Hollywood Heroine

Superheroines Aveda Jupiter and Evie Tanaka make their magnificent Hollywood debut in Kuhn’s entertaining fifth Heroine urban fantasy (after Haunted Heroine)—but they struggle to distinguish the real demons from those who work in the industry. The Tanaka/Jupiter team are adjusting to a new normal when the opportunity arises for pregnant, Japanese American Evie and Chinese American recovering diva Aveda to visit the set of the television show being made about their lives. Evie labels it an L.A. vacation, something mission-focused Aveda is loath to do. Indeed, their getaway is chronically, chaotically interrupted by an old rival, the presence of vampires, and a series of strange attacks on set. Aveda goes into protective overdrive, especially since the evil Shasta is still gunning for Evie’s baby, demon activity has spread from San Francisco, and L.A.’s own darling superheroine has eyes for Aveda’s husband. Kuhn offers an unflinching look at what it means to be an Asian woman in America as Aveda, who’s always been told she’s too intense and felt pressure to conform, continues to evolve into a strong, complicated woman who allows herself to get emotional and behave outside the limits placed on her. This action-laden romp offers all the fun and adventure series fans expect—with surprisingly sharp teeth. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary. (Nov.)