Based on your book
Super Powereds
by Hayes, Drew
Five young adults who spent their lives hiding the fact that they have dangerous, uncontrollable abilities are finally given a chance at a normal existence. The catch? They must enroll in a prestigious, high-stakes university program designed to train the next generation of elite superheroes. If they succeed, they get their freedom; if they fail, their powers will be stripped away forever. The reading experience here is incredibly addictive, leaning heavily into the camaraderie of a found family as these students navigate the social minefields of college life alongside grueling combat training. Hayes balances witty, laugh-out-loud banter with genuine stakes, ensuring that every victory feels earned. This is perfect for readers who love the progression of an underdog story and want a series that respects its characters enough to let them grow through their mistakes.
10 Books similar to 'Super Powereds'
If the Melbrook crew became your new best friends, these picks keep that specific energy alive. We curated this list because each title captures the unique friction of training for a power you barely understand or trying to survive within an elite, often corrupt, institution. Whether it is the gritty academic rigor of The Magicians, the tactical underdog maneuvering in Red Rising, or the deconstructive world-building found in Worm, these stories mirror the way Hayes forces his characters to reconcile their personal identities with the massive, often terrifying, responsibilities thrust upon them.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.
Like Super Powereds, this web serial offers a gritty, deconstructive take on the superhero genre with a deep focus on character development and complex power dynamics. It features a young protagonist navigating a dangerous world, appealing to fans who enjoy high-stakes training and moral ambiguity.
This book provides a fast-paced, compelling look at a world where superpowers exist but often corrupt their users. The blend of humor, strategic combat, and the 'underdog vs. powerful elite' narrative aligns perfectly with the tone of Drew Hayes' work.
by Drew Hayes
Written by the same author, this book shares the exact narrative DNA of Super Powereds, focusing on a secret society of powered individuals. It masterfully balances character growth, academic-style training, and the complexities of morality in a world of heroes and villains.
by V.E. Schwab
This novel explores the origin of powers through a darker, more psychological lens, focusing on the rivalry between two brilliant college students. Fans of the academic setting and the 'how powers work' aspect of Super Powereds will find the intellectual approach and character-driven plot deeply satisfying.
Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
While high fantasy rather than superhero fiction, this book captures the 'magical university' experience perfectly, mirroring the structured learning and slow-burn character development found in Super Powereds. The protagonist's journey from an underdog to a legend resonates with the core arcs of the Melbrook group.
This story flips the script on the superhero genre by focusing on the 'little people' who work for villains, offering a unique perspective on power structures. It shares the witty tone and analytical approach to superpower mechanics that fans of Drew Hayes appreciate.
by Pierce Brown
Though set in space, the core narrative of an underdog infiltrating an elite institution to dismantle a corrupt system is a direct parallel to the struggles of the Melbrook students. It offers intense pacing and a strong focus on found family dynamics under extreme pressure.
This book features a determined, outcast protagonist fighting for her place in a flight academy, mirroring the 'training to prove yourself' arc of Super Powereds. The blend of humor, high-stakes action, and deep character bonds makes it a great fit for fans of the genre.
This novel offers a clever, dual-perspective look at the superhero world, balancing the internal lives of heroes and villains. Fans of the world-building and the 'superhero as a job' atmosphere in Super Powereds will enjoy this witty, character-focused exploration.
by Lev Grossman
This series focuses on a group of students attending a secret college for magic, dealing with the transition to adulthood and the weight of their abilities. It captures the 'found family' and 'academic struggle' elements of Super Powereds, albeit with a more cynical and mature tone.
Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.