Sensation

By: Kevin Hardman

Narrated by: Mikael Naramore

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Like millions of other kids, Jim grew up wanting to be a superhero. Unlike most of his contemporaries, however, Jim actually had the goods: a plethora of super powers that would have been the envy of any meta on the planet. But when his tryout with the Alpha League - the world's premiere group of supers - goes disastrously wrong, Jim basically becomes an outcast.

Two years later, Jim is still bitter about what happened to him. However, he soon finds himself the centerpiece in an odd turn of events that gives him a second chance at his dream. But nothing is as easy as it sounds, as Jim soon discovers. Among other things, he's made an enemy of a prospective super teammate, he's being stalked by an unknown pursuer, and a shadowy cabal bent on world domination has identified him as the only obstacle to their plans.

It's a lot for one super to handle, even with a smorgasbord of abilities. But if saving the world were easy, everyone would do it.

©2013 Kevin Hardman (P)2016 Kevin Hardman

Sky high meets playing for keeps

Great story and amazing narration. It reminds me of Disneys sky high and Mur laffertys playing ft keeps. Great superhero story with academy (kind of harry potterish) the story has it all. Well developed in a short time with plenty of depth to it. Hopefully there is more to come in this setting. The author has a rich world with tons of possibility that I would love to explore. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Superheroes

This was quite an entertaining book. Well written and good for teens as well as adults. Good luck and happy reading. MRB

Very Interesting Story!

Would you listen to Sensation again? Why?

I think I would. This was the first story I've listen to or read that DIDN'T involve some kind of love connection. Although Jim was interested in another superhero the story was more focused on him and what he was going through, rather than the love connection. The narrator did a great job as well. Although his voices weren't really that different between characters, I was still able to tell who was who.

What other book might you compare Sensation to and why?

There isn't one because I've never read a superhero story before.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I'm not sure, but I'd definitely go and see it.

Any additional comments?

I found it strange how nonchalant Jim's mother was when his father came to see Jim. Given the fact that they didn't have a real father/son connection (father not even knowing Jim was his son), why was Jim's mom getting mad that Jim had tried to walk away?

Pretty good

I liked that the protagonist had some character without going to extremes. there was a good plot line and interesting ideas. the only downside is it's short. I believe I will listen to the rest of the series.

Interesting listen

I enjoyed this audiobook. Interesting characters, storyline, & plot. This story is packed with action from the start with surprising twists, interesting villains, treachery, & intriguing situations. The story would likely appeal to teens, young adults, or fans of superheroes.

Great story

What would have made Sensation better?

If I would of found the series when it first came out

Would you be willing to try another one of Mikael Naramore’s performances?

Yes, I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and his other books

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Boom."

A terrific superhero story

Sensation is a terrific story about a teenage boy with multiple superpowers. The story is perfect for kids (and adults) who love superhero stories. The narrator does a nice job bringing the story to life.

I received a copy of this book as a gift. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I am hooked on this superhero story!

Sensation
By: Kevin Hardman
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
Most superhero stories seem to come across pretty cheesy but this one is a real winner! I got hooked right away! Plenty of action that was exciting and some was just down right funny! I loved the unique characters and the twists that crept up unexpectedly. A great world the author has built here. I definitely want to continue this series!
The narration is fantastic! All the voices unique and special. Great job!

Coming of Age Story with a Cape!

Any additional comments?

Kevin Hardman brings the often explored genre of superheroes into the world of novels and delivers a fast paced adventure with good storytelling in Sensation. Jim is a sixteen year old boy who has put off learning to drive, doesn’t have many friends, and deals with anger issues. What sets him apart from many who share those traits is that Jim has developed nearly every super power in the book!

I received a free copy of the audiobook initiated by my request, and I’m glad I sought it out! I used to read a lot of superhero comics as a kid and feel they influenced my tastes in reading and writing. Aside from the occasional Marvel or DC movie, it’s a genre I haven’t visited in better than fifteen years and it turned out to be fun.

We learn from flashbacks early on that two years before our tale begins, Jim blew his big opportunity to join the world’s foremost superhero team, the Alpha League. He now operates under a different alias with the help of his grandfather, a retired telepath, and Brain Trust, a hive mind of clones who want to know everything.

Under pressure from his mom and Grandpa to fit in with other kids, Jim attends a superhero teen football pick-up game where he become acquainted with some of the Alpha League’s junior members. The adventure unrolls in expected and well delivered comic book fashion.
Foreshadowing in this book was well done two pieces in particular played out exactly as I thought they might. No real surprises, but it’s a superhero book, so I didn’t expect a jack-knifing plot like in a suspense or thriller.

The first person storytelling allowed for the occasional info dump on some of the finer details of super powers. One example I enjoyed was when Jim finished a shower, he simply phased himself off from being solid matter, so water dropped away rather than needing to be toweled off.

I listened to the audiobook which was well narrated. Supporting characters had distinct voices or accents which always makes it a bit easier to keep the story straight during dialogue heavy scenes.

Like any good superhero adventure there are more opportunities for sequels sprinkled throughout the story than I can count and a quick look at Mr. Hardman’s Goodreads page confirms he’s made good on at least six of them.

I took off one star because I feel that Hardman introduced the reason for Jim’s freak out and voluntary two year seclusion without really explaining why Jim felt it wasn’t actually him that had such an anger problem. Then Jim continues to have anger issues later on, although to a lesser severity.

ok

Amusing, but about as substantive as the comics it is obviously modeled on. This isn't wholly bad. There is a lot of humor here and obviously a large world has been envisioned, though we're only given small glimpses of it. But the plot itself it fairly thin and predictable and I didn't sense much growth in the characters. The main character, Jim, is a little too perfect to be believed and seems far too mature for 16.

Despite generally good writing, there is a lengthy and largely unneeded flashback that disrupts the flow of the story. The narrator did a fine job too. I liked his reading, but not so much his attempts at accents. All in all, it wasn't a total disappointment. I really think teens will enjoy the heck out of it. But I found it a so-so read (listen).

Note: I received an audible credit for this book. I chose to listen to it and review it.