April Daniels (1)

The Hero We Need

CW: Transphobia, Queerphobia, Abusive Family, Friends, Coworkers, Slurs and Threats (Portrayed as appropriately awful of course)

I feel incredibly emotional after finishing this book.

I'm a transfemme in my mid-30s who doesn't often get on with YA stories, but the quality and content of this were more than enough to keep me rapt. With the world as hateful and scary as it is right now books like this are so incredibly important and the fact that it is written and performed with such heart, honesty, and raw human emotion is utterly breathtaking.

The highs are heady and powerful and the lows are gut wrenching and heartbreaking in Danielle's story. The pure trans joy I felt reading this was incredible, as was just how brutal and close to home the vehement transphobia espoused by a number of characters. Honestly, so much so that, while I was absolutely devouring this book, I did have to take a few breaks simply as my mental health isn't as robust as I would like it to be and I did find some of the scenes rather triggering. This isn't a complaint or an issue. We shouldn't shy away from how virulent and abhorrent people can be about and to us simply for being who we are.

There are many books I read that I'm thankful for existing and nearly all stories make the world a more beautiful and incredible place, but this is one of the ones that genuinely, tangibly adds something of such great importance and wonder.

I do have a few criticisms of the book. Unfortunately, it does use the superhero trope of superheroes essentially being cops, cops being portrayed in a positive light (ACAB), and prison being an easy and thoughtless decision, as well as the Jack Bauer/ Reacher aspect of normalising torture and intimidation as an acceptable and effective method of operation 'if the needs must'. This last point is not as egregious as in The Iron Widow, a book I otherwise thoroughly enjoyed, but Dreadnought falls into the trap of questioning when things go 'too far', while allowing a lot that shouldn't actually be acceptable. This all comes down to the politics of the book being a little too centrist for my liking. Yes, the government are criticised, but it is watered down with similar logic to not all cops (Yes, all cops and the entire police and prison complex).

The other issues surround the somewhat appropriate, but unexplored dive into horrific incel behaviour of Danielle's best friend, and the unaddressed transphobia, passive transphobia, and enabling of the Justice League equivalents. This is an ongoing series, so these may be explored further, but some events towards the end of the novel mean that certain characters will not be held accountable. There are some threads that seem to just drop, but we will see if they are explored more in further books.

While I have my criticisms, I heartily recommend this book and genuinely loved it and the phenomenal performance.

Thank you.… (más)

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

“Sovereign” by April Daniels

This was another great story in the Nemesis series. This YA series follows the journey of Danny Tozer, a transgender teenager who inherits the powerful mantle of the superhero Dreadnought, and must navigate the challenges of both superheroism and transitioning in a world that is often hostile to both.

This book picks up right where the previous book, “Dreadnought,” left off, with Danny having defeated the villainous Utopia and saved the city of New Port. However, her triumph is short-lived, as a new threat arises in the form of the oppressive government agency known as the Legion, which seeks to control all superheroes and eradicate anyone who doesn’t fit their narrow definition of “normal.”

One of the strengths of this book is how it deepens the exploration of the themes introduced in the previous books. Daniels tackles complex issues like transphobia, ableism, and government overreach, all while maintaining a fast-paced and action-packed story. The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking, as Daniels explores the nuances of Danny’s experiences and the challenges she faces as a transgender superhero.

I found this to be a satisfying continuation and sadly possibly the final story of the Nemesis series.

If you have an Audible account both books in this series are currently free to listen!… (más)

4 / 5 ⭐️'ˢ

"Dreadnought" by April Daniels

This was a compelling and action-packed novel that explores themes of gender identity, self-discovery, and the true meaning of heroism. The story follows Danny Tozer, a teenage trans girl who gains superpowers after witnessing the death of the world's greatest superhero, Dreadnought.

As Danny navigates her newfound abilities and the challenges of coming out to her friends and family, she also faces discrimination and violence from the superhero community and the public at large. Through it all, Danny remains determined to be true to herself and to use her powers for good, even if it means standing up against the people she once idolized.

Daniels does an excellent job of creating complex and relatable characters, especially in Danny, whose struggles with gender dysphoria and transphobia are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. The world-building is also impressive, with a richly imagined superhero universe that feels both familiar (set in the PNW!) and unique.

I read this because it was the monthly pick for my Goodreads "LGBTQ/GSM Fantasy & Science Fiction” group. I didn’t even read what this one was about before I started it. I’m glad I read it, it was a SUPER fun read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Also, If you have an Audible account this one and the next book in the series are currently free to listen!… (más)