In a vividly dark and fully imagined universe where special abilities are feared unless they can be strictly controlled and labeled, Meyer celebrates and subverts popular superhero tropes while mining the gray area between malevolence and virtue. Third-person narration builds suspense as it shifts between Nova and Adrian, a Renegade with his own secrets; the worldbuilding details and many combat sequences will captivate devotees of superhero comics. Beyond the capes and masks is a strikingly grounded story of star-crossed would-be lovers, deception, and the recognition that most of humanity exists between the extremes of good and evil * Publishers Weekly on Renegades *
Tackles a familiar genre in a brand new way * Hypable.com on Renegades *
A fully realized new world with compelling characters and just enough edge-of-your-seat action to rival the biggest on-screen adaptation? * Bustle on Renegades *
Even reluctant fans of hero fantasies will fall for the smart plot and wonderful world-building. Prepare to fangirl * Justine Magazine on Renegades *
Meyer delivers a balance between intricate world-building and fast-paced action sequences. Nova's childhood tragedy will draw sympathy from readers as they watch her integrate into the group of Renegades in order to seek vengeance. Back-stabbing, plot twists, and hidden agendas will have readers turning pages in an attempt to discover the truth. * School Library Journal on Renegades *
Meyer smartly refrains from focusing totally on Adrian and Nova's potential romance and instead fleshes the characters out as separate individuals with flaws and strengths, regrets and desires. ...The world is exceptionally well crafted, particularly the complex backstory of the rise of prodigies among humans, and the secondary cast of villains and heroes could give Marvel and DC a run for their money. There's a lot going on here besides cool names and superpowers, and the book earns both its hefty page count and its expected sequel. * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *
?Meyer is fantastic with superpowers, and the best moments in the book involve ingenious or breathtaking displays of ability, as well as entertaining hints of a centuries-long prodigy history. ... the page-turner conclusion will leave readers eager for the final installment. * Publishers Weekly on Archenemies *
Adrian and Nova, two teen superheroes, have a lot in common: a problematic hidden identity, a secret plan to avenge a family member's death, and a growing attraction to each other that is impossible to indulge simply because of who they are. ...This enticing mix of superhero adventures and budding love story also tackles hefty ethical issues, and Meyer masterfully manipulates plot and characters to send readers racing for the last page and regret reaching it, especially when they're met by its suspenseful cliff-hanger. * Booklist on Archenemies *
