Runaways: An Original Novel was written by Christopher Golden and first published in 2018. It is based on the Marvel comics series of the same name and focuses on a group of superpowered teenagers who protect street kids in Los Angeles. The novel is designed to stand alone, so you don’t have to have read any of the comics to fully appreciate it.
Nico, Chase, Gert, Karolina and Molly once believed that they were ordinary kids, but that was before they discovered that their parents were the core members of a cult known as the Pride. The Pride gained power and influence over the criminal gangs of Los Angeles through ritually sacrificing young girls to a trio of elder gods known as the Gibborim. Now that their parents are dead, the Runaways have formed a family of their own. They are not heroes – they are survivors – and they use their powers and skills to help other teenagers like them.
When the group discover that street kids are disappearing, they begin to worry that perhaps the Pride has reformed. The Runaways put a stop to a sacrifice and in doing so rescue two teens – Aliss and Zeke. Zeke reveals that he shares a lot in common with the Runaways. His mother is also a cultist who worships a rival god. Her goal is to find a way to destroy the Gibborim and thus give more power to her evil lord.
The Runaways know that they need to find a way to stop Zeke’s mother but it won’t be easy. The Avengers and SHIELD do not take them seriously, and even with their powers and abilities they know it will be difficult to take on adult super-villains alone. If they are to succeed, they will need a good plan. However, it’s hard for the group to pull themselves together and think of something when some of their members are suspicious of Zeke’s intentions…
Arkham Reviews 