The final volume of this trilogy starring a Black, queer youth (and largely Black, queer supporting cast) starts with Alex and best friend Loren (who is bisexual or pansexual) stranded on another planet thanks to a rip in the multiverse. The residents (who all seem to be nonbinary) are hiding from planet-destroying foes, but also enmeshed in internal disputes about how best to protect and lead their world. As if that wasn’t challenge enough, Earth is being ravaged by archvillain Ezra, who is set on dominating the whole multiverse with the aid of apocalyptic horsemen Famine and War. And Alex’s sister, parents, and maybe-still-boyfriend Liam remain on the stricken Earth.
But Alex and Loren have superpowers, and their previous adventures have taught Alex much about his own resilience, self-confidence, and learning to cope with failure as well as triumph. They haven’t given up hope yet….
This volume isn’t as much of a journey to self-awareness as the earlier ones; Alex has made much progress there already, although he’s still getting comfortable with the idea of being a superhero. Mostly, however, we see him trying to apply the lessons he’s learned about himself and about working with others, as he confronts challenge after challenge. The action comes fast and furious, and references to X-Men and the Avengers hint at where author Terry J. Benton-Walker gets some of his inspiration, but the world-building is delightfully original.
Readers are advised to start with the first book in this recommended series, but chances are, they’ll want to join Alex for all three of his adventures.
Other queer characters include nonbinary god Orin, and Alex’s former teacher Mr. Dexter, who was said in a previous volume to be bisexual.
