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Samantha Havardson is not an Apex. Seriously. She’s completely ordinary with a totally normal family that just happens to be moving to the Apex epicenter of the world- the manmade island city of New Delos. Although she thinks her lack of super Apex abilities will keep her out of the limelight, it quickly becomes apparent that the city has different plans, sweeping Samantha up in a world of secret identities and super powers where anyone, even those closest to her, might be an Apex.
Plagued by missing students, secret Apex teams, and a mysterious man named Adrestus, Samantha searches for answers, causing secrets to unravel about her classmates, her family, and herself that drag her deeper into the secret world of the Apex.
Plagued by missing students, secret Apex teams, and a mysterious man named Adrestus, Samantha searches for answers, causing secrets to unravel about her classmates, her family, and herself that drag her deeper into the secret world of the Apex.
592 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2021
61 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
M.T. Zimny
5 books102 followersMT Zimny is a young adult author in the Pacific Northwest, where she subsists off of rainy days and ungodly amounts of overpriced coffee. She lives with her husband, her daughter, and her golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
March 30, 2024
READING THIS BOOK WAS NOT ENOUGH, I NEED TO INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS.
THIS BOOK DESERVES TEN BILLION STARS, IT'S AMAZING, BRILLIANT, SHOWSTOPPING, INCREDIBLE, I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!!!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Beta, but what I ended up finding is one of the most exciting and best written books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm still in shock at how amazing everything was. Just wow.
The story was so compelling, it gripped me from the very first page, it was evident I'd love it even then.
I'm a big fan of superhero comics (and some of the cartoons and movies) and this absolutely had those vibes but IT'S EVEN BETTER! Literally everything I've ever wanted in a book. Chef's kiss. It felt so fresh & unique, I can't even comp it to anything because nothing would do it justice.
Beta had a good balance of plot and character development, mayhaps even the best I've seen? Like, the characters aren't forgotten when the plot is moving forward and vice versa.
It's incredibly fast paced, with little chapter cliffhangers here and there that make it nearly impossible to stop reading because you need to know what's going to happen next. I think I even forgot how to breathe for a lot of it.
I want to say that the characters are the best part, but everything is the best part equally. Either way, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEY ARE MY BABIES. I even love the villains, I don't think there's a single character I hate, not even Andersen (who's pretty mean, you'll agree). And I'm so sorry but I love Adrestus. I KNOW, I KNOW, how terrible of me. You can't just write a cool villain and expect me not to like them though.
The ending was a really good cliffhanger that made me super excited for what's to come (as if I wasn't already). I feel lucky that I started this series at a time when all the books (I'm assuming) are already out, because I'm certain the wait would end me. I will be needing the paperbacks though, ASAP.
I had this thought while reading, that this book/series would be such a good bedtime story to read to your kids, because, while it's YA, it would appeal to them too, as well as adults. If I ever have/adopt kids in the future this is the first book I'm reading to and/or giving them, I'm so serious. It's pure perfection.
I know I have some friends who don't read YA anymore, but trust me, you NEED to read this, it will change your life. Please make this series blow up, I'm begging. It deserves to sell as many copies as there are people in this world, it really is that good.
THIS BOOK DESERVES TEN BILLION STARS, IT'S AMAZING, BRILLIANT, SHOWSTOPPING, INCREDIBLE, I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN!!!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened Beta, but what I ended up finding is one of the most exciting and best written books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. I'm still in shock at how amazing everything was. Just wow.
The story was so compelling, it gripped me from the very first page, it was evident I'd love it even then.
I'm a big fan of superhero comics (and some of the cartoons and movies) and this absolutely had those vibes but IT'S EVEN BETTER! Literally everything I've ever wanted in a book. Chef's kiss. It felt so fresh & unique, I can't even comp it to anything because nothing would do it justice.
Beta had a good balance of plot and character development, mayhaps even the best I've seen? Like, the characters aren't forgotten when the plot is moving forward and vice versa.
It's incredibly fast paced, with little chapter cliffhangers here and there that make it nearly impossible to stop reading because you need to know what's going to happen next. I think I even forgot how to breathe for a lot of it.
I want to say that the characters are the best part, but everything is the best part equally. Either way, I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THEY ARE MY BABIES. I even love the villains, I don't think there's a single character I hate, not even Andersen (who's pretty mean, you'll agree). And I'm so sorry but I love Adrestus. I KNOW, I KNOW, how terrible of me. You can't just write a cool villain and expect me not to like them though.
The ending was a really good cliffhanger that made me super excited for what's to come (as if I wasn't already). I feel lucky that I started this series at a time when all the books (I'm assuming) are already out, because I'm certain the wait would end me. I will be needing the paperbacks though, ASAP.
I had this thought while reading, that this book/series would be such a good bedtime story to read to your kids, because, while it's YA, it would appeal to them too, as well as adults. If I ever have/adopt kids in the future this is the first book I'm reading to and/or giving them, I'm so serious. It's pure perfection.
I know I have some friends who don't read YA anymore, but trust me, you NEED to read this, it will change your life. Please make this series blow up, I'm begging. It deserves to sell as many copies as there are people in this world, it really is that good.
April 8, 2024
“This, this is what happens when they put a Beta in charge.”
Beta is a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, blending coming-of-age action, teenage angst, and relatable characters that will make you laugh, cry, and yell at them all at the same time
The story revolves around Samantha, a teenage girl uprooted from her familiar life and thrust into the extraordinary world of New Delos, a city teeming with superhuman individuals known as Apex.
Samantha's father's new job at the city's prestigious college necessitates a move, forcing Samantha to leave behind her friends and enter the halls of her mother's alma mater, a prestigious boarding school. Adjusting to a new high school is daunting enough, but the challenges are amplified in a city where superhuman abilities are the norm.
To make matters worse the recent anti-apex movement has sparked unrest in the city, with protests escalating into riots. As with many demonstrations, there are underlying political motives and individuals seeking to manipulate the situation for personal gain.
As she navigates the intricate social hierarchy of her new boarding school amidst ongoing riots, Samantha uncovers the existence of an elite Apex student superhero team tasked with protecting and safeguarding the city. This discovery is partly thanks to her eccentric roommate, who also happens to be an old childhood friend. However, Samantha's integration into this world is further complicated by a faction within the Apex team who hold prejudice against those without genetic enhancements.
“Everything I know about you is real. You’re real stubborn, for one. And you can be a real pain in my ass, but you’re real brave, too. And real smart and real kind and—”
Since this takes place in a high school setting, you can expect to see the typical stereotype cast, such as the new girl, the mean girl, the bully, the heartthrob, and the good guy. However, none of these characters feel stale or cliché in my opinion. They are all very unique in their own refreshing way, each with a unique spin on the stereotype.
As far as writing craft goes, I think Zimny is equally balanced in terms of both her character work and her world-building. As I blasted my way through this chunky book, I found myself deeply invested in a number of the core characters and even wanting to know more about some of the side characters. Of course, just like in high school, there were a few students in this book I would really love to lock in a locker for an extended period of time or maybe just push off a nearby cliff.
While I'm normally much more of a character-driven reader, I was completely sucked into the way she describes the hydraulic floating city of New Delos. From the moment the book started, I felt like I was on the ferry, sitting right alongside Samantha and her family, and it only got better the more and more we got to explore this intriguing city from Samantha's POV.
I think the best part about this book is the way Zimny disguises her foreshadowing. She does it in a way that leaves the average sleuth into believing they know what's going to happen. To be honest, sometimes you will be right, but other times it is a trick of misdirection that is setting up a bigger twist you won't see coming.
All in all, this book not only left me 100% satisfied but also excited to see what's to come in the series. I have a feeling we will learn even more about the floating city's history of facing attempts to sink it by villains. I also suspect the political intrigue will ramp up, and we will discover even more about the significance of both New Delos and the Scourge Queen's origins, and how they inevitably intertwine.
If you are a fan of Brandon Sanderson's YA series Skyward, I think you will feel right at home with Beta. While the setting and premise are different, the style and angst feel very similar in my opinion, which is a great thing as I love them both.
Disclaimer: ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and fair review
Beta is a breath of fresh air in the superhero genre, blending coming-of-age action, teenage angst, and relatable characters that will make you laugh, cry, and yell at them all at the same time
The story revolves around Samantha, a teenage girl uprooted from her familiar life and thrust into the extraordinary world of New Delos, a city teeming with superhuman individuals known as Apex.
Samantha's father's new job at the city's prestigious college necessitates a move, forcing Samantha to leave behind her friends and enter the halls of her mother's alma mater, a prestigious boarding school. Adjusting to a new high school is daunting enough, but the challenges are amplified in a city where superhuman abilities are the norm.
To make matters worse the recent anti-apex movement has sparked unrest in the city, with protests escalating into riots. As with many demonstrations, there are underlying political motives and individuals seeking to manipulate the situation for personal gain.
As she navigates the intricate social hierarchy of her new boarding school amidst ongoing riots, Samantha uncovers the existence of an elite Apex student superhero team tasked with protecting and safeguarding the city. This discovery is partly thanks to her eccentric roommate, who also happens to be an old childhood friend. However, Samantha's integration into this world is further complicated by a faction within the Apex team who hold prejudice against those without genetic enhancements.
“Everything I know about you is real. You’re real stubborn, for one. And you can be a real pain in my ass, but you’re real brave, too. And real smart and real kind and—”
Since this takes place in a high school setting, you can expect to see the typical stereotype cast, such as the new girl, the mean girl, the bully, the heartthrob, and the good guy. However, none of these characters feel stale or cliché in my opinion. They are all very unique in their own refreshing way, each with a unique spin on the stereotype.
As far as writing craft goes, I think Zimny is equally balanced in terms of both her character work and her world-building. As I blasted my way through this chunky book, I found myself deeply invested in a number of the core characters and even wanting to know more about some of the side characters. Of course, just like in high school, there were a few students in this book I would really love to lock in a locker for an extended period of time or maybe just push off a nearby cliff.
While I'm normally much more of a character-driven reader, I was completely sucked into the way she describes the hydraulic floating city of New Delos. From the moment the book started, I felt like I was on the ferry, sitting right alongside Samantha and her family, and it only got better the more and more we got to explore this intriguing city from Samantha's POV.
I think the best part about this book is the way Zimny disguises her foreshadowing. She does it in a way that leaves the average sleuth into believing they know what's going to happen. To be honest, sometimes you will be right, but other times it is a trick of misdirection that is setting up a bigger twist you won't see coming.
All in all, this book not only left me 100% satisfied but also excited to see what's to come in the series. I have a feeling we will learn even more about the floating city's history of facing attempts to sink it by villains. I also suspect the political intrigue will ramp up, and we will discover even more about the significance of both New Delos and the Scourge Queen's origins, and how they inevitably intertwine.
If you are a fan of Brandon Sanderson's YA series Skyward, I think you will feel right at home with Beta. While the setting and premise are different, the style and angst feel very similar in my opinion, which is a great thing as I love them both.
Disclaimer: ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and fair review
February 15, 2021
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
I haven't read a book that drew me in, and gave me a hangover since Artemis Fowl.
And even though I'm a self-published author, doubt this enormous self-published book? Yes. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I did. I did NOT expect this book to be SO GOOD. Not just good, but **BRILLIANT**.
Dude, I read this during class because I wanted to know what Sam, Naomi, and Wes were up to so badly. I felt like I was really friends with these characters, and we were in this TOGETHER.
I haven't read a book that made me feel that way in a long time.
This book is written in the solid traditional YA/Middle-GRade formula I'm a sucker for, with some Adelaide Thorne like twists, and Rick Riordan humor.
And IM A SUCKER FOR IT.
How is this not a NYT Bestseller?
Because it deserves it.
The world? So unique. So brilliant. It felt so real, and so intriguing. I wanted to live there and fight along side them. It was one of those world that made you long to go on missions with them and unravel the mysteries.
This book was nearly 600 pages long, and I was SAD it was over. Why did I have to read so fast?? **cries**
PLease let this be a long series with long books.
Sam--I admit. I didn't like her that much. i thought she was just going to be our average, passive, quirky POV character, and then Sam said "No. I'm going to be a pain in the *ss and you're going to like it".
And I did.
Give me this freaking flawed MC, with drive and sarcasm. I love her. Oh my gosh.
Wes- BABY BOI. Goodness, Wes is everything. His "soft boy" character and his {SPOILERS?} Apex powers and their clash brings out a rich and loveable character, you can't help root for. He's amazing. He's determined, and kind, but is flawed, and terrified of the horrors he's experienced.
I can't wait to see what becomes of him.
Naomi- I LOVED HER. I did NOT expect that! She totally threw the whole "girl best-friend" trope out the WINDOW. She's an {SPOILERS??} Empath, but it's done in a brilliant way to where she's POWERFUL.
Compared to other books with Empaths, Naomi is truly the best of them all. She's incredible.
I could rant all day.
The book itself felt pretty predictable. The twists were GOOD, but I saw them from the first moment a tiny foreshadow was dropped, which was fine. I still liked it.
But THEN,
THAT BIG CLIMATIC PLOT TWIST?
DUDE. I SCREAMED.
HOW. HOW. AHHHH. I AM NOT RECOVERED.
All in all, READ BETA NOW.
My.
Gosh.
I haven't read a book that drew me in, and gave me a hangover since Artemis Fowl.
And even though I'm a self-published author, doubt this enormous self-published book? Yes. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I did. I did NOT expect this book to be SO GOOD. Not just good, but **BRILLIANT**.
Dude, I read this during class because I wanted to know what Sam, Naomi, and Wes were up to so badly. I felt like I was really friends with these characters, and we were in this TOGETHER.
I haven't read a book that made me feel that way in a long time.
This book is written in the solid traditional YA/Middle-GRade formula I'm a sucker for, with some Adelaide Thorne like twists, and Rick Riordan humor.
And IM A SUCKER FOR IT.
How is this not a NYT Bestseller?
Because it deserves it.
The world? So unique. So brilliant. It felt so real, and so intriguing. I wanted to live there and fight along side them. It was one of those world that made you long to go on missions with them and unravel the mysteries.
This book was nearly 600 pages long, and I was SAD it was over. Why did I have to read so fast?? **cries**
PLease let this be a long series with long books.
Sam--I admit. I didn't like her that much. i thought she was just going to be our average, passive, quirky POV character, and then Sam said "No. I'm going to be a pain in the *ss and you're going to like it".
And I did.
Give me this freaking flawed MC, with drive and sarcasm. I love her. Oh my gosh.
Wes- BABY BOI. Goodness, Wes is everything. His "soft boy" character and his {SPOILERS?} Apex powers and their clash brings out a rich and loveable character, you can't help root for. He's amazing. He's determined, and kind, but is flawed, and terrified of the horrors he's experienced.
I can't wait to see what becomes of him.
Naomi- I LOVED HER. I did NOT expect that! She totally threw the whole "girl best-friend" trope out the WINDOW. She's an {SPOILERS??} Empath, but it's done in a brilliant way to where she's POWERFUL.
Compared to other books with Empaths, Naomi is truly the best of them all. She's incredible.
I could rant all day.
The book itself felt pretty predictable. The twists were GOOD, but I saw them from the first moment a tiny foreshadow was dropped, which was fine. I still liked it.
But THEN,
THAT BIG CLIMATIC PLOT TWIST?
DUDE. I SCREAMED.
HOW. HOW. AHHHH. I AM NOT RECOVERED.
All in all, READ BETA NOW.
April 12, 2024
”Excuse me, did you know the city is being held hostage by genetically altered super humans?"
Samantha moves to the Floating City with her family, the world's most hero-ridden neighborhood. However, public sentiment has reined against the Apex and kidnappings of students are on the rise.
Samantha is a Beta meaning she has no powers, a non-Apex, but that doesn’t mean her new life at New Delos Prep is uneventful.
This was fun. I always loved subverting troupes and having the main character not be the most powerful, or seemingly special, was refreshing.
This did follow a lot of usual cliches: popular girl who hates her, weirdo roommate, a bully who picks on her.
However, I liked the normalcy of her friendship group and their dynamics despite the craziness of the super-powered helmet heroes running around.
This would be suitable for transitioning MG readers, YA, and even adult!
Bookstagram
Samantha moves to the Floating City with her family, the world's most hero-ridden neighborhood. However, public sentiment has reined against the Apex and kidnappings of students are on the rise.
Samantha is a Beta meaning she has no powers, a non-Apex, but that doesn’t mean her new life at New Delos Prep is uneventful.
This was fun. I always loved subverting troupes and having the main character not be the most powerful, or seemingly special, was refreshing.
This did follow a lot of usual cliches: popular girl who hates her, weirdo roommate, a bully who picks on her.
However, I liked the normalcy of her friendship group and their dynamics despite the craziness of the super-powered helmet heroes running around.
This would be suitable for transitioning MG readers, YA, and even adult!
Bookstagram
September 5, 2023
4.5! Easy to follow all the twists and turns and JUST YES. Could not see any of them coming and nice mix of Divergent and Hunger Games. LOVE Sam!
Read
June 22, 2023Read for SPFBO9 - Team Covers with Cassidy
This had a really interesting premise, and I think that if you liked the Renegades trilogy by Marissa Meyer, you would enjoy this as well, because it has a similar concept. Super powered teens, a school setting, family secrets, teenage drama, this book has it all! This felt like an interesting mash up of Spider-Man, Renegades, and weirdly (don't laugh, it fits!) the Trolls of Arcadia show.
This book definitely leans more sci-fi than Fantasy, but if you're a fan of superheroes, and want to venture past Marvel and DC, this might be a good book to pick up!
I won't be putting a star rating on Goodreads until after the finalists are chosen.
This had a really interesting premise, and I think that if you liked the Renegades trilogy by Marissa Meyer, you would enjoy this as well, because it has a similar concept. Super powered teens, a school setting, family secrets, teenage drama, this book has it all! This felt like an interesting mash up of Spider-Man, Renegades, and weirdly (don't laugh, it fits!) the Trolls of Arcadia show.
This book definitely leans more sci-fi than Fantasy, but if you're a fan of superheroes, and want to venture past Marvel and DC, this might be a good book to pick up!
I won't be putting a star rating on Goodreads until after the finalists are chosen.
June 24, 2021
Y’all, I’m OBSESSED.
The plot was full of unexpected turns that kept me hooked for hours—plus the characters were super fun to follow. I can’t wait for the next book!
(Really, I can’t wait. The suspense is killing me)
The plot was full of unexpected turns that kept me hooked for hours—plus the characters were super fun to follow. I can’t wait for the next book!
(Really, I can’t wait. The suspense is killing me)
July 29, 2024
Oh my stars this book is amazing! Not since reading Renegades by Marissa Meyer have I been so captivated by a superhero story! Characters, plot, mystery, intrigue, adventure, friendship, family, the only thing this book is missing is it’s name on The New York Times Best Seller List!
February 6, 2025
This book was so good. The constant action mixed with the fast pace leads to a thrilling adventure. I enjoyed the characters from their distinctive personalities, to the fun bantering, and the worthwhile interactions. Samantha is a strong female lead. Who has her strengths and weaknesses. We see her work through these throughout the story. Whilst also finding her place at her new school. As a huge Rick Riordan fan, I found a lot of similarities in this story to Percy Jackson, which I enjoyed. Beta needs to be talked about more. This book is so wildly under hyped it isn’t even funny.
November 27, 2022
I adore this book! I'm not going to lie, it actually took me a little bit to truly fall into this story but once it grabbed me I couldn't pull myself away! I mean, really, this book is CHONKY and I have a nonexistent attention span, yet I couldn't put it down! Twists that had me scouring for clues, characters that live my head rent free for forever now, and a story that absolutley blew my mind! Just when I thought I knew what was happening I got smacked by new information that made me read with an unmatched speed just to figure it all out. Beta's strength is that it perfectly balances the development of the characters alongside the pacing of the plot at such an addictive pace that keeps the reader stuck in the pages. The end left my mind in a -cyclone- and I started the sequel just ten minutes later, right after I finished staring into the void still reeling from THAT ending! I applaud Zimny for these genius works and will happily stay in this super powered world of chaotic teenagers for as long as I can.
February 12, 2022
I pride myself on being able to see twists coming, but I was (happily) blindsided by pretty much all of them one after another. One twist in particular is probably my favorite I've seen in a looong time. (You'll know the one when you see it. Wow.) Beta is a fun new take on superheroes without feeling like a Marvel/DC knockoff (which it isn't), and the school aspect doesn't feel like a Harry Potter school for powered people knock off either. It's all in all a refreshing new take on the YA genre. It is well written, and although there is a large cast of characters, I found myself enjoying each of the well crafted personalities. This is one of my favorite and the most enjoyable indie books I've ever read, and I am so excited to read book two, Delta! (And book three when it comes!) I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new YA Superhero/Urban Fantasy/modern sci Fi story.
September 25, 2020
A Read I would compare to Hungergames, Divergent, Renegades and Legend!
I can't wait for the next book! Sam is a character I would compare to some of the greatest fandom out there. She's a badass heroine you want to follow as she discovers what she's capable of and pump your fist in the air as she kicks ass. Every moment I thought I knew what was coming, I was pleasantly surprised I was wrong! It's so unpredictable and exciting page after page. I'm in love with this up and coming series! M.T. Zimny has created a real winner here! From Cover to final page, it's an amazing piece of work. Read today!
I can't wait for the next book! Sam is a character I would compare to some of the greatest fandom out there. She's a badass heroine you want to follow as she discovers what she's capable of and pump your fist in the air as she kicks ass. Every moment I thought I knew what was coming, I was pleasantly surprised I was wrong! It's so unpredictable and exciting page after page. I'm in love with this up and coming series! M.T. Zimny has created a real winner here! From Cover to final page, it's an amazing piece of work. Read today!
July 29, 2023
I could not put this book down. I read most of it in a single day, and it's a decent sized book. The characters are all distinct and likeable (or UNlikeable, Anderson) and the plot twists are WILD. The setting is super cool and interesting too. I procrastinated immensely on actually reading this book, so don't make the same mistake I did. Get on it, I promise you won't regret it.
July 19, 2024
Beta is an action-packed, YA superhero novel with plenty of eye-popping twists throughout. The story revolves around a boarding school built on an island in which both students with superpowers (known as ‘Apex’) and those with no powers (referred to by the derogatory term ‘Beta’) study side by side, with the non-powered kids unaware of which of their peers has powers.
The main characters in this story were really well-depicted. Samantha, the main character, is a sixteen-year-old beta, the new girl at the school who discovers some earth-shattering secrets about herself and her loved ones during the course of the novel. It was refreshing for the main character to not be the one with all the superpowers, observing the Apex around her as they tried to protect her from those who were hunting her and becoming determined to join their team. She made a solid and heartwarming friendship with two Apex students in particular, Naomi and Wesley.
Samantha was really easy to connect with. I found myself rooting for her to be allowed to train with the Apex and join their team after she was targetted by the overpowered bad guys on more than one occasion, and had learned of the Apex team’s existence. Her family situation comes to light as the story unfolds and throws her into an unimaginably tangled web which she has to come to terms with, while also learning to fight superheroes and continuing with her schoolwork. Oh and add in complicated feelings developing for her new friend Wesley. Wesley, the strongest member of the Apex team, is an endearing character who clearly cares deeply for Samantha, and I found it hard to buy into his behavior towards her when their friendship hit a rocky patch. The way the messy teenage angst, embarrassment, jealousy, and awkwardness around inviting someone to a dance were portrayed was spot on. I was glad to see the rich, bigoted, mean girl did not get voted prom queen.
I found the idea that the non-powered kids would not find out which of their classmates (sometimes even people they were dating) had powers to be a little far-fetched. Most teenagers are curious and I think it would be impossible for the Apex students to be able to sneak around, attend training sessions and go out on patrols without being discovered by their roommates and friends. However, if you suspend disbelief and don’t focus on these smaller details, Beta is a really excellent thrill-ride of a story which combines a few subgenres to make for a truly intriguing opener to The Apex Cycle trilogy.
There were no end of action-packed scenes in the story that kept this reader turning pages frantically and which were very exciting. There were often many players in these scenes, but it was always clear who was doing what and where everyone was – the choreography of the fight scenes was really well-written and made them easy to visualize.
I enjoyed Beta immensely and would like to continue reading the series to discover more about Samantha and her intriguing past life as well as to see how she and Wesley navigate teenage embarrassment together.
The main characters in this story were really well-depicted. Samantha, the main character, is a sixteen-year-old beta, the new girl at the school who discovers some earth-shattering secrets about herself and her loved ones during the course of the novel. It was refreshing for the main character to not be the one with all the superpowers, observing the Apex around her as they tried to protect her from those who were hunting her and becoming determined to join their team. She made a solid and heartwarming friendship with two Apex students in particular, Naomi and Wesley.
Samantha was really easy to connect with. I found myself rooting for her to be allowed to train with the Apex and join their team after she was targetted by the overpowered bad guys on more than one occasion, and had learned of the Apex team’s existence. Her family situation comes to light as the story unfolds and throws her into an unimaginably tangled web which she has to come to terms with, while also learning to fight superheroes and continuing with her schoolwork. Oh and add in complicated feelings developing for her new friend Wesley. Wesley, the strongest member of the Apex team, is an endearing character who clearly cares deeply for Samantha, and I found it hard to buy into his behavior towards her when their friendship hit a rocky patch. The way the messy teenage angst, embarrassment, jealousy, and awkwardness around inviting someone to a dance were portrayed was spot on. I was glad to see the rich, bigoted, mean girl did not get voted prom queen.
I found the idea that the non-powered kids would not find out which of their classmates (sometimes even people they were dating) had powers to be a little far-fetched. Most teenagers are curious and I think it would be impossible for the Apex students to be able to sneak around, attend training sessions and go out on patrols without being discovered by their roommates and friends. However, if you suspend disbelief and don’t focus on these smaller details, Beta is a really excellent thrill-ride of a story which combines a few subgenres to make for a truly intriguing opener to The Apex Cycle trilogy.
There were no end of action-packed scenes in the story that kept this reader turning pages frantically and which were very exciting. There were often many players in these scenes, but it was always clear who was doing what and where everyone was – the choreography of the fight scenes was really well-written and made them easy to visualize.
I enjoyed Beta immensely and would like to continue reading the series to discover more about Samantha and her intriguing past life as well as to see how she and Wesley navigate teenage embarrassment together.
May 30, 2023
I read the comic strip the author put on her page as a prequel-slash-teaser and got curious, so I read the book. A world filled with people with superpowers and the main character is supposed to have none? Yeah, right. She's totally going to turn out to be the chosen one by the third chapter.
Or maybe not.
Which leads us to what I consider the best thing about this story - it's predictable in an interesting way, one that makes you turn page after page because you want to know why things are going to happen the way you just know they are going to happen... and then it's not predictable at all anymore, of the slap-in-the-face-I-did-not-see-that-coming variety.
Also, multi-layered, complex characters that ensure the story stays with you. It's been a few days since I finished the book and scenes still keep popping up in my mind. Guess I'll have to get the sequel. Hook, line and sinker.
Or maybe not.
Which leads us to what I consider the best thing about this story - it's predictable in an interesting way, one that makes you turn page after page because you want to know why things are going to happen the way you just know they are going to happen... and then it's not predictable at all anymore, of the slap-in-the-face-I-did-not-see-that-coming variety.
Also, multi-layered, complex characters that ensure the story stays with you. It's been a few days since I finished the book and scenes still keep popping up in my mind. Guess I'll have to get the sequel. Hook, line and sinker.
October 24, 2020
What a great read. The pacing was terrific. The action was great. I love Samantha and all the apex team! I flew through this book rather quickly considering it was 590 pages.Im ready for book two now! If you like the hunger games, you may like this one!
March 11, 2024
4.25/5
This book was so fun with lots of unexpected twists and turns! Samantha begins a new school on an island with many Apex (people with superhero powers), but not everyone loves that there are superheroes. Lacking any powers herself, Samantha still manages to get involved with the Apex at her school. When her roommate, who is quite interested in Apex, goes missing along with several others, Samantha realizes she has to join with the Apex at her school to find out what happened.
🦸♀️ Heros vs. Villains
🦹♀️ Superhero powers
🦸♀️ Found family
🦹♀️ Cute romance subplot
🦸♀️ Mystery
🦹♀️ Cute cat
🎧 Read on audio and loved the narrator!
This book was so fun with lots of unexpected twists and turns! Samantha begins a new school on an island with many Apex (people with superhero powers), but not everyone loves that there are superheroes. Lacking any powers herself, Samantha still manages to get involved with the Apex at her school. When her roommate, who is quite interested in Apex, goes missing along with several others, Samantha realizes she has to join with the Apex at her school to find out what happened.
🦸♀️ Heros vs. Villains
🦹♀️ Superhero powers
🦸♀️ Found family
🦹♀️ Cute romance subplot
🦸♀️ Mystery
🦹♀️ Cute cat
🎧 Read on audio and loved the narrator!
June 7, 2024
Beta was such a wonderful dose of nostalgia. I loved stories like X-men, spy kids, and sky high and this book was filled with all the feels of experiencing those stories for the first time again.
The characters are lovable, the power structure is fun, and anyone who loves super hero highschooler troupe is going to have a blast!
Zimny has some great twists and turns (even some foreshadowing for eagle eyed readers in chapter 1).
As a high school and college athlete, this book also made me feel at home. The hero program really felt like school sports (the good and the bad). From fighting to be respected amongst your peers to building deep bonds through struggle: the story speaks about it all.
The characters are lovable, the power structure is fun, and anyone who loves super hero highschooler troupe is going to have a blast!
Zimny has some great twists and turns (even some foreshadowing for eagle eyed readers in chapter 1).
As a high school and college athlete, this book also made me feel at home. The hero program really felt like school sports (the good and the bad). From fighting to be respected amongst your peers to building deep bonds through struggle: the story speaks about it all.
October 18, 2023
Easily my favorite read of 2023! I would die for Tonka.
August 20, 2024
I normally don’t read YA but loved this book. Had a lot of twist and turns, good diverse characters, and an accessible writing style. Don’t let super hero fatigue stop you from picking this up!
December 31, 2023
This book was recommended to me by a friend and now I understand why they loved it. This book was amazing from the start all the way to the end!
You can easily relate to all the characters in this book. You feel like you are pulled into the Apex and part of the story. There are parts of the story that are super high and parts that make you cry. This book has everything for everyone. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
The best part is, according to MT she says books 2 and 3 are even better. I can not wait to finish this series!!!
You can easily relate to all the characters in this book. You feel like you are pulled into the Apex and part of the story. There are parts of the story that are super high and parts that make you cry. This book has everything for everyone. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
The best part is, according to MT she says books 2 and 3 are even better. I can not wait to finish this series!!!
February 2, 2025
I listened to the audiobook 3x's.
Young Adult Superhero story about a high school girl?
Not something I'd normally pick up.
Then why'd you listen 3 times? Well, bc I am a sleepy Dad who's Spotify just kept going and finished the book twice before I could get through it properly.
Thankfully, a 5/5 is not due to Stockholm syndrome, and the book itself did not put me to sleep (sickness and a baby did that).
Like I said, not a read I expected to earn this score, but Zimmy EARNED it. The characters (most of whom in a less talented authors hands I'd find annoying) were all masterfully crafted. The story was entertaining, flowing nicely with a steady build up and plenty of great pay off if you're paying attention to the hints expertly woven into the story.
If a superhero book sounds a little overdone to you, let me say this: this is a character study, and an excellent one at that. I am genuinely delighted to have finished it and will be eagerly dividing into the sequel.
Young Adult Superhero story about a high school girl?
Not something I'd normally pick up.
Then why'd you listen 3 times? Well, bc I am a sleepy Dad who's Spotify just kept going and finished the book twice before I could get through it properly.
Thankfully, a 5/5 is not due to Stockholm syndrome, and the book itself did not put me to sleep (sickness and a baby did that).
Like I said, not a read I expected to earn this score, but Zimmy EARNED it. The characters (most of whom in a less talented authors hands I'd find annoying) were all masterfully crafted. The story was entertaining, flowing nicely with a steady build up and plenty of great pay off if you're paying attention to the hints expertly woven into the story.
If a superhero book sounds a little overdone to you, let me say this: this is a character study, and an excellent one at that. I am genuinely delighted to have finished it and will be eagerly dividing into the sequel.
February 7, 2025
I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK!
Samantha is a teen girl who moves to the man made island of New Delos (loosely based in the PNW) with her family to attend the boarding school New Delos Prep. Not long after she arrives, she’s almost kidnapped TWICE and during the second attempt, her roommate is accidentally kidnapped in her place. Riddled with guilt and determined to make things right, Samantha uncovers the schools secret super hero team (aka The Apex Team) in order to help find and save her roommate. In the process of joining the apex team and rescuing her friend, the fabric of Samantha’s own life starts to unravel as she uncovers long hidden truths about her family and herself.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The awkward teenage years always have me in stitches, especially because not all of us quite grow out of it. I too deal with stressful situations via sarcasm and finger guns. Quippy and snarky teenagers are some of my favorite characters to read about (hello Percy Jackson & HP fans), especially when they’re also faced with a challenge that absolutely should not be left up to them. Alas, what kind of story would that be? This first installment of Samantha’s journey was filled with twists and turns and red herrings. I did NOT anticipate the ending (which is shocking to my little book theory connoisseur self), which left me literally screaming. I immediately jumped into book 2 when I finished reading. There’s also an orange kitty in the story… I love him (obviously ).
This is a YA series so there is 0 spice besties. However there is some delightful romantic tension as the teens try to figure out how relationships work, which brings me immense joy. I love them so much, your honor!
The brand new audiobook was also chefs kiss!
Samantha is a teen girl who moves to the man made island of New Delos (loosely based in the PNW) with her family to attend the boarding school New Delos Prep. Not long after she arrives, she’s almost kidnapped TWICE and during the second attempt, her roommate is accidentally kidnapped in her place. Riddled with guilt and determined to make things right, Samantha uncovers the schools secret super hero team (aka The Apex Team) in order to help find and save her roommate. In the process of joining the apex team and rescuing her friend, the fabric of Samantha’s own life starts to unravel as she uncovers long hidden truths about her family and herself.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The awkward teenage years always have me in stitches, especially because not all of us quite grow out of it. I too deal with stressful situations via sarcasm and finger guns. Quippy and snarky teenagers are some of my favorite characters to read about (hello Percy Jackson & HP fans), especially when they’re also faced with a challenge that absolutely should not be left up to them. Alas, what kind of story would that be? This first installment of Samantha’s journey was filled with twists and turns and red herrings. I did NOT anticipate the ending (which is shocking to my little book theory connoisseur self), which left me literally screaming. I immediately jumped into book 2 when I finished reading. There’s also an orange kitty in the story… I love him (obviously ).
This is a YA series so there is 0 spice besties. However there is some delightful romantic tension as the teens try to figure out how relationships work, which brings me immense joy. I love them so much, your honor!
The brand new audiobook was also chefs kiss!
October 19, 2020
Beta has some very well-written, well-developed characters, which cannot have been easy since there are a number of them (heroes, villains, etc.) with the main characters being the most developed, obviously - it is a brilliant cast of characters and Samantha is F I E R C E Fierce!!!!!
Even though the characters are incredible, this is very much a story-driven story and it is as fast-paced and action-packed as one would expect from a superhero adventure. Also, the plot twists may seem predictable, but they're not; oh no... (insert "save the cheerleader, save the planet" vibes!)
This was another book that I was never ready for but I'm definitely ready for Delta, book 2 of The Apex Cycle, which the author is currently working on and I am sending all the heart eyes and prayer hands in her direction so as to be considered for her ARC review team... *cough hint cough*
Find my full review here.
Even though the characters are incredible, this is very much a story-driven story and it is as fast-paced and action-packed as one would expect from a superhero adventure. Also, the plot twists may seem predictable, but they're not; oh no... (insert "save the cheerleader, save the planet" vibes!)
This was another book that I was never ready for but I'm definitely ready for Delta, book 2 of The Apex Cycle, which the author is currently working on and I am sending all the heart eyes and prayer hands in her direction so as to be considered for her ARC review team... *cough hint cough*
Find my full review here.
December 10, 2025
WOW!!
This book hooked me from the first page and I proceeded to carry the borrowed Kindle around with me all day while reading.
I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN
Wesley Isaacs... WHY IS HE FICTIONAL 😭😭😭
I definitely had a moment where I had to put a pillow over my face and scream into it when I finally processed that... he doesn't really exist 🥲
AND AGAIN
WESLEY ISAACS
Why is he exactly my type?? Everything about him is just *chef's kiss* and I can't!! 😭
Aside from the characters (who, side note, are completely real people to me- huge points to the author for that!!), the story
Ohhhhh the story
I love it.
That's all I can say.
It hooked me and pulled me in and I could do nothing but turn the (digital) pages as fast as I possibly could.
Specific parts:
Side notes:
I don't like Jamie.
I REALLY don't like Remi.
Logically I realize both of them aren't my enemy and they're going to do something later that will somewhat redeem them.
STILL. As of right now, Jamie is a brat and Remi drives me insane because... yeah.
All in all?
How did I not find this book sooner because it is a fantastic gem of a story
Predictable, but even though I KNEW what was coming up it still shocked me
And Wesley not being REAL is probably the only thing that upsets me.
Other than Remi. I don't like Remi.
This book hooked me from the first page and I proceeded to carry the borrowed Kindle around with me all day while reading.
I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN
Wesley Isaacs... WHY IS HE FICTIONAL 😭😭😭
I definitely had a moment where I had to put a pillow over my face and scream into it when I finally processed that... he doesn't really exist 🥲
AND AGAIN
WESLEY ISAACS
Why is he exactly my type?? Everything about him is just *chef's kiss* and I can't!! 😭
Aside from the characters (who, side note, are completely real people to me- huge points to the author for that!!), the story
Ohhhhh the story
I love it.
That's all I can say.
It hooked me and pulled me in and I could do nothing but turn the (digital) pages as fast as I possibly could.
Specific parts:
Side notes:
I don't like Jamie.
I REALLY don't like Remi.
Logically I realize both of them aren't my enemy and they're going to do something later that will somewhat redeem them.
STILL. As of right now, Jamie is a brat and Remi drives me insane because... yeah.
All in all?
How did I not find this book sooner because it is a fantastic gem of a story
Predictable, but even though I KNEW what was coming up it still shocked me
And Wesley not being REAL is probably the only thing that upsets me.
Other than Remi. I don't like Remi.
July 24, 2023
BETA is the first book in The Apex Cycle, a YA fantasy story set in a world of superheroes and super villains. We are following Samantha, a young woman who is not an Apex and isn’t overly familiar with the politics surrounding them, but as the book starts off she starts learning a lot. Samantha is on her way to boarding school in the island city of New Delos. Her roommate is an Apex obsessed photographer and she almost immediately finds herself in a position to help one of the masked heroes.
Things in Samantha’s life quickly get out of control with danger coming on many fronts to herself and those around her. She soon begins to believe there is more to even her own life and that people around her, even strangers, know more about her that she knows herself.
BETA was a very quick read (especially considering it is nearly 600 pages) and was very fast to binge through. I did really like Samantha from the beginning and appreciated getting to follow a character who was just learning the Apex world like we were. She’s been a bit sheltered from the debates that have gone on around superheroes and the way the world sees them, so she’s in for a lot of big reveals.
We get a good cast of characters with this one and as I sort of expected with a superhero premise, you get a mix of good guys and bad guys. There were a few people who immediately work against Samantha who maybe weren’t as fully fleshed out in the beginning as I would have wanted, but I think that sort of fits in with the often black and white world of superheroes? It did give some obvious characters to root against from the beginning and I will say that the author did well bringing some shifts as the story unfolds.
The plot of this one was well done with some twists that I saw coming, but quite a few that snuck up on me. Samantha makes some rash decisions that made me want to shake her at times, but I didn’t find them too out of character for a teenage girl in these very unusual circumstances. There’s also some definite YA relationship angst going on and miscommunication issues where the reader certainly can see where things are heading, but do think this was appropriate for the age and made sense for the story.
The Apex world building was very interesting. I really liked learning about the different abilities that different people had and how they could be used in different ways. It walks a line between fantasy and science fiction at times and that’s a blend I really enjoy.
I think this did a good job of bringing the reader a book that feels like a full story while ending things with questions that make you want to continue on. I do plan to pick up the next boo! This series is available on Kindle Unlimited if it sounds like something you’d enjoy!
Things in Samantha’s life quickly get out of control with danger coming on many fronts to herself and those around her. She soon begins to believe there is more to even her own life and that people around her, even strangers, know more about her that she knows herself.
BETA was a very quick read (especially considering it is nearly 600 pages) and was very fast to binge through. I did really like Samantha from the beginning and appreciated getting to follow a character who was just learning the Apex world like we were. She’s been a bit sheltered from the debates that have gone on around superheroes and the way the world sees them, so she’s in for a lot of big reveals.
We get a good cast of characters with this one and as I sort of expected with a superhero premise, you get a mix of good guys and bad guys. There were a few people who immediately work against Samantha who maybe weren’t as fully fleshed out in the beginning as I would have wanted, but I think that sort of fits in with the often black and white world of superheroes? It did give some obvious characters to root against from the beginning and I will say that the author did well bringing some shifts as the story unfolds.
The plot of this one was well done with some twists that I saw coming, but quite a few that snuck up on me. Samantha makes some rash decisions that made me want to shake her at times, but I didn’t find them too out of character for a teenage girl in these very unusual circumstances. There’s also some definite YA relationship angst going on and miscommunication issues where the reader certainly can see where things are heading, but do think this was appropriate for the age and made sense for the story.
The Apex world building was very interesting. I really liked learning about the different abilities that different people had and how they could be used in different ways. It walks a line between fantasy and science fiction at times and that’s a blend I really enjoy.
I think this did a good job of bringing the reader a book that feels like a full story while ending things with questions that make you want to continue on. I do plan to pick up the next boo! This series is available on Kindle Unlimited if it sounds like something you’d enjoy!
April 21, 2024
Review originally posted on the SFF Insiders website:
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
I have always been a sucker for a good superhero story, having fallen in love with them when I just a young lad. Seeing a novel about a world with super heroes being common place is something that usually sucks me in. The focus of going to a school with the superheroes, known as Apex, is something that is familiar and well loved. The author will then introduce the readers into a world that has more twists and turns then a roller coaster. Some of them are seen coming up and others will drop the stomach or jaw with the surprises that truly make this story so engaging. It is written in a way that is easy to read and really allows a reader to be fully immersed in a world that is teeming with surprises around every turn. A huge part that I really loved was how the main character does not have any of the Apex powers, but is still immersed completely in the lives of many.
It is hard to pinpoint a true strength of the novel as many points really stand out to me. The ability of surprising the readers is definitely one of the biggest but it is closely followed by the many characters that are very well done. The idea of high school age characters can make it seem like this novel is for younger readers, but it is a complex masterpiece that deserves to be read by all. The typical feelings and other teenage things make a small appearance but it is overshadowed by the mystery and action that occurs throughout the novel. The stakes are advanced at an impressive pace, not ever forcing the fact of what it is trying to accomplish. The elements of suspense and action are handled beautifully, really enhancing a story that feels like old comic books mixed with modern storytelling.
This novel is a gem! I highly recommend it to all readers who love superheroes, fantasy, or anything related to it. I was truly blown away time and again as I continued to be lost into this wonderful story. I know that I will shout its praises for years to come and I look forward to diving into the other two novels of the trilogy. The writing is truly well done and makes it a joy to read. I know that if a reader gives it a chance, it will become a series that will grab hold of them with superhuman strength and not let go!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
https://www.sffinsiders.com/blog/revi...
I have always been a sucker for a good superhero story, having fallen in love with them when I just a young lad. Seeing a novel about a world with super heroes being common place is something that usually sucks me in. The focus of going to a school with the superheroes, known as Apex, is something that is familiar and well loved. The author will then introduce the readers into a world that has more twists and turns then a roller coaster. Some of them are seen coming up and others will drop the stomach or jaw with the surprises that truly make this story so engaging. It is written in a way that is easy to read and really allows a reader to be fully immersed in a world that is teeming with surprises around every turn. A huge part that I really loved was how the main character does not have any of the Apex powers, but is still immersed completely in the lives of many.
It is hard to pinpoint a true strength of the novel as many points really stand out to me. The ability of surprising the readers is definitely one of the biggest but it is closely followed by the many characters that are very well done. The idea of high school age characters can make it seem like this novel is for younger readers, but it is a complex masterpiece that deserves to be read by all. The typical feelings and other teenage things make a small appearance but it is overshadowed by the mystery and action that occurs throughout the novel. The stakes are advanced at an impressive pace, not ever forcing the fact of what it is trying to accomplish. The elements of suspense and action are handled beautifully, really enhancing a story that feels like old comic books mixed with modern storytelling.
This novel is a gem! I highly recommend it to all readers who love superheroes, fantasy, or anything related to it. I was truly blown away time and again as I continued to be lost into this wonderful story. I know that I will shout its praises for years to come and I look forward to diving into the other two novels of the trilogy. The writing is truly well done and makes it a joy to read. I know that if a reader gives it a chance, it will become a series that will grab hold of them with superhuman strength and not let go!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
June 18, 2024
If The Boys was a middle-grade story...
After moving to the Floating City with her family, the island renowned for its high super-hero (Apex) population, Samantha gets swept up in diabolical machinations. The powerless children of Apex known as the Beta have been going missing, and an Apex team of young teenagers are their only potential saviors. Being a Beta herself, Samantha just barely escapes a few kidnapping plots herself. When her roommate is captured, Samantha does everything she can to find her friend, even going as far as joining the Apex team despite prejudices.
This is a story of the underdog fighting for what they believe in. Its about a sophomore finding her place in a world where most people see her as less. Of course there are also the timeless highschool themes such as mean girls, bullies, the regular highschool drama, crushes, dances, etc, but it was finely portrayed. The author has a knack for nailing teenage dialogue and reactional behavior with all the characters (side characters included). There were a plentitude of different high school characters, and yet each felt real and different making it easy to remember them and root for each. I do wish the antagonists though had a little more depth to their characters such as Andersen and Dion as to the reasoning behind their choices. The author also gives us a multitude of easter eggs to gather as the story unfolds with some getting cracked open by the end of the book, and others easily leaving the reader curious as to what will happen next.
While the characters are in their early teenage years, I would classify this more as a middle grade or early young adult story. And because of that, the story felt overly long, with the main plot hidden between all the highschool lessons and drama. I personally found some of Samantha's decisions odd such as one of her friendships that felt wishy-washy at best after a betrayal. In these instances, the reader is told Samantha is upset, but she never really acts on it and then seems to forget about her anger completely for the sake of the friendship. And the structure and management of the Apex team felt as though it were managed by the teens themselves instead of adults, which rankled my logical sensibilities. It is an interesting story, but because of the above, I sadly lost interest halfway through and while I read to the end, I never recovered that spark.
After moving to the Floating City with her family, the island renowned for its high super-hero (Apex) population, Samantha gets swept up in diabolical machinations. The powerless children of Apex known as the Beta have been going missing, and an Apex team of young teenagers are their only potential saviors. Being a Beta herself, Samantha just barely escapes a few kidnapping plots herself. When her roommate is captured, Samantha does everything she can to find her friend, even going as far as joining the Apex team despite prejudices.
This is a story of the underdog fighting for what they believe in. Its about a sophomore finding her place in a world where most people see her as less. Of course there are also the timeless highschool themes such as mean girls, bullies, the regular highschool drama, crushes, dances, etc, but it was finely portrayed. The author has a knack for nailing teenage dialogue and reactional behavior with all the characters (side characters included). There were a plentitude of different high school characters, and yet each felt real and different making it easy to remember them and root for each. I do wish the antagonists though had a little more depth to their characters such as Andersen and Dion as to the reasoning behind their choices. The author also gives us a multitude of easter eggs to gather as the story unfolds with some getting cracked open by the end of the book, and others easily leaving the reader curious as to what will happen next.
While the characters are in their early teenage years, I would classify this more as a middle grade or early young adult story. And because of that, the story felt overly long, with the main plot hidden between all the highschool lessons and drama. I personally found some of Samantha's decisions odd such as one of her friendships that felt wishy-washy at best after a betrayal. In these instances, the reader is told Samantha is upset, but she never really acts on it and then seems to forget about her anger completely for the sake of the friendship. And the structure and management of the Apex team felt as though it were managed by the teens themselves instead of adults, which rankled my logical sensibilities. It is an interesting story, but because of the above, I sadly lost interest halfway through and while I read to the end, I never recovered that spark.
July 17, 2024
Samantha Havardson is a normal girl attending a normal-on-the-surface boarding school. Her family has recently moved from the mainland to the island city of New Delos amid severe social unrest. New Delos was designed as a haven for Apex, humans with the Epsilon gene that grants them super-human abilities. Not all super-humans are kind, and not all are good, and the reputation of all Apex hinges on the realities of the shared reputation.
During Sammy's first year at New Delos Prep, students seem to have a habit of going missing. And it isn't long before Sammy is in the crosshairs herself. Pitted against Apex with no powers of her own, Samantha Havardson must fight to survive in the midst of a conspiracy she seems to be at the center of.
Zimny excels at creating a vibrant world with lively characters. From the moment I set foot on the ferry with Samantha and her family, the descriptive writing kept me glued to the story and left me desperate to squeeze in more reading time. Despite its length (at a staggering 589 pages), this was a fast read. Aided by masterful pacing and engaging characters, I blew through this book in about two days.
Beta is the superhero story for fans of Black Widow and Hawkeye, those heroes we love not because they're genetically superior but because they're clever and highly skilled. I look forward to returning to the world of The Apex Cycle in the next books in the series.
Recommended for fans of the CW's The Vampire Diaries and The 100 for the vibes—teens in impossible situations, leading double lives, suddenly in charge of saving the world while also balancing the very human struggles that come with attending high school.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Highly Entertaining, nostalgic superhero novel perfect for lovers of high-action and high school dramas.
🖋🖋🖋🖋 The characters, world, and plot are extremely well-developed and well-written for a teen audience. There are minor grammar, layout, and editorial issues but nothing that will seriously impact the reading experience.
🔪 🔪 🔪 🔪 Various fight scenes, mid-intensity descriptions of injuries and depictions of violence. It is not lingered on or graphically described.
💋 There is no spice, but there is some second-hand awkwardness as teens flirt and navigate friendship and dating.
💣 Rare, mild use of profanity. PG-13 or TV-14 appropriate.
During Sammy's first year at New Delos Prep, students seem to have a habit of going missing. And it isn't long before Sammy is in the crosshairs herself. Pitted against Apex with no powers of her own, Samantha Havardson must fight to survive in the midst of a conspiracy she seems to be at the center of.
Zimny excels at creating a vibrant world with lively characters. From the moment I set foot on the ferry with Samantha and her family, the descriptive writing kept me glued to the story and left me desperate to squeeze in more reading time. Despite its length (at a staggering 589 pages), this was a fast read. Aided by masterful pacing and engaging characters, I blew through this book in about two days.
Beta is the superhero story for fans of Black Widow and Hawkeye, those heroes we love not because they're genetically superior but because they're clever and highly skilled. I look forward to returning to the world of The Apex Cycle in the next books in the series.
Recommended for fans of the CW's The Vampire Diaries and The 100 for the vibes—teens in impossible situations, leading double lives, suddenly in charge of saving the world while also balancing the very human struggles that come with attending high school.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Highly Entertaining, nostalgic superhero novel perfect for lovers of high-action and high school dramas.
🖋🖋🖋🖋 The characters, world, and plot are extremely well-developed and well-written for a teen audience. There are minor grammar, layout, and editorial issues but nothing that will seriously impact the reading experience.
🔪 🔪 🔪 🔪 Various fight scenes, mid-intensity descriptions of injuries and depictions of violence. It is not lingered on or graphically described.
💋 There is no spice, but there is some second-hand awkwardness as teens flirt and navigate friendship and dating.
💣 Rare, mild use of profanity. PG-13 or TV-14 appropriate.
June 28, 2022
Samantha and her family are moving to the island that's the Apex epicenter of the world, but not everyone is happy about the Apex. Even on the ferry ride over, there are people protesting against the superpower-enhanced individuals known as the Apex. Samantha doesn't have to worry about that though, because she's completely normal, except for her fainting spells. After being dropped off at boarding school, Sam quickly discovers there's more going on with the Apex, the Island, and some mysterious man called Adrestus. Swept up in the mystery by her old friend and current new roommate, Sam will quickly find out there's so much more going on with the Apex. She will even discover more about herself along the way.
The very first chapter sucked me right in. It was well executed. Immediately the story and the main character Sam piqued my interest. When I first grabbed this book, I was dismayed at its 600+ pages, but I quickly got into the story and finished in one weekend, ready to continue with the next book in the series. It is a big book. There is a lot going on and still, the pacing is excellent throughout the beginning, the middle, and the end.
I loved all the twists and turns the story took. I loved the training montage. I loved the buildup and mystery leading to the climax. I loved the ending.
There was just enough complication and depth to the plot to keep me guessing but not too much to confuse me. There were enough unique characters that I cared about all of them (though of course disliked Sam's rival) but not too many that I lost track of who was who. I really loved how the author created such uniquely different characters.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding on this remote man-made island and I can't wait to learn more about the powers. The book was lighter on the science fiction superpower elements and I'm sure the next book in the series will delve even deeper into the powers, along with the friendships, romance, family, and Apex secrets. I know there's more politics in there and I'm glad this first book was a solid action-adventure YA coming-of-age type book. I can't wait for the next one!
The very first chapter sucked me right in. It was well executed. Immediately the story and the main character Sam piqued my interest. When I first grabbed this book, I was dismayed at its 600+ pages, but I quickly got into the story and finished in one weekend, ready to continue with the next book in the series. It is a big book. There is a lot going on and still, the pacing is excellent throughout the beginning, the middle, and the end.
I loved all the twists and turns the story took. I loved the training montage. I loved the buildup and mystery leading to the climax. I loved the ending.
There was just enough complication and depth to the plot to keep me guessing but not too much to confuse me. There were enough unique characters that I cared about all of them (though of course disliked Sam's rival) but not too many that I lost track of who was who. I really loved how the author created such uniquely different characters.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding on this remote man-made island and I can't wait to learn more about the powers. The book was lighter on the science fiction superpower elements and I'm sure the next book in the series will delve even deeper into the powers, along with the friendships, romance, family, and Apex secrets. I know there's more politics in there and I'm glad this first book was a solid action-adventure YA coming-of-age type book. I can't wait for the next one!
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