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Bigtime #5
Fandemic
Piper Perez has always wanted to be a superhero. Always wanted to wear a cool costume, have amazing abilities, and save the day. There’s just one problem—Piper doesn’t have any superpowers.
So she focuses on other things. Facts, figures, memorabilia. Piper knows and collects it all, about both the superheroes and the ubervillains who roam the streets of Bigtime, N.Y. Piper’s friends jokingly call her a fandemic—someone who is a superfan of all things superhero. The nickname is truer than anyone knows, especially since Piper can’t stop thinking about Swifte, the speedy hero who broke her heart months ago.
But someone has been killing off Bigtime’s heroes and villains. When one of Piper’s friends is murdered, she vows to do whatever she can to help bring the killer to justice, superpowers or not. All the clues and information she gathers lead her to believe that Swifte is the killer’s next target. Piper has always wanted to be a hero, and now she’ll have to use all of her fandemic knowledge to save the man she loves—or die trying….
Fandemic is around 43,000 words. It is Book 5 in the Bigtime superhero series.
So she focuses on other things. Facts, figures, memorabilia. Piper knows and collects it all, about both the superheroes and the ubervillains who roam the streets of Bigtime, N.Y. Piper’s friends jokingly call her a fandemic—someone who is a superfan of all things superhero. The nickname is truer than anyone knows, especially since Piper can’t stop thinking about Swifte, the speedy hero who broke her heart months ago.
But someone has been killing off Bigtime’s heroes and villains. When one of Piper’s friends is murdered, she vows to do whatever she can to help bring the killer to justice, superpowers or not. All the clues and information she gathers lead her to believe that Swifte is the killer’s next target. Piper has always wanted to be a hero, and now she’ll have to use all of her fandemic knowledge to save the man she loves—or die trying….
Fandemic is around 43,000 words. It is Book 5 in the Bigtime superhero series.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
26 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Estep
97 books12k followersJennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
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Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_es...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/y638q98k
Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 13, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Happily-ever-afters for everyone! This series may be about superheroes and ubervillains, but in Jennifer Estep’s BIGTIME universe even the little guy is deserving of finding love. In this installment its Piper and Swifte’s turn, and I think that pretty much everyone will get a kick out of this one because as a fellow reader you’ve either A) attended a book con, and can relate to Perez’s FANDEMIC condition, or B) have been waiting nearly three years for more BT.
This novel may have been shorter than some of the previous titles, but it was absolutely overflowing with little extras tailored specifically for Estep addicts. There’s shout outs to all three of her other series, an abundance of never-before-seen superheroes, more of Rascal—the puppy from #4—and an impressive Big Bad. The story starts off in a sex club, and ends in wedding bells; so needless to say, it’s far reaching for 43,000 words.
These books are as loud as their covers, and the author did a fantastic job of making Piper a larger-than-life character by transforming her crazed fandom into its own strength. As a result, the end battle was probably the one that I’ve had the most fun with to date. Swifte’s a decent guy, and even though he’s very flamboyant about his superhero status, I liked that their relationship and personalities were the focus instead of superpowers.
Piper & Swifte have a past which was a change from the prior couples; it gave the story more of a second chance at love slant which I enjoy whether it’s with someone new, or rekindling an old flame. I was happy that the two protagonists didn’t have the insecurities that some of the earlier characters in this series did, and although Swifte’s reason for breaking it off was kinda weak; it’s BIGTIME, and that means it’s supposed to be silly, so he gets a pass.
Let your inner geek out, read FANDEMIC!
Happily-ever-afters for everyone! This series may be about superheroes and ubervillains, but in Jennifer Estep’s BIGTIME universe even the little guy is deserving of finding love. In this installment its Piper and Swifte’s turn, and I think that pretty much everyone will get a kick out of this one because as a fellow reader you’ve either A) attended a book con, and can relate to Perez’s FANDEMIC condition, or B) have been waiting nearly three years for more BT.
This novel may have been shorter than some of the previous titles, but it was absolutely overflowing with little extras tailored specifically for Estep addicts. There’s shout outs to all three of her other series, an abundance of never-before-seen superheroes, more of Rascal—the puppy from #4—and an impressive Big Bad. The story starts off in a sex club, and ends in wedding bells; so needless to say, it’s far reaching for 43,000 words.
These books are as loud as their covers, and the author did a fantastic job of making Piper a larger-than-life character by transforming her crazed fandom into its own strength. As a result, the end battle was probably the one that I’ve had the most fun with to date. Swifte’s a decent guy, and even though he’s very flamboyant about his superhero status, I liked that their relationship and personalities were the focus instead of superpowers.
Piper & Swifte have a past which was a change from the prior couples; it gave the story more of a second chance at love slant which I enjoy whether it’s with someone new, or rekindling an old flame. I was happy that the two protagonists didn’t have the insecurities that some of the earlier characters in this series did, and although Swifte’s reason for breaking it off was kinda weak; it’s BIGTIME, and that means it’s supposed to be silly, so he gets a pass.
Let your inner geek out, read FANDEMIC!
November 25, 2018
Read: November 2015
Fandemic focuses on Fiona Fine's assistant Piper, who has been a background character in the previous Bigtime novels. Here she gets her own story and her own romance with a superhero.
What I liked:
- I liked Piper as a character; she was smart enough to figure out the secret identities of most of the major superheroes in the city but also smart enough to keep that information to herself and play dumb around them.
- Estep's writing, as ever, was excellent and fast paced. The story is pretty short anyway but Estep's easy writing style and light-hearted tone helps to keep the pages turning.
- The references to Estep's other series - at one point Piper mentions the city of Ashville, which is where the Elemental Assassin series is set :)
-
-
What I didn't like:
- I thought Kyle was an idiot for breaking up with Piper for the reasons he did. He said that he didnt want to go out with her in case she loved his superhero side more than his regular side, but they had already been a couple for a year before she found out so why would he think that she was only with him because he was a superhero? She had already proven that wasnt the case.
Rating: 4/5 stars; I loved getting another instalment in a series I thought was finished and makes me hopeful for more Bigtime stories in the future!
Fandemic focuses on Fiona Fine's assistant Piper, who has been a background character in the previous Bigtime novels. Here she gets her own story and her own romance with a superhero.
What I liked:
- I liked Piper as a character; she was smart enough to figure out the secret identities of most of the major superheroes in the city but also smart enough to keep that information to herself and play dumb around them.
- Estep's writing, as ever, was excellent and fast paced. The story is pretty short anyway but Estep's easy writing style and light-hearted tone helps to keep the pages turning.
- The references to Estep's other series - at one point Piper mentions the city of Ashville, which is where the Elemental Assassin series is set :)
-
-
What I didn't like:
- I thought Kyle was an idiot for breaking up with Piper for the reasons he did. He said that he didnt want to go out with her in case she loved his superhero side more than his regular side, but they had already been a couple for a year before she found out so why would he think that she was only with him because he was a superhero? She had already proven that wasnt the case.
Rating: 4/5 stars; I loved getting another instalment in a series I thought was finished and makes me hopeful for more Bigtime stories in the future!
June 10, 2015
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Piper is a big fangirl when it comes to superheroes, her friends call her Fandemic because of her obsession with them. She collects all their merchandise and knows all their powers, fight stats and even most of their real identities. But when she let's it be known to her boyfriend that she knows his secret superhero identity that's when the relationship hits a road block.
The struggle between Piper and Kyle is a real one and it's heartbreaking to see these two be apart when it's clear they love each other. But Kyle has trust issues when it comes to his superhero identity. He thinks that Piper only wants to be with him because he wears a mask and spandex.
Fandemic is a great addition to Jennifer Estep's Bigtime series, showing us that not only do the superheroes get their HEA but the everyday gal on the street does too. Piper started out doing whatever she could get her own super powers like taking an annually trip to the Bigtime Nuclear Power Plant in hopes that a core reactor would melt down and give her powers through a radiation leak. But by the end of Fandemic , Piper was happy just being her, no powers included.
If you're a superhero fan and looking for a fun and quirky series you should give Bigtime series by Jennifer Estep a go. Each book could be read as a stand alone but they are more enjoyable read as a series in order. Start with book 1, Karma Girl .
Love an author that can poke fun at themselves quote:
“I’m talking to you, hot mama,” the guy crooned again.
“Really?” I asked. “Hot mama? That’s your line?”
The guy frowned. “What’s wrong with hot mama?”
I shrugged, “For starters, it sounds like some cheesy book title.”
Piper is a big fangirl when it comes to superheroes, her friends call her Fandemic because of her obsession with them. She collects all their merchandise and knows all their powers, fight stats and even most of their real identities. But when she let's it be known to her boyfriend that she knows his secret superhero identity that's when the relationship hits a road block.
The struggle between Piper and Kyle is a real one and it's heartbreaking to see these two be apart when it's clear they love each other. But Kyle has trust issues when it comes to his superhero identity. He thinks that Piper only wants to be with him because he wears a mask and spandex.
Fandemic is a great addition to Jennifer Estep's Bigtime series, showing us that not only do the superheroes get their HEA but the everyday gal on the street does too. Piper started out doing whatever she could get her own super powers like taking an annually trip to the Bigtime Nuclear Power Plant in hopes that a core reactor would melt down and give her powers through a radiation leak. But by the end of Fandemic , Piper was happy just being her, no powers included.
If you're a superhero fan and looking for a fun and quirky series you should give Bigtime series by Jennifer Estep a go. Each book could be read as a stand alone but they are more enjoyable read as a series in order. Start with book 1, Karma Girl .
Love an author that can poke fun at themselves quote:
“I’m talking to you, hot mama,” the guy crooned again.
“Really?” I asked. “Hot mama? That’s your line?”
The guy frowned. “What’s wrong with hot mama?”
I shrugged, “For starters, it sounds like some cheesy book title.”
June 16, 2015
I. CANNOT. WAIT.
Jennifer - please for the love of all the baby animals in the whole world!! Please Please send me copy and put me out of my misery!! I'm Bigtime's Biggest Fan!!
I need SWIFTE's story.
Jennifer - please for the love of all the baby animals in the whole world!! Please Please send me copy and put me out of my misery!! I'm Bigtime's Biggest Fan!!
I need SWIFTE's story.
June 25, 2015
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
I tend to read KARMA GIRL, the first book in the Bigtime series, two to three times a year. It’s that good. FANDEMIC is an entertaining addition to the series without being overly repetitive.
FANDEMIC looks at the inevitable fan clubs that exist in a world where superheroes and supervilains are rampant; think Comic-con, but for real. Piper Perez is a super fan, and she has realised that she works closely with many of the city’s superheroes. It’s actually reassuring for someone in this universe to finally get wise to the fact that Fiona Fine and Carmen Cole are terribly hidden superheroes. She actually has to pretend that she doesn’t know that her boss Fiona is Fiera, the hot tempered, fire themed superhero from Hot Mama, even when occasional flames sprout from her boss’ fingertips. The not-so-subtle hints have been in the series since the start, a nod to the Clark Kents and Peter Parkers of our world.
Short and sweet, and it has a nice mix of new and old characters without being overbearing. It was actually really fun to finally get into Quicke’s, the restaurant that serves as a neutral zone for supervillains and heroes, run by Kyle Quicke.
My main issue with FANDEMIC is that the love story between the two main characters is too short. Kyle and Piper broke up months ago when she realised he was the superfast superhero Swifte. Because we only get to see the break up through a quick flashback, it didn’t feel as tragic as it could have. We also only get Piper’s point of view throughout the story, making it harder for the reader to keep up with Kyle’s feelings. Being a short story, there is less space for the love story to evolve, and I felt that it was a bit rushed.
It might be a bit tricky to start with this story, but with such a fun and hilarious universe, the Bigtime series is worth getting into this easy to read series.
I tend to read KARMA GIRL, the first book in the Bigtime series, two to three times a year. It’s that good. FANDEMIC is an entertaining addition to the series without being overly repetitive.
FANDEMIC looks at the inevitable fan clubs that exist in a world where superheroes and supervilains are rampant; think Comic-con, but for real. Piper Perez is a super fan, and she has realised that she works closely with many of the city’s superheroes. It’s actually reassuring for someone in this universe to finally get wise to the fact that Fiona Fine and Carmen Cole are terribly hidden superheroes. She actually has to pretend that she doesn’t know that her boss Fiona is Fiera, the hot tempered, fire themed superhero from Hot Mama, even when occasional flames sprout from her boss’ fingertips. The not-so-subtle hints have been in the series since the start, a nod to the Clark Kents and Peter Parkers of our world.
Short and sweet, and it has a nice mix of new and old characters without being overbearing. It was actually really fun to finally get into Quicke’s, the restaurant that serves as a neutral zone for supervillains and heroes, run by Kyle Quicke.
My main issue with FANDEMIC is that the love story between the two main characters is too short. Kyle and Piper broke up months ago when she realised he was the superfast superhero Swifte. Because we only get to see the break up through a quick flashback, it didn’t feel as tragic as it could have. We also only get Piper’s point of view throughout the story, making it harder for the reader to keep up with Kyle’s feelings. Being a short story, there is less space for the love story to evolve, and I felt that it was a bit rushed.
It might be a bit tricky to start with this story, but with such a fun and hilarious universe, the Bigtime series is worth getting into this easy to read series.
February 6, 2017
Ivy's review of Fandemic
5 stars
Very good novella. Always nice to have stories about superheroes. Liked that Piper was able to save the day. Hope that she will get some superpowers too. Congratulations to Piper and Kyle on their engagement.
Would like to see more of the other superheroes and villains in Bigtime.
Can't wait to read more Bigtime books!!!!
Would recommend to fans of superheroes!!!!!!
5 stars
Very good novella. Always nice to have stories about superheroes. Liked that Piper was able to save the day. Hope that she will get some superpowers too. Congratulations to Piper and Kyle on their engagement.
Would like to see more of the other superheroes and villains in Bigtime.
Can't wait to read more Bigtime books!!!!
Would recommend to fans of superheroes!!!!!!
March 21, 2018
This is just fun reading. It is camp; it is humorous; and it is classic Estep with Easter eggs from her other series (if you know her other series like Black Blade, Elemental Assassin, and Mythos Academy, this will make sense, and if you don't, consider finding out by reading them).
In the final book of the Bigtime series, major fan girl Piper Perez is still bummed by two things: she has no super powers (in the city where superheroes and uber-villians can be found on nearly every corner) and she is still in love with Kyle Quicke despite the fact that he broke up with her a year ago.
Being the biggest fan girl (she calls it a Fandemic), she collects all the collectibles of the various superheroes/uber-villians, knows all their backstories, and knows the real life counterparts to the secret identities. But can she save her love when he is in trouble? Can she battle one of the biggest, baddest uber-villian? And if she can, is there hope for a happily-ever-after? 4.5 stars
In the final book of the Bigtime series, major fan girl Piper Perez is still bummed by two things: she has no super powers (in the city where superheroes and uber-villians can be found on nearly every corner) and she is still in love with Kyle Quicke despite the fact that he broke up with her a year ago.
Being the biggest fan girl (she calls it a Fandemic), she collects all the collectibles of the various superheroes/uber-villians, knows all their backstories, and knows the real life counterparts to the secret identities. But can she save her love when he is in trouble? Can she battle one of the biggest, baddest uber-villian? And if she can, is there hope for a happily-ever-after? 4.5 stars
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R͎a͎t͎i͎n͎g͎:͎
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June 3, 2015
Fandemic deals with something not a lot of people would not admit. Being a super hardcore fan. And with the book starting at a Slaves for Superhero Sex my expectations were toeing the line of "do I want to read this?" to "OH! Ok, comfortable boundaries in place. Let's keep reading!"
Piper Perez was not a character I wanted to know. When first introduced to her in Nightingale I was frankly put off. (Maybe she reminded me of myself with all her super know how). As a reader I didn't know enough to really understand the tension between her ex Kyle and her current situation. We were all about Abby in Nightingale.
Now it's Piper's time to shine and once the ball starts rolling (the disastrous Slaves for Superhero Sex valentines dance left behind) does she shine- with two surprise guest stars along for the ride. You will root for this seriously sweet super fan. I felt this story was shorter than previous books but this is not a bad thing. Pipers dealing with a lot and without the extra pages the story carries swiftly (pun intended) towards it's gratifying conclusion. This is my third favorite in the Bigtime series, next to Karma Girl and Nightingale- what does that tell you? Jinx had it's moments and while Hot Momma dealt with a heavy theme it's my least favorite.
So if you read the series (this can stand on it's own but really to get all the super references you should start with the epic Karma Girl) you will want to read this book. Piper has more character than I gave her credit for.
Piper Perez was not a character I wanted to know. When first introduced to her in Nightingale I was frankly put off. (Maybe she reminded me of myself with all her super know how). As a reader I didn't know enough to really understand the tension between her ex Kyle and her current situation. We were all about Abby in Nightingale.
Now it's Piper's time to shine and once the ball starts rolling (the disastrous Slaves for Superhero Sex valentines dance left behind) does she shine- with two surprise guest stars along for the ride. You will root for this seriously sweet super fan. I felt this story was shorter than previous books but this is not a bad thing. Pipers dealing with a lot and without the extra pages the story carries swiftly (pun intended) towards it's gratifying conclusion. This is my third favorite in the Bigtime series, next to Karma Girl and Nightingale- what does that tell you? Jinx had it's moments and while Hot Momma dealt with a heavy theme it's my least favorite.
So if you read the series (this can stand on it's own but really to get all the super references you should start with the epic Karma Girl) you will want to read this book. Piper has more character than I gave her credit for.
May 22, 2015
So, so, so happy to discover another Bigtime story by Jennifer Estep. LOVE this series! http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
October 3, 2020
Piper Perez has always wanted to be a superhero. Since she has no abilities she focuses on the facts, figures, and memorabilia of the superheroes. She knows everything there is to know about each superhero, including some superheroes real identities. When a supervillan starts killing Bigtime’s heroes and villains she is determined to help stop him, especially since Swifte seems like the next target.
This one was fun. I liked Piper because she is just an ordinary human who uses her knowledge of superhero’s abilities to thwart the villain. She was smart, kind, and just a great heroine overall. I do wish we had seen more discussion about her and Swiftie’s relationship because I felt that they made up very quickly.
Swiftie’s alter ego wasn’t a surprise. I had figured his identity out in book one. I do really wish we had gotten Switfite’s POV during some of this book. Winter’s alter ego was a surprise though because she hasn’t been mentioned much so I never would have considered her. I really enjoyed the fact that it was the return of an old villain and that there is finally a concrete conclusion with him.
Overall, a great addition to the series. I believe this is the last book but you never know if Estep will surprise us with a new one.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
This one was fun. I liked Piper because she is just an ordinary human who uses her knowledge of superhero’s abilities to thwart the villain. She was smart, kind, and just a great heroine overall. I do wish we had seen more discussion about her and Swiftie’s relationship because I felt that they made up very quickly.
Swiftie’s alter ego wasn’t a surprise. I had figured his identity out in book one. I do really wish we had gotten Switfite’s POV during some of this book. Winter’s alter ego was a surprise though because she hasn’t been mentioned much so I never would have considered her. I really enjoyed the fact that it was the return of an old villain and that there is finally a concrete conclusion with him.
Overall, a great addition to the series. I believe this is the last book but you never know if Estep will surprise us with a new one.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
April 8, 2023
3.75/5
So I have read through the entire series over the past two weeks. I thought most were decent. This was a little better for me. I enjoyed the book. There are some negatives, but overall I thought the positives outweighed them. What did I like? I liked that the author made references to previous works including her other series. I liked the consistency. I liked that certain things were explained that would have otherwise broken logic. I really liked that the protagonist has absolutely zero enhanced abilities. I liked that the POV character used her intelligence to outwit. What did I not like. It was much shorter than I had hoped. There was almost no time spent on the relationship between the protagonist and her interest. And I did not like that it felt as if every other paragraph after the kidnapping the protagonist reminded herself that the kidnapped person could be dead already.
So I have read through the entire series over the past two weeks. I thought most were decent. This was a little better for me. I enjoyed the book. There are some negatives, but overall I thought the positives outweighed them. What did I like? I liked that the author made references to previous works including her other series. I liked the consistency. I liked that certain things were explained that would have otherwise broken logic. I really liked that the protagonist has absolutely zero enhanced abilities. I liked that the POV character used her intelligence to outwit. What did I not like. It was much shorter than I had hoped. There was almost no time spent on the relationship between the protagonist and her interest. And I did not like that it felt as if every other paragraph after the kidnapping the protagonist reminded herself that the kidnapped person could be dead already.
May 27, 2018
I have read almost all of Estep's catalog and I love how different all of her series feel. And I enjoy all of the hidden 'Easter eggs' about the characters in one world will visit another.
However, there was a moment in this book that felt very much like a Gin book. It wasn't a big deal but none of the other Bigtime books spent a paragraph or two describing the intricacies of one meal, while describes in detail everything she eats or cooks, which actually takes up a lot of time.
This wasn't a big deal, it just felt out of place.
About this book - I love that Piper was like 'DUH' you're a super hero, everyone can tell (because we can). It was nice that there wasn't instalove or even instalust. There was a satisfying conclusion but there would also be okay if another installment or two came about.
However, there was a moment in this book that felt very much like a Gin book. It wasn't a big deal but none of the other Bigtime books spent a paragraph or two describing the intricacies of one meal, while describes in detail everything she eats or cooks, which actually takes up a lot of time.
This wasn't a big deal, it just felt out of place.
About this book - I love that Piper was like 'DUH' you're a super hero, everyone can tell (because we can). It was nice that there wasn't instalove or even instalust. There was a satisfying conclusion but there would also be okay if another installment or two came about.
July 12, 2019
The end of circle of stories with strong characters: a group of girlfriends that find love in the arms of paranormal heroes, that like them, have inner strength and resilience to follow their hearts and be always in the right side of the law: the good (superheroes) always defeat the bad (ubervillains) restoring peace in the streets of Bigtime, N.Y.
December 10, 2017
Still liked it but pretty short and feeling like a bit of a rehash at this point. But feeling good about finally having Swifte officially unmasked. Finally!
May 3, 2018
Nothing really to say.
Sweet novella.
It is what it is and that's fun.
Sweet novella.
It is what it is and that's fun.
January 7, 2021
3.75 Stars. I do love this series!
March 11, 2022
Super heroes and villains live in a town amongst mortals.
December 9, 2018
A bit of fun for superhero and romance fangirls. Since I am neither, it didn't really work for me.
June 13, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
Piper Perez has a problem. She is a huge fan of the superheros that roam the streets of Bigtime, NY. Like a really, really HUGE fan. It’s what she does! While she may be embarrassed to have something in common with the uber-creepy “Slaves for Superhero Sex” types, she truly does admire superheros and enjoys spending time with them, gathering facts about them, and having their paraphernalia all around her. For a long time, it didn’t matter.
But now, it’s coming between Piper and the man she loves.
Piper’s former boyfriend is Kyle Quicke, the owner of Quicke’s restaurant. Located near Fiona Fine Fashions, where Piper was CFO, Quicke’s was neutral ground for all the superheros and super villains in Bigtime. Between eating Quicke’s wonderful comfort food and sitting table-side, superhero watching, Piper and Kyle had met, flirted, and fallen into love. Before she knew it, they’d been together a year. He even supported and shared her love of superheros!
Then Piper saw something she wasn’t supposed to see, and her world came crashing down. She thought knowing Kyle’s secret would bring them closer together–but it only made him feel like she loved him just because of his superhero status. He wanted someone to love him for himself…
How could Piper make Kyle realize that she really loved him for who he was? That his superhero status was only a bonus to the wonderful man she already knew? It seemed hopeless, especially when he just wouldn’t listen.
Several months later, Piper is working on a project for the library. Part of it was interviewing old superheroes and recording their stories for posterity. When she found Blue–a favorite of hers–dying in the alley behind Fine’s Fashions with strange needle-pricks around his throat and bleeding out from a terrible wound on his chest, she couldn’t make sense out of his dying words–at first. By putting several pieces of information together, though, Piper’s patched together a plot of Bigtime domination–complete with a reincarnated villain. Will she be able to get help in time to thwart Frost’s attempt?
Or will the superheros of Bigtime, starting with Kyle, go down in flames?
This is a sharp, sweet bite of a tale, rich with Jennifer Estep’s trademark wit, humor and world-building. Her BIGTIME series is whimsical meringue, a fanfic world-view in a time when all-too-often we wish for superheros. I love the fact that Estep always uses everything in her book as a character–imbibing buildings, streets, and even fabric colors with the ability to comfort, soothe, or scare readers. I don’t just read these books–I have sensory memories of them. The food, the fabric, the outfits, a park. Even a dog’s imagined play toy. I can be out in my regular life and see something and BAM! I’m drawn into the book again. I don’t just read Jennifer’s books…I experience them. And for a bibliophile, that’s perfection.
Plus, since each series bleeds into the next, there are always Easter eggs. You’re welcome.
4.5 stars
Piper Perez has a problem. She is a huge fan of the superheros that roam the streets of Bigtime, NY. Like a really, really HUGE fan. It’s what she does! While she may be embarrassed to have something in common with the uber-creepy “Slaves for Superhero Sex” types, she truly does admire superheros and enjoys spending time with them, gathering facts about them, and having their paraphernalia all around her. For a long time, it didn’t matter.
But now, it’s coming between Piper and the man she loves.
Piper’s former boyfriend is Kyle Quicke, the owner of Quicke’s restaurant. Located near Fiona Fine Fashions, where Piper was CFO, Quicke’s was neutral ground for all the superheros and super villains in Bigtime. Between eating Quicke’s wonderful comfort food and sitting table-side, superhero watching, Piper and Kyle had met, flirted, and fallen into love. Before she knew it, they’d been together a year. He even supported and shared her love of superheros!
Then Piper saw something she wasn’t supposed to see, and her world came crashing down. She thought knowing Kyle’s secret would bring them closer together–but it only made him feel like she loved him just because of his superhero status. He wanted someone to love him for himself…
How could Piper make Kyle realize that she really loved him for who he was? That his superhero status was only a bonus to the wonderful man she already knew? It seemed hopeless, especially when he just wouldn’t listen.
Several months later, Piper is working on a project for the library. Part of it was interviewing old superheroes and recording their stories for posterity. When she found Blue–a favorite of hers–dying in the alley behind Fine’s Fashions with strange needle-pricks around his throat and bleeding out from a terrible wound on his chest, she couldn’t make sense out of his dying words–at first. By putting several pieces of information together, though, Piper’s patched together a plot of Bigtime domination–complete with a reincarnated villain. Will she be able to get help in time to thwart Frost’s attempt?
Or will the superheros of Bigtime, starting with Kyle, go down in flames?
This is a sharp, sweet bite of a tale, rich with Jennifer Estep’s trademark wit, humor and world-building. Her BIGTIME series is whimsical meringue, a fanfic world-view in a time when all-too-often we wish for superheros. I love the fact that Estep always uses everything in her book as a character–imbibing buildings, streets, and even fabric colors with the ability to comfort, soothe, or scare readers. I don’t just read these books–I have sensory memories of them. The food, the fabric, the outfits, a park. Even a dog’s imagined play toy. I can be out in my regular life and see something and BAM! I’m drawn into the book again. I don’t just read Jennifer’s books…I experience them. And for a bibliophile, that’s perfection.
Plus, since each series bleeds into the next, there are always Easter eggs. You’re welcome.
June 21, 2015
3.5 stars
The Bigtime books hold a special place in my heart and I realized that it's not because they're particularly romantic (they generally aren't and I usually find the romance parts of the book to be underdeveloped), but because they have such a fun premise.
Piper Perez is a super-fan -- or rather, a "fandemic". She loves her some superheroes. In fact, she loves them to the point where she has figured out most of the secret identities of the various superheroes and ubervillains in Bigtime. That includes the secret identity of her (now ex) boyfriend, Kyle Quicke. For Reasons Kyle dumped her when she got a little overzealous in trying to make him comfortable enough to divulge his alter ego, breaking her heart. (Honestly, I thought Kyle was a douche for dumping her and I was little irritated that it was Piper who had to work to get him back.)
Either way, when Piper becomes aware of a plot to steal the powers of her beloved superheroes and the love of her life is kidnapped right in front of her, she formulates a (rather awesome) plan to go up against an ubervillain and save thedamsel... er, mansel in distress.
This is a short one -- probably closer to a novella than anything else, but the plot itself would have seemed long and drawn out in a longer book. The only thing that really could have made it longer would be to flesh out Kyle's character a little better. I got that he was the love of her life and all, but honestly, I left the book not feeling like I knew one darn thing more about him than I did from the other books.
So I don't recommend reading this series for the romance. Honestly, I'm not sure I've finished a single one of these books feeling like the romance was all that satisfying. It's just a fun book series that lovingly spoofs comic books and the worlds in them (and occasionally, spoofs itself). It's light and fluffy and even the dangerous moments don't get too dark, and I love it.
The Bigtime books hold a special place in my heart and I realized that it's not because they're particularly romantic (they generally aren't and I usually find the romance parts of the book to be underdeveloped), but because they have such a fun premise.
Piper Perez is a super-fan -- or rather, a "fandemic". She loves her some superheroes. In fact, she loves them to the point where she has figured out most of the secret identities of the various superheroes and ubervillains in Bigtime. That includes the secret identity of her (now ex) boyfriend, Kyle Quicke. For Reasons Kyle dumped her when she got a little overzealous in trying to make him comfortable enough to divulge his alter ego, breaking her heart. (Honestly, I thought Kyle was a douche for dumping her and I was little irritated that it was Piper who had to work to get him back.)
Either way, when Piper becomes aware of a plot to steal the powers of her beloved superheroes and the love of her life is kidnapped right in front of her, she formulates a (rather awesome) plan to go up against an ubervillain and save the
This is a short one -- probably closer to a novella than anything else, but the plot itself would have seemed long and drawn out in a longer book. The only thing that really could have made it longer would be to flesh out Kyle's character a little better. I got that he was the love of her life and all, but honestly, I left the book not feeling like I knew one darn thing more about him than I did from the other books.
So I don't recommend reading this series for the romance. Honestly, I'm not sure I've finished a single one of these books feeling like the romance was all that satisfying. It's just a fun book series that lovingly spoofs comic books and the worlds in them (and occasionally, spoofs itself). It's light and fluffy and even the dangerous moments don't get too dark, and I love it.
March 3, 2016
I don't know why I keep reading Estep, she long ago descended into a pit of cheesy corn. It's just that she started out so well, but she's kept her series going long past their sell-by date. The last Bigtime story, Nightingale, was terrible. Her Spider series (which started out ok the first few books) is now even worse. I hesitated to read this, but since it was so short (190 pages), I figured I could put up with some mindless entertainment.
Make no mistake, this is mindless - and if you're in the mood for that, it will read ok. I skimmed a good deal of it, as I just wanted to find out how it ends. It was marginally better than the previous story, so I rated this 2.5 - but I can't bring myself to round up to 3, which might imply that I liked it. Briefly, it's the story of Piper, the ultimate superhero fan, who knows so much about Bigtime's superheroes and ubervillains that she knows all their secret identities. She is trying to win back her boyfriend, Kyle Quicke, aka the superhero Swifte. He broke up with her when she told him she had discovered his alter ego. When an ubervillain who steals superheroes' powers kidnaps Swifte while all other superheroes are busy with a major crisis, Piper sets out to rescue him herself. Naturally they all live happily ever after, that's no spoiler.
If you like cheesy corn, this one is right up your alley. Really the writing is only fit for middle schoolers, if you don't mind them being introduced to some mild sex. I could have done without the sex scene in the end, it just seemed so out of place in this campy saccharine romance, but at least it wasn't gag-inducing. That pretty much sums up my opinion of the whole book.
Make no mistake, this is mindless - and if you're in the mood for that, it will read ok. I skimmed a good deal of it, as I just wanted to find out how it ends. It was marginally better than the previous story, so I rated this 2.5 - but I can't bring myself to round up to 3, which might imply that I liked it. Briefly, it's the story of Piper, the ultimate superhero fan, who knows so much about Bigtime's superheroes and ubervillains that she knows all their secret identities. She is trying to win back her boyfriend, Kyle Quicke, aka the superhero Swifte. He broke up with her when she told him she had discovered his alter ego. When an ubervillain who steals superheroes' powers kidnaps Swifte while all other superheroes are busy with a major crisis, Piper sets out to rescue him herself. Naturally they all live happily ever after, that's no spoiler.
If you like cheesy corn, this one is right up your alley. Really the writing is only fit for middle schoolers, if you don't mind them being introduced to some mild sex. I could have done without the sex scene in the end, it just seemed so out of place in this campy saccharine romance, but at least it wasn't gag-inducing. That pretty much sums up my opinion of the whole book.
June 5, 2015
This was a guilty pleasure read. Objectively, it's really not that great a story, but I lapped it up with a spoon because I love the meta that is Bigtime. It's a send up of all the superhero clichés, done in a light tone.
I would call this a "Lois Lane" story, in that the heroine doesn't have any powers except for attractive trouble and being in need of constant rescue. The heroine and hero are separated by the fact he thinks she loves his secret identity and doesn't recognize him (which he is of course wrong about since this is a paranormal romance). PoorClark Kent Kyle Quicke.
The shtick was fun for the first couple of books, but now that I've read five of them, I can't really tell the heroine's voices apart from book to book. There's nothing that made Piper distinct for me, and none of the emotional notes (like her love for Kyle) rang true. There was no emotional consequence to losing a friend, even though Piper decides she is responsible. It's just wiped off and forgotten about (the epilogue was especially jarring because of lack of consequences).
That aside, this made me laugh, and I can't help but revel in all the in-jokes for anyone in fandom. I love the world, but the characters were very flat this go-round. I hope to get more, but I'd really love something where the characters feel more believable (or as believable as a superhero satire can be).
I would call this a "Lois Lane" story, in that the heroine doesn't have any powers except for attractive trouble and being in need of constant rescue. The heroine and hero are separated by the fact he thinks she loves his secret identity and doesn't recognize him (which he is of course wrong about since this is a paranormal romance). Poor
The shtick was fun for the first couple of books, but now that I've read five of them, I can't really tell the heroine's voices apart from book to book. There's nothing that made Piper distinct for me, and none of the emotional notes (like her love for Kyle) rang true. There was no emotional consequence to losing a friend, even though Piper decides she is responsible. It's just wiped off and forgotten about (the epilogue was especially jarring because of lack of consequences).
That aside, this made me laugh, and I can't help but revel in all the in-jokes for anyone in fandom. I love the world, but the characters were very flat this go-round. I hope to get more, but I'd really love something where the characters feel more believable (or as believable as a superhero satire can be).
June 3, 2015
Another Bigtime book! I so enjoy these tongue in cheek superhero books! I was also very curious about this couple, Piper and Swifte, and I was so happy to get this one in my hot little hands! :) This is also a great series for those that enjoy Jennifer Estep's other stories since there are tidbits (or easter eggs) from this world that leak into the other worlds. It makes everything just a bit more fun!
While this is a short story, it isn't short on romance. You are introduced to this couple in another book and so I actually recommend reading these in order. One story does tend to build on the others and I also think it is important in the way the characters are introduced in the series. So you are pretty well versed on these characters here and that is why I think this short book works. For example, the romance is fast but it doesn't feel like instalove since we knew of them prior. I also love the action in these stories and not all the heroes in these books have power. It is no different in this particular story.
I give this book 4 stars. It is another fun adventure into the superhero world of Bigtime. I recommend it to fans of Jennifer Estep and those that want something fun.
While this is a short story, it isn't short on romance. You are introduced to this couple in another book and so I actually recommend reading these in order. One story does tend to build on the others and I also think it is important in the way the characters are introduced in the series. So you are pretty well versed on these characters here and that is why I think this short book works. For example, the romance is fast but it doesn't feel like instalove since we knew of them prior. I also love the action in these stories and not all the heroes in these books have power. It is no different in this particular story.
I give this book 4 stars. It is another fun adventure into the superhero world of Bigtime. I recommend it to fans of Jennifer Estep and those that want something fun.
June 8, 2015
I have loved this entire series, and I sincerely hope it continues. Being a comic book geek it really does appeal to me.
I've been waiting to read Piper and Kyle's story since Nightengale. Piper has intrigued me since Hot Mama when she was putting the Eating Disorder pamphlets on Fiona's desk. This book brought her OUT! No spoilers but I will say, at first I was a little put off on how not over Kyle she was, practically begging him to come back to her, but then I realized, he's IT for her and she will never get over him, especially knowing he feels the same about her. Kyle is just stupidly stubborn, but he's a man, it's to be expected.
Totally did not expect the antagonist in this story and it was a real surprise. Seeing Piper getting along with Wynter was nice as well, because I always thought Wynter had way more depth than seen in previous books. Getting to catch glimpses of characters from the past books was also a treat. Also, seeing the superhero reaction to Piper's logic in discovering their identities... Let's just say, I bet Carmen was really peeved considering what she'd gone through in Karma Girl.
Thank you Ms. Estep for another fun read. I love these books!
I've been waiting to read Piper and Kyle's story since Nightengale. Piper has intrigued me since Hot Mama when she was putting the Eating Disorder pamphlets on Fiona's desk. This book brought her OUT! No spoilers but I will say, at first I was a little put off on how not over Kyle she was, practically begging him to come back to her, but then I realized, he's IT for her and she will never get over him, especially knowing he feels the same about her. Kyle is just stupidly stubborn, but he's a man, it's to be expected.
Totally did not expect the antagonist in this story and it was a real surprise. Seeing Piper getting along with Wynter was nice as well, because I always thought Wynter had way more depth than seen in previous books. Getting to catch glimpses of characters from the past books was also a treat. Also, seeing the superhero reaction to Piper's logic in discovering their identities... Let's just say, I bet Carmen was really peeved considering what she'd gone through in Karma Girl.
Thank you Ms. Estep for another fun read. I love these books!
February 17, 2019
I am very glad I got to read this book! As always, Jennifer Estep's books are a pleasure to read.
The book is about Piper and Swifte. It was a VERY short book, sort of rushed. I wish it was longer, like Karma Girl and other books. However, I really like the story.
Piper is an amazing person. She helps people in whatever way she can. For instance, once she was coming out of the restaurant carrying bunch of food for her boss Fiona's lunch. On her way, she met a homeless guy who looked super hungry. So, she gave him all the food she was carrying, went back to the store to buy more for him. She also convinced her fashion designer boss to make clothes for him for free. I really liked how genuine, intelligent, and compassionate she is. She has true courage and loyalty. A person would be lucky to have a friend like her.
I gave this book 4-star because it was a very short, seemingly rushed book. I really liked this book and hope for MANY other books in this series. I can hardly wait for the net book!
The book is about Piper and Swifte. It was a VERY short book, sort of rushed. I wish it was longer, like Karma Girl and other books. However, I really like the story.
Piper is an amazing person. She helps people in whatever way she can. For instance, once she was coming out of the restaurant carrying bunch of food for her boss Fiona's lunch. On her way, she met a homeless guy who looked super hungry. So, she gave him all the food she was carrying, went back to the store to buy more for him. She also convinced her fashion designer boss to make clothes for him for free. I really liked how genuine, intelligent, and compassionate she is. She has true courage and loyalty. A person would be lucky to have a friend like her.
I gave this book 4-star because it was a very short, seemingly rushed book. I really liked this book and hope for MANY other books in this series. I can hardly wait for the net book!
March 25, 2016
Finally, one about Swifte! Over the past few books his identity has been made pretty clear and I was really hoping for one about he and Piper. Fandemic was funny, action-packed, romantic, and enjoyable. I especially loved that there was a relationship there prior to knowing about Swifte's powers. I think this was the most genuinely loving couple in the series so far. Piper's superhero obsession was cute. She's a fantastic friend and very brave. I loved her spunk, and I especially liked the parts when the heroes all realized they weren't as clever about their secret identities as they thought. It did bother me a bit, though, that while Piper kept promising that she could keep a secret really well she kept slipping up and spilling the beans about people! The book got a little repetitive at times and didn't seem as detailed as some of the others in the series, but it was a very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
I really should know better than to start a new Bigtime story after midnight. I won't sleep until it's completed! Today's sleep-deprived state is brought to you by Fandemic.
I'm always happy to have a new Bigtime story, even a novella instead of a full-fledged novel. However, because of the length of this one, I think it suffered a bit. There was less character and plot development than I would have liked. And while I enjoyed some time in Bigtime, it seemed truncated and shallower than it could have been.
However, I loved seeing ingenuity and brains save the day rather than superpowers. Piper wasn't really a character that had been on my radar before this but I'm glad to have gotten to know her better. She's one awesome ass-kicking lady.
I hope there will be many more adventures in Bigtime to come.
I'm always happy to have a new Bigtime story, even a novella instead of a full-fledged novel. However, because of the length of this one, I think it suffered a bit. There was less character and plot development than I would have liked. And while I enjoyed some time in Bigtime, it seemed truncated and shallower than it could have been.
However, I loved seeing ingenuity and brains save the day rather than superpowers. Piper wasn't really a character that had been on my radar before this but I'm glad to have gotten to know her better. She's one awesome ass-kicking lady.
I hope there will be many more adventures in Bigtime to come.
June 3, 2015
This is the story I’ve been waiting for! Granted, it was shorter that I would have liked from a Bigtime story, but it was still totally worth the wait! It was nice so see so many threads tied up, and to learn more about Piper, whom we met in Hot Mama. I really enjoyed seeing her in action and learning more about her as a character. Her superhero was a bit of a jerk, but he was also forgivable. I liked that I had already guessed his identity from way back in Jinx, but this story added a lot more depth to him. A new hero was revealed, and I have my suspicions as to who it is, so I am hoping for a shorter wait between books! All in all, it was a wonderful story for the Bigtime universe, one I enjoyed immensely!
June 29, 2015
Initial Thoughts: Fun. The Bigtime series by Ms. Estep is just plain fun and entertainment. I really enjoy this superhero world, the characters and over-the-top nature of the world. The adventure is exciting and fun and I just love the banter and interactions of the characters (secret and superhero identities and all). The story just sucks you in and it is difficult to put down - it's just so enjoyable. I am so overjoyed that Ms. Estep is continuing with this series and I will continue to keep my fingers crossed for more. Please click on the link to the full review by myself and my review partner, Gikany, posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog:http://twimom227.com/2015/06/review-f...
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