The Future of Supervillainy

The Supervillainy Saga, Book 6

De: C. T. Phipps

Narrado por: Jeffrey Kafer

Gary Karkofsky, A.K.A Merciless, the supervillainy without mercy, has decided to retire from Supervillainy. He's lost too many friends and killed too many people (though they all had it coming). Unfortunately, this proves to be easier said than done when the department of supernatural services (DOSS) shows up to arrest him for all of his crimes. Quickly landing himself in more trouble, he decides to get out of town and help a struggling underground kingdom in the center of the Earth. What he finds is an army of Nazis, gods, lost temples, and dinosaurs. He also is forced to fight once more against the world's first supervillain: Tom Terror, archenemy of heroes everywhere.

He just can't catch a break, can he?

©2019 Charles Phipps (P)2019 David N. Wilson

It's all for the protection of the family

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I had a few rough weeks and wanted an audio book I could enjoy and relax with. This fit the mold. I always enjoy Gary's antics and adventures. This book follows through with what I was looking for.

Gary gave up being a super villain a year ago. Until the special United States agency sets out to arrest him, and threatens his children. Wanting to get away from the potential attack coming, and getting a chance to kill Nazi's, Gary agrees to help an underground kingdom in the center of the Earth.

John from C.T.'s Apocalyptic books joins our favorites on this mission. We get a quick view of his life and world here. These crumbs could make you curious to pick up those books.

When I think there couldn't be more '80's and '90's movies to pull from, C.T. surprises me with ones I've forgotten about. I love listening to the story and thinking of what movie, comic, book, and more that influences the events and quick comebacks. There is so much great material to be inspired by! I love how C.T. does that.

Gary loves his family. This is the one thing he fights for, or doesn't fight. All to keep them safe. He loves his women deeply, all the women close to him. He has to face that his children and niece could be in danger because of what he and the moms do. Will that stop Gary from doing what needs done though?

Gary's life feels to be evolving and growing, as life should. By now we know Gary's not a true villain in his intent but he doesn't act as a straight laced hero either. Gary calls himself an antihero, which fits perfectly. Gary does seem to have a great capability of screwing things up too, which brings humor and highlights additional characters in the book. And yet, in some strange way, it works out for Gary. lol. I enjoy these moments, when things go off the rails for Gary because it feels creative with how we get to where we still need to be. There are moments where it feels as though it's the easy route, but it's all good because Gary is his own character.

You know when Gary is not thrilled with something or disappointed as he wont waste a great Star Wars quote, or pop culture quote, on that person or situation. That weighs more in meaning than giving a great quote to lighten the moment.

As always, I had fun listening to Gary and his family and friends take this adventure and fight on. It seems Gary's life might take another turn in the future with what he does in life. Or maybe not.

Continues to deliver; fun and funny!

I was skeptical about the future of this series after Tournament--which I enjoyed--seemed to leave little for the author but going back over the same ground. I was delighted to be proven wrong; Future strikes up all the great chords we love with this series, manages to keep it interesting, and gives me great hope for even more to come. Jeffrey Kafer is on point as always. Very much enjoyed; absolutely recommend.

Another step back for me

A 3.5 but CT is a friend so I rounded up. For whatever reason, I had a hard time focusing and getting invested in this one as well. Again, I have to assume I'm part of the problem. Debatable on how big my share is. Anyway, still a good story and the crossover continues. That's fun, but I kind of would have liked to have seen the crossover characters be a little more than background props.

The story started out strong! Govt. types and soldiers show up to arrest Gary. Gary, being tired with it all, initially goes along with it. That's when one of the "Men in Black" gets upset at his compliance since he doesn't get to rough him up and decides to threaten his family. Big mistake. One melted fed and a call to the president letting him know what was going to happen if someone tried that again cleared everything up. That was the most memorable part and I kind of zoned in and out from there. Dr. Terror pops up in Middle Earth and Gary and his cohorts have to go deal with him. Stuff happens. Story over.

Freaking dinosaurs! That is All.

Do you like riding dinosaurs, killing Nazis, and, fighting terrorist Supervillains? Then the Future of Supervillainy is for you! But seriously, this book is great for so many reasons. Still the same irreverent, hilarious fun, but now Gary is in the center of the earth, kickin’ Nazi ass and trying to free the native kingdoms of the land from the evil tyranny of Tom Terror. It brings me back watching Land of the Lost on Saturday mornings -- but with the Nazis from Indiana Jones.

C.T. Phipps has kept this series going now into book six, often moving into new, interesting literary territory that I’ve never experienced in a book. I doubt the adventures of Gary will be an example of classic literature in 50 years, but the way that Phipps ties together the multiverse of his storytelling worlds is impressive. Having characters from different series “guest star” in the Supervillainy books (books 5 and 6) may seem like a silly gimmick, but it’s done really well and has gotten me to branch out and look into genres and series that I would have normally ignored.

Kafer continues his perfect performance in this series and provides an ideal voice acting to bring life to the different characters. His range is amazing and at times I feel like there’s no way the books are being narrated by only a single person. The only drawback for me is that Kafer is so good at delivering punchlines and narrating comedy, I may never be able to listen to him narrate a serious book again -- sorry Tyler Barron.

all in all a likeable experience

funny. for fans of the prior books. a proper sendoff. i wonder what's next up?

Almost back to greatness

Having listened as a dedicated fan to this series since book 1, I will always pick up a copy. The first two books of there series were that absolute best. Engaging characters and vivid environments such as the bank against the ice cream man, fight against the extremes, meeting adonis, etc, is what made the first two books so wonderful. In the beginning the 3rd book was just as good, however, that is when the series began to lose the vivid environment aspect that made them absolutely amazing and the stories moved from plot point to plot point via the characters. I understand the reasoning behind this, but it felt as though the stories just lost a little something.

Fast forward to book 6.
Though I think book 5 may have been the lull in the series, and missed out on so many good opportunity left over from book 4, book 6 started off extremely strong. it felt like it was written in the same manner as the first two. however, after the opening scene, it felt like i was on a passenger train just looking at the surrounding landscape instead of being apart of the environment. We did occasionally stop and got a glimpse of the landscape which was nice, but it did not come back until the end of the book.

My overall thoughts are, it was a good story, and the room for growth is amazing. I cannot wait to see what lays in the future of the series.

Go start at book 1. This is book 6.

You don't really have to read these in any particular order. It's cotton candy fiction. Like cotton candy, though, if you you're not methodical and work your way from one end to other, it's going to get messy. Hmm, can I extend this metaphor any further. Ok, sometimes when you let cotton candy sit out too long, it gets all gunky, kinda like eye boogers. You know what I mean? Well, you should probably read these quickly if you don't want to lose the narrative, or have to look up the cultural references anyway. Also, stay hydrated. It's not really important for the book, but good advice, generally.

Merciless Entertainment!

Another fantastic installment in the Supervillainy Saga. Phipps writes such an engaging story, full of witty quips and snark, and Kafer lends his voice talents. Couldn’t ask for a better way to spend those hours. Excellent job!

Phipps Has Done It Again

I honestly haven’t read a book this fast in a long time. Thankfully it was a holiday weekend and I was able to devote more reading time on a Sunday (last Sunday before the NFL is back) than I usually can. I absolutely flew through Future of Supervillainy. Phipps has done it again!

If you enjoy pop culture references that are as dated as you are and a supervillain who isn’t very good at being super and villainous – then Merciless and the Supervillainy series is definitely for you. Every time there was a reference made to a movie, game, or music I chuckled. Every. Single. Time. I haven’t read a book that had me cracking up like this since the last Phipps Supervillainy book.

Also, Phipps throws in some references about himself. How meta. But in all honesty – it works. The lines were funny and were basically him making fun of himself for his writing style.

There’s a special treat when Jane the Weredeer shows up in the early chapters (that just made me want another book in her series). And of course lots of other references and characters from Phipps’ other works).

The story in Future was and interesting one. It had a Journey to the Center of the Earth vibe (I’m almost positive that’s what he was going for) with an obvious Phipps twist. I can’t really talk too much about it without too many spoilers. Just know you’re in for a crazy story with plot twists and “I did not see that coming”s throughout.

Phipps is easily one of my favorite authors working today and with Future he continues to cement himself in my brain. It’s also good to know that I’m not the only dork who spits out pop-culture references like it’s his job.

still fun and enjoyable

however the series seems to be lacking direction or drive...
unfortunate, but sometimes a series should just find a way to finish...

Jeffery continue to bring his special brand of narration to the series