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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
tense
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Cancer, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Stalking, Death of parent, Alcohol
This is a world where humans with heightened abilities known as IOs, Independent Operatives - or vigilantes - work to make the world a better place. "They tended to show up when lunatics threatened world leaders or high school chemistry teachers formed delusions of world domination."
Coral, a member of the League of Independent Operatives (LIO), meets Boston cop Nathan, in a bar fight where she has been watching Jenna, a woman they have had their eye on for a while.
Jenna's father Mange has been after her to retrieve the power stealing potion she took from him.
Coral takes her in to HQ , (aka the batcave.) to train her and help develop her fire powers.
Eloise the Leader of LIO sends Coral to LA, to her other life. In her other life, she is heiress play girl Mary O'sullivan, daughter to the beloved O'sullivans, who died when their plane came down. She is in charge of the See and Star foundation - her parents philanthropic endeavour.
Jenna's father - the new evil in town - Mange - has developed a potion that removes one's special abilities. He has teamed up with LIO's enemy 'The Wave" whom everyone thought had been destroyed- but in reality never really disappeared. Mange developed the potion to deal with the side effects of his powers. He experimented on his daughter and gave her the same fire control powers that he himself has. Mary, with Nathan in tow and the other LIOs are determined to stop him.
Our main characters are Mary, Eloise and Nathan.
Mary - Our main protagonist is a member of the League of Independent Operatives since she was rescued by it's founders (Will and Dolly - Eloise's parents) when she was eleven- from the plane crash that killed her parents
Nathan - a Boston cop originally from England who has been simultaneously; running from, and trying to make up for, his past, since he was 13.
Eloise - now head of LIO since her mother stood down - is having a hard time adjusting to being in charge and to her new power, as the wielder of the pearl knife - both with their own challenges.
The story is told from three four different perspectives, a writing device generally I'm not super fond of, in this is its done amazingly well. It gives the story amazing breadth and flows really well. When one chapter ends with one character, the narrative is picked up seamlessly with the next character in another part of the story.
The story just grabs you and pulls you along so easy to read and get absorbed into.
The romance, although predictable, was realistic and didn't distract from the main plot. This however was the only predictable part of this plot, the story didn't go in any direction I expected and oh the twist at the end yes! I loved this, what happens next?!
Oh my word I devoured this novel. It's a cross between x-men (humans with superpowers) and batman (Mary - no superpowers, dead parents, cool gadgets and general bad-assery).
I recommend it to everyone!
I received a copy of this via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my review.
Coral, a member of the League of Independent Operatives (LIO), meets Boston cop Nathan, in a bar fight where she has been watching Jenna, a woman they have had their eye on for a while.
Jenna's father Mange has been after her to retrieve the power stealing potion she took from him.
Coral takes her in to HQ , (aka the batcave.) to train her and help develop her fire powers.
Eloise the Leader of LIO sends Coral to LA, to her other life. In her other life, she is heiress play girl Mary O'sullivan, daughter to the beloved O'sullivans, who died when their plane came down. She is in charge of the See and Star foundation - her parents philanthropic endeavour.
Jenna's father - the new evil in town - Mange - has developed a potion that removes one's special abilities. He has teamed up with LIO's enemy 'The Wave" whom everyone thought had been destroyed- but in reality never really disappeared. Mange developed the potion to deal with the side effects of his powers. He experimented on his daughter and gave her the same fire control powers that he himself has. Mary, with Nathan in tow and the other LIOs are determined to stop him.
Our main characters are Mary, Eloise and Nathan.
Mary - Our main protagonist is a member of the League of Independent Operatives since she was rescued by it's founders (Will and Dolly - Eloise's parents) when she was eleven- from the plane crash that killed her parents
Nathan - a Boston cop originally from England who has been simultaneously; running from, and trying to make up for, his past, since he was 13.
Eloise - now head of LIO since her mother stood down - is having a hard time adjusting to being in charge and to her new power, as the wielder of the pearl knife - both with their own challenges.
The story is told from three four different perspectives, a writing device generally I'm not super fond of, in this is its done amazingly well. It gives the story amazing breadth and flows really well. When one chapter ends with one character, the narrative is picked up seamlessly with the next character in another part of the story.
The story just grabs you and pulls you along so easy to read and get absorbed into.
The romance, although predictable, was realistic and didn't distract from the main plot. This however was the only predictable part of this plot, the story didn't go in any direction I expected and oh the twist at the end yes! I loved this, what happens next?!
Oh my word I devoured this novel. It's a cross between x-men (humans with superpowers) and batman (Mary - no superpowers, dead parents, cool gadgets and general bad-assery).
I recommend it to everyone!
I received a copy of this via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my review.
I received a free eBook in exchange for an honest review.
Alter Ego is a Adult Science Fiction/Superhero novel, book 1 in the series.
Book Cover: 4* - This cover is really well done, and although I prefer covers with characters on them, this mask computer gadget symbol vibe still works for what the cover is trying to tell you. I got a superhero espionage vibe from this cover, and this book did deliver on that.
Summary/Tagline: 3* - The summary was good, it just didn't draw me in as it sounds like something I've read/watched before, but what jostled me was that this book doesn't only follow Mary, but 3 other POVs. It threw me off when I started reading the book. I always prefer when there are summaries made for each POV, especially if they are equal amounts of each. That's it.
Characters: 4* - Hmmm, this one is a toughy. Like I said previously, we follow 4 POVs, one of which is an antagonist. We follow Mary, a powerless, and I mean that she has no powers not that she's weak, secret agent/spy character who's really good at making gadgets as she is being a celebrity, Nathan, a cop that . . . I like him, but there's something about his chapters that just read as rushed compared to the other characters. There's also a romance that happens between him and Mary, but even though some time has gone by and interactions are happening off page, it just reads as instant and pretty underdeveloped. Oh, the romance is a subplot and not in your face. So if you're looking for something heavy on the romance, this book is not it. 2 other characters we follow is Eloise who has inherited her mother's power to control a intriguing dagger that definitely feels not of this world and who runs the organization LIO(League of Independent Operatives), along with being Mary's foster sister. Eloise was alright, she read as a stick in the mud so I wasn't 100% behind her, but I get where her actions and choices are coming from, and a antagonist Mange who is trying to out LIO and reunite with his daughter. Although he had the least amount of chapters compared to the others, his chapters were definitely intriguing. There are other minor characters throughout the story, some I liked, other's I was meh about, other's I don't really have an opinion on as there wasn't enough of them.
World Building: 4* - You know what, the world was intriguing and it definitely felt lived in. It felt like an amalgamation of MCU(Marvel Cinematic Universe) and the Mission Impossible movies. Super powered beings mixed with espionage and governments inteference and insurrections. It was really exciting to learn about those that have power and those like Mary and Nathan that try to work without them, but there was one thing I was curious about that I don't think was answered in this book, and that is how some people got powers. I know one got it because of science experimentation, but others were never really explained how they got theirs. I don't even know how Eloise's mother got her connection with the dagger, but we know how Eloise inherited it. Hence the mystery on the power is why this section gets 4 stars instead of 5.
Story: 3* - It looks like an old enemy of LIO has returned and Mary is doing what she can to stop them, but a self made action to rescue a super powered woman and bring her to HQ while ignoring regulation and protocol makes Eloise decide to send Mary to a one way trip to suspension from further missions for awhile and keep up her celebrity appearance. In the meantime, Nathan finds a clue on Mary's hero identity and flies from the other side of the US to find her and beg to work with LIO all while trying to keep his past hidden. However, things begin to unravel and now Mary and Nathan have to decide whether or not to continue working with LIO or jump ship. Now, unfortunately I've hit quite the superhero fatigue when I got to this book. Although it was entertaining in some spots, the story was mostly predictable throughout. There's one section where I was actually taken by surprise, but then it quickly went predictable again. Nothing in the story grabbed me unfortunately and some chapters felt rushed compared to others.
Over All: 4* - Hmmm, based on my scoring so far, I think I'm happy to say 4 stars is good for me. It's either that or 3.5, but because halfsies are a no no, I might as well say 4. The story was entertaining and engaging sometimes, and I did like the characters, plus Alter Ego totally gave me a MCU meets Mission Impossible vibe. The story was fun, exciting, and thrilling when it came down to it. I say if you like things like the MCU and Mission Impossible movies, I say give this book a try. I'm sure you'll have fun, especially if you're in the mood for more superhero stories mixed with some thrilling espionage.
Alter Ego is a Adult Science Fiction/Superhero novel, book 1 in the series.
Book Cover: 4* - This cover is really well done, and although I prefer covers with characters on them, this mask computer gadget symbol vibe still works for what the cover is trying to tell you. I got a superhero espionage vibe from this cover, and this book did deliver on that.
Summary/Tagline: 3* - The summary was good, it just didn't draw me in as it sounds like something I've read/watched before, but what jostled me was that this book doesn't only follow Mary, but 3 other POVs. It threw me off when I started reading the book. I always prefer when there are summaries made for each POV, especially if they are equal amounts of each. That's it.
Characters: 4* - Hmmm, this one is a toughy. Like I said previously, we follow 4 POVs, one of which is an antagonist. We follow Mary, a powerless, and I mean that she has no powers not that she's weak, secret agent/spy character who's really good at making gadgets as she is being a celebrity, Nathan, a cop that . . . I like him, but there's something about his chapters that just read as rushed compared to the other characters. There's also a romance that happens between him and Mary, but even though some time has gone by and interactions are happening off page, it just reads as instant and pretty underdeveloped. Oh, the romance is a subplot and not in your face. So if you're looking for something heavy on the romance, this book is not it. 2 other characters we follow is Eloise who has inherited her mother's power to control a intriguing dagger that definitely feels not of this world and who runs the organization LIO(League of Independent Operatives), along with being Mary's foster sister. Eloise was alright, she read as a stick in the mud so I wasn't 100% behind her, but I get where her actions and choices are coming from, and a antagonist Mange who is trying to out LIO and reunite with his daughter. Although he had the least amount of chapters compared to the others, his chapters were definitely intriguing. There are other minor characters throughout the story, some I liked, other's I was meh about, other's I don't really have an opinion on as there wasn't enough of them.
World Building: 4* - You know what, the world was intriguing and it definitely felt lived in. It felt like an amalgamation of MCU(Marvel Cinematic Universe) and the Mission Impossible movies. Super powered beings mixed with espionage and governments inteference and insurrections. It was really exciting to learn about those that have power and those like Mary and Nathan that try to work without them, but there was one thing I was curious about that I don't think was answered in this book, and that is how some people got powers. I know one got it because of science experimentation, but others were never really explained how they got theirs. I don't even know how Eloise's mother got her connection with the dagger, but we know how Eloise inherited it. Hence the mystery on the power is why this section gets 4 stars instead of 5.
Story: 3* - It looks like an old enemy of LIO has returned and Mary is doing what she can to stop them, but a self made action to rescue a super powered woman and bring her to HQ while ignoring regulation and protocol makes Eloise decide to send Mary to a one way trip to suspension from further missions for awhile and keep up her celebrity appearance. In the meantime, Nathan finds a clue on Mary's hero identity and flies from the other side of the US to find her and beg to work with LIO all while trying to keep his past hidden. However, things begin to unravel and now Mary and Nathan have to decide whether or not to continue working with LIO or jump ship. Now, unfortunately I've hit quite the superhero fatigue when I got to this book. Although it was entertaining in some spots, the story was mostly predictable throughout. There's one section where I was actually taken by surprise, but then it quickly went predictable again. Nothing in the story grabbed me unfortunately and some chapters felt rushed compared to others.
Over All: 4* - Hmmm, based on my scoring so far, I think I'm happy to say 4 stars is good for me. It's either that or 3.5, but because halfsies are a no no, I might as well say 4. The story was entertaining and engaging sometimes, and I did like the characters, plus Alter Ego totally gave me a MCU meets Mission Impossible vibe. The story was fun, exciting, and thrilling when it came down to it. I say if you like things like the MCU and Mission Impossible movies, I say give this book a try. I'm sure you'll have fun, especially if you're in the mood for more superhero stories mixed with some thrilling espionage.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When I was searching for fellow superhero writers and books I came across Kate and picked up Alter Ego immediately after reading the blurb. I'm so glad I did!!! It turned out to be one of the best books I've read in awhile
My head is still reeling. I think I'm finally moving past the End Game hangover that's been tickling the edge of my subconscious since last summer.
Mary O'Sullivan is committed to the League of Independent Operatives. The organization rescued her from the tragic accident that killed her parents, gave her sanctuary and solace, and shaped her purpose. Confident in her place in the world, she steps into a bar to carry out a mission.
She meets three people in the bar who will throw her life and her confidence into a tailspin.
- Nathan, the gray eyed British cop who jumps into the fray with her, and then follows an obscure clue to track her to the glamour of her other life.
-Jenna, the young girl struggling to gain control of her ominous powers.
-Mange, who wants to upend the world order using subversive technology.
All three of them harbor secrets that will shatter the foundation of her life. All three of them are masters of subterfuge and disguise. And all three of them will force her to confront truths long buried.
I cannot wait to read Book 2, Anti-Hero, coming May 2020.
Mary O'Sullivan is committed to the League of Independent Operatives. The organization rescued her from the tragic accident that killed her parents, gave her sanctuary and solace, and shaped her purpose. Confident in her place in the world, she steps into a bar to carry out a mission.
She meets three people in the bar who will throw her life and her confidence into a tailspin.
- Nathan, the gray eyed British cop who jumps into the fray with her, and then follows an obscure clue to track her to the glamour of her other life.
-Jenna, the young girl struggling to gain control of her ominous powers.
-Mange, who wants to upend the world order using subversive technology.
All three of them harbor secrets that will shatter the foundation of her life. All three of them are masters of subterfuge and disguise. And all three of them will force her to confront truths long buried.
I cannot wait to read Book 2, Anti-Hero, coming May 2020.
Thank you to the author for providing a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only.
As a lover of super hero movies I am slightly surprised I have never read a super hero book (or even comic) and this was a great place to start.
This book was well a written intruduction to the super heros of LIO and their super hero villans in Wave - or are they? As the book progresses and secrets are revealed you find yourself not sure who the good guys really are and this is the question our heros have to answer.
Fast moving and action packed this is thoroughly enjoyable book and I will definitely be searching out more of Kate Sheeran Swed's books
As a lover of super hero movies I am slightly surprised I have never read a super hero book (or even comic) and this was a great place to start.
This book was well a written intruduction to the super heros of LIO and their super hero villans in Wave - or are they? As the book progresses and secrets are revealed you find yourself not sure who the good guys really are and this is the question our heros have to answer.
Fast moving and action packed this is thoroughly enjoyable book and I will definitely be searching out more of Kate Sheeran Swed's books
Remember Jem and the Holograms animated show from the eighties? This book felt like that. I couldn't shake the feeling away. Strong women in the center of the stage, trying to save the world with their badassery and technical skills. As a child, I was obsessed with Jem, could watch it from video repeatedly.
The main protagonist of the book is Mary, a wealthy Hollywood socialite, and a vigilante with a tragic past. She doesn't have superpowers like the others in the group she belongs to, but that doesn't stop her. I would say this book is about Mary finding out who she is through her past and present, having the face what has made her. Mary is relatable despite her status. She is tough, quirky, broken, strong, and intelligent.
Kate knows how to write. The book is easy to read, the story is fast and light, and every character has their cross to bear. Yet while the book is enjoyable, like those Hollywood X-Men and Batman (the lighter ones) movies, this is not a book I would typically read. The whole Hollywood and superhero scene feels disinteresting, not because it is poorly written, quite the opposite, but because of the rich high-life feels like a nightmare to me. Who would like that? Are we so superficial that we think that is something to look up to? Kate brings out the downside of being a celebrity well, and I love she does that. Maybe the ending promises a darker sequel away from all the clamor.
Thank you for reading!
The main protagonist of the book is Mary, a wealthy Hollywood socialite, and a vigilante with a tragic past. She doesn't have superpowers like the others in the group she belongs to, but that doesn't stop her. I would say this book is about Mary finding out who she is through her past and present, having the face what has made her. Mary is relatable despite her status. She is tough, quirky, broken, strong, and intelligent.
Kate knows how to write. The book is easy to read, the story is fast and light, and every character has their cross to bear. Yet while the book is enjoyable, like those Hollywood X-Men and Batman (the lighter ones) movies, this is not a book I would typically read. The whole Hollywood and superhero scene feels disinteresting, not because it is poorly written, quite the opposite, but because of the rich high-life feels like a nightmare to me. Who would like that? Are we so superficial that we think that is something to look up to? Kate brings out the downside of being a celebrity well, and I love she does that. Maybe the ending promises a darker sequel away from all the clamor.
Thank you for reading!
I really enjoyed this book! The actions starts right from the beginning and is well paced, keeping it engaging the whole time. The character development, especially Mary and Nathan's, was great, and the plot kept me on my toes until the end.