Author: Cheyanne Young
Genre: Science fiction, Young Adult
Published on: September 7, 2013
This is a book I came across when searching for superhero-genre novels. In particular, I wanted to read something that wasn’t Marvel or DC. City of Legends sounded right up my alley. The main character is Maci Knight, a Super. In this world, Supers evolved from humans not long after the dawn of mankind. The reason given is that they were exposed to a special fictional element found in caves. This gave Supers an extra set of silver power veins that grant them strength, speed, enhanced senses, and an increased healing factor. In the present time, most Supers live in King City, a secured city in Utah.
Max grew up in King City with her older brother, Max. Their father is the President of the Super community. His name is not mentioned in the book, though. Max and the President are both in the Hero Brigade. This inspired Maci to follow the same path. She’s been training to become a Hero ever since she was a kid. Now that Maci is about to turn eighteen, she’s going to take a test that will decide whether she gets into the Brigade. Fate may have other plans for Maci, though. She discovers a family secret that rocks her world. It causes Maci’s already short temper to be more on edge.
Max grew up in King City with her older brother, Max. Their father is the President of the Super community. His name is not mentioned in the book, though. Max and the President are both in the Hero Brigade. This inspired Maci to follow the same path. She’s been training to become a Hero ever since she was a kid. Now that Maci is about to turn eighteen, she’s going to take a test that will decide whether she gets into the Brigade. Fate may have other plans for Maci, though. She discovers a family secret that rocks her world. It causes Maci’s already short temper to be more on edge.
As the synopsis says, Maci was born a twin. In this fictional universe, one twin always becomes a Hero, and the other a Villain. Maci’s twin died as a newborn in an attack. As a result, no one knows whether she’s the good one or the evil one. President Knight kept Maci’s nature secret so people wouldn’t ostracize her. Maci is determined to be a Hero, though. And to become one, she’ll have to prove herself to the Elders. I must say Maci doesn’t make it very easy. It’s not too hard to rile her up. At least Maci has friends who stay by her side even after learning she’s a twin. One of them is Hero Crimson Barlow, Maci’s best friend. She’s one of the most popular Supers.
While Maci is still working to prove herself, something happens in King City. According to her, no Villain has ever breached the city’s defenses. Maci isn’t able to stop the incident, which results in a friend’s death. The culprit is the book’s main antagonist. This person is someone no one expected to turn against Supers. Maci is forced to go on the run. She stays with the only person who can keep her safe now: Evan. He’s a scientist and inventor working at the Super’s Research island. Evan is a little older than Maci, which is part of the reason she likes him. He’s also one of those people who didn’t turn on Maci after finding out she might become a villain.
While Maci is still working to prove herself, something happens in King City. According to her, no Villain has ever breached the city’s defenses. Maci isn’t able to stop the incident, which results in a friend’s death. The culprit is the book’s main antagonist. This person is someone no one expected to turn against Supers. Maci is forced to go on the run. She stays with the only person who can keep her safe now: Evan. He’s a scientist and inventor working at the Super’s Research island. Evan is a little older than Maci, which is part of the reason she likes him. He’s also one of those people who didn’t turn on Maci after finding out she might become a villain.
Maci has to remain off the grid for a little while. This is rather hard on her, mostly because she can't get in touch with her family or friends. Then things get slightly worse: Maci becomes a wanted person for crimes she didn't commit. She had a feeling that the Super Elders don't trust her. I also thought that Maci worried that her father believed the lies about her. President Knight may be the leader of the Supers, but even he can't overturn every Elder decision. Fortunately, Maci isn't just sitting around waiting for things to happen. Evan spends his time coming up with inventions that could aid Maci in a villain confrontation. While I'm on the subject of the Research island, I'll mention one story element I found strange: transportation. Supers get around the world in nearly an instant using pods that zoom through an underground tunnel system. While cool, I wondered how it was possible to dig such an extensive tunnel network around the entire globe. Yeah, this novel is about Supers and their means of transport is what cracked my suspense of disbelief. Shrug.
When it comes to superhero fiction, City of Legends is one of the best debuts I've read. The characters are layered and interesting, and the world-building is well thought-out. One thing I wasn't sure about is when the story is set. I couldn't tell whether this world is in a time contemporary to ours, or far in the future like space operas. Part of the reason is that City of Legends mentions how Supers evolved from humans millions of years ago. The tech Supers use doesn't feel much more advanced than what we have today, so I think the story's set close to our time. Another thing that was well done is the villain. They have an understandable motivation, and see themselves as being on the right side. This villain is also menacing enough that it's not a sure thing Maci will defeat them. I look forward to seeing what's next for Maci Knight. I'm invested in her now.
My rating: ★★★★
4 stars - Definitely enjoyed it!
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