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Dull Boy
What do you do if you can deadlift a car, and you spend your nights flying to get away from it all?
If you're fifteen-year-old Avery Pirzwick, you keep that information to yourself. When you're a former jock turned freak, you can't afford to let the secret slip. But then Avery makes some friends who are as extraordinary as he is. He realizes they're more than just freaks, together, maybe they have a chance to be heroes. First, though, they have to decide whether to trust the mysterious Cherchette, a powerful wouldbe mentor whose remarkable generosity may come at a terrible price.
If you're fifteen-year-old Avery Pirzwick, you keep that information to yourself. When you're a former jock turned freak, you can't afford to let the secret slip. But then Avery makes some friends who are as extraordinary as he is. He realizes they're more than just freaks, together, maybe they have a chance to be heroes. First, though, they have to decide whether to trust the mysterious Cherchette, a powerful wouldbe mentor whose remarkable generosity may come at a terrible price.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2009
18 people are currently reading
1446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 20, 2009
I know, I know. I can hear you saying, dude! What is up with all these high star YA reviews lately? Have you just given up on adult life and decided everything you read is awesome because your brain is broken now?
First of all, my brain is NOT broken and I have not given up on being a grown up (…mostly). Second of all, have you read these YA books I’ve been rating? They are AWESOME. I don’t know. This is the year of great books or something. Maybe just my year of great books? Whatever.
Reasons why you should read Dull Boy next weekend instead of going to see the new Transformers movie*.
1. Dull Boy is about teen kids with weirdo super powers. Transformers 2 (or whatever it’s called) is about a teen kid who is emo because he has to help save the world, like, again. GEEZ. Super powers will always win over emo whining. ALWAYS.
2. In Dull Boy, Girl Character 1 tells Girl Character 2 that her cornea should just take one for the team. In Transformers 2, Sam is whiny because dueling robots aren’t supposed to be his problem for, lo, he is in college now and too cool for these shenanigans, and then no one slaps him upside his stupid head. People telling other people to suck it up is way more gratifying than robots just letting their human friends complain that life is hard. Like, be assertive robots! You’re made of metal! Don’t let some punk kid sass you!
3. Dull Boy has a girl character wearing a homemade Marie Curie gangsta shirt. Scientists are, indeed, gangsta. Transformers 2 has Megan Fox in short shorts. Marie Curie and her radiation are bad ass. Megan Fox’s shorts are not. Although, she does have pretty awesome legs, so maybe this one’s a tie?
4. Dull Boy is witty and funny and sometimes completely absurd. Transformers 2 will probably only be one of those things. (Note: if Transformers 2 is witty I will eat my hat. Or I would, if I were wearing a hat. Which I’m not.)
See? Four reasons to spend the 12 bucks you would have used to go to the movies on a nice shiny copy of Dull Boy instead. There are probably more, but I need to go sell something on ebay now so that I will have enough money to buy my copy of Dull Boy and also see Transformers 2. I have a weakness for shiny robots that complements my yen for superheroes. Such is the burden of being me.
What? Four is not an aesthetically pleasing number? You want five reasons? Fine. Avery is a much cooler name than Sam. There. That's five. Are you happy now?
Good. My work here is done.
*all assumptions about said Transformers movie are from a single viewing of the trailer in the theatre, but whatever. I am sure I’m right. So there.
First of all, my brain is NOT broken and I have not given up on being a grown up (…mostly). Second of all, have you read these YA books I’ve been rating? They are AWESOME. I don’t know. This is the year of great books or something. Maybe just my year of great books? Whatever.
Reasons why you should read Dull Boy next weekend instead of going to see the new Transformers movie*.
1. Dull Boy is about teen kids with weirdo super powers. Transformers 2 (or whatever it’s called) is about a teen kid who is emo because he has to help save the world, like, again. GEEZ. Super powers will always win over emo whining. ALWAYS.
2. In Dull Boy, Girl Character 1 tells Girl Character 2 that her cornea should just take one for the team. In Transformers 2, Sam is whiny because dueling robots aren’t supposed to be his problem for, lo, he is in college now and too cool for these shenanigans, and then no one slaps him upside his stupid head. People telling other people to suck it up is way more gratifying than robots just letting their human friends complain that life is hard. Like, be assertive robots! You’re made of metal! Don’t let some punk kid sass you!
3. Dull Boy has a girl character wearing a homemade Marie Curie gangsta shirt. Scientists are, indeed, gangsta. Transformers 2 has Megan Fox in short shorts. Marie Curie and her radiation are bad ass. Megan Fox’s shorts are not. Although, she does have pretty awesome legs, so maybe this one’s a tie?
4. Dull Boy is witty and funny and sometimes completely absurd. Transformers 2 will probably only be one of those things. (Note: if Transformers 2 is witty I will eat my hat. Or I would, if I were wearing a hat. Which I’m not.)
See? Four reasons to spend the 12 bucks you would have used to go to the movies on a nice shiny copy of Dull Boy instead. There are probably more, but I need to go sell something on ebay now so that I will have enough money to buy my copy of Dull Boy and also see Transformers 2. I have a weakness for shiny robots that complements my yen for superheroes. Such is the burden of being me.
What? Four is not an aesthetically pleasing number? You want five reasons? Fine. Avery is a much cooler name than Sam. There. That's five. Are you happy now?
Good. My work here is done.
*all assumptions about said Transformers movie are from a single viewing of the trailer in the theatre, but whatever. I am sure I’m right. So there.
May 17, 2009
Dull Boy was awesome, hilarious and pretty geektastic! I really liked the main character Avery, I usually prefer books in a female voice just because it's easier for me to relate to, but Avery was just a cool guy with a good heart. I really liked him, and he was pretty funny! I really liked the abbreviated swear words he used or thought, stuff like "What the F". That kind of stuff is just perfect to me!
And of course Avery isn't the only character. I loved all his new friends from Darla the super brain that has all sorts of crazy gadgets and a giant robot(!) to Nicholas the tortured boy with a power he can't control to Sophie who always seemed to be in a good mood and Catherine who is also hiding a secret... they all had something to offer to the story!
I never decided in my mind if Cherchette (crazy awesome name) the mysterious lady with powers of her own would end up to be good or bad and just let the story unfold in front of me. I really liked what I learned about her and from her, she informs us of about some background of where the kids got their powers that some authors might leave out but I'm so glad that Cross included, I'm all about the details!
Another thing I really liked was that throughout the book there are case files about each of the kids and their powers. I liked having that to refer to instead of just knowing what the story told us. All in all a fun and action packed book that seems to definitely set itself up for a sequel, can't wait to see what happens next!
And of course Avery isn't the only character. I loved all his new friends from Darla the super brain that has all sorts of crazy gadgets and a giant robot(!) to Nicholas the tortured boy with a power he can't control to Sophie who always seemed to be in a good mood and Catherine who is also hiding a secret... they all had something to offer to the story!
I never decided in my mind if Cherchette (crazy awesome name) the mysterious lady with powers of her own would end up to be good or bad and just let the story unfold in front of me. I really liked what I learned about her and from her, she informs us of about some background of where the kids got their powers that some authors might leave out but I'm so glad that Cross included, I'm all about the details!
Another thing I really liked was that throughout the book there are case files about each of the kids and their powers. I liked having that to refer to instead of just knowing what the story told us. All in all a fun and action packed book that seems to definitely set itself up for a sequel, can't wait to see what happens next!
November 14, 2009
For the most part, Dull Boy takes fun tone to the whole superhero idea. Avery loves his powers sometimes- he can fly and he's super strong. But with all that, it's hard to control himself. He wants to become a hero, not just a boy with powers. Hence, him being relegated to a school for dangerous kids after trying to stop a bank robbery and failing.
At the school, and at a coffeehouse he frequents, he meets new friends. His old friends abandoned him for the most part, as Avery was constantly trying to find someone to help. (Think Incredidles.) With his new friends, they form a team of superheroes, trying to fight crime together. They laugh, they have fun, they fight and have the usual teen angst... and they beat baddies. Awesome right?
A lot of the book is made up of amusing ideas for the team to be heroes. There's also that Cherchette who's trying to recruit some of them... But there's also some real life issues: friendship, helping others, and believing in yourself to be good.
The climax is this huge action explosion that had me reading until late at night. The Cherchette plotline gets huge and there's lots of really interesting revelations. The ending is very open, and makes me wonder if there will be a sequel... one can only hope.
Final Impressions: Superhero fans rejoice. Sarah Cross delivers an excellent novel of teenagers just trying to fit in and be friends, but while saving to save others and each other. It's not uber-epic bad, where the kids are saving the world, but a lighter and sweeter tone. Just my cuppa tea.
At the school, and at a coffeehouse he frequents, he meets new friends. His old friends abandoned him for the most part, as Avery was constantly trying to find someone to help. (Think Incredidles.) With his new friends, they form a team of superheroes, trying to fight crime together. They laugh, they have fun, they fight and have the usual teen angst... and they beat baddies. Awesome right?
A lot of the book is made up of amusing ideas for the team to be heroes. There's also that Cherchette who's trying to recruit some of them... But there's also some real life issues: friendship, helping others, and believing in yourself to be good.
The climax is this huge action explosion that had me reading until late at night. The Cherchette plotline gets huge and there's lots of really interesting revelations. The ending is very open, and makes me wonder if there will be a sequel... one can only hope.
Final Impressions: Superhero fans rejoice. Sarah Cross delivers an excellent novel of teenagers just trying to fit in and be friends, but while saving to save others and each other. It's not uber-epic bad, where the kids are saving the world, but a lighter and sweeter tone. Just my cuppa tea.
October 1, 2013
A bit silly. This may have worked better as a graphic novel.
January 26, 2018
The book “Dull Boy” by Sarah Cross starts of in a picturesque suburban town, just like any other. The main character Avery Pirzwick is just trying to be a dull average boy, but he is actually quite unordinary. In Fact he has superpowers, the strength of a hundred men, the speed of a cheetah, the flight of superman, and the need to help anyone in trouble. I know what your thinking why should I read “Dull Boy” there is nothing in common between me and Avery. Have you ever felt misunderstood, troubled, lost within yourself then I implore you to read this book, for you will feel such a strong attachment to the main character and relate to him immensely. Avery finally figures out how to cope with his powers when he meets other teens in his predicament. Later in the story we see the main conflict arise, Cherchette the antagonist, comes into the picture, she offers refuge and control of their powers, but as usual the teens discover that she has malicious ulterior motives.
Overall the buildup was quite climactic and Sarah Cross does a great job with building up the action and keeping the reader on their toes.This book was really great but I would not suggest it if you enjoy non-fiction. “Dull Boy” is filled with superheroes and is extremely fantastical and adventurous, which correlates directly with fictional writing. This is why if you are someone who enjoys serious reads than I urge you to not read this book. This work of fiction teaches a few very important lessons, such as choosing between right and wrong, and accepting one's differences. The themes explored in “Dull Boy” are not only relevant to adolescents, as the reader experiences through the protagonist’s point of view, but also in adulthood, as standing up for those who cannot defend themselves is a virtue that both adults and children should strive to embody.
Overall the buildup was quite climactic and Sarah Cross does a great job with building up the action and keeping the reader on their toes.This book was really great but I would not suggest it if you enjoy non-fiction. “Dull Boy” is filled with superheroes and is extremely fantastical and adventurous, which correlates directly with fictional writing. This is why if you are someone who enjoys serious reads than I urge you to not read this book. This work of fiction teaches a few very important lessons, such as choosing between right and wrong, and accepting one's differences. The themes explored in “Dull Boy” are not only relevant to adolescents, as the reader experiences through the protagonist’s point of view, but also in adulthood, as standing up for those who cannot defend themselves is a virtue that both adults and children should strive to embody.
August 17, 2009
Dull Boy by Sarah Cross
Description provided by Amazon.com.
What do you do if you can deadlift a car, and you spend your nights flying to get away from it all? If you’re fifteen-year-old Avery Pirzwick, you keep that information to yourself. When you’re a former jock turned freak, you can’t afford to let the secret slip.
But then Avery makes some friends who are as extraordinary as he is. He realizes they’re more than just freaks—together, maybe they have a chance to be heroes. First, though, they have to decide whether to trust the mysterious Cherchette, a powerful wouldbe mentor whose remarkable generosity may come at a terrible price.
I have to admit, I’m a geek, so when I first saw this book I had an inkling I would like it. Superheroes, in any context or medium, usually are a safe bet with me. I was a comic fiend through my middle and high school years, and even though I spend WAY less on them now-a-days it doesn’t mean I’m any less drawn to them. The fact that comics have become so mainstream is a good thing in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love every movie being made – and some just make me sad, but when they nail it with the likes of Dark Knight, Ironman, and the Watchmen, I get just as excited as my twelve year self did while reading X-men the day it hit the newsstand. So, in short, I like superhero-ish things. Movies. Comics. Graphic novels. And now, novels.
But let me get back to Dull Boy and my reason for writing this review. Dull Boy joins the burgeoning new sub-genre within sci-fi/fantasy of the sueprhero novel. Yeah, graphic novels have been around for a couple decades now, and novelizations of some comics and movies have been done before, but books like the Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem or Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman have been few and far between. In a sense, I think, it’s a challenge for these authors to attempt to write a superhero book without that visual component we’ve associated with the genre for so long. Cartoons, comics, movies have always drawn the characters and action for us, so when authors like Cross, Grossman, or Lethem put their work out there, they’re doing it with a handicap, I think.
Cross doesn’t let us down, though. Her book is one part teen angst and three parts hero action. Her team of young heroes are well written and likeable. She captures the awkwardness of adolescence nicely while adding the extra burden of superpower-freakishness believably and well. Think Catcher in the Rye meets the Teen Titans or New Mutants.
It is quick and fast paced, and captures the traditions and charisma of comics from a decade or two ago. If you like the Incredibles or even Dr. Horrible and His Sing Along Blog, I think you’ll find yourself enjoying Dull Boy.
The only thing I can find fault with, and it’s by no means a deal breaker, is the title. I just don’t think it captures the book, characters, or story well. I think, and forigve me for this, it’s dull.
The story wraps up well, and does open itself up for a sequel, which I hope is forthcoming shortly. I enjoyed this novel very much and think if you’re a fan of comics or the superhero genre you’ll like this book.
Description provided by Amazon.com.
What do you do if you can deadlift a car, and you spend your nights flying to get away from it all? If you’re fifteen-year-old Avery Pirzwick, you keep that information to yourself. When you’re a former jock turned freak, you can’t afford to let the secret slip.
But then Avery makes some friends who are as extraordinary as he is. He realizes they’re more than just freaks—together, maybe they have a chance to be heroes. First, though, they have to decide whether to trust the mysterious Cherchette, a powerful wouldbe mentor whose remarkable generosity may come at a terrible price.
I have to admit, I’m a geek, so when I first saw this book I had an inkling I would like it. Superheroes, in any context or medium, usually are a safe bet with me. I was a comic fiend through my middle and high school years, and even though I spend WAY less on them now-a-days it doesn’t mean I’m any less drawn to them. The fact that comics have become so mainstream is a good thing in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love every movie being made – and some just make me sad, but when they nail it with the likes of Dark Knight, Ironman, and the Watchmen, I get just as excited as my twelve year self did while reading X-men the day it hit the newsstand. So, in short, I like superhero-ish things. Movies. Comics. Graphic novels. And now, novels.
But let me get back to Dull Boy and my reason for writing this review. Dull Boy joins the burgeoning new sub-genre within sci-fi/fantasy of the sueprhero novel. Yeah, graphic novels have been around for a couple decades now, and novelizations of some comics and movies have been done before, but books like the Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem or Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman have been few and far between. In a sense, I think, it’s a challenge for these authors to attempt to write a superhero book without that visual component we’ve associated with the genre for so long. Cartoons, comics, movies have always drawn the characters and action for us, so when authors like Cross, Grossman, or Lethem put their work out there, they’re doing it with a handicap, I think.
Cross doesn’t let us down, though. Her book is one part teen angst and three parts hero action. Her team of young heroes are well written and likeable. She captures the awkwardness of adolescence nicely while adding the extra burden of superpower-freakishness believably and well. Think Catcher in the Rye meets the Teen Titans or New Mutants.
It is quick and fast paced, and captures the traditions and charisma of comics from a decade or two ago. If you like the Incredibles or even Dr. Horrible and His Sing Along Blog, I think you’ll find yourself enjoying Dull Boy.
The only thing I can find fault with, and it’s by no means a deal breaker, is the title. I just don’t think it captures the book, characters, or story well. I think, and forigve me for this, it’s dull.
The story wraps up well, and does open itself up for a sequel, which I hope is forthcoming shortly. I enjoyed this novel very much and think if you’re a fan of comics or the superhero genre you’ll like this book.
May 8, 2009
Avery lives for the darkness. Not for any deviant reason, but because he is less likely to be seen when he is flying around town. You see, Avery isn’t like other kids. He has super strength and can fly. Since these powers developed, his life has totally changed. His normal friends are pulling further and further away because he is spending less time with them. Avery’s friends are upset that he quit the had to quit the wrestling team, but he really didn’t have a choice. His strength was too hard to control during practices and the matches.
By trying to be a good guy and save the day by using his powers for good, Avery sends his parents over the edge. They are already forking over a lot of money for his other unintentional damages and feels he is out of control. So, his parents decide to send him to a special school for troubled kids.
On his first day, Avery meets a strange girl. She ends up shedding a lot of light on the world for him. He discovers that he isn’t the only one with special abilities and finds himself becoming a part of another “family.” One that understands him and his desire to help the world and not just waste his powers on frivolous thrills and ways to get into the spotlight. But, in any superhero story, there has to be an evil mastermind. In DULL BOY that evil mastermind is Cherchette and she wants to gather all the kids with super powers together. Why you might ask? You’ll have to read DULL BOY to find out.
DULL BOY has it all – humor, friendship, family issues, a little romance, super powers. What more could you ask for? As a reader, I completely fell in love with Avery. Sarah Cross leaves the reader completely satisfied even though it is clear there will be a sequel. Visit Sarah’s site for cool info and fun xtras.
By trying to be a good guy and save the day by using his powers for good, Avery sends his parents over the edge. They are already forking over a lot of money for his other unintentional damages and feels he is out of control. So, his parents decide to send him to a special school for troubled kids.
On his first day, Avery meets a strange girl. She ends up shedding a lot of light on the world for him. He discovers that he isn’t the only one with special abilities and finds himself becoming a part of another “family.” One that understands him and his desire to help the world and not just waste his powers on frivolous thrills and ways to get into the spotlight. But, in any superhero story, there has to be an evil mastermind. In DULL BOY that evil mastermind is Cherchette and she wants to gather all the kids with super powers together. Why you might ask? You’ll have to read DULL BOY to find out.
DULL BOY has it all – humor, friendship, family issues, a little romance, super powers. What more could you ask for? As a reader, I completely fell in love with Avery. Sarah Cross leaves the reader completely satisfied even though it is clear there will be a sequel. Visit Sarah’s site for cool info and fun xtras.
January 22, 2012
I'm giving this one 2 stars only because I can't do 1.5 stars. This is a book where the idea is better than the execution. The exchanges between the teenagers don't feel natural at all, which really makes the forward momentum clunky. Some people may say that's a silly thing to get hung up on, considering this is a story about kids with superpowers, but it's important to get smaller things right in order for the reader to buy in the big stuff.
That said, the idea of kids discovering they have superpowers has been done quite often, but Cross does give it a slight wrinkle. Unfortunately, she doesn't explore it fully enough so it feels undeveloped. It seems to me the motivation of the major antagonist is a rich vein to mine, but she seemed to shy away from it. Perhaps she's saving it up for the sequel.
The book is better for younger kids, probably 12-13 or so, but there are a few moments where characters say things like "WTF," which is probably not something most parents want their kids knowing.
That said, the idea of kids discovering they have superpowers has been done quite often, but Cross does give it a slight wrinkle. Unfortunately, she doesn't explore it fully enough so it feels undeveloped. It seems to me the motivation of the major antagonist is a rich vein to mine, but she seemed to shy away from it. Perhaps she's saving it up for the sequel.
The book is better for younger kids, probably 12-13 or so, but there are a few moments where characters say things like "WTF," which is probably not something most parents want their kids knowing.
December 4, 2013
Buzzwords: Superheroes, male pov, friends, science fiction, secrets, misfits, good vs. evil but also shades of gray, coming of age
Avery has superpowers. He's not sure how he got them, but he wants to use them for good - and keep them secret, so he doesn't end up dissected in a lab somewhere. But when he finds others like himself, things may be about to change...
I picked this book up because I read and loved Sarah Cross' Kill Me Softly, and was not disappointed. I loved Avery's voice, and I really enjoyed how the superhero trying to save the world story became mostly about fitting in, about secrets, about friendship, and about trust and responsibility. Highly recommended for fans of superhero stories, but also stories about fitting in and finding your place in the world.
Avery has superpowers. He's not sure how he got them, but he wants to use them for good - and keep them secret, so he doesn't end up dissected in a lab somewhere. But when he finds others like himself, things may be about to change...
I picked this book up because I read and loved Sarah Cross' Kill Me Softly, and was not disappointed. I loved Avery's voice, and I really enjoyed how the superhero trying to save the world story became mostly about fitting in, about secrets, about friendship, and about trust and responsibility. Highly recommended for fans of superhero stories, but also stories about fitting in and finding your place in the world.
December 17, 2015
What I really like most is the narrative tone. It's sarcastic. The introspection is a little much, though.
Overall, I think the plot is weak. You do find out how Avery and his friends got their superpowers in the first place, but if I would tell you, it would be a spoiler. Avery is pretty well-developed, but the other characters are kind of boring. Actually, Avery makes a lot of stupid choices and doesn't realize a lot of obvious things when they are happening. And one of the girls isn't supposed to have a superpower...but there is a scene that insinuates she does, where she seems to produce electricity? Am I just not understanding the story?
This book should be the first in a series, but it isn't. And I'm annoyed because the ending is so abrupt.
Overall, I think the plot is weak. You do find out how Avery and his friends got their superpowers in the first place, but if I would tell you, it would be a spoiler. Avery is pretty well-developed, but the other characters are kind of boring. Actually, Avery makes a lot of stupid choices and doesn't realize a lot of obvious things when they are happening. And one of the girls isn't supposed to have a superpower...but there is a scene that insinuates she does, where she seems to produce electricity? Am I just not understanding the story?
This book should be the first in a series, but it isn't. And I'm annoyed because the ending is so abrupt.
July 20, 2009
Very funny story. Avery is a normal boy who one day realizes he has super powers. I loved seeing how his character evolves as he tries to deal with having super powers, finding friends, and hiding his secret from his parents.
I won this book at a contest at Aprilynne Pike's blog, and I'm so happy I discovered this new author. The ending is wide open for a sequel, and I'll read Avery's future adventures when they come out.
I won this book at a contest at Aprilynne Pike's blog, and I'm so happy I discovered this new author. The ending is wide open for a sequel, and I'll read Avery's future adventures when they come out.
November 11, 2009
Avery is the guy of my dreams! Seriously, here's this kid that doesn't fit in, even with his friends. Because of his unique abilities he ends up finding the most wonderful group of true friends, which is almost unheard of in high school. I have never been a super hero kind of gal, but I was, and am, rooting for Avery!
I'm looking forward to seeing what Avery can do in the future!
I'm looking forward to seeing what Avery can do in the future!
May 14, 2015
A remix of the X-Men, Dull Boy tells the story of a teenage boy trying to hide his superpowers before discovering he’s not alone. The book starts strong but rapidly flags. Given the cliffhanger and the lack of a plan for a sequel, this one’s a pass (even without getting into its other problems). Not recommended.
March 26, 2012
I really wanted to like this one, and it was ok, but overall felt a bit thrown together. Character motivations didn't feel well thought out and the action went too fast in places while dragging in others.
November 17, 2016
I would have given it a four star but i didn't really like the language sometimes.
March 19, 2013
Full Review Link
Avery is your average fifteen-year old boy. Average grades, average friends, average looks. Except Avery is hiding a decidedly UN-average secret: he actually possesses superstrength and the ability to fly. The previous year, Avery saved a baby from being crushed by a car in a superhuman feat that others chalked up to adrenaline but in actuality was the unleashing of his Superman-like powers. Since then, he’s been struggling to keep his powers secret (for fear of being relegated to a government laboratory for the rest of his days) and maintaining his average – dull, if you will – image. But it’s hard to keep something so extraordinary under wraps, especially when you’re a teen and want to explore the extent of your strange new talents – and Avery’s friendships and relationships with his parents suffer as a consequence (getting pranked into waiting for a surprise party in a public coffee house while wearing pokemon decorations is no fun; neither is having to deal with the guilt of denting household appliances after dropping the washer and drier while juggling them).
But then, something even more extraordinary happens to Avery, who thinks he’s seen it all…he discovers that he’s not alone.
Under the leadership of a truly bizarre girl genius named Darla, Avery joins a hodgepodge team of heroes – including a pretty artsy gal with gecko-like powers named Sophie, a troubled walking vortex named Nicholas, and the reluctant, but totally awesome and eerily feline Catherine. Together, these five teens decide to put their powers towards the greater good, embarking on rescue missions and thwarting small time crooks. Of course, things are never so simple in the world of superheroes – and where there’s a hero, there’s almost always a villain. Enter the beautiful ice queen Cherchette, her frosty son Jacques, and Cherchette’s shapeshifter sidekick Leilani. Cherchette contacts the teens, asking them to come away with her, promising to teach them how to control their powers – but Avery isn’t sure. Darla’s convinced that she’s up to no good, but for the troubled Nicholas with his significant and destructive powers, Cherchette seems like the only real way he can control his powers.
Then, there’s the question of why Avery and his friends have powers in the first place, and just how they received them. Together, the teens must uncover the mystery of their origins and whether or not to trust the mysterious Cherchette…
Dull Boy is one fantastic little book, and probably one of the best-kept secrets in blogland. It’s a classic superhero origins story with a geeky twist; involving cool superpowers, wicked inventions like killer robots (in my opinion, there’s a shocking dearth of killer robots books these days, and it’s wonderful to see Ms. Cross bringing them back), and most importantly, wonderful characters. While Dull Boy is pretty standard fare so far as plotting is concerned, the characters are all-out fabulous and make this a book easily worth the hardcover price tag.
Narrated entirely in the first person present tense by so-called “dull boy” Avery, the voice is one of the greatest strengths of the novel. As regular readers of this blog know, I’m extremely discriminating when it comes to the dreaded first person present tense – it’s a style that is extremely difficult to pull off, most often resulting in some lame-o Captain Kirk style cheese. But in Dull Boy, Avery’s narration is pretty damn near flawless. As a hero (literally!), Avery is awesome – he’s got this fantastic, hilarious internal monologue with a fun sense of humor that truly delights. For example, of his first encounter with Darla:
Anyway: so the open-mike thing starts, and the first person to bound up there is the geek-goth-punk-circus girl. Seriously, I don’t know what she’s supposed to be. Tack on a pirate patch and it might start to make sense.
No, it wouldn’t. [...:]
Hmm. Maybe I judged this girl too harshly. I cross my arms over my chest, nod my tentative approval. This might be awesome. I hope it’s about Optimus Prime.
She reads, complete with dramatic pauses and Shakespearean gestures[...:] WTF kind of poem was that? That was horrible! It’s worse than the limericks I wrote for our poetry unit in seventh grade. Plus, the whole time she was reading it, she kept looking at the angry floor-sweeping girl with these “meaningful” glances.
Wait – was that a lesbian crush poem?
LOVE Avery. But even more than Avery with his wonderful inner monologuing, there are the female characters in Dull Boy that steal the freaking show. First, there’s Darla (said geek-goth-punk-circus-pirate girl, above). She’s a RIOT. A genius with an impressive IQ but the social skills of a toddler, Darla is the brains of this Teen Titans style operation. She’s the Xavier to their X-Men, the Oracle to their Birds of Prey, the Morpheus to their Matrix, the Splinter to their Ninja Turtles. Well, she’s all of these things as well as being one brilliant, opinionated, hot-headed and completely hilarious chick. I loved her from first sight – from her brilliance with mad-scientist style inventions (boomerang bombs and awesome robots), contrasted sharply with her own sense of awkwardness and a deep-seated desire to belong.
Then, there’s my favorite character in the whole book – the Selina Kyle-esque Catherine (minus the suavity & gorgeous looks part). With her super sharp claws, her messy brown hair, her feline sense of agility, speed and balance, Catherine is a Catwoman for the younger generation. Like any cat, Avery and Darla have to really work to get her trust and attention as she basically just wants to be left alone. She’s fiesty, standoffish, and totally not interested in a thing Darla has to say to her…but this is part of Catherine’s charm. Catherine too guards a secret and tries to keep people away in a manner resembling a defense mechanism – but when we finally learn her particular story, it’s a moving thing.
The other three main characters are similarly well-drawn. There’s Sophie (whom Avery has a crush on), with her less-spectacular powers of stickiness. Though she’s of no interest to Cherchette (she’s only interested in more impressive powers), Sophie is a strong female character in a way separate from Darla’s brilliance and Catharine’s take-it-or-leave-it attitude; she’s milder mannered, softer, and more understanding of others. It’s Sophie that brings Jacques into the team because of her ability to trust and accept. Her manga-drawing, Hello Kitty loving side just adds to her charm. Then, there’s the tortured Nicholas – whose particular brand of uncontrollable superpowers can mean complete destruction to anyone unfortunate enough to be near him. I really felt for Nicholas reading this book – from his military father’s gruff expectations, to his fear of harming everyone around him. He’s very Rogue (of the X-Men), and I mean this in the best way. Finally, rounding out the team, there’s Jacques – with lesser powers than his mother and completely ambiguous in his initial motivations and intentions to Avery. Jacques is a character that we learn about in layers; initially he seems untrustworthy, but by the conclusion of the novel, we finally know where he stands. It’s expertly written by Ms. Cross, and I enjoyed the uncertainty of the character.
Speaking of uncertainty, what’s a superhero book without a nefarious villain? Well, in Dull Boy, things aren’t quite so dichotic. Cherchette of the questionable intentions and likely villain isn’t so simply “good” or “evil” – like the best comic books, she’s a layered character with her own convictions from a troubled past, and the revelation of her backstory is expertly done. It’s an impressive feat, and Ms. Cross handles her characters with aplomb.
While Dull Boy isn’t particularly groundbreaking or deep, it’s a well written book, and so far as I can tell a hidden gem with massive crossover appeal. Young adults and adults alike can appreciate this superb story, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel. In a world where so many whiney or wishy-washy heroines seem to prevail in teen literature – ahem! Twilight – Dull Boy is an exhilarating breath of fresh air. THIS is a book I want my ten year old sister to read, with complicated but unique heroines that don’t rely on love interests to define them.
Absolutely positively recommended for all readers.
Verdict: With a plot that zips along faster than a speeding bullet, characters more powerful than a locomotive, and a narrative ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Dull Boy completely delights from start to finish. Absolutely recommended.
Rating: 8 Excellent
Avery is your average fifteen-year old boy. Average grades, average friends, average looks. Except Avery is hiding a decidedly UN-average secret: he actually possesses superstrength and the ability to fly. The previous year, Avery saved a baby from being crushed by a car in a superhuman feat that others chalked up to adrenaline but in actuality was the unleashing of his Superman-like powers. Since then, he’s been struggling to keep his powers secret (for fear of being relegated to a government laboratory for the rest of his days) and maintaining his average – dull, if you will – image. But it’s hard to keep something so extraordinary under wraps, especially when you’re a teen and want to explore the extent of your strange new talents – and Avery’s friendships and relationships with his parents suffer as a consequence (getting pranked into waiting for a surprise party in a public coffee house while wearing pokemon decorations is no fun; neither is having to deal with the guilt of denting household appliances after dropping the washer and drier while juggling them).
But then, something even more extraordinary happens to Avery, who thinks he’s seen it all…he discovers that he’s not alone.
Under the leadership of a truly bizarre girl genius named Darla, Avery joins a hodgepodge team of heroes – including a pretty artsy gal with gecko-like powers named Sophie, a troubled walking vortex named Nicholas, and the reluctant, but totally awesome and eerily feline Catherine. Together, these five teens decide to put their powers towards the greater good, embarking on rescue missions and thwarting small time crooks. Of course, things are never so simple in the world of superheroes – and where there’s a hero, there’s almost always a villain. Enter the beautiful ice queen Cherchette, her frosty son Jacques, and Cherchette’s shapeshifter sidekick Leilani. Cherchette contacts the teens, asking them to come away with her, promising to teach them how to control their powers – but Avery isn’t sure. Darla’s convinced that she’s up to no good, but for the troubled Nicholas with his significant and destructive powers, Cherchette seems like the only real way he can control his powers.
Then, there’s the question of why Avery and his friends have powers in the first place, and just how they received them. Together, the teens must uncover the mystery of their origins and whether or not to trust the mysterious Cherchette…
Dull Boy is one fantastic little book, and probably one of the best-kept secrets in blogland. It’s a classic superhero origins story with a geeky twist; involving cool superpowers, wicked inventions like killer robots (in my opinion, there’s a shocking dearth of killer robots books these days, and it’s wonderful to see Ms. Cross bringing them back), and most importantly, wonderful characters. While Dull Boy is pretty standard fare so far as plotting is concerned, the characters are all-out fabulous and make this a book easily worth the hardcover price tag.
Narrated entirely in the first person present tense by so-called “dull boy” Avery, the voice is one of the greatest strengths of the novel. As regular readers of this blog know, I’m extremely discriminating when it comes to the dreaded first person present tense – it’s a style that is extremely difficult to pull off, most often resulting in some lame-o Captain Kirk style cheese. But in Dull Boy, Avery’s narration is pretty damn near flawless. As a hero (literally!), Avery is awesome – he’s got this fantastic, hilarious internal monologue with a fun sense of humor that truly delights. For example, of his first encounter with Darla:
Anyway: so the open-mike thing starts, and the first person to bound up there is the geek-goth-punk-circus girl. Seriously, I don’t know what she’s supposed to be. Tack on a pirate patch and it might start to make sense.
No, it wouldn’t. [...:]
Hmm. Maybe I judged this girl too harshly. I cross my arms over my chest, nod my tentative approval. This might be awesome. I hope it’s about Optimus Prime.
She reads, complete with dramatic pauses and Shakespearean gestures[...:] WTF kind of poem was that? That was horrible! It’s worse than the limericks I wrote for our poetry unit in seventh grade. Plus, the whole time she was reading it, she kept looking at the angry floor-sweeping girl with these “meaningful” glances.
Wait – was that a lesbian crush poem?
LOVE Avery. But even more than Avery with his wonderful inner monologuing, there are the female characters in Dull Boy that steal the freaking show. First, there’s Darla (said geek-goth-punk-circus-pirate girl, above). She’s a RIOT. A genius with an impressive IQ but the social skills of a toddler, Darla is the brains of this Teen Titans style operation. She’s the Xavier to their X-Men, the Oracle to their Birds of Prey, the Morpheus to their Matrix, the Splinter to their Ninja Turtles. Well, she’s all of these things as well as being one brilliant, opinionated, hot-headed and completely hilarious chick. I loved her from first sight – from her brilliance with mad-scientist style inventions (boomerang bombs and awesome robots), contrasted sharply with her own sense of awkwardness and a deep-seated desire to belong.
Then, there’s my favorite character in the whole book – the Selina Kyle-esque Catherine (minus the suavity & gorgeous looks part). With her super sharp claws, her messy brown hair, her feline sense of agility, speed and balance, Catherine is a Catwoman for the younger generation. Like any cat, Avery and Darla have to really work to get her trust and attention as she basically just wants to be left alone. She’s fiesty, standoffish, and totally not interested in a thing Darla has to say to her…but this is part of Catherine’s charm. Catherine too guards a secret and tries to keep people away in a manner resembling a defense mechanism – but when we finally learn her particular story, it’s a moving thing.
The other three main characters are similarly well-drawn. There’s Sophie (whom Avery has a crush on), with her less-spectacular powers of stickiness. Though she’s of no interest to Cherchette (she’s only interested in more impressive powers), Sophie is a strong female character in a way separate from Darla’s brilliance and Catharine’s take-it-or-leave-it attitude; she’s milder mannered, softer, and more understanding of others. It’s Sophie that brings Jacques into the team because of her ability to trust and accept. Her manga-drawing, Hello Kitty loving side just adds to her charm. Then, there’s the tortured Nicholas – whose particular brand of uncontrollable superpowers can mean complete destruction to anyone unfortunate enough to be near him. I really felt for Nicholas reading this book – from his military father’s gruff expectations, to his fear of harming everyone around him. He’s very Rogue (of the X-Men), and I mean this in the best way. Finally, rounding out the team, there’s Jacques – with lesser powers than his mother and completely ambiguous in his initial motivations and intentions to Avery. Jacques is a character that we learn about in layers; initially he seems untrustworthy, but by the conclusion of the novel, we finally know where he stands. It’s expertly written by Ms. Cross, and I enjoyed the uncertainty of the character.
Speaking of uncertainty, what’s a superhero book without a nefarious villain? Well, in Dull Boy, things aren’t quite so dichotic. Cherchette of the questionable intentions and likely villain isn’t so simply “good” or “evil” – like the best comic books, she’s a layered character with her own convictions from a troubled past, and the revelation of her backstory is expertly done. It’s an impressive feat, and Ms. Cross handles her characters with aplomb.
While Dull Boy isn’t particularly groundbreaking or deep, it’s a well written book, and so far as I can tell a hidden gem with massive crossover appeal. Young adults and adults alike can appreciate this superb story, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the sequel. In a world where so many whiney or wishy-washy heroines seem to prevail in teen literature – ahem! Twilight – Dull Boy is an exhilarating breath of fresh air. THIS is a book I want my ten year old sister to read, with complicated but unique heroines that don’t rely on love interests to define them.
Absolutely positively recommended for all readers.
Verdict: With a plot that zips along faster than a speeding bullet, characters more powerful than a locomotive, and a narrative ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Dull Boy completely delights from start to finish. Absolutely recommended.
Rating: 8 Excellent
September 24, 2021
The reason I gave this book 4 stars was because I really enjoyed it, but the main character's superpowers are basic and overused. Things I liked about this book was the villain, the mystery of where the powers came from, the mystery behind Cherchette, the mystery with Catherine, and the ending "boss" fight. Even though the main character's powers are pretty basic, the story is still well-written and exciting. I don't really like how the main character, Avery, has basic Superman-like powers of super strength and flight, but the other characters' powers are interesting and relatively original (excluding Cherchette and Jacques). Additionally, the ending "boss" fight was written in a way that was intriguing and stressful. The villain during this part is seemingly leagues more powerful than the protagonists, which adds to the scene's tension. The reader can't be 100% certain that they'll all make it out of the fight unscathed. This makes the fight seem important to the point where you can't put the book down. Overall, I really enjoyed reading it and I definitely recommend teenage superhero fans to read this book. Yes, you will see common tropes, but even things that are common and basic can be fun when twists are sprinkled in.
July 6, 2021
I liked this a lot. To bad there is obviously never going to be a follow up even though the ending was set up for one. Why is there not a follow up Sarah?
The story is told from Avery’s point of view. He has the strength of 100 men. He can fly too. What he doesn’t have is invulnerability so he can easily be hurt. He’s on a team of misfits. Catherine who has feral powers. Darla a genius with a robot she can pilot and a gadgeteer. She hardly pilots the robot. Sophie who can stick to surfaces. Nicholas who has a vortex power that is a curse and Jacque who is like Iceman of the X-Men power wise. Together they form a loose nit team. Cherchette who is a more powerful Iceman is Jacque’s mother. She is trying to recruit some of these misfits to join her family. She doesn’t consider all of them worthy though. What is she up to? Well you will have to read the story and find out. Not a long read. If there was a sequel I would definitely buy it.
There are a lot of references to Marvel and DC characters. I thought that was cool.
Does anyone know why Sarah never followed this up with a sequel?
The story is told from Avery’s point of view. He has the strength of 100 men. He can fly too. What he doesn’t have is invulnerability so he can easily be hurt. He’s on a team of misfits. Catherine who has feral powers. Darla a genius with a robot she can pilot and a gadgeteer. She hardly pilots the robot. Sophie who can stick to surfaces. Nicholas who has a vortex power that is a curse and Jacque who is like Iceman of the X-Men power wise. Together they form a loose nit team. Cherchette who is a more powerful Iceman is Jacque’s mother. She is trying to recruit some of these misfits to join her family. She doesn’t consider all of them worthy though. What is she up to? Well you will have to read the story and find out. Not a long read. If there was a sequel I would definitely buy it.
There are a lot of references to Marvel and DC characters. I thought that was cool.
Does anyone know why Sarah never followed this up with a sequel?
April 20, 2023
I've read this book about 4 times, and, despite myself, I always end up coming back to it.
I got this book after quarantine had just started, and I finished it within a few days. Something about it just resonated with me. I can't explain what caused this feeling or why it happened, but it's something that has stuck with me ever since I read the first page.
The plot of Dull Boy honestly isn't anything particularly creative or interesting. However, there are two main things that boost my rating to a 5: The first is that it's just fun to read. You can tell that Sarah Cross had fun writing this. The second is that the characters are simply phenomenal. All of the characters feel real and human, and they struggled with real and human issues. Despite being a novel aimed at a youngish audience, this book deals with complex ideas about what it really means to be human. It mulls over what it would really be like if you were extraordinary.
And for that alone, I believe this book deserves 5 stars.
I got this book after quarantine had just started, and I finished it within a few days. Something about it just resonated with me. I can't explain what caused this feeling or why it happened, but it's something that has stuck with me ever since I read the first page.
The plot of Dull Boy honestly isn't anything particularly creative or interesting. However, there are two main things that boost my rating to a 5: The first is that it's just fun to read. You can tell that Sarah Cross had fun writing this. The second is that the characters are simply phenomenal. All of the characters feel real and human, and they struggled with real and human issues. Despite being a novel aimed at a youngish audience, this book deals with complex ideas about what it really means to be human. It mulls over what it would really be like if you were extraordinary.
And for that alone, I believe this book deserves 5 stars.
March 23, 2021
Avery isn't normal....he has superpowers. He's cool with that but he can't seem to control the power. It overwhelms him and it's caused some injuries. He doesn't want to hurt anyone. He wants to get the power under control. He wants some friends he can tell. Being tricked by his friends turns out in his favor as he ends up at Roast, a coffee house, during an open mic. Could he finally meet some people his own age that can understand him and his uniqueness? Hopefully. But there's another element to all this weirdness....Cherchette. Avery doesn't quite know how to take her. Could she help him or hurt him? Not knowing what to do Avery goes along looking for crimes to fight and people to save every night while his parents think he's asleep in bed. While he enjoys this alternative life he's so alone with the biggest secret ever weighing on him. Will it make him stronger or will it break him?
July 10, 2020
I'm sorry but this just seemed like a huge repeat of tons of other superhero themes I have read. I had grabbed this book because I was hope for a point of view I hadn't experienced yet. But sadly I didn't get what I was hoping for. Otherwise, this book was quite well written with amazing characters that really showed personality. The plot wasn't that surprising and was almost bland. But this book still happened to give me overwhelming emotions that I didn't regret. Great job on this book Sarah Cross.
August 25, 2017
I really liked it. It was super funny. Nicholas absorbing Cherchette didn't really surprise me, but I didn't think about it really. But that his vortex transports instead of destroys, that was a surprise. But this just makes me think there would be a sequel. Why else would she leave it on that kind of cliffhanger? I'd read a sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2017
I thought this book was amazing and it deserves its own series. I loved it and recommend it to anyone that's into fiction
September 17, 2019
this book is now one of my favorites i really liked it but there was somewhat a cliff hanger
October 30, 2024
Really fun book.
Cliffhanger ending sucks tho when a second book wasn't made.
Overall, very fun read.
Cliffhanger ending sucks tho when a second book wasn't made.
Overall, very fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2010
With superheroes being one of the in things right now, there is no shortage of titles allowing young adults a peak into that life style. In this first novel, readers meet Avery Pirzwick, a pretty average guy with some pretty un-average abilities. He is super-strong and can fly, but he is not too keen to let everyone know about it because he is worried that he might end up as someone's test subject.
He does struggle with his abilities since he doesn't have complete control of them. The previous year, he had to quit the wrestling team after hurting a teammate. He also tends to do some heavy damage as he is using them to help people. His parents worry that he might be turning into a hoodlum, so they register him with at a school for troubled teens.
This turns out to be just what he needed, though not for the reasons his parents believe. While there, he meets up with a small group of other super-powered beings. First, there is Darla, who has an amazing intelligence. Then there is Catherine, who has razor-sharp claws and the abilities to talk to felines. Sophie has the unfortunate ability to ooze a substance from her skin that will allow her to stick to anything. Nicholas has a vortex that develops in his chest, sucking everything in. Finally, their is Julian, who has the ability to chill things down.
Of course, there is usually bad that comes along with the good in these superhero stories. In this instance, it is Julian's mom Cherchette. She has the same abilities Julian, but they are stronger and she is better able to handle them. She is actually moving around trying to recruit the teams while insisting she is really hoping to teach them to use their abilities safely. This would seem perfect for people like Avery and Nicholas. With that said, Darla questions Cherchette's motives, which is probably partially due to the fact that Cherchette is pretty selective with who she is hoping to recruit ... she only wants the strong and useful kids.
The kids are basically all looking to better get a handle of who they are and where they stand in the world, a common theme in books for the age group. While much of their insecurities tie in with their abilities, they are also unsure in the same ways that most kids there age are.
Each of the characters is pretty well developed. The one exception seems to be Cherchette, but she seems to flesh out toward the end of the book as things start getting resolved. I really liked the story line, but I thought it could have been tightened up a bit. There are some moments when I thought things were getting a bit bogged down in conversation. With that said, I really liked the story and thought it was a nice addition to the genre.
He does struggle with his abilities since he doesn't have complete control of them. The previous year, he had to quit the wrestling team after hurting a teammate. He also tends to do some heavy damage as he is using them to help people. His parents worry that he might be turning into a hoodlum, so they register him with at a school for troubled teens.
This turns out to be just what he needed, though not for the reasons his parents believe. While there, he meets up with a small group of other super-powered beings. First, there is Darla, who has an amazing intelligence. Then there is Catherine, who has razor-sharp claws and the abilities to talk to felines. Sophie has the unfortunate ability to ooze a substance from her skin that will allow her to stick to anything. Nicholas has a vortex that develops in his chest, sucking everything in. Finally, their is Julian, who has the ability to chill things down.
Of course, there is usually bad that comes along with the good in these superhero stories. In this instance, it is Julian's mom Cherchette. She has the same abilities Julian, but they are stronger and she is better able to handle them. She is actually moving around trying to recruit the teams while insisting she is really hoping to teach them to use their abilities safely. This would seem perfect for people like Avery and Nicholas. With that said, Darla questions Cherchette's motives, which is probably partially due to the fact that Cherchette is pretty selective with who she is hoping to recruit ... she only wants the strong and useful kids.
The kids are basically all looking to better get a handle of who they are and where they stand in the world, a common theme in books for the age group. While much of their insecurities tie in with their abilities, they are also unsure in the same ways that most kids there age are.
Each of the characters is pretty well developed. The one exception seems to be Cherchette, but she seems to flesh out toward the end of the book as things start getting resolved. I really liked the story line, but I thought it could have been tightened up a bit. There are some moments when I thought things were getting a bit bogged down in conversation. With that said, I really liked the story and thought it was a nice addition to the genre.
November 15, 2009
Most teenagers think they are pretty special but Avery knows there's no one else just like him. And actually, he's right. Avery's got some super special and completely super secret super powers. Not only can he bench-press his mother's car (sometimes resulting in a little body damage) but Avery can actually fly - which of course he can't even tell a soul about since it would most likely result in a massive government investigation. Hey, I'd be worried about becoming a science experiment too. Feeling rather confused and alone, his parents send him to a reform school in hopes of curing his 'troublesome' behaviors, which only leads to encounters with Big Dawg the bully and the Mary Janes (watch out, those girls will cut you for a Diet Coke). Fortunately, Avery meets up with some other not-so-average kids including a genius ready to conquer the world with robots, an ultra tough (and grumpy) Catwoman, the Iceman, and Sticky Girl - who happens to also be Awfully Cute Girl. Together, these misfit teens decide to take the law into their own hands by tracking down muggers, rescuing lost boy scouts - while still making it home in time for curfew. If only they can continue to outwit the villainous Cherchette [insert evil laugh here:] who wants to take control of them and use them for her own nefarious purposes. MwaaHaa!
Avery is such a likable kid with his constant sarcasm and desire to 'use his powers for good.' He's just so dang lovable as a teen trying to figure out things but once he gets matched up with the kooky Darla and her gang of merry misfits, he goes from loner to having some dang funny adventures in a hurry. Usually the hilarity is due to some unfortunate accident or other while the gang tries to help some hapless victim using one of Darla's prototype weapons. What other teenager has a boomerang that will not only disable them but cover them in sparkles?
Even if Dull Boy became somewhat predictable at times, Sarah Cross has effectively created a light and fun hero vs. villain adventure full of adventure and friendship. I quickly became attached to Avery and was totally cheering when he found some kindred spirits in Darla, Catherine, and Nicholas. Full of geektastic references (anyone else love X-Men and Batman?), Dull Boy strikes a nice balance and I happened to love it.
Avery is such a likable kid with his constant sarcasm and desire to 'use his powers for good.' He's just so dang lovable as a teen trying to figure out things but once he gets matched up with the kooky Darla and her gang of merry misfits, he goes from loner to having some dang funny adventures in a hurry. Usually the hilarity is due to some unfortunate accident or other while the gang tries to help some hapless victim using one of Darla's prototype weapons. What other teenager has a boomerang that will not only disable them but cover them in sparkles?
Even if Dull Boy became somewhat predictable at times, Sarah Cross has effectively created a light and fun hero vs. villain adventure full of adventure and friendship. I quickly became attached to Avery and was totally cheering when he found some kindred spirits in Darla, Catherine, and Nicholas. Full of geektastic references (anyone else love X-Men and Batman?), Dull Boy strikes a nice balance and I happened to love it.
October 23, 2009
Si te gusta el anime, el J-Pop, las figuras de acción, los robots, los super héroes, los comics... En resumidas cuentas, si te consideras una geek de corazón, definitivamente este libro es para ti.
¿Qué les digo de este libro? Así de primeras, en general me gustó aunque nunca pude quitarme de la cabeza su alta semejanza con X-Men. Leer este libro es como leer X-Men, pero versión comedia adolescente. Pero no quiero que me malinterpreten, el libro sí tiene sus puntos buenos. Primero, esta narrado por un chico, Avery, cuyo sentido del humor es buenísimo y ver sus sentimientos fue súper interesante, al igual que ver su posible amor en pleno desarrollo por una de sus amigas con súper poderes. Pero alerta: este libro no tiene romance, los sentimientos de Avery son más bien... Sutiles. Tú te das cuenta, pero él no.
Todos los personajes me gustaron. Todos, incluso Cherchette que, por alguna razón, no dejo de imaginarla como la chica mala (la de cabello platinado) del anime Higashi No Eden. Hay personajes que te dejan con un mar de risas. Avery esta en primer lugar, claro, y luego le sigue Darla, una chica genio cuya capacidad de crear robots gigantescos y armas de artículos tan impensables como una bola ocho, te dejan alucinando, además de que tiene un temperamento tan volátil como sus armas. Hay personajes, como Nicholas, que te provocan pena, lástima y compasión. Y también hay personajes como Jacques, cuyo aire de misterio y su extraño poder te atrae como abejas a la miel. Todos los personajes tienen su encanto propio.
Lo malo del libro, además del detalle de X-Men (que para colmo en el libro se menciona unas… mil veces) es que te deja con muchas interrogantes. Hay muchas cosas que no se resuelven del todo y el final es bien abierto. Tiene que haber una continuación. Además de que acción como tal no hubo. Repito, tiene que haber una continuación.
En fin, Dull Boy es como un baño de agua fresca en un mundo en donde los vampiros y la palabra "Twilight" parecen dominar la literatura juvenil y no deberían pasarlo por alto (y tampoco dejarse intimidar por es cover tan cómico).
---Literatura Juvenil y fantástica
¿Qué les digo de este libro? Así de primeras, en general me gustó aunque nunca pude quitarme de la cabeza su alta semejanza con X-Men. Leer este libro es como leer X-Men, pero versión comedia adolescente. Pero no quiero que me malinterpreten, el libro sí tiene sus puntos buenos. Primero, esta narrado por un chico, Avery, cuyo sentido del humor es buenísimo y ver sus sentimientos fue súper interesante, al igual que ver su posible amor en pleno desarrollo por una de sus amigas con súper poderes. Pero alerta: este libro no tiene romance, los sentimientos de Avery son más bien... Sutiles. Tú te das cuenta, pero él no.
Todos los personajes me gustaron. Todos, incluso Cherchette que, por alguna razón, no dejo de imaginarla como la chica mala (la de cabello platinado) del anime Higashi No Eden. Hay personajes que te dejan con un mar de risas. Avery esta en primer lugar, claro, y luego le sigue Darla, una chica genio cuya capacidad de crear robots gigantescos y armas de artículos tan impensables como una bola ocho, te dejan alucinando, además de que tiene un temperamento tan volátil como sus armas. Hay personajes, como Nicholas, que te provocan pena, lástima y compasión. Y también hay personajes como Jacques, cuyo aire de misterio y su extraño poder te atrae como abejas a la miel. Todos los personajes tienen su encanto propio.
Lo malo del libro, además del detalle de X-Men (que para colmo en el libro se menciona unas… mil veces) es que te deja con muchas interrogantes. Hay muchas cosas que no se resuelven del todo y el final es bien abierto. Tiene que haber una continuación. Además de que acción como tal no hubo. Repito, tiene que haber una continuación.
En fin, Dull Boy es como un baño de agua fresca en un mundo en donde los vampiros y la palabra "Twilight" parecen dominar la literatura juvenil y no deberían pasarlo por alto (y tampoco dejarse intimidar por es cover tan cómico).
---Literatura Juvenil y fantástica
June 13, 2012
This book was waiting for me when I moved back home from the dorms, and I picked it up and devoured it that night. (And I went to sleep early, since I needed to wake up the next day to drive.) Boy, did it hit most of my <3 buttons. (It does star a group of superheroes. That's number one.)
I liked Avery, who doesn't really think of using his superstrength and flight for anything other than protecting those who need it. Of course, he has some control issues that end up making him look like a delinquent. (Not to mention he keeps breaking things at home.) Of course, his power incontinence is nothing compared to Nicholas's.
I think I loved Darla most. (Well, aside from Catherine, but that's a given. She's sarcastic, hard-working, and has way cool powers.) Her power is her intelligence - and it didn't come with social skills, though she seems to think so. She's the uber-geek, ready to form them into a team on par with the X-men. Of course, some of the others doubt there is practical application for their powers. It's fun to watch them all go out together and find lost girls or stop a mugger. All of them want a place to belong, like any teenager, with or without superpowers.
And that's exactly what Cherchette is offering. But she gives off a bad vibe that has nothing to do with her ice powers. Should they trust that she can help them with their powers, or should they continue to stumble along on their own? And if one of them does accept her offer, what about Sarah, whose power wasn't considered valuable enough?
I really enjoyed this origins tale. (I also really hope the ending was a set-up for the next adventure.) It's pretty light, but Nicholas's power might be disturbing to some readers. I know I found some of the implications creepy. Sarah Cross does paint a believable dark side to waking up with superpowers. Along with the ending, I hope that there's a sequel because I believe there's still more of these characters to explore. We know some about their home lives and dreams, but there's more to be plumbed. (And more romance to develop too!)
And can I mention that I loved the use of comic book font? It was a nice touch of design.
I liked Avery, who doesn't really think of using his superstrength and flight for anything other than protecting those who need it. Of course, he has some control issues that end up making him look like a delinquent. (Not to mention he keeps breaking things at home.) Of course, his power incontinence is nothing compared to Nicholas's.
I think I loved Darla most. (Well, aside from Catherine, but that's a given. She's sarcastic, hard-working, and has way cool powers.) Her power is her intelligence - and it didn't come with social skills, though she seems to think so. She's the uber-geek, ready to form them into a team on par with the X-men. Of course, some of the others doubt there is practical application for their powers. It's fun to watch them all go out together and find lost girls or stop a mugger. All of them want a place to belong, like any teenager, with or without superpowers.
And that's exactly what Cherchette is offering. But she gives off a bad vibe that has nothing to do with her ice powers. Should they trust that she can help them with their powers, or should they continue to stumble along on their own? And if one of them does accept her offer, what about Sarah, whose power wasn't considered valuable enough?
I really enjoyed this origins tale. (I also really hope the ending was a set-up for the next adventure.) It's pretty light, but Nicholas's power might be disturbing to some readers. I know I found some of the implications creepy. Sarah Cross does paint a believable dark side to waking up with superpowers. Along with the ending, I hope that there's a sequel because I believe there's still more of these characters to explore. We know some about their home lives and dreams, but there's more to be plumbed. (And more romance to develop too!)
And can I mention that I loved the use of comic book font? It was a nice touch of design.
May 25, 2009
Dull Bull was such a fabulously fun book to read. I’m not usually into the whole super hero thing, but the cool cover appealed to me. It turns out Dull Boy was so much more than just a cool cover.
I’m a huge fan of sarcastic humor and Dull Boy had plenty of it. I love how scenes were described, especially at the school for bad kids that Avery attends. It was really hilarious how Avery came up with different titles for all the crazy groups of kids at school. My favorite group would have to be the sweet looking and dangerous Mary Jane’s.
The secondary characters were for the most part well fleshed out. I don’t read many books with a male protagonist and I thought that Sarah Cross did an excellent job making very believable characters. Even though I don’t have any superpowers (so sad) I could still relate to Avery as a person. Aside from having superpowers, Avery is just a normal kid who wants to find a place to fit in. I also loved Nicholas and enjoyed reading about his struggles with his dad. The genius Darla and her weird inventions were one of the stand out characters for me. Darla was just so darn cool and I totally loved her giant robot! Catherine was the coolest character by far because she had super catlike powers. There was one scene in particular where Catherine communicates with a rather err….wild cat. I just thought that was so flipping awesome! I would have liked to see more from Sophie though. She was the one character out the bunch that fell flat for me. I also would have liked to see the story more from Catherine’s point of view. In fact, I think that Catherine totally deserves her own book.
Dull Boy is a superhero book so there is plenty of fighting between Avery and his new friends and the every so creepy Cherchette. Once the action started between the two groups, I was really anxious to find out what was going to happen. I thought that battle scenes were very well written and still had an element of humor. As the book comes to a close, we get to learn more about Cherchette and her evil intentions.
I’m a huge fan of sarcastic humor and Dull Boy had plenty of it. I love how scenes were described, especially at the school for bad kids that Avery attends. It was really hilarious how Avery came up with different titles for all the crazy groups of kids at school. My favorite group would have to be the sweet looking and dangerous Mary Jane’s.
The secondary characters were for the most part well fleshed out. I don’t read many books with a male protagonist and I thought that Sarah Cross did an excellent job making very believable characters. Even though I don’t have any superpowers (so sad) I could still relate to Avery as a person. Aside from having superpowers, Avery is just a normal kid who wants to find a place to fit in. I also loved Nicholas and enjoyed reading about his struggles with his dad. The genius Darla and her weird inventions were one of the stand out characters for me. Darla was just so darn cool and I totally loved her giant robot! Catherine was the coolest character by far because she had super catlike powers. There was one scene in particular where Catherine communicates with a rather err….wild cat. I just thought that was so flipping awesome! I would have liked to see more from Sophie though. She was the one character out the bunch that fell flat for me. I also would have liked to see the story more from Catherine’s point of view. In fact, I think that Catherine totally deserves her own book.
Dull Boy is a superhero book so there is plenty of fighting between Avery and his new friends and the every so creepy Cherchette. Once the action started between the two groups, I was really anxious to find out what was going to happen. I thought that battle scenes were very well written and still had an element of humor. As the book comes to a close, we get to learn more about Cherchette and her evil intentions.
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