Review of 'The Hero Complex' by Helen Comerford
The Hero Complex by Helen ComerfordMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved 'The Love Interest' by Helen Comerford, so I had very high expectations for the 2nd book in the series: it exceeded all my wildest dreams! Jenna Ray is still the most relatable teen I've ever come across in literature, and now she's not only dealing with *big feelings* but also serving as the poster girl for the HPA rebrand, AND trying to uncover & stop more dangerous, dastardly plans.
I love the ways Comerford builds out this brilliantly imagined world even further - the language and events in Jenna's world are just distant enough from our own world to feel like fantasy, but also completely recognizable. The author brings keen observations to this book, but it never feels preachy or on-the-nose.
Everything I wanted to know more about after reading 'The Love Interest' was covered in 'The Hero Complex.' I had questions about the Villains, the Diviner, and the EV (which develops in a really interesting direction in this book - the EV drives a lot of the conflict and it is done in a very believable but surprising way). All the things I wondered about could be explored in depth because the world-building in book 1 is so thorough.
Comerford has done a stellar job with this sequel; as a fan of 'The Love Interest' I was chomping at the bit for 'The Hero Complex' and I devoured the book. This is a series for anyone who enjoys great world-building, well-drawn characters, and books that make you say, 'aha!' and 'no way!' For example: I lent my copy of 'The Love Interest' to my partner, who texted me after every chapter with predictions. Also OMG there's resolution on a pretty big plot point from the end of book 1, and it's done absolutely beautifully & heartbreakingly!
I wish for ten more books in the Jenna Ray series, but regardless of what comes next, I'll certainly be reading everything Helen Comerford writes.
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