Meh! Weak story and characters. ( )

This book has been sitting on my wishlist for quite a while, and finally bought it week or so ago. It looked like a fun read and I wasn't disappointed. It seemed like it was going to be a Young Adult book, but there were some things going on in it that I'm pretty sure most of my siblings would be very hesitant to allow their children to read at middle school age.

We follow a self styled D-list supervillian, and we first meet him after a mind control experiment goes awry and as far as he knows, he's the last human alive that isn't under the control of the 'bugs'. He manages to free one of the top tier superheroes from their clutches and spends a LOT of time weaning her from her addiction. And then things continue to pick up pace from their.

I enjoyed it I plan to check out some more from this author in the future. ( )

Eh. ( )

The premise was appealing, but the execution had too much of what I don't like about many stories written by men. Too much action, not enough character development. ( )

ABR's original Confessions of a D-List Supervillain audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

The story begins in the middle of an all-out war with a swarm of insect-like creatures controlling the minds of everyone on earth. Calvin, AKA, Mechani-Cal was not infected because he is protected by his armor, which he lives in; he also lets us know how bad it smells in there. He manages to save Aphrodite, a stunningly beautiful superhero, who is being mind-controlled by the insect hoard. Of course, when she is rescued, she needs a shower, and of course Cal turns on the hidden camera.

Cal is a villain, making his living off of crime and selling super armor to other villains. Sarcastic, despicable, of questionable morals, a slob, brilliant, and very funny; he finds himself alone in a battle to save the entire world, which also means saving the very superheroes who have made his life so difficult in the first place.

This is a comic book story written from Cal’s perspective, with a self-deprecating honesty and humor that can’t help but make the listener laugh. The super-heroes are far more powerful, beautiful and so annoyingly good, we have to root for Cal. He’s us, flawed, jealous, mistreated and misjudged.

Confessions feels like a comic book, but with a far greater depth of emotion and humor. The heroes, like their ancient mythological counterparts are jealous gods, fighting with each other as often as they are helping humanity. Calvin, all human, is full of flaws, without any superpowers beyond his own humanity and intelligence; and of course it is him, not the gods who must save the day. Satire, superheroes, super-villains, unlikely romance, and an unstoppable foe make this a hugely entertaining listen. It’s just fun.

Jeffrey Kafer narrates the story, bringing it to life with his excellent performance. Talmadge Ragan reads the epilogue. Though her performance does not shine like Kafer’s, it is proficient, and perhaps a good choice as the story has changed so much when she comes in.

For those looking for a fun, satirical comic book ride, Confessions of D-list Super-villain is a great choice and you won’t be disappointed.

Audiobook provided for review by the author. ( )