Caregiver, reader, and Steven’s #1 fan

“Every one of Steven’s books has the same problem — once I pick them up, I cannot put them down. I keep telling myself ‘just one more chapter,’ but the stories pull you forward because you have to know what happens next.

What I love most is that each book tackles issues I wish were solved in real life. Steven writes the world as it could be — fairer, kinder, and more hopeful — and I often find myself thinking, if only.

In Homo Sapiens, I grew so attached to the characters that when something terrible happened, I literally said, “Oh no!” out loud… and when something good happened, I was cheering, “Yes!” That’s how real they felt.

In How to Tame a Super Power, I appreciated how Truth & Reconciliation isn’t just mentioned — it’s central. Steven doesn’t gloss over it. Our First Nations are shown as leaders, problem-solvers, and a vital part of our future.

The connected series of Populous Reaction and The Billionaire’s Clause, with General Titus and Jack Sparrow, is one of my favourites. I love those characters and how they work through impossible situations. The bad AIs in Populous Reaction genuinely scared me — but seeing the good AIs partner with the heroes was powerful and uplifting. And in The Billionaire’s Clause, I loved the message: every person deserves credit and benefit for the ideas they create. That message stayed with me long after.

Now I’m waiting for Obedience, and I already know it’s going to be another page-turner.”

— Charmaine