The Astounding Antagonists by Rafael Chandler
Dr. Agon, a megalomaniacal inventor with an arsenal of lethal gadgets. Motley, a wisecracking jewel thief with nothing left to lose. Chillpill, a cryogenic drug lord who just wants a normal life. Baelphegor, a demonic psychopath with an ugly score to settle.
They’re the most dangerous supervillains on Earth, and they’re about to pull off the perfect crime. There’s just one catch: if they succeed, they might accidentally save the world.
From the skyscrapers of Apex City to the gates of Hell itself, the Antagonists are pursued by violent superheroes and billionaire vigilantes. But as loyalties are tested and old hatreds are rekindled, the line between friend and foe begins to blur…
PRAISE FOR THE ASTOUNDING ANTAGONISTS
“The writing in the book is superb… It’s a beautiful thing when a writer can pull together humor, sadness, euphoria, and dismay all into one book, and Chandler does just that.” (Fanboycomics.net)
“It was fun, it was deep, it was snarky, it was diverse, it was complex, it was poignant and it was epic and horrific and amazing.” (Fangs For The Fantasy)
“It all culminates in a brutal street brawl with lots of accusations, recriminations, and payback. It’s like a giant crossover event scribbled on a napkin by James Robinson and Marv Wolfman.” (Superheronovels.com)
“I appreciate a book that can bring some knowledge and insight to their plots while keeping the characters believable. It is hard to do, and this book does it well… I completely recommend this book.” (Black Nerd Problems)
“This is an ensemble piece with a large cast so unique, so different from each other and all so loveable flawed in their own way that every single person who appears is memorable.” (Ghouls, Gryphons, and Gadgets)
“The best capepunk novel since Soon I Will Be Invincible. I’ve read a lot of books in this genre in the past few years, and discovered many gems among the dross, but Chandler’s is the first since Grossman’s to give me this much of a visceral, emotional and literary thrill. His characters are so strong, uniquely voiced, understandably motivated, and genuinely engaging I found myself fearing for their lives and well-being with every turn of the page.” (Stephen T. Brophy, author of The Villain’s Sidekick)
Author’s Bio
Rafael Chandler writes novels (Mask Beneath Her Face, Hexcommunicated), video games (Dark District, SOCOM 4, Final Eden, MAG), and tabletop role-playing games (Teratic Tome, Lusus Naturae, ViewScream). He’s a metalhead, a kaijuphile, and a gorehound.
My Review
5 Stars
This is a super hero story told from the villain’s view point. Doctor Agon, a super inventory learns that the super heroes are going to be launching a satellite into space that can track everyone on Earth. With the help of other villains, he plans on stopping the little, pompous twerps in their tracks.
With super heroes and comics/graphic novels becoming so popular, we are starting to see more super hero stories. And where there are heroes, there are villains. But what really defines a villain? What if they are the hero of their own stories? Are the heroes really heroes? This story makes you think twice about the typical villain.
Now, there are a couple things that did annoy me about the story. The whole political and economic views did make this story drag. They just kept going and drug away from my enjoyment of the story.
I loved the stories that twist the approach and make you think twice about the norms. I previously read Renegades by Marissa Meyer and enjoyed that book. I could see some of that in The Astounding Antagonists. If you like the super hero stories you should check this one out. You might enjoy it too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
I would like to thank Reads & Reels for the opportunity to read and share this book.
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