Wednesday, April 14, 2021

We Could Be Heroes

We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen, 330 pages

Jamie has zero memories from before two years ago, when he woke up in an apartment with the ability to read and manipulate people's memories, which he eventually puts to use robbing banks as the Mind Robber. Zoe is in a similar predicament, though instead of the ability to change memories, she woke up with super strength and speed, as well as the ability to read heat signatures, all of which she uses to become the vigilante hero Throwing Star. Both are aware of the other's presence in San Delgado, but it isn't until a memory loss support group meeting that they meet and unexpectedly join forces to save the day. Soon, the new friends decide to investigate their past, and uncover a sinister plot to destroy the city they both love.

The premise of this story is delightful — who would think that a support group would bring together a superpowered team? — as are Jamie and Zoe as characters. I also thought that the relationship between superhero and the local police force was more accurately portrayed here than it is in a lot of superhero stories. My main complaint with this book is that the villain needs to be a bit more fleshed out, as do Jamie and Zoe's histories, once they're discovered. That said, it's a fun book, and I think we all need a cat like Normal. (Bonus: I had Bowie stuck in my head for the whole time I read it. That's never a bad thing in my book.)

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