Renegades
8.22 / 10 172K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2017
- Publisher
- Feiwel and Friends; First Thus Edition
- Pages
- 552
- ISBN
- 9781250185563
In a world shaped by prodigies with extraordinary abilities, the Renegades emerged from chaos to establish peace and order, becoming symbols of hope and courage. Yet, for those they vanquished, particularly the Anarchists, the Renegades represent a different kind of authority. Nova Artino, an Anarchist with the power to induce sleep, harbors a deep-seated vendetta against the Renegades, blaming them for a past tragedy and seeking to dismantle their rule from within.
Adopting a new identity, Nova infiltrates the Renegades, aiming to expose their perceived tyranny. Her mission becomes complicated when she encounters Adrian Everhart, a Renegade who believes in justice and holds a secret identity of his own. As Nova navigates a world where the lines between hero and villain blur, she must confront questions of loyalty, power, and the true meaning of justice.
Adopting a new identity, Nova infiltrates the Renegades, aiming to expose their perceived tyranny. Her mission becomes complicated when she encounters Adrian Everhart, a Renegade who believes in justice and holds a secret identity of his own. As Nova navigates a world where the lines between hero and villain blur, she must confront questions of loyalty, power, and the true meaning of justice.
Other editions (50)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
Gatlon City once writhed in the grip of the Age of Anarchy, a chaotic era where prodigies, individuals blessed or cursed with extraordinary abilities, used their powers without restraint, plunging the world into lawlessness. From the ashes of this turmoil rose the Renegades, a syndicate of prodigies who promised order, justice, and peace. They became the celebrated heroes, the very foundation of a new society, revered by most for their courage and the stability they brought. Yet, for some, their reign was merely a new form of oppression, a stifling control that replaced one kind of chaos with another.
Among those who viewed the Renegades as tyrants was Nova Artino, a young prodigy with the power to induce sleep with a touch, and a tragic past that forever bound her to the Anarchist cause. Years ago, Nova, then a child, witnessed the brutal murder of her family, a horror the Renegades failed to prevent. This profound betrayal fueled a burning desire for vengeance, transforming her into Nightmare, a formidable Anarchist driven to dismantle the very heroes she held responsible for her loss. Raised by her uncle, Ace Anarchy, the enigmatic leader of the Anarchists, Nova honed her abilities and her hatred, preparing for the day she would strike back.
Her opportunity arose when Nova, under the guise of Insomnia, infiltrated the ranks of the Renegades. She presented herself as a hopeful recruit, desperate to join the very organization she vowed to destroy. Her unique power, the ability to never sleep and to put others to sleep, initially met with skepticism during the rigorous trials. But through a display of cunning and skill, she impressed Adrian Everhart, a prominent Renegade leader. Adrian, known as Sketch, possessed the extraordinary ability to bring his drawings to life, and secretly operated as the vigilante Sentinel, driven by his own quest for justice and a hidden grief over his mother's death.
As Insomnia, Nova found herself embedded within Adrian's team, a group of young Renegades dedicated to upholding the city's peace. She observed their operations, gathered intelligence for the Anarchists, and struggled with the moral complexities of her mission. The Renegades, she found, were not the one-dimensional villains she had imagined. They were individuals with their own beliefs, their own struggles, and a genuine desire to protect Gatlon City. This blurring of lines, between the heroes she was meant to hate and the villains she called family, began to chip away at her rigid worldview.
Adrian, meanwhile, was fascinated by Nova. He saw in Insomnia a fierce determination and a hidden depth, unaware of the true identity of the girl he was growing to trust. His own secret life as the Sentinel, a hero who operated outside the Renegade Council's strictures, mirrored Nova's double existence in unexpected ways. Both were driven by personal vendettas and a profound sense of justice, yet their paths were set on a collision course, each believing the other's side to be the true enemy.
The narrative unfolds through their alternating perspectives, revealing the intricate dance of deception and burgeoning connection. Nova grappled with her loyalty to the Anarchists, who preached freedom and independence from governmental control, even as she witnessed the Renegades' efforts to maintain order. Adrian, on the other hand, pursued the elusive Nightmare, the very Anarchist Nova embodied, seeking to bring her to justice for her acts of rebellion. Every shared glance, every mission undertaken together, deepened the irony of their intertwined fates, drawing them closer even as their secret identities threatened to tear their worlds apart.
As Nova delves deeper into the Renegade organization, she uncovers whispers of darker intentions, hints that even the celebrated heroes might harbor secrets that could shatter their pristine image. The Anarchists, though branded as villains, believed in a society where prodigies could govern themselves, free from the Renegades' authoritarian rule. The tension between these two ideologies, freedom versus order, personal revenge versus collective justice, forms the heart of their conflict. The lines between good and evil, hero and villain, become increasingly blurred, forcing both Nova and Adrian to question everything they thought they knew about their world and each other.
Among those who viewed the Renegades as tyrants was Nova Artino, a young prodigy with the power to induce sleep with a touch, and a tragic past that forever bound her to the Anarchist cause. Years ago, Nova, then a child, witnessed the brutal murder of her family, a horror the Renegades failed to prevent. This profound betrayal fueled a burning desire for vengeance, transforming her into Nightmare, a formidable Anarchist driven to dismantle the very heroes she held responsible for her loss. Raised by her uncle, Ace Anarchy, the enigmatic leader of the Anarchists, Nova honed her abilities and her hatred, preparing for the day she would strike back.
Her opportunity arose when Nova, under the guise of Insomnia, infiltrated the ranks of the Renegades. She presented herself as a hopeful recruit, desperate to join the very organization she vowed to destroy. Her unique power, the ability to never sleep and to put others to sleep, initially met with skepticism during the rigorous trials. But through a display of cunning and skill, she impressed Adrian Everhart, a prominent Renegade leader. Adrian, known as Sketch, possessed the extraordinary ability to bring his drawings to life, and secretly operated as the vigilante Sentinel, driven by his own quest for justice and a hidden grief over his mother's death.
As Insomnia, Nova found herself embedded within Adrian's team, a group of young Renegades dedicated to upholding the city's peace. She observed their operations, gathered intelligence for the Anarchists, and struggled with the moral complexities of her mission. The Renegades, she found, were not the one-dimensional villains she had imagined. They were individuals with their own beliefs, their own struggles, and a genuine desire to protect Gatlon City. This blurring of lines, between the heroes she was meant to hate and the villains she called family, began to chip away at her rigid worldview.
Adrian, meanwhile, was fascinated by Nova. He saw in Insomnia a fierce determination and a hidden depth, unaware of the true identity of the girl he was growing to trust. His own secret life as the Sentinel, a hero who operated outside the Renegade Council's strictures, mirrored Nova's double existence in unexpected ways. Both were driven by personal vendettas and a profound sense of justice, yet their paths were set on a collision course, each believing the other's side to be the true enemy.
The narrative unfolds through their alternating perspectives, revealing the intricate dance of deception and burgeoning connection. Nova grappled with her loyalty to the Anarchists, who preached freedom and independence from governmental control, even as she witnessed the Renegades' efforts to maintain order. Adrian, on the other hand, pursued the elusive Nightmare, the very Anarchist Nova embodied, seeking to bring her to justice for her acts of rebellion. Every shared glance, every mission undertaken together, deepened the irony of their intertwined fates, drawing them closer even as their secret identities threatened to tear their worlds apart.
As Nova delves deeper into the Renegade organization, she uncovers whispers of darker intentions, hints that even the celebrated heroes might harbor secrets that could shatter their pristine image. The Anarchists, though branded as villains, believed in a society where prodigies could govern themselves, free from the Renegades' authoritarian rule. The tension between these two ideologies, freedom versus order, personal revenge versus collective justice, forms the heart of their conflict. The lines between good and evil, hero and villain, become increasingly blurred, forcing both Nova and Adrian to question everything they thought they knew about their world and each other.
What other readers say
Liked
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.
Disliked
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.
In short
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.
No reviews yet. Be the first.