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It’s hard to be a hero when crime is in your DNA.
Now a full time hero with a beloved wife and treasured daughter, former supervillain Fade is certain nothing could take him down a dark path again. However, a mystery from his past lies in wait, a mystery tied to a part of his life he’d rather forget.
When DNA evidence reveals that Fade’s biological father is the elusive and enigmatic assassin known only as Syphon, Fade wants nothing to do with that mess.
Unfortunately, Fade can’t shake the target this newly discovered connection puts on him—and the backs of his friends and family.
Fade's only chance to fix things is taking down Syphon himself.
But Fade’s long absent father has his own plans for their reunion.
Plans that could cost Fade everything he’s fought and bled to create.
Now a full time hero with a beloved wife and treasured daughter, former supervillain Fade is certain nothing could take him down a dark path again. However, a mystery from his past lies in wait, a mystery tied to a part of his life he’d rather forget.
When DNA evidence reveals that Fade’s biological father is the elusive and enigmatic assassin known only as Syphon, Fade wants nothing to do with that mess.
Unfortunately, Fade can’t shake the target this newly discovered connection puts on him—and the backs of his friends and family.
Fade's only chance to fix things is taking down Syphon himself.
But Fade’s long absent father has his own plans for their reunion.
Plans that could cost Fade everything he’s fought and bled to create.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2021
6 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Burke
95 books565 followersBorn in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 8, 2024
After Reborn was such a let down I was very happy that I enjoyed this one! There was action and twists and intrigue and character growth all the way through, enough so that I’m pleased to say this is my second favorite book in this series behind Reformed.
The focus was mostly on Fade and his struggles and I really liked that and seeing him become more and more resolved in how he wants to be a father and husband, not to mention his love and deep devotion to his family is so sweet and wonderful. I will say he and Prism are a bit, uh, “honeymoonish” a lot so if you’re not the type to like much or any hints of sensual, er, “activities” then you might have to skip a few bits (see content details below for exact wording and such), but as someone who’s sensitive to that kind of thing I didn’t think it was too bad and it didn’t make me uncomfortable like the end chapter in Redeemed did.
A solid book in this series and the climax made me tear up, how dare you, Heidi, haha. Looking forward to when I can get my hands on the final book and finish this series!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: character has a panic attack and anxiety
Language: gosh; heck; hell; screw; dang it; bastard; suck up; dang; pissed; damn; dammit; BS; what the heck; what the hell; crap; screwed up; what the; jackass; go to hell; piss; ass; sucks; gah; damned
Violence: fighting with superpowers, weapons, and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a character is thrown out a window, falls three stories, and lands injured on a dumpster (not detailed); a device nearly drains the life out of a character
Sexual: a woman and two guys are called sexy; kissing (not to semi detailed); one phrase that says, “is baby making sex somehow automatically hotter then the normal kind?”; mild to medium suggestive comments/hints (especially on pages 15, 352, & 358); an unmarried couple share a bed (not sexually and nothing happens); a woman mentions having past boyfriends who “rocked her world in bed”; a woman mentions how dancing can translate to how someone is in bed
Drugs/Alcohol: a character’s parents were drug addicts; characters drink
Other: superheroes/supervillains/superpowers; characters are kidnapped and locked up; character has a panic attack and anxiety; death and grief; a character has a vision
The focus was mostly on Fade and his struggles and I really liked that and seeing him become more and more resolved in how he wants to be a father and husband, not to mention his love and deep devotion to his family is so sweet and wonderful. I will say he and Prism are a bit, uh, “honeymoonish” a lot so if you’re not the type to like much or any hints of sensual, er, “activities” then you might have to skip a few bits (see content details below for exact wording and such), but as someone who’s sensitive to that kind of thing I didn’t think it was too bad and it didn’t make me uncomfortable like the end chapter in Redeemed did.
A solid book in this series and the climax made me tear up, how dare you, Heidi, haha. Looking forward to when I can get my hands on the final book and finish this series!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: character has a panic attack and anxiety
Language: gosh; heck; hell; screw; dang it; bastard; suck up; dang; pissed; damn; dammit; BS; what the heck; what the hell; crap; screwed up; what the; jackass; go to hell; piss; ass; sucks; gah; damned
Violence: fighting with superpowers, weapons, and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a character is thrown out a window, falls three stories, and lands injured on a dumpster (not detailed); a device nearly drains the life out of a character
Sexual: a woman and two guys are called sexy; kissing (not to semi detailed); one phrase that says, “is baby making sex somehow automatically hotter then the normal kind?”; mild to medium suggestive comments/hints (especially on pages 15, 352, & 358); an unmarried couple share a bed (not sexually and nothing happens); a woman mentions having past boyfriends who “rocked her world in bed”; a woman mentions how dancing can translate to how someone is in bed
Drugs/Alcohol: a character’s parents were drug addicts; characters drink
Other: superheroes/supervillains/superpowers; characters are kidnapped and locked up; character has a panic attack and anxiety; death and grief; a character has a vision
Read
August 3, 2022The fourth and (was supposed to be final but then I wrote a novella follow up featuring Aiden called Reunion) book in the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series. You should probably read the first three first.
April 24, 2024
I haven't been re-reviewing the SVR-books as I've been re-reading them. Mostly because my feelings typically haven't changed much, partly because I'm not tracking my reading through GR anymore, but also because y'all would have been flooded with updates as I've read 14 of them in the last 15 days. 😆😅
BUT I'm adding an update to my review of Refined and upping its star rating from 4 to 5 (*****warning: spoilers for previous books in this SRP series*****) because Aiden's arc as he's trying to re-find his purpose and place in life, fears about whether he even is supposed to be here, and struggling with overthinking/anxiety and trying to answer all the possible questions at once and before he makes any move, really hit me this read. Highly relatable and almost made me cry a couple times, but also the end of his arc in this book was encouraging and hopeful and somehow kind of helpful for me.
---
Oooooh, this was interesting and it was fun to get the whole story of things hinted at in the teen spin-off series and see more of Voidling and get her story. Fade has also been through too much between this series and the teen series and I need him to be safe and happy at their camp fort he rest of his life, okay, Heidi?! 😫 Also, I'd forgotten how much I like Aiden. He's the anxious overthinker and awkward half of my personality with Fade as the efficient and practical half and both snarky. 😂 Also Fade is so precious with Ruby (in this and in the teen series) and it was a good exploration of fatherhood.
I did kind of disconnect a few times and felt part seemed slightly slow, but maybe was just me? My focus wavering is often as much as me/my brain issue as whatever I'm reading. Also, personally, as much as I love that Fade and Lucia are a happy couple (who have arguments and make mistakes but work through things and are supportive and wholesome without being perfect) who are married and have a kid and still see each other as sexy, and I appreciate some healthy sexuality from a married couple in fiction, it got to be a bit much for me. I just don't need to be reminded that often about them getting it on so frequently. Lil bit awkward.
BUT I'm adding an update to my review of Refined and upping its star rating from 4 to 5 (*****warning: spoilers for previous books in this SRP series*****) because Aiden's arc as he's trying to re-find his purpose and place in life, fears about whether he even is supposed to be here, and struggling with overthinking/anxiety and trying to answer all the possible questions at once and before he makes any move, really hit me this read. Highly relatable and almost made me cry a couple times, but also the end of his arc in this book was encouraging and hopeful and somehow kind of helpful for me.
---
Oooooh, this was interesting and it was fun to get the whole story of things hinted at in the teen spin-off series and see more of Voidling and get her story. Fade has also been through too much between this series and the teen series and I need him to be safe and happy at their camp fort he rest of his life, okay, Heidi?! 😫 Also, I'd forgotten how much I like Aiden. He's the anxious overthinker and awkward half of my personality with Fade as the efficient and practical half and both snarky. 😂 Also Fade is so precious with Ruby (in this and in the teen series) and it was a good exploration of fatherhood.
I did kind of disconnect a few times and felt part seemed slightly slow, but maybe was just me? My focus wavering is often as much as me/my brain issue as whatever I'm reading. Also, personally, as much as I love that Fade and Lucia are a happy couple (who have arguments and make mistakes but work through things and are supportive and wholesome without being perfect) who are married and have a kid and still see each other as sexy, and I appreciate some healthy sexuality from a married couple in fiction, it got to be a bit much for me. I just don't need to be reminded that often about them getting it on so frequently. Lil bit awkward.
January 16, 2022
I'm still loving this team of supers and the hard tasks and hard questions they face. Not going to go into it more than that because spoilers 😉
January 7, 2022
*Fangirl flail*
Once again, H.L. Burke can’t go wrong with superhero stories. This one focuses heavily on Fade, tying up some ongoing threads with his character in the most satisfying and unexpected way. I wasn’t expecting his long-lost father to ever make an appearance; I figured his parents were in the past and that was that. But Syphon’s appearance told a story I didn’t even realize needed telling, and did it wonderfully.
As always, Fade is a standout character; his voice is so strong and distinct and he just feels very real. As always, I appreciate that this series portrays an actually healthy relationship between the leads; it’s cliché at this point to make the tension *between* the main couple, but all the stories in this series have made it mainly Fade and Prism vs. outside forces, which is a really refreshing thing to see. I also love that it portrays real romance after marriage. (Plus, Ruby is adorable.)
After Reborn, I was really looking forward to seeing how Aiden handled recovery…and I got some tantalizing glimpses of that, but since this isn’t exactly Aiden’s story, the focus wasn’t there. I’m hoping to see more of that in the next book, but I loved what we got.
This story isn’t as action-packed as the usual superhero story; and even the action serves to compliment the characters, which I really appreciate. Overall, I really loved this book and it felt like a very satisfying conclusion to this particular series, although I look forward to seeing more stories set in this superhero universe!
Once again, H.L. Burke can’t go wrong with superhero stories. This one focuses heavily on Fade, tying up some ongoing threads with his character in the most satisfying and unexpected way. I wasn’t expecting his long-lost father to ever make an appearance; I figured his parents were in the past and that was that. But Syphon’s appearance told a story I didn’t even realize needed telling, and did it wonderfully.
As always, Fade is a standout character; his voice is so strong and distinct and he just feels very real. As always, I appreciate that this series portrays an actually healthy relationship between the leads; it’s cliché at this point to make the tension *between* the main couple, but all the stories in this series have made it mainly Fade and Prism vs. outside forces, which is a really refreshing thing to see. I also love that it portrays real romance after marriage. (Plus, Ruby is adorable.)
After Reborn, I was really looking forward to seeing how Aiden handled recovery…and I got some tantalizing glimpses of that, but since this isn’t exactly Aiden’s story, the focus wasn’t there. I’m hoping to see more of that in the next book, but I loved what we got.
This story isn’t as action-packed as the usual superhero story; and even the action serves to compliment the characters, which I really appreciate. Overall, I really loved this book and it felt like a very satisfying conclusion to this particular series, although I look forward to seeing more stories set in this superhero universe!
May 12, 2021
This series just gets better and better! On the surface, it is a fun, superhero romp. But it is also packed with so much character development of this wonderful cast! I love how this superhero world feels like it could actually be real, complete with bureaucracy and government oversight and paperwork. I am so sad this series is over, and I will read anything this author writes in this world!
September 9, 2024
DADGUM this ending was so fire. 🔥 I LOVED getting to learn more about Fade and his history with his dad. Syphon was a really compelling character, and I really enjoyed their interactions.
Also I can't stop appreciating how each book has a new villain and yet is still so personal to the individual characters. *chef's kiss*
I think what I loved most though was the realness of what it means to juggle the superhero business and a "normal" life. You don't see that a lot in superhero media, and this book forces you to ask the tough questions, like what are you willing to give up to be a superhero? Is the superhero life something you want to do forever? And I really loved how H. L. Burke chose to answer those questions, because they felt so authentic.
All in all, a fabulous conclusion to a fabulous series! I canNOT wait to read the rest of the books in this universe.
Also I can't stop appreciating how each book has a new villain and yet is still so personal to the individual characters. *chef's kiss*
I think what I loved most though was the realness of what it means to juggle the superhero business and a "normal" life. You don't see that a lot in superhero media, and this book forces you to ask the tough questions, like what are you willing to give up to be a superhero? Is the superhero life something you want to do forever? And I really loved how H. L. Burke chose to answer those questions, because they felt so authentic.
All in all, a fabulous conclusion to a fabulous series! I canNOT wait to read the rest of the books in this universe.
December 6, 2025
Fade and Prism finally get a happy ending...
This was intense! From the very beginning, I was engrossed in this story, especially with developments with Fade and Aiden. I really liked the theme of sacrificial love and the building of a family. Really great read!
This was intense! From the very beginning, I was engrossed in this story, especially with developments with Fade and Aiden. I really liked the theme of sacrificial love and the building of a family. Really great read!
March 17, 2021
It's over! Nooo!
I just don't know how H. L. Burke thinks up these stories. This was also very engaging but not shallow at all. Tough choices, messy lives, interesting characters. This wrapped it all up and I don't want to say goodbye.
I just don't know how H. L. Burke thinks up these stories. This was also very engaging but not shallow at all. Tough choices, messy lives, interesting characters. This wrapped it all up and I don't want to say goodbye.
August 23, 2022
After devouring this entire series (sans the novelas) over the past two-and-a-half weeks, I can finally get my life back, but I'm not sure I'm happy about it. ;)
Summary
In this book, Prism's team faces some of their hardest obstacles yet. The team is still working on getting back into fighting shape. Aiden is active, but still dealing with the trauma of dying only to come back from the dead as a mind-controlled science experiment. Prism is dealing with crippling side effects from the experimental treatment she underwent to save her brother. And Prism and Fade together are figuring out what it means to be parents as well as DOSA agents.
In the midst of this confusion, the committee saddles them with a young supervillain that might be beyond their ability to rehabilitate. After all, someone has to WANT to be rehabilitated for it to work. Right? And life gets more complicated when DNA left at a crime scene identifies the perpetrator as Fade's father.
Thoughts
This story was the most intense of the series, in my opinion. The stakes were big and personal, the decisions weighty, and the consquences lasting.
One of the things this series does well is build an entire, realistic world around the presence of super-abilities. It's not just superheroes and supervillians zooming around in an otherwise normal world. There's beuracracy and social issues surrounding them. I hope the author explores the superabled foster youth story idea in future stories.
Content
As with other books in the series, there is some swearing, alcohol consumption, romantic interest, and marital flirting.
Summary
In this book, Prism's team faces some of their hardest obstacles yet. The team is still working on getting back into fighting shape. Aiden is active, but still dealing with the trauma of dying only to come back from the dead as a mind-controlled science experiment. Prism is dealing with crippling side effects from the experimental treatment she underwent to save her brother. And Prism and Fade together are figuring out what it means to be parents as well as DOSA agents.
In the midst of this confusion, the committee saddles them with a young supervillain that might be beyond their ability to rehabilitate. After all, someone has to WANT to be rehabilitated for it to work. Right? And life gets more complicated when DNA left at a crime scene identifies the perpetrator as Fade's father.
Thoughts
This story was the most intense of the series, in my opinion. The stakes were big and personal, the decisions weighty, and the consquences lasting.
One of the things this series does well is build an entire, realistic world around the presence of super-abilities. It's not just superheroes and supervillians zooming around in an otherwise normal world. There's beuracracy and social issues surrounding them. I hope the author explores the superabled foster youth story idea in future stories.
Content
As with other books in the series, there is some swearing, alcohol consumption, romantic interest, and marital flirting.
March 22, 2021
Although I haven't read the rest of the books in this series, the story is strong enough to stand alone if one accidentally reads them out of order. There is a good mix of fun, romance, action. While there might be a bit of predictability, the characters and struggles are very realistic.
March 14, 2021
The fourth, and final, book in the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series takes place some months after the last - with Prism still unable to properly access her light-based powers, and Aidan still struggling to adapt to having returned from effectively being dead. A villain has found out that Fade is the son of a long-disappeared sable hitman named Syphon, and repercussions for Prism, Fade and the whole team follow. And they're not helped by a new SVR recruit foisted upon them by the powers that be.
It felt like there was more melodrama in this book than in previous ones - a long-lost father; someone struggling to admit their feelings for a colleague; someone keeping a secret that could put others in danger - but it was still an enjoyable read. The new recruit - Voidling - was initially someone I thought who wasn't going to be hugely interesting, but her story arc surprised me by not going where I thought it would at all.
The main arc of the story is about redemption and forgiveness, as Syphon tries to atone for his past. He's also not the character that I was expecting from a supervillain hitman, but that's for the best. If anything, I think he was maybe too sympathetic and his past whitewashed a bit.
I was surprised by the lack of consequences from some of Fade's actions from the last book. They were briefly mentioned at the start but then disappear from the story. That's a bit disappointing, but Fade's over-protectiveness/controlling thing from the last book has also been toned down, which is something.
There was more Tanvi in the book than the last one, which is always cheering, as she's such a fun character, if a bit angsty here. There was less Bob, alas, but we can't have everything.
It's been a fun series, steeped in superhero tropes but happily playing around with them. The end of the book (and the series) sees a lot of change, and it felt like a good ending.
It felt like there was more melodrama in this book than in previous ones - a long-lost father; someone struggling to admit their feelings for a colleague; someone keeping a secret that could put others in danger - but it was still an enjoyable read. The new recruit - Voidling - was initially someone I thought who wasn't going to be hugely interesting, but her story arc surprised me by not going where I thought it would at all.
The main arc of the story is about redemption and forgiveness, as Syphon tries to atone for his past. He's also not the character that I was expecting from a supervillain hitman, but that's for the best. If anything, I think he was maybe too sympathetic and his past whitewashed a bit.
I was surprised by the lack of consequences from some of Fade's actions from the last book. They were briefly mentioned at the start but then disappear from the story. That's a bit disappointing, but Fade's over-protectiveness/controlling thing from the last book has also been toned down, which is something.
There was more Tanvi in the book than the last one, which is always cheering, as she's such a fun character, if a bit angsty here. There was less Bob, alas, but we can't have everything.
It's been a fun series, steeped in superhero tropes but happily playing around with them. The end of the book (and the series) sees a lot of change, and it felt like a good ending.
February 12, 2021
THIS IS THE FORTH BOOK!
If you are new to this series then you will want to read them in order. One of the things I love about this series is the continuity that ties them all together, while still giving each book it's own satisfying plot. But for maximum feels and enjoyment please, please, please read them in order. Book one is Reformed, then Redeemed and the third is Reborn. You will not regret it.
Now for those of you who have followed this series since book one, what are reading reviews for? You already know you have to have this story. You already know you don't want spoilers. Go grab your tissues (because you already know you're gonna need those) and read!
For those of you who need a little more assurance: This book lives up to the previous three and more. If any SVR book needed to be made into a movie it is this one. (Personally I can't wait for the audio version.) This has twists. Twisty twists and feels that will make you feel, so much more than a fictional novel has any right to make you feel.
H.L. Burke brings all of her characters to satisfying places, completing arcs she began way back in the first book. As much as I would love another book in this series, I really do love the way it ended.
*I was given an early review copy of this book and am leaving this honest review willingly and for no other reason than I really liked it.*
If you are new to this series then you will want to read them in order. One of the things I love about this series is the continuity that ties them all together, while still giving each book it's own satisfying plot. But for maximum feels and enjoyment please, please, please read them in order. Book one is Reformed, then Redeemed and the third is Reborn. You will not regret it.
Now for those of you who have followed this series since book one, what are reading reviews for? You already know you have to have this story. You already know you don't want spoilers. Go grab your tissues (because you already know you're gonna need those) and read!
For those of you who need a little more assurance: This book lives up to the previous three and more. If any SVR book needed to be made into a movie it is this one. (Personally I can't wait for the audio version.) This has twists. Twisty twists and feels that will make you feel, so much more than a fictional novel has any right to make you feel.
H.L. Burke brings all of her characters to satisfying places, completing arcs she began way back in the first book. As much as I would love another book in this series, I really do love the way it ended.
*I was given an early review copy of this book and am leaving this honest review willingly and for no other reason than I really liked it.*
February 11, 2021
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a general rule I'm not interested in the superhero genre. I only started to read this series because each time I read a book by H.L. Burke I find I like it better than the last one. The Supervillain Rehabilitation series has kept this trajectory going with each book better than the last. To put it simply, these books are fun. They have everything a good book needs, humour, heart, a little action, mystery, romance and adventure and you don't need to know the first thing about superheroes to enjoy them.
This is the fourth and final book in the series and it hands all of the main characters their own issues to overcome and in the end everyone gets the outcome they deserve. Like all the books in the series some of the elements were predictable, but most times it isn't as important where a book is going (and if you can figure out where that is in advance) as how it gets there and this book gets there in absolute style. Although this book is the last of the series, at the end it leaves the potential for a few possible spin-offs, so hopefully we will meet some of the characters again before too long.
As a general rule I'm not interested in the superhero genre. I only started to read this series because each time I read a book by H.L. Burke I find I like it better than the last one. The Supervillain Rehabilitation series has kept this trajectory going with each book better than the last. To put it simply, these books are fun. They have everything a good book needs, humour, heart, a little action, mystery, romance and adventure and you don't need to know the first thing about superheroes to enjoy them.
This is the fourth and final book in the series and it hands all of the main characters their own issues to overcome and in the end everyone gets the outcome they deserve. Like all the books in the series some of the elements were predictable, but most times it isn't as important where a book is going (and if you can figure out where that is in advance) as how it gets there and this book gets there in absolute style. Although this book is the last of the series, at the end it leaves the potential for a few possible spin-offs, so hopefully we will meet some of the characters again before too long.
March 2, 2021
A solid ending to this superhero series. I hoped for a bit more from Fade and Prism, but I have higher expectations than most readers. Thankfully, Tanvi and the team were there with their wit and snark to give me a smile.
It looks like there might be a follow-up series or two for those of you who just can’t get enough of this sable world.
I read an early copy of this book and chose to give my unbiased opinion in this review.
It looks like there might be a follow-up series or two for those of you who just can’t get enough of this sable world.
I read an early copy of this book and chose to give my unbiased opinion in this review.
April 19, 2021
Refined was a beautiful wrap up of the SVR Project! Even with this last book, there were a few more surprises in store for me. But I loved how it all came together and to a close. For sensitive readers, which can be me sometimes, there’s a bit more language and a couple spicy scenes, but nothing that’s over the top. H.L. Burke did a fantastic job with so many characters arcs, and you will love them too.
August 3, 2022
This may be the best book (or at least my favorite book) out of everything Burke has written. If it's not the best, it's at least in the top five. We have some stellar character arcs and dynamics and plenty of exciting mystery and action, basically everything you could want out of a story like this. And, of course, I love the characters, and I liked getting to see some figures from their pasts pop up.
Obvious caveat: this is the fourth book in a series. Read the rest first.
Obvious caveat: this is the fourth book in a series. Read the rest first.
September 27, 2025
For Fans of Sky High
A sweet, very wholesome, PG 13 hero story. Prism is a team leader and new mother. Due to the sacrifice she made to save her family last adventure, every use of her power causes pain. However, this leads to no significant on-camera exercise of powers till p95.
It uses terms like sable and DOSA that mean something else in our world. They are never explained in the book, but you can eventually guess what they mean. On the plus side, there are a lot of books in this series if you enjoy it. My biggest gripe unrealism: the first thing she does is tell the new villain from the most evil crime family in the world all their secrets! Ultimately, the ending is satisfying.
From a mechanics standpoint, I will limit myself to one criticism: the author also hasn’t mastered running dialog. Instead, they tag almost every quoted paragraph with a pointless filler action. It was so noticeable that I took a running tally of the fillers and said-bookisms from the first few chapters.
75 started
57 laughed
43 frowned
36 stared
31 smiled
29 continued
21 kissed
23 sighed
22 scowled
22 tapped fingers
22 snapped
21 rubbed chin
18 bit lip
15 called out/to
15 nodded
13 tilted her head
12 protested
12 shouted
12 pointed out
12 blinked
12 clenched
11 pressed
11 cleared his/her throat
10 nose wrinkled
9 crossed his/her arms
9 pursed lips
9 narrowed eyes
9 brushed fingers thru hair
8 winced
8 avoided eyes
8 brow furrowed
8 mouth pinched
7 winked
7 mouth curled
6 breathed
6 flinched
6 recoiled
6 prodded
5 studied face
5 mouthed
5 commented
5 shoulders hunched
4 huffed
4 stammered
4 heart sank
A sweet, very wholesome, PG 13 hero story. Prism is a team leader and new mother. Due to the sacrifice she made to save her family last adventure, every use of her power causes pain. However, this leads to no significant on-camera exercise of powers till p95.
It uses terms like sable and DOSA that mean something else in our world. They are never explained in the book, but you can eventually guess what they mean. On the plus side, there are a lot of books in this series if you enjoy it. My biggest gripe unrealism: the first thing she does is tell the new villain from the most evil crime family in the world all their secrets! Ultimately, the ending is satisfying.
From a mechanics standpoint, I will limit myself to one criticism: the author also hasn’t mastered running dialog. Instead, they tag almost every quoted paragraph with a pointless filler action. It was so noticeable that I took a running tally of the fillers and said-bookisms from the first few chapters.
75 started
57 laughed
43 frowned
36 stared
31 smiled
29 continued
21 kissed
23 sighed
22 scowled
22 tapped fingers
22 snapped
21 rubbed chin
18 bit lip
15 called out/to
15 nodded
13 tilted her head
12 protested
12 shouted
12 pointed out
12 blinked
12 clenched
11 pressed
11 cleared his/her throat
10 nose wrinkled
9 crossed his/her arms
9 pursed lips
9 narrowed eyes
9 brushed fingers thru hair
8 winced
8 avoided eyes
8 brow furrowed
8 mouth pinched
7 winked
7 mouth curled
6 breathed
6 flinched
6 recoiled
6 prodded
5 studied face
5 mouthed
5 commented
5 shoulders hunched
4 huffed
4 stammered
4 heart sank
October 20, 2023
While this is a series of superhero stories, family ties form a major part of each book. In this one, the spotlight is on former villain Fade Powell, who lost his mother when he was young. He has found meaning in hero work and his roles of husband and father. He never knew his own father and wants to give his little daughter what he didn’t have. But when DNA evidence at a crime scene reveals that his biological father is supervillain Syphon, Fade goes looking for him, if only to keep Syphon’s enemies away from Fade’s family. Meanwhile, new SVR participant Voidling has secrets and family problems of her own.
While filled with plenty of comedy (a stretchy villain called Rubber Bandit?), action, and suspense, this one gets into some deep questions: what are you living for? Who or what would you die for? Who or what would you kill for? I like how the members of the Powell family are open about their faith while not being insufferable or preachy. Each is an individual with their own flaws and strengths, leaning into their beliefs to keep going when things are hard, and offering heartfelt gratitude when things go well. They face complex situations, often with no good solution, only bad and less bad. They are marked by every difficult decision and painful experience, which makes them feel like real people.
While filled with plenty of comedy (a stretchy villain called Rubber Bandit?), action, and suspense, this one gets into some deep questions: what are you living for? Who or what would you die for? Who or what would you kill for? I like how the members of the Powell family are open about their faith while not being insufferable or preachy. Each is an individual with their own flaws and strengths, leaning into their beliefs to keep going when things are hard, and offering heartfelt gratitude when things go well. They face complex situations, often with no good solution, only bad and less bad. They are marked by every difficult decision and painful experience, which makes them feel like real people.
May 21, 2025
I love when married couples still go on adventures together
I think the thing I really love about this book, and the series as a whole, is that Fade and Prism got together in the first book, and how we really get to see them grow as a couple. Getting married wasn't the end of their story, it was just the beginning.
I love the parallels between the characters in this book, and how it ultimately comes together with one character making a choice they ran from in the past. I also love seeing the development of Wildfire as he uses his own past issues to help mentor others, and the development between Tanvi and Aiden's relationship. It all just comes together so nicely!
I think the thing I really love about this book, and the series as a whole, is that Fade and Prism got together in the first book, and how we really get to see them grow as a couple. Getting married wasn't the end of their story, it was just the beginning.
I love the parallels between the characters in this book, and how it ultimately comes together with one character making a choice they ran from in the past. I also love seeing the development of Wildfire as he uses his own past issues to help mentor others, and the development between Tanvi and Aiden's relationship. It all just comes together so nicely!
November 2, 2024
Can blood relations be found family? Burke says ‘yes’ in a great story full of all the right feels. I LOVE this book for the strong male lead who’s willing to be vulnerable about the love and dedication he has for his young daughter and wife. The strong super hero action and intrigue kept my interest throughout. A healthy dose of humor that made me chuckle sometimes and LOL at others was a delight. Strongly recommend.
Rating PG-13 for some language and romantic scene between husband and wife.
Rating PG-13 for some language and romantic scene between husband and wife.
February 16, 2021
4.5! RTC in the near future!
April 22, 2021
aaahhhhh happiness.
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