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Super Villain Academy #1
King of Bad
Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules or observe curfew. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; that is until he learns he has superpowers and is recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. In a school where one kid can evaporate all the water from your body and the girl you hang around with can perform psychic sex in your head, bad takes on a whole new meaning. Jeff wonders if he’s bad enough for SVA.
He may never find out. Classmates vilify him when he develops good manners. Then he’s kidnapped by those closest to him and left to wonder who is good and who is bad. His rescue is the climactic episode that balances good and evil in the super world. The catalyst – the girl he’s crushing on. A girlfriend and balancing the Supers is good, right? Or is it…bad?
He may never find out. Classmates vilify him when he develops good manners. Then he’s kidnapped by those closest to him and left to wonder who is good and who is bad. His rescue is the climactic episode that balances good and evil in the super world. The catalyst – the girl he’s crushing on. A girlfriend and balancing the Supers is good, right? Or is it…bad?
217 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Kai Strand
32 books115 followersThanks for your interest in my books and me. I love talking books with readers and hope you’ll share your thoughts on my books by leaving a review and/or dropping me an email. It’s easiest to get a hold of me through my website (kaistrand.com). Perhaps you clicked on my bio to find out things about me, such as I hate to handle raw meat, I’m a wife and mother of four, a compulsive walker, and a Mozart fangirl. But since you stopped by, what I really want you to know is that I love that you read. Readers are smart, quick-witted, and usually good conversationalists—even if it’s only in their head. Introverts unite!
I write middle grade fiction because those are the most formative years of our lives. It’s when we are trying to claim our freedom, while still being restricted by rules. The things we learn in books can give us the skills to navigate that maze. I write young adult fiction because there are no limits to what message I share or how I share it. Plus young adult readers are some of the most passionate readers out there. I heart YA readers.
If you’d like an image of me as a writer, go ahead and picture me with my laptop in a quaint bookshop café, fingers flying over the keys while the words pour out of my fingertips. It’s much better than the real image of me in my pajamas with coffee breath, sinking into the me-sized crater in the couch, grumbling at my laptop when the words don’t come.
Read an interview with Kai here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
I write middle grade fiction because those are the most formative years of our lives. It’s when we are trying to claim our freedom, while still being restricted by rules. The things we learn in books can give us the skills to navigate that maze. I write young adult fiction because there are no limits to what message I share or how I share it. Plus young adult readers are some of the most passionate readers out there. I heart YA readers.
If you’d like an image of me as a writer, go ahead and picture me with my laptop in a quaint bookshop café, fingers flying over the keys while the words pour out of my fingertips. It’s much better than the real image of me in my pajamas with coffee breath, sinking into the me-sized crater in the couch, grumbling at my laptop when the words don’t come.
Read an interview with Kai here on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 19, 2014
The angst of teenage rebel-dom sparked with the underlining thread of doing good.
Jeff is quite the dare devil. He likes the thrill of a good chase and the thought of getting caught, while doing something he shouldn't. Repeat: the thought of getting caught. It's mental adrenalin to his already overactive brain and physicality. He feeds on that high. And there's a reason.
It isn't far into the story that Jeff discovers he's different. That fact that he can start fires with his hands was definitely a clue, but it all seemed too far fetched. Soon, he learns that he's not alone, either. There are other teens like him. Kids with real unique talents. And the strangest thing of all is that they all attend SV Academy. SV meaning Super Villian. Yeah. That's the reason Jeff has a predisposition to being a rebel. It's in his genes.
I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like this premise. At first, I thought it was unique, but had no idea how the author would pull it off. What teen wants to read a book about how bad all teens are? (I mention this here, because I'm sure that same thought has crossed a few of your minds as you read my words.) Trust me. This story was well worth the read, and the author pulls the 'bad' aspect off with balance, structure, and - believe it or not - goodness.
The super powers Strand uses to create her characters' world are altered slightly from the norm, giving freshness. As these students engage within this school training facility for teen villians, their inner growth becomes as apparent as their outer changes. There's mystery in characters who aren't what they seem; then again, sometimes they are.
As complications weave the story towards it's climax - which, yes, has to do with dangerous bad-guy villiany stuff - Jeff discovers another power he possesses with the help of a few SV friends he's made. Only thing is SV's don't believe in true friendships. Remember, they're all villians. Or are they?
Jeff is quite the dare devil. He likes the thrill of a good chase and the thought of getting caught, while doing something he shouldn't. Repeat: the thought of getting caught. It's mental adrenalin to his already overactive brain and physicality. He feeds on that high. And there's a reason.
It isn't far into the story that Jeff discovers he's different. That fact that he can start fires with his hands was definitely a clue, but it all seemed too far fetched. Soon, he learns that he's not alone, either. There are other teens like him. Kids with real unique talents. And the strangest thing of all is that they all attend SV Academy. SV meaning Super Villian. Yeah. That's the reason Jeff has a predisposition to being a rebel. It's in his genes.
I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like this premise. At first, I thought it was unique, but had no idea how the author would pull it off. What teen wants to read a book about how bad all teens are? (I mention this here, because I'm sure that same thought has crossed a few of your minds as you read my words.) Trust me. This story was well worth the read, and the author pulls the 'bad' aspect off with balance, structure, and - believe it or not - goodness.
The super powers Strand uses to create her characters' world are altered slightly from the norm, giving freshness. As these students engage within this school training facility for teen villians, their inner growth becomes as apparent as their outer changes. There's mystery in characters who aren't what they seem; then again, sometimes they are.
As complications weave the story towards it's climax - which, yes, has to do with dangerous bad-guy villiany stuff - Jeff discovers another power he possesses with the help of a few SV friends he's made. Only thing is SV's don't believe in true friendships. Remember, they're all villians. Or are they?
December 3, 2015
Jeff Mean is a teenage bad boy with secret superpowers. Secret until he is scouted and recruited by Super Villain Academy. It's tougher to be bad than he thought, and Jeff wonders if he is good enough to be a Super Villain. Or rather, if he's too good to be bad. When he learns the truth of who he really is, he must decide where he fits in the super world.
This YA superhero tale is fun and original. I liked getting to see inside a school for super villains. Even more so, I loved the unfolding of layers in this amazing super world. The reader learns along with Jeff that are not only super villains, but superheroes in the world and they have their hands in so much more than the general public knows. I savored the bits of history and the peeks at the adult supers. There is so much more going on that Jeff doesn't know about, and I love imagining what they could be.
Jeff starts off being a bad boy and not terribly sympathetic, but as the story goes along, the reader discovers there is much more to him than that one shallow layer. What you think you might know will twist and flip and be something else. A great first book in the series!
This YA superhero tale is fun and original. I liked getting to see inside a school for super villains. Even more so, I loved the unfolding of layers in this amazing super world. The reader learns along with Jeff that are not only super villains, but superheroes in the world and they have their hands in so much more than the general public knows. I savored the bits of history and the peeks at the adult supers. There is so much more going on that Jeff doesn't know about, and I love imagining what they could be.
Jeff starts off being a bad boy and not terribly sympathetic, but as the story goes along, the reader discovers there is much more to him than that one shallow layer. What you think you might know will twist and flip and be something else. A great first book in the series!
August 12, 2013
King of Bad sucks you in from the start and doesn't let you go. All of the Super Villains have such unique pesonalities that they make you want too know more about them. Kai Strand make it really seem possible that Supers exist in our world today. I know if I could have a super power it would definitely have to be transformation! I would want to be able to turn into anything. the situating called for. We have all said at one time or another "I would loved to have been a fly on the wall". Great for spy work!!
December 13, 2013
First, I would like to thank the author Kai Strand for giving me this book for an honest review. I liked the characters, they are well developed and fun to read. The story line was a nice chance of pace. I really had fun reading this book and look for more from this author.
June 18, 2015
Well, it was awesome! And then the ending sucked!!! Leaving only disgruntlement and desire to slap... everyone, ever, in the entire world, and also... WHY!!! Why would you ruin your awesome book... whyyyyyyyyyyyy >.<
seriously
Anyway! I'm on a super hero kick, so, yay more of that!
seriously
Anyway! I'm on a super hero kick, so, yay more of that!
October 9, 2021
Jeff is a teen on the verge of adulthood who needs to find his way in life but is instead spending his time setting fires in school and wasting his time but when he is approached by someone to see if he would be interested in honing his badness by attending the Super Villain Academy to make him the baddest he can be he doesn't know the half of what is to come. With Jeff discovering talents like being able to shoot fire from his hands he must question what he thought he knew to be real and find his way in a new school full of others Super Villains in training. Can he figure out everything going on around him whilst he also discovers more about himself?
The first thing that I have to say is that as I read this book I found myself knowing I would be downloading the next book in the series (Polar Opposites) and headed straight over to Amazon to check out more about the book before even finishing this one (something I know you should never do). The author, Kai Strand, has managed to deliver a very entertaining book that has a great flow to it and means that whilst this is aimed at the young adult market it doesn't read in a way that is so simplistic that it will stop other readers from enjoying it too.
The dialogue is well thought out and delivers a realistic feel that I really found worked well with the story and allowed me to be drawn in a lot more than other books that contain heroes or villains with "super-powers".
A big congrats to the author on a well thought out story which was brilliantly delivered and thanks to the added twists and turns made for a book that stands out in a crowded arena for this genre.
The first thing that I have to say is that as I read this book I found myself knowing I would be downloading the next book in the series (Polar Opposites) and headed straight over to Amazon to check out more about the book before even finishing this one (something I know you should never do). The author, Kai Strand, has managed to deliver a very entertaining book that has a great flow to it and means that whilst this is aimed at the young adult market it doesn't read in a way that is so simplistic that it will stop other readers from enjoying it too.
The dialogue is well thought out and delivers a realistic feel that I really found worked well with the story and allowed me to be drawn in a lot more than other books that contain heroes or villains with "super-powers".
A big congrats to the author on a well thought out story which was brilliantly delivered and thanks to the added twists and turns made for a book that stands out in a crowded arena for this genre.
October 2, 2018
I love young adult fiction and this was a fun ride! A clever concept and engaging execution...made me want to read the next in the series.
March 14, 2017
A good solid read that leaves you wanting more while still having a proper ending to it. The characters are just the right mix between real and caricature that the book works without becoming a complete satire. A super hero book that doesn't feel like it's taking from the comics, but is doing its own thing. The lead couldn't be more interesting being so balanced between good and bad.
December 14, 2013
(This review can be found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl).
This book has been on my TBR (to be read) list for awhile. It sounded very intriguing, so when I was offered the chance to review it, I automatically said yes. Luckily, the book didn't disappoint.
I think the title is an excellent fit for this book. Even Jeff's sister refers to him as the king of bad at one point. It's also an ironic fit for Jeff as we soon discover. (And don't worry, that wasn't a spoiler).
The cover is alright. I like the whole fire and ice thing going on with the cover which fits nicely with the book. I just wish there was less person and more scenery in the forefront.
I loved the world building! It made me wish I was part of it. Strand does a fantastic job of making the world of King of Bad seem like it's a real thing. The setting takes place in the United States although there are super villain and super hero academies all around the world. I like that Strand kept her novel set in the real world instead of some made up fantasy world. It makes it feel more real. The only thing I found confusing was the end. To me, it just felt a bit rushed, and just left me scratching my head wondering what had just happened.
The pacing is very enjoyable, and I found myself becoming more and more immersed with what was and what would happen to Jeff. Like the world building, the pacing does speed up a bit too much towards the end for my liking. Personally, I felt that things should've been better explained.
I loved the plot! It's about time we see the perspective of the world from a super villain! All too often, books tend to focus on the super hero. I liked the idea of a Super Villain Academy and seeing how the children were all trained to be bad. When a super hero academy attacks Jeff's school, I was actually rooting for the bad guys although it didn't feel wrong. There is a plot twist which I really enjoyed. There's no cliff hangers in this book that I noticed, so it can be read as a stand alone.
The characters were fantastic. It was hard not to love Jeff. He had fantastic manners for a baddie, and he was also very sarcastic which was my favorite thing about him. Source was probably my favorite character. I loved his nerdiness, and I could totally relate to him feeling that he didn't really fit in although Jeff felt that way as well. Oceanus came across as conflicted which I believe was intentional. She didn't want Jeff to think of her as a nice girl because she was supposed to be a villain. However, I did like Oceanus very much, and I kept rooting for her and Jeff to get together. Mystic is a fantastic character, and I never really trusted her. The author does a fantastic job in making the reader feel conflicted about Mystic which is also intentional. She had the power of suave which I thought was a fantastic ability. She also comes across as a caring and sweet girl for the most part.
The dialogue and character interactions flow very smoothly. Nothing ever felt forced or awkward writing wise. There is some swearing in this book as well as some sexual references and violence in case that isn't your thing.
Overall, King of Bad is an enjoyable and original read. My favorite thing about this book were the characters and reading about super villains as opposed to super heroes.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 15+ who are feeling a little bit bad although they're really good. If you enjoy great characters and a fantastic plot, then this is the book for you!
(I received this ebook for free from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
This book has been on my TBR (to be read) list for awhile. It sounded very intriguing, so when I was offered the chance to review it, I automatically said yes. Luckily, the book didn't disappoint.
I think the title is an excellent fit for this book. Even Jeff's sister refers to him as the king of bad at one point. It's also an ironic fit for Jeff as we soon discover. (And don't worry, that wasn't a spoiler).
The cover is alright. I like the whole fire and ice thing going on with the cover which fits nicely with the book. I just wish there was less person and more scenery in the forefront.
I loved the world building! It made me wish I was part of it. Strand does a fantastic job of making the world of King of Bad seem like it's a real thing. The setting takes place in the United States although there are super villain and super hero academies all around the world. I like that Strand kept her novel set in the real world instead of some made up fantasy world. It makes it feel more real. The only thing I found confusing was the end. To me, it just felt a bit rushed, and just left me scratching my head wondering what had just happened.
The pacing is very enjoyable, and I found myself becoming more and more immersed with what was and what would happen to Jeff. Like the world building, the pacing does speed up a bit too much towards the end for my liking. Personally, I felt that things should've been better explained.
I loved the plot! It's about time we see the perspective of the world from a super villain! All too often, books tend to focus on the super hero. I liked the idea of a Super Villain Academy and seeing how the children were all trained to be bad. When a super hero academy attacks Jeff's school, I was actually rooting for the bad guys although it didn't feel wrong. There is a plot twist which I really enjoyed. There's no cliff hangers in this book that I noticed, so it can be read as a stand alone.
The characters were fantastic. It was hard not to love Jeff. He had fantastic manners for a baddie, and he was also very sarcastic which was my favorite thing about him. Source was probably my favorite character. I loved his nerdiness, and I could totally relate to him feeling that he didn't really fit in although Jeff felt that way as well. Oceanus came across as conflicted which I believe was intentional. She didn't want Jeff to think of her as a nice girl because she was supposed to be a villain. However, I did like Oceanus very much, and I kept rooting for her and Jeff to get together. Mystic is a fantastic character, and I never really trusted her. The author does a fantastic job in making the reader feel conflicted about Mystic which is also intentional. She had the power of suave which I thought was a fantastic ability. She also comes across as a caring and sweet girl for the most part.
The dialogue and character interactions flow very smoothly. Nothing ever felt forced or awkward writing wise. There is some swearing in this book as well as some sexual references and violence in case that isn't your thing.
Overall, King of Bad is an enjoyable and original read. My favorite thing about this book were the characters and reading about super villains as opposed to super heroes.
I'd recommend this book to those aged 15+ who are feeling a little bit bad although they're really good. If you enjoy great characters and a fantastic plot, then this is the book for you!
(I received this ebook for free from the tour host in exchange for a fair and honest review).
March 4, 2016
King of Bad by Kai Strand
Book #1: Super Villain Academy
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Jeff Mean really enjoys starting fires. Oh, he doesn’t do it to burn things down or cause harm to anyone – he’s polite like that – but to watch the flames grow and burn out. On some level, Jeff knows his pyrotechnics are wrong but he just can’t seem to stop himself. Additionally, he’s never been caught so why give up what he feels compelled to do?
And then, there’s the day fire explodes from his fingertips and he gets caught . . . .
Starting fires is certainly a crime and with being caught, Jeff is sure he is on his way to the pokey. Turns out, the person who caught him is actually a recruiter for the Super Villain Academy, a place where a young delinquent like Jeff can learn the best possible ways and methods to be bad without getting caught. Yeah, it sounds like a little slice of Heaven. Within days of his arrival at SVA, Jeff figures out just what an oddity he really is. His root power (or powers as he comes to realize) is confusing to his instructors, his willingness to help others is confounding to everyone (he is a villain!), and his crush on Oceanus is completely inappropriate. It takes work to be an outcast at a school for delinquents but Jeff has certainly found several ways to make it happen.
What is a budding super villain to do??
In Jeff’s case, he continues to be confused by his opposing nature, he continues to piss off his classmates with his insistence on using manners and being nice, and he works with a select few to further develop his considerable abilities. Oh, and he gets kidnapped. Balls but it’s hard being a teenager. The kidnapping turns out to be one of the worst and best things that’s ever happened to Jeff. Being chained certainly sucks but during his captivity, Jeff is not only able to further develop some really cool superpowers but he is also able to get some answers that have been plaguing him since the whole mess started. The valiant rescue doesn’t go at all like anyone involved intended or expected but it sure is spectacular and it turns the clandestine world of super heroes and super villains on its collective ass.
The Bottom Line: This is my first Kai Strand book and it certainly won’t be my last. King of Bad is all kinds of fun with heroes, anti-heroes, a wide variety of super powers, secrets and secrets revealed, and just enough action and very light romance to keep everyone happy. Jeff is such a unique character on so many levels that it’s hard not to find something about him that you like. He’s a special breed of super that confuses damn-near everyone he encounters. His weirdness is both entertaining and refreshing. The entire story is told from Jeff’s POV so I was constantly engaged and willing to go along for the ride as Jeff (and everyone else) worked to figure out a lot of craziness. From start to finish, I enjoyed this read and will quite willingly be moving on to books two and three in the series.
Book #1: Super Villain Academy
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:
Jeff Mean really enjoys starting fires. Oh, he doesn’t do it to burn things down or cause harm to anyone – he’s polite like that – but to watch the flames grow and burn out. On some level, Jeff knows his pyrotechnics are wrong but he just can’t seem to stop himself. Additionally, he’s never been caught so why give up what he feels compelled to do?
And then, there’s the day fire explodes from his fingertips and he gets caught . . . .
Starting fires is certainly a crime and with being caught, Jeff is sure he is on his way to the pokey. Turns out, the person who caught him is actually a recruiter for the Super Villain Academy, a place where a young delinquent like Jeff can learn the best possible ways and methods to be bad without getting caught. Yeah, it sounds like a little slice of Heaven. Within days of his arrival at SVA, Jeff figures out just what an oddity he really is. His root power (or powers as he comes to realize) is confusing to his instructors, his willingness to help others is confounding to everyone (he is a villain!), and his crush on Oceanus is completely inappropriate. It takes work to be an outcast at a school for delinquents but Jeff has certainly found several ways to make it happen.
What is a budding super villain to do??
In Jeff’s case, he continues to be confused by his opposing nature, he continues to piss off his classmates with his insistence on using manners and being nice, and he works with a select few to further develop his considerable abilities. Oh, and he gets kidnapped. Balls but it’s hard being a teenager. The kidnapping turns out to be one of the worst and best things that’s ever happened to Jeff. Being chained certainly sucks but during his captivity, Jeff is not only able to further develop some really cool superpowers but he is also able to get some answers that have been plaguing him since the whole mess started. The valiant rescue doesn’t go at all like anyone involved intended or expected but it sure is spectacular and it turns the clandestine world of super heroes and super villains on its collective ass.
The Bottom Line: This is my first Kai Strand book and it certainly won’t be my last. King of Bad is all kinds of fun with heroes, anti-heroes, a wide variety of super powers, secrets and secrets revealed, and just enough action and very light romance to keep everyone happy. Jeff is such a unique character on so many levels that it’s hard not to find something about him that you like. He’s a special breed of super that confuses damn-near everyone he encounters. His weirdness is both entertaining and refreshing. The entire story is told from Jeff’s POV so I was constantly engaged and willing to go along for the ride as Jeff (and everyone else) worked to figure out a lot of craziness. From start to finish, I enjoyed this read and will quite willingly be moving on to books two and three in the series.
August 9, 2013
Take a bad boy who likes to start fires. Add a school for Super Villains. Mix in a family secret. Stir, and you have a delightful story that will have you laughing and crying and falling in love with the characters and the situations they find themselves in.
Award winning author Kai Strand has written another winner. KING OF BAD, fantasy for YA, is the story of Jeff Mean, a typical sixteen-year-old boy who attracts trouble, constantly thinks of girls, and doesn’t understand his parents at all. Oh, we mustn’t forget, Jeff can also shoot fire from his fingers, which makes him a bit different than a “normal” boy, if there is such a thing. Jeff’s talent (or ability, or whatever you call it) changes his life forever, and he soon finds himself attending a most unusual school called Super Villain Academy that teaches the students how to be really good at being bad. What follows is an adventure for Jeff and for the reader as well. We meet an interesting cast of characters, each with his, or her, own abilities. Jeff is attracted to two girls, Oceanus and Mystic, in quite different ways. Along the way to being bad, he discovers some amazing truths about himself.
I don’t want to give away too much, so I’ll just say that when you think you have the story figured out, Kai Strand throws in a twist or two that you don’t see coming, at least I didn’t. KING OF BAD should appeal to teen boys (and girls) that sometimes feel as if they don’t belong in their family, or anywhere, for that matter. The teen years are tough, and Jeff is a hero that kids can relate to. I recommend this story for reluctant readers and everyone who likes a character that’s far from perfect as he struggles to discover who he really is.
###
Award winning author Kai Strand has written another winner. KING OF BAD, fantasy for YA, is the story of Jeff Mean, a typical sixteen-year-old boy who attracts trouble, constantly thinks of girls, and doesn’t understand his parents at all. Oh, we mustn’t forget, Jeff can also shoot fire from his fingers, which makes him a bit different than a “normal” boy, if there is such a thing. Jeff’s talent (or ability, or whatever you call it) changes his life forever, and he soon finds himself attending a most unusual school called Super Villain Academy that teaches the students how to be really good at being bad. What follows is an adventure for Jeff and for the reader as well. We meet an interesting cast of characters, each with his, or her, own abilities. Jeff is attracted to two girls, Oceanus and Mystic, in quite different ways. Along the way to being bad, he discovers some amazing truths about himself.
I don’t want to give away too much, so I’ll just say that when you think you have the story figured out, Kai Strand throws in a twist or two that you don’t see coming, at least I didn’t. KING OF BAD should appeal to teen boys (and girls) that sometimes feel as if they don’t belong in their family, or anywhere, for that matter. The teen years are tough, and Jeff is a hero that kids can relate to. I recommend this story for reluctant readers and everyone who likes a character that’s far from perfect as he struggles to discover who he really is.
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February 15, 2015
Confused.
This is how this book left me after reading it. (Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read yet)
What Was Interesting about it: It actually had a cool premise for the story. One from a possible villain to be point of view. It explains why some these kids are just "Bad" through the type of power they have and how they interact with those on the side of "Good" or heroes and how their view the term and relationship of "friendship".
The power each "villain" has was also interesting and unique way of looking at many powers of that of one we constantly hear from (fire, earth, etc)
What was confusing about it: Apparently this book was directed towards the Teen audience but honestly i was having trouble believing that reading through and checking the back to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me. It seem more like an young adult book in some places then an teen book(at least to me), it makes me wonder if this book was just put in the wrong age category by accident....
My Other Thoughts: The ending was rushed and honestly makes no sense(probably left to be explained in later books), a lot of the reasoning and explanations of the school of villain;s way of educating and life is easily contradicted throughout the book. (not in a story twist way)
Overall: Despite the...confusion, it was an interesting book...but it needs work. Hopefully since it suppose to be the first of an series of books i hope the author will work it out over time...and hopefully figure out what audience she attempting to appeal to. That's my hope at least.
This is how this book left me after reading it. (Spoilers ahead for those who haven't read yet)
What Was Interesting about it: It actually had a cool premise for the story. One from a possible villain to be point of view. It explains why some these kids are just "Bad" through the type of power they have and how they interact with those on the side of "Good" or heroes and how their view the term and relationship of "friendship".
The power each "villain" has was also interesting and unique way of looking at many powers of that of one we constantly hear from (fire, earth, etc)
What was confusing about it: Apparently this book was directed towards the Teen audience but honestly i was having trouble believing that reading through and checking the back to see if my eyes were playing tricks on me. It seem more like an young adult book in some places then an teen book(at least to me), it makes me wonder if this book was just put in the wrong age category by accident....
My Other Thoughts: The ending was rushed and honestly makes no sense(probably left to be explained in later books), a lot of the reasoning and explanations of the school of villain;s way of educating and life is easily contradicted throughout the book. (not in a story twist way)
Overall: Despite the...confusion, it was an interesting book...but it needs work. Hopefully since it suppose to be the first of an series of books i hope the author will work it out over time...and hopefully figure out what audience she attempting to appeal to. That's my hope at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2013
This is a great book! I was so sad when it was over and now I have to wait for this book to come out before the second book can come out! So not fair!! XD (make any sense?) I would like to thank goodreads anyway because if it weren't for them I wouldn't have won this book. I would also like to thank the author who sent a letter along with the book to congratulate me. Sweet of her! (Even if she sends it to all of the winners...Oh well!)
I really enjoyed the book and hope (once it comes out) that you'll agree with me!
For more please go to http://nookbookmerlin.blogspot.com/20...
I really enjoyed the book and hope (once it comes out) that you'll agree with me!
For more please go to http://nookbookmerlin.blogspot.com/20...
January 29, 2015
Jeff is a bad boy. Not just that, but he’s a bad boy who has the ability to start fires. Uh-oh. An organization named Super Villain Academy recruits him. Jeff is surrounded by those who have different abilities…and they’re bad kids, too. Things get real interesting with girl issues, family secrets, and the dynamics of the academy.
The characters and setting were interesting in this fantasy/paranormal novel. The idea of the academy and the members' abilities is brilliant and wonderfully executed by the author. I also appreciated reading a “boy book” when I usually read about girls in YA. The author provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters and setting were interesting in this fantasy/paranormal novel. The idea of the academy and the members' abilities is brilliant and wonderfully executed by the author. I also appreciated reading a “boy book” when I usually read about girls in YA. The author provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2013
Living up to his name, Jeff Mean is trouble personified. It's no surprise he'd be courted by a school for Super Villains. And once he gets there, the real fun starts.
Kai Strand does an incredible job exploring the world of super villains and reminding us that one bad apple is not the same as another.
A great story about living up to your potential goodness or, in Jeff's case, badness, and the power of friends.
Kai Strand does an incredible job exploring the world of super villains and reminding us that one bad apple is not the same as another.
A great story about living up to your potential goodness or, in Jeff's case, badness, and the power of friends.
October 13, 2013
I wish there were more superhero novels out there because they're always so much fun. King of Bad was really cheesy but cool in its own way. It was a light read that got better and better as it went on; the author threw in a few twists with the main character, too. I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
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