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Masks #3
Ordinary Champions
Book Three of the Masks series follows Eric's adventures as a newly-transformed supervillain sidekick. Taking advantage of Eric's relationship with Peter, the Devil's Trill uses him for a shield against the superheroes.
In the meantime, new villains and a new, covert vigilante-like group appear, with a young hero with chameleon powers attempting to infiltrate the Trill's hideout and help Eric.
Eric struggles with his conscience and schemes to turn the tables on the Trill, but his powers deteriorate. He grows more and more unstable and unsafe while the Trill's henchmen appear to grow stronger and stronger, as though they were also subjected to the same manipulation that's been used on Eric.
As the Trill fights both the heroes and tries to assert his dominance over the new villains, Eric realizes that he doesn't have much time left to set things right on his own, even if it costs him his life.
In the meantime, new villains and a new, covert vigilante-like group appear, with a young hero with chameleon powers attempting to infiltrate the Trill's hideout and help Eric.
Eric struggles with his conscience and schemes to turn the tables on the Trill, but his powers deteriorate. He grows more and more unstable and unsafe while the Trill's henchmen appear to grow stronger and stronger, as though they were also subjected to the same manipulation that's been used on Eric.
As the Trill fights both the heroes and tries to assert his dominance over the new villains, Eric realizes that he doesn't have much time left to set things right on his own, even if it costs him his life.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Hayden Thorne
101 books82 followersI write gothic fiction, fairy tales, and ghost stories with a touch of gay romance. For a complete and updated list of my published books,
please visit my Books2Read store
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 21, 2012
ok so read book first time June 2011 and didn't review. I am a lazy bitch
If i wasn't so lazy I would have written something before. Maybe I try now?
That didn't really help, but cheerleaders never really do help anything, at all, right?
Okay now OMG these are adorable pics.
~~~~~
This whole series is great and loved this book. With the action scenes and the mystery of what was happening to Eric. Just an awesome book and i was glad to see how things worked out in the end. Even on a second read through i didn't want to put it down.
Eric is an amazing narrator and you never feel bored being inside his head. Hayden's ability to write Eric and his thoughts so well amazes me. Even though it is a super hero story the way Eric is written and how he is with the side characters makes them all feel so real. To me that is amazing writing, taking a very fictional plot like superpowers and making all of the characters feel like they are 100% real people and just relate-able.
LOVE THESE BOOKS AND CHARACTERS
If i wasn't so lazy I would have written something before. Maybe I try now?
That didn't really help, but cheerleaders never really do help anything, at all, right?
Okay now OMG these are adorable pics.
~~~~~
This whole series is great and loved this book. With the action scenes and the mystery of what was happening to Eric. Just an awesome book and i was glad to see how things worked out in the end. Even on a second read through i didn't want to put it down.
Eric is an amazing narrator and you never feel bored being inside his head. Hayden's ability to write Eric and his thoughts so well amazes me. Even though it is a super hero story the way Eric is written and how he is with the side characters makes them all feel so real. To me that is amazing writing, taking a very fictional plot like superpowers and making all of the characters feel like they are 100% real people and just relate-able.
LOVE THESE BOOKS AND CHARACTERS
May 2, 2012
In many ways this was a much more difficult book for me to read, even than the previous book.
Evolution
dealt with quite a bit of turbulent teenage emotion shown in an almost melodramatic way even though it is completely and universally relatable. Where in that book the difficult emotion is brought forth from Eric like a fiery burst of angry passion and anger, this sequel shows us an Eric that has in many ways lost his fight and is constantly shifting his identity. In Ordinary Champions, Eric is in a situation that is compounded many times over from what he had to deal with in the second book, but the stagnancy, loneliness and at times hopelessness from Eric was much more difficult for me to read. That said, I think that the choices Hayden Thorne made for Eric in the end of this first trilogy were the right ones, no matter the misery it takes for Eric to get through them.
The choice that the story demands yet is most difficult for me to accept is the lack of time between Eric and Peter. The second book had them splitting apart, and here they are apart, whatever relationship they might have completely up in the air. That was difficult for me, because I felt like so much of Eric's motivation was in Peter, and that distance from him was hurting him so much. It's also difficult for me after reading the second book to not have any of Peter's POV in this book. And with the two separated, we can't even get much about him through Eric's observations. When I felt like I desperately needed validation from Peter that he regretted his actions from Evolution , I was only able to hold on and hope. These little strategic moves that Hayden Thorne makes are the tools she uses to manipulate emotion, and with my emotions so thoroughly enmeshed in Eric's, it brought me closer to the book and the characters.
I'm off to read Curse of Arachnaman next, though I've given myself a break of a day or so since I read all three of the first books back to back. It looks like Eric and Peter are going back to the roots of their relationship and maybe trying to start over, hopefully with a little more hard-won maturity this time, and I'm excited to get back to the story. Hopefully they'll find a way to work together more often, because as much as Eric's story needed to diverge from the relationship for a while, I enjoy a happyily cozy Eric and Peter much more than when they're at war.
The choice that the story demands yet is most difficult for me to accept is the lack of time between Eric and Peter. The second book had them splitting apart, and here they are apart, whatever relationship they might have completely up in the air. That was difficult for me, because I felt like so much of Eric's motivation was in Peter, and that distance from him was hurting him so much. It's also difficult for me after reading the second book to not have any of Peter's POV in this book. And with the two separated, we can't even get much about him through Eric's observations. When I felt like I desperately needed validation from Peter that he regretted his actions from Evolution , I was only able to hold on and hope. These little strategic moves that Hayden Thorne makes are the tools she uses to manipulate emotion, and with my emotions so thoroughly enmeshed in Eric's, it brought me closer to the book and the characters.
I'm off to read Curse of Arachnaman next, though I've given myself a break of a day or so since I read all three of the first books back to back. It looks like Eric and Peter are going back to the roots of their relationship and maybe trying to start over, hopefully with a little more hard-won maturity this time, and I'm excited to get back to the story. Hopefully they'll find a way to work together more often, because as much as Eric's story needed to diverge from the relationship for a while, I enjoy a happyily cozy Eric and Peter much more than when they're at war.
June 23, 2011
Anyway, it was another great continuation to the series and it felt as if it had way more action and suspense than the previous two which I really enjoyed. It wasn't as funny as the first one but still funnier than the second one and I think Peter, Eric and Althea got a bit closer by the end of the book because all their feelings were laid out to each other.
We meet a bunch of new superheroes and supervillains which was pretty cool because some of them have awesome powers. Can't wait to see what happens in the next one and how Eric is coping with being back to normal again. Definitely recommended :)
February 28, 2010
In the final installment of the wonderful Masks series, the non-stop action of the first book is combined with the emotional issues brought up in the second book to create a balanced story filled with action and emotional tension. The first person narrator, Eric, returns with his usual wit and charm as he struggles with his new role in the good versus evil fight. However Eric may just possibly be the worst supervillain sidekick in existence and this causes the Trill no end of frustration. Although a certified genius (and psychopath), the Trill definitely underestimated the actions and emotions of a coming-of-age teenager holding a flame for his ex-boyfriend turned superhero. Torn between two minds, Eric struggles to reconcile his bitter feelings of separation from his friends with the growing knowledge that supervillainy is not all it's cracked up to be.
As with the two previous books in the series, this continues the comic book atmosphere and introduces new villains and superheroes. The dialogue and descriptions continue to be just as fresh and entertaining as they have been in the series, which is a feat in itself to maintain such a high level of creativity and humor without too much repetition. The storyline is engaging and riveting, even more so than previous books with the current balance between action and emotional tension. The start of the book is slower but well worth the wait as the focus on the witty and sullen Eric sets up the new challenges. Here sixteen-year-old Eric questions his choices, his understanding, and works to find a place for himself among his chosen side. However, doubts and questions plague him and Eric constantly wonders if he’s not better off as an independent.
Eric has an elemental battle of good versus evil within that mimics the greater battle going on in Vintage City between the heroes and villains. Eric’s mistakes are all too common and sympathetic as a young man coming of age and prone to occasional bouts of emo behavior. His constant humor and delightful dialogue are unquestionably of a teenager, yet never fail to elicit a laugh. His repeated failure as a villain sidekick offers a great deal of humor but never loses track of his internal emotional tension either. His relationship to Peter and the complexities of teenage dating combined with the slight problem of being on opposite sides of morality shines even as the intimate voice allows the reader to side with Eric. Eric’s frustration with Peter yet his simultaneous yearning for his kind-of, sort-of ex-boyfriend and the life he used to have creates some often poignant moments of emotion. The all too understandable dilemma of young adults molds this story yet doesn’t overwhelm the series to the point that readers of all ages can’t enjoy and identify with the themes.
Similarly, the secondary characters are all wonderfully rich in detail and importance as they add more flavor to the story. From the Trill’s sighs over angsty teenagers to Brenda’s comments about overactive imaginations and even the Deathtrap Debutantes ~ the humor expertly induced in the story keeps the emotions from being too heavy and dark. The running gag about Eric’s poor Chemistry and Geometry skills and the Handbook for Supervillains all add delightful touches in subtle, creative ways. The characters and the story itself invite the reader to laugh along and lose themselves in the fantasy, comic book setting of Vintage City and its cadre of teenage heroes and villains.
The writing is perhaps the best of the three books with an excellent balance between the characters and a more dynamic involvement in the resolution. Eric’s development of course is the main focus but more so all the characters and even the citizens of Vintage City grow and mature the most in this final book, creating a resolution that easily allows this series to end neatly and completely. Although most of the villains are on the loose and the dramatic rescues are kept to a minimum, the clear shift at the end allows for possibilities not present at the beginning of the series. There is a plethora of material for more books but the series would almost lose something important and central if the voice of Eric were to completely mature. If I had any qualms it would be the resolution between Peter and Eric, which while understandable, felt unsatisfying. However, given Eric’s personality and the nature of teenagers, the ending was of course, entirely suitable and perfect.
Although it’s difficult to say too much without giving spoilers, I’ll leave you with a snippet from the book, which encompasses the humor and teenage personality of Eric so perfectly.
"'Oh, that's not a good mental image,' I said, pulling my hood over my head and bracing myself as I opened the door. Hot air and bright, bright sunlight immediately blasted me from outside, suffocating me. I made a face and hesitated. 'Can I have money for a chocolate parfait at least? Or even an iced mocha? Considering the heat and what I'm wearing right now ~ and considering that I'm about to get pummeled for your sake ~ I think I should be allowed some compensation. You should've seen that in the Supervillain Handbook in the 'Sidekicks: Who are They, and How are They Cared For?' chapter.'
The Trill stared at me for a moment. He seriously reeked of WTF. 'I don't believe this,' he sighed as he groped around the seat, shoving a gloved hand between the cushions. When he pulled it out, he actually had a fistful of crumpled bills and loose change, which he gave me."
Be sure to get this last installment immediately. Although it’s not to be read alone and make sure you’ve read the other books (in order) before reading this offering, the series is well worth the time and money investment. You won’t be disappointed with such a wonderfully creative and imaginative series and its perfectly disaffected, normal, and utterly charming narrator ~ Eric Plath.
As with the two previous books in the series, this continues the comic book atmosphere and introduces new villains and superheroes. The dialogue and descriptions continue to be just as fresh and entertaining as they have been in the series, which is a feat in itself to maintain such a high level of creativity and humor without too much repetition. The storyline is engaging and riveting, even more so than previous books with the current balance between action and emotional tension. The start of the book is slower but well worth the wait as the focus on the witty and sullen Eric sets up the new challenges. Here sixteen-year-old Eric questions his choices, his understanding, and works to find a place for himself among his chosen side. However, doubts and questions plague him and Eric constantly wonders if he’s not better off as an independent.
Eric has an elemental battle of good versus evil within that mimics the greater battle going on in Vintage City between the heroes and villains. Eric’s mistakes are all too common and sympathetic as a young man coming of age and prone to occasional bouts of emo behavior. His constant humor and delightful dialogue are unquestionably of a teenager, yet never fail to elicit a laugh. His repeated failure as a villain sidekick offers a great deal of humor but never loses track of his internal emotional tension either. His relationship to Peter and the complexities of teenage dating combined with the slight problem of being on opposite sides of morality shines even as the intimate voice allows the reader to side with Eric. Eric’s frustration with Peter yet his simultaneous yearning for his kind-of, sort-of ex-boyfriend and the life he used to have creates some often poignant moments of emotion. The all too understandable dilemma of young adults molds this story yet doesn’t overwhelm the series to the point that readers of all ages can’t enjoy and identify with the themes.
Similarly, the secondary characters are all wonderfully rich in detail and importance as they add more flavor to the story. From the Trill’s sighs over angsty teenagers to Brenda’s comments about overactive imaginations and even the Deathtrap Debutantes ~ the humor expertly induced in the story keeps the emotions from being too heavy and dark. The running gag about Eric’s poor Chemistry and Geometry skills and the Handbook for Supervillains all add delightful touches in subtle, creative ways. The characters and the story itself invite the reader to laugh along and lose themselves in the fantasy, comic book setting of Vintage City and its cadre of teenage heroes and villains.
The writing is perhaps the best of the three books with an excellent balance between the characters and a more dynamic involvement in the resolution. Eric’s development of course is the main focus but more so all the characters and even the citizens of Vintage City grow and mature the most in this final book, creating a resolution that easily allows this series to end neatly and completely. Although most of the villains are on the loose and the dramatic rescues are kept to a minimum, the clear shift at the end allows for possibilities not present at the beginning of the series. There is a plethora of material for more books but the series would almost lose something important and central if the voice of Eric were to completely mature. If I had any qualms it would be the resolution between Peter and Eric, which while understandable, felt unsatisfying. However, given Eric’s personality and the nature of teenagers, the ending was of course, entirely suitable and perfect.
Although it’s difficult to say too much without giving spoilers, I’ll leave you with a snippet from the book, which encompasses the humor and teenage personality of Eric so perfectly.
"'Oh, that's not a good mental image,' I said, pulling my hood over my head and bracing myself as I opened the door. Hot air and bright, bright sunlight immediately blasted me from outside, suffocating me. I made a face and hesitated. 'Can I have money for a chocolate parfait at least? Or even an iced mocha? Considering the heat and what I'm wearing right now ~ and considering that I'm about to get pummeled for your sake ~ I think I should be allowed some compensation. You should've seen that in the Supervillain Handbook in the 'Sidekicks: Who are They, and How are They Cared For?' chapter.'
The Trill stared at me for a moment. He seriously reeked of WTF. 'I don't believe this,' he sighed as he groped around the seat, shoving a gloved hand between the cushions. When he pulled it out, he actually had a fistful of crumpled bills and loose change, which he gave me."
Be sure to get this last installment immediately. Although it’s not to be read alone and make sure you’ve read the other books (in order) before reading this offering, the series is well worth the time and money investment. You won’t be disappointed with such a wonderfully creative and imaginative series and its perfectly disaffected, normal, and utterly charming narrator ~ Eric Plath.
June 23, 2011
Another great addition to this fun series.
August 30, 2020
I love this series I just wish it went darker. It's got so much potential to create a strong anti-hero, or even a full on villain out of the main character, which I would've loved. But this is good too.
Read
June 5, 2009Ordinary Champions is the third and last book in the Masks series, and it's exactly like I was expecting to be.
The superheroes in the Masks series are not invincible men, they are teenagers and young men at the brink of adulthood, but their actions are more driven by the unsteady feelings more than by an high purpose to do the good for humanhood.
In the second book, Eric was having problem with his boyfriend Peter, since Peter was starting to be acquainted with his superpowers and maybe he was neglecting his new beau. Between adults this would have been not a problem, Eric would have understood that Peter was involved in something bigger then them, but as I said before, they are only teenagers, and Eric is jealous, and Peter is not able to comfort and reassure him. And so Eric falls in the dark side, at the same time being "kidnapped" and going willingly toward the "evil" superhero's side.
But in this mix of ordinary champions and teenager superheroes, even if you are an evil hero, you are not dispensed from being a teenager and from having to do your homework and chores, and so Eric soon realizes that he is missing his family and friends, and having superpowers are not consolation enough for what he lost.
The relationship between Eric and Peter is not as center stage here as it was in the first book. This final installment in the series is more about Eric's growth, of his nearing that brink to adulthood. But it's also the growth of the community in where Eric lives, they learn that they can be their own heroes, and that they can defeat the evil everyday, without any outside help. It's all a question of acquiring consciousness of who you are and of what you are capable to do, even without having superpower: paraphrasing a famous sentence, the force is inside you. It's not that there isn't a love story, it's also that before Eric could fully enjoy his love for Peter, he needs to grow; love as a teenager is not the same as an adult.
I love that the story, even when developing the fantasy side, never forgets that we are speaking of young adults, of boys with the boundaries of boys, little men that when they have granted their wish of being free and independent, realize that they miss their home and mom; they can have superpowers, but the power of love is always stronger.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603706887/?...
The superheroes in the Masks series are not invincible men, they are teenagers and young men at the brink of adulthood, but their actions are more driven by the unsteady feelings more than by an high purpose to do the good for humanhood.
In the second book, Eric was having problem with his boyfriend Peter, since Peter was starting to be acquainted with his superpowers and maybe he was neglecting his new beau. Between adults this would have been not a problem, Eric would have understood that Peter was involved in something bigger then them, but as I said before, they are only teenagers, and Eric is jealous, and Peter is not able to comfort and reassure him. And so Eric falls in the dark side, at the same time being "kidnapped" and going willingly toward the "evil" superhero's side.
But in this mix of ordinary champions and teenager superheroes, even if you are an evil hero, you are not dispensed from being a teenager and from having to do your homework and chores, and so Eric soon realizes that he is missing his family and friends, and having superpowers are not consolation enough for what he lost.
The relationship between Eric and Peter is not as center stage here as it was in the first book. This final installment in the series is more about Eric's growth, of his nearing that brink to adulthood. But it's also the growth of the community in where Eric lives, they learn that they can be their own heroes, and that they can defeat the evil everyday, without any outside help. It's all a question of acquiring consciousness of who you are and of what you are capable to do, even without having superpower: paraphrasing a famous sentence, the force is inside you. It's not that there isn't a love story, it's also that before Eric could fully enjoy his love for Peter, he needs to grow; love as a teenager is not the same as an adult.
I love that the story, even when developing the fantasy side, never forgets that we are speaking of young adults, of boys with the boundaries of boys, little men that when they have granted their wish of being free and independent, realize that they miss their home and mom; they can have superpowers, but the power of love is always stronger.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603706887/?...
June 17, 2012
For some parts this was the least favorite up until now, because I felt there was an emotional disconnection between the Eric at the end of the previous book and the Eric at the beginning of this book. There is however a compelling growth in Eric's personality, because as he explores his limits, pushes them, he also learns that sometimes your wishes are granted, but at a great cost and that everyone's special in their own way.
The very ending of the book was beautiful, because it seems that not only Eric is learning to take his fate into his hands, but the citizens of Vintage City are learning that they are the one who can take their city back from the villains who are causing havoc among them.
Eric and Peter are apart for a long time in this book and they have to find the way to be ordinary guys in a world that is demanding a lot from them. Both Eric and Peter, even if they're living their adventures, have to face every-day life: disapproving mothers, failing grades, tutors. It's the best thing of this series: there's never a moment when we forget that Eric is still a 16-year-old guy who's growing up in his family. On to the next!
The very ending of the book was beautiful, because it seems that not only Eric is learning to take his fate into his hands, but the citizens of Vintage City are learning that they are the one who can take their city back from the villains who are causing havoc among them.
Eric and Peter are apart for a long time in this book and they have to find the way to be ordinary guys in a world that is demanding a lot from them. Both Eric and Peter, even if they're living their adventures, have to face every-day life: disapproving mothers, failing grades, tutors. It's the best thing of this series: there's never a moment when we forget that Eric is still a 16-year-old guy who's growing up in his family. On to the next!
October 13, 2016
Overall, I seriously loved this series. There were, however, two things I was hoping to see in this last book that didn't really happen:
1.) I kinda wanted to see Eric last a little longer as a villain. I know this might sound weird, but it's what I wanted to see. I kinda liked the idea of a powerful Eric helping the Trill commit crimes, then engaging in battle with Peter, Trent, and Wade. It might be the vindictive side of me, but I wanted to see Eric make Peter regret the way that he treated Eric at the end of the second book. I wanted Peter to experience true remorse, and come to the realization that Eric's evolution was partially his fault.
2.) I wanted some form of POV from Peter's perspective. In relation to #1, I wanted to see Peter come to the realization that the way he treated Eric was part of the reason Eric had those explosive moments of power. I wanted to see the effects it had on Peter when he first discovered what had happened to Eric.
I'm pretty vindictive myself so that's where most of this angst-driven commentary is coming from... feel free to disagree lol
1.) I kinda wanted to see Eric last a little longer as a villain. I know this might sound weird, but it's what I wanted to see. I kinda liked the idea of a powerful Eric helping the Trill commit crimes, then engaging in battle with Peter, Trent, and Wade. It might be the vindictive side of me, but I wanted to see Eric make Peter regret the way that he treated Eric at the end of the second book. I wanted Peter to experience true remorse, and come to the realization that Eric's evolution was partially his fault.
2.) I wanted some form of POV from Peter's perspective. In relation to #1, I wanted to see Peter come to the realization that the way he treated Eric was part of the reason Eric had those explosive moments of power. I wanted to see the effects it had on Peter when he first discovered what had happened to Eric.
I'm pretty vindictive myself so that's where most of this angst-driven commentary is coming from... feel free to disagree lol
September 1, 2014
This series is one that I thourally enjoy these books are easy to read and the action carries the novel through. I thought this third book to the series was better as Eric struggles with mind control from the Trill however the book is still light and fluffy with a lot of humour. Although Peter and Eric have supposedly broken up there is still romance throughout this novel so don't despair dear romantic readers. What I personally wanted from this novel was Peter angst for Eric but its not that kind of series and everything is light, fluffy and full of humour, which is also great.
I'm not very good at reading series but every time I say Im going to stop now Hayden grabs me and makes me buy the next one. The great thing about this series is that you can leave the book for a few months and then get back to it and still know exactly what is going on. So highly recommend to readers that love fluffy fan fiction as I do.
I'm not very good at reading series but every time I say Im going to stop now Hayden grabs me and makes me buy the next one. The great thing about this series is that you can leave the book for a few months and then get back to it and still know exactly what is going on. So highly recommend to readers that love fluffy fan fiction as I do.
January 16, 2015
What a nail-biter! Hayden Thorne is an author I'd recommend to any young adult.
August 31, 2011
Again didn't fail to pull me in and I finished in what like 4 days? Book 4 is on its way in the mail and I'm super excited.
February 16, 2015
An engaging conclusion to this completely wonderful series of superheroes. A fresh reinvention of the subject starring a sensational main character.
September 25, 2012
So far, this is absolutely my favorite book the the series. I can't wait to read the next one. :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews