Summary
Abby Hamilton knows more about the superheroes around the town of Morriston than most people. And she’s not impressed. When you’ve known the Red Comet your whole life, because he’s your older brother, some of the mystique is lost. Rather than an awe-inspiring superhero, he’s just the same goofball she’s always loved.
But there’s a new superpowered guy in town. The Iron Phantom. At least that’s what they are calling him on the news. After finding video of him setting fire to the mayor’s office, they’re also saying he’s a supervillain. Abby’s not sure what to believe.
Iron Phantom saved her from a mugger with a knife. He fed a homeless guy. How can that same guy be this awful villain the news says he is?
Iron Phantom insists he isn’t a villain. He was in the mayor’s office because he thinks the guy is up to something. (The mayor happens to be Abby’s dad.) But the other things he’s being blamed for weren’t him. Abby wants to believe him. She even thinks she might know who he really is! But the sister of the city’s biggest superhero really shouldn’t be falling for a villain.
Review
This was fantastic! This lived up to and exceeded all my hopes for this based on the description. I love superhero stories and teen romances, and this was a great example of both. It’s smart, funny, romantic and engaging.
Abby is awesome. She’s bright and strong yet cautious with this new super in town. But the chemistry between them is too strong for her caution to hold out for too long. I enjoyed the puzzle of Iron Phantom’s true identity. The author did a good job of keeping the reader guessing, although I think most will have a favorite they hope it will be. I loved that Abby is a hero in her own way without any of the powers the other supers around her have.
The mystery/conflict is not complex or especially intricate. The first question is who Iron Phantom is and if he is a good guy or a bad guy. Then it’s what’s up with the city government. Finally it’s the kids’ efforts to foil the bad guy plot. But I was along for the ride with these terrific characters no matter what happened.
Aside from a couple minor plot questions and my frustration with the cover photo (which doesn’t match Iron Phantom’s description at all), everything else about this was perfect for me. Highly recommend. (Some language)