The Extraordinaries – T.J. Klune

The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: July 14th, 2020
Publisher: Tor Teen
Recommended Age: 14+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Romance, Superheroes, Family, Death


REVIEW:

I started this book in May and only went back to it a few days ago to finally finish it. Usually, when I put a book aside for months, it takes me some time to remember the characters’ names and how they all connect to the story. But in this case, it felt like I had just left them. That’s how memorable they are. What I like about the cast most is that it isn’t large, and yet it’s enough. Everyone has their place and really claims that place. Continue reading

Catwoman: Soulstealer – Sarah J. Maas

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Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Received: Penguin Random House Canada
Published: August 7th, 2018
Publisher: Random House BFYR
Pacing: Fast
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Family, Romance, Friendship


BLURB:

Two years after escaping Gotham City’s slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Batwing is left to hold back the tide of notorious criminals. Gotham City is ripe for the taking. Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing’s undoing. Continue reading

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 4: I Kissed a Squirrel and I Liked It

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 4: I Kissed a Squirrel and I Liked It by Ryan North

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Diamond Distributors
Published: 2016
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Comics, Action, Science Fiction, Dating


BLURB:

The hero who refuses to be beat celebrates 11 consecutive issues without a new #1! And she’s letting you seize the chance to be the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl in a choose-your-own path encounter with Swarm, buzzkill made of bees! Then, Doreen takes charge of her life -her love life, that is – and starts dating. But just who will kiss a Squirrel and like it? Surely not…Mole Man?! When the subterranean super villain falls deep in love, he’s willing to hold the world hostage to get Doreen’s attention. Can she save everything without becoming Mrs. Mole Man? But enough with the hearts and the flowers and the kissing, you read this book for computer science and super heroics (not necessarily in that order). You’ll get both – and more – in a showdown with Count Nefaria! Continue reading

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 3: Squirrel, You Really Got Me Now

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 3: Squirrel, You Really Got Me Now by Ryan North

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Diamond Distributors
Published: 2016
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Comics, Action, Science Fiction


BLURB:

New series, New Avenger! With her unique combination of wit, empathy and squirrel powers, computer science student Doreen Green – aka the unbeatable Squirrel Girl – is all that stands between the Earth and total destruction. Well, Doreen plus her friends Tippy-Toe (a squirrel) and Nancy (a regular human with no powers). So, mainly Squirrel Girl. Then what hope does the Earth have if she gets hurled back in time to the 1960s and erased from history? At least Nancy will never forget her friend, but what invincible armored Avenger can she call on to help, through the magic of social media? Decades apart, can they avert doom, or will everything go wrong forever? Howard the Duck hopes not…he has an appointment for a crossover! Continue reading

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 2: Squirrel You Know It’s True

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 2: Squirrel You Know It’s True by Ryan North

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Received: Diamond Distributors
Published: 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Comics, Humor, Action, Fights


BLURB:

The breakout character of 2015 continues her one-woman crusade against injustice and jerks! These TAILS of the Squirrel Girl will show you the Marvel Universe’s most powerful super hero from a bunch of brand-new perspectives, several of them Quite Astonishing. Continue reading

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Diamond Distributors
Published: 2015
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Comics, Humor, Action, University Life


BLURB:

Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There’s one hero that’s beaten them all-and now she’s got her own ongoing series! (Not that she’s bragging.) That’s right, you asked for it, you got it, it’s SQUIRREL GIRL! (She’s also starting college this semester.) It’s the start of a brand-new set of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world! Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 8: Mecca

34849019Ms. Marvel, Vol. 8: Mecca by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: December 2017
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Politics, Discrimination


BLURB:

The villains are at Kamala’s door, and Ms. Marvel has to save a city that doesn’t want saving. The malleable Ms. Marvel continues her hero’s journey as an enemy from her past begins targeting those closest to her, a challenge that calls into question everything about her — not just as a super hero, but as a human being! Who can Ms. Marvel trust when everyone in Jersey City is against her? As Kamala’s life hangs in the balance, a new crimefighter moves in on her turf. Plus: Bruno may be far away at a prestigious school in Wakanda, but even thousands of miles from his former best friend, Kamala Khan, adventure still finds him! Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 7: Damage Per Second

33286891Ms. Marvel, Vol. 7: Damage Per Second by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: August 2017
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, LGBT, Politics


BLURB:

Civil War II is behind her, and a brand new chapter for Kamala Khan is about to begin! But it’s lonely out there for a super hero when her loved ones no longer have her back. It’s time for Kamala to find out exactly who she is when she is on her own. Plus: it’s election time! Kamala gets out the vote! Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 6: Civil War II

29775583Ms. Marvel, Vol. 6: Civil War II by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: December 2016
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Culture


BLURB:

While CIVIL WAR II brews, the next generation of Avengers has bigger things to worry about – like a tri-state academic competition! As rival schools clash, Ms. Marvel’s teammates Spider-Man and Nova are now her enemies! But when Kamala gets called to the real battle’s front line, she faces a fight she can’t embiggen her way out of. She’s about to learn a valuable lesson: Never meet your idols! As war intensifies, tragedy strikes too close to home – and Ms. Marvel must choose between her heroes and her family. When friends become foes, Ms. Marvel struggles to put her life and Jersey City back together. Kamala will be forced to grow up fast and find her true place in the world. But will she be an international sensation…or a menace? Continue reading

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 5: Super Famous

27163013Ms. Marvel, Vol. 5: Super Famous by G. Willow Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Distributor
Published: 2016
Publisher: Marvel
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Normal
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Action, Superheroes, Coming of Age, Romance


BLURB:

She’s your new favorite. She’s everyone’s new favorite. And now she’s joining the big leagues. Look out world, Kamala Khan is officially an Avenger! But will being one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes be everything she imagined? Or is life as a celebrity harder than she thought? But while saving the world is important, Jersey City still needs its protector too. A development company that co-opted Ms. Marvel’s face for its project might well have more in mind for gentrification than just real estate. Can Kamala take down the evil suits destroying her home without ruining her personal life? Speaking of which, who exactly is that with Bruno? Get back on board and cling on, Kamala Korps, the ride is about to get wilder than ever! Continue reading