Never a Hero (Book 2)
Available at Bookshop.org
3.5/5
The Big Questions:
What genre is this in? YA fantasy
Are there any swoon-worthy characters? Tall, dark, and Hollywood handsome monster slayer. Equally tall, richly blonde, and and otherworldly handsome monster
Is it spicy? Nope
Is it violent or gory? Violent, but not gory
Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? If loved the first book, borrow it
Synopsis: Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick. But her success has come at a terrible cost.
She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.
When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in. As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.
Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.
Review:
What I liked: The whole concept of soulmates being brought together by the timeline no matter how many times it is reset or changed was an interesting concept that I’m glad was revisited here and playing an integral role. Seeing the changes in both Nick and Aaron in this new timeline stressed me out. I like Aaron and Joan’s relationship and found it more compelling and interesting than Joan and Nick. Speaking of Nick, oh man, I thought I was going to be so bored with him but he pulled through in the end. The hero will always be the hero.
What I didn’t like: Joan became INSUFFERABLE. I was tired of her lack of communication skills and anxiety over her friends finding out the truth. I kept thinking, just tell your allies what they need to know! Stop assuming their reactions especially after they keep acting on partial information and nearly getting themselves caught or killed. Your secrets are what is crippling your side and keeping you from getting ahead. Joan was infuriating with her constantly being a step or two behind when all she needed to do was harness the strengths of her team by telling them the whole truth. I also wasn’t a fan of how repetitive the writing became. Conversations went on far longer than necessary and slowed down the pace. We get it, we have to save the timeline. MOVE ON.
What I loved: The expansion of the world with deeper lore, more locations, and new times kept me interested in the story. The villain was so much more fun than I expected. She isn’t some nefarious and nebulous bad guy, but sly, crafty, and so, so angry. I get her. I get her anger at Joan, at her circumstances, at all of it. She had a goal and committed to it. I admire that.
Final Thoughts: While Joan was more annoying this time around, the rest of the book made up for it and I will definitely be picking up the final book next year.