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Exceptionals: A Humorous Supernatural Thriller Father-Daughter Story, a Lost Love Rekindled Romance, and a Hard-Knuckled Action Extravaganza Set in the 1980's
"Get ready for some 1985 action and thrills--with a supernatural twist. Readers of Carl Hiaasen and Christopher Moore will be hooked by Larry and his crew of misfits in Exceptionals. You don't want to miss this book!" - Fleur Bradley, award-winning mystery author
Federal protection agent Larry Lawson keeps Exceptionals secret, safe, and living ordinary, tax-paying lives out of sight of The Opposition--a cabal bent on exploiting Exceptionals for their own illicit ends.
Lone wolf Larry has protected college-girl Julia for over six years. Now she's the headache-inducing daughter he never had. When he must relocate her again, Julia refuses. She won't abandon her boyfriend, her record store gig, or her feud with school faculty. Trouble doubles when an Opposition hit team arrives, led by the one man who's knowledge of Larry's past could shatter everything between him and Julia. Larry will need all his skill--and the help of his jilted, black-belt ex-fiancé, a teen radical opposed to corporate corn, and the chemically dependent yet oddly resourceful campus custodial crew--to hold on to Julia, confront his demons, and kick some Opposition butt!
Federal protection agent Larry Lawson keeps Exceptionals secret, safe, and living ordinary, tax-paying lives out of sight of The Opposition--a cabal bent on exploiting Exceptionals for their own illicit ends.
Lone wolf Larry has protected college-girl Julia for over six years. Now she's the headache-inducing daughter he never had. When he must relocate her again, Julia refuses. She won't abandon her boyfriend, her record store gig, or her feud with school faculty. Trouble doubles when an Opposition hit team arrives, led by the one man who's knowledge of Larry's past could shatter everything between him and Julia. Larry will need all his skill--and the help of his jilted, black-belt ex-fiancé, a teen radical opposed to corporate corn, and the chemically dependent yet oddly resourceful campus custodial crew--to hold on to Julia, confront his demons, and kick some Opposition butt!
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
About the author
Bowen Gillings
11 books15 followersBowen Gillings writes to keep fiction fun. Known for his thrillers and fantasy fiction laced with snark, wit, and characters you could share a beer with, Bowen’s quirky, offbeat style “boggles the genre mind.” He loves giving back to fellow writers through media engagement and by leading workshops on the craft, business, and lifestyle of writing. He holds a Master of Education, five martial arts black belt certifications, and is an Army veteran. Travel enthusiast, lover of the outdoors, and habitual volunteer, Bowen’s secret joys include quiet moments by the fireplace and cooking big meals for family and friends. Find out more at storiesbybowen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 22, 2023
Exceptionals is exactly what the title describes—exceptional. Bowen’s writing has a tone that is both comical and engaging. That tone carries through this entire book and keeps you reading. I loved the main character and how he has multiple responsibilities in his life that are relatable. This novel was a quick and entertaining read for me.
I must make note of the fight scenes. I wish I could capture them in words that adequately describe the experience. They felt real, like I was actively engaged with them. I loved the movement of this book. It had ups and downs, but didn’t drag. I am a slow reader, so having this pacing was exactly what I needed to keep me engaged.
I hope to see more stories like this from Bowen!
I must make note of the fight scenes. I wish I could capture them in words that adequately describe the experience. They felt real, like I was actively engaged with them. I loved the movement of this book. It had ups and downs, but didn’t drag. I am a slow reader, so having this pacing was exactly what I needed to keep me engaged.
I hope to see more stories like this from Bowen!
May 19, 2023
What a wild ride!
I need a character to attach to, or I'm not going to care at all about the book. Thankfully, I love this collection of characters! Larry the MC is a super good dude, and his ward, Julia, is a spitfire. But who I loved most, actually, was the ragtag group of janitors that end up helping beat the bad guys! And the action scenes are insanely well written in this book! Could. Not. Stop. Reading!
I need a character to attach to, or I'm not going to care at all about the book. Thankfully, I love this collection of characters! Larry the MC is a super good dude, and his ward, Julia, is a spitfire. But who I loved most, actually, was the ragtag group of janitors that end up helping beat the bad guys! And the action scenes are insanely well written in this book! Could. Not. Stop. Reading!
May 8, 2023
Wow! This is an amazing, compelling, and emotionally-rich story told at the perfect pace. It will capture your attention fully from page one!
Bowen's characters are remarkably fleshed out and as unique as his literary voice. The fight scenes in this book are some of the most dynamic and realistic-feeling of any I've read and offer up an experience as immersive as any ringside seats could provide. If you're a fan of not being able to predict the ending while being so caught up that you can't put the book down- this one is a must-read!
Bowen's characters are remarkably fleshed out and as unique as his literary voice. The fight scenes in this book are some of the most dynamic and realistic-feeling of any I've read and offer up an experience as immersive as any ringside seats could provide. If you're a fan of not being able to predict the ending while being so caught up that you can't put the book down- this one is a must-read!
April 20, 2023
I became a fan of Gillings' work through his ROM AND DROOD stories, and couldn't wait to get this book into my hot little hands.
I was gifted an advance reader copy in exchange for a review, and here is my review in a nutshell:
Buy this book!
No kidding, it's set in the 1980s and has a phenomenal protagonist, a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve but also sacrifices, constantly, to take care of the people around him.
If I had a problem, I'd want Larry Lawson on MY side because he'll continue to press forward, giving of his time and, frankly, his physical health, until the good guys win.
I really enjoyed the well-thought-out characters, the way that even the bad guys had redemption possibilities, and the unlikely camaraderie that can be found amongst janitorial staff.
The writing is crisp, the pacing is breakneck, and there is no question, as I finished the book, that I'd been led by a master storyteller.
Kudos, Bowen.
Loved every single word of it.
I was gifted an advance reader copy in exchange for a review, and here is my review in a nutshell:
Buy this book!
No kidding, it's set in the 1980s and has a phenomenal protagonist, a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve but also sacrifices, constantly, to take care of the people around him.
If I had a problem, I'd want Larry Lawson on MY side because he'll continue to press forward, giving of his time and, frankly, his physical health, until the good guys win.
I really enjoyed the well-thought-out characters, the way that even the bad guys had redemption possibilities, and the unlikely camaraderie that can be found amongst janitorial staff.
The writing is crisp, the pacing is breakneck, and there is no question, as I finished the book, that I'd been led by a master storyteller.
Kudos, Bowen.
Loved every single word of it.
August 1, 2023
The Exceptionals starts with a clown shoe kick to the face and keeps going to the end. The snarky narrator, Larry, sucks the reader into a world where some people have exceptional abilities and other people are trying to kill and exploit them. Larry and his storytelling remind me of the Tres Navarre series by Rick Riordan. The same mix of bravado, wit, and emotion. Hopefully, this is the first entry in an Exceptionals series. With the rich cast of characters and exciting antics established in this book, the possibilities are endless.
June 6, 2023
Funny and thrilling. In a land before cell phones, social media, and the internet is Larry Lawson, the everyman with a not everyday job. He's a babysitter, leading man, and janitor. His job is to protect Exceptionals, people with unique abilities and he's gonna have to be resourceful against the new version of The Opposition.
This is a funny, think Carl Hiasson, Christopher Moore, Kevin Hearne, with a little Robin Williams, perfect read for a rainy day or a plane ride because you won't want to put it down. Larry isn't Hannibal Smith and his team isn't the "A-Team" but they're pretty close.
The heros aren't perfect and the villians aren't evil, well mostly, they're human and the relationships are relatable. Masterful storytelling.
This is a funny, think Carl Hiasson, Christopher Moore, Kevin Hearne, with a little Robin Williams, perfect read for a rainy day or a plane ride because you won't want to put it down. Larry isn't Hannibal Smith and his team isn't the "A-Team" but they're pretty close.
The heros aren't perfect and the villians aren't evil, well mostly, they're human and the relationships are relatable. Masterful storytelling.
April 21, 2026
This was a delightfully entertaining and action-packed romp with plenty of my favorite things: found family, realistic relationships, a ragtag group of misfits, and the 80s. I was rooting for Larry and Julia from the hilarious start to the bittersweet yet hopeful end. This was also a fun take on the superhero genre- I appreciated the more grounded perspective on a genre that's usually quite overblown and dramatic. Overall a wonderful read!
June 28, 2023
If you are looking for action this summer, look no further. In what feels to me like X-Men meets Taken; dive into a story that's, well, Exceptional!
Did Not Finish
March 20, 2026This was written by a high school friend of mine. I don't know why I didn't finish it, but it's been on my shelf for a couple of years...
Read
June 28, 2023Really damn good.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews