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Spectra #2
Esper
Esper: Colloquial term for those who possess extra-sensory perception.
Willow Nguyen: She who tried to do a good deed and got her ass thrown into the Academy.
It was supposed to be a fun night to celebrate my best friend’s birthday. It ended with one cry for help in the dark, one anti-psi robot, and this electrokinetic esper fronting up to juvenile court.
Now I have two choices: Join the Academy’s Hyper Division, an elite training unit for espers, or a one-way ticket to a psi-prison.
It would be a no-brainer if there weren’t something wrong with my telepathy. I shouldn’t be able to generate electricity at will.If the authorities figure out what I can do, the inside of a jail cell will be the least of my problems.
My only hope is figuring out the origin of my powers before anyone else does. How I’m supposed to do that with anannoyingly gorgeous alpha breathing down my neck is the question.
Did I forget to mention I’m Melbourne’s masked vigilante? They call me Spectra. I’m supposed to be a phantom. A ghost. It’s quite fitting, really, because I might be dead by the end of this!
No guts, no glory, right?
Esper is the second novel in the Spectra Series. It is a young adult urban fantasy novel with slight Academy overtones. There are flavours of X-men and Alphas with a big helping of snark and a very slow burn romance.
Willow Nguyen: She who tried to do a good deed and got her ass thrown into the Academy.
It was supposed to be a fun night to celebrate my best friend’s birthday. It ended with one cry for help in the dark, one anti-psi robot, and this electrokinetic esper fronting up to juvenile court.
Now I have two choices: Join the Academy’s Hyper Division, an elite training unit for espers, or a one-way ticket to a psi-prison.
It would be a no-brainer if there weren’t something wrong with my telepathy. I shouldn’t be able to generate electricity at will.If the authorities figure out what I can do, the inside of a jail cell will be the least of my problems.
My only hope is figuring out the origin of my powers before anyone else does. How I’m supposed to do that with anannoyingly gorgeous alpha breathing down my neck is the question.
Did I forget to mention I’m Melbourne’s masked vigilante? They call me Spectra. I’m supposed to be a phantom. A ghost. It’s quite fitting, really, because I might be dead by the end of this!
No guts, no glory, right?
Esper is the second novel in the Spectra Series. It is a young adult urban fantasy novel with slight Academy overtones. There are flavours of X-men and Alphas with a big helping of snark and a very slow burn romance.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2020
68 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Lan Chan
22 books198 followersLan Chan is a writer, gardener and professional procrastinator based in Melbourne, Australia. She is still waiting for her super powers to manifest but until then she writes young adult novels featuring strong female protagonists, minority characters and has a particular interest in dystopias and urban fantasy. Lan’s debut novel POISON, the first in her WIND DANCER series is due for release in September 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 4, 2022
Some spelling mistakes but ultimately, not as many in comparison to her other books.
The characters are definitely growing and I loved the found family concept about the other characters. Lily was a really interesting character in particular.
The characters are definitely growing and I loved the found family concept about the other characters. Lily was a really interesting character in particular.
November 22, 2020
(4.5 stars) - evolving beyond spider bites & vats of toxic waste, oh my!
Book 2 in the Spectra series has our heroine gaining renown as a sort of superhero (this is a series where you really need to read the books in order)
As in book 1, the story has an episodic feel similar to a comic book where you have various events happening within an overarching storyline. The events contribute to the main, but things happen and then more or less move on to the next plot, setting, & secondary characters.
I really enjoyed it, except for the part with Jordan which I didn't feel was plausible for Willow's character (impulsive, sure, but flat out stupid, no)
My favorite part is when we finally start learning more about how she developed her "superpowers". So looking forward to book 3!
*Content: mild swears - mostly use of h-ll, plus half dozen uses of d-mn & sh-t; about a dozen uses of the Lord's Name carelessly (ie in vain), sadly & unnecessarily, but at least not as curses, fwiw
Book 2 in the Spectra series has our heroine gaining renown as a sort of superhero (this is a series where you really need to read the books in order)
As in book 1, the story has an episodic feel similar to a comic book where you have various events happening within an overarching storyline. The events contribute to the main, but things happen and then more or less move on to the next plot, setting, & secondary characters.
I really enjoyed it, except for the part with Jordan which I didn't feel was plausible for Willow's character (impulsive, sure, but flat out stupid, no)
My favorite part is when we finally start learning more about how she developed her "superpowers". So looking forward to book 3!
*Content: mild swears - mostly use of h-ll, plus half dozen uses of d-mn & sh-t; about a dozen uses of the Lord's Name carelessly (ie in vain), sadly & unnecessarily, but at least not as curses, fwiw
November 21, 2020
Fantastic series
Really rare to find such a good Australian fantasy novel/series, and this urban fantasy has an awesome backstory and premise that it builds on, and a heroine who is very, annoyingly at times, true to her age and upbringing. This books exposes secrets you wouldn't guess in a million years, building up to an awesome plot twist at the end that is a real stunner!
Highly recommend this book and this author. Seriously hope she hurries up with the next book!!!
Really rare to find such a good Australian fantasy novel/series, and this urban fantasy has an awesome backstory and premise that it builds on, and a heroine who is very, annoyingly at times, true to her age and upbringing. This books exposes secrets you wouldn't guess in a million years, building up to an awesome plot twist at the end that is a real stunner!
Highly recommend this book and this author. Seriously hope she hurries up with the next book!!!
November 26, 2020
Awesome
Usually I write reviews to warn potential readers about cliffhangers, poor writing, or other problems. I am very happy to report that that is not the case with this book. Excellent writing, great characters, and an unusual plot with some clever twists. Even better since it’s a second in the series and isn’t a cliffhanger!
Usually I write reviews to warn potential readers about cliffhangers, poor writing, or other problems. I am very happy to report that that is not the case with this book. Excellent writing, great characters, and an unusual plot with some clever twists. Even better since it’s a second in the series and isn’t a cliffhanger!
March 16, 2022
Better and Better
It keeps getting better and better. There were a lot of surprises in this one. Willow can do so many more things and the group of people around her are interesting.
It keeps getting better and better. There were a lot of surprises in this one. Willow can do so many more things and the group of people around her are interesting.
November 26, 2020
Loved it!
This series just gets better and better. I love how much action is in it! I couldn't put it down until i finished it and now i'm dying for the next book! Recommend 100%
This series just gets better and better. I love how much action is in it! I couldn't put it down until i finished it and now i'm dying for the next book! Recommend 100%
September 8, 2021
Can’t stop…..
I can’t stop myself from starting the next one as soon as I’m done. I love the twists that I couldn’t have seen coming.
I can’t stop myself from starting the next one as soon as I’m done. I love the twists that I couldn’t have seen coming.
October 19, 2022
Love it
October 4, 2024
Good episode
This installment was great. I love the development of the story and look forward to seeing what next unfolds. Must read!
This installment was great. I love the development of the story and look forward to seeing what next unfolds. Must read!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews