View source for Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond


{{infobox2 
|title=Fallout (Lois Lane)
|sort=
|author=Gwenda Bond
|reviewer=Jill Murphy
|genre=Teens
|summary=New series featuring the Superman universe and focusing on a young Lois Lane. Bond sees her as an army brat, just beginning to cut her journalistic teeth. She's focused, single-minded and determined. We liked her.
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=304
|publisher=Curious Fox
|website=http://www.gwendabond.com/
|date=March 2016
|isbn=1782023682 
|aznuk=1782023682
|aznus=1630790052
|cover=1782023682 
|video=z6ZpP8HF-xo
}}

Lois Lane is an army brat with a history of, shall we say, oppositional behaviour. Or at least, that's how her army general father sees it. Lois doesn't see it at all like that. Lois just hates injustice, that's all. And if something unjust is happening, she can't let it slide. But this time, her nth time in a new town and a new school, Lois has vowed to herself that things will be different. She'll be good. She'll keep her mouth shut. She'll fly under the radar. Heck, she might even make a friend or two.

Of course, things don't quite go to plan. On her first day, Lois objects to the principal's reaction to a bullying complaint. On the plus side, this gets her noticed by newspaper editor Perry White, who gives her a part-time job on the ''Daily Scoop''. On the minus side, it ignites her crusading spirit, which, once lit, cannot be easily extinguished.

Why are the gaming group nicknamed the Warheads so intent on bullying Anavi? Why do they dress alike? Why do they all speak and move in perfect harmony? And what has a military research outfit have to do with an otherwise normal high school?

I loved this incarnation of Lois Lane. She is focused, single-minded and determined. She is attracted to the mysterious guy she only knows online but her nascent crush doesn't fill her every waking thought, which is ''such'' a relief. I really enjoyed the way she cuts straight through all the bull and goes straight for the jugular with her journalistic questions. Perry White spotted this quality in the book's very first chapter and so did I. It made me want to read on.

The mystery is reasonably mysterious but also unmysterious enough for us to understand where it's going and concentrate on getting to know the crusading Lois, which I think was a good choice for the first in a planned series. But I would hope for a bit more sophistication in subsequent instalments. I wouldn't want it to get ''too'' predictable. It's also nice and pacy, making for both a satisfying and page-turning reading experience.

All in all, ''Fallout'' is a great new entry in the ''Superman'' universe. I want to read more about the fabulous, crusading Lois, and I'll be interested to watch SmallvilleGuy gradually integrate himself into the proceedings.

Those dedicated to the Superman universe might also like to look at [[Superman: Redemption by Kurt Busiek]].  We think you'll also enjoy [[Double Down (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond]].

{{amazontext|amazon=1782023682}} 

{{amazonUStext|amazon=1630790052}}