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Not All Heroes #1
In Sekhmet's Shadow
A young superhero-to-be must team up with the mercenary who shot her father in the hopes of averting her own apocalypse in this this super-heroic combination of WATCHMEN and NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.
The year is 2061, and the world has ended. In the city of Asclepion, Sabra Kasembe dreams of a superheroic future yet wakes to the taste of blood and ash. When her father is shot six times in a heist gone wrong, she resolves to bring those responsible to justice—no matter where the trail might lead.
But with Asclepion caught between uncaring stewards and bloody insurrection, she'll need to team up with those who are used to working outside the a washed-up superhero, a brooding robotic woman, and the very man who shot her father. Because he is her only link to a conspiracy that threatens to shake the Functioning World to its core, and an insane plan they might be too late to stop.
It may be impossible to save a world on the brink of apocalypse without pushing it over the edge and, perhaps, the world doesn't deserve to be saved at all. As her reckoning approaches, and the shadows of her dreams fall across her present, Sabra realizes that her future may not be filled with the cries of those she's saved, but the screams of her victims...
IN SEKHMET'S SHADOW is a psychological "post-superhero" sci-fi thriller, and first of a trilogy (IN SEKHMET'S WAKE, IN SEKHMET'S HANDS.) It is intended for mature audiences and features violence, swearing, and ideas that may be considered traumatic or provocative. But remember everyone finds love in the end.
Fans of The Locked Tomb (Gideon the Ninth), The Expanse (Leviathan Wakes), Exordia, and Disco Elysium will find something to enjoy in this introspective action series. This is a story for those who want to answer the big questions: can superheroes reconcile the contradictions within capital and themselves, does power corrupt, and is it gay if you're a woman and she's a goth-rock robot?
Is it easier to end the world than end capitalism?
"Bad-ass doesn't even begin to describe it." -- Tommy Arnold
"An incredible work about the tension between pacifism and necessary violence, between godhood and humanity, and between choice and destiny. The pacing is so quick and clean between chapters, the character work so distinct that I never questioned whose POV I was reading." -- Della Collins
The year is 2061, and the world has ended. In the city of Asclepion, Sabra Kasembe dreams of a superheroic future yet wakes to the taste of blood and ash. When her father is shot six times in a heist gone wrong, she resolves to bring those responsible to justice—no matter where the trail might lead.
But with Asclepion caught between uncaring stewards and bloody insurrection, she'll need to team up with those who are used to working outside the a washed-up superhero, a brooding robotic woman, and the very man who shot her father. Because he is her only link to a conspiracy that threatens to shake the Functioning World to its core, and an insane plan they might be too late to stop.
It may be impossible to save a world on the brink of apocalypse without pushing it over the edge and, perhaps, the world doesn't deserve to be saved at all. As her reckoning approaches, and the shadows of her dreams fall across her present, Sabra realizes that her future may not be filled with the cries of those she's saved, but the screams of her victims...
IN SEKHMET'S SHADOW is a psychological "post-superhero" sci-fi thriller, and first of a trilogy (IN SEKHMET'S WAKE, IN SEKHMET'S HANDS.) It is intended for mature audiences and features violence, swearing, and ideas that may be considered traumatic or provocative. But remember everyone finds love in the end.
Fans of The Locked Tomb (Gideon the Ninth), The Expanse (Leviathan Wakes), Exordia, and Disco Elysium will find something to enjoy in this introspective action series. This is a story for those who want to answer the big questions: can superheroes reconcile the contradictions within capital and themselves, does power corrupt, and is it gay if you're a woman and she's a goth-rock robot?
Is it easier to end the world than end capitalism?
"Bad-ass doesn't even begin to describe it." -- Tommy Arnold
"An incredible work about the tension between pacifism and necessary violence, between godhood and humanity, and between choice and destiny. The pacing is so quick and clean between chapters, the character work so distinct that I never questioned whose POV I was reading." -- Della Collins
764 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
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812 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 2, 2025
In Sekhmet's Shadow, Rhodes manages to combine the concept of superheroes and gods while placing them into a futuristic world similar to ours. The mixture of religions and beliefs is fascinating ... something that feels both plausible and possible.
In the book, we meet “the Animals,” a group of distinct characters who are all interesting and serve a clear purpose in the unfolding plot. Rhodes writes in a way that allows readers to float along the pages and drift seamlessly into the story. I’ve been thinking about how best to describe my journey through this book, but I’ve decided that I’m a reader, not a wordsmith, and will simply share what comes to mind. The plot points are perfectly paced, as are the twists and revelations.
If you’re considering giving this story a try—do it! This time, the cover truly foreshadows what you’ll find within, and it’s nothing short of amazing.
In short, this is a thrilling, exciting, and complex story with fleshed-out characters and an unforgettable plot.
In the book, we meet “the Animals,” a group of distinct characters who are all interesting and serve a clear purpose in the unfolding plot. Rhodes writes in a way that allows readers to float along the pages and drift seamlessly into the story. I’ve been thinking about how best to describe my journey through this book, but I’ve decided that I’m a reader, not a wordsmith, and will simply share what comes to mind. The plot points are perfectly paced, as are the twists and revelations.
If you’re considering giving this story a try—do it! This time, the cover truly foreshadows what you’ll find within, and it’s nothing short of amazing.
In short, this is a thrilling, exciting, and complex story with fleshed-out characters and an unforgettable plot.
November 17, 2025
4.5
adventurous challenging dark hopeful tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Set in a post-apocalyptic world that teeters frighteningly over the edge, In Sekhmet's Shadow is an gritty, action-packed novel that I could not put down. A washed-up has-been, a girl with the heart of the sun and a tendency to punch first, ask questions never, and the mercenary that long carved out his heart — and the wacky hi-jinks (to say the very least) that ensure when they have no choice but to work together.
Although the writing is straightforward, it excels in its simplicity and there are a lot of quotes throughout the book that I could not help but keep for myself. The humor is deadpan and sarcastic, and while it does get a little old when used too much in the same scene, for this book, it works. But yeah, the dry humor does get a little old when it's leaned on much too heavily, but it's not that all the time fortunately.
There are separate POVs but they make contact very early on, and it doesn't take much time until they mesh together. Despite that, the characters are naturally secretive - sometimes just unreliable - thus the audience has to really get into the groove of assessing each scene.
Probably would want the book to be sectioned in each "cour", as there isn't much breathing room. It feels like a long weary day where Fisher Pavel just can't seem to catch a break. If that is the author's intent then definitely achieved it. It's just a tiny nitpick for me to have split the book into cours so that there's a bit of finality in each of important battles.
I really requested this on NetGalley on the basis of the title and the promise of NGE, and honestly it's such a good read regardless. I did not expect the tropes that I encountered throughout the book (which will be listed at the end for your perusal and may be a little "internet speak"/chronically online tags but eh) but I say that in the most excited way. Genuinely such a good book and I will be picking up the rest of the series soon.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
adventurous challenging dark hopeful tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Set in a post-apocalyptic world that teeters frighteningly over the edge, In Sekhmet's Shadow is an gritty, action-packed novel that I could not put down. A washed-up has-been, a girl with the heart of the sun and a tendency to punch first, ask questions never, and the mercenary that long carved out his heart — and the wacky hi-jinks (to say the very least) that ensure when they have no choice but to work together.
Although the writing is straightforward, it excels in its simplicity and there are a lot of quotes throughout the book that I could not help but keep for myself. The humor is deadpan and sarcastic, and while it does get a little old when used too much in the same scene, for this book, it works. But yeah, the dry humor does get a little old when it's leaned on much too heavily, but it's not that all the time fortunately.
There are separate POVs but they make contact very early on, and it doesn't take much time until they mesh together. Despite that, the characters are naturally secretive - sometimes just unreliable - thus the audience has to really get into the groove of assessing each scene.
Probably would want the book to be sectioned in each "cour", as there isn't much breathing room. It feels like a long weary day where Fisher Pavel just can't seem to catch a break. If that is the author's intent then definitely achieved it. It's just a tiny nitpick for me to have split the book into cours so that there's a bit of finality in each of important battles.
I really requested this on NetGalley on the basis of the title and the promise of NGE, and honestly it's such a good read regardless. I did not expect the tropes that I encountered throughout the book (which will be listed at the end for your perusal and may be a little "internet speak"/chronically online tags but eh) but I say that in the most excited way. Genuinely such a good book and I will be picking up the rest of the series soon.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
December 8, 2025
Absolutely fantastic and totally recommended. If you like Sci-Fi with a sprinkle of politics, power grabs, complex relationships then this book is for you. Plus superheroes! Beautiful nuanced writing with depth. And my favourite relationship Defiant and Revenant. Can’t wait for book 2. Thank you so much to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. 6/5!,
November 7, 2025
*** The author is offering to send you a free e-copy of this book to review if you're interested in it! The author's email is contact@jdrhodes.net (see comment on this review for more info) ***
The year is 2061, and after the cataclysmic clashes of superheroes that resulted in the destruction of much of the world, Sabra finds herself dreaming of changing the world. She doesn’t have powers, but she figures all she needs is determination and a power suit. But she finds herself forced to ally with some unlikely figures, drawing her even deeper into a world of dangerous power and conflict. What sacrifices must be made to save the world? And is the world even worth saving?
This work is told from multiple POVs. It does start off a tiny bit disjointed at the beginning, but thankfully as the characters are strong and the writing is descriptive, it was easy to keep track of who was doing what. I did like that the books begins right in the middle of the action. It didn’t feel like the start of a book, but like we were placed in the middle of an ongoing adventure, which was well done.
It doesn’t take long for the POVs and plots to begin to come together. The characters are well realized, with strong depth and development. I loved how varied the POVs were as well (an up-and-coming hero wanting to embody the values of the Golden Age, a washed-up retired hero, and a group of chaotic mercenaries), and it added much to the complexity of the plot. Despite the length of this book, it didn’t feel like it was overwritten or unnecessarily lengthy.
There were a handful of typos/errors throughout the work, though thankfully not a ton. I did find that some of the writing got too repetitive as well – the main example of this for me was one character’s use of “Christ and Allah” as an exclamation and just how often it happened. But overall, the writing was quite strong. I enjoyed the humor included in the prose as it helped to bring the characters to life and keep it interesting.
I don’t usually seek out books with superheroes and actively avoid movies with them, but this was well worth the read. This work sets up for what promises to be an even more epic book two, and I’m excited to see how things end up for the characters. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The year is 2061, and after the cataclysmic clashes of superheroes that resulted in the destruction of much of the world, Sabra finds herself dreaming of changing the world. She doesn’t have powers, but she figures all she needs is determination and a power suit. But she finds herself forced to ally with some unlikely figures, drawing her even deeper into a world of dangerous power and conflict. What sacrifices must be made to save the world? And is the world even worth saving?
This work is told from multiple POVs. It does start off a tiny bit disjointed at the beginning, but thankfully as the characters are strong and the writing is descriptive, it was easy to keep track of who was doing what. I did like that the books begins right in the middle of the action. It didn’t feel like the start of a book, but like we were placed in the middle of an ongoing adventure, which was well done.
It doesn’t take long for the POVs and plots to begin to come together. The characters are well realized, with strong depth and development. I loved how varied the POVs were as well (an up-and-coming hero wanting to embody the values of the Golden Age, a washed-up retired hero, and a group of chaotic mercenaries), and it added much to the complexity of the plot. Despite the length of this book, it didn’t feel like it was overwritten or unnecessarily lengthy.
There were a handful of typos/errors throughout the work, though thankfully not a ton. I did find that some of the writing got too repetitive as well – the main example of this for me was one character’s use of “Christ and Allah” as an exclamation and just how often it happened. But overall, the writing was quite strong. I enjoyed the humor included in the prose as it helped to bring the characters to life and keep it interesting.
I don’t usually seek out books with superheroes and actively avoid movies with them, but this was well worth the read. This work sets up for what promises to be an even more epic book two, and I’m excited to see how things end up for the characters. My thanks to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 29, 2025
*In Sekhmet's Shadow* is a fascinating, if slightly misleading, entry into the superhero genre. While the title and visceral cover art suggest a heavy lean into mythological horror or fantasy, the book actually plays out more like a gritty military sci-fi thriller set in a politically volatile, post-apocalyptic world. It challenges the typical superhero narrative by diving into a corporate dystopia where the lines between good and evil are blurred. The story drops you right into the middle of the action—which was a bit disorienting at first—but once I found my footing, the chaotic world-building felt vivid and lived-in.
The strength of the novel lies in its complex character dynamics and the effective use of multiple POVs. The author weaves together the perspectives of Sabra—a raw, grieving teenager with a "punch first" attitude—and Fisher, a washed-up hero, along with a group of chaotic mercenaries. I particularly enjoyed the "found family" friction and the deadpan, sarcastic humor, even if the dry wit became a little repetitive in places. The characters aren't perfect molds; they are deeply flawed, secretive, and morally gray, which adds a refreshing layer of psychological depth to the relentless action.
That said, this is a long book that offers very little breathing room. The pacing is relentless, often feeling like one long, weary day where the characters just can't catch a break. While I appreciated the intensity, the sheer length combined with the abrupt start made for a demanding read, and there were some minor editing issues and repetitive phrasings that stuck out. However, if you enjoy darker, character-driven epics that blend sci-fi action with superhero tropes, this is a solid, ambitious start to a series that I’m now invested in following.
The strength of the novel lies in its complex character dynamics and the effective use of multiple POVs. The author weaves together the perspectives of Sabra—a raw, grieving teenager with a "punch first" attitude—and Fisher, a washed-up hero, along with a group of chaotic mercenaries. I particularly enjoyed the "found family" friction and the deadpan, sarcastic humor, even if the dry wit became a little repetitive in places. The characters aren't perfect molds; they are deeply flawed, secretive, and morally gray, which adds a refreshing layer of psychological depth to the relentless action.
That said, this is a long book that offers very little breathing room. The pacing is relentless, often feeling like one long, weary day where the characters just can't catch a break. While I appreciated the intensity, the sheer length combined with the abrupt start made for a demanding read, and there were some minor editing issues and repetitive phrasings that stuck out. However, if you enjoy darker, character-driven epics that blend sci-fi action with superhero tropes, this is a solid, ambitious start to a series that I’m now invested in following.
November 12, 2025
Review: This was more down the SciFi path than the road to fantasy land. Yeah, there are superhero types with amazing powers, yet have a common ground and are visceral in presentation. Gate and Taurine were fun to follow along with. Although their apprearances are fleeting, you catch the arrogance whether veiled or bludgeoning in presentation. Revenant is pure awesomeness as is Tiger.
I initially did not get Sabra's character at first. She gradually grew on me with her singular focus and vendetta style of operating. Plus she is that teenager kind of nutz. No real thought or planning, just acting on emotions. Fletcher, Revenant, Sabra, Taurine, Oscar (the cat) and Mark are gay which is just about every character. The 5th straight novel I have reviewed with unecessary inserted orientations. At least there was not a huge black dude that fought in the Vietnam war who likes djk. I am so sick of authors checking that fukin' woke box.
I almost DNFed this, as it was a real slow start. There is quite a bit of filler in between the movement yet in this instance it builds a solid character and scene foundation. Just hang on, as the ride gets steeper and creepier. This novel was too long IMO and that hurt the rating a bit.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
3.7/5
I initially did not get Sabra's character at first. She gradually grew on me with her singular focus and vendetta style of operating. Plus she is that teenager kind of nutz. No real thought or planning, just acting on emotions. Fletcher, Revenant, Sabra, Taurine, Oscar (the cat) and Mark are gay which is just about every character. The 5th straight novel I have reviewed with unecessary inserted orientations. At least there was not a huge black dude that fought in the Vietnam war who likes djk. I am so sick of authors checking that fukin' woke box.
I almost DNFed this, as it was a real slow start. There is quite a bit of filler in between the movement yet in this instance it builds a solid character and scene foundation. Just hang on, as the ride gets steeper and creepier. This novel was too long IMO and that hurt the rating a bit.
I received this ARC for an honest review.
3.7/5
September 16, 2025
I wanted to read something different and I am so glad I happened to chance by this. A superhero story with an absolute punch!
Set in a world similar to ours but more apocalyptic, there are superhero’s or gods depending on your take some are enhanced whilst others are born. The story is set around three characters arcs that interacts a possible end of the world again. I thought this would get boring very quickly but yep I was wrong.
You have the new up and coming hero with golden age values, the retired fallen hero and you have a gun for hire with his team of mercenaries set on disrupting the hero’s. There is a wide load of side characters that just bring the story to life. There is action (violence included), mystery, thriller as well as human elements of family, love and forgiveness. There are also some questionable supers out there as well!
I think this is a series of three books which honestly I can’t wait to read the next instalment to see where the misfit team end up next. I was given an opportunity to read via NetGalley and the publisher - wholeheartedly would recommend this, if you like things like watchmen this is defo for you!
Set in a world similar to ours but more apocalyptic, there are superhero’s or gods depending on your take some are enhanced whilst others are born. The story is set around three characters arcs that interacts a possible end of the world again. I thought this would get boring very quickly but yep I was wrong.
You have the new up and coming hero with golden age values, the retired fallen hero and you have a gun for hire with his team of mercenaries set on disrupting the hero’s. There is a wide load of side characters that just bring the story to life. There is action (violence included), mystery, thriller as well as human elements of family, love and forgiveness. There are also some questionable supers out there as well!
I think this is a series of three books which honestly I can’t wait to read the next instalment to see where the misfit team end up next. I was given an opportunity to read via NetGalley and the publisher - wholeheartedly would recommend this, if you like things like watchmen this is defo for you!
November 18, 2025
In Sekhmet’s Shadow blends sci-fi action with a deeper story about power, identity, and the cost of trying to save a world that may not want saving. Sabra Kasembe is a compelling lead—raw, grieving, and far from the perfect-hero mold. I liked how the story lets her be complicated while also weaving in perspectives from an ex-hero and a mercenary, which adds momentum and emotional depth.
The worldbuilding is vivid and chaotic in a good way, mixing mythology, corporate dystopia, and superhuman conflict. The story leans into moral gray areas rather than simple good versus evil, which worked well. My only hesitation is that the book drops readers straight into the action, so it took a moment to find my footing.
Overall, this is a gritty, thoughtful sci-fi read with complex characters and a bold scope. Great if you enjoy speculative stories that challenge the typical superhero narrative.
The worldbuilding is vivid and chaotic in a good way, mixing mythology, corporate dystopia, and superhuman conflict. The story leans into moral gray areas rather than simple good versus evil, which worked well. My only hesitation is that the book drops readers straight into the action, so it took a moment to find my footing.
Overall, this is a gritty, thoughtful sci-fi read with complex characters and a bold scope. Great if you enjoy speculative stories that challenge the typical superhero narrative.
January 4, 2026
A world with superheroes could be a catastrophe if the capes are very powerful. JD Rhodes tells of a small oddball team that finds itself trying to save the world. Leopard is part of a mercenary group that attacks a ship off the artificial island of Asclepion, and wounds Sabra Kasembe’s father. Sabra has been building a supersuit from a junk police robot and boxing in cage matches to help pay for it. Fisher used to be a cape until he lost his hands, his powers, and his love in the same brutal fight. Add in an intelligent robot, another mercenary, and Fisher’s ordinary cat and you have a potential team that can live In Sekhmet's Shadow (ebook). As the team comes together in the midst of various attacks on civic centers, the tale moves from the Island to Australia, to Geneva, and finally to the ruins of an AI supercomputer. With pulse-pounding action scenes, the tale would make a solid tv series if the CGI were affordable. I bought the sequel.
November 27, 2025
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of In Sekhmet's Shadow. The premise—invoking the name of the Egyptian warrior goddess Sekhmet—and the visceral cover art set an incredibly high bar for a truly mythological, blood-soaked experience. The truth is, while this is a great story, it felt more like straight Military Sci-Fi than the darker, fantasy-infused epic I was hoping for. The action is relentless, the world-building is solid, and J.D. Rhodes delivers a powerful, battle-hardened protagonist. However, due to the title and description, I was genuinely expecting a bit more overt fantasy or mythological horror elements that never fully materialized. It's a very competent, exciting ride, but ultimately, it didn't quite reach the divine heights I anticipated. I'm settling on a solid 3 stars—a good book, but one that left me wanting more of that promised shadow.
January 24, 2026
Military-mecha-super hero-futuristic speculative novel "In Sekhmet's Shadow" by JD Rhodes is action packed and vivid.
Sadly, military Sci-Fi isn't my thing so I didn't really gel with the book.
To me all the action made the plot growth slow and I found it long to get going. Because there are a few characters who's view we're alternating between, the book also took a long time to establish them, so I struggled to anchor myself in the story. The world is well done, if you're into corporate politics intrigues you will like this novel, but be warned, it is very long.
The writing is very evocative, violence is the norm, and if you love action, this will be much more up your alley. For me action needs to be short and come after I've established why I need to care, so I wasn't the audience.
Sadly, military Sci-Fi isn't my thing so I didn't really gel with the book.
To me all the action made the plot growth slow and I found it long to get going. Because there are a few characters who's view we're alternating between, the book also took a long time to establish them, so I struggled to anchor myself in the story. The world is well done, if you're into corporate politics intrigues you will like this novel, but be warned, it is very long.
The writing is very evocative, violence is the norm, and if you love action, this will be much more up your alley. For me action needs to be short and come after I've established why I need to care, so I wasn't the audience.
December 27, 2025
Sekhmet's Shadow is a fascinating first entry into a morally complex and politically volatile world. You’ll be captivated within the first chapter if you have an interest in the darker world of super heroes. The author, JD Rhodes, finely weaves together a number of POV characters over the course of the lengthy novel. The depth of character and inter-character dynamics kept me enraptured throughout. The power dynamics, the bids for control and the corruptible side of human nature take center stage. This book does an excellent job setting up the world, the tension and the complex characters for the rest of the series to come.
**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**
**This review is based on an e-ARC generously provided to me through Netgalley**
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January 4, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and J.D. Rhodes for the opportunity to read this ARC.
DNF @ 43%
J.D. Rhodes impressed me with strong prose and solid world-building, but In Sekhmet’s Shadow couldn’t keep my interest for the duration of the narrative. I didn’t connect with the characters, who felt like tools to drive the story (as interesting as it could be) forward, and I wasn’t able to find a powerful narrative hook that kept me invested among the large cast and long action sequences. Despite this, the tone and scale of Rhodes’ writing immediately made me think of comic books like Power Fantasy or Dawnrunner, which makes me believe that there is an audience for In Sekhmet’s Shadow out there. It just isn’t me at the moment.
DNF @ 43%
J.D. Rhodes impressed me with strong prose and solid world-building, but In Sekhmet’s Shadow couldn’t keep my interest for the duration of the narrative. I didn’t connect with the characters, who felt like tools to drive the story (as interesting as it could be) forward, and I wasn’t able to find a powerful narrative hook that kept me invested among the large cast and long action sequences. Despite this, the tone and scale of Rhodes’ writing immediately made me think of comic books like Power Fantasy or Dawnrunner, which makes me believe that there is an audience for In Sekhmet’s Shadow out there. It just isn’t me at the moment.
August 31, 2023
Hey, look. I wrote something. Guess I need to hang up my critic boots. But seriously, I might use this space to do an author's commentary or something. Keep an eye on it.
December 12, 2025
A riveting fast paced read. I will say that some parts in the beginning were a bit hard to follow but it evened out in the end. Full of action and as the world building grew intrigue. AN ABSOLUTE THUNDEROUS BOOK.
ARC gifted to me by publisher and Netgalley all thoughts are my own.
ARC gifted to me by publisher and Netgalley all thoughts are my own.
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