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Legends

(Failstate #2)

John W. Otte (Goodreads Author)

4.33 · Rating details · 102 ratings · 21 reviews

A young superhero.
A legend reborn.
And a whole mess of zombies.

Failstate (a.k.a., Robin Laughlin) thought his life would get easier after he’d earned his superhero license. But now a legendary superhero has returned from the dead…along with a horde of shambling horrors who want to eat his brains.

New Chayton’s other licensed heroes are indisposed, meaning that the whole weig ...more

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Paperback, 455 pages

Published March 1st 2013 by Marcher Lord Press (first published February 27th 2013)

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Average rating 4.33 ·

Rating details

· 102 ratings · 21 reviews

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Mar 02, 2013 John Otte rated it really liked it · (Review from the author)

I loved it! Best book ever! I mean . . . wait, this isn't kosher, is it? ;) ...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Gillian Bronte Adams rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviews

In Legends, John W. Otte pens a slam-bang sequel to Failstate. I sat down to sneak a quick peek into the story and didn’t get up until I’d finished it. With a plot that keeps twisting like your favorite roller coaster ride, zombies on the loose, and Failstate’s superpowers doing some surprising things, there’s never a dull moment in Legends.

Reading about Failstate, Gauntlet, and Veritas felt like hanging out with old friends. And I enjoyed meeting the new cast of characters as well.

For a superhe ...more

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Feb 25, 2020 C.S. Wachter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: urban-fantasy

In the second book of this series, the fast-paced action and affable character of Rob/Failstate continued to propel me through the story. Not to mention, there are zombies. Yes! Failstate and his friends, old and new, face a horde of zombies and new super villains.

Except for a couple places where words were missing or added or incorrect (in other words a few typos), and, at one point where an incorrect character name was used, this was cleanly written and a pleasure to read.

I recommend it for ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Adam Graham rated it it was amazing

The teenage superhero Failstate (Robin Laughlin) won his won his Vigilante license as a result of a reality TV show and returns to his hometown of New Chayton facing a brand new challenge: the emergence of zombies on the streets of New Chayton.

Unfortunately, while New Chayton is allotted several licensed heroes, Failstate is the only one available. His liaison officer with the government agency that regulates costumed vigilantes invites a swarm of licensed heroes to New Chayton to assist in the The teenage superhero Failstate (Robin Laughlin) won his won his Vigilante license as a result of a reality TV show and returns to his hometown of New Chayton facing a brand new challenge: the emergence of zombies on the streets of New Chayton.

Unfortunately, while New Chayton is allotted several licensed heroes, Failstate is the only one available. His liaison officer with the government agency that regulates costumed vigilantes invites a swarm of licensed heroes to New Chayton to assist in the challenge. Can the sixteen year old stand up in the company of legends (including the most legendary hero of all?)

The book works quite well, but is perhaps best in the character development department. Failstate, unlicensed heroes Gauntlet (aka Robin’s brother Ben), and Veritas (aka Mike) all were in the first book. All three characters are changing but in a realistic and believable fashion. It's great to see how the relationship between Gauntlet and Failstate evolves throughout the book.

I also have to give kudos to Otte for a couple new characters. I loved the vigilante Kynetic (Kyn) and Etzal’el was a character I thought I wouldn't like but I actually found to be really fun. Either one of these would be great for a spin-off book.

The story itself is very well-written and fast-paced with a lot of plot developments on its way to the final conclusion. Failstate: Legends has everything you’d expect in a superhero story and all of its well done with plenty of battles, intrigue, and a good deal of suspense get thrown into the mix.

I'm not a fan of zombie stories usually, but the zombies in Legends were a macguffin for our heroes and villains to have a plot around rather than the central point of the story.

The negatives of the story are few. We find out that Failstate's name is a bit of a misnomer as his power doesn't actually create a Failstate, which I guess would be kind of like finding out Spider-man had been by a radioactive ladybug. I'll also admit the set up for the final battle between Failstate and the main villain did stretch suspension of disbelief a little bit, but the stunning conclusion to the story more than makes up for it.

Finally, some people will have a problem with the fact that (without giving away the ending) the VOC (the agency that regulates superheroes in Failstate’s universe) was really incompetent and poorly managed, with the left hand does know what the right is doing, power is abused, and government funds are embezzled and mismanaged with little to no oversight. However, I merely give the book points for realism.

Overall, Failstate Legends is a well-crafted story that continues the coming of age saga with a likable hero, a great supporting cast, and a well-done plot which provides a couple good life lessons along the way.
...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Jill Williamson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult-fantasy

Teen superhero Failstate thought life would get easier now that he'd earned his superhero license. But when a legendary superhero returns from the dead and brings with him a horde of zombies, Failstate is a bit flustered. Dozens of professional superheroes come in from all over the world to help, and most of them are treating Failstate like a kid when New Chayton is HIS town to protect!

Nobody thinks he can get the job done. Plus his older brother, Gauntlet, and his best friend, Veritas, aren't ...more

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Oct 30, 2017 Matthew Sampson rated it liked it

After a five-star review for Failstate, I have mixed feelings about Legends. I must admit, I've never really been impressed with the Failstate villains or situations, which I believe to be the series' biggest drawback. The concept of a teenaged Christian superhero with a deforming power works—but the weakest part of Failstate was definitely the big bad's identity. Legends has a better villain, probably the best in the series so far, but unfortunately that's not saying much. The conflict also fee After a five-star review for Failstate, I have mixed feelings about Legends. I must admit, I've never really been impressed with the Failstate villains or situations, which I believe to be the series' biggest drawback. The concept of a teenaged Christian superhero with a deforming power works—but the weakest part of Failstate was definitely the big bad's identity. Legends has a better villain, probably the best in the series so far, but unfortunately that's not saying much. The conflict also feels contrived, as if a number of disparate elements have been tied together with a weak explanation, and the villain's rapid assumption of new powers left the heroes with no other way out than deus ex machina—new powers all around.

I ended the book feeling confused about the resurrection technology that sparks the plot. Is the character called Sarge really the original Sarge? While he is introduced as sharing the original Sarge's traits and memories, the original Sarge was a revered superhero, and I can't reconcile the two opposing images in my mind. An alternative option is mentioned by one character, who states that Sarge has been "animated by dark forces"—so he has been corrupted by the resurrection technology, and now is willing to do villainous things even though he is still the same person? That doesn't sit right with me. Perhaps I could accept him as a clone, but again, traits and memories don't necessarily pass to a clone. I would have liked to see more explanation of this for better closure.

(By the way, people shouldn't accept resurrection that easily, even—especially in a superhero world. Hast thou ever heard of changelings, oh ye S.H.I.E.L.D. renamed? Illusionists? Animators? There are a myriad of ways to fake resurrection, and it's not even addressed?)

Those are the weakest parts of the book. The best part of the book? Etzal'el. Though he's present only in a few scenes, he carries each of them brilliantly. He's a thoroughly compelling character, and I hope to see more of him in the next book; also, I would definitely read a standalone with him as the protagonist, an idea I've seen floating around in other reviews and on the author's blog. I also enjoyed seeing recurring characters: Ben/Gauntlet, Mike/Veritas and the eponymous Robin/Failstate, whose character development over the last book was extended in this. I particularly liked seeing Gauntlet and Failstate as a team and I would like to see more of that relationship.

Rating: A diffident three stars. I've criticised more than praised in this review, but I did enjoy Legends, and I plan to read Nemesis soon. ...more

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Sep 01, 2013 Becky B rated it liked it

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, inspirational-fiction, young-adult

Though he has his superhero license from the VOC now, Failstate is still struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Many in the superhero world still treat him like a wannabe because they feel that winning a license on a reality tv show isn't really earning it, and there's a widespread feeling that cognits (those who have mental-based powers) are second rate superheroes anyway. Failstate keeps plugging away to keep the town safe though, but when he runs into real ~~live~~ undead zombies not once but tw Though he has his superhero license from the VOC now, Failstate is still struggling with feelings of inadequacy. Many in the superhero world still treat him like a wannabe because they feel that winning a license on a reality tv show isn't really earning it, and there's a widespread feeling that cognits (those who have mental-based powers) are second rate superheroes anyway. Failstate keeps plugging away to keep the town safe though, but when he runs into real ~~live~~ undead zombies not once but twice. The town decides it is time to call in some help from any and all superheroes willing to make sure the dead return to their appropriate hang out zones, aka graves. Superhero protocol says that all of these visitors should be looking to Failstate, the local superhero, as their leader in this, but his VOC liaison seems to dislike Failstate so much he ignores protocol and Failstate's ideas. Soon Failstate finds himself pushed to the edges of any plans, and were it not for the encouragement of his mentor, Meridian, and help of some of his friends he might have missed out on finding the source of the zombies. His success gets overshadowed by two things, the disappearance of the mastermind behind the zombies and the appearance of a long-dead superhero. While others are only too willing to blindly let this hero of the past take over, Failstate eventually realizes all may not be as wonderful as it appears and he must take an unpopular stand for what is right. (view spoiler)

I had a harder time finishing this book than the first. I think because I've seen enough superhero-type movies I knew exactly where the plot was headed so this didn't hold many surprises. It was still a creative and mostly fun read. Otte did a better job of blending Failstate's spiritual and superhero lives this time. It didn't feel disjointed like in the last book. It still had an important lesson for Failstate to learn, but didn't feel as preachy either. Which makes it easier to envision non-Christians reading and enjoying this one, while Christian parents can still be sure their kids will be getting some quality teaching in the midst of their superhero fun. My only complaint with this book is the repeated copied descriptions of people/places. (Ex. the food court at the mall is passed several times in both books and it is always described as smelling greasy, never describes the look or anything else really. Just greasy smell. And the description of the youth pastor was pretty much just copied and pasted in this book from the first one.) I don't know, I just feel that if an author has created the character/place they should be able to describe them from multiple perspectives.

Notes on content: No language issues. A couple kisses, but nothing beyond that in sexual content. Being a superhero book, it has several superhero battles and thus superhero violence. And in that vein, hardly anyone gets seriously hurt though they all get their fair share of fists and kicks and such. ...more

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Oct 08, 2015 Anne Hamilton rated it really liked it

Shelves: christian, spec-fic, ya

Four and a half stars.

What a fun romp. Some spoilers follow.

Failstate is a teen with superpowers. He's won a reality tv show to become America's next superhero. His superpower? Hmm... apparently, breaking things.

It's thought he can split the molecular bonds in matter - causing its solid state to fail. Hence his somewhat unfortunate name.

He's got a superhero bro, Gauntlet. Charming, handsome, a winner with the girls, flashy costume - especially compared to Failstate's daggy camo outfit which look ...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Rachel rated it really liked it

It was fun reading about Failstate again and meeting more heroes. I especially liked Dr. Olympus (she was so funny). I also liked Etal'el, who had some great advice. Failstate learning more about is powers was a treat because I had been wondering if more would be discovered. I also liked how the story brought in "history" of the heroes, which was creative and added to the world of the superheros. The story was a bit more grown up (maybe even a little dark) in one spot, such as stopping drug lord ...more

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Nov 02, 2013 Chris rated it it was amazing

John has done it again with the follow-up to his first Failstate novel, which I may like even more than the first. This time around Robin is dealing with a host of problems, not the least of which is zombies. The book is jam-packed with mystery, excitement, romance, new super heroes, and everything you need to have a good story. And, as other reviewers have noted, these books aren't just for kids! John is one of the more skilled authors I've read in the past few years and I can't wait to see wha ...more

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Feb 20, 2016 Eileen rated it liked it

It had to have zombies! I didn't care for that and almost threw it down (except it was in my NOOK). But it turned out to be pretty good. Failstate is still the underdog of superheroes, but has matured considerably in this book. I love the characters, and it really was a good story. Great for teenagers/young adults.
...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Gabriellyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another fun one!

So much fun, just like the last one! Robin was amazing, again, and the other characters were super interesting as well! AND I didn’t figure the baddies out- or at least one out! It takes skill to surprise me! Well done!

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Jan 04, 2014 Tom rated it really liked it

Cannot wait for the third and final book!

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Jul 30, 2014 Maryclare Fawver rated it it was amazing

Funny!!

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Apr 22, 2013 Carol R. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

teens will love it! great sequel!

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Mar 18, 2018 Gretchen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Solid superhero sequel

Failstate is an ideal superhero role model for teens. He’s an awkward teenager with the powerful but somewhat (okay, really) unrefined ability to destroy things.
In Failstate Legends, he’s the holder of a superhero’s license but the governing authorities are none too excited that he’s the city’s protector.
Superheroes from around the country converge on New Chayton as a crop of zombies show up on the scene. Among the undead is a very alive Prohibition era superhero; Sarge ha ...more

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Oct 03, 2018 Stephanie C rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Marvel fans

Shelves: character-development, clean, enjoyable, exciting, flawed-characters, fresh, good-moral-choices, likeable-characters, satisfying, strong-female-characters

I liked it just as much as the first one! And that despite the fact that I really don't like zombies.

AT ALL.

One of the things that I enjoy about this series is that I can never tell what's going to happen. (view spoiler)

And who wouldn't like to speculate about what would happen if your local youth pastor discovered you were a super-hero? ...more

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Feb 25, 2018 Eric Eckhoff rated it it was amazing

A fun, quick read. I liked it more than the first book in the series. I noticed a couple of "Easter eggs". I'm sure there would be even more if I read again. ...more

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Jul 16, 2017 Megan rated it liked it

Shelves: read-science-fiction

I enjoyed this book! It was a good continuation from the first book, and it was entertaining and kept my interest.

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Apr 23, 2016 C.M. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Just when I thought the story couldn't get much better, well, guess what? It does! If I thought that Failstate was good, well, Legends blows it away. The story just gets bigger and better as our favorite unlikely hero trips from one misadventure to the next. The storyline of this book was even better than the last and as we enter the world of the licensed heroes we are introduced to a whole colorful cast including: Kynetic, Doc Olympus, and my new favorite - Etzal'el. I really hope to see a lot ...more

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