Hero.com/villain.net

These are the books we are currently reading. There are 2 series with 4 books in each series. We have not finished the series as our local library only had five of the 8 books. We have ordered them using the inter-library loan service and are eagerly awaiting the second of each series and trying not to be tempted to keep reading. Both of the boys (12 and 10yrs old) are really enjoying them so far.

The premise of the hero.com series is 4 children who stumble onto a website after a lightning strike affects their computer. They discover they can download limited-use superpowers and are able to help in different crisis situations. There is lots of excitement, some violence and very funny moments as they try to use their powers without having read the instructions on the website! They face disappointment and fear and learn to think about the consequences of their actions. But what really makes the boys laugh and engages them is the way the four kids work out what super-powers they have downloaded and when they mess up as they work out how to use them!

The first book in hero.com series is " Rise of the Heroes" and the first in the villain.net is Council of Evil. The series can be read on their own but they tie in nicely together and add detail to the stories. As three of us are reading them at the same time, we are talking about the story, wondering what will happen next - especially with the villain.net series and we are discussing the motivation of the characters. Debating whether changes will happen, whether the villains will discover that they know the heroes in real life. Talking about the validity of the villain storyline. "What is the point of superheroes, mum, if there are no supervillains?" Great point. And so this journey continues....