Audio Book Review: The Return of Supervillainy by C. T. Phipps

The Return of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And we are back with Gary and the gang!

This time Gary is asked to join a group to find and save Mandy, thinking she's held hostage. Once things get going, there's more to it all. Helios maybe involved... or the problem.

I always look forward to the fun clips, the music references, the pop culture references, and so much more.

This is book 10 in the series, so there's many details given through the book of previous events, people, and more. Are they all important? Well, they maybe down a rabbit hole in a discussion but it really keeps everything interesting and makes me smile.

Some of the conversations take work to remember where we started. I feel like it's an ADHD conversation. lol. Goodness, the trips in conversations make me laugh and wonder, how did we get here? lol.

We get to see all those we have grown to love in this book, again. We even have those that have arrived in this world in a previous book. So much history between all these members.

These are always fun stories for me. The action, how Gary ends up in situations, and the references I grew up with. Fun!

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Audio Book Review: The Fall of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps

The Fall of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's always fun to head out on missions with Gary. I love Gary's jokes and references to his favorite 80's shows, comics, music, and more. I'm almost afraid to admit....I get them. lol

This book has references to all the previous stories, along with Cindy's Seven too (which leads to a few things being the way they are for Gary now). But the previous books are a big lead up to this. Gary has rebooted the world and...there are consequences...complications even...that come with that.

Gary has to take time in this book and practice his spells and view himself as a god. This gives Gary a chance to think about what he wants and why he does what he does. Though, he'll never admit he does good not villainy. lol. There were a list of things that need to be done. It feels like there were several side tasks and stories that happened as we went along. Everywhere had another step to it. And all of it comes together to close this book.

We learn about the consequences and how to fix them. We see super heroes and villains fight Nazis. (lol. Loved hearing Death's view on Hitler. lol) We get a chance to see the family together again.

I'll admit, I was thinking it then Gary said it... Cindy is a little on the dark side. She's out further on the villain side of things. And she always blames Gary for EVERYTHING. I'm starting to not like Cindy as much as I used to. I'm all for strong woman but she seems to be laying blame everywhere on everyone. Kind of whiny feeling. But, I'm starting to think it's her way of dealing with feeling as though she's 2nd or 3rd on the list and her feelings for Gary.

Jeffrey Kafer always does an amazing job voicing the characters in this world. He has the deadpan sound of Gary dropping a great comment or reference that makes me laugh. Some of those remarks...I don't know how you do it Jeffrey. Great job as always.

I'm glad to hear there will be more books in this world/series. I'm looking forward to them!

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Audio Book Review: Cindy's Seven by C.T. Phipps

Cindy's Seven by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio book, and Heather voicing Cindy, I thought her accent was natural for her. But, I needed to adjust to her pace. I even slowed the audio at times because I couldn't keep up with her quick speak. I know Cindy has many great references but the words all ran together and I struggled to catch all the quick remarks. These books are always known for the fun fantasy, science fiction, and 80's references.

All are close. Like one big family. They love each other and know there are flaws in each, but they work together to cover for where one is less. Like Cindy knows she's not a good mom, so there's Mandy and Amanda and Gary's sister and such a close network here that help raise the girls and help each other. I love the comfort here.

Cindy is tired of being Gary's hench woman and wants to be seen as more. So she comes up with her own plan...steal the dragon's treasure. However, this mission becomes way more than such a simple task. There's more going on with the dragon! And with a few of the family members. They all face something personal as the story goes.

Mandy comments that Cindy is mentally 14. lol! I have to agree with this! She's a chatter box and half of what's said doesn't make sense in logic. lol.

These are fun adventures with Cindy at the lead with her friends and family. Always fun in this world.


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Audio Book Review: The Future of Supervillainy

The Future of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  June 25, 2019, Audiobook Release August 30, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 3 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  6th in The Supervillainy Saga series; 1st Book ~ The Rule of Supervillainy, 2nd Book ~ The Games of Supervillainy, 3rd Book ~ The Secrets of Supervillainy, 4th Book ~ The Science of Supervillainy, 5th Book ~ The Tournament of Supervillainy

Impression:  It's all for the protection of the family

Synopsis:
Gary Karkofsky, a.k.a Merciless: The Supervillainy without Mercy, has decided to retire from supervillainy. He's lost too many friends and killed too many people (though they all had it coming). Unfortunately, this proves to be easier said than done when the Department of Supernatural Services (DOSS) shows up to arrest him for all of his crimes. Quickly landing himself in more trouble, he decides to get out of town and help a struggling underground kingdom in the center of the Earth. What he finds is an army of Nazis, gods, lost temples, and dinosaurs. He also is forced to fight once more against the world's first supervillain: Tom Terror, archenemy of heroes everywhere.

He just can't catch a break, can he?

First Sentence:
"So, yeah, it's been a year since I quit being a supervillain," I said, standing there with my hands in the pockets of my large leather coat.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I had a few rough weeks and wanted an audio book I could enjoy and relax with. This fit the mold. I always enjoy Gary's antics and adventures. This book follows through with what I was looking for.

Gary gave up being a super villain a year ago. Until the special United States agency sets out to arrest him, and threatens his children. Wanting to get away from the potential attack coming, and getting a chance to kill Nazi's, Gary agrees to help an underground kingdom in the center of the Earth.

John from C.T.'s Apocalyptic books joins our favorites on this mission. We get a quick view of his life and world here. These crumbs could make you curious to pick up those books.

When I think there couldn't be more '80's and '90's movies to pull from, C.T. surprises me with ones I've forgotten about. I love listening to the story and thinking of what movie, comic, book, and more that influences the events and quick comebacks. There is so much great material to be inspired by! I love how C.T. does that.

Gary loves his family. This is the one thing he fights for, or doesn't fight. All to keep them safe. He loves his women deeply, all the women close to him. He has to face that his children and niece could be in danger because of what he and the moms do. Will that stop Gary from doing what needs done though?

Gary's life feels to be evolving and growing, as life should. By now we know Gary's not a true villain in his intent but he doesn't act as a straight laced hero either. Gary calls himself an antihero, which fits perfectly. Gary does seem to have a great capability of screwing things up too, which brings humor and highlights additional characters in the book. And yet, in some strange way, it works out for Gary. lol. I enjoy these moments, when things go off the rails for Gary because it feels creative with how we get to where we still need to be. There are moments where it feels as though it's the easy route, but it's all good because Gary is his own character.

You know when Gary is not thrilled with something or disappointed as he wont waste a great Star Wars quote, or pop culture quote, on that person or situation. That weighs more in meaning than giving a great quote to lighten the moment.

As always, I had fun listening to Gary and his family and friends take this adventure and fight on. It seems Gary's life might take another turn in the future with what he does in life. Or maybe not.



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Audio Book Review: The Tournament of Supervillainy

The Tournament of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  December 15, 2018, Audiobook Release January 4, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 20 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafter

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  5th book in The Supervillainy Saga series; Book 1 ~ The Rules of Supervillainy, Book 2 ~ The Games of Supervillainy, Book 3 ~ The Secrets of Supervillainy, Book 4 ~ The Science of Supervillainy

Impression:  We've come this far, as a family.

Synopsis:
Being a supervillain was all Gary ever wanted to be but the constant beatings, moral ambiguity, and the fact he now has a young daughter to look after have caused him to reconsider his career path. As he debates making a jump to the "other side", Gary finds himself recruited by Death to serve as her champion in a multiversal tournament for the ultimate prize: anything you could desire!

Gary and a oddball collection of champions from a variety of universes must prevent the prize from falling into the hands of the genocidal space wizard Entropicus! He also must discover just where his heart really lies when his two closest loves reveal shocking secrets.

Guest starring Jane Doe from I Was a Teenage Weredeer, Agent G from Agent G: Infiltrator, and Cassius Mass from Lucifer's Star.

First Sentence:
So, I was getting my ass kicked.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Jeffrey has to have fun while narrating these stories. He gets to let loose and put the manic into the crazy villains as he vocalizes them. I enjoy Jeffrey giving these characters a voice. He does it with such love as he seems to have absorbed the characters personalities. When he delivers some of these lines that are crazy and would make anyone smirk or laugh, he does it with the full feel of the character delivering it. Jeffrey is amazing at giving nothing away in his voice. Another flawless performance by Jeffrey.

Okay. I have a soft spot for 80's and 90's references. Oh heck, even current geek references. I'm one of those people that forgots them until I hear them in these books, and boy do they bring back the fun memories. It was an awesome time for movies, games, cartoons, comics, and so much more! And C.T. takes advantage of all that is available to reference. I never counted how many references to fight games (and movies) there were, but C.T. uses them here.

Oh. When Gary met Jane Doe and Agent G... I smiled the whole time. lol. I love these personalities and their reactions to each other. Jane Doe, Agent G, and Star Count are characters from C.T.'s other series. Yep, that's right! This book has a character crossover. The cool thing, you DO NOT have to read the other books to read this one. It's cool that you get to meet characters from his other books, so maybe you'll want to check out their worlds after you are done here.

Even though I have fun and enjoy the quick quips, jokes, and references, there's a serious side to Gary too. Gary has a lot going on with his family and friends. Gary takes it all in and goes with it as best he can, but his cares for them runs deep in his being. I enjoy seeing him react to the family he's made around him.

Gary has a great group around him - Cindy, Diabloman, Gabrielle, Guinevere, Mandy, and more. They all add to the story. It's great how C.T. juggles them all being together through the book. That's hard to have a large cast of characters in one place, but C.T. makes it seem easy. They all add to what Gary has to do and the chaos of his mind and life. lol. Some moments I wonder how they all keep it straight when they get side railed in a conversation, but they do! And they come back to the topic at hand. Life gets sidetracked but it all works out for them having an "off the beaten path" feel to their thinking processes.

In closing I want to response to C.T.'s forward, I know there are people saying the formula is getting old. Here's the thing, I enjoy these stories because of the geek references to books, movies, games, and so much more. Gary and his friends are a crew I enjoy with their banter and jokes and unconventional living. This is what I expect coming into the book, smile while I'm listening because of, and leave with a smile from.

The ending leaves me with hope for a next book, and more fun. This made me smile, for the request made and that I'll get more time with Gary and his family.



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Audio Book Review: The Science of Supervillainy

The Science of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  April 1, 2017, Audiobook Release April 11, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 5 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  4th in The Supervillainy Saga series; Book 1 ~ The Rules of Supervillainy, Book 2 ~ The Games of Supervillainy, Book 3 ~ The Secrets of Supervillainy

Impression:  Family and friends are important, even to supervillains.

Synopsis:
Gary Karkofsky a.k.a Merciless: The Supervillain without Mercy™ returns in the fourth volume of the popular Supervillainy Saga. Having discovered the world's greatest superhero slain by his doppelganger from another reality, Merciful: The Supervillain with Mercy ™, and the arrogant President Omega, Gary dedicates himself to overthrowing both. Unfortunately, this is harder than it looks since Merciful has all of Gary's genre savviness while President Omega has the entire brainwashed United States military behind him. In the end, though, there can be only one ruler of the world and two of these three feuding villains will have to go.

First Sentence:
The air above me was full of more blue, red, and white energy blasts than the G.I. Joe cartoon from the eighties.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

Gary aka Merciless may have stopped President Omega (for now?) but he still has Other Gary to tend to. After his imprisonment by Other Gary, Gary returns to Falconcrest to find Other Gary has taken Gary's name and turned the city into a wonder, run by a superhero. Gary must now overthrow Other Gary to get things to return to normal.


Jeffrey is a treat to listen to. In this book, he made me laugh out. What did he do? He did a villain's laugh for Gary. Yes, a laugh laugh not just telling me the words describing the laugh. It was awesome! These are the little things narrators do that catch my ears and draw me in. I wonder how many times Jeffrey had to speak the tongue twister sections, as they are perfect in the audiobook.

I'm so excited to get back into this world. Gary is kicking it strong with his references in this book. C.T. has weighted the book heavily with these cool nods to all sorts of memories of shows, comics, and so much more. All hit home as soon as I hear them, and make me smile at the memory and joke. So many references to the shows, comics, and more are in comment, actions, and title.

Gary's colorful look on events and life makes this book a joy to listen to. If you enjoyed Gary's perspective on events and life, you'll continue to enjoy this book. He really believes what he thinks, whether it's true or not. When he's wrong his friends point it out and he plays it off. He never thinks back to it and rolls with it. It's a hoot.

I love the twist to good and evil and live and death interpretation on things done in this book. It's a fun twist authors enjoy playing with, and C.T. has the ground work in place to do that with Gary and Other Gary.

Gary keeps friends and loved ones near and dear. Gary loves his wife, Mandy, so deeply. He is so caught on her, and it's great. He's not stalkerish, he's just full of heart or heartbroken or... well, he always wants the best for Mandy and hopes to have his relationship back. Gary meets a very special little one. The communication and conversations with the little one is cute and fun. I love the references to cartoons.

We get a lot of family (blood and picked) time. Gary was imprisoned in a town for five years and has a lot to catch up on. We do, and learn what happened with Other Gary in their town.

Just when I think things are going to become as I expect, C.T. throws in a surprise. I just never know what's going to happen or appear in a scene. Sure, I can guess and let my mind run wild, but then I miss something! lol.

Gary gets sidetracked so easily! lol. It's funny how this mans brain works. We have a goal, to stop Other Gary. But we get waylaid with family and friends along the way because things are different after five years imprisoned in Undertown, living the 1950's life style. At times I almost forgot what the end goal was with all we talked through with family/friends. This story's focus feels to be more on family, those we create by blood and more.



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Audio Book: The Secrets of Supervillainy

The Secrets of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  July 4, 2016, Audiobook Release July 19, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 6 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd The Supervillainy Saga novel: 1st Book ~ The Rules of Supervillainy, 2nd Book ~ The Games of Supervillainy

Impression:  Fun in mayhem with superheroes supervillains.

Synopsis:
Merciless, the Supervillain without Mercy (TM) is back with even bigger problems! How far will he go to fix his wife's current state of being a soulless vampire? Can he ignore his growing feelings for Cindy, despite their difference over the new Star Wars movie? Can he survive the wrath of the President of the United States (who he accidentally stole billions from)?

While he ponders those personal issues, Death has a new mission for him. The greatest hero on Earth has killed and she isn't pleased. Death wants the murder solved and the perpetrator given the kind of justice only the Avatar of Death can dish out. Unfortunately for Gary, that's only the tip of the psychotic iceberg.

First Sentence:
Sister Christian's eyes glowed and she laughed before shooting a column of flame at my head.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review at my request.

It's been a year since the fall of Falconcrest City, and the returning of a portion of Gary's wife who's now a vampire. Gary has searched and will do anything, almost anything, to have Mandy's soul returned to her body. Someone is calling for Gary's death, along with his hench-people, Cindy aka Little Red Riding Hood and Diabloman. Gary and Diabloman believe it's the government behind the push for their death due to the money offered along with being pardoned. Gary struggles with his growing feelings for Cindy, yet wants his wife back. With all Gary's personal struggles, Death has a new assignment for him. An important hero has died, out of his timeline. Death wants Gary to find the killer and eliminate him, in return for a favor of anything in her power.

Jeffrey returns to bring us Gary's dry humor. How can he do some of these jokes without sounding as though he's laughing? Talent. Jeffrey brings us into the conversations as he voices it all with the feel of the characters and the quick retorts with a feel as though he doesn't even think. Wow. Well done! Jeffrey is clear and easy to listen to as he goes through the story. One of the best complements I can give to a narrator is they voice the story and yet are unheard. That sounds backward but this is why, they don't draw attention from the story itself or over voice to distract. Jeffrey does this. What he's added to the story is the blend of voice and personality that adds to the story and he's not heard. Well done.

We start right in with Merciless in the midst of trouble, erm, battle. Yes battle. And it doesn't stop there. Gary seems to always be found by trouble. But with all he's done in the last year, tinkering in magics to save Mandy, Gary is weaker in his magic from Death. This does affect him and brings a consequence to light for all he's done.

I do enjoy the dry humor between Gary (Merciless) and Cloak. This story just makes me smile. It's funny how much chatting goes on in battles. And how things come out. lol. Then, the whole thing changes directions as everyone's motives and wants change with the chatter.

Oh the humor! I love all the one liners that reference so many different geeky items. I listen intently to hear and catch these. Kool Aid man was hinted at. I had to smile as it was the old commercial reference. lol. Elvis! A play of Frozen the movie! Then there's a play made that feels like something from Terminator, with the time travel. lol Twisty thinking yet so fun with Gary's responses. lol. And Star Wars debates along with references. With the time line part of story, I was waiting for the Quantum Leap reference. It came! lol. Goodness, all the old and new science fiction/fantasy references. I love them!

The interaction of the characters and how they play off each other with quick comments, just fun as the crew blends in a fun wonky way. I get a kick out of Death with Gary. She finds him amusing, but she pushes his buttons so easily. And she has the powers to keep him under some control of quick lines. Even Cindy with Gary. They are all wonderful compliments of each other.

As much as Gary has a strange, twisted view on things, there are those moments when he sounds brilliant too. lol. I love the dynamics this man goes through.

There is always an enemy to come. Gary finds he's the center of the attacks of the Dark Light group. I got a kick out of who is behind the Dark Light group after Gary aka Merciless.

I will warn you, there are times that strong language is used. The f word and a few others. But fits perfectly to the characters and the moment.

We have everything from super powers to magic, from cybernetics to alien technology. A great blend of all things science fiction and fantasy with our superheroes, erm, supervillains! Pay attention! Because when things get rocking and we start talking different universes and times, you are going to see all the twists and loops C.T. creates in Gary's plan...plans... Garys.. plural used? lol.

This book ends on a small cliffhanger. It doesn't hit me as bad as you would think though. Gary's main goal in the book is resolved. But, there is another battle to be fought, and we will be waiting for the next book with that battle.



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Audio Book Review: The Games of Supervillainy

The Games of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  December 19, 2015, Audiobook Release January 14, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 55 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd in The Supervillainy Saga series; 1st Book ~ The Rules of Supervillainy

First Impression:  A must read for a blast! Fun play with and on superheroes, supervillains, and fantasy worlds.

Synopsis:
Get ready for the action-packed follow up to The Rules of Supervillainy. This time with zombies, zombified heroes and villains, cults, magic, superscience, a dragon, a Greek demigod, and so much more!

Gary and Cloak have returned from the supervillain prison on the moon only to discover the city he plans to conquer and rule with an iron fist has been overrun with the living dead. Once again taking up the mantle of Merciless, the villain without mercy, Gary will have to pull it together quickly, find his wife, his gang, and a whole lot of help to stop the Brotherhood of Infamy from slaughtering the population of Falconcrest City and opening a portal to summon a Primal force of creation.

But Gary has a plan, or at least he's sure he'll have one soon. Just give him a second.

First Sentence:
I am Merciless.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested to review a copy of this audiobook for an honest review from the author or narrator.

Merciless, Gary and Cloak as a supervillain, have returned from the prison on the moon to a land deserted of life and swarming with living dead. It's been a week, but actually a month thanks to a teleporter accident, since Gary has seen his wife and henchmen. Learning that his dogs were still at his home with his henchmen and Mandy left, Gary believes Mandy was abducted! Gary will search the city to find his wife! Gary finds himself teaming up with new heroes and unexpected villains to stop the Brotherhood of Infamy by retrieving the Book of Midnight, that's guarded by their cultists and death machines, to end it all by sending the god Zol-Barbas back to where he belongs.

Jeffrey's dead pan tone for Gary is awesome with Gary's dry jokes. Gary's personality and comments with Jeffery made me giggle several times through the book. Having the voice actor that's spot on with a book makes a huge impact on the story. The Games of Supervillainy is a perfect example of that. I was drawn into the story and world with the great combination of Jeffrey's voice and Gary's writing. It's as if they are both on the same page and it shows! I could easily differentiate the other characters in Jeffrey's narration along with felt he WAS Gary. Amazing job!

Wow. There is a lot told in the first chapter to explain the mess of zombies. It's been one thing on top of another! LOL! I was nervous that Gary would lose his edge of new to the game of supervillainry, but on the contrary, Gary is just as much fun in this book as he was in the first! If not more enjoyable! Time has lapsed, yet for Gary he's still new to the program WITH powers. See there was a little mishap with the teleporter he took on the moon to get back home. A month has passed, but for Gary it's still been less than a week. This is a fun little event to play with in the beginning of the story.

C.T. pulls from the fun side of the comic world. Everything and everyone has a name in comics. You have that here too - The Brotherhood of Infamy, The Heroes of Today, The Society of Superheroes, The Foundation of World Harmony. Great detailed descriptions for the obvious, a dramatization of comics and it's a hoot. There are many quick references to so may books, films, shows, and comics and it's awesome to see them. The references fit and draw the world for us.

I love the reason Gary got Cloak. I have to smile at his "luck". Cloak helps with his vast knowledge of superheroes and items Gary has 'inherited' from Nightwalker. But Gary is special in his knowledge of those of villainy and heroics in Falconcrest City with growing up in the city they protect/attack and reside in. Mandy is a HUGE influence on Gary. Okay, Mandy seems to be the one with her head on straight and to wear the pants in the house. lol. Gary loves her, and she loves Gary. They compromise about what Gary does as he's the one that goes to extremes and she reels him in a bit. Great balance here with them!

I got a great kick out of the corky twists to what the characters do and why they do it. lol. Even the chats between the characters make me smile, the references and how conversations get derailed. It's humorous listening to them all and we learn about the superpowered world along with our characters.

We see old enemies, well as old as just recently when Gary became Merciless. Oh there are soooo many great little happenings to play with in the story. And to pile them all together! LOL! Just fun with Gary's personality and view of things.

I can't express how much I enjoyed this book, and particularly in audio. It's the fun I needed and will look forward to in future installments! Battles with Nazi Robot, dragon, Amazons, cybernetic dinosaurs, cultists, zombies, deal with ghosts, Death, demi god, ex-girlfriend of his own and his wife's. Sounds like a lot but it all fits and makes for so much fun while battling. And Gary's one liners along the way. LOL!

I can't wait for the next installment to come our way!!



**If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you.

Audio Book Review: The Rules of Supervillainy

The Rules of Supervillainy

By:  C.T. Phipps

Publish Date:  June 8, 2015, Audiobook October 23, 2015

Format:  Audiobook - 6 hrs 42 mins
Narrated By:  Jeffrey Kafer

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in The Supervillainy Saga series

Impression:  Fun story to enjoy for a weekend set in a superhero, VILLAIN, world. ;)

Synopsis:
Gary Karkofsky is an ordinary guy with an ordinary life living in an extraordinary world. Supervillains, heroes, and monsters are a common part of the world he inhabits. Yet, after the death of his hometown's resident superhero, he gains the amazing gift of the late champion's magical cloak. Deciding he prefers to be rich rather than good, Gary embarks on a career as Merciless: The Supervillain Without Mercy.

But is he evil enough to be a villain in America's most crime-ridden city?

Gary soon finds himself surrounded by a host of the worst of Falconcrest City's toughest criminals. Supported by his long-suffering wife, his ex-girlfriend turned professional henchwoman, and a has-been evil mastermind, Gary may end up being not the hero they want but the villain they need.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

Audible


My Thoughts and Summary:
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.

Gary Karkofsky has been the supervillain Merciless for less than 24 hours. The things he has done, surpassed in battle, and seen are more than he ever imagined in his lifetime. Somehow a box was dropped off at his door with files and a magical cloak, all having belonged to the superhero of Falconcrest City who died less than a week ago, Nightwalker. Gary's not a superhero, he's poor, and plans to take advantage of his gift to start his reign of terror on the city... and take some easy cash. On his first day, he learns his powers, limits, and down sides to being a super villain. Gets under the skin of The Malt Shop gang who call for revenge for the death of Ice Cream Man in a robbery Merciless intervened in. And gets a call from the Chief of Police to help with a kidnapping of a rich daughter. Gary sees dollar signs and takes the money, however things seem to shift on him drawing the attention of the superheroes.

I enjoyed listening to Jeffrey as his reading voice is one I love to listen to, but he also does the voice differences for the additional villains that Merciless comes across, and there are a more than a few. They seem to fit the characters in mind and voice. I think this is the most voice variation I've heard from Jeffrey in the few books I've listened to from him. Sounds like he had fun with these characters. I know I did! The dry humor in Jeffrey's voice fits Gary to the T and made the book all the more fun listening to the humor and jokes than just reading them.

LOL! Oh this was a fun listen. Just what I wanted, and was hoping for. The names of the villains alone made me giggle as I'm listening to this story, but Gary on his first test drive with the powerful cloak is a hoot. He didn't even test out his powers before diving in.

Gary is our main super villain, if that's the category he wants to classify himself as. It's amusing to listen to him bicker with Cloak. Yes, Cloak. Cloak IS Gary's cloak and the reason for his super powers. They are so different in thought and Gary's thinking process is entertaining. Gary is wonderful at turning situations to capitalize on them personally. Just a few things that stick out in my head, among many, are: I had to laugh and shake my head at his thought on what to do with the rich daughter, to make money and a villain team to make more money. I had to nod and chuckle at Gary's thoughts of the police. When a kidnapping happens, he feels they are lazy and doing a poor job as they called the Nighwalker, who's dead, for help instead of doing the work themselves. He's a supervillain who supports the tough on crime policies the president is passing. He wants to eliminate other supervillains because they cut into his pay check.

Gary lives in a 'super' world. There are super heroes and super villains everywhere. His family has a long line of supervillains, along with many of those he knows. He graduated from South Falconcrest High were most have gone off to do some supervillainous events, and his deceased brother is who inspires him to be a villain now.

Family... I love how Gary goes about things with his wife, Mandy. This is a wonderful bonus for me as he's not a *whistle*. Gary loves his wife. He wants things to work out for them and for their dreams. I love this!

Corny names, costumes, and characters. I loved it! I was smiling at the names and costumes that corresponded to them. lol. And I enjoyed Gary's (Merciless's) view on things. The fun comic corks that go with the way Superheroes and Supervillains are and react. Wow. Gary, Merciless's, first day as a supervillain has gone further than he ever imagined, bringing him to experience and see so much of the 'super' world.

I am looking forward to future stories with these characters and world, as there are more coming.