Sensation: A Superhero Novel (Kid Sensation)

Before I really go into my review I would like to point out that I rarely review software and reading material/books. I believe that both areas are VERY subjective as to what works and what doesn't for each person so what might be a great choice for me might actually be a disaster for someone else. That said occasionally I do break down and decide to rate something that I found especially enjoyable. That is the case with not only this book but ALL the rest of the books in this series. Which is what prompted me to do this review. I actually thought all the stories in this series have been pretty well thought out and the issues that have cropped up have been very consistent with the types of issues you would find in superhero-based graphic novels so the books work really well with the theme. I also appreciate how well thought out the descriptions of the powers used by the various characters and how and why they work the way they do. It makes reading these books quite enjoyable (for me).

The first book in the Kid Sensation series is a fun look at a world where superheroes have pretty much been in continuous existence and are now part of everyday life. Author Kevin Hardman introduces some interesting aspects, like the idea of superteams arranging game days for super-powered teens given that many of them don't have the opportunity to play with other kids for fear of harming them. Also the tryouts for superteams was a nice touch. The story is told in the first-person perspective from Kid Sensation's POV. Hardman does a great job of capturing what it's like to be a teenage boy and grounding the character despite his multitude of powers. The interactions between Kid and his grandfather and mother as well as other superheroes his age, like Paramount, Aqua or Smokescreen or Electra all feel very real. Hardman also adds in some interesting touches for different super-powers, such as the idea of super-vision being an ancillary power for super-speed. That being said, I think I would have to agree with others who argued that Kid is perhaps a bit TOO powerful. Flight, superhuman speed, intangibility, telepathy, telekinesis, teleportation, and shapeshifting is a bit much. I also felt that the intelligence of far smarter characters like Mouse and Braintrust was more or less ignored towards the end of the book so Kid could be the one who discovered the mole. The prose has some clunky moments and for some reason, the prologue is written in present-tense, a very jarring shift from the rest of the book. But overall a very enjoyable read. I read it within the span of a day and never felt bored.

I got the book because the title intrigued me. I tried the sample and was immediately pulled in to the story. Jim's character is very likable and relatable, and I liked his super name "Kid Sensation". I think it is a good, original name. I enjoyed learning more about Kid, and reading about his many powers. I really hope that the sequel has more about Alpha League and Mouse. (Especially more about Mouse because he was interesting). I did not notice any errors in the book (sometimes a big issue) and the story flowed well for me (I have found good books that drag in the middle sometimes). I think that people who like "Wearing The Cape", "Confessions of A D-List Supervillian", and "Just Cause" ( all books that I've read similar to this one in story and pricing) will enjoy this book. The price is reasonable for the length (around 200 pages) and great for the story (good and interesting). If you are looking for a good new author to try I would suggest giving Mr. Hardman a chance. I bought "Sensation" a few days ago and had to stay up to finish it because I got so interested. I hope that many other people will give it a chance because I think you will enjoy it!

So I’m not a “fan” of the superhero genre of science fiction, largely because I haven’t read any of it prior to this book. That being said, I was most definitely impressed. I’m not quite sure where Hartman can take this series, given the overwhelming power structure that the main character holds. I used to play DND, and we used to call characters like Jim’s “Monty Hall” characters. They were simply invincible and impossible to destroy so what kind of challenges does he think he can come up with for Jim? I’m intrigued and looking forward to finding out.

I don't often stumble upon a good superhero novel, but this one had all the one points for me--sympathetic hero, interesting setting, and a cliche in just the right way plot. After a disastrous tryout for the Alpha League, Jim plays superhero in the shadows. But he's not a vigilante--he has his grandfather and a powerful superintelligence called BT helping him capture and turn in supervillains secretly. It's only when trouble really begins to rise that he realizes he'll have to embrace who he is--Kid Sensation--in order to save the world. I loved Jim's voice throughout the piece; he comes across as very human in spite of all the powers he has and all the training his grandfather has given him. He and the other characters bring the story to life, and it's rather larger than life in some ways, just like a superhero comic might be. If you enjoy comics and superheroes, I highly recommend this story.

I have to say the beginning of the story caught my attention and a typical coming of age story became gripping. The story and character development in the first half of the book was better than your average JA book and I had high hopes for this book. Jim started off as a good protagonist and very mature for his age, which was believable given what he went through and the training he received. However the book fell apart after he joined the super hero training team, he became a different character. The smart teenager that went through a tough 2 years of isolation and bitter training was replaced by an airhead that made many mistakes that were almost out of character. Again the book was pretty good halfway through and I did not know where it was leading me but towards the end it ran out of steam. There were just too many cliches and the 3 dimensional main character became 2 dimensional. The end was anti-climatic because the nefarious supervillian team became a dud of whinny brats that were 1 dimensional at best. So far the only super power book I would recommend would be "Soon I Will Be Invincible".

Its a good story. Its straight forwards, the foreshadowing is very expressive and the plot is easy to follow. If you’re new to the superhero genre or recreational reading I’d highly recommend this book. For frequent readers, its interesting as a solid read. Will be reading book 2

I had stumbled on this book a week ago but dismissed it. I believe it was priced at about $8 for 200 pages which I found ridiculous (overpriced like his other book). So I was pleasantly surprised when I would up seeing it again only this time for the low low price of Free. This is a good example of a type of book that drives me nuts. It could have been so much more as either a series or just a longer book. Please don't get me wrong it is a good book for what it is but there are a lot of things from his powers to his family and friends that could have been fleshed out a lot more to add to the story. That's one reason why you see some other reviewers requesting a sequel. Jim is a fairly relatable teen with a teens attitude. One thing I loved is Jim is not the type to let bygones be bygones like SO many other heroes. No, if you wrong him he will call you on it. His powers are diverse and interesting and the fighting fairly good as well. The major downside is pretty much what I wrote above. Its short. This means that there is not a lot of character development, background info etc. All that said I still found it a nice, fun distraction for several hours and would have no problem, bearing in mind a good price, to picking up another in the same world.

A young man, brought up by his gifted grandfather and mother has an eventful time, when he attempts to acquire accreditation to enter the academy for the gifted. To be a teenager is bad enough, but to have super abilities, made life a very difficult time, especially when someone else was out to get you. Although, some would say this is a teenage saga, I believe a lot of adults that are attracted to the supernatural storyline will love this series. Having listened to the audiobooks for this series, I found the narrator's enhancement of the story, by use of various vocalizations for different characters adding that extra dimension to an otherwise epic story.

Répondre à mon attente

A fun read to pass the time.. , entertaining and fast-paced. .Though somewhat predictable, I enjoyed reading it. Though I guess it could be the beginning of a series (which I'd love to read), I think it can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone, as it has a clear structure, not necessarily forcing you to buy a second book to know what happens next.

Fast paced story and a nice plot. Sometimes a little bit to much deux machina, with the hero having so much powers.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The plot was good and logical. I could understand the MC's motivations and that kept me invested in the book. I could not put it down. Well done Mr Hardman! The editing was excellent. Looking forward to read the next book!