Superego: Fathom

By: Frank J. Fleming

Narrated by: Joel Richards

There are two ways to be a hero.

One is more violent than the other. And the universe needs a hero, because a mysterious entity known as the Fathom is terrorizing the known universe and seizing control. But they’ve made one mistake: They woke Rico, the universe's greatest killer, from a coma. And he’s decided he might be the good guy this time.

But being a hero isn’t easy. Rico has to work with others (not his favorite), and the impossible odds means it’s going to take an insane scheme or two (more to his liking). Still, Rico won't let anything get in his way on his mission to destroy the Fathom...even though there are like a ton of things in his way - militaries, trained killers, a planet-devastating weapon or two.

Once again, it looks like Rico is going to destroy a lot of things and kill a lot of people.

But hopefully this time in a good way.

©2020 Frank J. Fleming (P)2020 Frank J. Fleming

Can't wait for the next book!

This series is electrifying! I really love the humor. It shows up in the most unexpected places in the story. Rico's character is so very well developed. The story is so fast paced. There are surprises all the way to the end. I really loved this one more than the first book; and I really loved that one! This series is a keeper. I am going to buy the hard copies to give to family members.

Very fun sequel

I didn't expect a sequel would be able to maintain Rico's demeanor from the first book, but that was definately one of the highlights.

Far deeper story than the first

The end of the first book felt like it hinted at a copout seen in a lot of fiction written by Christians: God performed a miracle, the lost child was saved and spent the rest of his days living a generic "good Christian life", instead this book faces head-on the fact that the main character is STILL a sociopath. With the A.I. now an ever present voice in his head, every decision is a discussion about the most efficient vs. moral vs. badass way to handle each situation. The very unique story of someone incapable of feeling guilt, still coming to the conclusion that living by his own rules is not the way he wants to live, and the events that cause him to constantly reconsider if the moral decisions are worth the effort, make this a far deeper book than it first appears. The universe feels like something out of a Sega Genesis era RPG in that the spaceships and technology create a setting, but are not a part of the story itself. This may not be a fair analysis as I read this just after reading Heretics of Dune, that said I think it fulfilled its purpose, because the value in the story, to me, was Rico trying to figure out how to interact morally with others despite lacking the emotional drive to please them.

I’ve been waiting...

Rico has been one of my favorite characters in the many hundreds of audiobooks I’ve purchased. I just finished the second story with him, and I am pleased. Although fiction, I feel like there is at least one man in the universe who would get me.
But seriously, wonderful character development and a fun plot without ever getting bogged down in the minutiae some SciFi writers find themselves. Also, Joel Richards does another spectacular job with this Fleming novel.

It's like Dexter in space

I love all of Frank's books. I'm glad to see Rico return in another book. I love the idea of him constantly asking if it's ok to kill these people. Great listen.