Book Review: Induction by Syntax Takes

You might like this book if you'd enjoy:
-A refreshing, queer twist on the superhero genre
-Transgender fiction
-An interwoven and vast universe to sink your teeth into
-Unapologetically progressive themes
-Explorations of depression, anxiety, and social awkwardness
-Sexy furry supervillains in skintight outfits punching Republicans in the face

This is the first of the Korps books to be published, and it makes for a great introduction to this wildly progressive series. The Korps Universe is an expansive saga written by multiple authors who are clearly eager to bring a refreshing queer perspective to the superhero genre. I think this book is a great place to get started with the series. (Probably because it was how I got started with the series, but I digress.)

Despite being part of the superhero genre, the Korps Universe focuses on villains--or at least what the society in these books calls "villains". The world of the Korps is ruled by traditionalist, oftentimes fascist, powers, and we all know that when the bad guys are in charge, the good guys are labeled the villains. The Korps has taken to that label, fully adopting the aesthetic of villainy while fighting for progress in this conservative dystopia--one with a familiar flavor to our own world.

The story follows Volta, a red wolf and aspiring superhero attending a training school that's fully entrenched in that conservativism. Volta is secretly trans, and thus lives in an oppressive environment with constant reminders of the hell she'll have to pay if she ever reveals who she really is. But one day a gorgeous tabby cat researcher named Carmen takes a liking to Volta and begins to help her gain confidence and become a better hero. We find out very quickly that Carmen is a Korps agent, and she wants to help Volta escape her societal bonds.

It's a typical superhero academy setup, but the trans perspective elevates it into something new and interesting. Volta's inner conflict is so well-developed, and it strengthens the depiction of how incompatible she is with her conservative surroundings. Even her beliefs are incompatible, as Volta knows with seemingly 100% certainty that she's trans, but also believes much of the traditionalism that's been forced upon her. She's unable to reconcile the contradictions of her life until Carmen comes along, and the unweaving of her misconceptions was really fun to read about.

Syntax Takes's writing style also perfectly fits this story. They use an energetic, yet flowing writing style with unique punctuation and grammar (use of all caps, the tilde, etc) to bring to life the inner thoughts of the characters and give them a bit more flavor. I know many people balk at the idea of unconventional punctuation and formatting, but I love it. It's especially fitting in a story about a break in traditionalism. It's always cool to see a writing style match a book's themes.

And speaking of breaking traditionalism, this book really pulls no punches in its messaging. It's extremely unapologetic about being as progressive and queer as possible. If one of those people who sees "wokeness" in every shadow were to read this book their head would probably explode, and frankly I find that very refreshing. I imagine it's very liberating as a writer to shrug off the fear of being too on-the-nose or in people's faces about a message. The Korps Universe contains themes and messages that deserve to be shouted from the rooftops, and Syntax Takes pulls no punches in that effort.

So yeah, if you're looking for unapologetically progressive trans fiction and a refreshing take on the superhero genre, this is probably the book for you. This book is everything queer readers could want in a superhero series, and it's just the beginning.

Print: https://furplanet.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=1282

Ebook: https://baddogbooks.com/product/induction-redlines-downfall-book-1/