Book Review: Revolutions (part 1)

The Secret World Chronicles: Revolutions
(season 6)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Book 1/2 (season 1) ~ Invasion, 1st Book 2/2 (season 2) ~ The Hunt, 2nd Book 1/2 (season 3) ~ World Well Lost, 2nd Book 2/2 (season 4) ~ Revolutions, 2.5 Book (season 5) ~ Bonus: Waiting On

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
(no synopsis on Goodreads)

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository
*I'm linking the full length book for you to purchase.

Listen For Free:
iTunes  /  Podiobooks  /  Secret World Chronicle website

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
What happens when you have a foe is on the inside? ECHO could be in trouble. They need to band together in secret and with others to stay alive.

Bruno is with Scope on the hunt for Harmony. They are looking for Harmony to make her pay for her deeds in Alex Tesla's office. While we travel with Bruno and Scope, it feels like a tribute to Bullrick and his importance to some of the agents. Scope doesn't want to use Vickie's magic help, nor Red Genie's help. All ECHO contacts would not be used, that they wouldn't back them with the revenge payment Harmony was deserved, maybe with an ally that they least expected. Revenge can make likely allies.

Vickie holds my attention and curiousities still. I love seeing her work her magic. And it seems she's becoming the unexpected element that tips the scales in the favor of the good guys, those that want to help people. Vickie holds a power that no one considered in their plans. It's wonderful to see!

In this season, this book, I feel the characters are coming together for more than just a common foe. Their paths cross and the need is there, but they are becoming closer to each other. Like a family. I like this feel with the characters. With this closeness comes the opening of feelings and the history we want to know.

In fighting together and working so closely the hearts start to grow fonder. We see characters starting to draw closer to others. Love and hearts start to get in the way of actions, and even when love isn't returned in kind but given to another.

I didn't realize that I've become totally invested in the Meta's by now. It was something that snuck up on me and has hit me.

The tales of these Meta heroes is an epic one as the world works through all their troubles and fight the battles for humanity.

Now we end with a new battle to be fought, one on the homefront with a different aggressor toward ECHO Meta's. Looking forward to getting into the next podcasted season.

Audiobook Review: Waiting On

The Secret World Chronicles: Waiting On
(season 5)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Book 1/2 (season 1) ~ Invasion, 1st Book 2/2 (season 2) ~ The Hunt, 2nd Book 1/2 (season 3) ~ World Well Lost, 2nd Book 2/2 (Season 4) ~ World Divided

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
The heroes of Echo and the villains of the Thule Society continue the battle in the fifth book of The Secret World Chronicle, Waiting On. In this shorter podcast-only season, the heroes of Echo struggle with their own pasts and demons as they wait for the organization to regain strength following a devastating loss. Famed fantasy and sci-fi author Mercedes Lackey and SWC perennials Dennis Lee, Cody Martin, and Veronica Giguere tell the stories of fan favorites Seraphym, Red Djinni, Victoria Victrix, Mercurye, and John Murdock. Cover art done by Adam Mancilla.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Listen For Free:
iTunes  /  Podiobooks  /  Secret World Chronicle website

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Season 5 of the podcast is a bonus season. It's stories from between books 2 and 3. This is the ending I was expecting in season 4, or partly as there are still a few subjects to address. There are a few new twists introduced here with a few characters that I'm curious to see if they are brought up in the future books.

These intermediate stories are wonderful to bring the wonder and suspense back to the story and plot. This bonus series has heightened my love for the characters and gave me a bit of what I wanted at the same time. I'm ready to keep going and see where the characters go on to.

Episode 1: Aces and Eights
On a bad day, Handsome Devil stays in bed. His luck is what he lives by and a bad day could be dangerous or even deadly for him and those around him. Today, Handsome Devil wants to stay in bed even though he got a full house from his morning deck of cards. A full house that's the dead mans hand...

Ramona is on her way from CCCP when spheres show up to a highly populated area. CCCP can't make it with all the sightings so she calls in ECHO. When Ramona sees Handsome Devil is not with Shockty, she demands he get there ASAP.

We see all the characters in this episode fight against the Thulians and their deadly spheres. We even see Seraphym show up and a bit of an inside with her thoughts.

It is always amazing to see the Meta's in action against the Thulians. And this episode does not fall shy of anything.

Episode 2: Night and Gold
Seraphym is limited in what she can do, how she can interced. She's not rebelled against the way she lives, but considers it now with the Thulians attacking a small town where CCCP nor ECHO can get there fast enough.

Now this episode. Oh. My. Seraphym does the one thing she's not fully done yet. And shouldn't do. It is amazing to see her in full action. We even get a closer feel of the rules by which she is to live by.

There is a mention of watching Seraphym and I'm curious how this will come into play in the future books. This has brought me to attention and I'm ready for more!

Episode 3: Running on Empty
Mercurye is stuck at the Metis watching reruns of tv shows. The collective concess of those here have not agreed to let him return home yet, no matter how hard he's tried to convince them.

First, I've noticed from the website that this is a rewrite of an episode from season 3 to tie in the prints better.

I enjoyed this episode because we get a better feel for how Metis runs. The secret place runs on a collection of equal votes from every person present. However, there are those that agree with Mercurye in letting him go, and more.

Mercurye meets Nikola Tesla for the first time. It seems Tesla has plans and wants Mercurye's help. What are the plans? I'm not sure, but it makes me anxious for what's to come!

Episode 4 & 5: For Those About to Rock
Vickie is to watch over Red Genie on his solo mission. She's as nervous about it as she always is when working with Red Genie. Some how this man gets to her.

We get to see part of their last mission that leaves Vickie even more worked up for the current mission she's working Overwatch for this time. Genie has got some serious issues with magic, but he's not sharing why with anyone, let alone with Vickie. However, maybe Red Genie will send Vickie in a few surprising loops with his reactions and answers to many comments.

I found these episodes rather interesting as wel learn a bit more about magic along with the speciality of Vickie's technomancy. The details here are so neat. But in learning about magic and Vickie's magic specifically, we learn about Vickie too. She's the only magician we see and know. Also she's the ONLY one able to work magic in technology.

But! there is more. Red Genie. (Aww.) Now that I got that out I'll go on. After this short, with the help of Vickie's little elemental friend Herb, I feel for Red Genie more. The previous season started to bring me around, but this cinched it for me. He's not really all that bad. There is more to him we haven't seen yet.

I look forward to seeing an honest, hard friendship growing here.

Episode 6 & 7: The Journal of John Murdock
John Murdock is on his way back from the Silo incident and Vickie has found him an amazing hotel to stay at. Along with learning about more Thulian threats, John also learns that Vickie has looked into his past. And can dig deeper.

Now this episode had my attention like the one with Seraphym. John and Seraphym have been huge interests of mine. And I'm still loving what I'm learning.

Vickie shares that she knows some of John's past from what she's found, and shares the records with him. In doing so, she hopes to learn what she can in case the Suits take him away again, this way she can help break him out. John agrees that she keep digging.

We know John has been enhanced, but we don't know much of the details. We get to see the day that John escaped from his imprisonment by the Suits. This feels like a major moment in John's past, and memories. A moment that seems to be a turning point for him, something he keeps close to heart to remember who he is and wants to be.

Audio Book Review: The Secret World Chronicles: World Divided (Part 2)

The Secret World Chronicles: World Divided (Part 2)
(season 4)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Book 1/2 ~ Invasion, 1st Book 2/2 (season 2) ~ The Hunt, 2nd Book 1/2 (season 3) ~ World Well Lost

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
From New York Times best-seller and science fiction and fantasy mistress of adventure Mercedes Lackey, Book #3 in a new pulse-pounding saga of modern-day humans with superpowers. The metaheroes deal with supervillain Verdegris, who seeks to destroy them from within, before turning their attention back to the Thulian conspiracy.

It’s go time once again for the meta-heroes including fire-bender John Murdock, hacker-witch Vikki Nagy, healer Belladona Blue, super-quick Mercurye–and most of all for their ghostly ally, Seraphym, the spirit of the world Verdegris knows he must trap and destroy her if he is to take down the metas.

From New York Times best-seller and science fiction and fantasy mistress of adventure Mercedes Lackey together with a team of topnotch collaborators, the third entry in the blockbuster saga of superpowers–and the very human men and women who must learn to wield them.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I'm linking the full length novel for your purchasing.

Listen For Free:
iTunes   /   Secret World Chronicle website

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

First Sentence:
Vickie took a deep breath and another look at the clock.

My Thoughts and Summary:
In her own way, Seraphym shows a future to one person to shift the future of others. Seraphym has put Verdegre into action. Verdegre knows he's on the Tholian's list and what they will do to him. He now works to purchase Black Snake to get ECHO, as they are the only ones that can stop the Tholian's. John Murdock is sent to bring back electric parts, and he finds the Thulian's, Nazi's, are attacking and showing up in many places.

ECHO is really not doing well. It feels like it's falling apart. Meta's are not surviving well. A CEO was thrown in charge with what's happened to the world, which is why Tesla isn't acting like the general who should be in the chair. Then there's the Ide's of March... The prophesies. It's what has Tesla shacking in his chair behind his big desk. It's like a suicide note for ECHO.

I love the early episode, the one with Romona and Bella. This takes things in a different direction, really pulls things together and how people are working with what they know, preparing. And sharing those important tidbits with others. Things then start to turn with what we see and learn with Bella and Vicky.

Vicky...she's different, and has become one of my favorite charaters for it. Her magic is so neat to see. We even learn a bit of her history too. Oh do we learn about her with the help of Red Genie. And in the same token, we learn a bit about Red Genie too. This is where he starts to become more for me and the potential he has to help others. Bella is stepping up to a position that she never thought she'd do, but Bella is crafty enough to do it. I still enjoy John Murdock and the mystery surrounding him. I'm looking forward to what he has to bring to the events. And the Seraphym. Oh the Seraphym. She has a way to send people on a path without telling to act that way. She's not to interfer but she does give supportive talk when someone she needs to follow what they are thinking of doing, that it's the right thing to help.

Each Meta makes a bang of an entrance at the beginning. The world feels as it's trying to pull back together, but the Nazi's are not done with attacking and as our Meta's return to the pages, they all enter with individual flare.

The different Meta organizations, CCCP, Blacksnake, and ECHO, might be coming together to help fight against one common foe, whether they want to or not. But there are those that have their own agendas in mind as well.

The building to the climax is crafted in a way for us to get to know the characters more personally, and make us anticipate the moment it all explodes, or implodes. However the ending didn't feel as huge as I had thought it would. But, we've got a lot to deal with at ECHO in the next podcasted book. I'm diving into the next story as I want to know what comes to pass with ECHO and Verdegris.

We get to see the Thulians up close, face to face. Neat to see them without all there armor.

As for listening to this story. I can't be more amazed with Veronica's vocal accomplishments. There are so many different characters and voices that she does having all distinctly different. The characters have different accents, tones, speaking patterns, and so much more. Veronica does all this. I've even forgotten she's the only voice here with the magnitude of her voice command. Each character is distinct and easy to differentiate. Veronica is a woman of many voices.

Audio Book Review: The Secret World Chronicles: World Well Lost

The Secret World Chronicles: World Well Lost
(season 3)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Season ~ Invasion, 2nd Season ~ The Hunt

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes! Not all that happens is good. But they find a way through to save the world.

Synopsis:
Continuing the action and intrigue of the first two books, World Well Lost joins the ensemble cast of metahuman characters as they struggle against the growing powers of the Thule Society as well as Echo's own waning popularity. Famed fantasy and sci-fi author Mercedes Lackey and newcomers Dennis Lee and Cody Martin bring this superhero-themed braided novel podcast series to life with characters such as the Seraphym, Victoria Victrix, John Murdock, and Red Djinni, with stories read by Veronica Giguere.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I'm linking the full novel for your purchasing.

Listen For Free:
iTunes   /   Secret World Chronicle website

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
The world is a mess. Things are not working out well for ECHO. There are those in trouble. Their Meta-hero numbers are dwindling. No help seems to be coming from ECHO to the humans in the damaged areas. And no help to ECHO either. Nazi's are still around and ECHO is at it's low.

The wreckage of the world has people taking advantage of the depleted protection forces. Through the new and old operatives ECHO is working to recruit. They need more Meta's and they are flipping old stones to find the ones hidden away, and retired. There is another group, the Black Snakes, out there doing the same. The Black Snakes are trying to get to all the META's and turn them to their side.

New authors have come into the fold, and along with them new characters join the cast. This brings a diversity to the world and fresh ideas. Something different for the current characters to battle. We get to see the new recruits and operatives in action. We see what the characters are made of in the moment of an attack or injury, giving us a look at their powers, actions, and glimpses of their past.

We get to see magic by Vicky! I love seeing her yield her ability. This is a great blend with the superheroes. Vicky is a superhero but...she's something else, something more. Magic is mysterious in this world. Kind of the element kept hidden as it it's feared or looked at as bad. We learn a bit more about it through Vicky.

The CCCP has received more "employees" from Russia. However we see through John Murdock's eyes that the CCCP, run by a Russian, is making a difference in the area. Any help at this time is a blessing. Right?

We learn that there is a special hero out there. John Murdock. He's an unknown anomaly in the large equation of what's happening in the world, as per the Seraphym who has visited him. The prophecies are gloom filled, but John might hold a flicker of hope. I enjoyed learning some of John's past. Yet, I want to know more! He's a bit different from all the others.

Things are getting deep and the characters are fully invested now. They are learning things that take them further than they ever imagined ~ more power, information and so much more. We learn more of Seraphym's rules and the infinite she speaks of.

Through each of these characters we are getting some answers. Or maybe more details that lead to deeper and narrower questions. I like this feel. The authors are leading me to conclusions.

This world has EVERYTHING! Science, superheroes, magic, mechanical's, ancient influences, creatures, and so much more. Epic world and story created here. One that keeps growing and shifting into place. This is a continuation of stories in a world in need of heroes, no matter how small. It's like watching a tv show each season. Some make it, others don't.

Audio Book Review: The Secret World Chronicles: The Hunt

The Secret World Chronicles: The Hunt (World Divided)
(season 2)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere

Publish Date:  2010

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd season in The Secret World Chronicles series; 1st Season ~ Invasion

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
The Hunt portrays the frenzied aftermath of the devastating Thule Society attacks. Famed fantasy and sci-fi author Mercedes Lackey and newcomer Steve Libbey have joined forces to create a superhero-themed braided novel podcast series called The Secret World Chronicle. The series depicts an ensemble cast of metahuman characters coping with worldwide attacks by a mysterious, technologically advanced Nazi secret society, and the ensuing chaos. The Secret World is a meeting ground for pulpy adventure and thoughtful science fiction speculation, where ordinary people are elevated above their fellow humans and must grapple with the consequences of their newfound abilities.

(Synopsis from Amazon):
After an Earth-scarring apocalyptic battle, the meta-humans have turned back a massive invasion of super-science powered Nazi war machines. Now meta-hero organization Echo and sometime Russian ally CCCP must battle back. Task one: to hunt down the secret puppetmasters behind the Nazi robot invasion, the Thule Society. It's ''go time'' once again for the meta-heroes, including fire-bender John Murdock, hacker-witch Vikki Nagy, healer Belladona Blue, super-quick Mercurye—and most of all for their ghostly ally, Seraphym, the spirit of the world who uses her secret influence to direct the fight against a Thulian-based tyranny of evil and slavery that is fast descending upon the entire universe!

First Sentence:
Victoria Victrix paused for a moment, checked her watch, double-checked her watch against the time on her laptop.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I'm linking the full novel for your purchasing.

Listen For Free:
iTunes  /  Official Site

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
We see the aftermath of the world from the Nazi-strange-Metas attack. Now the remaining Meta's have to clean up, keep things safe from loiters and any threats, and solve the mystery of the Strange-Nazi-Meta's. There were so many losses in the super world. The Meta's are on limited numbers now. Russians have come to America after a false letter, but can they world together after thrown together?

Aaah, this book felt better to me. Not that the first was bad, but this one felt as it slowed down and more balanced. The characters meet and clash or work out troubles that ail them. It feels as the story is not as rushed to the happenings, that they took a step back and calmly put together the characters and story lines. Setting roots and settling everyone in, explaining who they are to us. Yes, this is a braided story and there are many here. But they all feed off each other as well. There is a common ground here with the characters even though they are in different areas. They all relate to each other, what is happening is world wide.

We have new authors co-writing with Mercedes. Nice to see new ideas, Meta's, and twists brought to the land.

We are introduced to new troubles - Black Snake. We learn about them and how they try to "help" with the chaos aftermath of the Nazi attack in book one. Or, is there more behind their motives? They are recruiting for their numbers. But, ECHO is looking to recruit Meta's for help as well. With the losses, and short handed, they need all the help they can get no matter what level Meta you are. We also see a new man in a distant land that could easily be more trouble than anyone knows. And the Nazi's aren't gone!

I felt I got a better look at the Meta's here, whether they lived or died. I got to know them a bit better than the rush of meet and fight of the first book. This book takes the actions and includes some history and personality with the characters. Where my favorite character was Handsome Devil in the first book, as he was the one that seemed to have more personality, I enjoyed all the characters in this one. The characters are starting to pop with their personalities and quirks. Enough so you feel you know the characters, yet not over done. Makes me curious and want to know more.

We even see a new character set in 1930's. It was cool to get the feel of the old superhero creations. Felt like the old superhero comics and movies. Pulp Fiction.

We saw potential of it happening with the mentions of magic in the first book, and we see it now. Magic collides with the Meta humans! Ooo yes. This is something I love. Vicky brings a touch of magic to the world. She is the link to magic as magic is considered unstable and not looked upon very highly. We get a touch of Voodoo and Shamans this time around.

I listened to this book and I must mention the narrator. Veronica is the soul voice reading the story now. She does an amazing job of different persona's, accents, tones, voices all on her own. Veronica, the woman of many different voices. Outstanding job! Especially in a story that could easily become confusing with so many characters. Thank you Veronica!

I've got a feel there is information that's being kept secret though. There is more than meets the eye (or ear) here. In the end, I'm curious of the connections between the aliens, Nazi's, and Red Savior Senior. Even the secrets ECHO leader Testla and others are holding.

Audio Book Review: The Secret World Chronicles: Invasion

The Secret World Chronicles: Invasion
(season 1)
By:  Mercedes Lackey & Steve Libbey

Narrated By:  Veronica Giguere, Adam Higgons, & Laura Patterson

Publish Date:  2007

Format:  Podiobook

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st book in The Secret World Chronicles series

***NOTE: I've learned that the podcasted books are divisions of the printed books as follows:
Printed book 1 is Invasion is podcasted seasons 1 & 2.
Printed book 2, World Divided, is podcasted seasons 3 & 4.
Season 5 podcast, Waiting On, is a bonus season - it's stories of characters between books 2 and 3.
Printed book 3, Revolutions, is podcasted seasons 6 & 7.
Printed book 4, Collision, is podcasted books 8 & 9 (season 8 in progress, season 9 yet to come).

(Podcast season titles:
Season 1: Invasion, Season 2: The Hunt, Season 3: World Well Lost, Season 4: World Divided, Season 5: Waiting On, Tales of the Secret World War, Season 6: Revolutions, Season 7: Run Silent, Run Deep, Season 8: Collision)

Recommendation:  Superheroes!

Synopsis:
Emerging mysteriously during World War II, metahumans became icons of the best - and worst - humanity had to offer. Yet sixty years later, the world still suffers from war, greed and madness. Worse, man's nadir of systematic cruelty returns with bizarre new weapons. The metahumans of Earth must find a way to defeat this powerful foe and discover what lurks behind the scenes - a secret world hidden from our own. Mercedes Lackey, one of fantasy's most beloved voices, and new talent Steve Libbey bring you a podcast series that catapults the classic superhero into the 21st century.

Book One: Invasion starts the series off with a bang - a set of coordinated attacks by Nazi warriors in futuristic battle armor. We meet our cast of heroes in the midst of chaos: Belladonna Blue, a young azure-skinned healer; Victoria Victrix Nagy, a geomancer fighting panic attacks; Handsome Devil, whose luck is metahumanly good; Red Saviour, strident leader of an anachronistic Soviet team; Red Djinni, the shapeshifting criminal; and John Murdock, a fugitive super-soldier. Watching over them all is the Seraphym, descended from the Infinite to protect humanity.

As the heroes fend off the blitzkrieg attack, they are left wondering what secrets have erupted from this hidden world, and whether, once unleashed, they can be contained. For there are clues that all is not what it seems...

First Sentence:
The blue-skinned, blue-haired woman known by the call sign "Belladonna Blue" leaned into the oval hatch of the captain's cubby.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I'm linking the full novel for your purchasing.

Listen For Free:
iTunes  /  Official Site

*I listened to this story for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
The world is safe with Metahumans working for ECHO and keeping it so. Then, one fine day, we see the attack of Nazi Metavillains and Meta...not human, not meta - something else...attack the city of Atlanta and all around the world. New heroes, and villains, surface to help current Meta's and those that are attacked and trapped. Although, there is one super-villain that has resurfaced after sixty years, to turn himself in...for protection? What's to come? What does he know?

This book is from a few authors working together and a few vocal voices and many Metahumans are introduced. Some of those Meta's become more than we thought, a few don't make it through. We get to see the day of the attack through several Meta's eyes. What they were doing that day before all went wrong, and how they fared through the fight. At first I felt Mercedes excelled in the battles and Steve Libbey rocked the characters along with action. Then as the stories progressed the two authors, along with Cody Martin and Dennis Lee, started to blend together as. It became harder to tell the difference as the world grows and so many details to track. The three narrators bring the stories alive. Veronica is amazing at different accents needed for different characters. All the narrators are amazing. The one with Handsome Devil, early on, felt to have stepped into his persona well. Veronica feels to take on every character and their personality, which amazed me when she was reading a few together. She converted between them with ease and perfection.

We get a history of each superhero, and even a semi-villain (more a bad guy in way of robber). We see how there lives turned to Meta or how they lived and feel before the attack happens. Even while the attack their reactions relate to their history.

I loved the intro and prologue. I did find, at times, there were some low points in the different stories for me. Lots of details of city setting and little things in lives, but a story has to start somewhere and build the characters. When the invasion happened with each Meta, I was drawn to the action and learning of these strange Nazi-Meta's. I think I might have remembered and understood a few scenes better if I had read the book. I felt there was a great deal of details I should have picked up, and replayed a few scenes to try and catch it all. I know this is a braided story line set in the same world, but at times it felt as things were rushed. This is the first book, the one that the 'huge happening' occurs - it's setting the stage for us.

The cast is rather large. Which, as I usually say, a large cast means lots to kill off. There are some that don't make it, but the cast is still a magnitude that can make it hard at this point in the series. Lots to remember, and I know I don't remember it all. There are POV's from heroes in US and Russia.

I will say, there will be at least one Meta that will stick in your mind. There are different personalities, and a cast this big, yes there will be one. I think my favorite Meta, at the end of this book, is Handsome Devil. He cracks me up and the luck he has, it is fun to watch. I liked the view of the world through his eyes and his reactions to all that's happening.

This book sets the stage and raises questions in my mind for things to come. There is lots happening here. A great deal of details. A massive cast to remember.  Hard to remember and track it all, but a start to an interesting world and creation. I'm curious enough to carry on with the next story.