Black Canary

October 1, 2020
Gotham City was once a progressive, egalitarian metropolis safeguarded by powerful superheroes. Then came the Silencing, a violent coup targeting any possible resistance. Now, all Gotham cowers beneath the shadow of the autocratic Court of Owls--all except Dinah Lance, whose fury at the oppressive regime is matched only by her desire to sing, although music is forbidden to women. In a narratively predictable but vindictively welcome twist, Dinah, following in the footsteps of her deceased mother (the original Black Canary), discovers that she's immune to the effects of the Silencing: Her music and voice can become deadly weapons. And to make matters yet more disconcerting, new boy-cum-Court darling Oliver Queen seems just a bit too interested in Dinah--and her burgeoning powers. After a series of increasingly rebellious acts, Dinah quickly becomes Public Enemy No. 1. When her best friend is captured in her stead, Dinah must assume the Canary mantle. The story proceeds at a cinematic clip while still allowing for quieter moments of character development or vivid scenic description. The intermingling of old and new DC heroes is artful; Dinah is a powerful protagonist, vibrating with a youthful rage and energy familiar to readers itching for revolution of any kind. Monir never shies away from her tale's unfortunately pertinent sociopolitical implications, putting a refreshing spin on the feminist dystopia. Main characters are presumed White; supporting characters are diverse. Sure to resonate in today's volatile climate. (Superhero fiction. 12-18)

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March 1, 2021

Gr 6 Up-In the not-so-distant future, Gotham City has been taken over by the dictatorial Court of Owls, the wealthy and powerful elite who put an end to all superheroes and released a poison gas that damaged women's vocal chords so they could no longer sing. Dinah Laurel Lance swears that as a child mourning the loss of her mother, she heard what should have been impossible: the sound of a woman singing. Teenage Dinah's interest in music lands her in trouble with the Court, leading to her father, Detective Larry Lance, to make a deal with them to protect her. However, his protection may be futile, as the arrival of the billionaire orphan Oliver Queen draws Dinah into further dealings with the Court while a visit from a friend of Dinah's mother simultaneously draws her further into the Resistance. In the latest of the "DC Icons" series, Monir's future Gotham City reflects the real restrictions placed upon women in some places in the world today: They cannot play sports, drive, or hold certain jobs, among other restrictions. Dinah's superhero origin is about discovering that her own voice is her superpower, literally and figuratively. Much of the story's conflict involves Dinah's interactions with the men in her life and how much or little she can trust them. Her relationship with her supportive yet protective father is the real heart of the novel. VERDICT Monir deftly balances familiarity for DC fans and accessibility for new readers, blending superhero origin with coming-of-age tale in an excellent book for fans of comics and dystopian fiction, as well as reluctant readers.-Aaren Tucker, Univ. of Illinois

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