Superman: Dawnbreaker

Let’s Read #5

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Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña–Chapters 17-31. I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.

This last section was hard to put down. The action picked up as did the suspense. At the end of each chapter, I wanted to read more.

In this section, Clark finally asks his parents about what’s in the old barn (like any fan of Superman didn’t know). But, we do get a nice look at Clark’s reaction; we get about two or three chapters dealing with how he feels about his origins. He does think about it for the rest of the novel, but it was during these few chapters that it is really spotlighted.

We also get to see Clark’s reaction to his suit and find out how Martha was able to make it.

But, the most important part is we finally find out who’s been taking the townspeople and what they want with them. We also learn why Wesco is so interested in the craters–green meteor rocks of course, but we learn why they care about them so much.

We find out if Bryan is a friend or foe and discover the real reason Lex was in Smallville.

Finally, we see Clark get his Superman name.

These last chapters were a whirlwind of action and emotion as everything finally fell into place. I enjoyed this new telling of Clark’s youth and origin. I felt like it didn’t drastically change things, just added or filled in some holes. I felt like this story could be standalone or have pieces that carry over into other stories.

Even though I could guess at most of what was going to happen–there wasn’t really a shocking plot twist–I still found the book enjoyable and reminded me why I like the Superman stories so much. I enjoyed the investigation bits. I enjoyed the action. I enjoyed the descriptions of Clark using his powers and how it felt to him–something that you don’t hear or see much of. I would recommend this book to any Superman fan or fan of any superhero. 4.8/5

What are your thoughts on the ending? What did you think would happen once Bryan learned about Clark’s powers? Was this a good Superman story or should it be forgotten?

Until the next wormhole…thanks for reading.

 

Let’s Read #4

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Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña–Chapters 8-16. I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.

In these chapters the suspense and action really take over.

When Lana and Clark sneak onto some property, they get chased. It was interesting reading this part because I knew Clark wouldn’t get hurt, but I still felt the fear and worry. It shows how good of a writer Peña is.

Peña also does a great job of making you feel Clark’s panic attacks. During these chapters, he discovers new powers or discovers how strong they are. Each time he panics, you get a picture of how he feels different and isolated from everyone.

Finally, I could feel the increase in tension as the date of the voting nears. There are more protests and more violence. You really get this feeling of a semi-calm before a storm. It feels like it won’t be long before there is mass chaos.

So, what do you think? How do you think Clark will stop the violence? Will the people vote for or against the stop-and-search law that is targeting minorities? How do you think the vote outcome with affect Clark’s viewpoint of his hometown? How will this affect his journey on becoming Superman? Tell me your theories in the comments.

Until the next wormhole…thanks for reading.

Let’s Read #3

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Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña–Chapters 8-12. I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.

I’ve really been enjoying how Peña balances the action with slower moments. For instance, there is the part where Clark stops some thieves then he has a brief emotional moment with his father then he’s relaxing at a party with friends. There are very few, if any, boring moments. The moments that would normally be boring are also interesting because you see more of the mystery or more of Clark’s character.

Speaking of mystery, I enjoy how the investigation part of the mystery feels like a real investigation story. For a moment, it seemed almost like I had stopped reading a fantasy/superhero story and started reading a mystery/crime novel.

I did have to sigh and roll my eyes when Clark’s super-hearing gave out just as someone was going to say something important. But, I did like how it showed that he didn’t have full control over his powers and that they could give out on him–it added some suspense.

It was also nice to see the plot of the missing people start to take the spotlight. So far, it has just been hinted at or treated as a B Plot. I like how there seems to be a connection between someone buying up farmland and the missing persons, but it still makes you wonder if they really aren’t connected–maybe there are two villains in town.

So, what do you think? Why do you think people are missing? Why does it seem to be only immigrants? Is it all connected to Clark and that he’s an alien or is that just to throw us off and the real reason is a twist? My working theory is that someone knows an alien landed in Smallville so they are rounding up any strangers to try and find the alien. Tell me your theories in the comments.

Until the next wormhole…thanks for reading.

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Let’s Read #2

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Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña–Chapters 5-7. I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.

Not much to say about these chapters that wouldn’t be a lot of spoilers, but I did enjoy the Smallville TV show reference where a certain billionaire almost runs Clark over with his car.

I do enjoy how hints of the plot are sprinkled throughout. You don’t feel like you’re being hit over the head. You get little clues like how Lana, the girl who knows just about everything that happens in Smallville, doesn’t know about the missing persons. That tells you that whoever is behind it has some power/money.

Also when Clark meets up with Gloria, the one who told him about the missing people, she acts as if she doesn’t remember telling him. There isn’t a moment where he straight up asks her and she says, “What are you talking about?” but she does seem confused or she wants to change the subject. Did someone get to her? Threaten her? Pay her off? Does the villain have some kind of mind-erasing power or serum?

About the only problem I have with the book, at this point, is that it is kind of slow moving. It seems like it is taking a long time for Clark to get moving. He seems concerned about the missing persons but also doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it. At times it is almost like he goes, “Oh yeah! That’s right! There are people disappearing. I should look into that.”

I think it is great that the main villain might not be a Luthor. I just hope that Bryan doesn’t pull a Lex and turn out to be the bad guy. They’ve always done it where Lex and Clark were friends and then Lex turns evil; I hope they don’t do the same with Bryan, so far he seems like a good friend to Clark.

So, what do you think? Who’s behind the missing persons? What do you think is happening to the missing people? Why is Bryan’s brother so interested in the Kent Farm? Tell me your theories in the comments.

Until the next wormhole…thanks for reading.

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Let’s Read #1

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Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt de la Peña–Chapters 1-4. I’ll try to keep spoilers to a minimum.

The story starts with a everyday kind of vibe with Clark meeting up with classmates in the rain. I could feel and hear the rain thanks to the description, and I like how the story starts out with just a normal day. You don’t think anything weird is happening. Even when something eventually happens, it seems easy to dismiss.

I enjoy how the story shows the thoughts of Clark. He doesn’t want to use his powers because every time he does someone gets injured. I like the portrayal of this conflict within him. He doesn’t want to use his powers; but when there’s trouble, it describes him using his powers almost like this force that takes him over. I also like how his powers are described: almost like lightning that shoots through him or a powerful force. There’s even this point where it almost sounds like it is this force that breaks a shovel and not physical strength.

Within the first four chapters you can see Clark’s struggle with his powers and hints towards the book’s plot. The story doesn’t start off slow but doesn’t throw you right into the action. It is kind of like the beginning of a roller coaster.

What are your thoughts on the book (no spoilers please)? Let’s talk in the comments section.

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Thanks for reading!