The Rules of Supervillainy

The Supervillainy Saga Volume 1

By: C. T. Phipps

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Gary Karkofsky is an ordinary guy with an ordinary life living in an extraordinary world. Supervillains, heroes, and monsters are a common part of the world he inhabits. Yet, after the death of his hometown's resident superhero, he gains the amazing gift of the late champion's magical cloak. Deciding he prefers to be rich rather than good, Gary embarks on a career as Merciless: The Supervillain Without Mercy. But is he evil enough to be a villain in America's most crime-ridden city? Gary soon finds himself surrounded by a host of the worst of Falconcrest City's toughest criminals. Supported by his long-suffering wife, his ex-girlfriend turned professional henchwoman, and a has-been evil mastermind, Gary may end up being not the hero they want but the villain they need.

©2015 C. T. Phipps (P)2015 Amber Cove Publishing and C.T. Phipps

Use My Powers for Wha???

Thank you so much for sharing this precautionary tale. Since obtaining my powers I've had quite a lot of peer pressure to use them for good. I attribute some of this to the fact that I still haven't officially "come out of the lair." But I also may have been a bit hasty in choosing my first sidekick. You see, I believed I would be able to use my villainess wiles to seduce my young apprentice to the benefits of working on the dark side. But so far all attempts to overpower his goody two shoe conscience, whom he refers to as "Mod" (morals on duty,) have failed miserably.
Until listening to this supervillainy rules guide, I had begun to question my decisions. And I now believe I was actually under some sort of Mod mind control!! Never fear, I have now designed my own hat, which blocks any attempt to access my brain or thought patterns. It's perfectly stylish but will cause sudden death to any trespasser.
And I am continuing forward in my studies to be the next criminal mastermind of the South.
I look forward to the next lesson and eagerly await its arrival. Until then...
Supervillains Unite!

~Miss Hospitality

Entertaining, light, some humor, and snarky

Well, a fun distraction type of book. Not great. There is a trend for snarky characters lately, and they seem to be represented heavily in recent sci-fi books. There is often a lack of depth in these same books. But, in comparison to a really well written fiction book like Americanah, it's apples and oranges. Snark works fine for shallow tales, and depth is found in multi-layered observations and descriptions.

More great, deep, observational, and descriptive writing in the sci-fi arena would be wonderful. In the meantime, there are new writers to try out . . . and if I am entertained by these books . . . even if slightly . . . it's not a total loss. But, in this case I won't be getting book 2. Snarkiness isn't laugh-out-loud humor, and after a while the snarky sci-fi books get old. Unfortunately, the only way to find out is to buy one . . . but I am starting to tire of these formula books.

Awesome book!

Very well-written book. Reminds me of a cross between the old Batman TV series of 1966, and a book called "Soon I will be invincible", as well as countless other superhero stories. Funny, foolish, but well written. Lots of good one-liners as well and references to other sci-fi movies. A really great read! Can't wait for the sequel!

can't wait for volume two

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I definitely would! This story really showed the inbetween of the good and the bad. That not all good guys are 'good' and that there are different levels of bad amongst the bad guys. Such as lines one would not cross. Overall this greyness really helped me relate to Gary (the main character) moreso than the typical good guy vs bad guy story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I can't decide. I like Gary as the misunderstood hero/bad guy type. He does seem to do more good than bad - even though he wants to make a profit out of it. I like his two henchmen. Diablo and Cindy who have opposite personalities from each other which helps to balance each other out. And of course Gary's wife who is trying to be understanding through all the madness while also finding her own way.

But Cloak - the ominous presence within really helped to make the book what it was. His own unique serious/conscientious personality helped to bring a lot more humour to the story especially when Gary found himself to be in a pinch.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really liked the scene where Gary, his wife and his Henchmen are at the meeting place to get their own secret headquarters. I would add more. But then I wouldnt want to spoil it for anyone.

Any additional comments?

This book was given to me by the author for an unbiased and honest review courtesy of audiobook blast.

Good, light, casual, fun read

This isn't a book that will immerse you in story or character to the point you can't put it down or stop thinking about it. Still, after listening, I could honestly say, "ok, that was fun, think I'll check out the next one". You'll enjoy listening and be glad you did even if it doesn't make your all time favorite list.