Villains Pride by M. K. Gibson – That’s What I’m Talking About…

FROM THE VAULT: Villains Pride

I originally read and reviewed this book in January 2018.

Jackson Blackwell is back again and looking for a new adventure while awaiting fatherhood. However, when his beloved tosses him out of his own dimension, finding a place to spend time isn’t easy. That is until King Stanley provides him a place in his comic book realm.

After completely enjoying the first book in this series, I came into Villains Pride with high hopes. Unfortunately, I felt the first half of the story was poorly written, stuffed with filler material. It wasn’t until the last third that the story itself came together with a solid plot and supporting action. 

What I did love: the play and fun on the various famous comic book heroes. No one is sacred, from Iron Man to Batman, from Superman to Wolverine. Mr. Gibson nails each persona in a witty and fresh way. I also really enjoyed the superhero war which takes place well after the midpoint of the book. This is when Jackson’s plans really start to take shape and mean something, and when the story took off and had focus.

My biggest issue with Villains Pride is the entire first half or more of the book. I felt there was little point or purpose. It was repetitive, and I felt like the author was using Jackson as a soapbox. In the first book the jibes were more subtle and less frequent, making them sharp and witty. This time it felt like a constant rant, lecturing the listener. It got old very quickly.

One of the highlights is once again the performance by Mr. Kafer. I loved the subtle yet distinctive changes in each male and female voice. He had the perfect fit for all characters. He really does bring to life the characters, making them people in my mind.

In the end, I struggled with Villains Pride. The first half to two-thirds of the story was meandering and repetitive. I felt like I was being lectured constantly. And frankly, Jackson is an asshole, which didn’t seem as funny this time around.

My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration: A-

Jen

About the Book:

The Shadowmaster is back . . . whether you wanted him to be or not! 

Jackson Blackwell, The Shadowmaster, is in over his head this time. After his last adventure, where he tore fantasy novels a new one, Jackson has to deal with the repercussions of angry gods, angrier conspirators, and the wrath of his pregnant girlfriend! 

(I know . . . actual consequences in a comedy/action series? How avant-garde! –I think. Okay look, I really don’t know what that means. I’ve always just wanted to say it and I’m too lazy to look it up.) 

Thanks to a godly decree and a crafty clause, Jackson has been banished from his home. And the only universe kindly enough to take him in is one infested with comic-book-style superheroes and supervillains. A perfect place to cause mayhem, right? Well, it wouldn’t be much of a book if it were. 

Comics don’t play by the rules and Jackson has been tasked to do something “unique.” Whatever is a villain to do? 

Follow the adventure of Jackson Blackwell as he attempts to manipulate his way back to the top while dealing with all manner of dark detectives, godly aliens, expensive power suits, and the most daunting challenge of all . . . looming parenthood.

Author:  M. K. Gibson
Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Shadow Master #2
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: November 30, 2017
Audiobook Length: 7 hours and 50 minutes
Audiobook Publisher: Amber Cove Publishing
Playback Speed: 1.25x
Source: Purchased