Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens stand up to supervillains in action-packed sci-fi.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is a highly entertaining read, combining superhero elements with a darker twist while maintaining a level of cleanliness in content, which makes it suitable for younger readers. Readers are particularly impressed by the engaging characters, witty dialogue, and thrilling, action-packed storyline, with many anticipating sequels due to the stunning plot twists and satisfying conclusions.
- clean content
- entertaining read
- engaging characters
- action-packed storyline
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When 8-year-old David Charleston witnesses his father's death at the hands of the supreme supervillain known as Steelheart, the boy vows to get his revenge. A decade later, he sees his chance to join the \"Reckoners,\" fellow humans working to depose Steelheart and the other superpowered \"Epics\" who rule over Newcago. At first, the Reckoners aren't inclined to take him seriously, but David soon wins them over with his eye for strategy and his encyclopedic knowledge of the Epics' habits and vulnerabilities. But will that be enough to bring about the downfall of Steelheart and his minions?
Is It Any Good?
STEELHEART upends the usual superpowers setup, presenting a world in which the bad guys have already won and there seem to be no heroes willing to stand up to them. David and his fellow Reckoners devise elaborate plans to depose Steelheart and his minions; the action scenes are vivid and full of tantalizing twists. Author Brandon Sanderson's fantasy scenario has great potential: Although this book reaches a satisfying resolution, it's clear readers will have plenty more wrinkles to explore in forthcoming volumes. Fans of X-Men and Batman will rejoice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why superheroes have been popular for so long. What is it about them that captures the imagination of readers, moviegoers, and gamers?
How do you define heroism? What are the characteristics of a hero?
What are the differences between justice and revenge? Does Steelheart make you think differently about this?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Superheroes , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Delacorte Press
- Publication date : September 24, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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