Sensation By Kevin Hardman - A Review

As an author, it's vital that I do my Continued professional Development.  That means learning my craft, but also reading bestselling books in the same categories that I want to write in.

To that end I've just finished

Sensation: A Superhero Novel

by Kevin Hardman

Its a very good story about a teenage superhero getting to grips with his powers, adolescence and a super villain team all at the same time. 

Here's what I liked about Sensation

The code names of the superheroes and villains are actually cool.  So often I read a hero's name and I cringe.  They're called "Magic Maid  when "Madrigal" or "Fascination" would have been much better.

The way his superpowers are explained using believable and sensible explanations.  I love that "super realism" feel when you nod your head and think "that makes sense."  Like his clothes getting worn out every time he uses super speed.  Just like Batman wearing a bright yellow bat emblem on his chest where his armour is thickest, so he doesn't get shot in the mouth and die in the first chapter.  Makes sense now, right?

Have always liked the superhero school idea - Alpha Flight had Beta and Gamma Flight, The JLA had The Teen Titans [sort of], The Legion Of Superheroes had the Legion Academy.  In fact, the whole book reminded me of the good old days of The Legion Of Superheroes.  Sensation has a happy band of student heroes who are learning from more experienced mentors.

The climactic final battle.  People get injured.  There are casualties.  It feels like it matters.  If you're rooting for the hero then the writer's done a good job of making you give a damn.

Here's what I think could have been better.

There was no real surprise or "Wow I never saw that coming" twist.  If I'd been genuinely lulled into a sense of knowing how it would all turn out, and then having my head spun, it would have added more punch.

The Kid has too many powers.  I've always felt that Ultra Boy and Superman  and Wonder man had just too many powers.  If you can fly and blast laser beams and are bulletproof and make the planet go backwards, there's got to be one heck of a challenge to beat you.  Much more interesting is the underdog, or developing multi-faceted uses for just the one power.

Overall

A thoroughly enjoyable read for a long term superhero comic fan and new author.  If I can write to this standard I'll be delighted.

You can get Sensation from Amazon at


https://www.amazon.com/Sensation-Superhero-Novel-Kevin-Hardman-ebook/dp/B00CNCCXDK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8