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Super Human

by Michael P. Carroll
325p. 978-0-39925-297-6.
COPY ISBN
Gr 6-9 Nearly 4500 years ago, the Fifth King-a godlike, violent man who brought the entire known world under his rule-vanished from his palace balcony in full view of hundreds of his subjects. Now, in the present-day United States, a group calling themselves the Helotry is determined to bring him back. These fanatics create a plague that affects adults all over the world, including the contemporary superheroes who had the best chance of stopping them. But the Helotry has not counted on opposition from a newly formed group of teen superheroes (and one "normal" but extremely clever and resourceful 14-year-old) unaffected by the plague and determined to use their powers to save the day. The characters are introduced at a rapid-fire pace that may be difficult for less advanced readers to follow, and the book's ending is somewhat abrupt. However, the continuous action and entertaining interactions among the teen protagonists will likely win over some fans of superhero comics and adventure novels.-"Hayden Bass, Seattle Public Library, WA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
When a man-made plague incapacitates the world's adults, a group of adolescent superheroes (plus one teenage con-man) takes on the organization that created the illness. The teens find themselves facing formidable opponents, including the resurrected first superhuman. Though the omniscient narrative voice is sometimes disorienting, Carroll creates a good balance of humor, adventure, and action.
The novel combines non-stop action with well-drawn, sympathetic characters. Lance, who joins the young superheroes but has no powers other than his own cleverness, is particularly appealing. His contributions to the team are inventive and fun. Psychological realism in the young heroes’ attitudes toward their powers, and in the ways they deal with being different from other kids, helps the reader suspend disbelief and become involved in the characters’ lives. The teenage protagonists often seem to be outmatched by the villains they are pursuing, which adds a great deal of drama to the story. It is only by working as a team that they are able to prevail.

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