Renegades

Many readers found the book to be an engaging and fun read, praising its unique take on the superhero versus villain dynamic. Reviewers highlighted the complex moral questions it raises about what defines a hero or villain, appreciating the nuanced exploration of both sides. The world-building and variety of supernatural powers were often described as well-thought-out and consistent. A significant number of readers enjoyed the diverse cast of characters, including a protagonist of Filipino heritage, a character with a disability, and supportive gay parents, noting the author's consistent efforts in this area. Specific side characters, such as a ten-year-old with a mysterious superpower and a witty duo, were frequently mentioned as highlights. The action sequences were lauded for being vivid and plentiful, keeping the story exciting, especially in the latter half. Additionally, many appreciated the slow-burn romance subplot, finding the developing chemistry between certain characters adorable and easy to root for, while the ending was frequently praised for its unexpected twists and compelling cliffhanger.

Despite the positives, a common criticism centered on the book's perceived lack of originality, with many finding it to be a collection of familiar superhero tropes and clichés, from predictable plot twists to generic dialogue and character backstories reminiscent of other popular media. The book's considerable length was a frequent point of contention, with some feeling it was overly long, slow-paced, and too introductory, often losing their interest due to redundant descriptions or a perceived lack of significant plot development for hundreds of pages. Several reviewers struggled to form an emotional connection with the main characters, describing them as bland or lacking depth, and found their secret identities to be glaringly obvious to the point of disbelief. While some enjoyed the romance, others found it unconvincing, cheesy, or unnecessary, arguing that the characters' interactions felt forced or that the plot prioritized clichéd relationships. Some also noted issues with inconsistent tone, poor pacing, and an overreliance on plot conveniences, leading to a sense of indifference or frustration with the story.

Overall, "Renegades" elicits a range of opinions, with many readers experiencing mixed feelings, often hoping for improvement in subsequent books, similar to their experience with the author's previous series. While some found it to be an incredible, highly enjoyable read, others rated it as merely "fine" or "mediocre," enjoying it on a surface level but lacking a deeper connection. The book is recommended for readers interested in young adult science fiction, particularly those who enjoy superhero versus villain narratives, complex moral dilemmas, and a touch of slow-burn romance. It may especially appeal to fans of popular superhero media who appreciate action-packed stories, diverse casts, and don't mind familiar tropes or a lengthy introduction. However, readers seeking highly original plots, fast pacing from the outset, or deep emotional character connections might find themselves less satisfied.