Review: Untouchable by S.A. Starcevic

Untouchable by S.A. Starcevic
Series: Untouchable #1
Genre: Young Adult / Superheroes
Length: 54 pages
Published on 18th June 2015 by Forever More Publishing
S.A. Starcevic: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
eCopy received for review

Synopsis:
Unlike most people, Ethan Elliot never wanted to be a superhero. Nevertheless, when his powers flare up to save his life—and the lives of innocents—he has no choice in the matter. Plunged into a world of capes, costumes and derring-do, he’ll do what it takes to succeed. Even if that means casting away his old life to become someone else. Maybe even someone better…

At 54 page Untouchable is a very short read. I actually didn't realise this when I first picked it up and read a chapter and went to sleep, the next day I was like ...why? Why did I do that?

Anyway Untouchable follows Ethan, who at the start of the book is in the wrong place at the wrong time and finds himself in the middle of a supervillain and superhero battle.

One thing leads to another and whilst he should find himself on the other side dead after trying to save a girl, he's actually doing okay. Todays the day he learns he's different. He has superpowers.

I really enjoyed the book, it was fast paced and fun. The narrative is quirky and reminds me of Barry Allen in the current TV series, it has the right voice for the protagonist.

Another thing I really liked is that Ethan is gay. I'm not sure but this may be the first, or one of only a few, book that I've read featuring a queer main character. They're like superheroes themselves, so few and special so we have to cherish them when we do find them.

Anyway I'm getting distracted here. The book follows Ethan as he adapts to his new life in a new home with other superhero teenagers. Its here we meet Greyson who quickly becomes Ethans crush and its (mostly - I'll get back to this at the end) a really sweet romance that is told between them.

The villains have really crazy powers and I would honestly be terrified if I had to face up against them myself after only knowing I had powers for such a short time but Ethan and the others face them as any superhero would!

Its so short I don't want to give away any major things that happen but just put it this way I really enjoyed it.

It did almost get 4 stars but I had two complaints about it (sorry Starcevic) so I had to remove half a star. The only issues I had with this book was that it had a negative portrayal of a long distance relationship and I'm honestly just kind of sick of reading this trope. I'm in a ldr why can't we be happpy and handle the distance? Why do we have to be portrayed as cheaters and give-r up-ers. Oh yeah so the reason I said Ethan and Greysons romance was mostly really sweet was due to the fact Ethan is already in a relationship and doesn't end it before acting on his feelings for Greyson. :(

The other thing that was a little annoying was it was the female character who became a damsel in distress. I mostly let this one go because it wasn't a huge uproar of anger I felt about this, I didn't really feel annoyed until I reflected on it, because at the end of the day, in this story it was handled well and she can kick butt.

3.5 stars / 5 stars

Other books in the series