What do you think?
Rate this book
Super Adjacent
Claire has always wanted to work with superheroes, from collecting Warrior Nation cards as a kid to drafting "What to Say to a Hero" speeches in her diary. Now that she's landed a coveted internship with the Chicago branch of Warrior Nation, Claire is ready to prove she belongs, super or not. But complicating plans is the newest WarNat hero, Girl Power (aka Joy), who happens to be egotistical and self-important . . . and pretty adorable.
Bridgette, meanwhile, wants out of WarNat. After years of dating the famous Vaporizer (aka Matt), she's sick of playing second, or third, or five-hundredth fiddle to all the people-in-peril in the city of Chicago. Of course, once Bridgette meets Claire-who's clearly in need of a mentor and wingman-giving up WarNat becomes slightly more complicated. It becomes a lot more complicated when Joy, Matt, and the rest of the heroes go missing, leaving only Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
In this fresh and funny take on the world of supers, author Crystal Cestari spotlights what it's like to be the seemingly non-super half of a dynamic duo with banter-filled romance and bold rescues perfect for readers seeking a great escape.
Bridgette, meanwhile, wants out of WarNat. After years of dating the famous Vaporizer (aka Matt), she's sick of playing second, or third, or five-hundredth fiddle to all the people-in-peril in the city of Chicago. Of course, once Bridgette meets Claire-who's clearly in need of a mentor and wingman-giving up WarNat becomes slightly more complicated. It becomes a lot more complicated when Joy, Matt, and the rest of the heroes go missing, leaving only Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
In this fresh and funny take on the world of supers, author Crystal Cestari spotlights what it's like to be the seemingly non-super half of a dynamic duo with banter-filled romance and bold rescues perfect for readers seeking a great escape.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2020
39 people are currently reading
3733 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Cestari
8 books302 followersOh hey! Thanks for stopping by!
Writing has been my jam since I was very young. In fact, in fifth grade we filled out a profile declaring what we would be doing as adults. I wrote I wanted to be an author because: "I love reading and stories, and want to share that love." My elementary-school self was very wise, because that sentiment holds true today.
I live just outside Chicago with my daughter. My likes include ice cream and bulldogs, and dislikes span from broccoli to wet sneakers on linoleum (the worst). I always carry around a notebook to scribble down ideas. Writing longhand works best for me (even though it's the slowest method ever) because looking at a blank piece of paper is somehow less intimidating than a blank screen. Plus, there are so many pretty notebooks and pens to doodle with!
The Best Kind of Magic is my first YA novel, and I can't wait to share it! Shoot me a message if you'd like; happy reading, fellow Goodreader!
Writing has been my jam since I was very young. In fact, in fifth grade we filled out a profile declaring what we would be doing as adults. I wrote I wanted to be an author because: "I love reading and stories, and want to share that love." My elementary-school self was very wise, because that sentiment holds true today.
I live just outside Chicago with my daughter. My likes include ice cream and bulldogs, and dislikes span from broccoli to wet sneakers on linoleum (the worst). I always carry around a notebook to scribble down ideas. Writing longhand works best for me (even though it's the slowest method ever) because looking at a blank piece of paper is somehow less intimidating than a blank screen. Plus, there are so many pretty notebooks and pens to doodle with!
The Best Kind of Magic is my first YA novel, and I can't wait to share it! Shoot me a message if you'd like; happy reading, fellow Goodreader!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
Want to read
December 9, 2019Don't mind me, just making room in my heart for another adorable f/f superhero book because those are my everything.
September 16, 2020
Ahem. I would like to make the very important and official announcement that it has finally happened. We finally have a woman superhero fall in love with another woman, and one of them’s a main character. IT’S FINALLY HAPPENED. TAKE TO THE STREETS, MY GAY CHILDREN, BECAUSE WE HAVE RIGHTS.
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But come on! It’s every little sapphic girl’s dream to kiss superwoman. To see a girl kiss superwoman. And, for the first time I’m aware of at the very least, the lady superhero falls in love with another girl and, I repeat, one of them’s the main character!!! Be still, my gay heart.
On that note, the rep in this book is fantastic. You know why? Because no one talks about it. No one says “haha, isn’t it weird that our newest superhero likes girls?” No one says “why’s this girl wrapped up in all the drama with the superheroes’ significant others?” No one even bats an eyelash. Hell, when Bridgette and Claire meet for the first time, Bridgette automatically assumes she’s Joy’s girlfriend- even though she isn’t yet and Bridgette has no reason other than, uh, them both being kidnapped to think that. Which, granted, is a kind of big reason, but she totally could have come up with some other heteronormative-fueled bullshit. It’s just two girls loving each other, it’s fucking adorable, and no one says otherwise. *sigh* we’ve really made it with this one, guys.
Unfortunately, Super Adjacent missed the mark in almost every other way. The plot is way too slow up until about 60% through, and it’s kind of cartoonish and predictable. However, that cheesy element, the drama, the action of superhero novels is what I always look for- it would be out of place without it. So, to me, that was a nonissue. And I didn’t mind the first 60% either, because I quite enjoyed Cestari’s writing and characters. The world was very interesting, the characters well-written. But let’s be honest: it’s sapphic superheroes. I would have enjoyed it even if all of that was shit.
The main issue I had- the one that made me consider a 3 star rating instead- is the utter lack of poc rep. There’s one poc that I’m sure of here, Matt. And his descriptions annoyed me to no end. Can we, uh, stop comparing poc’s appearances to food?? When will it end! However, I understand that this is definitely not the point of the book and it can be hard for white authors to write accurate poc characters in the first place. Thus: four stars.
Perhaps this isn’t the greatest of novels. But ultimately, it’s entertaining, cute, and delivers with plot, character development, and sapphic representation. Which apparently I can’t mention enough in this review.
Recommended to any wlws out there! This one’s for us. As a treat 😉
Now repeat after me: no one has “caramel skin” or “mocha hair”! No one has “caramel skin” or “mocha hair!”
Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But come on! It’s every little sapphic girl’s dream to kiss superwoman. To see a girl kiss superwoman. And, for the first time I’m aware of at the very least, the lady superhero falls in love with another girl and, I repeat, one of them’s the main character!!! Be still, my gay heart.
On that note, the rep in this book is fantastic. You know why? Because no one talks about it. No one says “haha, isn’t it weird that our newest superhero likes girls?” No one says “why’s this girl wrapped up in all the drama with the superheroes’ significant others?” No one even bats an eyelash. Hell, when Bridgette and Claire meet for the first time, Bridgette automatically assumes she’s Joy’s girlfriend- even though she isn’t yet and Bridgette has no reason other than, uh, them both being kidnapped to think that. Which, granted, is a kind of big reason, but she totally could have come up with some other heteronormative-fueled bullshit. It’s just two girls loving each other, it’s fucking adorable, and no one says otherwise. *sigh* we’ve really made it with this one, guys.
Unfortunately, Super Adjacent missed the mark in almost every other way. The plot is way too slow up until about 60% through, and it’s kind of cartoonish and predictable. However, that cheesy element, the drama, the action of superhero novels is what I always look for- it would be out of place without it. So, to me, that was a nonissue. And I didn’t mind the first 60% either, because I quite enjoyed Cestari’s writing and characters. The world was very interesting, the characters well-written. But let’s be honest: it’s sapphic superheroes. I would have enjoyed it even if all of that was shit.
The main issue I had- the one that made me consider a 3 star rating instead- is the utter lack of poc rep. There’s one poc that I’m sure of here, Matt. And his descriptions annoyed me to no end. Can we, uh, stop comparing poc’s appearances to food?? When will it end! However, I understand that this is definitely not the point of the book and it can be hard for white authors to write accurate poc characters in the first place. Thus: four stars.
Perhaps this isn’t the greatest of novels. But ultimately, it’s entertaining, cute, and delivers with plot, character development, and sapphic representation. Which apparently I can’t mention enough in this review.
Recommended to any wlws out there! This one’s for us. As a treat 😉
Now repeat after me: no one has “caramel skin” or “mocha hair”! No one has “caramel skin” or “mocha hair!”
October 27, 2019
— review on my blog ✧
I like to start ARC reviews by informing you whether you’d like the book or not so you can consider if it’s suitable for you, and you’re not misled by false advertising. Therefore, I’m going to be thorough for this book since quite a few people added it because of me (and I literally hate when people do that then come to me saying they didn’t like it because they expected something else. Please stop doing that. Anyway.) If you liked Rachel Hawkins’ Royals series (yes, both books), you’ll definitely like this one. It’s Young Adult, emphasis on the young. All three books have kind of childish (in a non-insulting way) protagonists and cheesy relationships. Moreover, if you’re expecting a serious superhero – first of all, literally look at the cover for longer than a second – it’s not. The only point of comparison I have is The Incredibles except it follows regular civilians dating heroes. If you’re anything like me and despise popular culture references, millennial lingo, the use of the phrases “fangirl” and “I totally ship you together” unironically, and you struggle to overlook it (I’m working on it myself), then maybe you should steer clear of this one.
Claire has always admired the heroes of Warrior Nation after she was saved by Blue Streak when she was ten years old. She jumps at the opportunity to become an intern at their headquarters, where she encounters a rude and arrogant fresh face on her first day. Bridgette has been dating the infamous Vaporizer – Matt – for four years before noticing their relationship is deteriorating. She’s become disillusioned with superhero life after countless kidnappings, attacks, and neglect from the boyfriend she loves. The two girls are brought together when the heroes they’re dating – or used to date – go missing, and they must work together to uncover the new threat to Warrior Nation.
Since I know what most of you are here for: the sapphic couple was adorable, but definitely not as well-developed as I’d hoped for. Most of their romantic development happens in the beginning, and the rest is mainly from the perspective of Bridgette. It’s technically not enemies to lovers, but I also wouldn’t classify it as hate to love either. It’s more an annoyance to crush sort of romance. Bridgette and Matt’s relationship was at the forefront of the story, with a majority of the romantic plotline following their breakup and reconciliation. However, Super Adjacent isn’t only about romance. It chronicles the friendship blossoming between Claire and Bridgette and portrays a world where regular civilians can also be heroes.
The writing was what you’d expect from the cover, title, synopsis, and marketing: simple and cheesy. Perfect for the younger variety of its Young Adult demographic. Claire’s perspective suffers from the popular culture and Gen-Z references anyone over the age of 15 despises, but this obviously wasn’t written for someone of my age. Therefore, I think some people can be overcritical and too dismissive towards books like this, but it’s necessary to acknowledge that it wasn’t written with someone your age and background in mind. It’s supposed to be a fun and cute read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The main downfall of the book was the plotting and how the main complication wasn’t introduced until around 60%, despite being teased in the synopsis. I found the last half of the book considerably dragged after the relationship drama was introduced and settled. In addition, I felt the big reveal and plot twist towards the end was quite obvious, though I’ll attribute this to the book being written for a younger audience. I can’t criticise a book that was written for people younger than me. Though, I liked how the author always had you second-guessing who you thought the villain was and put plenty of red herrings in their place to lead you down the wrong place.
Super Adjacent is a fun, non-serious superhero story about friendship, crushes, becoming independent in a relationship, and saving the world with no superpowers. It was enjoyable to read, particularly with the romantic relationship. Read the first paragraph of my review if you’re considering and don’t be overcritical of something like this. It’s written purely for enjoyment.
"I'm pretty sure I was too busy realising a lifelong dream to be distracted by a girl, no matter how cute."
I like to start ARC reviews by informing you whether you’d like the book or not so you can consider if it’s suitable for you, and you’re not misled by false advertising. Therefore, I’m going to be thorough for this book since quite a few people added it because of me (and I literally hate when people do that then come to me saying they didn’t like it because they expected something else. Please stop doing that. Anyway.) If you liked Rachel Hawkins’ Royals series (yes, both books), you’ll definitely like this one. It’s Young Adult, emphasis on the young. All three books have kind of childish (in a non-insulting way) protagonists and cheesy relationships. Moreover, if you’re expecting a serious superhero – first of all, literally look at the cover for longer than a second – it’s not. The only point of comparison I have is The Incredibles except it follows regular civilians dating heroes. If you’re anything like me and despise popular culture references, millennial lingo, the use of the phrases “fangirl” and “I totally ship you together” unironically, and you struggle to overlook it (I’m working on it myself), then maybe you should steer clear of this one.
Claire has always admired the heroes of Warrior Nation after she was saved by Blue Streak when she was ten years old. She jumps at the opportunity to become an intern at their headquarters, where she encounters a rude and arrogant fresh face on her first day. Bridgette has been dating the infamous Vaporizer – Matt – for four years before noticing their relationship is deteriorating. She’s become disillusioned with superhero life after countless kidnappings, attacks, and neglect from the boyfriend she loves. The two girls are brought together when the heroes they’re dating – or used to date – go missing, and they must work together to uncover the new threat to Warrior Nation.
Since I know what most of you are here for: the sapphic couple was adorable, but definitely not as well-developed as I’d hoped for. Most of their romantic development happens in the beginning, and the rest is mainly from the perspective of Bridgette. It’s technically not enemies to lovers, but I also wouldn’t classify it as hate to love either. It’s more an annoyance to crush sort of romance. Bridgette and Matt’s relationship was at the forefront of the story, with a majority of the romantic plotline following their breakup and reconciliation. However, Super Adjacent isn’t only about romance. It chronicles the friendship blossoming between Claire and Bridgette and portrays a world where regular civilians can also be heroes.
The writing was what you’d expect from the cover, title, synopsis, and marketing: simple and cheesy. Perfect for the younger variety of its Young Adult demographic. Claire’s perspective suffers from the popular culture and Gen-Z references anyone over the age of 15 despises, but this obviously wasn’t written for someone of my age. Therefore, I think some people can be overcritical and too dismissive towards books like this, but it’s necessary to acknowledge that it wasn’t written with someone your age and background in mind. It’s supposed to be a fun and cute read that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The main downfall of the book was the plotting and how the main complication wasn’t introduced until around 60%, despite being teased in the synopsis. I found the last half of the book considerably dragged after the relationship drama was introduced and settled. In addition, I felt the big reveal and plot twist towards the end was quite obvious, though I’ll attribute this to the book being written for a younger audience. I can’t criticise a book that was written for people younger than me. Though, I liked how the author always had you second-guessing who you thought the villain was and put plenty of red herrings in their place to lead you down the wrong place.
Super Adjacent is a fun, non-serious superhero story about friendship, crushes, becoming independent in a relationship, and saving the world with no superpowers. It was enjoyable to read, particularly with the romantic relationship. Read the first paragraph of my review if you’re considering and don’t be overcritical of something like this. It’s written purely for enjoyment.
ARC kindly provided by Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review
rep: sapphic mc and side character, f/f romance
March 16, 2020
Lowkey want to give it a 2.5, but I liked it a bit too, I guess??? Idk????
Asfdgshsjshsksjs
EDIT (16/03/2020):
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from The Fantastic Flying Book Club for a blog tour. All the following opinions are my own.
Rating- 2.5-3 stars
I really loved the premise of this book- I mean, come on! A story about superheroes where we follow the sidekicks instead? And then we watch them save the day!!? IT WAS SO COOL to even think about! But, I think, this led to me having really high expectations and I was let down by what the book ended up delivering.
We mainly follow two characters in this story- Claire, who is a young girl super obsessed with Warrior Nation which is basically like S.H.I.E.L.D. in this world, and Bridgette, who is a superhero's girlfriend and is sorta fed up with everything related to Warrior Nation. They were both fun characters in that cute-contemporaries-with-no-stakes kind of way, but also, they seemed to have really similar voices and that bugged me a bit. They are basically the two narrators of this story so the similarity in the voice of them both just confused the hell out of me! It didn't feel like having both perspectives was necessary throughout the story, too. It was all just a bit off, tbh.
Another thing that bugged me was the pacing of the novel. Through the first 64% of the book, NOTHING HAPPENS! The plot only starts taking off in the last quarter, and i don't even feel like anything important happened in the first three-quarters of the book. This would really be totally justifiable if the character work was intricate, but it was pretty average for the most part, if not worse. People changed too easily, things either got conflicted or resolved too quickly. The villain, despite attempts at making him seem otherwise, did feel really cartoon-y to me. Also, you could totally predict the twist from the first moment the possibility of it was introduced (remember Megamind?), and it was extremely cheesy, too, lol. It was all a bit too television soap opera-y for my taste.
And then there was the overwriting. There were just so many unnecessary similes, metaphors that weren't needed, descriptions that didn't need to be there! It really took me out of the story a lot, slowed me down and hindered my reading experience. Some of the descriptions were repeated way too often; Matt, for instance, was always described as having "mocha hair", "chocolate eyes" and "caramel skin". And it got tiring really quickly. Like, these descriptions showed up, like, three times in the SAME chapter. I wasn't mad at anything per se, in the book, mostly because everything was kind of funny, except this. xD THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO DESCRIBE BROWN, PEOPLE! JEEZ!
Anyway, all that aside, I still kinda enjoyed reading the book? A few parts were funny, the book was definitely really light and easy to read, and didn't seem to take itself too seriously, which was great. There was a cute queer relationship thrown in there which was actually cute, if a bit rushed at the beginning. It was overall not the worst. And I think it can be a really fun escape-read if you're willing to just shut your brain off for a while and not worry about anything and sorta coast through the book. What I'm saying is, I think this can be a great book for someone out there, for sure, but it just wasn't the best for me, is all!
Asfdgshsjshsksjs
EDIT (16/03/2020):
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from The Fantastic Flying Book Club for a blog tour. All the following opinions are my own.
Rating- 2.5-3 stars
I really loved the premise of this book- I mean, come on! A story about superheroes where we follow the sidekicks instead? And then we watch them save the day!!? IT WAS SO COOL to even think about! But, I think, this led to me having really high expectations and I was let down by what the book ended up delivering.
We mainly follow two characters in this story- Claire, who is a young girl super obsessed with Warrior Nation which is basically like S.H.I.E.L.D. in this world, and Bridgette, who is a superhero's girlfriend and is sorta fed up with everything related to Warrior Nation. They were both fun characters in that cute-contemporaries-with-no-stakes kind of way, but also, they seemed to have really similar voices and that bugged me a bit. They are basically the two narrators of this story so the similarity in the voice of them both just confused the hell out of me! It didn't feel like having both perspectives was necessary throughout the story, too. It was all just a bit off, tbh.
Another thing that bugged me was the pacing of the novel. Through the first 64% of the book, NOTHING HAPPENS! The plot only starts taking off in the last quarter, and i don't even feel like anything important happened in the first three-quarters of the book. This would really be totally justifiable if the character work was intricate, but it was pretty average for the most part, if not worse. People changed too easily, things either got conflicted or resolved too quickly. The villain, despite attempts at making him seem otherwise, did feel really cartoon-y to me. Also, you could totally predict the twist from the first moment the possibility of it was introduced (remember Megamind?), and it was extremely cheesy, too, lol. It was all a bit too television soap opera-y for my taste.
And then there was the overwriting. There were just so many unnecessary similes, metaphors that weren't needed, descriptions that didn't need to be there! It really took me out of the story a lot, slowed me down and hindered my reading experience. Some of the descriptions were repeated way too often; Matt, for instance, was always described as having "mocha hair", "chocolate eyes" and "caramel skin". And it got tiring really quickly. Like, these descriptions showed up, like, three times in the SAME chapter. I wasn't mad at anything per se, in the book, mostly because everything was kind of funny, except this. xD THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO DESCRIBE BROWN, PEOPLE! JEEZ!
Anyway, all that aside, I still kinda enjoyed reading the book? A few parts were funny, the book was definitely really light and easy to read, and didn't seem to take itself too seriously, which was great. There was a cute queer relationship thrown in there which was actually cute, if a bit rushed at the beginning. It was overall not the worst. And I think it can be a really fun escape-read if you're willing to just shut your brain off for a while and not worry about anything and sorta coast through the book. What I'm saying is, I think this can be a great book for someone out there, for sure, but it just wasn't the best for me, is all!
March 4, 2022
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is a fresh take on the world of superheroes, told from the perspective of the people who are “adjacent” to them. As a fan of superhero stories, I had high expectations for this one, and its unique premise and contrasting perspectives on what it’s like to date a hero make for an enjoyable read. Those looking for an action-packed book with an inspiring message will not want to miss this one.
As a longtime fan of superheroes, Claire is thrilled when she lands an internship with Warrior Nation and gets the opportunity to work with the heroes she looks up to. Bridgette, on the other hand, is dating one of Chicago’s most popular heroes and wants out of Warrior Nation after enduring the unique struggles of being with someone in this line of work. However, when Warrior Nation faces a new, mysterious threat and the heroes go missing, it is up to Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
❀ DUAL PERSPECTIVES
This book is told from dual perspectives, and I enjoyed the nuance this provides. Claire’s perspective shows us the thrill of dating a hero and the excitement of getting in on the action while Bridgette’s explores the darker side of being close to a superhero–the fear when they get injured and the frustration when work always takes priority. The contrast between the two paints an interesting picture of the culture of superheroes, and I found the choice to make both narrators civilians smart.
❀ INSPIRING MESSAGE
One of my favourite aspects of the story is the direction the author took in terms of defining what a hero is. While the book is set in an organization of superheroes, it highlights the capacity of ordinary people to make a difference as Claire and Bridgette work to save them. The message about how you don’t need superpowers or a flashy suit to be a hero is inspiring, and it is a powerful choice for this genre.
❀ ENTERTAINING READ
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is an entertaining read following ordinary people who are dating superheroes, and become heroes themselves. I enjoyed the original plot, and the dual narration provides nuanced insight into the lifestyle of superheroes. The message about the power of average people rounds out the story, and I’m sure this will be a great read for a younger YA audience.
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is a fresh take on the world of superheroes, told from the perspective of the people who are “adjacent” to them. As a fan of superhero stories, I had high expectations for this one, and its unique premise and contrasting perspectives on what it’s like to date a hero make for an enjoyable read. Those looking for an action-packed book with an inspiring message will not want to miss this one.
As a longtime fan of superheroes, Claire is thrilled when she lands an internship with Warrior Nation and gets the opportunity to work with the heroes she looks up to. Bridgette, on the other hand, is dating one of Chicago’s most popular heroes and wants out of Warrior Nation after enduring the unique struggles of being with someone in this line of work. However, when Warrior Nation faces a new, mysterious threat and the heroes go missing, it is up to Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
❀ DUAL PERSPECTIVES
This book is told from dual perspectives, and I enjoyed the nuance this provides. Claire’s perspective shows us the thrill of dating a hero and the excitement of getting in on the action while Bridgette’s explores the darker side of being close to a superhero–the fear when they get injured and the frustration when work always takes priority. The contrast between the two paints an interesting picture of the culture of superheroes, and I found the choice to make both narrators civilians smart.
❀ INSPIRING MESSAGE
One of my favourite aspects of the story is the direction the author took in terms of defining what a hero is. While the book is set in an organization of superheroes, it highlights the capacity of ordinary people to make a difference as Claire and Bridgette work to save them. The message about how you don’t need superpowers or a flashy suit to be a hero is inspiring, and it is a powerful choice for this genre.
❀ ENTERTAINING READ
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is an entertaining read following ordinary people who are dating superheroes, and become heroes themselves. I enjoyed the original plot, and the dual narration provides nuanced insight into the lifestyle of superheroes. The message about the power of average people rounds out the story, and I’m sure this will be a great read for a younger YA audience.
May 12, 2020
This was a surprisingly good superhero AND queer book. I have to admit the execution is far from flawless, but it handles the morals of capitalisitic superhero administrations so well? The themes of individual safety vs. group safety, of who should be the heroes and who decides that, and superheroes as not just caped crusaders, but brands to profit off of, are all at play here, and they were executed flawlessly.
If someone presented this story to me as an outline, I'd say there's literally no way this story can disappoint me. And honestly? It totally didn't. This perfectly scratched my superhero itch (though it still lingers), while also touching on a ton of related societal issues without coming off as high-handed or cliche. A large part of this comes from how well the book ended, keeping in mind how the effects of the story would actually impact the characters involved, and showing the variety of ways one can engage with the world of superheroes without being one (this be a large focus due to the title, super 'adjacent'). It also did a great job of showing the flawed and human side of heroes, the lens of the heroes' adjacent loved ones showcasing that well. We got to see the individual side of heroes, both on the saved and the forgotten.
A lot of hero novels show the picture we all want to see, of cheering crowds and heroes saving masses of people at once. This book narrows that focus. We see what happens to those that are saved, how that impacts their life. We get to see the girlfriend of a hero, how the constant hate brings her down and how her boyfriend's dream to save everyone leaves her in the sidelines, forgotten. We see what happens when a hero is no longer wanted, no longer 'profitable'. We get to see heroes become so with a variety of motivations, that not everyone sets out wanting to save the entire world. It gives a much more nuanced view of the superhero world as a whole, from the heroes that save the world and the individuals who save the heroes.
Now I say above the execution wasn't always great. It wasn't. The writing wasn't impeccable, and it felt more like something I had to get through to understand the story. I also found Claire annoying at first til she gained more and more depth, but that's mainly due to how her character is constructed. It's extremely realistic because she just actually is kind of annoying in her obsession. Additionally, I can't fault the writing too much because at the same time, the two POVs were extremely distinct. You could tell who you were reading at all times, even if you went and removed all the names.
All in all, I did really enjoy this even though I can't say the book is the best book ever. The superhero aspect of the novel is just done SO well, and to be honest, that's the most important part.
If someone presented this story to me as an outline, I'd say there's literally no way this story can disappoint me. And honestly? It totally didn't. This perfectly scratched my superhero itch (though it still lingers), while also touching on a ton of related societal issues without coming off as high-handed or cliche. A large part of this comes from how well the book ended, keeping in mind how the effects of the story would actually impact the characters involved, and showing the variety of ways one can engage with the world of superheroes without being one (this be a large focus due to the title, super 'adjacent'). It also did a great job of showing the flawed and human side of heroes, the lens of the heroes' adjacent loved ones showcasing that well. We got to see the individual side of heroes, both on the saved and the forgotten.
A lot of hero novels show the picture we all want to see, of cheering crowds and heroes saving masses of people at once. This book narrows that focus. We see what happens to those that are saved, how that impacts their life. We get to see the girlfriend of a hero, how the constant hate brings her down and how her boyfriend's dream to save everyone leaves her in the sidelines, forgotten. We see what happens when a hero is no longer wanted, no longer 'profitable'. We get to see heroes become so with a variety of motivations, that not everyone sets out wanting to save the entire world. It gives a much more nuanced view of the superhero world as a whole, from the heroes that save the world and the individuals who save the heroes.
Now I say above the execution wasn't always great. It wasn't. The writing wasn't impeccable, and it felt more like something I had to get through to understand the story. I also found Claire annoying at first til she gained more and more depth, but that's mainly due to how her character is constructed. It's extremely realistic because she just actually is kind of annoying in her obsession. Additionally, I can't fault the writing too much because at the same time, the two POVs were extremely distinct. You could tell who you were reading at all times, even if you went and removed all the names.
All in all, I did really enjoy this even though I can't say the book is the best book ever. The superhero aspect of the novel is just done SO well, and to be honest, that's the most important part.
February 12, 2020
This was a cute, light read. I was intrigued by the "real world" corporatized superheros--the concept sort of takes a backseat to the romances, which is OK. It's nice to see a cute fluffy f/f story, even if the characters also weren't super developed? Sometimes it is enough to read about one superhumanly strong girl kissing one girl of regular strength.
June 29, 2020
right up until the ending, this was going to be a 4 star rating for me. the writing style is a little juvenile, but it makes up for it completely with great characters and a compelling universe. i loved how warrior nation was similar to well known superhero worlds such as the marvel universe, but put its own spin on it too, setting up superheroes as a national thing and touching on how they dealt with fame and social media. the descriptions of the secret passages and underground setting made me feel like i was watching an action movie.
i loved the characters too, especially claire, bridgette, and joy. the contrast of claire being a super loving but kind of mindlessly devoted fan and bridgette being pretty disillusioned with warrior nation was very interesting and funny. joy was super interesting and i almost wish there had been a pov from her too? it seemed like she had a really complex backstory and i would have loved to be in her head.
the only character i really disliked reading about was demi, claire's best friend and rival. she seemed like a complete jerk who didn't care about claire's feelings or their friendship at all, and i was happy that she wasn't in the book very much.
overall, though, i had been loving this book almost the whole time, right up until the end, which honestly killed a lot of my enjoyment.
overall, i wouldn't recommend this book. it was all set up to be a new favorite with lovable characters and compelling worldbuilding, but the ending ruined that all for me.
i loved the characters too, especially claire, bridgette, and joy. the contrast of claire being a super loving but kind of mindlessly devoted fan and bridgette being pretty disillusioned with warrior nation was very interesting and funny. joy was super interesting and i almost wish there had been a pov from her too? it seemed like she had a really complex backstory and i would have loved to be in her head.
the only character i really disliked reading about was demi, claire's best friend and rival. she seemed like a complete jerk who didn't care about claire's feelings or their friendship at all, and i was happy that she wasn't in the book very much.
overall, though, i had been loving this book almost the whole time, right up until the end, which honestly killed a lot of my enjoyment.
overall, i wouldn't recommend this book. it was all set up to be a new favorite with lovable characters and compelling worldbuilding, but the ending ruined that all for me.
May 3, 2020
In a world of superheroes, Claire is obsessed with Warrior Nation, the main superhero organization that also has a chapter in her hometown of Chicago. She's trying to land a coveted internship to help support her favorite superheroes when she comes across Chicago's newest superhero, the super-strong Joy. There's plenty of chemistry between them and a tentative relationship starts between them.
In a world of superheroes, Bridgette, the long-term girlfriend of a Chicago superhero, is pretty much sick of them and frustrated that even though she keeps getting kidnapped, injured and overshadowed, her boyfriend Matt seems to have very little time for her. When her future art-career is threatened, she resolves to end it between them.
And meanwhile, Warrior Nation is in trouble. There's a growing super-powered threat as villains organize themselves into a siege of the city and not only are the superheroes worked to exhaustion, but they seem to be being targeted with inside knowledge and the Warrior Nation organization is behaving weirdly. When all four superheroes disappear, it's up to Claire and Bridgette to get to the bottom of things.
The contrast between Claire and Bridgette's different relationships is cleverly done here and forms the core of the book. It's a different way to have a conversation about the impact to the people and family of those that are in the public eye and the marketing machines that drive that process. There's also more than a touch of the Lois Lane approach to story-telling about superheroes where the most interesting stories are of the normal people having to cope with a superperson in their lives, and maybe showing that normal is not necessarily ordinary.
In a world of superheroes, Bridgette, the long-term girlfriend of a Chicago superhero, is pretty much sick of them and frustrated that even though she keeps getting kidnapped, injured and overshadowed, her boyfriend Matt seems to have very little time for her. When her future art-career is threatened, she resolves to end it between them.
And meanwhile, Warrior Nation is in trouble. There's a growing super-powered threat as villains organize themselves into a siege of the city and not only are the superheroes worked to exhaustion, but they seem to be being targeted with inside knowledge and the Warrior Nation organization is behaving weirdly. When all four superheroes disappear, it's up to Claire and Bridgette to get to the bottom of things.
The contrast between Claire and Bridgette's different relationships is cleverly done here and forms the core of the book. It's a different way to have a conversation about the impact to the people and family of those that are in the public eye and the marketing machines that drive that process. There's also more than a touch of the Lois Lane approach to story-telling about superheroes where the most interesting stories are of the normal people having to cope with a superperson in their lives, and maybe showing that normal is not necessarily ordinary.
September 7, 2023
I wish it were slower burn, but I love a queer book that isn't centred around queerness🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
April 3, 2020
I first was intrigued by the cover when I saw this book. I'm a fan of superhero stories. I love reading comics and watching the big blockbuster movies that are inspired by them. Seeing that this book was all about superheroes just not the ones with the superpowers was what caught my eye.
When we think about superheroes we usually think about the heroic part of their lives not what happens when they get home to their partner. Super Adjacent is all about the other half of the dynamic duos and what they deal with on a day today. Can you imagine in the age of Twitter and Instagram what type of comments Lois Lane or Mary Jane Watson would get?
I really loved that Crystal Cestari focused on the characters of Claire and Bridgette instead of their superhero partners. The book is told from the girls' perspectives. It showed us an aspect that not a lot of comic book stories looked at yet. I could see this being done in comics too. They are at two very different places in their lives. Claire at the start of an internship at Warrior Nation and a relationship with the new warrior Girl Power. She is still in her honeymoon stage with it all but she'll learn soon that everything is not just the hero saves the day. As for Brigette, she has been in a long-lasting relationship with Warrior Nation's hero of the hour Vaporizer. She knows too well how it all goes, she'll always come in second. I thought they were both were very strong characters and so interesting to follow along on their journey. There's usually a voice I prefer in books with multiple points of views but I have to say in this one I enjoyed both equally. I was really invested in both their stories.
Super Adjacent was such a fun book. It had geeky references which you know I always love and had a ton of banter too. I really loved Crystal's writing style and now want to go back and read more of her books. The pacing of the story was just right very similar to a comic book in terms of action. I don't think I would change anything at all.
This book was such a surprise and I am so happy I got a chance to read it. If you like books like Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl, I think you would love this one as well.
Thank you to Disney-Hyperion, Netgalley and Fantastic Flying Book Club for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Disney-Hyperion, Netgalley and Fantastic Flying Book Club for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2020
There’s something about creating before the world is awake. To sketch, to explore, to turn paper into new and interesting shapes. In the quiet stillness of sunrise, I only have to answer to myself.
.
.
Estaba SUPER entusiasmada con leer este libro e incluso entré con expectativas relativamente bajas porque había leído reseñas que comentaban que Super Adjacent era todo menos una oda a los superhéroes. Y arrancó re bien, me gustaban mucho Claire y Bridgette, me copaba el mundo (aunque no fuera la gran cosa) y sobre todo me interesaban las parejas y los conceptos que mostraban: una pareja que está empezando y otra que está terminando. Pero por la mitad empezó a decaer, la historia y el ritmo. Para el final ya estaba con los ojos en blanco porque no me interesaba nada de lo que estaba leyendo y hasta me enervó un poco el giro que dio la trama, que al principio había sido muy prometedora y cayó no solo en el cliché sino también en el sin sentido.
En fin, lean este libro solo si quieren parejas cute, nada más.
.
.
Estaba SUPER entusiasmada con leer este libro e incluso entré con expectativas relativamente bajas porque había leído reseñas que comentaban que Super Adjacent era todo menos una oda a los superhéroes. Y arrancó re bien, me gustaban mucho Claire y Bridgette, me copaba el mundo (aunque no fuera la gran cosa) y sobre todo me interesaban las parejas y los conceptos que mostraban: una pareja que está empezando y otra que está terminando. Pero por la mitad empezó a decaer, la historia y el ritmo. Para el final ya estaba con los ojos en blanco porque no me interesaba nada de lo que estaba leyendo y hasta me enervó un poco el giro que dio la trama, que al principio había sido muy prometedora y cayó no solo en el cliché sino también en el sin sentido.
En fin, lean este libro solo si quieren parejas cute, nada más.
April 25, 2021
Oh my goodness, what a cute book!
I didn’t expect to like it at first, but it was light and fun, so why not give it a try? I also appreciate the female/female relationship with none of the usual drama. The story continued to get better the further I got into the the novel, and it wasn’t super flowery in the end, which I also appreciated. I snagged this on a whim about a year ago and am glad I saved it.
I didn’t expect to like it at first, but it was light and fun, so why not give it a try? I also appreciate the female/female relationship with none of the usual drama. The story continued to get better the further I got into the the novel, and it wasn’t super flowery in the end, which I also appreciated. I snagged this on a whim about a year ago and am glad I saved it.
February 13, 2020
I read an ARC of this book.
My review: I loved it! The writing was fresh, and I loved the superhero world-building - it was clever, fun, and made sense! The characters were fantastic as well. Claire was a perfect fangirl with perfect fangirl reactions and thoughts, and I really enjoyed Bridgette's perspective as the girlfriend of a superhero. Both POVs were distinct and interesting, and their friendship - as well as their personal journeys of discovery - were extremely satisfying. The plot was fun to follow as well, and took me on several twists and turns I didn't expect. I highly recommend this book!
My review: I loved it! The writing was fresh, and I loved the superhero world-building - it was clever, fun, and made sense! The characters were fantastic as well. Claire was a perfect fangirl with perfect fangirl reactions and thoughts, and I really enjoyed Bridgette's perspective as the girlfriend of a superhero. Both POVs were distinct and interesting, and their friendship - as well as their personal journeys of discovery - were extremely satisfying. The plot was fun to follow as well, and took me on several twists and turns I didn't expect. I highly recommend this book!
December 14, 2025
Book 5 of my 16 books in 24 days challenge bc i forgot about my reading challenge
not bad but claire was kinda cringy
oh and i saw that plot twist from a mile away
not bad but claire was kinda cringy
oh and i saw that plot twist from a mile away
January 20, 2021
I did NOT see that twist coming. I really thought I knew who the bad guy was. This book was AMAZING! I definitely recommend it!
Read
July 24, 2020This book is literally just the Spongebob Squarepants episode with The International Justice League of Super Acquaintances.
Super Adjacent is about a girl named Claire who has always wanted to work for the superheroes of Warrior Nation, after one of them saved her life when she was younger. When she lands an internship with them, she jumps at the chance to prove that she belongs- super or not. A cute new superhero named Joy complicates things though. Bridgette is dating one of the superheroes named Matt but wants out of Warnat and all the social media hate she gets. She's tired of not being put first and always being the one needing to be saved. When a new supervillain shows up on the scene, Bridgette and Claire end up being the ones who have to save the heroes.
I have no idea what it is with superheroes but any superheroes that aren't mainstream Marvel / DC heroes that I already know about (I mean those are cheesy as fuck too but they never bother me??) always feel so cheesy and they make me irrationally angry. All the superheroes in here with their names and powers just, ugh gag me. It was so cringy. I feel like any books that make up their own superheroes are such a joke because they are just copy well known heroes and give them a different name.
Are there only a certain number of powers and superhero names left because damn that girl who was only useful in water was literally named Aqua Maiden and the Superman / Captain America rip off guy was named Blue Streak? That's the best you can do? Then there was a dude who just... disappeared and that was his power? And then a girl who just had super strength. Where is the flavor??
There are apparently so many people with super powers in this world (that never explains why they have powers but who cares am I right) and they only pick four (4) heroes for each city and they went out of their way to pick the lamest and most useless people? Sure the book explains why they only pick four but it was so dumb pls.
Claire was AWFUL. She rants so much about how she hates pretty girls, making snap judgements about people just doesn't even know and for what? Her POV was so bad and the way it was written was obnoxious. Bridgette's was so much better and honestly all around a better character. There is a f/f romance with Claire and Joy but... their relationship was nothing. It never had development and never went anywhere besides swooning at each other and making out in supply closets. Meanwhile Bridgette and her failed relationship with Matt was much more fleshed out and actually interesting and I'm just mad the m/f got all the weight while the f/f was nothing.
The villain was a joke too but I didn't expect anything else. This book was cheesy, lowkey awful, and obviously written for a younger crowd but it was still somewhat entertaining. Would not recommend at all though, just go watch that Spongebob episode instead.
Super Adjacent is about a girl named Claire who has always wanted to work for the superheroes of Warrior Nation, after one of them saved her life when she was younger. When she lands an internship with them, she jumps at the chance to prove that she belongs- super or not. A cute new superhero named Joy complicates things though. Bridgette is dating one of the superheroes named Matt but wants out of Warnat and all the social media hate she gets. She's tired of not being put first and always being the one needing to be saved. When a new supervillain shows up on the scene, Bridgette and Claire end up being the ones who have to save the heroes.
I have no idea what it is with superheroes but any superheroes that aren't mainstream Marvel / DC heroes that I already know about (I mean those are cheesy as fuck too but they never bother me??) always feel so cheesy and they make me irrationally angry. All the superheroes in here with their names and powers just, ugh gag me. It was so cringy. I feel like any books that make up their own superheroes are such a joke because they are just copy well known heroes and give them a different name.
Are there only a certain number of powers and superhero names left because damn that girl who was only useful in water was literally named Aqua Maiden and the Superman / Captain America rip off guy was named Blue Streak? That's the best you can do? Then there was a dude who just... disappeared and that was his power? And then a girl who just had super strength. Where is the flavor??
There are apparently so many people with super powers in this world (that never explains why they have powers but who cares am I right) and they only pick four (4) heroes for each city and they went out of their way to pick the lamest and most useless people? Sure the book explains why they only pick four but it was so dumb pls.
Claire was AWFUL. She rants so much about how she hates pretty girls, making snap judgements about people just doesn't even know and for what? Her POV was so bad and the way it was written was obnoxious. Bridgette's was so much better and honestly all around a better character. There is a f/f romance with Claire and Joy but... their relationship was nothing. It never had development and never went anywhere besides swooning at each other and making out in supply closets. Meanwhile Bridgette and her failed relationship with Matt was much more fleshed out and actually interesting and I'm just mad the m/f got all the weight while the f/f was nothing.
The villain was a joke too but I didn't expect anything else. This book was cheesy, lowkey awful, and obviously written for a younger crowd but it was still somewhat entertaining. Would not recommend at all though, just go watch that Spongebob episode instead.
July 8, 2020
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari, 368 pages. Disney, 2020. $19.
Language: PG-13 (42 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (superhero violence)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Claire has been trying almost her entire life to become a part of the Warrior Nation – the group that supports Chicago’s superheroes as they fight crime. On the same day she reaches her goal, she also meets and is very intrigued by the newest Superhero – Joy, who is about to become Girl Power. Bridgette, on the other hand, has been part of Warrior Nation for years – as the girlfriend of Vaporizer, who originally was just her adorable boyfriend Matt before his superpowers manifested. When both girls are kidnapped, Bridgette is very blasé – until they realize that there is something different this time. Someone is intent on taking down Warrior Nation – and it may be the ones without powers who will need to save the heroes.
Cestari writes a nice mix of romance and superhero adventure. And I especially loved the normals rescuing the supers. There are so many good superhero books for YA, but they don’t circulate well at my school – too bad for the students, who are really missing out.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: PG-13 (42 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (superhero violence)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS -ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Claire has been trying almost her entire life to become a part of the Warrior Nation – the group that supports Chicago’s superheroes as they fight crime. On the same day she reaches her goal, she also meets and is very intrigued by the newest Superhero – Joy, who is about to become Girl Power. Bridgette, on the other hand, has been part of Warrior Nation for years – as the girlfriend of Vaporizer, who originally was just her adorable boyfriend Matt before his superpowers manifested. When both girls are kidnapped, Bridgette is very blasé – until they realize that there is something different this time. Someone is intent on taking down Warrior Nation – and it may be the ones without powers who will need to save the heroes.
Cestari writes a nice mix of romance and superhero adventure. And I especially loved the normals rescuing the supers. There are so many good superhero books for YA, but they don’t circulate well at my school – too bad for the students, who are really missing out.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
April 1, 2020
This book was so well-developed! I loved the main characters and the premise of this story. I kind of related this to Batwoman on the CW because of the whole superhero life/ normal life even though it’s not normal at all. I loved the representation, but I wish there was a lot more of Joy and Claire’s romance. This was such a fun and adventurous read!
April 4, 2020
This book was pretty fun and something different to read. It a good feel read while so much bad stuff happening around us.
June 25, 2020
horrid. just horrid. blatant sexism from the main girl character, instantly hating on other girls. don’t waste your time
May 30, 2020
I had just finished watching She-Ra & the Princess of Power (which is FAB and literally the best thing ever) and then DNFing my previously current read, when I decided to pick Super Adjacent up. It had been sitting on my shelf for a few months now, and I decided now was finally the time to read it. Not only did Joy remind me of Adora, helping me to cope with not having a 6th season of She-Ra, but the story itself was a unique take on superheroes.
Super Adjacent is told through alternating POV chapters from Claire and Bridgette's perspectives. Claire is a superhero fangirl, who becomes an intern for Warrior Nation, the corporation responsible for running designated superhero teams across the United States. She ends up meeting Chicago's newest hero, Joy, and developing a crush. Then we have Bridgette, who's been dating her superhero celebrity boyfriend for years, but can't handle the lifestyle anymore and wants to break up. Claire and Bridgette eventually meet and the story goes on from there.
I really enjoyed the way Cestari used the dual POVs to give a broader picture of what it's like to be an average person whose lives intersect with superheroes' so often. If it weren't for the alternating points, Super Adjacent wouldn't have been nearly as impactful, and I feel like the reader would have gotten annoyed with each girl's mindset. Claire's enthusiasm and love for the heroes was contagious, she made each hero have their own spotlight in a way, and it was nice to read about someone who knew what they wanted from life. At first I wasn't sure how the fangirl aspect was going to work once she met the heroes, but it was actually pretty handy and worked well. Bridgette was jaded of her hero infused lifestyle, and I can't say I blame her. It was fun to see the world of superheroes through the eyes of someone experienced with living in constant danger because of it, and how she handled things. Her more realistic outlook kept things going in the right direction and I loved her relationship with Matt. I also really loved Claire's relationship with her mom. It was nice to see a close parent-child relationship, and I think this is one of the best one's I've seen in teen media since the 2011 Teen Wolf.
Super Adjacent is definitely written for a younger YA audience, so if that's not really your thing this book may not be for you. It's got some cheesy superhero moments (though honestly if you love sillier 80s superhero comics you'll probably enjoy it), the romance between Joy and Claire is closer to an instacrush and in general, it just uses some younger high school tropes. The book did surprise me with who the villain turned out to be, but I hadn't really spent time guessing, since the writing really pulled you along the story. I was sort of disappointed with the ending though, for two reasons. The first, was because it felt a little rushed, if we had just gotten another page or two to elaborate on Claire's ending I think it would have flowed better. The second,
If you're looking for a superhero book for younger YA readers, or just YA readers who love superheroes, definitely check Super Adjacent out! I've seen a few people say it can't compare to the Renegades Trilogy, but considering it's aimed at a younger audience and has a much smaller word count, it's a pretty solid story. It's a tale of superheroes with a side of romance, friendship and a really cute cover.
Super Adjacent is told through alternating POV chapters from Claire and Bridgette's perspectives. Claire is a superhero fangirl, who becomes an intern for Warrior Nation, the corporation responsible for running designated superhero teams across the United States. She ends up meeting Chicago's newest hero, Joy, and developing a crush. Then we have Bridgette, who's been dating her superhero celebrity boyfriend for years, but can't handle the lifestyle anymore and wants to break up. Claire and Bridgette eventually meet and the story goes on from there.
I really enjoyed the way Cestari used the dual POVs to give a broader picture of what it's like to be an average person whose lives intersect with superheroes' so often. If it weren't for the alternating points, Super Adjacent wouldn't have been nearly as impactful, and I feel like the reader would have gotten annoyed with each girl's mindset. Claire's enthusiasm and love for the heroes was contagious, she made each hero have their own spotlight in a way, and it was nice to read about someone who knew what they wanted from life. At first I wasn't sure how the fangirl aspect was going to work once she met the heroes, but it was actually pretty handy and worked well. Bridgette was jaded of her hero infused lifestyle, and I can't say I blame her. It was fun to see the world of superheroes through the eyes of someone experienced with living in constant danger because of it, and how she handled things. Her more realistic outlook kept things going in the right direction and I loved her relationship with Matt. I also really loved Claire's relationship with her mom. It was nice to see a close parent-child relationship, and I think this is one of the best one's I've seen in teen media since the 2011 Teen Wolf.
Super Adjacent is definitely written for a younger YA audience, so if that's not really your thing this book may not be for you. It's got some cheesy superhero moments (though honestly if you love sillier 80s superhero comics you'll probably enjoy it), the romance between Joy and Claire is closer to an instacrush and in general, it just uses some younger high school tropes. The book did surprise me with who the villain turned out to be, but I hadn't really spent time guessing, since the writing really pulled you along the story. I was sort of disappointed with the ending though, for two reasons. The first, was because it felt a little rushed, if we had just gotten another page or two to elaborate on Claire's ending I think it would have flowed better. The second,
If you're looking for a superhero book for younger YA readers, or just YA readers who love superheroes, definitely check Super Adjacent out! I've seen a few people say it can't compare to the Renegades Trilogy, but considering it's aimed at a younger audience and has a much smaller word count, it's a pretty solid story. It's a tale of superheroes with a side of romance, friendship and a really cute cover.
June 3, 2020
This book had a really interesting premise, where youth who manifested superpowers were recruited for their city's chapter of Warrior Nation, the worldwide superhero organization. Recently, superheroes are being portrayed in a negative light as the crime rate increases and the bad guy always seems to be one step ahead. This situation follows the retirement of Chicago's most well-known and respected superheroes. We follow two protagonists - Claire, who is a Warrior Nation fanatic and has gone to some lengths to get their coveted internship, and along the way she meets Warrior Nation's newest recruit and goes from finding her completely annoying to having a crush on her; Bridgette, who has been dating Matt - the young, handsome superhero with hordes of fans and who enjoys the spotlight - for a couple of years now, and has grown weary of the demands of being dragged into the public eye. The girls' paths cross when they are both kidnapped by the villains, and although Bridgette cannot relate to Claire's unrealistic expectations of Warrior Nation, as the situation worsens they end up joining forces to try and figure out what's going on.
I liked many things about the book - the different characters of Claire and Joy and how they click, the dynamics of Matt and Bridgette's relationship where although at first he doesn't understand how much of strain his superhero activity on Bridgette, it takes her breaking up with him to shock him to his senses. The villain reveal did not sit well with me; I found it hard to understand their motivations.
I enjoyed reading this.
I liked many things about the book - the different characters of Claire and Joy and how they click, the dynamics of Matt and Bridgette's relationship where although at first he doesn't understand how much of strain his superhero activity on Bridgette, it takes her breaking up with him to shock him to his senses. The villain reveal did not sit well with me; I found it hard to understand their motivations.
I enjoyed reading this.
June 19, 2022
3.5*
Super Adjacent is a fun little dual POV story about superheros, or more accurately, those around them. Claire really loves Warrior Nation and gets the opportunity of a lifetime to intern there. She's also starting to fall for Joy, the newest hero on the squad. Bridgette was already dating Matt (The Vaporizer) before he became a hero and is now struggling with the toll his service has taken on their relationship.
Both MCs are tied up in the superhero world, whether they want to be or not, as the Siege is taking place. Warrior Nation doesn't have much information on this threat and is clamoring to get it under control before it's too late.
Super Adjacent is a cute story that is easy to read. It feels a bit on the younger side of YA, making it perfect for teens. It has good messages about relationships and how love isn't always enough. It shows the importance of working towards a relationship and paying attention to the needs of your partner.
I had originally believed the book was too heavy handed and obvious with the villain and was disappointed it in. Jokes on me, I fell for the red herring. I was glad to be wrong, but I do wish the author hadn't set up the red herring as so obviously bad that I spent time being disappointed (even though I was wrong to be). The reveal would have punched harder if I had thought I was being clever.
Claire's ending made me feel a little sad, after all her enthusiasm and excitement in the beginning. Bridgette's seemed more hopeful and I like the direction Warrior Nation is heading towards at the end.
Super Adjacent is a fun little dual POV story about superheros, or more accurately, those around them. Claire really loves Warrior Nation and gets the opportunity of a lifetime to intern there. She's also starting to fall for Joy, the newest hero on the squad. Bridgette was already dating Matt (The Vaporizer) before he became a hero and is now struggling with the toll his service has taken on their relationship.
Both MCs are tied up in the superhero world, whether they want to be or not, as the Siege is taking place. Warrior Nation doesn't have much information on this threat and is clamoring to get it under control before it's too late.
Super Adjacent is a cute story that is easy to read. It feels a bit on the younger side of YA, making it perfect for teens. It has good messages about relationships and how love isn't always enough. It shows the importance of working towards a relationship and paying attention to the needs of your partner.
I had originally believed the book was too heavy handed and obvious with the villain and was disappointed it in. Jokes on me, I fell for the red herring. I was glad to be wrong, but I do wish the author hadn't set up the red herring as so obviously bad that I spent time being disappointed (even though I was wrong to be). The reveal would have punched harder if I had thought I was being clever.
Claire's ending made me feel a little sad, after all her enthusiasm and excitement in the beginning. Bridgette's seemed more hopeful and I like the direction Warrior Nation is heading towards at the end.
March 26, 2020
We all fight our own battles, even if we're not wearing capes.
This book was such a treat to read! It was thoroughly entertaining while also doing a fantastic job portraying many impactful messages. I found the story easy to get immediately sucked into. With fantasy elements (I mean there are super heroes), but being set in modern day Chicago I felt like I didn't need a ton of world building to visualize the setting.
"Weakness is strength that's yet to be tested."
Claire is 17 and trying to land an internship with Warrior Nation before her senior year in high school. When it finally happens, she's almost too starstruck to to function. Then there's Joy, the newest Warrior and Claire's accidental acquaintance. She's spent her entire life preparing for this moment. It's everything she's ever dreamed of. Until it isn't.... could he life dream go down in flames?
I wanted to change the world for the better, not see my existing world fall apart.
Bridgette is only known as the girlfriend of the city's most eligible super hero, Matt. She's constantly fighting to be her own woman only to have Matt's fame get in the way... again. She's finally had enough and calls it quits with Matt and Warrior Nation. But it seems that life has other plans for her. Bridgette and Claire find themselves as unlikely alliance (and friends), when all the Chicago chapter Warriors suddenly disappear.
I know all too well there is no calm unless you face the storm.
SUPER ADJACENT it told through two female POVs, which can often be confusing, but I didn't find myself getting lost in who's voice I was reading. There were enough references to keep it straight. I felt like Crystal Cestari touched on so many current issues and I found the way she addressed them to be very meaningful. Parts of this story felt a little rushed or maybe even a little juvenile if that makes sense? Almost verging on a Middle Grade novel. With both queer and straight romance, lots of action scenes (because superheroes... DUH), and a good moral, everyone can find something to like about this story. Overall I enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and quick read.
I once thought my days had to be larger than life for me to amount to something. But as it turns out, following your heart can be an equally epic adventure.
This book was such a treat to read! It was thoroughly entertaining while also doing a fantastic job portraying many impactful messages. I found the story easy to get immediately sucked into. With fantasy elements (I mean there are super heroes), but being set in modern day Chicago I felt like I didn't need a ton of world building to visualize the setting.
"Weakness is strength that's yet to be tested."
Claire is 17 and trying to land an internship with Warrior Nation before her senior year in high school. When it finally happens, she's almost too starstruck to to function. Then there's Joy, the newest Warrior and Claire's accidental acquaintance. She's spent her entire life preparing for this moment. It's everything she's ever dreamed of. Until it isn't.... could he life dream go down in flames?
I wanted to change the world for the better, not see my existing world fall apart.
Bridgette is only known as the girlfriend of the city's most eligible super hero, Matt. She's constantly fighting to be her own woman only to have Matt's fame get in the way... again. She's finally had enough and calls it quits with Matt and Warrior Nation. But it seems that life has other plans for her. Bridgette and Claire find themselves as unlikely alliance (and friends), when all the Chicago chapter Warriors suddenly disappear.
I know all too well there is no calm unless you face the storm.
SUPER ADJACENT it told through two female POVs, which can often be confusing, but I didn't find myself getting lost in who's voice I was reading. There were enough references to keep it straight. I felt like Crystal Cestari touched on so many current issues and I found the way she addressed them to be very meaningful. Parts of this story felt a little rushed or maybe even a little juvenile if that makes sense? Almost verging on a Middle Grade novel. With both queer and straight romance, lots of action scenes (because superheroes... DUH), and a good moral, everyone can find something to like about this story. Overall I enjoyed this read and definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and quick read.
I once thought my days had to be larger than life for me to amount to something. But as it turns out, following your heart can be an equally epic adventure.
January 31, 2022
3.75
It’s no secret that I devour every superhero novel that comes my way. A queer superhero romance never stood a chance against me. I tore through this in a couple of days, 10+ hour workdays be damned, because I never wanted to put it down. My main hesitancy is wishing the back synopsis was marketed a little better, as this is more a story about the commercialization of heroes and the difficulties of dating celebrities/heroes than one about the ‘ordinary’ significant others saving the day. The kidnapping mentioned in the summary doesn’t even happen until probably two thirds or more along the book. Expecting that sooner made parts of the beginning and middle feel slow in anticipation.
I still loved the story it was actually about and would gladly read tons of stories around that premise and in the universe, I just wish it was allowed to exist as it is instead if trying to sell a flashier story that isn’t quite there.
It’s no secret that I devour every superhero novel that comes my way. A queer superhero romance never stood a chance against me. I tore through this in a couple of days, 10+ hour workdays be damned, because I never wanted to put it down. My main hesitancy is wishing the back synopsis was marketed a little better, as this is more a story about the commercialization of heroes and the difficulties of dating celebrities/heroes than one about the ‘ordinary’ significant others saving the day. The kidnapping mentioned in the summary doesn’t even happen until probably two thirds or more along the book. Expecting that sooner made parts of the beginning and middle feel slow in anticipation.
I still loved the story it was actually about and would gladly read tons of stories around that premise and in the universe, I just wish it was allowed to exist as it is instead if trying to sell a flashier story that isn’t quite there.
March 18, 2020
3.5 stars. This is super reminiscent of her Windy City series, which I appreciated! Somewhat young-sounding MC and very Disney-level of sweetness and innocence. The concept of superheroes working for an organization in collaboration with law enforcement/the government was really neat. I liked both of the lead characters, Claire and Bridgette, but didn't feel super connected to anyone. The ending surprised me - I was caught up in a red herring for sure - and I appreciated that. I also think the way the characters leave us at the end was surprising and realistic as well. One thing that bugs me is that the whole concept of the book listed in the synopsis doesn't happen or start until over 60% of the way through the book. Just felt like a spoiler at that point! haha
July 7, 2022
I saw this book at Indigo and it was only $6 bucks so I was like, you know what I’m going to get it! I love books about superheroes and other themes that are similar. But this book was soooo predictable. The plot twist wasn’t even really a plot twist because anyone could see it from the beginning. The only thing that kept me going was the relationship between Bridgette and Matt. The queer relationship between Claire and Joy was so disappointing. The author focused a lot more on the straight relationship compared to the homosexual one. So far, I’ve only said negative things but I did enjoy certain parts of this book. The dialogue and description was easy to understand. Also I 100% judge books by their covers, (trying to get better at that haha) and this book cover was so cute!
December 24, 2021
So many books start off strong and then the loose ends don't tie up or it falters off. This is the first time I've ever read a book that started off badly and then had a really interesting ending. It takes place in Chicago but in a fictionalized Chicago where the brown line goes to Wrigleyville and everything is on Michigan Ave. Characters are mostly unlikable or irritating. I would have loved this at 12-15. Which isn't to say it's not good, but it's just not good for me as an adult who has had an actual job. Fun if you don't care about good writing!
June 24, 2021
3.25⭐️ I actually didn’t know one of the main couples were lesbian, it was a nice surprise! But I was so excited for this book, because I love superheroes so much, I was honestly a little disappointed! I just couldn’t find myself to care too much about the characters, maybe up until the end! I also didn’t really like either of the main characters in the beginning, but I did like them better at the end. I don’t think I would recommend this, I only would if you’re looking for a superhero book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews