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theuncannydani's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Xenophobia, Abandonment, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Child abuse, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Torture, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Body horror, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Medical content, Gore, and Stalking
Minor: Blood
capesandcovers's review
4.0
I was surprised how much I liked First Team, especially since I had requested it on NetGalley because of my younger sibling who loves Anole. Despite having little knowledge of Anole, Cipher, Graymalkin and Rockslide, I ended up really liking all of their characters and am considering trying to read them in comics at some point.
The story is written in third person and switches perspectives across most of the characters in the story, both the teens on the team, and the villains as well. It was action packed and a quick read, once I started I didn't want to stop. I did feel a bit distanced from the characters compared to what I usually prefer, but that tends to happen a lot in the IP novels I've read, so take that with a grain of salt. Overall, it was a fun, diverse superhero story that I'd definitely recommend for libraries and anyone who loves superheroes.
The story is written in third person and switches perspectives across most of the characters in the story, both the teens on the team, and the villains as well. It was action packed and a quick read, once I started I didn't want to stop. I did feel a bit distanced from the characters compared to what I usually prefer, but that tends to happen a lot in the IP novels I've read, so take that with a grain of salt. Overall, it was a fun, diverse superhero story that I'd definitely recommend for libraries and anyone who loves superheroes.
melgonvyn's review
3.0
First time reading a Marvel/X-Men novel and it was fun!
I enjoyed this short book very much, it really kept me engaged the whole time. Even though I have little knowledge of the X-Men universe beyond the movies, this book was able to set up the scene and the characters without making me feel like I should have read anything else to understand the situation. I've read in other reviews that there are some fun cameos and references for the real X-Men fans, but not knowing about them didn't make me feel lost at any point in this story.
The protagonist Vic was an interesting mutant, and his description reminded me of my favorite X-Men character: Nightcrawler; with different powers obviously. Him and his friends were an entertaining group of young mutants. Finally, it was also great to see LGBTQ+ representation in the X-Men Universe and in a Young Adult novel.
Between the characters, the plot and the writing style, this was a very enjoable book to read, and would recommend to X-Men fans of all levels, Marvel or other superheroes enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun quick read about teenagers with super-powers.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this short book very much, it really kept me engaged the whole time. Even though I have little knowledge of the X-Men universe beyond the movies, this book was able to set up the scene and the characters without making me feel like I should have read anything else to understand the situation. I've read in other reviews that there are some fun cameos and references for the real X-Men fans, but not knowing about them didn't make me feel lost at any point in this story.
The protagonist Vic was an interesting mutant, and his description reminded me of my favorite X-Men character: Nightcrawler; with different powers obviously. Him and his friends were an entertaining group of young mutants. Finally, it was also great to see LGBTQ+ representation in the X-Men Universe and in a Young Adult novel.
Between the characters, the plot and the writing style, this was a very enjoable book to read, and would recommend to X-Men fans of all levels, Marvel or other superheroes enthusiasts or anyone looking for a fun quick read about teenagers with super-powers.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.
gabriele_queerbookdom's review
3.0
DRC provided by Aconyte Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: gay protagonist. Black deuteragonist, gay deuteragonist, Latine deuteragonist.
Content Warning: violence, homophobia, vivisepulture, death, fanaticism.
First Team: A Marvel: Xavier’s Institute Novel by Robbie MacNiven is an adventure-packed, superhero novel, starring three spectacular and gifted young heroes.
Victor Borowski, also known as Anole, is one of students at the Xavier’s Institute, where they are trained physically and mentally to become the next generation of X-Men. His life is disrupted when his hometown is attacked by a small horde of anti-mutant fanatics called the Purifiers. Unbeknownst to him, though, the cultists are only puppets in the hands of evil secret puppeteer.
I have to say I expected something more from the novel. I was really excited to read about Anole and Graymalkin and Cipher, characters who are usually found in the background in the comics, but I found the novel lacking both in substance and in the writing, which was sometime repetitive.
Nonetheless, it was not what one would call a train-wreck. The trio of young mutants are exceptionally loveable and every scene between Graymalkin and Anole moved me to tears. The ending did as well, even though I frankly expected as much. Moreover, the novel maintains the same level of action one would expect from a comic, which is definitely a positive.
In conclusion, I wish it had been more, but I still enjoyed it.
Representation: gay protagonist. Black deuteragonist, gay deuteragonist, Latine deuteragonist.
Content Warning: violence, homophobia, vivisepulture, death, fanaticism.
First Team: A Marvel: Xavier’s Institute Novel by Robbie MacNiven is an adventure-packed, superhero novel, starring three spectacular and gifted young heroes.
Victor Borowski, also known as Anole, is one of students at the Xavier’s Institute, where they are trained physically and mentally to become the next generation of X-Men. His life is disrupted when his hometown is attacked by a small horde of anti-mutant fanatics called the Purifiers. Unbeknownst to him, though, the cultists are only puppets in the hands of evil secret puppeteer.
I have to say I expected something more from the novel. I was really excited to read about Anole and Graymalkin and Cipher, characters who are usually found in the background in the comics, but I found the novel lacking both in substance and in the writing, which was sometime repetitive.
Nonetheless, it was not what one would call a train-wreck. The trio of young mutants are exceptionally loveable and every scene between Graymalkin and Anole moved me to tears. The ending did as well, even though I frankly expected as much. Moreover, the novel maintains the same level of action one would expect from a comic, which is definitely a positive.
In conclusion, I wish it had been more, but I still enjoyed it.
amblejambles's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
trackofwords's review
4.0
Compared with many of his peers at the Xavier Institute, Anole – otherwise known as Victor Borkowski – knows that he’s had a remarkably comfortable life for a mutant. When his parents are threatened by the anti-mutant extremist group known as the Purifiers, however, he gets first-hand experience of the hatred that many mutants suffer under, and finds himself relying upon his found family at the Institute – particularly close friends Cipher and Greymalkin – for support in his mission to track down and stop the Purifiers.
Much like the first book in the Xavier’s Institute series, this is a tale of young mutants coming of age and recognising the family that they’ve built around themselves. The focus is primarily on a character in Vic who’s comfortable in his own skin – as comfortable being a mutant as he is with being gay – but who has to learn to rely on others for support when he simply can’t achieve everything he needs to on his own.
There’s a real sense of contrast between Vic’s home life in calm, happy Fairbury and the appalling reality of life for mutants in America, in particular the horrifying behaviour of the Purifiers and the helplessness of watching as they’re left to act virtually unopposed. It all makes for a story that’s dark and emotional in places, but hopeful too and ultimately a lot of fun. Readers of any age are likely to find lots to enjoy hereregardless of how much prior knowledge they have of this setting – if you think the X-Men are cool (which they obviously are) then definitely check this out.
Read my full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/03/08/first-team-robbie-macniven/
Much like the first book in the Xavier’s Institute series, this is a tale of young mutants coming of age and recognising the family that they’ve built around themselves. The focus is primarily on a character in Vic who’s comfortable in his own skin – as comfortable being a mutant as he is with being gay – but who has to learn to rely on others for support when he simply can’t achieve everything he needs to on his own.
There’s a real sense of contrast between Vic’s home life in calm, happy Fairbury and the appalling reality of life for mutants in America, in particular the horrifying behaviour of the Purifiers and the helplessness of watching as they’re left to act virtually unopposed. It all makes for a story that’s dark and emotional in places, but hopeful too and ultimately a lot of fun. Readers of any age are likely to find lots to enjoy hereregardless of how much prior knowledge they have of this setting – if you think the X-Men are cool (which they obviously are) then definitely check this out.
Read my full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2021/03/08/first-team-robbie-macniven/
briarsreviews's review
4.0
First Team by Robbie MacNiven is an excellent X-Men, high fantasy read.
If you're seeking a fun, fantasy read that brings Marvel characters to life then this book is for you! It's a long read but it is mighty worth it!
I wasn't aware of most of these Marvel characters, but I am sure many comic book fans will be aware of them. Even if you don't know them, Robbie MacNiven gives you enough background and history to help you. You don't need to worry about going into this book blind! The character development and prose of this book is where it really shines. I was honestly amazed at how brilliant the writing was! Add in the incredible word choice and it felt like a book that went above and beyond what I expected of it. I'm truly impressed.
Also: LGBTQ+ Representation! Woo!
Reader beware: I picked up this book because it was marketed to me as a Comic Book/Graphic Novel - it is not. It's a full chapter book. All of my research couldn't find any concrete proof that it was or wasn't a comic book - it's not. Full book!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
If you're seeking a fun, fantasy read that brings Marvel characters to life then this book is for you! It's a long read but it is mighty worth it!
I wasn't aware of most of these Marvel characters, but I am sure many comic book fans will be aware of them. Even if you don't know them, Robbie MacNiven gives you enough background and history to help you. You don't need to worry about going into this book blind! The character development and prose of this book is where it really shines. I was honestly amazed at how brilliant the writing was! Add in the incredible word choice and it felt like a book that went above and beyond what I expected of it. I'm truly impressed.
Also: LGBTQ+ Representation! Woo!
Reader beware: I picked up this book because it was marketed to me as a Comic Book/Graphic Novel - it is not. It's a full chapter book. All of my research couldn't find any concrete proof that it was or wasn't a comic book - it's not. Full book!
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aconyte Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
piratehunterd's review
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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