Renegades is a fun and enjoyable superhero story!

It was the first novel I read (but not the first I consumed) about superheroes as it is not a theme that instantly attracts me. I had it under the radar since it came out and finally picked it up as part of the Book in a Jar Bookclub hosted by G (Book Roast).

I have no strong feelings, positive or negative, towards the story or the characters, and that is my main issue with this book: How mild it feels for me.

I liked the cast of morally grey characters where Heroes (Renegades) versus Villains (Anarchists) is not a synonym of good versus evil - as in the real world good and bad is more often than not a matter of perspective and things are rarely black and white. As the story progresses the main characters question their own views and purpose with the conflict of loyalty versus what they believe to be morally right growing as events and actions from the past and present are revealed.

A big plus was how the cast was naturally diverse: two of the main superheroes are male in a long committed relationship and with adoptive children; there are different skin colours and body types; a side character with a chronic disease and references to instances of trauma and what could be PTSD.

The romance didn't bother me at all. There was an almost instant attraction and the more romantic feelings developed as Nova and Adrian got to know each other. It was interesting to see how Adrian acted on his feelings more and more and how Nova drew back each time she caught those feelings in herself. I liked how the romance didn't overpower their individuality nor the events.

I appreciated the contrast of the relationships Nova develops with the Renegades on her team (teens her own age) and the relationships she has with the Anarchists. I think it shows how much kids really do need to have people in their lives with whom they can relate, be close with, have equal relationships and be more themselves.

As for the plot, it was pretty much what I anticipated. There were a couple of reveals that I found more unexpected but not amazed and none of them was the plot twist at the end. I also didn't really care for how and why a specific character became the main antagonist, it felt too convenient and surface level, going against the duality that I got from the rest of the characters and plot.

The truth is, I felt a lack of tension during the entire narrative. For instance, I had to pause my reading during the last fight scene but felt no rush to go back and finish it. Yet, I cannot pinpoint why! I do know that it all comes down to the writing, the problem is that I don't know what was lacking for me.

I am going to read the sequel because of that couple of reveals that I found more unexpected (that I think can bring interesting moral and ethical conversations), crossing my fingers and hoping that the second book has even more discussion on power wielding, politics and how freedom is such a vast and complex issue.

As I said before, my response to the book was quite mild - this is why I am giving it 3*. Do recommend if you like superheroes and moral ambiguity, keeping in mind that the main characters are teenagers and that they are growing into themselves throughout the story. Will pick up the sequel for the potential that it has to raise interesting questions!