Hero

By: Perry Moore

Narrated by: Michael Urie

Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

In the story comic book legend Stan Lee calls "spellbinding" and "totally original," Thom Creed has secrets. For one, like his father, he has super powers. Also, he's been asked to join the League—the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. Then there s the secret Thom can barely face himself: he's gay.

But becoming a member of the League opens up a new world to Thom. There, he connects with a misfit group of aspiring heroes, including Scarlett, who can control fire but not her anger; Typhoid Larry, who can make anyone sick with his touch; and Ruth, a wise old broad who can see the future. Like Thom, these heroes have things to hide; but they will have to learn to trust one another when they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the League.

To survive, Thom will face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he'll have to come to terms with his father s past, and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be.

Timely and inspiring,Hero tackles love, friendship, and the struggle to come to terms with who we really are in a sincere and suspenseful way.

This audiobook includes an exclusive introduction written and read by Stan Lee himself.

©2007 Perry Moore (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Moore's casting of a gay teen hero in a high-concept fantasy marks an significant expansion of GLBTQ literature into genres that reflect teens' diverse reading interests; given the mainstream popularity of comics-inspired tales, the average, ordinary, gay teen superhero who comes out and saves the world will raise cheers from within the GLBTQ community and beyond." ( Booklist)

Interesting Take on the Superhero Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they liked young adult novels and superhero stories - then yes.

Any additional comments?

While there are some cringe-worthy parts, I did enjoy this book. Considering its a young adult novel, and I despise those, that means it was pretty good.

LOVE IT!

Terrific story of a young man trying to find his place in society. Should he follow his abilities and become a Super-Hero against his father's wishes? Should he let the world know his most tightly-held secrets?

This story has it all, infatuation, conflict, super-heros, super-villains, betrayal, underdogs, and even a cranky old lady who can see the future.

Well worth the time!

Great and Unique Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Hero to be better than the print version?

I would definitely consider the audio edition better than the print. Michael Urie is a fantastic actor who gives three dimensions to each of the characters he voices in this book. While there are times it is hard to tell if there is a paragraph or section break, they hardly hinder the quality of the experience.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a unique take on a classic story. The characters are clearly derivative of comic book heroes across multiple genres, but Moore turns them on their heads. We get a behind the scenes look at what goes on for super heroes after they take their masks off. Our protagonist, Tom Creed, is unlike any comic book character, but Moore doesn't make the entire book about how he's different. We see his problems, triumphs, joys, and sorrows and identify with him on all of them.

Have you listened to any of Michael Urie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I definitely will now.

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

I listened to this on a drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Half way on the ride up and half way on the ride down. I didn't listen while I was in the city because I didn't want it to end before I reached my destinations!

Super story, Pilgrim!

The story is always I've I enjoy, read it several times. The reader was great too, giving plenty of differentiation between characters, doing solid character voices. The only thing, not a complaint merely something that keeps making me laugh, is that the part of Silver Bullet is apparently played by John Wayne. it's cracking me up, pilgrim

Very Nice

I listen to the book for a book club. I like the main character shows development during the adventure. Ruth character is great, The bad, it leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

A lot of fun with decent execution

This is overall a very fun story and worth a listen-to, especially if your hungery for LGBTQ+ stories. The super heroes that populate the world are recycled from other brands, but that just makes it's easier to listen to as you don't need to learn a new mythos in order to get into the story. Some people might view the story as simple and pulpy, but I think that's part of the charm.

Now for the flaws...

The most glaring one is the portrayal of women. With the exception of one elderly lady every other woman in the story is either out of control at the whims of their emotions or (to quote one of the characters) "a b****". The best we get is to vaguely empathize with them - but barely so. This is particularly painful considering how this was supposed to otherwise be a progressive novel from the late 2000s.

The other issue is the voice acting. As before - this seems to primarily center around the women. Scarlet sounds like a valley girl (despite no one else around her talking like this), Warrior Woman has stuffed her mouth full of marbles for some unknown reason, and Lila is constantly breathless. Golden boy also is comically nasal for no good reason.

Despite that - I still love this book and would still recommend people read or listen to it at least once.

Why isn't this a movie

I'm not a huge Superhero fan but I appreciated the realistic representation of the genre.

Mr. Moores narrative style was very effective. I liked how he established back store while the main character looked at old photos.

I'm surprised to learn that this isn't a series of comics.

Amazing! Best novel I've listened to in years.

Amazing! Best novel I've listened to in years. The universe and it denizens is nothing short of astonishing. Ruth will live in my memory forever.

Very good

I loved it, the narrator was a bit weird but the overall story and reading was very good

Simply AMAZING

I loved this so much.

It was original.
It was captivating.
I need another story like this.
It's such a subtle love story. But it's more focused on the characters development and his growth as he faces obstacles in life. So don't be turned off if you aren't into lgbtq reads. This one is a good one which I think all audiences would enjoy.