If You Love the TV Series Heroes, Try...
With the writer's strike, it might be awhile before you get to watch a new episode of Heroes. In the meantime, feed your addiction by checking out one or more of these books.
The most obvious choice is the graphic novel based on the TV series. Heroes. Volume 1 is on order, but you can place a hold on it already. I hear it's fantastic!
So This Is How It Ends by Tui Sutherland
If you are intrigued by Peter (and other heroes) attempts to save the world from an apocalyptic future, try this one. In New York, Kali wakes to an empty subway car, and an even emptier city. Venus and Gus survive an earthquake in Los Angeles and realize they have to deal with more than just the aftershocks. In Chile, Tigre finds himself in an unfamiliar jungle, and strangely not alone. And Amon, in Egypt, can see his path but is blind to the full picture. These five teens are suddenly trapped in a seemingly deserted world. Why have they survived? What force—or intelligence—connects them? Drawn inexorably toward one another, they only know their future involves an experience outside anything they could have imagined and they will learn that they have the power to complete the destruction of Earth or to save it.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
If you are hooked on the quests such as “save the cheerleader, save the world” or Hiro’s quest to re-establish the legendary acts of Kensei, try this one. Twelve-year-old Percy has always been considered a troubled boy, hopping from school to school. When his life is in danger, though, he is told the secret of heritage: he’s a demigod who seems to attract mythical monsters. He’s quickly shipped off to Camp Half-Blood Hill to learn more about the Greek gods and begin a quest to prevent war between the immortals. This is a wild, action-filled, tale full of humor.
Fade by Robert Cormier
Try this book if you are intrigued by the darker aspects of the series and the internal struggle of good vs. evil within individuals such as Niki and Sylar. This book is told by alternating narrators who describe three teen boys in three different decades who discover their family’s extraordinary power of invisibility. Their ability enables them to consider criminal acts of violence as well as peeping tom opportunities which will warp their personalities and change the lives of the people around them. This is a dark, seductive, gripping tale that will haunt you.
The Eyes of Kid Midas by Neal Shusterman
If Peter is the character you like the most and you are attracted to the struggle of good vs. evil but would like a lighter, much more comic read, try Shusterman’s book. He tells the story of one boy's struggle to control his thirst for revenge against a class bully as well as his desire for everything else. Atop the Divine Watch lies the key to the most awesome power imaginable--a pair of sunglasses that grant their wearer access to their every dream. But before Kevin Midas realizes it, his wishes are tearing his world apart.
Hero by Perry Moore
If Claire’s struggle to please her father, live under the radar, and still find a way to explore her abilities is the most compelling part of the series for you, then perhaps you’ll enjoy Hero. Thom Creed is used to being alone. Even though he's a high school basketball star, he still isn't accepted because of his father, Hal. Hal Creed was one of the greatest and most beloved superheroes of The League until the disastrous Wilson Towers incident. After that, Thom's mother disappeared and his proud father became an outcast. The last thing in the world Thom would ever want is to disappoint his father, so Thom keeps two secrets from him. The first secret is that he's gay. The second is that he has a superpower--the power to heal others. Initially, Thom has trouble controlling his powers without making himself ill. But with trial and error, he improves and is asked to join the League. Even though he knows it will upset his dad, Thom can't resist.
Hidden Talents by David Lubar
If you enjoy watching the characters discover and test their abilities, check out Lubar’s novel. Six kids shipped off to an alternative boarding school discover their misunderstood psychic talents are the cause of past and current problems. The six bond over their discovery and attempt to help each other control their abilities while keeping their abilities a secret.
If you have a suggestion for another Heroes-like book or you want to comment on my choices, post a comment!
