In Amanda Meuwissen's After Vertigo, a solar flare has irrevocably altered humanity, granting many extraordinary abilities. Scientist Benjamin Krane, lacking such powers, dedicates himself to creating inventions to combat the resulting surge in super-powered crime. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Grey Miller, the charismatic and skilled thief known as the Streak. Despite their contrasting personalities – the meticulous inventor and the charming rogue – a partnership forms, born of necessity and a burgeoning attraction. This second edition of After Vertigo offers a captivating blend of science fiction, romance, and thrilling action, exploring the complexities of a world reshaped by sudden, extraordinary change.
Review After Vertigo
Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored After Vertigo! It was such a fun, breezy read that completely swept me away. I devoured it in a single sitting; it felt like a perfect escape, exactly the kind of lighthearted adventure I needed. The premise itself – a solar flare granting superpowers to half the world – is instantly engaging, and Amanda Meuwissen expertly crafts a world teeming with both fascinating heroes and delightfully villainous baddies.
What truly made After Vertigo shine, though, was the dynamic duo at its heart: Ben, the brilliant but socially awkward scientist, and Grey, the charming, quick-witted thief with a penchant for shiny objects (and Ben). Their relationship is the absolute highlight of the book. The slow burn romance is wonderfully executed, perfectly balancing witty banter, playful flirting, and genuine affection. Watching these two opposites attract was a delightful experience, especially given Ben's endearingly awkward nature and Grey's irrepressibly flirtatious personality. Their interactions are hilarious, often leaving me chuckling out loud. Their partnership isn't just about romance though; it's about mutual respect and the unexpected strength they find in each other.
Beyond the central romance, the world-building is cleverly done. The division of humanity into Supers, Enhanced, and Powerless felt natural and well-thought-out. It added another layer of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of power, responsibility, and the potential for both good and evil in extraordinary abilities. I especially appreciated the detail given to the different types of powers and how they manifested – it felt very authentic to the superhero genre, adding a nice sense of realism within the fantastical elements.
While the plot moves at a brisk pace – which suited my mood perfectly – I did find myself occasionally wondering about some of the logistical implications of the superpowers and their containment. For instance, the inconsistencies around how certain powers were neutralized felt a little glossed over. However, this is a minor quibble and certainly didn't detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. It was a fun, fast-paced read, not a dense, world-building epic.
The supporting characters were also well-developed, adding depth and warmth to the story. Ben and Grey's respective families and friends felt genuine and added to the sense of community and support within the narrative. This grounding element prevented the story from feeling too fantastical and kept it firmly rooted in relatable human emotions.
In short, After Vertigo is a fantastically fun read. It's a perfect blend of superhero action, witty banter, and a heartwarming romance. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape with engaging characters and a compelling plot, then look no further. I highly recommend it, and I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book in this universe!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 0.74 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 293
- Publication date: 2025
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