AUTHOR: Marie Lu
DATE RELEASED: January 2, 2018 PUBLISHED BY: Random House Books for Young Readers ​SERIES: Standalone but it is part of the DC ICONS series
Of all the superheroes that DC have ever created, Bruce Wayne a.k.a Batman (he is also called the Dark Knight and Cape Crusader) is always my favorite. I have watched the 90s version of BATMAN THE ANIMATED series and the 70s live-action series which stars Adam West as Bruce Wayne/Batman. I have also watched all of Batman movies and my all-time favorite will be The Dark Knight trilogy which starred Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman; and directed by Christopher Nolan. Many did not like that version, but I super like it (well, except for Bale's Batman voice. I just wish he made or probably asked Lucius Fox to make him a voice-changer device that can be place near his mouth or throat)! So basically, my knowledge with the Cape Crusader came from these with a little comic background. To be honest, I'm not patient with comicbook series since there are a lot of "universe/multiverse" that alter some story sequences. Some even came close with the old (original) version, tweaking a few scenes here and there. But it did not effect much on my love of Batman.
So I was thrilled when I found out that there will be a four-book series called DC ICONS that will be release by four (4) awesome YA authors. Though this is a series, these books are standalone - meaning they are not continuation. The first book from the DC Icons is Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo.
This is my first time to read a book written by Marie Lu. Some of her works are The Young Elites series and Legends series. I hope that Ms. Lu will forgive me for not yet reading some of her works.
Anyway, I was anticipating this book because it features an eighteen-year-old Bruce Wayne who just had access to his trust fund, set by his dead parents. So yes people, he is a teen sole billionaire. So before I proceed further, I just want you all to know that I'll try my very best to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Okay in this book, Ms. Lu take us into the young life of Bruce Wayne - from being a rich teen to a struggling orphan. I like how she tackled his PTSD by breaking the law (well, this is not a spoiler since it is written in the book's synopsis) just to get answers. It makes you feel how sad, lonely, and angry Bruce is - all thanks to Ms. Lu's well-written narrative. Note that we are talking about the teenage Bruce - who is prone to make mistakes, and act reckless. Now, of course there is his faithful butler and (legal guardian) Alfred Pennyworth; and Ms. Lu made us witnessed how strong their bond is - we call could see that Bruce looks up to Alfred not just his trusted assistant but also for support, knowledge, and a father-figured. How Bruce became more grounded? Because of his two best friends, Dianne and Harvey. When Bruce is struggling with his PTSD, his friends are always there to comfort him - setting aside their own problems just to be with Bruce. Ms. Lu gave us a glimpse of a brief background of these two: Harvey and his family issues; and Dianne being a smart, loyal best friend of the boys (ok, though I do want to talk about this because oh wow! I mean I want to discuss about her appearance in the book but I just promise that NO SPOILER so, if ever you have read this - let's discuss!). Now for the villain, Madeleine Wallace. Hands down to Ms. Lu for making her the best teen antagonist, although I admit that I won't imagine kids being that brutal. But then again, have you seen the news lately? This book had ready put me on the edge of my sit. I had lot os emotions going on: being annoyed at Madeleine down to wanting to strangled Bruce just to make him realized his mistake(s). Ms. Lu's writing just blew me away; I felt like I was watching a Batman episode (probably 3-part episodes or so). Now, I want to read some of her works. Great job on this, Ms. Lu!
RATING: 5/5 stars
If you haven't read this, then what are you waiting for?!?
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Meet DesA bookworm who loves dark chocolates, skincare, Japanese anime and tea but have an affair with coffee. Want to know me more? Click here. Reader's BadgeCategories
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