So here’s my issue with superhero movies….

Don’t read this review if you plan to read Because You’ll Never Meet Me. And then don’t bother to read this book. You should still read Because You’ll Never Meet Me — it’s a good book and better to read spoiler-free. But I’d stop right there, because I found the follow up really disappointing.

“Together we pass for human, Oliver Paulot. Veins pulsing with lightning.”

So we pick up with Moritz and Ollie pretty much right where the last book left off. They’ve discovered the truth about themselves, and that other kids like them exist. They also know that Mortiz’s mother was responsible for the experiment. Now that Ollie’s mother has passed away, he’s decided to go in a special suit with Dr. Auburn-Stache to travel the country, looking for other kids like himself. Meanwhile, they continue to communicate by letters.

This book is just so depressing. I hate depressing superhero movies, and this felt exactly the same. These kids just discover terrible secret after terrible secret as they learn more about their origins. On top of that, Moritz transfers to a new school and experiences all sorts of terrible things, including a freaking sexual assault. Ollie has found a way to sort of control his allergy and his powers, but finds out new consequences as well. The only bright light is one other kid like them, and then something really terrible happens to him.

If you like superhero movies where the heroes mope around and suffer because of their powers, you might still enjoy this. If you prefer your superheros to maybe be a little fucked up but still have a sense of humor — go watch Deadpool instead.