Book review written by James Jenkinson, English Teacher

This story is set in a dystopian world wherein, ten years prior to the present day in the novel, a star appeared and gave certain individuals ‘super powers’. The only catch is that none of them turned in to ‘super heroes’, only ‘super villains’. The protagonist, David, saw these ‘super villains’ (or ‘Epics’ as they are known in the series) rise to power as rulers of territories all over the United States, when his father was killed by an ‘Epic’ who goes by the name ‘Steelheart’.

The series follows David and a group called ‘The Reckoners’ (a group of assassins) as they seek revenge against the despotic rulers and try to find a way to rid the world of these horrific ‘Epics’.

As a Marvel Comics fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this series; it had such colourfully detailed descriptions of how the superpowered characters fought one-another. This text also held me in suspense through much of each of the novels, as well as providing a few unexpected twists along the way.

Like many texts, this series touches on the idea that revenge never offers us the closure or satisfaction we think it might.

I really recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an ‘easy read’ that still provides you with some new and interesting vocabulary, as well as anyone who enjoys anything to do with super heroes.