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Supervillain Rescue Project #2
Power Play
It's dangerous to go alone. Even for superheroes.
Laleh Ashe has found her first real friends at Camp Sable, a refuge for at-risk superpowered teens, but her politically ambitious mother has other plans. Mrs. Ashe is determined to send Laleh to a fancy, overseas boarding school—far from her friends and the life she's come to love. To drown her sorrows, Laleh agrees to a table top role playing game with her friends, Marco and Jake, as well as the new girl at camp—shy, withdrawn Rian. Too bad no one warned her about Rian's reality bending superpowers.
Sucked into a fantasy world created by Rian's imagination, Laleh and her friends must scramble to master their magical new surroundings and complete their quest if they are to have any hope of getting home again.
This magical world is less fun than it sounds, but as Laleh and her friends face the various challenges, Laleh can't help but remember that all that waits for her in the real world is separation from her friends and a life under the thumb of her overbearing mom. Maybe going home is seriously overrated.
Superheroes meet Portal Fantasy in this second book of the Supervillain Rescue Project Young Adult Series.
Laleh Ashe has found her first real friends at Camp Sable, a refuge for at-risk superpowered teens, but her politically ambitious mother has other plans. Mrs. Ashe is determined to send Laleh to a fancy, overseas boarding school—far from her friends and the life she's come to love. To drown her sorrows, Laleh agrees to a table top role playing game with her friends, Marco and Jake, as well as the new girl at camp—shy, withdrawn Rian. Too bad no one warned her about Rian's reality bending superpowers.
Sucked into a fantasy world created by Rian's imagination, Laleh and her friends must scramble to master their magical new surroundings and complete their quest if they are to have any hope of getting home again.
This magical world is less fun than it sounds, but as Laleh and her friends face the various challenges, Laleh can't help but remember that all that waits for her in the real world is separation from her friends and a life under the thumb of her overbearing mom. Maybe going home is seriously overrated.
Superheroes meet Portal Fantasy in this second book of the Supervillain Rescue Project Young Adult Series.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2021
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Burke
95 books566 followersBorn in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.
Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.
She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .
Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com
http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 13, 2023
Okay, this book was SO MUCH FUN! Despite Doctor Strange being one of my favorite Marvel movies I never would have thought to blend superheroes with portal fantasy like this!
So many fun fantasy nerd things were dropped throughout this book and made me so, so happy along with blending the kids’ very real situation with the adults on the other side trying to fight to get them back despite the impossibility of it all—even I was questioning how they were going to get out of this mess!
Laleh got more of the spotlight this time with her issues with her mom, but I would say this series is first and foremost Jake’s and I LOVED seeing his progression and growth from Power On, especially in the way he interacts with Fade and Prism.
This book was a ton of fun, and I’m really enjoying this series a lot!
‼️Content‼️
Language: jackass; crap; dang it; screw up; hell; dang; heck; what the; damn; screwed; freakin’; gosh; sucky; frick; darn; hellish; BS
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a girl is called hot
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink alcohol; characters go to a tavern
Other: superheroes and supervillains; superpowers; magic; magical abilities, creatures, and objects
So many fun fantasy nerd things were dropped throughout this book and made me so, so happy along with blending the kids’ very real situation with the adults on the other side trying to fight to get them back despite the impossibility of it all—even I was questioning how they were going to get out of this mess!
Laleh got more of the spotlight this time with her issues with her mom, but I would say this series is first and foremost Jake’s and I LOVED seeing his progression and growth from Power On, especially in the way he interacts with Fade and Prism.
This book was a ton of fun, and I’m really enjoying this series a lot!
‼️Content‼️
Language: jackass; crap; dang it; screw up; hell; dang; heck; what the; damn; screwed; freakin’; gosh; sucky; frick; darn; hellish; BS
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a girl is called hot
Drug/Alcohol: characters drink alcohol; characters go to a tavern
Other: superheroes and supervillains; superpowers; magic; magical abilities, creatures, and objects
December 23, 2021
A very unique idea for a story. Enjoyed the ending <3
Read
November 14, 2021book 2 in my YA spin off. Got to play with Dungeons and Dragons tropes. Extra fun.
April 28, 2023
This was fun. Superheroes meets LitRPG--from what I know if the genre without having read any. 😆 It's basically "what if Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was set in a D&D campaign because an X-Men mutant's mind powers sucked them in and their parents & guardians were actually aware they were gone and trying to get them back?" Which is as chaotic, funny, and intense as it sounds. I stayed up too late reading a couple times. Still my favorite thing about it though is Jake and his relationship with Prism and Fade.
June 22, 2024
So creative and funny!
I love the way these characters interact. I don’t read much YA, but I love the SVR universe, so I had to read these, and they are amazing. Burke has family and teen relationships down. The superpowers and situations she invents are unique and entertaining. In this book, you really get to see how Fade and Prism care for the kids they work with. I liked getting to see Glint at work as a committee member in his bumbling but kind-hearted way. The support characters that manifested in the game were hilarious, from their names to their dual roles inside and outside the game. The way everything was resolved at the end was perfect. Highly recommend! One or two instances of brief, mild cussing and references to alcohol.
I love the way these characters interact. I don’t read much YA, but I love the SVR universe, so I had to read these, and they are amazing. Burke has family and teen relationships down. The superpowers and situations she invents are unique and entertaining. In this book, you really get to see how Fade and Prism care for the kids they work with. I liked getting to see Glint at work as a committee member in his bumbling but kind-hearted way. The support characters that manifested in the game were hilarious, from their names to their dual roles inside and outside the game. The way everything was resolved at the end was perfect. Highly recommend! One or two instances of brief, mild cussing and references to alcohol.
March 13, 2024
More delight! Plus fun...
Truly enjoyed this part in the serial. It has been so long since I put this on my TBR that I don't remember what the blurb reads, and I don't want to drop spoilers, so I'll just leave it at "delightful and super fun!"
Truly enjoyed this part in the serial. It has been so long since I put this on my TBR that I don't remember what the blurb reads, and I don't want to drop spoilers, so I'll just leave it at "delightful and super fun!"
January 13, 2022
I wasn't sure this book could top the first book, but, boy, I was wrong! This one is a superhero/stuck in a board game mash up, and it gave my nerdy heart ALL THE FEELZ. So much fun watching our favorite group of teen superheroes try to navigate the new dimension they've found themselves stuck in.
Also, I may have squealed when Aiden was brought in. LOVED to get a cameo from him and Tanvi! And Glint is just awesomely Glint in this one as well!
Also, I may have squealed when Aiden was brought in. LOVED to get a cameo from him and Tanvi! And Glint is just awesomely Glint in this one as well!
May 27, 2025
Power Play is the second book in H.L. Burke's Supervillain Rescue Project. Due to the fantasy nature of the lot, I think this story can be read on it's on. However, a lot of character development and bonding happened in book one and I highly recommend reading Power On first, to enjoy the full experience.
In this adventure the kids of Camp Sable find themselves trapped in an alternate fantasy dimension where they trade in their super powers for magic powers.
I really loved this story. It was a unique take on the "Superhero looses their powers and must work without them," trope. Watching the kids stumble through learning magic was just like an origin story where the hero is just discovering their powers.
What can I say About Power Play that will tell you the full awesomeness that is this blending of the RPG game lit genre with the superhero adventure genre.
Do you like Marvel movies? Do you play D&D? Okay, well this book is what would happen if the Avengers had a D&D night. It's that awesome and that nerdy. As a D&D player I loved all the in game jokes. As a reader of Burke's SVR series I really loved revisiting my favorite characters.
I cannot wait for more from this universe.
*My thanks to the author for letting me read an early version of this story. My opinions are my own and are given here honestly.*
In this adventure the kids of Camp Sable find themselves trapped in an alternate fantasy dimension where they trade in their super powers for magic powers.
I really loved this story. It was a unique take on the "Superhero looses their powers and must work without them," trope. Watching the kids stumble through learning magic was just like an origin story where the hero is just discovering their powers.
What can I say About Power Play that will tell you the full awesomeness that is this blending of the RPG game lit genre with the superhero adventure genre.
Do you like Marvel movies? Do you play D&D? Okay, well this book is what would happen if the Avengers had a D&D night. It's that awesome and that nerdy. As a D&D player I loved all the in game jokes. As a reader of Burke's SVR series I really loved revisiting my favorite characters.
I cannot wait for more from this universe.
*My thanks to the author for letting me read an early version of this story. My opinions are my own and are given here honestly.*
October 26, 2022
This is now my favorite book by this author. And that's saying something, because I really love a lot of her other books too. But this just was the YA nerdy book I needed right at this moment. *hugs it forever*
August 9, 2022
Another great book in the Supervillain Rescue Project Series! I had so much fun reading book one that I immediately started book 2. I loved seeing the deeper relationships the previously established characters embraced, and the new characters were a fantastic addition to the world of superheroes. Marco is still my favorite! This clean YA novel is perfect for any fan of Marvel. Highly recommended!
February 25, 2022
super powers meet RPG? sign me up
I loved the first book in the series and pre-ordered this one (I’m pre-ordering the third book), it was great to see the characters grow as a team and as friends and meet new characters. I highly recommend picking up this book.
I loved the first book in the series and pre-ordered this one (I’m pre-ordering the third book), it was great to see the characters grow as a team and as friends and meet new characters. I highly recommend picking up this book.
December 10, 2025
LARP meets superpowers
This was a unique spin on superhero stories when the teens get stuck in a fantasy world and have to find their way out. I enjoyed the humor and witty conversations the best in this book. I really enjoyed it!
This was a unique spin on superhero stories when the teens get stuck in a fantasy world and have to find their way out. I enjoyed the humor and witty conversations the best in this book. I really enjoyed it!
January 26, 2023
Really fun!
What a fun idea, and just as good if not better than the first book. Definitely recommend if you like the first book this will not disappoint! H.L. Burke is an incredible author on par with the best!
What a fun idea, and just as good if not better than the first book. Definitely recommend if you like the first book this will not disappoint! H.L. Burke is an incredible author on par with the best!
December 12, 2021
Mashing up a YA superhero story with portal fantasy is wacky enough to grab my attention, and I’m glad it did. Although I had not read book 1, I had no problem getting into and enjoying this second book in the series. This funny, heartwarming story has engaging young characters whose skills and friendship are tested beyond what even superheroes might expect.
Jake, Laleh, and Marco are at Camp Sable, a facility in the wilds of central Oregon for superpowered teens at risk for various reasons. (“Sables” for people with super abilities.) Jake is in hiding from supervillain relatives; Laleh got kicked out of school and has a fraught relationship with her wealthy, powerful mother; Marco’s overwhelmed mother is not able to care for him the way he needs. They are under the care of Prism and Fade, married sables with a toddler and infant but with plenty of love and care to give the teens in their charge. When they take in traumatized Rian without knowing what her powers might be, the stage is set for the portal fantasy. The kids play a tabletop roleplaying game and find themselves in a fantasy world of Rian’s creation, but she doesn’t know she’s doing it. Without superpowers but with the abilities of their game characters, they play through the quest in hopes it will get them home again.
This all works better than it has any right to. The fantasy realm is exactly the kind of thing a young teen with limited exposure to pop culture would come up with. The magic system isn’t perfectly consistent, which fits. The kids make things up on the fly that then exist in-world. They don’t have their familiar powers, but they are familiar with having power, so magic is not too much of a stretch for them. I loved the portable hole one character has in her pocket. Strong themes of friendship and family pervade the story. I enjoyed the matter-of-fact scenes of Prism nursing her baby and everything else that goes with having babies and small children in a household. All four teens have differently challenging families whose problems won’t be completely resolved in one book, but their time with Prism and Fade should help.
Jake, Laleh, and Marco are at Camp Sable, a facility in the wilds of central Oregon for superpowered teens at risk for various reasons. (“Sables” for people with super abilities.) Jake is in hiding from supervillain relatives; Laleh got kicked out of school and has a fraught relationship with her wealthy, powerful mother; Marco’s overwhelmed mother is not able to care for him the way he needs. They are under the care of Prism and Fade, married sables with a toddler and infant but with plenty of love and care to give the teens in their charge. When they take in traumatized Rian without knowing what her powers might be, the stage is set for the portal fantasy. The kids play a tabletop roleplaying game and find themselves in a fantasy world of Rian’s creation, but she doesn’t know she’s doing it. Without superpowers but with the abilities of their game characters, they play through the quest in hopes it will get them home again.
This all works better than it has any right to. The fantasy realm is exactly the kind of thing a young teen with limited exposure to pop culture would come up with. The magic system isn’t perfectly consistent, which fits. The kids make things up on the fly that then exist in-world. They don’t have their familiar powers, but they are familiar with having power, so magic is not too much of a stretch for them. I loved the portable hole one character has in her pocket. Strong themes of friendship and family pervade the story. I enjoyed the matter-of-fact scenes of Prism nursing her baby and everything else that goes with having babies and small children in a household. All four teens have differently challenging families whose problems won’t be completely resolved in one book, but their time with Prism and Fade should help.
November 14, 2021
I LOVED this story from start to finish!
It works great as a standalone, because I was able to connect immediately with the characters, even without having read Book One.
(P.S. I liked the plot and characters so much, I plan to order Book One as well as the rest of the series, when the next books become available.)
I'm both a huge nerd. The author struck the perfect balance of originality and accuracy in regards to the tabletop role-playing game in the book. I wish her game was a real one so I could play it.
The story is laugh out loud funny and one of the best book adventures I have ever been on.
I'll definitely re-read the book annually!
I grew up in a foster home and really appreciated how foster families were so lovingly portrayed. The love that such a diverse group of characters had for each other was deeply inspirational and incredibly touching.
Anything else I'm dying to fan-girl about would be a spoiler.
I highly encourage you to buy the book and discover all the awesomeness I can't mention.
It works great as a standalone, because I was able to connect immediately with the characters, even without having read Book One.
(P.S. I liked the plot and characters so much, I plan to order Book One as well as the rest of the series, when the next books become available.)
I'm both a huge nerd. The author struck the perfect balance of originality and accuracy in regards to the tabletop role-playing game in the book. I wish her game was a real one so I could play it.
The story is laugh out loud funny and one of the best book adventures I have ever been on.
I'll definitely re-read the book annually!
I grew up in a foster home and really appreciated how foster families were so lovingly portrayed. The love that such a diverse group of characters had for each other was deeply inspirational and incredibly touching.
Anything else I'm dying to fan-girl about would be a spoiler.
I highly encourage you to buy the book and discover all the awesomeness I can't mention.
April 2, 2022
As someone who enjoyed tabletop RPGs in college, I really loved the concept of characters getting sucked into a role-playing game. I liked book one in this trilogy, but in my opinion, this one was even better, though it tells a very different kind of story. It was so much fun to follow the characters from the "real" world as they navigated the very imaginary world of the RPG and faced some hilariously stereotypical obstacles in their adventure. I also enjoyed seeing their relationships grow as they worked together and grew closer. If the book had been better edited, I would have given it five stars, but it was still worth the read. Now I'm on to book three!
January 2, 2026
Superpowers, meets dnd, meets portal fantasy
This book is so good! When the kids unexpectedly get trapped inside the world of their tabletop game, they have to find a way back home while grappling with the question of what if they are better off where they're at.
These characters are all so fun, and I love how they interact with each other! Jake and Laleh's banter is always fun, and Marco is such a sweet cinnamon roll! Rian, the new girl, is also a really interesting character, with a really unique power! I'm really curious to know what she does in the future.
I listened to the audio book, and as usual, Rena Gail did a fantastic job. I love listening to her read!
This book is so good! When the kids unexpectedly get trapped inside the world of their tabletop game, they have to find a way back home while grappling with the question of what if they are better off where they're at.
These characters are all so fun, and I love how they interact with each other! Jake and Laleh's banter is always fun, and Marco is such a sweet cinnamon roll! Rian, the new girl, is also a really interesting character, with a really unique power! I'm really curious to know what she does in the future.
I listened to the audio book, and as usual, Rena Gail did a fantastic job. I love listening to her read!
April 21, 2022
Gamer’s Delight
Superhero fandoms and RPG enthusiasts can unite and enjoy this fantastic sequel! I loved the nerdy references and the details of the portal world. It was exciting to see Jake, Laleh, and Marco working together to help the newest super powered teen to reside at Camp Sable. Prepare yourself for another tear-jerking finale! I love this series and hope to write fantastic teen fiction like this someday!
Superhero fandoms and RPG enthusiasts can unite and enjoy this fantastic sequel! I loved the nerdy references and the details of the portal world. It was exciting to see Jake, Laleh, and Marco working together to help the newest super powered teen to reside at Camp Sable. Prepare yourself for another tear-jerking finale! I love this series and hope to write fantastic teen fiction like this someday!
February 17, 2022
A heavily character driven YA story that gets 5 stars for bringing up nostalgic memories of the cheesy earnestness and geekiness of teenagers playing their first RPG campaigns. (I was young once). Also for using that to drive character development of the characters outside the game, without falling into LitRPG (which I normally don't get on with). Clever and original.
October 9, 2022
Marvel Meets DND
Only H. L. Burke could make superhero and classic fantasy roleplaying work together. This fun romp leaves your heart light and eager to keep reading.
Only H. L. Burke could make superhero and classic fantasy roleplaying work together. This fun romp leaves your heart light and eager to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews