Super fun ( )

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. ( )

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! ( )

Great coming out story but incredibly boring superhero story. Worth the read but I don't have much interest in the sequels ( )

I absolutely recommend this to any tweens, teens, or adults who are looking for solid superhero YA that hits a lot of really good themes worthy of representation and discussion. It was a really engaging, fast-paced read. It was good to read a book with a trans main character that had a lot of really good moments with Danny dealing with the ramifications of gaining her powers personally, professionally, and with others reactions to her. David's reaction in particular was very upsetting to me, even though as an adult I could see it coming. Not surprising at all, and yet heartbreaking for Danny. On the superhero side, it was a fairly usual origin story that was handled deftly enough to be engaging and enjoyable - not clunky or too complicated. I am going to start the sequel immediately because there's a lot to deal with from the character's perspective and from within her superhero group. ( )