Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl

This book started out a little slow and didn’t really hook me until the twist at the end of Act 1. In preparation for writing this review, I looked at what a few other people had to say about it. It seems that some were disappointed that a few secondary characters took up most of the narrative. When I was reading, I have to say that this never really occurred to me, but I can see their point.

This is the first in a series of Young Adult books. Most books written for this age group, focus on teenage characters. Perhaps Stohl could have just told a story that actively revolved around the titular hero.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that this novel was written in 2015, which is prior to the character’s solo movie in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe.) If this book had been written after the movie, I am sure it would have focused on her sister and not had to take the route of introducing new teenage characters.

I was hooked at the start of Act 2 and the book kept me riveted till the end. It was nice to see Phil Coulson still involved at S.H.I.E.L.D. and we get a brief appearance from Iron Man too. Other than that though, Black Widow has to work closely with the two teenage characters. She knows that they are in danger and that she really shouldn’t be taking them into the field, but once things get moving, it’s clear that they wouldn’t have it any other way. These two characters seem perfectly capable of taking care of themselves.

There is a second book in this series and it was at the library right beside this one. I think I will have to pick that one up soon.

My Reading Log of 2022 – coming soon!