Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is a fresh take on the world of superheroes, told from the perspective of the people who are “adjacent” to them. As a fan of superhero stories, I had high expectations for this one, and its unique premise and contrasting perspectives on what it’s like to date a hero make for an enjoyable read. Those looking for an action-packed book with an inspiring message will not want to miss this one.
Title: Super AdjacentAuthor: Crystal Cestari
Also by this author: Happily Ever Island
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: March 1, 2020
Rating:
Claire has always wanted to work with superheroes, from collecting Warrior Nation cards as a kid to drafting "What to Say to a Hero" speeches in her diary. Now that she's landed a coveted internship with the Chicago branch of Warrior Nation, Claire is ready to prove she belongs, super or not. But complicating plans is the newest WarNat hero, Girl Power (aka Joy), who happens to be egotistical and self-important . . . and pretty adorable.
Bridgette, meanwhile, wants out of WarNat. After years of dating the famous Vaporizer (aka Matt), she's sick of playing second, or third, or five-hundredth fiddle to all the people-in-peril in the city of Chicago. Of course, once Bridgette meets Claire-who's clearly in need of a mentor and wingman-giving up WarNat becomes slightly more complicated. It becomes a lot more complicated when Joy, Matt, and the rest of the heroes go missing, leaving only Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
In this fresh and funny take on the world of supers, author Crystal Cestari spotlights what it's like to be the seemingly non-super half of a dynamic duo with banter-filled romance and bold rescues perfect for readers seeking a great escape.
Review: Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari
As a longtime fan of superheroes, Claire is thrilled when she lands an internship with Warrior Nation and gets the opportunity to work with the heroes she looks up to. Bridgette, on the other hand, is dating one of Chicago’s most popular heroes and wants out of Warrior Nation after enduring the unique struggles of being with someone in this line of work. However, when Warrior Nation faces a new, mysterious threat and the heroes go missing, it is up to Claire and Bridgette to save the day.
❀ Dual Perspectives
This book is told from dual perspectives, and I enjoyed the nuance this provides. Claire’s perspective shows us the thrill of dating a hero and the excitement of getting in on the action while Bridgette’s explores the darker side of being close to a superhero–the fear when they get injured and the frustration when work always takes priority. The contrast between the two paints an interesting picture of the culture of superheroes, and I found the choice to make both narrators civilians smart.
❀ Inspiring Message
One of my favourite aspects of the story is the direction the author took in terms of defining what a hero is. While the book is set in an organization of superheroes, it highlights the capacity of ordinary people to make a difference as Claire and Bridgette work to save them. The message about how you don’t need superpowers or a flashy suit to be a hero is inspiring, and it is a powerful choice for this genre.
❀ Entertaining Read
Super Adjacent by Crystal Cestari is an entertaining read following ordinary people who are dating superheroes, and become heroes themselves. I enjoyed the original plot, and the dual narration provides nuanced insight into the lifestyle of superheroes. The message about the power of average people rounds out the story, and I’m sure this will be a great read for a younger YA audience.
About Crystal Cestari
Crystal Cestari lives just outside Chicago with her daughter. Her hobbies include avoiding broccoli and wandering the aisles at Target. She holds a master's degree in mass communication, and writes all her stories in longhand. She is the author of the Windy City Magic series and Super Adjacent.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I love the concept of this one and am happy to hear the author took that everyday heroes direction with the story.
It is so much fun! 🙂
This has such a great approach to a superhero book. Not mainly about the heroes themselves but ordinary people who’ll have to save them eventually. LOVE IT!
Right?! Such a great book! 🙂
Just your bullet point titles have me knowing this would be a fun read. I mean, who doesn’t love dual POVs with both an inspiring and entertaining read? I’m glad this one worked so well for you.
Thanks! It is a really fun story! 🙂
Sounds like a good read!
The twist on this is intriguing. I am glad you enjoyed it!
This sounds like a very good read.