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Kingdom of Heroes
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Years ago, a gene virus ran rampant across the planet, leaving a small percentage of people gifted/ cursed with extraordinary abilities and humanity itself forever changed. Suddenly, there were people with super strength and speed, people who could read minds, people who could teleport themselves from place to place with but a single thought.
Several of these people joined ...more
Several of these people joined ...more
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Paperback, 324 pages
Published
March 15th 2013
by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
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Start your review of Kingdom of Heroes
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book when I first started reading it, but before I knew what was happening I was pulled into the mystery of what was going on trying my hardest to figure it all out. I have to say it was a very entertaining read.
It was like taking all the super heroes you hear about changing their names and then spinning them around and showing how the good guys could easily turn around and take control of everything they stood to protect. This book really reminded m ...more
It was like taking all the super heroes you hear about changing their names and then spinning them around and showing how the good guys could easily turn around and take control of everything they stood to protect. This book really reminded m ...more
Have you ever read a book that made you speechless, that left you without the words to describe it, where the only word that you could think of was "Wow!" but even that was not enough? THAT is how I feel about this book.
When I first started the book and realized it was about superheroes ... with superheroes that you weren't quite sure if they were good or bad ... I knew I was going to love this book. As I got further and further through the book, I knew more and more that I liked the "main" char ...more
When I first started the book and realized it was about superheroes ... with superheroes that you weren't quite sure if they were good or bad ... I knew I was going to love this book. As I got further and further through the book, I knew more and more that I liked the "main" char ...more
The world is full of books about superheroes, but only a handful revolves around a murder mystery and incorporates neo-noir aesthetic. Kingdom of Heroes contains most of the stock ingredients of the genre; the femme fatale, the morally ambiguous hero, complex plot, hard-boiled dialogue, and so on. It never wastes a second - thanks to short, action-packed scenes it’s ridiculously addictive.
Set in a world ruthlessly ruled by former superheroes known as the Seven, it pulls no punches in presenting ...more
Set in a world ruthlessly ruled by former superheroes known as the Seven, it pulls no punches in presenting ...more
Jay Phillips is an amazing author.
He is like a mix between Stephen King and James Patterson. I know for a fact that if a big publishing or press company got a hold of his book, they'd have a field day with him. The book and his writing are incredible.
I love the concept of the book. The Supers VS the Normals is just an awesome plot. It reminds me of the TV show, Heroes. Not only was the plot great, I think he executed it very well. There were always things that would surprise me. Of course there ...more
He is like a mix between Stephen King and James Patterson. I know for a fact that if a big publishing or press company got a hold of his book, they'd have a field day with him. The book and his writing are incredible.
I love the concept of the book. The Supers VS the Normals is just an awesome plot. It reminds me of the TV show, Heroes. Not only was the plot great, I think he executed it very well. There were always things that would surprise me. Of course there ...more
Jay Phillips, can I be your official groupie? I've never asked a question like that before, but I never quite read a book like this before either. How does a bargain, self published, ebook on Kindle about superheroes become one of my favorite novels of all time? I'm not sure, but it has.
The dialogue in this novel is so crisp and witty, so fast paced, it reminds me of watching a Joss Whedon TV show or movie. The characters were so much fun and believable. The Detective has to be one of the most w ...more
The dialogue in this novel is so crisp and witty, so fast paced, it reminds me of watching a Joss Whedon TV show or movie. The characters were so much fun and believable. The Detective has to be one of the most w ...more
I really, really wanted to hate this book. I am currently writing (okay, thinking about writing) a similarly themed superhero novel, and I kind of viewed this one as the competition. I really wanted to hate it. But I couldn't. It was just too d-mn good.
It has almost a Watchmen quality, but it takes it to a different level. I love anything where the heroes become the bad guys, and you can see their fall. This has that element. I loved the main character, and just the fact that, power wise, he's ...more
It has almost a Watchmen quality, but it takes it to a different level. I love anything where the heroes become the bad guys, and you can see their fall. This has that element. I loved the main character, and just the fact that, power wise, he's ...more
I wrote it, so of course, I'm going to like it. I hope everyone else does as well.
...more
4.5 Stars
But I gave it a 5 anyway, because I'm a sucker for anything that appeals to the fangirl in me. And whether you like comic books or your interest in such things only applies to the film adaptations, you might want to give Kingdom of Heroes a try.
One caveat, sometimes it's obvious that Phillips is a fanboy himself. For example, one of the characters in this novel, Anthony Barren, goes by the moniker The Iron Knight and is a genius-engineer-playboy who builds himself a metal suit that can ...more
But I gave it a 5 anyway, because I'm a sucker for anything that appeals to the fangirl in me. And whether you like comic books or your interest in such things only applies to the film adaptations, you might want to give Kingdom of Heroes a try.
One caveat, sometimes it's obvious that Phillips is a fanboy himself. For example, one of the characters in this novel, Anthony Barren, goes by the moniker The Iron Knight and is a genius-engineer-playboy who builds himself a metal suit that can ...more
Originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading Kingdom of Heroes, but I certainly didn’t expect this epic, heart-wrenching, dynamic, action-filled story that reminds me of all the comic books I read when I was a kid. All right, so I didn’t read that many comic books, but this book certainly reminded me of my comic-book days. The book is very much about people with supernatural abilities vs. normal people, pretty much like X- ...more
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading Kingdom of Heroes, but I certainly didn’t expect this epic, heart-wrenching, dynamic, action-filled story that reminds me of all the comic books I read when I was a kid. All right, so I didn’t read that many comic books, but this book certainly reminded me of my comic-book days. The book is very much about people with supernatural abilities vs. normal people, pretty much like X- ...more
I bought this book after seeing it recommended on the Kindle forums. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not after reading the description, but I gave it a chance anyways. and to be honest, I rank it as one of the better books I've read this year, if not the best. The characters were very well written, the plot was fun and interesting, and I loved the dialogue. The Detective was like a character from a 1940's pulp novel. he was full of one liners and jokes, of course, like any good hero,
...more
I thought this novel was fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! I loved the story line and the characters (especially the detective who was very witty and funny). This book is for anyone that is a fan of superheros, mysteries, action, and overall heart pumping, page turning anticipation. This book was very well written. I hope to read more from this author in the future and strongly urge others to check this book out for themselves. You will not be disappointed!
Very good indie book. Really enjoyed it.
Here is what the story of Kingdom of Heroes is about:
Years ago, a gene virus ran rampant across the planet, leaving a small percentage of people gifted/ cursed with extraordinary abilities and humanity itself forever changed. Suddenly, there were people with super strength and speed, people who could read minds, people who could teleport themselves from place to place with but a single thought. Several of these people joined together to form The Seven, the most powerful group of supers the world ...more
Years ago, a gene virus ran rampant across the planet, leaving a small percentage of people gifted/ cursed with extraordinary abilities and humanity itself forever changed. Suddenly, there were people with super strength and speed, people who could read minds, people who could teleport themselves from place to place with but a single thought. Several of these people joined together to form The Seven, the most powerful group of supers the world ...more
If you're a cominc book fan, I think you're gonna like this book. The book characters were like a cross between the X-Men & The Watchmen w/ Superman as their leader. A very twisted and crazy Superman. It answers the question, what if those Superheroes went off the rails and decided they would b better off runnin the world instead. Absolute power, corrupts absolutely. The book is dark, which I like and u should know b4 pickin it up. The main character of the book was SO LIKEABLE and I got very at
...more
Full disclosure: I rceived a free copy of this book for a review on my blog.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am realy shocked that this is a first time author. The characters were very well thought out, and I enjoyed each of them (more on that in a moment).
The plot is accesible without being simple, and at first, I was a little irritated that the mystery aspect seems to clear to be resolved at the novel's halfway point, but then I came to realize that the real mystery wasn' ...more
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
I really enjoyed this book, and I am realy shocked that this is a first time author. The characters were very well thought out, and I enjoyed each of them (more on that in a moment).
The plot is accesible without being simple, and at first, I was a little irritated that the mystery aspect seems to clear to be resolved at the novel's halfway point, but then I came to realize that the real mystery wasn' ...more
I received the Kindle copy of this book as a gift from a friend. She said I would love it. She was right. It was like a comic book in novel form, but without any of the comic clichés. The characters were fun, and the plot was very surprising. I didn't figure it out until right at the very end. Great book. Here's hoping for a sequel.
...more
This book is amazing. I loved every minute it, could not put it down once I started reading it. I highly reccommend this book. I am looking forward to other projects from this author.
Jun 22, 2013
M. Joseph Murphy
added it
I love me some superheroes. I've been a comic book geek pretty much my entire life. It started with the X-Men in the 70's. During the 80's I walked to the comic store every week, usually spending over $300 a month to feed my addiction. The only reason I'm telling you this is to help you realize I'm a bit of an expert on the 'genre'.
SYNOPSIS
Kingdom of Heroes is takes superheroes out of comic books and mixes in elements of film noir and old-style murder mysteries. Similar to the George R. R. Marti ...more
SYNOPSIS
Kingdom of Heroes is takes superheroes out of comic books and mixes in elements of film noir and old-style murder mysteries. Similar to the George R. R. Marti ...more
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I really wanted to love this book...premiss is great I was really excited to delve into a gritty twist on your run of the mill superhero story.
What I got was a juvenile, sarcastic string of clichés.
The writer does not trust the reader to be able to jump to any conclusion no matter how obvious and so everything is spelled out in painful repetitive chunks.
I did not like a single character , they were all flat with no development, the females were all there to aid in teenage boys' wet dreams and ...more
What I got was a juvenile, sarcastic string of clichés.
The writer does not trust the reader to be able to jump to any conclusion no matter how obvious and so everything is spelled out in painful repetitive chunks.
I did not like a single character , they were all flat with no development, the females were all there to aid in teenage boys' wet dreams and ...more
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Okay so, here it goes.
First of all, I'd have to say that there aren't a lot of novels out there with superheroes as their main premise. Personally, this is my first time reading a book (aside from D.C. comic books) with a plot that revolves entirely around actual superheroes: people with superhuman abilities who literally wear masks and costumes, save powerless citizens and battle with super villains. This, for me, is what ...more
First of all, I'd have to say that there aren't a lot of novels out there with superheroes as their main premise. Personally, this is my first time reading a book (aside from D.C. comic books) with a plot that revolves entirely around actual superheroes: people with superhuman abilities who literally wear masks and costumes, save powerless citizens and battle with super villains. This, for me, is what ...more
I received a digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review of it.
Kingdom of Heroes is about one super hero (The Detective) being released from a prison that holds supers to help the leader of the United States, Agent America discover who killed one of The Seven (the leaders of the new America), in exchange for his freedom. Of course, nothing is that simple, especially since Agent America is a bastard who’s created a Utopian society at the expense of freedom.
The Detective was a su ...more
Kingdom of Heroes is about one super hero (The Detective) being released from a prison that holds supers to help the leader of the United States, Agent America discover who killed one of The Seven (the leaders of the new America), in exchange for his freedom. Of course, nothing is that simple, especially since Agent America is a bastard who’s created a Utopian society at the expense of freedom.
The Detective was a su ...more
I freaking loved this book. Okay, let me get all the technical stuff out of the way. It was very well written and edited. I noticed maybe one mistake/typo, and for an indie book, that is very rare. The plot was extraordinary. The characters were very well thought out and written. Technically, it was great.
As far as the story, don't let the idea of superheroes scare you away from this. This is so much more than just a book about superheroes. There's mystery, romance, and plenty of action. it was ...more
As far as the story, don't let the idea of superheroes scare you away from this. This is so much more than just a book about superheroes. There's mystery, romance, and plenty of action. it was ...more
Great idea, really poor execution
Honestly, the title says everything. It was a great idea but the way it was written was......lacking. It was very difficult to follow the story, one minute it's current time then it jumps to the past, then back to current time. The beginning of the story tried being The Watchmen, but after the first death, it was cliche after cliche and cliche. There was very little depth to the characters that never made me care for whatever happened to the characters. In novels ...more
Honestly, the title says everything. It was a great idea but the way it was written was......lacking. It was very difficult to follow the story, one minute it's current time then it jumps to the past, then back to current time. The beginning of the story tried being The Watchmen, but after the first death, it was cliche after cliche and cliche. There was very little depth to the characters that never made me care for whatever happened to the characters. In novels ...more
I'm going to share a few quick thoughts about this book. First off, this is a very dark novel. That is in no way an insult. It is dark, and it works. And second, these are not your Dad's superheroes. These are dark and twisted superheroes who have been turned that way by the world around them. Again, not an insult. This is a real good novel, well written, great world building, excellent setup with an even better pay off. I give it my highest recommendation, but if someone is expecting a standard
...more
This follows the plot of a man who was paid to solve a crime, but instead participates and observes as they are committed. Lacking in plot or finesse, Kingdom of Heroes will take you into a ride that you may never recover. From the depths of despair to fierce anger at the author. What a great book.
Join the hero of the book as you and him are killed slowly by the world's worst flirter. A woman who is supposed to be sweet and funny. (Yes, my eyes are still bleeding from reading that crap that she ...more
Join the hero of the book as you and him are killed slowly by the world's worst flirter. A woman who is supposed to be sweet and funny. (Yes, my eyes are still bleeding from reading that crap that she ...more
This book is everything that I had hoped that it would be!! The Detective was an amazingly funny protagonist. The book moves so fast and smoothly. The end is one that will stay with you after you're done reading it. I am definitely a fan of Jay Phillips and am eagerly awaiting whatever it is the he writes next, hopefully a sequel or a standalone book set in the same wonderful world.
...more
I loved this book. It's not often you find something that can so effortlessly combine genres, in this case hard boiled detective with superhero, but Kingdom of Heroes manages to pull it off. It is deftly written and filled with action, mystery, and a surprising amount of romance.
...more
Holy crap, I finished this book in 2 sittings, it was that good. I don't usually give 5 stars to books because there is usually some aspect of the book I don't really like but this book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. Great mystery, very suspenseful read good job Jay:)
...more
I really wanted to like this book. The summary sounded like something that would be right up my alley. But from almost the first page, it is so full of cliches, stereotypes, and near-plagiarism. Naming one of your superheroes Bruce Rogers aka Agent America, really? Oh, and his rogue's gallery includes such characters as a clown and a scarecrow. And that's only one example. The quips at the beginning of the book making fun of the unoriginality of these characters does not make it better either.
On ...more
On ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Superhero dystopia. [s] | 19 | 67 | Mar 28, 2018 08:54AM | |
| Shut Up & Read: {Read It & Reap 278} Kingdom of Heroes by Jay Phillips | 27 | 63 | May 19, 2014 08:53PM | |
| Making Connections: 1221. - KINGDOM OF HEROES by Jay Phillips | 12 | 79 | Dec 10, 2013 12:44PM |
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Jay Phillips lives on the Gulf Coast with his wife and two children. A lifelong lover of comic books, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and everything else from the nerd culture, he prides himself on writing fiction that crosses boundaries. To reach Jay for comments or questions, feel free to email him here: jmp2y@hotmail.com.
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