The Hero Project: Redemption Season

Based on my feelings after the hero rise trilogy, I did not hesitate to buy it .... I was wrong.

Yet another brilliant entry in the entire series. I seriously couldn't get enough of these. I was actually really thrilled to create a second character and run through a similar storyline. Can't wait to read the rest! 8/10

Overall: a jarring but interesting departure from the first three Hero Rises books that some may find and intriguing if overally preachy. Takes a while to find its footing. Details: as a huge fan of the original trilogy, I immediately bought Redemption Seaon. Although it drops you into the action, a large amount of text slows you down considerably at the start. As you slog through some exciting sequences, the action then stops to a crawl and continues so for a while as the author not only introduces you to the new characters but bashes over the head ad naseum with the book's take on prejudice against certain aspects of the superhuman community (Ani's, Disembodied, Morphs, and in general those who don't look like your standard Greek god/goddess). What should be an interesting new viewpoint from the more standard (if fun and glamorous) superhero fare of the first trilogy and build a strong foundation instead blankets the story in a heavy weight. I kept waiting for the lecturing to stop and the plot /action to begin. That, along with a long wait before you can start individlualizing your character and a constantly changing power set/appearance, led to a disconnect between myself and viewpoint character that led me to put the book down for over a month. The action is much lighter with far fewer battles than the earlier books but what is there works well enough. The exception is a well-written final battle that raises the stakes, introduces unique villains, and instills a sense of dread. It's over too quickly and easier than anticipated but these are minor quibbles give its otherwise slick execution. Hopefully we will see more action in the sequel. The book is best when it focuses away from its heavy reliance on the heavy-handed prejudice storyline to focus on the characters who well drawn and layered. Even the final badguys have a shocking backstory twists that paints them and the theme of prejudice in a new light. I would also criticize the early attempt to force your character to take a strong stance one way or another. By not doing so, I was eliminated early despite doing reasonably well in the competition. It discourages readers from exploring who their character might be and might become as they learn about their new storyline. In trying to stand out early, you may (as I did) define your character in a way that you will later regret. Final Summary: the book is a frankenstein of sorts: half Prodigy and half Hero Project. It suffers from a very slow setup in the beginning and only partial progression through the title's "Redemption Season." Although it has a strong climax, that the new season of the Hero Projection has far to go may be unsatisfying for some. The GOOD news is that it sets up for a better second book, just as the fine Hero Rises Prodigy set the stage for the even better Hero Project. Also, while the plot is slow with a heavy-handed theme, the characters are as interesting and enthralling as ever. A 6.5/10 with an anticipated higher score for the next book in the series.