot more interesting and realistic.
This series is basically superheroes presented entirely as fanservice to an audience of women. If you're the type that enjoys descriptions of wedding dresses and also demon fighting, this book is for you. I would recommend checking out Heroine Complex first, though, only because this book definitely has spoilers for the ending of that one.
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