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Marvel Press Novels
Runaways
"The Pride, back in L.A.? Their parents, alive? Karolina had never realized hope and fear could feel so much alike."
Written by New York Times best-selling author Christopher Golden, Runaways: An Original Novel is a fresh take on the Marvel fan favorite. Including the first issue of the revived Runaways comic series written by Rainbow Rowell and with art by Kris Anka, it's easy for fans of the comics, fans of the new Hulu TV show, and first-time readers to all enjoy this new take on an old classic.
Turns out murderous Super Villains don't make for good parents. The Runaways had no choice. They had to kill them. Well, more or less. Now Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly are on the run again, hiding out and trying to regain a sense of normalcy. But kids with super powers don't get to be normal.
The city is overrun with criminals, each faction bent on murdering them for one reason or another. It's only when the Runaways uncover the truth behind their parents' past that they realize the evil isn't just in L.A.
It's everywhere.
Written by New York Times best-selling author Christopher Golden, Runaways: An Original Novel is a fresh take on the Marvel fan favorite. Including the first issue of the revived Runaways comic series written by Rainbow Rowell and with art by Kris Anka, it's easy for fans of the comics, fans of the new Hulu TV show, and first-time readers to all enjoy this new take on an old classic.
Turns out murderous Super Villains don't make for good parents. The Runaways had no choice. They had to kill them. Well, more or less. Now Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly are on the run again, hiding out and trying to regain a sense of normalcy. But kids with super powers don't get to be normal.
The city is overrun with criminals, each faction bent on murdering them for one reason or another. It's only when the Runaways uncover the truth behind their parents' past that they realize the evil isn't just in L.A.
It's everywhere.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2018
62 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Golden
798 books2,960 followersCHRISTOPHER GOLDEN is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of such novels as Road of Bones, Ararat, Snowblind, Of Saints and Shadows, and Red Hands. With Mike Mignola, he is the co-creator of the Outerverse comic book universe, including such series as Baltimore, Joe Golem: Occult Detective, and Lady Baltimore. As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies Seize the Night, Dark Cities, and The New Dead, among others, and he has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, and a network television pilot. Golden co-hosts the podcast Defenders Dialogue with horror author Brian Keene. In 2015 he founded the popular Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. He was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His work has been nominated for the British Fantasy Award, the Eisner Award, and multiple Shirley Jackson Awards. For the Bram Stoker Awards, Golden has been nominated ten times in eight different categories. His original novels have been published in more than fifteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at www.christophergolden.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 15, 2022
A decent if somewhat uneventful Runaways tale. I felt like it really needed another 100 pages to flesh out the story and characters. This takes place as the Runaways move into their home under the LaBrea Tar Pits for fans of the comics. The story was very predictable. I saw the end telegraphed from a quarter of the way through the book. So far I've read this and the Miles Morales prose novel and Marvel is 2 for 2 in publishing books that comic book fans of the properties can skip.
January 23, 2019
Nico, Gert, Chase, Molly, and Karolina are back in an all-new adventure set after the events of the comics. With Alex gone and Nico now running the runaways, life is still as hectic as ever as someone is trying to do what their parents in Pride tried to do a long time ago by sacrificing poor kids. Can they stop this new group before its too late or is it all a trap? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good read that was inspired by the comics and the hulu TV series. If you enjoyed both, you'll definitely enjoy this book which also introduces you to the new comic book series by Rainbow Rowell which is included in the book. Check this out at your local library and wherever books are sold.
This was a pretty good read that was inspired by the comics and the hulu TV series. If you enjoyed both, you'll definitely enjoy this book which also introduces you to the new comic book series by Rainbow Rowell which is included in the book. Check this out at your local library and wherever books are sold.
January 3, 2018
LOVE LOVE LOVE. Did I mention that I loved this book? Seriously, so amazing. Now I must watch the show on Hulu!!!
July 5, 2020
If you're a die-hard Runaways fan, this will probably be quite a fun, quick read. However, as my first introduction to the Runaways, it was a disappointment. I don't feel like anything substantial happened in this book - the plot was very... boring? - and I certainly don't feel like I've gotten to know much about the characters. I can see the appeal and so I definitely plan to pick up the comics, but as a novel, this really wasn't great...
July 6, 2019
3.5/5
This book is a novelization of the new Runaways Graphic novel series by Rainbow Rowell & Kris Anka. The storyline in this is a continuation/spin-off of the original series by Brian Vaughan. I read several of those earlier this year and enjoyed them. I was pretty confused in the beginning when Alex Wilder wasn't the leader of the Runaways anymore. However, once I realized where this was starting (with Alex dead and the Pride defeated), it was easier to follow.
I think Karolina and Nico were my favorites in this adaptation. There wasn't nearly enough of Old Lace in this either. We pick up with the gang hiding out and trying their best to live their live, even if they are on the run/hiding. I do really love this gang of misfits, they are so clearly a found family and I love their dynamic together.
This is a pretty short book, so it was quite disjointing to split between so many POVs constantly. I'd rather this had been told from either one of the runaways or some sort of omniscient narrator than each of them getting POVs. It made the chapters incredibly short and the plot felt a bit choppy at times because of that.
I did enjoy the storyline and I liked the twist at the end with all of the villains and good guys not really knowing who was the enemy. I hope I'll have time to pick up the actual graphic novel soon!
This book is a novelization of the new Runaways Graphic novel series by Rainbow Rowell & Kris Anka. The storyline in this is a continuation/spin-off of the original series by Brian Vaughan. I read several of those earlier this year and enjoyed them. I was pretty confused in the beginning when Alex Wilder wasn't the leader of the Runaways anymore. However, once I realized where this was starting (with Alex dead and the Pride defeated), it was easier to follow.
I think Karolina and Nico were my favorites in this adaptation. There wasn't nearly enough of Old Lace in this either. We pick up with the gang hiding out and trying their best to live their live, even if they are on the run/hiding. I do really love this gang of misfits, they are so clearly a found family and I love their dynamic together.
This is a pretty short book, so it was quite disjointing to split between so many POVs constantly. I'd rather this had been told from either one of the runaways or some sort of omniscient narrator than each of them getting POVs. It made the chapters incredibly short and the plot felt a bit choppy at times because of that.
I did enjoy the storyline and I liked the twist at the end with all of the villains and good guys not really knowing who was the enemy. I hope I'll have time to pick up the actual graphic novel soon!
November 9, 2020
Real rating: 2.5 stars
That was interesting... I will preface this by saying that I'm not super knowledgeable about Marvel. I've seen the first Avengers movie but that's about it. This book was my first introduction to the Runaways, and this book was confusing.
I think there was too much name dropping (there were 5 different POVs which was a litttllllleeeee confusing) and I often forgot who had what last name. Also, I for the life of me could not remember the difference between the Pride, the Nightwatch, and the Masters of Evil. And what was that ending? Molly had the best voice, I felt like I was reading the POV of an 11 year old in a crappy situation. Also, there was barely a plot? I think?
But what I really want to talk about is the relationships *cringe*
Gert and Chase felt so forced. It felt like, "Oh, I have a group of 1 guy and 4 girls. There's no way that he wouldn't be in a relationship with one of them by now! Now, who should I choose? Hmmm... Molly is 11 years old, so not her. Karolina is gay and I'm going to give her another love interest, so not her. Nico is goth and therefore cannot form emotional connections or something, idk, I just saw pictures of goth people from the 2000s. Oh, that leaves Gert! I guess Chase and Gert should date!" Zeke being added to the mix made it worse. He flirts with Gert and she flirts back, but then she feels bad and tries to have guilt-sex with Chase but he (rightfully) shuts her down. Gert felt bad about flirting with another guy, so instead of talking to someone about it, she tries to have guilt-sex with her boyfriend to "prove" to herself how loyal she is. Luckily, Chase sees right through that and is like, "Hey, if we're going to do it I don't want it to be because you feel bad and are trying to make it up to me or something."
But then IN THE SAME CHAPTER (after a POV switch), Karolina and Allis do it??! You go from a cringey, forced relationship that is tense and awkward right into a super instalove relationship that anyone can see has no real substance (). The "contrast" was weirrddddd.
I'm not invested enough to read the rest of the series, but I will watch the show on Disney+. The only reason I didn't DNF this thing is so that I could read the book before seeing the show (although I don't know which one came first). Unless you like weird writing that sounds like a middle-aged man trying to write from the voice of an angsty teen, I'd pass on this book.
That was interesting... I will preface this by saying that I'm not super knowledgeable about Marvel. I've seen the first Avengers movie but that's about it. This book was my first introduction to the Runaways, and this book was confusing.
I think there was too much name dropping (there were 5 different POVs which was a litttllllleeeee confusing) and I often forgot who had what last name. Also, I for the life of me could not remember the difference between the Pride, the Nightwatch, and the Masters of Evil. And what was that ending? Molly had the best voice, I felt like I was reading the POV of an 11 year old in a crappy situation. Also, there was barely a plot? I think?
But what I really want to talk about is the relationships *cringe*
Gert and Chase felt so forced. It felt like, "Oh, I have a group of 1 guy and 4 girls. There's no way that he wouldn't be in a relationship with one of them by now! Now, who should I choose? Hmmm... Molly is 11 years old, so not her. Karolina is gay and I'm going to give her another love interest, so not her. Nico is goth and therefore cannot form emotional connections or something, idk, I just saw pictures of goth people from the 2000s. Oh, that leaves Gert! I guess Chase and Gert should date!" Zeke being added to the mix made it worse. He flirts with Gert and she flirts back, but then she feels bad and tries to have guilt-sex with Chase but he (rightfully) shuts her down. Gert felt bad about flirting with another guy, so instead of talking to someone about it, she tries to have guilt-sex with her boyfriend to "prove" to herself how loyal she is. Luckily, Chase sees right through that and is like, "Hey, if we're going to do it I don't want it to be because you feel bad and are trying to make it up to me or something."
But then IN THE SAME CHAPTER (after a POV switch), Karolina and Allis do it??! You go from a cringey, forced relationship that is tense and awkward right into a super instalove relationship that anyone can see has no real substance (). The "contrast" was weirrddddd.
I'm not invested enough to read the rest of the series, but I will watch the show on Disney+. The only reason I didn't DNF this thing is so that I could read the book before seeing the show (although I don't know which one came first). Unless you like weird writing that sounds like a middle-aged man trying to write from the voice of an angsty teen, I'd pass on this book.
April 30, 2018
DNF 27%
WHY AM I LIKE THIS? WHY CAN'T I FINISH A BOOK (OR AUDIOBOOK)
I wanted to like this book cause I'm a huge fan of the Hulu show but sadly? I didn't care for it. The only reason I made it that far is because Virginia Gardner is the narrator (she plays Karolina in the show) and I adore her. But this is one of those books that I can't listen to on audio, even if it's on the extremely slow setting. I was just confused. Everytime I turn around the plot jumps. Like one minute they were dancing at a club and the next they were off fighting. In the span of under a minute? Maybe if I had a physical copy that I could follow I might of liked it better.
I'm giving it two stars simply because of Virginia Gardner. And because of her character Karolina and Molly. I love them with all my heart.
WHY AM I LIKE THIS? WHY CAN'T I FINISH A BOOK (OR AUDIOBOOK)
I wanted to like this book cause I'm a huge fan of the Hulu show but sadly? I didn't care for it. The only reason I made it that far is because Virginia Gardner is the narrator (she plays Karolina in the show) and I adore her. But this is one of those books that I can't listen to on audio, even if it's on the extremely slow setting. I was just confused. Everytime I turn around the plot jumps. Like one minute they were dancing at a club and the next they were off fighting. In the span of under a minute? Maybe if I had a physical copy that I could follow I might of liked it better.
I'm giving it two stars simply because of Virginia Gardner. And because of her character Karolina and Molly. I love them with all my heart.
February 4, 2024
Having read all the Runaways graphic novels, I felt this prose version did them justice. True to the source material and characters, I think the plot was good and well-written. The characters were provided with much more depth than the graphic novels could provide and I thought the author did a great job in capturing their personalities and interactions.
January 22, 2019
Eh, Monday was just not my day for books. I found I didn't enjoy anything I read. This was no exception probably because it is a MG book.
January 11, 2018
There is nothing actually wrong with this book, I'm just too far in on the TV show to accept this version. Gert and Chase kiss, though, so points for that.
January 29, 2021
This takes place after the original run of runaways. So the first 18 issues. I'm saying this now because the cover confused me. That looks like the rainbow Rowell series. Which is years after this story takes place. This is before Xavier and Victor. But after the thing with Alex. You want to know what the thing with Alex is? Read the comics. Or watch the show. I have no idea if it happens in the show because I don't watch the show but there is a show and some of the changes just bothered me to much to continue it. Even though I probably would have liked it otherwise. Runways was my favorite comic run as a teenager. Even when it's bad I still enjoyed it. Looking at you series 3. I've fallen behind with the currently series but I fully plan to catch up. And there i go babbling not about the book. O did enjoy this book. I think it would be better of it was longer and had more time with the characters introduced in this. Maybe even make it long enough to split it into 2 books. But I still enjoyed it.
April 23, 2023
1. I start watching Runaways on Hulu.
2. I start procrastinating watching Runaways on Hulu (despite enjoying the show) for absolutely no reason and consuming every other piece of Runaways media I can find instead. You know, because of who I am as a person.
I've been meaning to pick this book up at some point. But, honestly, it really doesn't add much to the Marvel universe. If you haven't watched the show or read the comics, then you probably won't understand what's going on. It's like one of those random special episodes that some shows do where it doesn't really change the plot. So you're not missing anything. But it's kind of cool to still see more of your favorite characters. The biggest selling point is that Virginia Gardner (Karolina) narrates the audiobook.
***Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with a review copy.***
2. I start procrastinating watching Runaways on Hulu (despite enjoying the show) for absolutely no reason and consuming every other piece of Runaways media I can find instead. You know, because of who I am as a person.
I've been meaning to pick this book up at some point. But, honestly, it really doesn't add much to the Marvel universe. If you haven't watched the show or read the comics, then you probably won't understand what's going on. It's like one of those random special episodes that some shows do where it doesn't really change the plot. So you're not missing anything. But it's kind of cool to still see more of your favorite characters. The biggest selling point is that Virginia Gardner (Karolina) narrates the audiobook.
***Thank you to PRH Audio for providing me with a review copy.***
March 11, 2018
This is an enjoyable Runaways prose adventure. It explores some of the details that the comics don't have room for, and also develops the characters with a depth not possible in their original medium. The continuity is left a bit vague; I got the feeling they didn't want to nail it down as part of the television series or the Vaughn-Whedon original or the recent graphic re-boot, the first few pages of which are included at the end of this book. The cover art is disappointing; they would have better off with one of the beautiful Jo Chen portrayals from the original. Thematically, it's a nice examination of family and trust, and the plot is nicely paced as well.
April 15, 2020
By far my favorite Marvel novel. Thought it was well-written, fast paced, and the action scenes were pretty fun. Not sure if it'll be perfect introduction to the characters, but if you're fan of the Hulu series or the comic books it is enjoyable. If there'll be other 'Runaways' books, like The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series, I'd check them out.
March 15, 2018
This was cute. It's sort of weird how it is operating separately from both the current comics and also the Hulu TV show? But uhh sure whatever. It's a fun story and it has some good twists. Not a must-read, but entertaining.
January 9, 2024
the book sucked but I LOVE THEM SOOOOOOO MUCH
September 14, 2018
I thought this would be a great book to read and it looked good! Who can resist anything marvel related. But in the end as I finished reading I was just left feeling confused and not a clue as to the whole point of the story.
February 23, 2018
3.5/5
It’s hard enough being a teenager, let alone a teenager with super villains for parents. Or in the Runaways’ case, had for parents. It’s been a few months since the Runaways found out the truth about their parents, that they were the leaders of the Pride, LA’s top criminal organization of aliens, mutants, time travelers, mad scientists, and dark magicians, bent on controlling the world and gaining immortality by serving elder gods far more deadly and powerful than they could control. After learning the truth and discovering the abilities some of them had inherited from their parents, the Runaways were forced to kill the Pride to stop their plans for world destruction. Now on the run, the Runaways try to make amends for the villainous deeds of their parents, which’s easier said than done as new villains make their play for LA to fill the power vacuum left by the Pride. Not to mention the elder gods are still out there, and the Pride may not have been their only followers…
Based on the Marvel comic series of the same name, “Runaways” is an original novel in that it’s a good stepping off point for people unfamiliar with the characters. With a steady build up, Golden is able to get across the premise of the team, the characters dynamics and powers, and how killing their parents has effected each of them in turn. It’s easy to see that Golden is a fan of the comics himself, drawing on various bits of lore, from the Runaways once using traditional superhero codenames to the team making a home for themselves in a former Pride base under the La Brea Tar Pits. Being a fan of the comics myself, I greatly enjoyed spotting these reference without finding them distracting, and on the whole Golden is deft enough as a writer that readers unfamiliar with the comics won’t be lost or feel bogged down by excessive details or backstory.
With a style that’s like the literary equivalent of movie theater popcorn, Golden keeps the plot moving quickly with plenty of action and a healthy peppering of banter making for a fun, light read. But like popcorn, there isn’t much when it comes to nutrition or significant character development. While I wouldn’t go so far to call the Runaways flat, Golden seems intent on not shaking up the status quo of the team (perhaps so that their characterization can be maintained for new readers of the re-launched comic series), giving them distinct personalities but never significantly challenging them or letting them change by story’s end.
The plot in engaging enough but not particularly deep, Golden posing intriguing questions about if the Runaways’ methods are actually any better than their parents and if the ends justify the means, but he fails to follow through on exploring these complex issues, instead focusing on teen drama and angst. The plot twists are a tad overt, but I prefer twists that leaves too many hints to ones that comes out of nowhere. The novel does end with the potential for more stories, be they novels or comics, and the characters are strong enough that you care about their wellbeing and further adventures.
On the whole, Golden’s written “Runaways” as a summer blockbuster, with plenty of action and adventure that favors style over substance that will leave the audience hungry for more.
It’s hard enough being a teenager, let alone a teenager with super villains for parents. Or in the Runaways’ case, had for parents. It’s been a few months since the Runaways found out the truth about their parents, that they were the leaders of the Pride, LA’s top criminal organization of aliens, mutants, time travelers, mad scientists, and dark magicians, bent on controlling the world and gaining immortality by serving elder gods far more deadly and powerful than they could control. After learning the truth and discovering the abilities some of them had inherited from their parents, the Runaways were forced to kill the Pride to stop their plans for world destruction. Now on the run, the Runaways try to make amends for the villainous deeds of their parents, which’s easier said than done as new villains make their play for LA to fill the power vacuum left by the Pride. Not to mention the elder gods are still out there, and the Pride may not have been their only followers…
Based on the Marvel comic series of the same name, “Runaways” is an original novel in that it’s a good stepping off point for people unfamiliar with the characters. With a steady build up, Golden is able to get across the premise of the team, the characters dynamics and powers, and how killing their parents has effected each of them in turn. It’s easy to see that Golden is a fan of the comics himself, drawing on various bits of lore, from the Runaways once using traditional superhero codenames to the team making a home for themselves in a former Pride base under the La Brea Tar Pits. Being a fan of the comics myself, I greatly enjoyed spotting these reference without finding them distracting, and on the whole Golden is deft enough as a writer that readers unfamiliar with the comics won’t be lost or feel bogged down by excessive details or backstory.
With a style that’s like the literary equivalent of movie theater popcorn, Golden keeps the plot moving quickly with plenty of action and a healthy peppering of banter making for a fun, light read. But like popcorn, there isn’t much when it comes to nutrition or significant character development. While I wouldn’t go so far to call the Runaways flat, Golden seems intent on not shaking up the status quo of the team (perhaps so that their characterization can be maintained for new readers of the re-launched comic series), giving them distinct personalities but never significantly challenging them or letting them change by story’s end.
The plot in engaging enough but not particularly deep, Golden posing intriguing questions about if the Runaways’ methods are actually any better than their parents and if the ends justify the means, but he fails to follow through on exploring these complex issues, instead focusing on teen drama and angst. The plot twists are a tad overt, but I prefer twists that leaves too many hints to ones that comes out of nowhere. The novel does end with the potential for more stories, be they novels or comics, and the characters are strong enough that you care about their wellbeing and further adventures.
On the whole, Golden’s written “Runaways” as a summer blockbuster, with plenty of action and adventure that favors style over substance that will leave the audience hungry for more.
November 18, 2018
this book was so boring i skipped to the end to see what happens. The characters all are one dimensional and they repeat the same monologue all over again. It has a bad writing style and the dialogue is just blocks of paragraph of exposition everytime. Everyone had the same snarky sassy personality. The pacing is atrocious--it's painfully slow. The author referenced so many things about movies, stores and actors that felt so cringy when I read it. Most of these references I didn't know what they were talking about. The author just expected us to know and I didnt so I was confused.
Also, this was a line from the book:
"She appeared out of thin air like Hogwarts"
What????? Hogwarts is a school????? How do you disappear out of thin air like a school??? I bet he was thinking about Hogwarts = magic = disappearing. Wow so clever and utterly funny.
Descriptions of things were lazy. The characters all of them bored me to death. So many POVs that had the same voice/personality. At one point there was a block of dialogue that didnt specify who was talking and I had to backtrack to see who was speaking because its that unrecognizable.
I'm not gonna waste my time anymore on this book. DNF at 146 pages.
Also, this was a line from the book:
"She appeared out of thin air like Hogwarts"
What????? Hogwarts is a school????? How do you disappear out of thin air like a school??? I bet he was thinking about Hogwarts = magic = disappearing. Wow so clever and utterly funny.
Descriptions of things were lazy. The characters all of them bored me to death. So many POVs that had the same voice/personality. At one point there was a block of dialogue that didnt specify who was talking and I had to backtrack to see who was speaking because its that unrecognizable.
I'm not gonna waste my time anymore on this book. DNF at 146 pages.
January 21, 2018
My main issue with this is that you can clearly tell it's a man writing from a girl's POV when it's any of the girls' chapters. Within the first few pages, we get Karolina talking about how good she looks in a bikini (with three mentions of said bikini on one page) and Molly asking when she'll get boobs and if it will hurt. It just felt weird and not like stuff the Runaways would actually be worried about.
If you're looking for the Runaways in a different form, my advice is to just try the phenomenal TV show.
If you're looking for the Runaways in a different form, my advice is to just try the phenomenal TV show.
January 21, 2021
Too much teen angst for my taste. The plot of this book was a reversal of Runaways Deluxe, Vol. 1
Which isn't a bad a idea problem lie in its poor execution 2.5
Which isn't a bad a idea problem lie in its poor execution 2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 4, 2025Entertaining. The book made me want to watch the show. Plus, I like that there is a pet dinosaur. Unexpected plot twist, and packed with action. A book I would recommend if you're looking for something fun.
April 29, 2018
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...
When I first heard about this book I thought it was based directly on the TV show, which would be a bummer. Don't get me wrong, I like the TV show, but it's not as epic as the first volume of Runaways published by Marvel Comics. But this book takes place in the same universe as the comics!! More precisely, the action is set between the first and the second volume. So, Alex is dead and they haven't met Victor or Xavin yet. Once I learned about that, I jumped to get the book.
After defeating the Gibborim, the Runaways have found a nice place to live and they are not in any kind of danger. But that doesn't last long. Their base of operations is attacked by Sunstroke. That obscure villain of the Marvel Universe is a member of the Masters of Evil when Crimson Cowl was the leader. They are taken by surprise, but the Runaways managed to escape and called the police. Even though they had to abandon their new home, Chase promised them he had a back-up plan. That the rest should have a fun night out while he and Molly went to a mission.
The "fun" night out ended up rescuing a poor girl called Allis who was going to be sacrificed by Pride followers. The same followers that in that moment were being attacked by the Nightwatch. Nope, not that Nightwatch. It's not the good Kevin Trench. This Nightwatch is like Pride but for San Francisco. It seems there are more Elder Gods than just de Gibborim. In San Francisco, the Kurdogrim are the ones to watch. So, they rescued the girl and a boy that tells them he is the son of one of the Nightwatch.
Feeling that both of them are kin souls, the Runaways welcome Zeke and Allis to their new home. And here is when the main issue with the book begins. I mean, can any loyal comic reader tell me who is Allis or Zeke in the Runaways history? If there is something you can tell about that group is that they are usually fiercely loyal to their friends. During the story of the book, we read how Allis get closer and closer to Karolina or how Zeke charms Gert and Nico. We are sold that they became friends pretty quickly and soon I realized there was something fishy going on. I know Zeke and Allis are not in the comics and Christopher Golden knows it, too. So, it was pretty obvious that that friendship had to be a lie.
The author tries to hide the real role of Zeke and Allis in the story, but that is an impossible task if you know The Runaways. So, the end of the book is not shocking at all. It didn't punch the reader with something unexpected. It was what it had to be. Otherwise, there would have been some contradictions with the comics that many readers would have disliked.
Even though the development of the book doesn't surprise me, I must admit that is a very enjoyable reading. There is one fight after another, with lots of different powers at play. So getting bored is out of the question. I also liked quite a bit how the author has enhanced the Elder Gods mythology, which has been barely explored in the comics. And the Masters of Evil cameos have been a lot of fun!!
I'm satisfied. Much better than I was expecting.
When I first heard about this book I thought it was based directly on the TV show, which would be a bummer. Don't get me wrong, I like the TV show, but it's not as epic as the first volume of Runaways published by Marvel Comics. But this book takes place in the same universe as the comics!! More precisely, the action is set between the first and the second volume. So, Alex is dead and they haven't met Victor or Xavin yet. Once I learned about that, I jumped to get the book.
After defeating the Gibborim, the Runaways have found a nice place to live and they are not in any kind of danger. But that doesn't last long. Their base of operations is attacked by Sunstroke. That obscure villain of the Marvel Universe is a member of the Masters of Evil when Crimson Cowl was the leader. They are taken by surprise, but the Runaways managed to escape and called the police. Even though they had to abandon their new home, Chase promised them he had a back-up plan. That the rest should have a fun night out while he and Molly went to a mission.
The "fun" night out ended up rescuing a poor girl called Allis who was going to be sacrificed by Pride followers. The same followers that in that moment were being attacked by the Nightwatch. Nope, not that Nightwatch. It's not the good Kevin Trench. This Nightwatch is like Pride but for San Francisco. It seems there are more Elder Gods than just de Gibborim. In San Francisco, the Kurdogrim are the ones to watch. So, they rescued the girl and a boy that tells them he is the son of one of the Nightwatch.
Feeling that both of them are kin souls, the Runaways welcome Zeke and Allis to their new home. And here is when the main issue with the book begins. I mean, can any loyal comic reader tell me who is Allis or Zeke in the Runaways history? If there is something you can tell about that group is that they are usually fiercely loyal to their friends. During the story of the book, we read how Allis get closer and closer to Karolina or how Zeke charms Gert and Nico. We are sold that they became friends pretty quickly and soon I realized there was something fishy going on. I know Zeke and Allis are not in the comics and Christopher Golden knows it, too. So, it was pretty obvious that that friendship had to be a lie.
The author tries to hide the real role of Zeke and Allis in the story, but that is an impossible task if you know The Runaways. So, the end of the book is not shocking at all. It didn't punch the reader with something unexpected. It was what it had to be. Otherwise, there would have been some contradictions with the comics that many readers would have disliked.
Even though the development of the book doesn't surprise me, I must admit that is a very enjoyable reading. There is one fight after another, with lots of different powers at play. So getting bored is out of the question. I also liked quite a bit how the author has enhanced the Elder Gods mythology, which has been barely explored in the comics. And the Masters of Evil cameos have been a lot of fun!!
I'm satisfied. Much better than I was expecting.
December 6, 2021
Esta es una historia de un grupo de superhéroes muy inusual, principalmente porque son adolescentes. Los Runaways son un grupo de héroes de Los Ángeles que después de derrotar a sus padres, unos malvados miembros de un grupo llamada Orgullo.
La verdad esta historia me gustó bastante, es fácil, entretenida de leer y con una variedad de personajes que hace que te gusten todos y cada uno de ellos.
Me sorprendí con el plot twist del final, cuando los Runaways se dan cuenta de que han estado ayudando al enemigo todo el tiempo y que al contrario de sus padres en este caso los hijos eran los que causaban todo el crimen y secuestros de chicos adolescentes en Los Ángeles.
Me gustaron mucho todos los miembros de los Runaways. Nico, Karolina, Chase, Gert y Molly todos se me hicieron muy únicos y con una gran personalidad. Me sorprendí bastante como todos estos adolescentes y en caso de Molly mucho más sorprendente, como tuvieron que madurar de una manera muy acelerada, dadas las circunstancias claro.
De verdad odie mucho a Zeke y a Allis como usaron a los chicos e hicieron que desconfiaran de ellos mismos y de la familia que habían formado.
Ame la relación de Gert y de Chase, una relación que no te esperas, pero que terminas amando y disfrutando, pero claro sufriendo ya que el maldito de Zeke los hace desconfiar de su relación.
Me gustó como abordan a Chase, siendo el único hombre en el grupo y el único sin un poder en sí. Como te hacen saber su desconcierto y función en el grupo. Me gustó bastante como al final Nico lo hace entrar en razón sobre su relación con Gert.
Ame a Gert, creo que es una de mis miembros favoritos, su relación con Old Lace (su dinosaurio) es fascinante y como trata de comprender su relación con Chase, ya que para ella relacionarse socialmente no es lo suyo, así que es interesante como trata de abrirse más con Chase
Me hubiera gustado saber más sobre que paso con uno de sus integrantes que ya no está en el grupo, Alex Wilder.
Me agrado mucho Molly, una niña de 11 años con la fuerza de romperte los huesos de un solo golpe, como desde sus chistes de niña pequeña, llega a hacer planes que ni los mismos adolescentes considerados maduros se les llega a ocurrir.
Me sorprendió como casi perdemos a Nico y como su transición en esta aventura llena de confusión y traición, se da cuenta de que es una gran líder para los Runaways.
Karolina se me hizo de igual forma un buen personaje, no me gustó que Allis la usara de esa forma. La manera en la que se aborda su sexualidad y el hecho de que el alienígena se me hizo muy correcto.
Solo les puedo decir que, si quieren una historia de superhéroes, llena de acción, ligera y con un grupo muy único de personajes, les recomiendo mucho este libro les va a gustar mucho.
Ame las referencias a los Avengers, a SHIELD y de SWORD.
La verdad esta historia me gustó bastante, es fácil, entretenida de leer y con una variedad de personajes que hace que te gusten todos y cada uno de ellos.
Me sorprendí con el plot twist del final, cuando los Runaways se dan cuenta de que han estado ayudando al enemigo todo el tiempo y que al contrario de sus padres en este caso los hijos eran los que causaban todo el crimen y secuestros de chicos adolescentes en Los Ángeles.
Me gustaron mucho todos los miembros de los Runaways. Nico, Karolina, Chase, Gert y Molly todos se me hicieron muy únicos y con una gran personalidad. Me sorprendí bastante como todos estos adolescentes y en caso de Molly mucho más sorprendente, como tuvieron que madurar de una manera muy acelerada, dadas las circunstancias claro.
De verdad odie mucho a Zeke y a Allis como usaron a los chicos e hicieron que desconfiaran de ellos mismos y de la familia que habían formado.
Ame la relación de Gert y de Chase, una relación que no te esperas, pero que terminas amando y disfrutando, pero claro sufriendo ya que el maldito de Zeke los hace desconfiar de su relación.
Me gustó como abordan a Chase, siendo el único hombre en el grupo y el único sin un poder en sí. Como te hacen saber su desconcierto y función en el grupo. Me gustó bastante como al final Nico lo hace entrar en razón sobre su relación con Gert.
Ame a Gert, creo que es una de mis miembros favoritos, su relación con Old Lace (su dinosaurio) es fascinante y como trata de comprender su relación con Chase, ya que para ella relacionarse socialmente no es lo suyo, así que es interesante como trata de abrirse más con Chase
Me hubiera gustado saber más sobre que paso con uno de sus integrantes que ya no está en el grupo, Alex Wilder.
Me agrado mucho Molly, una niña de 11 años con la fuerza de romperte los huesos de un solo golpe, como desde sus chistes de niña pequeña, llega a hacer planes que ni los mismos adolescentes considerados maduros se les llega a ocurrir.
Me sorprendió como casi perdemos a Nico y como su transición en esta aventura llena de confusión y traición, se da cuenta de que es una gran líder para los Runaways.
Karolina se me hizo de igual forma un buen personaje, no me gustó que Allis la usara de esa forma. La manera en la que se aborda su sexualidad y el hecho de que el alienígena se me hizo muy correcto.
Solo les puedo decir que, si quieren una historia de superhéroes, llena de acción, ligera y con un grupo muy único de personajes, les recomiendo mucho este libro les va a gustar mucho.
Ame las referencias a los Avengers, a SHIELD y de SWORD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2019
I have to keep in mind sometimes the general audience this is aimed at and how being a trope is not always a bad thing. With that said, I can't really overlook the flaws in this book.
The primary issue is that the book is largely boring. Despite a lot of action and a cast with interesting powers and a unique and interesting backstory, I never felt anything close to interest in what was going on. Things happened and then we returned to the group drama that never felt more than squabbling that gets increased due to poor word choices or lack of communication in general.
More than that, it felt like nothing "actually" happened in the book. By the end, the characters are essentially back to status quo except apparently one character is okay being at the beach. In addition, I never really saw any of the characters having any sort of personality. There was never a sense that I understood that character X did this because they were Y or Z. As a result, there was never a real sense of character growth. We get some generic something about the defacto leader now being seen as a "proper" leader, but 1. that's not how leadership works and 2. I didn't see much tension in this regard.
Secondly, although this had an outsized impact on my impressions, is the treatment of LGBTQA+ romance. With regards to the homosexual relationship depicted in the book...
The primary issue is that the book is largely boring. Despite a lot of action and a cast with interesting powers and a unique and interesting backstory, I never felt anything close to interest in what was going on. Things happened and then we returned to the group drama that never felt more than squabbling that gets increased due to poor word choices or lack of communication in general.
More than that, it felt like nothing "actually" happened in the book. By the end, the characters are essentially back to status quo except apparently one character is okay being at the beach. In addition, I never really saw any of the characters having any sort of personality. There was never a sense that I understood that character X did this because they were Y or Z. As a result, there was never a real sense of character growth. We get some generic something about the defacto leader now being seen as a "proper" leader, but 1. that's not how leadership works and 2. I didn't see much tension in this regard.
Secondly, although this had an outsized impact on my impressions, is the treatment of LGBTQA+ romance. With regards to the homosexual relationship depicted in the book...
November 9, 2018
2.5 STARS
I love the Runaways. Season 1 of the TV show totally trapped me and made me crazy for these characters. So when I saw that this book was coming out, I needed to pick it up.
This book felt like it didn’t know what it was trying to do and how to handle how large the Marvel Universe is. There is a line something like, “there was at least one Hulk.” What’s that supposed to mean? Yeah, there are more Hulks, and lot of them are on Earth. I’m confused. Maybe I’m just picky, and I’m sure it is hard to write in an every changing world, but maybe if the author had a few Marvel helpers, this would have been pulled off well.
I don’t know if it was just me, but I kind of expected this book to be pitched for a higher middle-grade audience, but that was definitely not true. At the age of 9, my parents wouldn’t let me read The Hunger Games due to the graphic depictions of death (of which that is minimal), so I would probably not have been able to read this back then. There was lots of sex, or nearly initiated sex. One thing I’m happy about is that the author didn’t shy away from Karolina liking women, which isn’t a huge thing and doesn’t have to be. In the TV show, it just happens, and then they go on with their business, showing that for most teens, LGBTQIAP+ relationships are becoming more normalised.
The writing was very basic, which could be expected as a middle-grade-ish novel, but other authors that I have read from still have their writing mirror their normal style and don’t dumb it down for younger readers. Due to the basic writing, maybe that would be why I found this book to be really uneventful. Is it magic how this book was 350 pages and yet I feel like nothing happened?
Also, without giving any spoilers, this book used the Dad card, which was such a terrible decision.
Overall, I don’t think this book was for me, but it did solidify my love for the Runaways.
I love the Runaways. Season 1 of the TV show totally trapped me and made me crazy for these characters. So when I saw that this book was coming out, I needed to pick it up.
This book felt like it didn’t know what it was trying to do and how to handle how large the Marvel Universe is. There is a line something like, “there was at least one Hulk.” What’s that supposed to mean? Yeah, there are more Hulks, and lot of them are on Earth. I’m confused. Maybe I’m just picky, and I’m sure it is hard to write in an every changing world, but maybe if the author had a few Marvel helpers, this would have been pulled off well.
I don’t know if it was just me, but I kind of expected this book to be pitched for a higher middle-grade audience, but that was definitely not true. At the age of 9, my parents wouldn’t let me read The Hunger Games due to the graphic depictions of death (of which that is minimal), so I would probably not have been able to read this back then. There was lots of sex, or nearly initiated sex. One thing I’m happy about is that the author didn’t shy away from Karolina liking women, which isn’t a huge thing and doesn’t have to be. In the TV show, it just happens, and then they go on with their business, showing that for most teens, LGBTQIAP+ relationships are becoming more normalised.
The writing was very basic, which could be expected as a middle-grade-ish novel, but other authors that I have read from still have their writing mirror their normal style and don’t dumb it down for younger readers. Due to the basic writing, maybe that would be why I found this book to be really uneventful. Is it magic how this book was 350 pages and yet I feel like nothing happened?
Also, without giving any spoilers, this book used the Dad card, which was such a terrible decision.
Overall, I don’t think this book was for me, but it did solidify my love for the Runaways.
August 13, 2018
The Runaways rundown: an out of continuity novel that is set after the first arc of the Runaways comic, "Pride and Joy." So a warning to those TV show only fans, this might spoil the later season of the TV show. Although who knows since the TV plot has gone so far off the rails?
The original crew are back and dealing with the fallout their parents' deaths have created in terms of a power vacuum in Los Angeles' underworld. It's a good set up where they have to contend with new wannabe Pride cultists and the renovated Masters of Evil. However, since the novel is set up as a mid-series arc the mandatory return to comic status quo makes the stakes rather impermanent.
Character-wise, the group are familiar in their characterization but lack that special tone BKV imbued them with. So while all of the broad motivations are there and make sense, readers won't get any memorable zingers like "What's your superpower?" "A bad upbringing" or the prickly yet sincere complications the characters show to each other.
As for being a novel worthy on its own merits, it's fine. The plot isn't groundbreaking and a tad predictable but it speeds along at its pace. While the theme of "teens on the run from authority to try and help disenfranchised" is enough of a sell on its own, it isn't the first thing I would give to someone who had never heard of Runaways.
Overall, a good 3 star book. One star added for all the Gert/Chase scenes because it took this long to get some more material for a great OTP.
The original crew are back and dealing with the fallout their parents' deaths have created in terms of a power vacuum in Los Angeles' underworld. It's a good set up where they have to contend with new wannabe Pride cultists and the renovated Masters of Evil. However, since the novel is set up as a mid-series arc the mandatory return to comic status quo makes the stakes rather impermanent.
Character-wise, the group are familiar in their characterization but lack that special tone BKV imbued them with. So while all of the broad motivations are there and make sense, readers won't get any memorable zingers like "What's your superpower?" "A bad upbringing" or the prickly yet sincere complications the characters show to each other.
As for being a novel worthy on its own merits, it's fine. The plot isn't groundbreaking and a tad predictable but it speeds along at its pace. While the theme of "teens on the run from authority to try and help disenfranchised" is enough of a sell on its own, it isn't the first thing I would give to someone who had never heard of Runaways.
Overall, a good 3 star book. One star added for all the Gert/Chase scenes because it took this long to get some more material for a great OTP.
May 9, 2019
I know that comic-based novels has always been a thing and I pledged to read books from this category this year and here is my third read for 2019 that is based from Marvel comics.
Runaways by Christopher Golden is an action-packed, riveting story about the Runaways, a group of teenagers that were heralded for killing the notorious Los Angeles supervillains, The Pride (which are generally their parents). In this spin-off novel, the story follows the squad (Nico, Karolina, Molly, Chase, Gert and Old Lace) after the event of finally putting an end to their parents wrongdoings. However, as the reality unravelled beneath their own eyes, the Runaways began to realize that evil in this world does not stop within the corners of LA and soon found out that there are a lot of supervillains still lurking outside of Los Angeles.
In this story that ventures on the quest of Runaways towards finding their own strengths and weaknesses, the squad unconsciously learned the importance of trust and friendship. I loved how Christopher imbued the significance of friendship in finding our own place here in our planet. Though the Runaways faced a lot of hindrances before they finally realized where they went wrong, it was still a good development for the storyline as it has an impact to its readers, particularly young readers I think, on the fragility of trust and how it is greatly associated with family and friendship.
This book is also packed with adventure and action that is an automatic factor for comic-based books and if you are into squad-driven stories like The Young Elites and Six of Crows, then this one is for you also.
RATING: 3.5stars
Runaways by Christopher Golden is an action-packed, riveting story about the Runaways, a group of teenagers that were heralded for killing the notorious Los Angeles supervillains, The Pride (which are generally their parents). In this spin-off novel, the story follows the squad (Nico, Karolina, Molly, Chase, Gert and Old Lace) after the event of finally putting an end to their parents wrongdoings. However, as the reality unravelled beneath their own eyes, the Runaways began to realize that evil in this world does not stop within the corners of LA and soon found out that there are a lot of supervillains still lurking outside of Los Angeles.
In this story that ventures on the quest of Runaways towards finding their own strengths and weaknesses, the squad unconsciously learned the importance of trust and friendship. I loved how Christopher imbued the significance of friendship in finding our own place here in our planet. Though the Runaways faced a lot of hindrances before they finally realized where they went wrong, it was still a good development for the storyline as it has an impact to its readers, particularly young readers I think, on the fragility of trust and how it is greatly associated with family and friendship.
This book is also packed with adventure and action that is an automatic factor for comic-based books and if you are into squad-driven stories like The Young Elites and Six of Crows, then this one is for you also.
RATING: 3.5stars
March 17, 2018
Golden, Christopher. Runaways, 348 pgs. Marvel Press (Disney Book Group), 2018. Language – R (88 swears plus 4 more in the tag story after the ending, 0 “f”), Mature Content – PG13 (homosexual and heterosexual couples); Violence – PG13;
The Runaways are five friends united by their unique abilities and literally murderous parents. They didn’t think their situation could get more complicated after killing their evil parents and having to go on the run, but they were wrong: their parents weren’t the only group murdering innocent people for power. Now that the Runaways know that evil is still running amok in LA, the five must decide what they can—and should—do before more lives are lost.
This book makes references to seasoned Marvel characters, like the Avengers, but the Runaways are more similar to Marvel’s Spiderman. The five members of the Runaways are all under 18 years old, and, while they have been forced to grow up quickly, I like that they are so real as they are trying to find their place in this world—only on a slightly more complicated level than the normal teenager. As the story started out, I found the progression slow and switching between all five points of view complicated, but it grew on me. The Runaways’ story is not over, but I love these new heroes.
Note: There is a bonus short graphic story at the end of the book that has nothing to do with the main story besides the same characters.
HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
The Runaways are five friends united by their unique abilities and literally murderous parents. They didn’t think their situation could get more complicated after killing their evil parents and having to go on the run, but they were wrong: their parents weren’t the only group murdering innocent people for power. Now that the Runaways know that evil is still running amok in LA, the five must decide what they can—and should—do before more lives are lost.
This book makes references to seasoned Marvel characters, like the Avengers, but the Runaways are more similar to Marvel’s Spiderman. The five members of the Runaways are all under 18 years old, and, while they have been forced to grow up quickly, I like that they are so real as they are trying to find their place in this world—only on a slightly more complicated level than the normal teenager. As the story started out, I found the progression slow and switching between all five points of view complicated, but it grew on me. The Runaways’ story is not over, but I love these new heroes.
Note: There is a bonus short graphic story at the end of the book that has nothing to do with the main story besides the same characters.
HS - OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 24, 2023
I really wanted to like this book, but it was just so...bland. Which sucks because the Runaways are some of my favorite Marvel comics characters. Christopher Golden just didn't do them justice.
The way that he wrote this book was very frustrating for me. I get that in the first chapter/few chapters, you are introducing the characters as if no one has ever heard of them before. You explain the back story a little bit, you explain their powers, but after that initial explanation, you're done! You don't need to keep writing about how they got their powers EVERY SINGLE TIME they use their powers. Like we get it. He also did not give any of the characters any growth, they stayed the same throughout the whole book. Even their little internal asides were the same throughout.
I also don't like when men write about women, they just never really do it right. There was a whole two paragraphs in the first chapter that was straight up just talking about boobs, because that's all girls ever talk about I guess? Not to mention the unnecessary fatshaming that he made Nico think towards Gert, because god-forbid that someone flirts with a fat chick. Nico would never say shit like that, she's a good person and loves her friends, so why would she be jealous that some random side character flirts with someone besides her?
One last gripe before I conclude: Stop with the 20+ page chapters. You get 10 pages or less.
I just don't think that Christopher Golden understood the heart of the Runaways. This book could've been good, if he just developed his characters more and maybe picked a completely different character to begin with.
The way that he wrote this book was very frustrating for me. I get that in the first chapter/few chapters, you are introducing the characters as if no one has ever heard of them before. You explain the back story a little bit, you explain their powers, but after that initial explanation, you're done! You don't need to keep writing about how they got their powers EVERY SINGLE TIME they use their powers. Like we get it. He also did not give any of the characters any growth, they stayed the same throughout the whole book. Even their little internal asides were the same throughout.
I also don't like when men write about women, they just never really do it right. There was a whole two paragraphs in the first chapter that was straight up just talking about boobs, because that's all girls ever talk about I guess? Not to mention the unnecessary fatshaming that he made Nico think towards Gert, because god-forbid that someone flirts with a fat chick. Nico would never say shit like that, she's a good person and loves her friends, so why would she be jealous that some random side character flirts with someone besides her?
One last gripe before I conclude: Stop with the 20+ page chapters. You get 10 pages or less.
I just don't think that Christopher Golden understood the heart of the Runaways. This book could've been good, if he just developed his characters more and maybe picked a completely different character to begin with.
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