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mellhay's review
4.0
Going into this book, I was looking for fun and adventure. And many pop culture references of shows, books, comics, and so much more. And I got it from the first word. Gibson likes to have fun with what he writes, and it shows. If you are looking for a fun romp of a book, this is one for you. Nothing in life, seen, or in books, movies, and much more are safe from Jackson's criticism. And it's awesome when he goes on a rampage about it all.
Oh goodness. Gibson had me chuckling throughout the book, but in the end... I had to stop the audio to laugh. Great play with the narrator and book. Really interactive and worked wonderfully. The way Jackson is written really brings this to life.
Seriously, listen to the audio book. It's so much fun and the story really comes to life. You'll love it.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
Oh goodness. Gibson had me chuckling throughout the book, but in the end... I had to stop the audio to laugh. Great play with the narrator and book. Really interactive and worked wonderfully. The way Jackson is written really brings this to life.
Seriously, listen to the audio book. It's so much fun and the story really comes to life. You'll love it.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
redlikeroses's review
5.0
5 Stars
M.K Gibson delivered once again in book two of his Shadow Master Series.
Book one had left me yearning for more but book two left me content to digest the spectacular work I had just read.
Where the first book's plot was a bit messy and predictable, book two breaks the mold in all the right ways. Characters leapt off the page and dialogue sparked with life as I turned the pages. When I put down this book it was a disappointment that no more content was available at the time but also was like how I feel after eating a thanksgiving dinner; content. I live for the imagery and commentary in the book and then coupled with the ending, it became an all time favorite book for me.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you have an interest in superheroes!
M.K Gibson delivered once again in book two of his Shadow Master Series.
Book one had left me yearning for more but book two left me content to digest the spectacular work I had just read.
Where the first book's plot was a bit messy and predictable, book two breaks the mold in all the right ways. Characters leapt off the page and dialogue sparked with life as I turned the pages. When I put down this book it was a disappointment that no more content was available at the time but also was like how I feel after eating a thanksgiving dinner; content. I live for the imagery and commentary in the book and then coupled with the ending, it became an all time favorite book for me.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you have an interest in superheroes!
thebookedunicorn's review
4.0
Oh Julie...ermm I mean Jackson my favorite evil god. I shall be back with a review soon.
audiobookmel's review
5.0
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
Oh man, where to start with this review. I had so much fun listening to this book. This audio like nothing I’ve ever listened to. I was laughing hysterically throughout the whole book. I have to highly recommend to listen to the sample that’s on Audible. I don’t normally listen to a sample once I’m familiar with a narrator, but Jeffrey Kafer pointed it out to me, so I gave it a try. Please don’t leave this page without listening to the sample. Really. You must listen to this sample.
So, without going into all the things that happen in this book, let me tell you why I think this series is so much fun. One, the main character, Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, is very much aware that he is the lead character in a book. He does talk to the reader. He also makes fun of indie authors, book reviewers, the Oxford comma and even pokes some fun at the narrator (which the narrator does retaliate on. Be sure to listen to the very end, like until the Audible guy comes back on.).
How can you go wrong with chapter titles like these?
Yes, there are a couple of half chapters in the book, which are fun.
Then there are some really fun Superhero Fun Facts throughout the book:
And yes, these fun facts are actual facts, not something the author made up.
I want to also point out that you should also check out the sample ebook. Jeffrey Kafer wrote the forward for the print book (which isn’t in the audiobook). It is really great.
If you want a fun heroes and villains story, told by the villain, then you must give this series a try. I highly recommend the audiobook, because Jeffrey Kafer does an amazing job (and there’s a little extra in the audiobook, where Kafer said and I quote “we had way more fun that we had any right to have.”).
Narration
Jeffrey Kafer nails the narration of this series. I love how he reads Jackson Blackwell. You can almost feel him looking up at the audience when Blackwell starts talking to the reader. I also loved how he handled this book, especially with the special audiobook parts. If you haven’t tried him yet, you must check him out. He has quickly moved his way on the list of my favorite narrators.
**I like to thank the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Oh man, where to start with this review. I had so much fun listening to this book. This audio like nothing I’ve ever listened to. I was laughing hysterically throughout the whole book. I have to highly recommend to listen to the sample that’s on Audible. I don’t normally listen to a sample once I’m familiar with a narrator, but Jeffrey Kafer pointed it out to me, so I gave it a try. Please don’t leave this page without listening to the sample. Really. You must listen to this sample.
So, without going into all the things that happen in this book, let me tell you why I think this series is so much fun. One, the main character, Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, is very much aware that he is the lead character in a book. He does talk to the reader. He also makes fun of indie authors, book reviewers, the Oxford comma and even pokes some fun at the narrator (which the narrator does retaliate on. Be sure to listen to the very end, like until the Audible guy comes back on.).
How can you go wrong with chapter titles like these?
Chapter One: Where I Counsel Cthulhu, Procrastinate, and Entertain the Thought of Killing Dr. Phil
Chapter Four: Where I Scold a Faded Beauty and Ponder the Aerodynamic Impracticality of Giant Wieners and Big Boobs
Chapter Five and a Half: Where I Make an Impression
Yes, there are a couple of half chapters in the book, which are fun.
Then there are some really fun Superhero Fun Facts throughout the book:
Superhero Fun Fact #3: In Batman Beyond 2.0 #28, it was revealed that not only Batman and Batgirl have sex while she and Robin/Nightwing were on a break. Batman also got her pregnant. Guess the greatest detective couldn’t deduce when to pull out.
And yes, these fun facts are actual facts, not something the author made up.
I want to also point out that you should also check out the sample ebook. Jeffrey Kafer wrote the forward for the print book (which isn’t in the audiobook). It is really great.
If you want a fun heroes and villains story, told by the villain, then you must give this series a try. I highly recommend the audiobook, because Jeffrey Kafer does an amazing job (and there’s a little extra in the audiobook, where Kafer said and I quote “we had way more fun that we had any right to have.”).
Narration
Jeffrey Kafer nails the narration of this series. I love how he reads Jackson Blackwell. You can almost feel him looking up at the audience when Blackwell starts talking to the reader. I also loved how he handled this book, especially with the special audiobook parts. If you haven’t tried him yet, you must check him out. He has quickly moved his way on the list of my favorite narrators.
**I like to thank the narrator for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
lilyelement's review
4.0
Villains Pride is book 2 in The Shadow Master series. I had a great time with book 1 so I knew I had to grab this when I could. I can never expect what's coming in these books, the twists and turns are highly entertaining. If you're a fan of fantasy books with some serious humor mixed in grab this series.
Jackson Blackwell, The Shadow Master returns and is facing the upcoming changes of being a father. In an emotional argument, Jackson's pregnant girlfriend wants him out and he winds up in the superhero/super villain world. True to self, Jackson is a villain and takes down superheros while trying to empower the super villains with his knowledge. The god of the realm doesn't like how things turn out and resets the world a few times and it was interesting to see how Jackson responded. I loved that Jackson used his inside knowledge on the heros/villains to his advantage, he's such a crafty lead character and even I couldn't guess what would happen.
Cunning, hilarious and full of twists and turns, Villains Pride is a must read. One of my main draws to this series is the humor mixed into the book. Between that and Jackson always being 5 steps ahead and keeping the readers on their toes it just makes for a great read. I hope there are more books to come in this series since I'm enjoying the characters and can't wait to see what trouble Jackson will get into next.
The Narrator:
Jeffrey Kafer did a great job again. He portrays the characters well and the emotions from them really shines through. All in all, great job and I need to check out more of his work.
Jackson Blackwell, The Shadow Master returns and is facing the upcoming changes of being a father. In an emotional argument, Jackson's pregnant girlfriend wants him out and he winds up in the superhero/super villain world. True to self, Jackson is a villain and takes down superheros while trying to empower the super villains with his knowledge. The god of the realm doesn't like how things turn out and resets the world a few times and it was interesting to see how Jackson responded. I loved that Jackson used his inside knowledge on the heros/villains to his advantage, he's such a crafty lead character and even I couldn't guess what would happen.
Cunning, hilarious and full of twists and turns, Villains Pride is a must read. One of my main draws to this series is the humor mixed into the book. Between that and Jackson always being 5 steps ahead and keeping the readers on their toes it just makes for a great read. I hope there are more books to come in this series since I'm enjoying the characters and can't wait to see what trouble Jackson will get into next.
The Narrator:
Jeffrey Kafer did a great job again. He portrays the characters well and the emotions from them really shines through. All in all, great job and I need to check out more of his work.
traditionson's review
5.0
Where to start... well before we begin to stroke the hubris of the man who see's reviewers as those wishing to impose their opinions onto others I should mention that this book was read by myself and my other half who now wishes to read the first in the series as he found it darkly enjoyable.
Another highly engaging, darkly witty commentary on the superhero realm and the fantasies of those who follow the series as well as the paradoxical links to all realms. Whilst Lydia didn't take such a visible role in this book the Shadowmaster's relationship with her and need for resolution created a beautiful symmetry along with the chaos and surroundings that he ended up in. With many a link back to the first book it provided hours of mirth as well as another mind engaging story. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who wishes to be mocked, dark humor, a tearing apart of their favourite realms and many a hint at various, highly unusual sexual exploits.
Another highly engaging, darkly witty commentary on the superhero realm and the fantasies of those who follow the series as well as the paradoxical links to all realms. Whilst Lydia didn't take such a visible role in this book the Shadowmaster's relationship with her and need for resolution created a beautiful symmetry along with the chaos and surroundings that he ended up in. With many a link back to the first book it provided hours of mirth as well as another mind engaging story. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who wishes to be mocked, dark humor, a tearing apart of their favourite realms and many a hint at various, highly unusual sexual exploits.
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