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The Shadow Master #3
Villains Deception
Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, returns. And lo, the multiverse shall tremble. Why? For someone dared to kidnap his daughter. In this third installment of the multiple award-nominated Shadow Master novels (which we perpetually lose), Jackson and his crew of malicious malcontents are going on a road trip! Er, well, space . . . trip? Look, this time we’re mocking sci-fi, so you know, just go with it. While on a consultation trip to a sci-fi dimension, Evie Blackwell is taken by hired mercenaries, and Jackson is stranded on a remote planet. Using all of his devious and deadly tricks, Jackson must escape, assemble his team, and travel through space and time to find those responsible. Jackson will stop at nothing to prove his commitment to his family while wreaking his patented comedic havoc in a way that only a man-turned-god can. Follow this thrilling, hilarious, and yes, oddly touching book, as Jackson hops dimensions, fights the forces of light and shadow, and even confronts an entire pantheon of pissed-off gods. Won’t this be a hoot?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2018
29 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Gibson
23 books130 followersHi, I'm Mike Gibson (Gib or Gibby to my friends). I'm a father, husband, writer and a retired US Air Force MSgt with 20 years of service. Back in 1980, when I was 5, I saw the animated version of The Hobbit and was a geek from then on. All I have ever wanted to do was to write and tell stories.
I live with my wife, son, dog and two cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise, and watch movies. I'm a lover of all things geek and feel that all people have amazing stories if you're willing to listen
I live with my wife, son, dog and two cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise, and watch movies. I'm a lover of all things geek and feel that all people have amazing stories if you're willing to listen
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 21, 2020
Villains Deception
The Shadow Master, Book 3
By: M. K. Gibson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Someone kidnaps Evie, Blackwell's daughter. This is one wild adventure through space, dimensions all while fighting all manor of creatures and gods! Lots of unpredictable situations and plot twists! The dialogue and the characters all are perfect! Lots of action, snark, wit, and humor!
Kafer goes above and beyond with this book! He is awesome anyway but super great in this book! 😁
The Shadow Master, Book 3
By: M. K. Gibson
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Someone kidnaps Evie, Blackwell's daughter. This is one wild adventure through space, dimensions all while fighting all manor of creatures and gods! Lots of unpredictable situations and plot twists! The dialogue and the characters all are perfect! Lots of action, snark, wit, and humor!
Kafer goes above and beyond with this book! He is awesome anyway but super great in this book! 😁
February 3, 2019
Another great entry
Whatever he Gibson writes it's 5 stars from me. I'm a sucker for crude humour and long winded rants, what can I say. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Whatever he Gibson writes it's 5 stars from me. I'm a sucker for crude humour and long winded rants, what can I say. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
June 23, 2019
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I’m so excited to be back in the world of Jackson Blackwell, The Shadow Master. Jackson is a villain, But not just any villain, he’s a god of his domain. Jackson works as a consultant to other villains.
In this story, Jackson is on the hunt for whoever took his daughter. Don’t mess with a villain’s family because they will come for you. Jackson is no different. He will do anything and betray anyone to get his daughter back.
Jackson talks to the audience several times throughout the story. Usually insulting some or part of the audience, which makes me laugh. He, as in Jackson, is very aware that this is a story being told and talks about prologues, epilogues and plot devices.
Jackson gives a series recap towards the beginning of the story, so if you haven’t read the first two books (which I would highly recommend), you won’t be lost if you do decide to choose to read this one first.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is a fun series. There’s a ton of snarkiness from the characters. Not only does is have superhero/villain tropes, but this also has some space opera tropes involved too. There are also vampires, djinn, demons and more in this story.
One thing I MUST point out is that Gibson does add additional stuff for the audiobook listener. I’ve never actually “read” one of his books, I’ve just listened. I really felt with this book (and the second book too, to be honest) were written specifically for audio. So, I had to ask. He responded with “I write the ebook/paperback first, then go back to make small edits (or small scenes) that only work for audiobook.” And it works so well. So there are some great surprises for the audiobook listener. There’s one scene that had me rolling on the floor with laughter.
Narration
Jeffrey Kafer knocked it out of the park with this story. He really brings the story to life. I can’t imagine just reading this series. Kafer is the voice of The Shadow Master in my mind. I also can’t imagine anyone else doing this series, especially with the audio only sections. He really brings a special little extra to this story. He also doesn’t mind being the butt of jokes (if you listened to book two, Villains Pride, you know what I mean).
I guess I should actually mention his narration. Kafer is an awesome narrator. He’s great with both men and women’s voices. His pacing and tone for each scene is spot on. He really brings out the humor in this series. If you haven’t listened to Jeffrey Kafer, then I highly recommend you check him out. Check out the beginning of the book with the sample above. Or even try the sample on Audible, which is recorded just for the sample and is hilarious. It is gives you a you a great feel of how the story feels.
**I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so excited to be back in the world of Jackson Blackwell, The Shadow Master. Jackson is a villain, But not just any villain, he’s a god of his domain. Jackson works as a consultant to other villains.
In this story, Jackson is on the hunt for whoever took his daughter. Don’t mess with a villain’s family because they will come for you. Jackson is no different. He will do anything and betray anyone to get his daughter back.
Jackson talks to the audience several times throughout the story. Usually insulting some or part of the audience, which makes me laugh. He, as in Jackson, is very aware that this is a story being told and talks about prologues, epilogues and plot devices.
Jackson gives a series recap towards the beginning of the story, so if you haven’t read the first two books (which I would highly recommend), you won’t be lost if you do decide to choose to read this one first.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this is a fun series. There’s a ton of snarkiness from the characters. Not only does is have superhero/villain tropes, but this also has some space opera tropes involved too. There are also vampires, djinn, demons and more in this story.
One thing I MUST point out is that Gibson does add additional stuff for the audiobook listener. I’ve never actually “read” one of his books, I’ve just listened. I really felt with this book (and the second book too, to be honest) were written specifically for audio. So, I had to ask. He responded with “I write the ebook/paperback first, then go back to make small edits (or small scenes) that only work for audiobook.” And it works so well. So there are some great surprises for the audiobook listener. There’s one scene that had me rolling on the floor with laughter.
Narration
Jeffrey Kafer knocked it out of the park with this story. He really brings the story to life. I can’t imagine just reading this series. Kafer is the voice of The Shadow Master in my mind. I also can’t imagine anyone else doing this series, especially with the audio only sections. He really brings a special little extra to this story. He also doesn’t mind being the butt of jokes (if you listened to book two, Villains Pride, you know what I mean).
I guess I should actually mention his narration. Kafer is an awesome narrator. He’s great with both men and women’s voices. His pacing and tone for each scene is spot on. He really brings out the humor in this series. If you haven’t listened to Jeffrey Kafer, then I highly recommend you check him out. Check out the beginning of the book with the sample above. Or even try the sample on Audible, which is recorded just for the sample and is hilarious. It is gives you a you a great feel of how the story feels.
**I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2020
Well. Played.
Seriously, you really had me going there for a bit. And by a bit, I mean the entire goddamn book.
You're not wrong. I totally forgot about that pre-epilogue.
I'm one of those suckers who can't get enough of these books. I don't know what it is that drags me in, but holy shit, I just keep reading them (well, listening. That Jeffrey Kafer is something special when it comes to voicing The Shadowmaster).
Are there more? Please tell me this is not the end?
Seriously, you really had me going there for a bit. And by a bit, I mean the entire goddamn book.
You're not wrong. I totally forgot about that pre-epilogue.
I'm one of those suckers who can't get enough of these books. I don't know what it is that drags me in, but holy shit, I just keep reading them (well, listening. That Jeffrey Kafer is something special when it comes to voicing The Shadowmaster).
Are there more? Please tell me this is not the end?
April 13, 2020
Another installment of comedy, parody and generally taking the piss out of everyone and everything. I love these books - the perfect antidote to the effects of the unprecedented times that we're in. If you need an escape from reality without getting bogged down with eloquent prose, complex characters or storylines then Gibby provides it. The fact that he has no qualms with openly using ideas from his other works and acknowledges it just makes me a bigger fan.
Admittedly, the other two Shadow Master books were better in their storylines but if you want that style of book, don't pick up something comedic!.
I look forward to more of Jackson's rants and adventures.
Admittedly, the other two Shadow Master books were better in their storylines but if you want that style of book, don't pick up something comedic!.
I look forward to more of Jackson's rants and adventures.
September 12, 2021
So I feel like I have been back stabbed.
I love this series. The irreverence, the sarcasm, the fourth wall breaking monologue and the use of tropes while complaining about tropes. But put in an "it was all a dream", no. You stopped trying and I am done.
I love this series. The irreverence, the sarcasm, the fourth wall breaking monologue and the use of tropes while complaining about tropes. But put in an "it was all a dream", no. You stopped trying and I am done.
March 27, 2019
4th wall is not only smashed, but ground into a fine dust
I haven't decided how I feel yet, other than my first thought, which was to go on the authors page and call him some unsavory names (but in a good way, of course) There were so many twists and turns and misdirection, that my head is still spinning
That being said, I totally enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to book four. I love how Jackson talks to the reader, even if it is to berate us lol
I also listened to the audiobook. There are some surprises in there that made me laugh. I highly recommend listening to the book as well, if possible
I haven't decided how I feel yet, other than my first thought, which was to go on the authors page and call him some unsavory names (but in a good way, of course) There were so many twists and turns and misdirection, that my head is still spinning
That being said, I totally enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to book four. I love how Jackson talks to the reader, even if it is to berate us lol
I also listened to the audiobook. There are some surprises in there that made me laugh. I highly recommend listening to the book as well, if possible
July 19, 2019
http://booknest.eu/reviews/charles/15...
4.5/5
VILLAIN'S DECEPTION is the third novel in the Shadow Master series. The Shadow Master, Jackson Blackwell, is a consulting villain who runs an agency that essentially educates supervillains and Dark Lords in the finer art of being bad guys. Jackson is a paid Evil Overlord's List and gets to indulge in his sadistic desire to put down the cliche of his clients. Free admission here, I met Michael Gibson in a writing group and loved one of his novels so much that I wrote a Foreword for it. I also am terminally biased towards novels about supervillains or antiheroes. It comes with being the author of the Supervillainy Saga.
The premise of this book is Jackson adjusting to fatherhood. Having married his co-conspirator Lydia from the first book, they've reproduced and Jackson has decided the only people in the universe he cares about are those two. So, Jackson is less than pleased when someone kidnaps his offspring when while on a routine mission to a space opera universe in dire need of someone to put a piece of plywood over its thermal exhaust port.
Giving your protagonists children is always a dicey move since they can quickly lose a lot of what makes them interesting. Children are, sadly, a bunch of responsibility and you can't just throw a bunch of meat at them while letting them out whenever they're hungry. It's doubly problematic when so much of your protagonist's appeal lies in their being edgy. However, Jackson is the same cruel evil monster he's always been--he's just fanatically protective of his young spawn.
The Shadow Master books are an entertaining series based entirely on Jackson making epic put downs of geeks, fandom, Star Wars, and genre conventions--all the while being so familiar with them that calling him anything other than a massive nerd is ridiculous. They're often 4th wall breaking, metatextual, and always completely ridiculous. If you enjoyed the first two books then you'll probably enjoy this one.
I have to say that I probably enjoyed this book the most out of the series so far. Part of this is simply genre. As much as the Shadow Master makes fun of space opera (and I'm an author of space opera let alone a mega-fan), you won't get the jokes unless you know it intimately. Plus, the Shadow Master well and truly earns his bonifides as the most evil villain who ever lived by being revealed as the party behind THE LAST JEDI.
Well played, well played.
There's also a section that makes fun of vampires and horror fandom that I also enjoyed. Vampire jokes were played out after Twilight but Michael Gibson takes the high road and actually goes after the concept much more broadly. There was not a sparkly undead joke to be found. Instead, he makes an astute observation that I myself have made about the undead and cats.
This book gives a good bit of insight into Jackson Blackwell's character as well as the fact he's NOT going to go through some grand redemption arc. It also critiques the fact that he's often treated as an invincible villain who never suffers any setbacks. The ending is both frustrating and brilliant so I really recommend people check this volume out if they enjoyed the previous two.
As always, I recommend picking up the audiobook version of this book over the ebook or physical version. This isn't just because Jeffrey Kafer's narration is awesome (though it is). There's actually in-jokes and some extra content.
4.5/5
VILLAIN'S DECEPTION is the third novel in the Shadow Master series. The Shadow Master, Jackson Blackwell, is a consulting villain who runs an agency that essentially educates supervillains and Dark Lords in the finer art of being bad guys. Jackson is a paid Evil Overlord's List and gets to indulge in his sadistic desire to put down the cliche of his clients. Free admission here, I met Michael Gibson in a writing group and loved one of his novels so much that I wrote a Foreword for it. I also am terminally biased towards novels about supervillains or antiheroes. It comes with being the author of the Supervillainy Saga.
The premise of this book is Jackson adjusting to fatherhood. Having married his co-conspirator Lydia from the first book, they've reproduced and Jackson has decided the only people in the universe he cares about are those two. So, Jackson is less than pleased when someone kidnaps his offspring when while on a routine mission to a space opera universe in dire need of someone to put a piece of plywood over its thermal exhaust port.
Giving your protagonists children is always a dicey move since they can quickly lose a lot of what makes them interesting. Children are, sadly, a bunch of responsibility and you can't just throw a bunch of meat at them while letting them out whenever they're hungry. It's doubly problematic when so much of your protagonist's appeal lies in their being edgy. However, Jackson is the same cruel evil monster he's always been--he's just fanatically protective of his young spawn.
The Shadow Master books are an entertaining series based entirely on Jackson making epic put downs of geeks, fandom, Star Wars, and genre conventions--all the while being so familiar with them that calling him anything other than a massive nerd is ridiculous. They're often 4th wall breaking, metatextual, and always completely ridiculous. If you enjoyed the first two books then you'll probably enjoy this one.
I have to say that I probably enjoyed this book the most out of the series so far. Part of this is simply genre. As much as the Shadow Master makes fun of space opera (and I'm an author of space opera let alone a mega-fan), you won't get the jokes unless you know it intimately. Plus, the Shadow Master well and truly earns his bonifides as the most evil villain who ever lived by being revealed as the party behind THE LAST JEDI.
Well played, well played.
There's also a section that makes fun of vampires and horror fandom that I also enjoyed. Vampire jokes were played out after Twilight but Michael Gibson takes the high road and actually goes after the concept much more broadly. There was not a sparkly undead joke to be found. Instead, he makes an astute observation that I myself have made about the undead and cats.
This book gives a good bit of insight into Jackson Blackwell's character as well as the fact he's NOT going to go through some grand redemption arc. It also critiques the fact that he's often treated as an invincible villain who never suffers any setbacks. The ending is both frustrating and brilliant so I really recommend people check this volume out if they enjoyed the previous two.
As always, I recommend picking up the audiobook version of this book over the ebook or physical version. This isn't just because Jeffrey Kafer's narration is awesome (though it is). There's actually in-jokes and some extra content.
August 17, 2019
Okay yes i am posting this review before Villains Pride(i may or may not have forgotten the plot and therefore i need a minor reread oops).
I listened to the audio book and read the kindle version also, as usual it with this series was one hell of a ride.
In this bookJulie Jackson goes on an adventure with his Daughter Evie and then she gets kidnapped. Of course he does what any reasonable parent would do, destroys Universes to get back his kid.
Now compared to the last one, this jumps right into it action taking place in the Sci-fi Universe, taunting of all nerds , berating of book reviewers and yes even the author him does not escape a few insults ( Good one Mike).
You see one thing i have learnt with listening and reading this series is to always look out for clues (and now i shall use my favorite words from Mr Jackson Blackwell) *ahem* Gods above and below (yes i did slightly cringe while writing that)alas i am nothing but a mere mortal still. Why? well simple even when i think i know, i don't know and Mr Gibson takes that into account and turns it all on me having the last laugh in the end while i simply wish teleportation was real just so i could pull up to his house and have a little chat. I will admit it there were times i lost faith in Jackson you'll think by now the third book in the series i should be used to all his shenanigans nope! And that's the fun of this book it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I would suggest getting the kindle book with an audible narration not only does Jeffery Kafer do a good job, it also had cameos from Karen, Matt Damon and R.C Bray. There are small differences between the kindle and audio book that make the listening experience more enjoyable and yes Jeff's voice is not only stuck in my head, i did google penguin penis.
In conclusion if you aren't reading this series you are missing out on comedy gold and insights into the tropes in different genres we nerds are used to.
So yes do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
Before i go here's a new word i learnt Uxoricide I am not telling you so google it.
I listened to the audio book and read the kindle version also, as usual it with this series was one hell of a ride.
In this book
Now compared to the last one, this jumps right into it action taking place in the Sci-fi Universe, taunting of all nerds , berating of book reviewers and yes even the author him does not escape a few insults ( Good one Mike).
You see one thing i have learnt with listening and reading this series is to always look out for clues (and now i shall use my favorite words from Mr Jackson Blackwell) *ahem* Gods above and below (yes i did slightly cringe while writing that)alas i am nothing but a mere mortal still. Why? well simple even when i think i know, i don't know and Mr Gibson takes that into account and turns it all on me having the last laugh in the end while i simply wish teleportation was real just so i could pull up to his house and have a little chat. I will admit it there were times i lost faith in Jackson you'll think by now the third book in the series i should be used to all his shenanigans nope! And that's the fun of this book it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I would suggest getting the kindle book with an audible narration not only does Jeffery Kafer do a good job, it also had cameos from Karen, Matt Damon and R.C Bray. There are small differences between the kindle and audio book that make the listening experience more enjoyable and yes Jeff's voice is not only stuck in my head, i did google penguin penis.
In conclusion if you aren't reading this series you are missing out on comedy gold and insights into the tropes in different genres we nerds are used to.
So yes do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
Before i go here's a new word i learnt Uxoricide I am not telling you so google it.
March 1, 2020
This is the third book I’ve read/listened to by this author. All have been in the Shadowmaster series. I must admit, I wondered where this one was going, and then, the book took the usual out-of-nowhere twist. I find these books highly entertaining, clever, and I enjoy the sarcasm. One could be easily offended if this book was not taken as the comedy it is.
This is the fourth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Jeffery Kafer ). I could not imagine anyone else narrating these books. He does so well becoming the characters in this book. He hits the ranting sarcasm
right on the head.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There is violence, but not gory. There is plenty of swearing and derogatory comments.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
This is the fourth book I’ve listened to by this narrator ( Jeffery Kafer ). I could not imagine anyone else narrating these books. He does so well becoming the characters in this book. He hits the ranting sarcasm
right on the head.
There are no explicit sex scenes. There is violence, but not gory. There is plenty of swearing and derogatory comments.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
May 23, 2019
I will admit, I haven't read as much space opera, as I've read fantasy or sci-fi, so I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous two. Then again, the feeling I had throughout the book was more that the sci-fi tropes were mentioned and acknowledged rather than mocked or made fun of as in the previous two books. Tough to say...but still, there was plenty of humour, a lot of twists... Fun enough to continue the series :)
To the author, who actually reads his book reviews as I found out:
Gibby, what will you continue with? Fantasy, superhero, Sci-fi...any chance it might be LitRPG next? :)
To the author, who actually reads his book reviews as I found out:
Gibby, what will you continue with? Fantasy, superhero, Sci-fi...any chance it might be LitRPG next? :)
March 23, 2021
Signing on the dotted line.
Now that I have reviewed the consultation contract. I have some issues with a few line items but the ones that bother me the most are the mandatory reading of the tasteless cash grabs written by the author M.K. Gibson and then assigned henchman name of Fucwit. I do have some concerns in the benefits package and would not consider pegging a plus.
Furthermore I was going to drop you to two stars for the Firefly slam but at the last minute you pulled a Blues Brothers reference right from a south facing sewer pipe. So that's Five Stars for the band!
Now that I have reviewed the consultation contract. I have some issues with a few line items but the ones that bother me the most are the mandatory reading of the tasteless cash grabs written by the author M.K. Gibson and then assigned henchman name of Fucwit. I do have some concerns in the benefits package and would not consider pegging a plus.
Furthermore I was going to drop you to two stars for the Firefly slam but at the last minute you pulled a Blues Brothers reference right from a south facing sewer pipe. So that's Five Stars for the band!
March 17, 2019
A decent book, not quite up to the previous offerings. And if you know the series, you can hopefully sense the irony
Good story line about family, betrayal, and the proper application of fan fic. An enjoyable if wicked romp that slaughtered all the sacred cows
Good story line about family, betrayal, and the proper application of fan fic. An enjoyable if wicked romp that slaughtered all the sacred cows
April 29, 2020
Always surprised by the ending
First one in the series I read instead of listened to, hard to transition to that at first... But still a great story with twists I didn't see coming. Haven't read a book by MKG that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed!
First one in the series I read instead of listened to, hard to transition to that at first... But still a great story with twists I didn't see coming. Haven't read a book by MKG that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed!
February 20, 2023
Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, returns and this time he is taking on Sci-fi realms. After his daughter Evie is kidnapped, Jackson goes on the offense and will do whatever it takes to get her back. Good series that keeps improving, nothing is safe from Jackson's wrath.
February 16, 2019
Jackson is a raging asshole
One of the best book series I have picked up since I started reading more of the indie books out there in my opinion
One of the best book series I have picked up since I started reading more of the indie books out there in my opinion
February 18, 2019
Maybe I’ll get yelled at
I enjoyed it. I liked the first two better. Although maybe that’s just me wanting to get yelled at in the next book. Maybe I should give it one star.
I enjoyed it. I liked the first two better. Although maybe that’s just me wanting to get yelled at in the next book. Maybe I should give it one star.
May 28, 2019
Good, but the <> nature was enough to break the 5th wall and obliterate the 4th
June 13, 2019
Come on
The book was great love reading everything it is always new and males you really think of past shows and movies even if you don't mention their names
The book was great love reading everything it is always new and males you really think of past shows and movies even if you don't mention their names
January 10, 2022
I hate how much I Loved this giant middle finger of a third book lol
Everything Star Wars related was the highlight to my soul!
Everything Star Wars related was the highlight to my soul!
January 15, 2020
Another hilarious adventure with the world’s greatest (or so he says) villain. Can’t wait for the next one. Jeff Kafer does a fantastic job at bringing the characters (and especially Jackson) to life. And the special appearance scenes were brilliant!!
July 8, 2019
LOL! I really had fun with this story. And the best part is M.K. also has a great story to tell, and the ending may be a surprise for you. lol. The ending is the part that made the books for me. Well, not 100%. I love Jackson's humor and actions. The ending was well fitting for a Jackson book. lol. We were told in the beginning, and it all comes back around at the end. Fun twist!
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
August 26, 2023
The best twist ever.
The author M. K. Gibson does it once again and better then ever.
Jeffrey Kafer is one of the best narrator ever and perfectly narrates each and every character in this beautiful creation.
Absolutely and without a doubt got my full recommendations !
Oded Ostfeld.
Ps:
Even so that each book of this series can be read or listened to by its own, I still wish that I had the fourth audiobook of this amazing series !
The author M. K. Gibson does it once again and better then ever.
Jeffrey Kafer is one of the best narrator ever and perfectly narrates each and every character in this beautiful creation.
Absolutely and without a doubt got my full recommendations !
Oded Ostfeld.
Ps:
Even so that each book of this series can be read or listened to by its own, I still wish that I had the fourth audiobook of this amazing series !
October 8, 2019
After going with a terrible recommendation and letting myself slip back into a tedious YA series, I needed a book to lighten things up. So I thought that I'd check on The Shadowmaster and see what he had going on.
If you've made it to book three then you are well aware of the type of drama, threats, and belittling to expect from The Shadowmaster. This story has all of that and even gives us some suspense. Unlike the earlier books, there is a point where Jackson is in 'real' peril. We get a chance to see how he can handle himself without all of the superpower to back him up. To me, this is the first book where he is actually ruthless to the point where I considered him a villain. Personally, I'm that reader/viewer that loves a good villain... like Keith Ledger's Joker, the Underwood Senator (the character!), Denzel Washington's Dirty Cop, and one of my favorite is Michael C. Hall's serial killer of serial killers. So to me Jackson came across more like a dirty politician. Yes, some of them are bad guys, but villain seems like a special type of distinction.
But enough jibber jabber from me...
If you enjoy the character then you will be pleasantly surprised. If you're undecided, then this will probably be the book that puts the nail in the coffin for you 😂 For me, placing the story around rescuing his daughter made me more invested. I liked the books because I've never read about a character like Jackson. With the baby, it just pulls on my motherly strings and I had to make sure he saved her. Of course nothing happens as expected and by the end you're torn between cheering for Jackson or wanting to slap the taste out of his mouth. Dang! Amazon is probably gonna block me review for saying that but it's TRUE.
Jackson (He and I are on a first name basis now) continues with his usual reviewer clap-backs, narcissistic monologues, and even finds time to berate Mathew McConaughey's leading role chooses. (I slightly agree with that one, but only cause I found his last few movies boring.)
Favorite Quote:"Shoot'em Daddy!" 🤣
The author continues to bully the narrator, Jeffrey Kafer. This time he even brings in backup. There's a cameo from narrator, R.C. Bray. In my opinion, Kafer is much better than Bray... but then maybe I dont get a vote since I haven't heard a single book from this Bray dude... I'll still go with Kafer. He makes Jackson sound like a sexy ass hole (Just how us good girls like them).
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟- Good Book. I like the overall concept and it was delivered well. Most common ranking for a book I enjoyed and look forward to the next. (This is updated to 4 stars for World building)
Update: For the 2019 reading cycle I will be updating my review ratings for a few series based on the art of world building. Recently, I've found myself delving into more SciFi and Epic fantasy works. I dont feel like the ratings for my Urban Fantasy novels takes into account some of the additional layers needed for these Sci-Fi type of stories. So moving forward, I will review and rank based on the specific genre and give an overall ranking based on how the book made me feel. These updates in ratings will include the following series: The Elementals, The Guardians Grimoire,Villians Rule, and the InnKeepers Chronicles
If you've made it to book three then you are well aware of the type of drama, threats, and belittling to expect from The Shadowmaster. This story has all of that and even gives us some suspense. Unlike the earlier books, there is a point where Jackson is in 'real' peril. We get a chance to see how he can handle himself without all of the superpower to back him up. To me, this is the first book where he is actually ruthless to the point where I considered him a villain. Personally, I'm that reader/viewer that loves a good villain... like Keith Ledger's Joker, the Underwood Senator (the character!), Denzel Washington's Dirty Cop, and one of my favorite is Michael C. Hall's serial killer of serial killers. So to me Jackson came across more like a dirty politician. Yes, some of them are bad guys, but villain seems like a special type of distinction.
But enough jibber jabber from me...
If you enjoy the character then you will be pleasantly surprised. If you're undecided, then this will probably be the book that puts the nail in the coffin for you 😂 For me, placing the story around rescuing his daughter made me more invested. I liked the books because I've never read about a character like Jackson. With the baby, it just pulls on my motherly strings and I had to make sure he saved her. Of course nothing happens as expected and by the end you're torn between cheering for Jackson or wanting to slap the taste out of his mouth. Dang! Amazon is probably gonna block me review for saying that but it's TRUE.
Jackson (He and I are on a first name basis now) continues with his usual reviewer clap-backs, narcissistic monologues, and even finds time to berate Mathew McConaughey's leading role chooses. (I slightly agree with that one, but only cause I found his last few movies boring.)
Favorite Quote:"Shoot'em Daddy!" 🤣
The author continues to bully the narrator, Jeffrey Kafer. This time he even brings in backup. There's a cameo from narrator, R.C. Bray. In my opinion, Kafer is much better than Bray... but then maybe I dont get a vote since I haven't heard a single book from this Bray dude... I'll still go with Kafer. He makes Jackson sound like a sexy ass hole (Just how us good girls like them).
3 Stars 🌟🌟🌟- Good Book. I like the overall concept and it was delivered well. Most common ranking for a book I enjoyed and look forward to the next. (This is updated to 4 stars for World building)
Update: For the 2019 reading cycle I will be updating my review ratings for a few series based on the art of world building. Recently, I've found myself delving into more SciFi and Epic fantasy works. I dont feel like the ratings for my Urban Fantasy novels takes into account some of the additional layers needed for these Sci-Fi type of stories. So moving forward, I will review and rank based on the specific genre and give an overall ranking based on how the book made me feel. These updates in ratings will include the following series: The Elementals, The Guardians Grimoire,Villians Rule, and the InnKeepers Chronicles
February 11, 2025
Third installment was fun, definitely the standard I expected for this series. I appreciate the reference back to characters from previous books and explaining who they are. Saw the two big twists coming, but I feel that's just from knowing how these stories have gone in the past. The back and forth between narrators was enjoyable and made this almost more of an audio drama than an audio book.
Furries still haven't gotten called out yet. I'm waiting for that one to happen, although I'm going to be disappointed if it's the standard "sex in costume". I'd love something a bit more original.
Furries still haven't gotten called out yet. I'm waiting for that one to happen, although I'm going to be disappointed if it's the standard "sex in costume". I'd love something a bit more original.
January 28, 2019
The first 2 books were awesome and this one is even better! I love the sarcastic humor and quick wit that Jackson Blackwell AKA The Shadow Master throws out at almost every turn. This is the 6th book I've either read or listened to by M.K. Gibson and I have loved every one of them so far! If he keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them. If your looking for a fun read in a Supervillain comicbookesque type of world then you've definitely come to the right place. Check this one out, you won't be disappointed!
February 23, 2024
Holy Crap, M.K. really takes you on a roller coaster of a ride on this one. The Shadow Master character is such a deep and well written character you can't help but liking and despising the man. I can't wait to read what this sadistic ahole comes up with next.
April 15, 2019
Villains Deception is book 3 in The Shadow Master series. This series is a highly entertaining read that will crack you up. I strongly recommend the audiobook format on these, since the narrator is amazing and brings the story to life. That being said, I'd suggest you read the two prior books before diving into this installment or you'll miss out on some important back story that leads up to this novel.
Jackson Blackwell aka the Shadow Master is back and this time around he's in the sci-fi dimension. While in the dimension working, Jackson's daughter Evie is kidnapped and Jackson's main priority is to get her back. He'll do whatever it takes to get his daughter and if that means using his god-like powers and chasing through different dimensions so be it. Jackson and his crew are on the case and it seems he's wracked up a number of enemies during his life. Full of twists and turns you won't see coming this installment is a hilarious addition to the series. If you're looking for a Fantasy series with a ton of humor mixed in, you need to pick these books up.
Jackson Blackwell aka the Shadow Master is back and this time around he's in the sci-fi dimension. While in the dimension working, Jackson's daughter Evie is kidnapped and Jackson's main priority is to get her back. He'll do whatever it takes to get his daughter and if that means using his god-like powers and chasing through different dimensions so be it. Jackson and his crew are on the case and it seems he's wracked up a number of enemies during his life. Full of twists and turns you won't see coming this installment is a hilarious addition to the series. If you're looking for a Fantasy series with a ton of humor mixed in, you need to pick these books up.
April 5, 2022
I am ashamed with myself for waiting until the second read to put in a review. Granted the last time I forgot as I was driving but that is no excuse. Space opera, dark fantasy, vampires, hidden plans and a rescue mission. Jackson tears through the multiverse in a path of destruction just to get his girl back. I applaud the changes of genre and the swiftness of the pacing if frustrated at the ending. It was action packed with plenty of humour and self reflection (shudder). Another amazing addition to the Blackwell Inc adventures.
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