Villains Defeat

By: M. K. Gibson

Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

Jackson Blackwell, the Shadow Master, is in trouble. And we’re not talking about that fake kind of trouble most books use to lure in listeners. This is the “oh crap, we’ve been reading about Sophia’s vengeance for three books now” kind of trouble. 

That’s right, dear listener. You heard me correctly. The time has finally come for Sophia to enact her vengeance against one Julian Jackson Blackwell. The name of the book is Villains Defeat, after all, and it is a story of team building, betrayal, plots-within-plots, and a how-to guide for toppling an empire. So, yeah, we’re kind of riffing on “the heist” genre in this one.

But what good is a heist story that doesn’t have the occasional twist?

Villains Defeat is the fourth installment in the multiple-award-nominated and one-win (SOVA 2019 baby!) Shadow Master series. This thrilling and hilarious adventure shines a spotlight on Jackson’s foibles and flaws as overlooked plot points of the past come back to bite him in a major way. Attacked on multiple fronts, and across multiple worlds, does the Shadow Master have what it takes to stay on top? 

Well...what’s the name of this book again?

©2021 Michael K. Gibson (P)2021 Michael K. Gibson

5 Stars

Reasoning for the 5-star review........... just listen to the damn book then you'll know why AND if your new to this book series why are you starting at this book? here go back to book one

heist? you son of a b *snap* I'm in

another good one of the villian books XD I saw what he planned so I wasn't surprised at the end but enjoyable all around

Another phenomenal diversion

I probably get too big a kick out of these books but they are funny, well paced, witty, and completely satisfying to listen to. The author and narrator are a knockout team.

if you dont mind looking weird at work.

Got a ton of strange looks for laughing at work. Very funny and entirely self aware. A great light read can't wait for the next one.

You Magnificent B@$tard!

Again he has written another great book, and yet again I will have to go back re-read the books and look for all the little tidbits. If you are a new reader and just came across this book read the first ones. If you are not new to the book series read this one then reread and come back. Jackson you Magnificent B@$tard!

Done with this series

I'll say this - the first book in this series was great - funny, interesting and refreshing. The second was very good without a sophomoric slump. The third was tough to review - the twist made up for slogging through the entire book but just barely.

I literally just renewed my Audible membership after a hiatus and was thrilled to see this book was out. I bought it with my first credit and then found that it was just more of the same shtick. The 4th wall breaking. Long rants. The humor fell flat.

By chapter 10 (of 40), I was trying to find all reviews to figure out if it was just me (maybe?). By chapter 13, I couldn't stand it anymore. I jumped to chapter 35 to see if there was a twist and found I had missed almost nothing. Even then I found the chapters tedious to slog through (despite the excellent audio performance). I skipped again and again. By chapter 38 I was listening with one AirPod in while typing this and clicking the 'skip 30 seconds' button repeatedly.

Near the end of chapter 38, I got to this: 'Go listen to a better audiobook'...well said

The twist/payoff doesn't even come until chapter 40 - but then it's too little too late.

I don't enjoy writing poor reviews but the lack of critical ones for this fourth entry in the series allowed me to waste a couple of hours of my time so hopefully this will help serve as a counter to the other reviews posted so far.

An Absolute Winner

MK knocks is out of the park once again. Funny, insightful, naughty, ruckus, and highly entertaining! Thank you for this gold!

Many lol moments

This is a great series. I love M.K.'s self-deprecating humour and way he engages the reader. Him and Kafer make a great team. Can't wait for the next one, keep 'em coming, M.K.!

Still a very entertaining series.

I feel Gibson has done great with these books. They are funny and entertaining, but never repetitive to the point of annoying. Gibson has always found a new way to look at the world he has made and do something that you don't expect. It makes for a nice light and fun listen, and is just entertaining. These books are a literary masterpiece, but they are really fun to listen to. I hope he keeps going and makes more.

Recommended

great ride

if you enjoyed the last book you'll enjoy this one. carries on from the ending of the last book and right from the start you are in for a ride

best book yet.

I loved this book, it's fun well written and genuinely moving in parts.

I really don't want to go into spoiler territory, so I'll try to talk about the writing rather than the plot.

Gibson is an underatted genius and I honestly think there isn't another author on the planet who could make the shadow master books work.

lots of good writers use good writing techniques and they get good books. instead Mk takes bad writing techniques and doesn't so much use them, so much as water boards them into submission until they become fantastic.

The shadow master should be unlikable he's irredeemably evil, constantly sarcastic, goes on long boomer rants and treats anyone who isn't his wife and child like crap. but somehow like springtime for Hitler every wrong ingredient comes together to make something perfect.

the narration as ever was spot on and anyone who skips the audio version is missing out.

More of the good stuff

I already enjoyed the previous books in the series immensely, so the moment I noticed a fourth entry was available immediately spending a credit on this was a no-brainer. That said, it's probably one of the weaker Shadow Master stories, being heavier on the more serious moments (for this series at least), but it ties up a few loose ends from the very first book and was interesting enough for me to listen to the entire thing in one session. Still highly recommended for fans of Jackson Blackwell's adventures!

Oh, and Jeffery Kafer was fantastic as always. I'm already looking forward to the next book!

Just like Dolly Parton turning around the corner

When your tongue is about to pierce your cheek you know this book is getting to you. This is no longer a third wall broken. This is hallelujah or the rebels of Pompeii. Some decent psychotherapeutic points for a balanced life, lots of smart (most of them asses) and a few pleasurable laughing out loud. The best process of getting rid of guilt. And yes, once more you can see the end coming. What can I say my bottom has a PhD too. Gibson. If you have a problem with this review, blame it on Siri’s dictation.