The Love Interest

This fantastic book is a fun, exciting take on the superhero genre, perfect for a YA audience and older secondary school students. The Love Interest offers action from the start with the main characters Jenna and brand new superhero Blaze meeting as a result of a potentially deadly fire. Jenna, though grateful, is reluctant to follow the usual path of all superhero rescues and fall in love with Blaze, whose hero reputation as the new saviour of the people is now at risk.

The story is layered with romantic 'will they, won't they', adventure, humour, and mystery and set in a speculative future where heroes battle villains, the world is controlled by the Heroics and Power Authority, and catastrophic environmental danger is imminent because of the accelerated evolution of the planet.

Helen Comerford's book is an epic page-turner, with well-developed, relatable characters and thought-provoking content. It will be popular with teenagers and young adults and will be a super addition to the school library for fans of our Marvel Universe graphic novels. May I suggest putting a copy of the HPA poster, which can be found at the start of the book, on display to tempt readers to borrow this brilliant book? I found it difficult to put down. And it has a gorgeous cover!

Highly recommended. NB Although the spelling of the swear words have been changed, there are a few slurs used in this book, hence my age recommendation.

416 pages / Reviewed by Ruth Cornish, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+

Helen Comerford's debut novel The Love Interest is set in 2024 and provides us with a unique take on the superhero genre. I found myself hooked from the very first page. The dystopian world where some people have superpowers and there are some mutant EV creatures is very well crafted to give a realistic feel. There is enough action to move the plot along at a fast pace and it is full of twists and turns!

I loved the main character, Jenna Ray, a strong, likeable female lead character who suffers with anxiety in the form of panic attacks. It is refreshing to see this portrayed as part of her character and yet not get in the way of her becoming more than just a love interest. She is extremely capable and a force to be reckoned with. Blaze (he almost named himself Ember) is a bit unsure of himself but nevertheless leaps into action to save the day when called to.

When he saves Jenna, it is expected that he will make his first rescued damsel in distress his love interest but Jenna isn't sure she wants to fit into that role. Nevertheless, there are some really tender moments.

The reader is never quite sure who the Heroes and the Villains are in this story as it keeps you guessing till the end. The Love Interest is a fun read, packed with lots of humour, action and romance. A perfect choice for those who enjoy Marvel movies, romance and action/adventure. I'm hoping that there will be a sequel!

416 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+