This is a very good series. I’m pleased Rikki gave me review copies.

Those of you who know me recognize I do not pull my punches. These books surprised me in a good way. Though it is targeted at teenage and YA girls (I think), this ol’ curmudgeon enjoyed the series a lot also. The main characters begin as teenagers and grow to adulthood throughout the three books. They go through many trials simply because they are so young and immature. Through much of the beginning of Karis, I simply wanted to smack one character or another ’long side the head. But those tribulations are part and parcel of those years in all of our development into adults (assuming we ever arrive at that level of maturity).

I came to know the characters well and enter into an empathetic relationship with them. This is superhero stuff, comic books, and all the rest of the silliness. But it’s not a silly story. The tale has worth because of the spiritual content. The characters grow in meaningful ways. There are plenty of twists.

The cover designs need some work, I think

I’d be surprised if they were very attractive to their target audience. They are professionally produced, and very functional, but the excitement, danger, and joy of life which pervades the story is not shown in the covers.

Karis, the 15 year old becomes an orphan

Shockingly orphaned at 15, here’s the blurb:

Tamara finally got what she’d always wanted, all it took was the complete disintegration of her life. Putting her life back together would take her places she never thought possible. 

After witnessing the brutal murder of her family, 15-year-old Kingston native Tamara Weatherby is adopted by her father’s long-time friend, multibillionaire Paul Waterford–who just happens to moonlight as Krino, Kingston’s vigilante hero. Tamara quickly earns a role at Krino’s side, but she soon learns that her new occupational hazards are the least of her challenges; she must deal with now-envious friends, constant media attention, and the persistence of the man who took her family away. Over the years, Tamara meets and befriends all kinds of colorful superheroes and battles those who use their intellect or abilities–or their social standing–to harm others. 

Through her weaknesses and struggles, Tamara finds strength, courage, and confidence that she never knew she had. But can she find the will to forgive her family’s killer? 

**Content advisement: Though this is a book with strong, Christian values, there is, in an effort to keep characters authentic, some mild cussing. (Light PG-13).**

So this is a Christian Batman with Robin and Batgirl? No. First of all it’s not camp or comedic, though it is quite funny in places. This is a tale told as if it were real. About the content advisement: Personally, I wouldn’t call them strong, Christian values—but Tamera is a believer and it rubs off—eventually. For a Bible-thumping charismatic, like myself, the Christianity is quite tame. There’s no spiritual warfare, for example. However, the lives lived by Tamera and the rest are real. That’s what matters. The people who are believers take it seriously, and that’s a rare joy these days. I guess I’m too old and jaded. I can’t remember any of the cussin’ but maybe that simply shows how well the reality of the book shows through.

Flash, Tamera goes to college

As she grows up and goes away to school, here again is the blurb:

“Tamara is all grown up and moved out. Her archenemy has truly rehabilitated and they now enjoy a cordial relationship. With Kristin filling Karis’ boots in Kingston, Tamara enjoyed an uneventful first semester of college. But moving to St. Lawrence comes with a new identity and a new cast of villains to upset her semi-normal life: Adish, a mutant who can control fire; Apoctopus, a radioactive octopus; and David Fox, a man looking for revenge.

While her life as a superhero goes smoothly, Tamara’s personal life spins into turmoil. Her reputation is in constant danger and, for the first time since she witnessed her family murdered, she finds herself facing problems she cannot fight her way out of. The biggest wrench in her far-from-normal life, however, comes from her very best friend.”

This story is a lot more complex. As Tamera grows up, so do her problems. This book is a bit more far-fetched, but it’s still a great ride.

Erimentha, smacked down, Tamera’s life seems to continue to unravel

Now she’s married and pregnant, plus!+!+! This book is a fitting climax to a fun voyage of the mind. The blurb:

‘ “I miss it. I miss her. Putting the suit on again… Daniel, I miss Karis, so much,” I said quietly.  
 
“What gets me the most, though, what I finally just realized is that nothing is falling apart without me out there with you and the rest of the team. Was I really that disposable? Did all that hard work and all those sleepless nights really mean nothing if no one notices that I’m even gone? Why hasn’t the NCFA begged me to suit back up and save the world? I’m supposed to be indispensable. I put in so much time, and effort, and blood, sweat, and tears. I should be indispensable. Why am I not” ‘

I want to be very careful not to spoil anything. I couldn’t put it down. The characters I’ve come to know so well move to a strong conclusion.