First, I'll focus on the good points, and this book has several that make it stand out. The plot is relatively solid and the obstacles the characters face aren't boringly easy to overcome. I didn't see much in the way of plot holes and the continuity seemed solid (unless there was some small error I missed). The characters are well thought-out with a cast of likable protagonists, saucy anti-heros, pathetic wannabe supervillains, and a few genuinely intimidating villains who help move the story along nicely. There are also a few small surprises and plot twists that keep the story lively and interesting. The setting is well-constructed and gives the reader a solid sense of the real complexities you'd expect of a world full of super-powered beings. Double bluffs, media spin, and a capricious public add a very current-events-savvy feel to the story overall. It avoids the two usual characterizations of superheros in film and comics- either as everyone's friend or a misunderstood vigilante- and combines the two into a nice, nuanced package. The weakest point of this book seems to be the overall state of finish of the manuscript. It still has a number of errors in spelling and grammar (such as the repeated use of "then" instead of "than") and a few stylistic seams that need smoothing (such as overusing the word "just" as an auxiliary verb, a habit I've caught myself using a few times). The backstory is often interjected awkwardly into the narration during action sequences, throwing the pace off slightly. I think it would be worth the effort to do another major edit and release a second edition. Also- this is strictly a personal preference of mine- I find the first-person present tense narration a bit odd and awkward at times, though it seems to be in vogue. Fahl also adds a twist by alternating between main character POVs in each chapter (chapter 1 is from Jay's point of view, chapter 2 from Ted's, etc.). This can be slightly awkward but it does help rein in POV nicely. All in all I enjoyed this book quite a bit and I would be thrilled to see a sequel. There is one villain in particular I think should have a bigger role in any future stories, and there are one or two plot points that aren't expanded to their full potential in the first book that leave the door wide open for a sequel.
- Justin Herndon

 

 

I have to say this is one of the best books I have ever read. My expectations where not too high when I got the book. But I was happily surprised when I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. Every page made me want to read the next one. I would definitely recommend this book to every one.
- Cody dahl

 

 

This was one of the most amazing books I have ever read. Going into it I was just thinking it was going so campy book a little like Queer man, but it was nothing like that, it was done the right way. I couldn’t put it down, every page drove me to read farther faster, wanting to know what was going to happen next! It was like finding x-men, doctor who, star trek BSG, and batman, for the first time, just wanting more and never wanting it to end!
- Anonymous