Author: Cheyanne Young
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Published on: January 1, 2016 (first edition); February 8, 2022 by Quinova Press (latest edition)
Five months have passed in-story since the ending of The Valiant. This final entry in the trilogy sees protagonist Maci Knight handling her most important mission yet. The previous book ended with main antagonist Felix running away with Max (Maci's older brother) in tow. The entire Hero Brigade has been searching for him this whole time. They're starting to give up, though, which disappoints Maci. She feels that the Elders may even think Max dead, considering how long he's been missing. At least Maci has support in the form of her twin sister, Nova. The latter recently gained the trust of the Super community after she helped save a bunch of them from Felix.
Nova starts the book as a newly-minted member of the Hero Brigade. This means she can go on official missions and have her own Codex (a bracelet gadget only Heroes get that's kind of a glorified smartphone). Nova has a supersuit now as well. It's identical to Maci's but with reversed colors: white instead of black. I thought this was fitting, and not only because they’re twins. Black suits Maci because, whether she had the potential to turn villain or not, she still has a short temper and a fierce protective instinct for her loved ones. Nova’s white suit is likely a sign her loyalties have completely shifted to the Hero Brigade, as she was raised by villains.
In the first book, Maci’s Super friends threw her a surprise party to celebrate her passing of the Hero test. This is said to be a long-standing tradition. It’s held at one of the islands in Hawaii. Now, it’s Nova’s turn in the spotlight. Maci has her whisked off to the island for a big party. They pass a great time, until it’s interrupted by a Mayday…the highest-urgency type of mission a Hero can get. When Maci and Nova answer the call, they are stunned by what they find. Not only has a depowered villain gained power again; he inexplicably incapacitated the Heroes who arrived to deal with him. Fortunately, Maci and Nova are able to subdue the villain and bring him in.
Of course, villains with their powers restored is a dangerous thing. Add to that their new Hero-stopping trick, and it becomes critical. Fortunately, the Heroes have someone on their side who could help them counter these issues. He’s returning character Evan Letta. Maci met him back in book one while she was in trouble. Evan is a Super who trained to join the Hero Brigade for some time, but then decided to work in the Research lab instead. Despite being Felix’s apprentice, Evan is 100% on the side of the good guys. He felt really guilty about failing to see Felix’s betrayal coming. Maci and Evan wound up falling for each other and are now a couple.
I thought Empire Rising was a thrilling end to this superhero trilogy. Maci and Nova are great protagonists. It was engrossing to see them discover new facets to their powers. Maci’s sheer determination to save her brother (and refusing to believe him dead) was one of her best attributes. She really has a Supergirl-esque level of hope. The villain, Felix, posed such a big threat this time around. He wasn’t awesome, but at least he doesn’t fall flat. Another thing I liked about this trilogy is the romance between Maci and Evan. It takes a backseat to the main story, though that wasn’t a detriment. As superhero fiction goes, the City of Legends series leaves little to be desired. You can’t go wrong with this one.
Nova starts the book as a newly-minted member of the Hero Brigade. This means she can go on official missions and have her own Codex (a bracelet gadget only Heroes get that's kind of a glorified smartphone). Nova has a supersuit now as well. It's identical to Maci's but with reversed colors: white instead of black. I thought this was fitting, and not only because they’re twins. Black suits Maci because, whether she had the potential to turn villain or not, she still has a short temper and a fierce protective instinct for her loved ones. Nova’s white suit is likely a sign her loyalties have completely shifted to the Hero Brigade, as she was raised by villains.
In the first book, Maci’s Super friends threw her a surprise party to celebrate her passing of the Hero test. This is said to be a long-standing tradition. It’s held at one of the islands in Hawaii. Now, it’s Nova’s turn in the spotlight. Maci has her whisked off to the island for a big party. They pass a great time, until it’s interrupted by a Mayday…the highest-urgency type of mission a Hero can get. When Maci and Nova answer the call, they are stunned by what they find. Not only has a depowered villain gained power again; he inexplicably incapacitated the Heroes who arrived to deal with him. Fortunately, Maci and Nova are able to subdue the villain and bring him in.
Of course, villains with their powers restored is a dangerous thing. Add to that their new Hero-stopping trick, and it becomes critical. Fortunately, the Heroes have someone on their side who could help them counter these issues. He’s returning character Evan Letta. Maci met him back in book one while she was in trouble. Evan is a Super who trained to join the Hero Brigade for some time, but then decided to work in the Research lab instead. Despite being Felix’s apprentice, Evan is 100% on the side of the good guys. He felt really guilty about failing to see Felix’s betrayal coming. Maci and Evan wound up falling for each other and are now a couple.
I thought Empire Rising was a thrilling end to this superhero trilogy. Maci and Nova are great protagonists. It was engrossing to see them discover new facets to their powers. Maci’s sheer determination to save her brother (and refusing to believe him dead) was one of her best attributes. She really has a Supergirl-esque level of hope. The villain, Felix, posed such a big threat this time around. He wasn’t awesome, but at least he doesn’t fall flat. Another thing I liked about this trilogy is the romance between Maci and Evan. It takes a backseat to the main story, though that wasn’t a detriment. As superhero fiction goes, the City of Legends series leaves little to be desired. You can’t go wrong with this one.
My rating: ★★★★
4 stars - Definitely enjoyed it!
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