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Victor Boone #1
Victor Boone Will Save Us
Victor Boone is an arrogant, six-foot tall hunk of man candy who uses incredible powers to fly around in spandex and save his city’s citizens from evil doers. Especially the busty ones.
But he’s not a superhero.
The truth is, an invisible, insecure and overweight Robby Willis is the one with the powers. But he’s so terrified of anyone knowing that he even exists as a person that he’s not comfortable with a cliche disguise.
The two men form a partnership: Robby does the saving and Victor takes the credit.
The problem is, Victor’s been murdered.
Can Robby overcome his social anxiety with the help of the prettiest smelling girl he’s ever known? Or will he let the evil villain The Vacant destroy the city, leaving him to finally be alone?
But he’s not a superhero.
The truth is, an invisible, insecure and overweight Robby Willis is the one with the powers. But he’s so terrified of anyone knowing that he even exists as a person that he’s not comfortable with a cliche disguise.
The two men form a partnership: Robby does the saving and Victor takes the credit.
The problem is, Victor’s been murdered.
Can Robby overcome his social anxiety with the help of the prettiest smelling girl he’s ever known? Or will he let the evil villain The Vacant destroy the city, leaving him to finally be alone?
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
22 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
David Joel Stevenson
5 books58 followersDavid Joel Stevenson lives outside of Nashville, TN with two dogs, several chickens, and thousands of honey bees. He is the singer in the band Manic Bloom (www.ManicBloom.com), a songwriter, a computer programmer, and is irregularly documenting his quests in homesteading on his blog, www.GeekOffGrid.com.
For more information, visit www.DavidJoelStevenson.com
For more information, visit www.DavidJoelStevenson.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 1, 2017
I mean... Of course I like it - I wrote it!
April 25, 2018
There were times reading Victor Boone Will Save Us that I couldn't help being reminded of The Tick. Both stories take the tropes of the superhero genre and deconstruct them a bit. But while The Tick goes for the funny bone, David Joel Stevenson uses Victor Boone to tug on the heartstrings.
Victor Boone is everything a superhero should be -- good looking, dressed in spandex, able to fly, and seemingly impervious to just about anything criminals can throw at him. But what the world doesn't know is that Victor doesn't actually have any more power than the rest of us. The powers comes from Robby, an introverted friend of Victor. Robby does the heavy-lifting, Victor takes the credit. That is, until Victor is killed in a bank robbery, leaving Robby at a loss as to what to do next.
Things aren't help when an old friend from college begins to dig into the death of Victor and Robby's connection to it. Showing up at his place, the friend begins to ask some uncomfortable questions. It doesn't help Robby's shyness that she's one of the prettiest and nicest smelling journalists he's ever met.
As the digging into his story begins, Robby begins to learn things about himself and the origin of his powers.
Victor Boone Will Save Us is built on a solid world with lively, entertaining, and realistic characters. Even the arrogant, over-the-top Victor rings true as we see flashbacks to how he and Robby joined forces to fight evil. There's even a nicely done romance subplot to help motivate Robby in the novel's final pages.
And just like most superhero comics, Victor Boone wraps up one story only to tease more adventures in this universe and with these characters. This is one reader who will be happy to spend more time in the Victor Boone universe.
Victor Boone is everything a superhero should be -- good looking, dressed in spandex, able to fly, and seemingly impervious to just about anything criminals can throw at him. But what the world doesn't know is that Victor doesn't actually have any more power than the rest of us. The powers comes from Robby, an introverted friend of Victor. Robby does the heavy-lifting, Victor takes the credit. That is, until Victor is killed in a bank robbery, leaving Robby at a loss as to what to do next.
Things aren't help when an old friend from college begins to dig into the death of Victor and Robby's connection to it. Showing up at his place, the friend begins to ask some uncomfortable questions. It doesn't help Robby's shyness that she's one of the prettiest and nicest smelling journalists he's ever met.
As the digging into his story begins, Robby begins to learn things about himself and the origin of his powers.
Victor Boone Will Save Us is built on a solid world with lively, entertaining, and realistic characters. Even the arrogant, over-the-top Victor rings true as we see flashbacks to how he and Robby joined forces to fight evil. There's even a nicely done romance subplot to help motivate Robby in the novel's final pages.
And just like most superhero comics, Victor Boone wraps up one story only to tease more adventures in this universe and with these characters. This is one reader who will be happy to spend more time in the Victor Boone universe.
May 8, 2020
I really did enjoy this book. I do love a good superhero and this one was fantastic. I love that he wasn't "perfect" as people would say. He isn't fit, he isn't gorgeous, he just is who he is and I loved him more for that. I loved that he didn't want to be the center of attention; he just wanted to help people. And the girl was fantastic as well. She was just a decent human being.
Yes, I did love the character development. I thought the characters were great and pretty well thought out. They had personalities and they weren't perfect people. I thought they were great. I enjoyed getting to know them more as the story went on and how their relationship developed. I wasn't so sure about her at first, but by the end I really thought she was great.
The one downsize of this story was that it was a bit predictable. I pretty much knew who the bad guy was right away. I wish it wasn't so predictable, but it was still a good story.
Yes, I did love the character development. I thought the characters were great and pretty well thought out. They had personalities and they weren't perfect people. I thought they were great. I enjoyed getting to know them more as the story went on and how their relationship developed. I wasn't so sure about her at first, but by the end I really thought she was great.
The one downsize of this story was that it was a bit predictable. I pretty much knew who the bad guy was right away. I wish it wasn't so predictable, but it was still a good story.
December 6, 2018
"Victor Boone Must Die" started with what I was expecting and ended with what I wasn't. It's a well crafted story that jumps right into the complex situation of being a superhero with social anxiety, insecurity, and self doubt.
Robby is a well made character that realistically shows his character flaws while still displaying an interesting background story that is gradually revealed through the story. I loved Maria too, she was an amazing character who stuck to her drive and also was very supportive even when she acknowledged she had her limitations.
The story was also well paced, going back and forth between the continuing plot and delving into background stories and other characters.
I absolutely loved the book and can't wait to read the sequel.
Robby is a well made character that realistically shows his character flaws while still displaying an interesting background story that is gradually revealed through the story. I loved Maria too, she was an amazing character who stuck to her drive and also was very supportive even when she acknowledged she had her limitations.
The story was also well paced, going back and forth between the continuing plot and delving into background stories and other characters.
I absolutely loved the book and can't wait to read the sequel.
January 28, 2018
Well done
A fascinating twist on the super hero genre. Wonderful character development. I will most certainly be buying the sequel soon as I can.
A fascinating twist on the super hero genre. Wonderful character development. I will most certainly be buying the sequel soon as I can.
January 13, 2021
So I will preface this review with two things:
1. I know the author personally
2. Its been almost 2 years since I've read it
When reading, I remember finding the book very easy to read. It was, as I believe David intended, to be "easily digestible". If that is what you are looking for in a super hero/fantasy story, this is the book for you! I also found the plot, being about a super hero who has self-confidence issues, a unique take on the super hero narrative.
Its a book I plan to read again and will update this review afterwards!
1. I know the author personally
2. Its been almost 2 years since I've read it
When reading, I remember finding the book very easy to read. It was, as I believe David intended, to be "easily digestible". If that is what you are looking for in a super hero/fantasy story, this is the book for you! I also found the plot, being about a super hero who has self-confidence issues, a unique take on the super hero narrative.
Its a book I plan to read again and will update this review afterwards!
August 4, 2025
A fun and quick read! Lots of twists and turns. Highly recommend for people who like superhero stories.
March 8, 2026
I probably shouldn’t have read this when I did. I wasn’t in the right mood but the story is cute.
May 2, 2024
I don't usually pick up books from a convention, but I gave Stevenson a chance and after listening to the premise of "Victor Boone Will Save us" I decided that maybe it's just the book I needed to expand my horizons. I'm glad I did!
I don't read superhero books because it's usually the same story: origin, save some people, fail to save some people, then actually save them and win the girl. This book by Stevenson has all of the makings of a superhero book and more. The hero is actually really relatable and realistic for someone who can turn invisible and doesn't feel pain. He isn't ripped and chiseled, he dropped out of college after being bullied and becoming too busy, and he struggles to make friends in the adult world at 21 years old because what even is socializing.
The bad guy is a little bit predictable, I assumed who the bad guy was pretty early on in the book, but the author actually did a good job of making me think that I wasn't correct after all until the reveal.
Maria is a really likeable character for being the love interest. She is just the right amount of sympathetic for Robby and pushy/sarcastic enough to not make the romance seem too easy. Well, there isn't even really romance, but we all want it to happen and the author gives us just enough to excite us; this too makes it more realistic.
All in all, I read this book in two hours after my husband told me I couldn't move on to another book until I read the one I made us buy... and I'm glad I did. I look forward to the next one, truly. Thank you for sticking out and convincing me to buy my first convention book, David Stevenson!
I don't read superhero books because it's usually the same story: origin, save some people, fail to save some people, then actually save them and win the girl. This book by Stevenson has all of the makings of a superhero book and more. The hero is actually really relatable and realistic for someone who can turn invisible and doesn't feel pain. He isn't ripped and chiseled, he dropped out of college after being bullied and becoming too busy, and he struggles to make friends in the adult world at 21 years old because what even is socializing.
The bad guy is a little bit predictable, I assumed who the bad guy was pretty early on in the book, but the author actually did a good job of making me think that I wasn't correct after all until the reveal.
Maria is a really likeable character for being the love interest. She is just the right amount of sympathetic for Robby and pushy/sarcastic enough to not make the romance seem too easy. Well, there isn't even really romance, but we all want it to happen and the author gives us just enough to excite us; this too makes it more realistic.
All in all, I read this book in two hours after my husband told me I couldn't move on to another book until I read the one I made us buy... and I'm glad I did. I look forward to the next one, truly. Thank you for sticking out and convincing me to buy my first convention book, David Stevenson!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2018
Enjoyed
Like the way she approached the whole hero/zero angle. The reminder that beauty comes from the inside out is very refreshing.
Like the way she approached the whole hero/zero angle. The reminder that beauty comes from the inside out is very refreshing.
September 25, 2023
Pleasantly surprised
I read a lot, but I've never read a super hero book before. I loved the story. Good character development. Somewhat predictable ending, but in a good way. Would have liked the world to have been bigger than just the main characters. I'm glad I took a chance and bought this directly from the author at a con! I will definitely read the next one!
I read a lot, but I've never read a super hero book before. I loved the story. Good character development. Somewhat predictable ending, but in a good way. Would have liked the world to have been bigger than just the main characters. I'm glad I took a chance and bought this directly from the author at a con! I will definitely read the next one!
June 5, 2019
It was good! I'm curious to see how the second one might progress. I'm a bit disappointed in the villain...I wish their motivation had been better explained, or something...I'm not sure. All the characters annoyed me. Not that they were poorly written! Just that they were annoying. 😂 But it was a fun read and has the possibility for being a good series. There are lots of routes this story can take.
April 23, 2023
I met the author recently at the Lexington Toy and Comic Convention, and he told me that if I liked the book I should just yell really loud and he'd know. So, David, this is me yelling. I LOVE VICTOR BOONE! but not really. He's an ass. Robby for the win lol. In all seriousness though, this book was super fun! Definitely different from your average super hero story. I had a great time reading it!
July 12, 2018
A fast entertaining easy read
A fast entertaining easy read. A different kind of super hero. Slightly comedic and well written. It seemed a little short, but most Kindle books seem that way.
A fast entertaining easy read. A different kind of super hero. Slightly comedic and well written. It seemed a little short, but most Kindle books seem that way.
November 2, 2018
***Received through Goodreads Giveaway***
3.75 stars.
It was funny in spots, touching in others, but a little too on the nose in many. I found the scene with Bradford's lab just a little unreal.
I did enjoy it, but not sure if I enjoyed it enough to follow up with the sequels.
3.75 stars.
It was funny in spots, touching in others, but a little too on the nose in many. I found the scene with Bradford's lab just a little unreal.
I did enjoy it, but not sure if I enjoyed it enough to follow up with the sequels.
December 7, 2024
Very satisfying, easy, mostly fun read. There are some deep parts that get into Robby's self worth, his trauma and psyche I won't describe as fun but important and compelling and heartbreaking.
The concept of the superhero who doesn't want to be recognized and uses a fake is great to me. I love Robby and his struggles, Maria is a doll, and boy did you want to punch Victor but definitely a good superhero read with a twist.
I got this book at a local con and I appreciate Mr. Stevenson's ability to sell me on the plot. I'll be ordering book 2 soon enough.
The concept of the superhero who doesn't want to be recognized and uses a fake is great to me. I love Robby and his struggles, Maria is a doll, and boy did you want to punch Victor but definitely a good superhero read with a twist.
I got this book at a local con and I appreciate Mr. Stevenson's ability to sell me on the plot. I'll be ordering book 2 soon enough.
July 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book as I was interested by the author's spiel as we spoke briefly at C2E2. A superhero who was behind the scenes and needing to gain his self-esteem. He comes to befriend a college friend and start the process of becoming someone great for himself. Of course, there are a few bumps and bruises along the way but when is there not in a story of a superhero.
August 9, 2025
This feels like the equivalent of watching a superhero movie. I enjoyed the premise; the very thought of someone else having the superpowers made me laugh. I'm glad I picked up this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. If you're a fan of superheroes with some humor, this is a great option for you. I highly recommend it!
July 3, 2024
This was fantastic! Watching Robby grew into himself as he became comfortable with his powers and people was awesome and the added bonus of watching him learn to trust Maria was so sweet. Can’t wait to get the next book! The sneak peek chapter was not enough!!
August 23, 2017
Entertaining & funny read. It was easy to get caught up in the story. Great if you enjoy super hero fiction. Highly recommend!
June 8, 2018
Great read
September 8, 2018
Pretty cool. It reminded me of the super hero version of Fat Vampire.
August 11, 2020
If you are looking for a fun and easy read this should be your go-to book. From a humble hero to mysteries it's well worth checking out.
August 28, 2025
I finished this book and its sequel in less than a week! I was sucked in from the first chapter and cant wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews