[ I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
When Barbara Gordon is shot at the scene of a robbery her father was investigating, she loses a lot – the use of her legs, the presence of her best friend, and her sense of self.
After the hospital, she goes to the Arkham Center for Independence for rehab. She’s angry. Her best friend ignores her texts. She argues with her dad. This place is a reminder of all the ways her life has changed. Barbara would rather be home.
Barbara is resistant to making friends, but after a rough day she meets Jena who tells her a spooky story which helps Babs get to sleep. Slowly she warms up to some of the other kids. Jena tells her other weird stories. And she says her brother has disappeared from Arkham. The doctor says Jena’s brother died in the fire where Jena got her injuries. Barbara is not sure who to trust. Then Jena disappears.
There are enough weird things at the Center to get Barbara fired up about something again. She’s determined to find out what really happened to Jena and her brother, and solve the puzzles of the ACI. And her new friends are right by her side.
Review
While I enjoyed this, it starts off a little on the dark, painful side with Barbara’s injury. Her anger felt honest and to be expected. And it was ever present as she tried to adjust to her temporary home and this new normal. But through the grief, her instincts, her curiosity, and her skills with mysteries and puzzles are still there. And they indicate that something at the Center is not right.
Then her determination kicks in. And I loved how she grows through the next part of the story. The trauma isn’t immediately cured. But she has a distraction – a project, a calling to focus on.
The mystery was good. One small twist or two, but nothing super unexpected. I enjoyed watching Barbara re-discover that her mind, her hands and her instincts still work fine, even if her legs do not. And she doesn’t have to face anything alone.
I’m curious to see how DC plans to put all of these new stories together. For example, this Barbara Gordon story doesn’t line up at all with the Barbara Gordon parts of Shadow of the Batgirl. Also, there’s only a hint at “Oracle” in this, which was a little disappointing to me. But if this is going to be a series, this is a great start to establishing the character.
Fans of DC characters should check this one out – and don’t miss the other DC graphic novels coming out this year. I am thrilled about the DC publishing schedule for kids and teens for 2020!
DC has graciously provided some pictures of the interior of the book – check these out:
