I'm taking a turn into the realm of superheros today and looking at the first book to a series, which released about eight years ago. Why? Well, I saw it come up on one of my feeds and thought it'd been a bit since I hit this direction. Plus, it's young adult and casts a guy as the main character. Plus, the darkish vibes the title and cover are giving are intriguing. After a little research, I discovered that Lucas Flint isn't unknown in the superhero literature realm and has produced many series. This series appears to be the offshoot of another nine book series titled The Superhero's Son, which (if I understood this correctly) features the same main character but a little younger. Now, Bolt (the MC) is eighteen and taking on...well, whatever evil attacks, I guess.
I'm hoping this one doesn't lean toward New Adult and stays nicely based in the Young Adult area as it is advertised. That I'm hoping for action probably isn't a secret. Maybe a little heart? Let's find out!
THE SUPERHERO'S RETURN
Lightning Bolt, Book 1
by Lucas Flint
Secret Identity Books
YA Superhero Fiction
228 pages
The Superhero's Son returns in a brand new adventure!
Eighteen-year-old Kevin Jason (Bolt) wants respect. Despite saving the world more times then he can count, older superheroes still treat him like a kid. Not helping matters is his own impulsive nature, which gets him into trouble as often as it helps him save lives.
Respect from his fellow superheroes becomes the last thing on his mind, however, when an infamous serial killer makes him his next target. This serial killer specializes in killing superhumans and he won't give up until Bolt is dead.
Now Bolt must find and stop this serial killer before he strikes again, a seemingly impossible task when Bolt doesn't even know who he is. But if Bolt can't stop the serial killer, being treated like a kid by his fellow superheroes will be the least of his problems.
Eighteen-year-old Kevin Jason (Bolt) wants respect. Despite saving the world more times then he can count, older superheroes still treat him like a kid. Not helping matters is his own impulsive nature, which gets him into trouble as often as it helps him save lives.
Respect from his fellow superheroes becomes the last thing on his mind, however, when an infamous serial killer makes him his next target. This serial killer specializes in killing superhumans and he won't give up until Bolt is dead.
Now Bolt must find and stop this serial killer before he strikes again, a seemingly impossible task when Bolt doesn't even know who he is. But if Bolt can't stop the serial killer, being treated like a kid by his fellow superheroes will be the least of his problems.
MY TIDBITS
Villain's never seem to leave any time for superheroes to catch a breath of fresh air, and this hero's life isn't any different.
Bolt has saved the world so many times and proven that he can more than hold his own when it comes to fending off villains. Now, he's finally eighteen...an adult...and yet, the other superheroes refuse to give him any respect. Instead, he's placed under the tight supervision of a superhero couple and isn't allowed to make any decisions on his own. But Bolt has never been one to always do what he's told. After he ignores orders to save the life of a colleague, he discovers that he's, actually, the next target of a villain, who is killing superheroes thanks to a power-blocking gas. While Bolt is told he has to remain indoors until the threat is taken care of, he comes across information which links the villain to his father's inventions. While his father died over a year before, it turns out that he has harbored more secrets than anyone realized, and these secrets aren't only killing superheroes, they might be the end of Bolt, too.
This series shoots off from another series titled The Superhero's Son. While it isn't necessary to have read that series first, through Bolt's thoughts it's clear that there are adventures and background information missing. While a little irritating, the lack of that information doesn't hurt this read, either. The author fills in the holes when needed, but since this is a complete adventure with a villain Bolt doesn't know, it's no problem to dive right into the world and get lost in it.
Bolt is eighteen and frustrated that he isn't being treated like the other, older superheroes. His thoughts, emotions, and logic come across in a way teens will sympathize with and understand. He has a girlfriend to add a touch of romance, but this story stays with both feet in the adventure and mystery surrounding the dangerous threat Bolt is facing. He does feel a bit whiny at times and has some obvious issues with authority, but it's also these flaws which make him easier to root for.
The action hits often and keeps the pages turning. Add the mystery behind the villain's origins and Bolt's father's past...and there is a lot going on. Teen superhero fans are sure to enjoy this one quite a bit.
To learn more about Lucas Flint and his superhero series, head over to...
https://www.lucasflint.com/