Forging Hephaestus

Villains' Code Series, Book 1

By: Drew Hayes

Narrated by: Amy Landon

Gifted with meta-human powers in a world full of capes and villains, Tori Rivas kept away from the limelight, preferring to work as a thief in the shadows. But when she's captured trying to rob a vault that belongs to a secret guild of villains, she's offered a hard choice: prove she has what it takes to join them or be eliminated.

Apprenticed to one of the world's most powerful (and supposedly dead) villains, she is thrust into a strange world where the lines that divide superheroes and criminals are more complex than they seem. The education of a villain is not an easy one, and Tori will have to learn quickly if she wants to survive. On top of the peril she faces from her own teacher, there are also the capes and fellow apprentices to worry about, to say nothing of having to keep up a civilian cover.

Most dangerous of all, though, are those who loathe the guild's very existence. Old grudges mean some are willing to go to any length to see the guild turned to ash, along with each one of its members. Even the lowly apprentices.

©2016 Andrew Hayes (P)2017 Tantor

Well written and engaging anti-hero story

Would you listen to Forging Hephaestus again? Why?

When the sequel eventually drops I'll likely give this book another listen. I listen to enough books that a refresher is usually necessary. It would be fun listening again, the book was well written enough to be entertaining even with knowledge of the plot.

What other book might you compare Forging Hephaestus to and why?

Super Powereds, also by Drew Hayes. It's a similar story of anti-heroes gaining acceptance and overcoming adversity. They're both well paced and entertaining.

What does Amy Landon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator did a great job. The voices were all distinct and memorable. She brought them to life very well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It didn't quite grab me enough to keep me from doing other things, but it was definitely one I looked forward to hitting play on in the morning.

Thank you Drew

This is a wonderful series starter. Drew really knows how ro get you hooked man. Love it.

Supervillian success takes hard work and planning.

"Forging Hephaestus" is a great dive into organized supervillainy and the bizarrely ironic symbiotic relationship they share with superheroes. There is a comical yet thoughtful tone to the entire ridiculous senerio of superpowered people attempting to live somewhat stable lives in a universe filled epic battles, showdowns and caped crusaders.

Amy Landon does a great job fleshing out the world and characters through her narration. The characters feel distinct and unique in vocal expression.

The story begins with an aspiring small time brilliant superpowered thief named Tori being strong armed into joining a guild of villains. She doesn’t really take it well, so the guild's leaders then force her to undergo an apprenticeship with an semi retired villain so she can learn the ropes before she becomes to much of a problem. Although an epic threat back in the day, Ivan doesn't really want an apprentice and has been out out of the supervillian game for years, but decides to show her the ropes for her own safety.

Through Ivan, Tori reliezes that there is a lot more to being an effective supervillian than just cool costumes and weapons. It takes a ton of organization, life balance, practice, and, most of all, the villians code. Even a guild of villains needs rules and if Tori breaks them, it could mean death.

While there is action, violence, cursing, explosions and a solid story with interesting characters, what makes "Forging Hephaestus" stand out is an unexpected sense of practical normalcy to it all. The characters come across as people who have every day concerns, hopes, and problems, superpowered or not. There is a definate "life is something that must be worked at no matter who you are" message in there that is refreshing in a story like this.

This audiobook is highly recommended to fans of superpowers who still like their characters to represent the insecurities that all people share and want to see some humanity injected into the villians that might grace the pages of comic books.

Happily Surprised!

Drew Hayes is a new author to me. This book peaked my interest as a daily deal. So glad I chose it. After I finished it I went on to his Super Powered series and purchased all 4 and still can't get enough. Kudos Drew Hayes you are a gifted, prolific writer. Highly recommended

Lots of fun!

I've listened to well over 200 books over the past few years. I prefer longer books and sometimes series. This 26 hour book kept my interest the entire time, was an easy listen and quite enjoyable the entire time. I will definitely be downloading more Drew Hayes. The narrator, Amy Landon, is fine. She does well enough on mixing the voices and her male voices are varied also without trying too hard. Looking forward to the 2nd in this series.

When is the next book coming?

This book was fantastic. The narration and plot where on point. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

Didn't expect to cheer for a villain

When I first started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect, it's not usual kind of book. I couldn't stop listening. The narrator Ms Landon, was great, wasn't sure at first but came to really like the vibe she gave the book. Overall, I definitely recommend this so anyone, I am not much for the superhero thing, so that's maybe why I liked this so much. I sure hope the next one comes out soon, I will definitely be getting it

This is a great book. A must read.

This had great characters and an indepth storyline I can't wait for the next one to come out. bring it on Drew!

wow, great story.

great foundation for a series! put villains in whole new light. can't wait for the next book .

Looking forward to the next

Gorgeously likely ”starting out as a super-powered villain” story. I especially like that all the different power origins were present (mutation, magical, mechanical, mental, etc).

Believe I saw some complaints about narrator? She was superb, especially her Johnny 3 and final big bad & mad voices (trying not to spoil these but you'll laugh when you hear the eventual explanation of his name!)

I'm looking forward to the next in the series.