Let The Games Begin! picks up right after Gracie Dix’s Welcome to Superhero School and throws us straight into the lives of a group of teens who are trying to navigate the awkward balance of being both teenagers and superheroes. Their old school is gone, and now they are forced to attend a “normal” high school, hiding their powers while still facing dangers, bullies, and the ever-present shadow of VORK. It’s a story about friendship, secrets, and resilience, wrapped in a mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments.

I loved how much energy pulses through the writing. The dialogue feels natural, and the banter between characters often made me smile. Some scenes, like Nick’s struggles with PTSD triggered by a history class video, hit harder than I expected. Those moments reminded me that beneath the flashy powers, these kids carry real pain and complicated histories. The story rushed from fight to fight. The momentum kept me turning pages, eager to see what the group would stumble into next.

I also loved how the friendships felt genuine. The teasing, the loyalty, and the occasional tension reminded me of my own messy and chaotic friendships when I was younger. A few lines of dialogue leaned cheesy, but honestly, that gave the book its charm. The heart of the story, the kids sticking together, was a wonderful heartbeat that consistently beat throughout the novel. Dix crafts the kind of book that makes you remember how important it felt to belong to a group, especially when the world seemed confusing or hostile.

Let the Games Begin! is perfect for readers who love fast-paced adventure, quirky humor, and found-family dynamics. It’s a book I’d hand to middle schoolers who want something fun but also real enough to stir up emotions. And for anyone who ever felt like an outsider trying to hide a part of themselves, this story hits home in a surprisingly tender way.

Pages: 508 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F4Y6ZCBY