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Action Figures #1
Secret Origins
It was the worst summer of Carrie Hauser’s life, and the it was the summer her parents announced they were getting divorced, and when a dying alien passed on to her his fantastic superhuman abilities. All Carrie wants now is to settle into her new home in Kingsport and get her life back to something resembling normal – but that won’t be easy when her secret is discovered by a group of teenage super-hero wannabes, who need her help to discover why experimental military drones have been wreaking havoc in town. Their search leads the fledgling super-team to Archimedes, an artificial intelligence that will do anything to escape its virtual reality prison and enter the real world. However, the kids aren't the only ones with an interest in Archimedes, and the super-teens soon find themselves caught in the middle of a longstanding feud between Concorde, Kingsport’s high-flying hometown hero, and his nemesis, the deadly mercenary Manticore. Save the day? Sure…as soon as school lets out.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2013
About the author
Michael C. Bailey
29 books35 followersMichael C. Bailey is a professional writer from Falmouth, Massachusetts who kind of hates writing bios.
Michael has been a working writer since 1998 when he simultaneously (and at the same time) sold his first freelance article to Renaissance Magazine and landed a job as a staff reporter for the Enterprise Newspapers. Michael recently ended his time at the Enterprise to focus on his creative writing.
Over the years Michael has contributed several more articles to Renaissance Magazine and other local publications, and has since 2004 been a staff writer for two New England-based renaissance faire production companies: Pastimes Entertainment and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.
In September 2013, Michael's debut novel "Action Figures" became available on Amazon.com.
Michael has been a working writer since 1998 when he simultaneously (and at the same time) sold his first freelance article to Renaissance Magazine and landed a job as a staff reporter for the Enterprise Newspapers. Michael recently ended his time at the Enterprise to focus on his creative writing.
Over the years Michael has contributed several more articles to Renaissance Magazine and other local publications, and has since 2004 been a staff writer for two New England-based renaissance faire production companies: Pastimes Entertainment and the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.
In September 2013, Michael's debut novel "Action Figures" became available on Amazon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 10, 2017
There are two fundamental flaws in this book. The first is one of those issues that may or may not just be formatting and not the authors fault (maybe). The second is the authors fault.
1) There are multiple points of views. Somewhat standard, nothing outrageous about that. There is more than one scene, sometimes, in each chapter. Again, nothing hugely strange about that. Except – there sometimes is no ‘barrier’ between changes of scene/point of view other than what you would find between two paragraphs. Now, sometimes there are in fact ** or other symbols. Most of the time, nothing. So, a reader reads along, moves from one paragraph to another and . . . is jarred, distracted, pulled out of the story – because there’s nothing there to indicate a scene or point of view change.
Also, even if there were proper indicators in place – more chapter breaks are probably needed. This is one of those ‘maybe it’s just the formatting’ type of deals that normally I’d wave my hands and say that I’ll give an author a pass on.
2) I mentioned multiple points of views. And how that is not unusual or outrageous to find in a book. Except . . . it is here. The book opens with the main character, Carrie, talking about how she just had a really weird year –moving to a new town/school; parents divorcing, etc. Then she says something like “oh damn, I’m not doing this right”, and now the book picks up from the beginning of the year.
Not my favorite writing style, but I can live with it. Except, as you may or may not recall, there are multiple point of views in this book. A book wherein the main character is recalling what happened to her the prior year. Including scenes she would have had no knowledge of. That’s a fundamental flaw and the author is not able to get a “pass” for this one.
Now there are ways around that. Have, once or twice – not too often to be annoying, something like ‘I saw a video’ or ‘I’m not sure what happened, but I imagine it went something like this’ or have it be Sara who is the main character. She has a power that allows her to 'see' long distance. The first shift in point of view involves Concorde, one of the adult superheroes in the book, flying over to ARC, a tech company, and berating them for allowing a robot to escape and run around. For the third time.
Sara has the ability to see, watch, feel, read the mind of someone, distance not being a factor (as far as she can tell), once she has ‘read them’. Prior to the Concorde scene, she had ‘read’ him at some point. So she could ‘see’ the scene.
And the scenes with the intelligent artificial intelligence? Again, she had ‘read’ him and therefore could ‘see’ his scenes. And this time her ‘reading’ him was in the book so no extra work would have to have been done to show her ‘reading’ him.
Granted, I had no problem following Carrie’s point of view as the main character, and was less interested in following Sara, so switching main characters isn’t really what I would have wanted to have happen. I suppose some of that ‘power’ could have been shifted over to Carrie – enough so that she had enough to ‘see’ those scenes.
But no. There were no annoying little ‘I reconstructed the evidence at hand to come up with a possible scenario -- *scene from different point of view/perspective unfolds*’ and no indication of the ability/power to ‘see’ things in a way that would allow the point of view to shift.
So, one of four things would need to ‘fix’ the fundamental flaw under discussion. (1) Cut the opening in which we learn that Carrie is the main character, and that she will be recalling, for us – via video recording, what happened during the events of last year. (2) Cut the scenes that Carrie would not have been able to have witnessed or reconstructed or otherwise known about somehow. (3) change the main character to Sara, or switch some of the power to ‘see’ from Sara to Carrie. Or (4) add little tidbits, not many, indicating how Carrie knew about the events unfolding in the paragraph/scene that she should not otherwise know about (i.e., the scenes from other than her own perspective in which she played no part).
Oh and near the end there’s a scene that includes Carrie, mentally, saying “this is not my teary farewell speech. I plan to live for a good long time.” Um, thanks, but, um . . . the book opened with the idea that this was Carrie speaking into a video recorder telling the camera what happened to her the prior year so . . . . thanks for the reassurance that you didn’t die a year ago? (reminds me of scenes I’ve seen, mostly in comedies
‘A: so there I was, five minutes before the bomb was going to explode, frantically trying to disarm it, or somehow prevent it from exploding and . . well . . . it was too late for me to try to flee, so I tried and tried, the seconds counting down . . .
B: So . . . what happened? Did . . . did it explode?
A: yes, I, obviously, died and you are talking to a ghost (mutters: moron))
Sometimes the book read as if bits and pieces of it got written without knowledge of the rest of the book. Like how the book started off with ‘this is what happened a year ago’; then the book forgetting that it’s supposed to be from one point of view and including others; then trying to build tension, a layer of ‘ooh no! She’s sacrificing herself!’ but . . um . . . again, this happened a year ago . . to the person telling the story.
And then – ‘then mysteriously a different explosion occurred, no one knows what happened there, as the people aren’t talking’ . . . um, dude, really? You, the author, suddenly remember that this is supposed to be from Carrie’s point of view? And she wasn’t there? But . . . her team was there, couldn’t she ask them? Shesh. There’s no reason she wouldn’t know what happened.
In terms of story – there actually is a rather interesting story here. It might have been better as a comic instead of a prose novel, maybe. Conceivably. On the other hand, I’m not sure I really want to see 15 year olds running around in comic form. Though I have in the past.
In terms of characters – they were relatively well-rounded, and seemed roughly on par with where they should be, in terms of mentality. In that, they didn’t seem to be adults wandering in 15 year old bodies, but, instead, appeared to be people with the mental and emotional maturity of 15 year olds.
Oh, and bah. I’ve said several times that I need to stop reading books involving such young characters, and there I was talking about people in their 20s. And here I’m reading about 15 year olds. Wasn’t really a problem, really, except for several scenes wherein the age of the father got brought up several times (and likely age of mother, though not expressed). There’s a scene wherein father and daughter watch the Macy’s Day Parade and father makes some comment like “back in my day” and they banter. One of those things parents and children say to each other. One of those things old people say “why, in my day . . ..” Said by the father. Who is currently, at the time of the book, something like six or seven years younger than me.
I already know I’m reading something involving a different generation than my own, do I really need to realize that I’m even older than the parents? Heh. Mmphs.
1) There are multiple points of views. Somewhat standard, nothing outrageous about that. There is more than one scene, sometimes, in each chapter. Again, nothing hugely strange about that. Except – there sometimes is no ‘barrier’ between changes of scene/point of view other than what you would find between two paragraphs. Now, sometimes there are in fact ** or other symbols. Most of the time, nothing. So, a reader reads along, moves from one paragraph to another and . . . is jarred, distracted, pulled out of the story – because there’s nothing there to indicate a scene or point of view change.
Also, even if there were proper indicators in place – more chapter breaks are probably needed. This is one of those ‘maybe it’s just the formatting’ type of deals that normally I’d wave my hands and say that I’ll give an author a pass on.
2) I mentioned multiple points of views. And how that is not unusual or outrageous to find in a book. Except . . . it is here. The book opens with the main character, Carrie, talking about how she just had a really weird year –moving to a new town/school; parents divorcing, etc. Then she says something like “oh damn, I’m not doing this right”, and now the book picks up from the beginning of the year.
Not my favorite writing style, but I can live with it. Except, as you may or may not recall, there are multiple point of views in this book. A book wherein the main character is recalling what happened to her the prior year. Including scenes she would have had no knowledge of. That’s a fundamental flaw and the author is not able to get a “pass” for this one.
Now there are ways around that. Have, once or twice – not too often to be annoying, something like ‘I saw a video’ or ‘I’m not sure what happened, but I imagine it went something like this’ or have it be Sara who is the main character. She has a power that allows her to 'see' long distance. The first shift in point of view involves Concorde, one of the adult superheroes in the book, flying over to ARC, a tech company, and berating them for allowing a robot to escape and run around. For the third time.
Sara has the ability to see, watch, feel, read the mind of someone, distance not being a factor (as far as she can tell), once she has ‘read them’. Prior to the Concorde scene, she had ‘read’ him at some point. So she could ‘see’ the scene.
And the scenes with the intelligent artificial intelligence? Again, she had ‘read’ him and therefore could ‘see’ his scenes. And this time her ‘reading’ him was in the book so no extra work would have to have been done to show her ‘reading’ him.
Granted, I had no problem following Carrie’s point of view as the main character, and was less interested in following Sara, so switching main characters isn’t really what I would have wanted to have happen. I suppose some of that ‘power’ could have been shifted over to Carrie – enough so that she had enough to ‘see’ those scenes.
But no. There were no annoying little ‘I reconstructed the evidence at hand to come up with a possible scenario -- *scene from different point of view/perspective unfolds*’ and no indication of the ability/power to ‘see’ things in a way that would allow the point of view to shift.
So, one of four things would need to ‘fix’ the fundamental flaw under discussion. (1) Cut the opening in which we learn that Carrie is the main character, and that she will be recalling, for us – via video recording, what happened during the events of last year. (2) Cut the scenes that Carrie would not have been able to have witnessed or reconstructed or otherwise known about somehow. (3) change the main character to Sara, or switch some of the power to ‘see’ from Sara to Carrie. Or (4) add little tidbits, not many, indicating how Carrie knew about the events unfolding in the paragraph/scene that she should not otherwise know about (i.e., the scenes from other than her own perspective in which she played no part).
Oh and near the end there’s a scene that includes Carrie, mentally, saying “this is not my teary farewell speech. I plan to live for a good long time.” Um, thanks, but, um . . . the book opened with the idea that this was Carrie speaking into a video recorder telling the camera what happened to her the prior year so . . . . thanks for the reassurance that you didn’t die a year ago? (reminds me of scenes I’ve seen, mostly in comedies
‘A: so there I was, five minutes before the bomb was going to explode, frantically trying to disarm it, or somehow prevent it from exploding and . . well . . . it was too late for me to try to flee, so I tried and tried, the seconds counting down . . .
B: So . . . what happened? Did . . . did it explode?
A: yes, I, obviously, died and you are talking to a ghost (mutters: moron))
Sometimes the book read as if bits and pieces of it got written without knowledge of the rest of the book. Like how the book started off with ‘this is what happened a year ago’; then the book forgetting that it’s supposed to be from one point of view and including others; then trying to build tension, a layer of ‘ooh no! She’s sacrificing herself!’ but . . um . . . again, this happened a year ago . . to the person telling the story.
And then – ‘then mysteriously a different explosion occurred, no one knows what happened there, as the people aren’t talking’ . . . um, dude, really? You, the author, suddenly remember that this is supposed to be from Carrie’s point of view? And she wasn’t there? But . . . her team was there, couldn’t she ask them? Shesh. There’s no reason she wouldn’t know what happened.
In terms of story – there actually is a rather interesting story here. It might have been better as a comic instead of a prose novel, maybe. Conceivably. On the other hand, I’m not sure I really want to see 15 year olds running around in comic form. Though I have in the past.
In terms of characters – they were relatively well-rounded, and seemed roughly on par with where they should be, in terms of mentality. In that, they didn’t seem to be adults wandering in 15 year old bodies, but, instead, appeared to be people with the mental and emotional maturity of 15 year olds.
Oh, and bah. I’ve said several times that I need to stop reading books involving such young characters, and there I was talking about people in their 20s. And here I’m reading about 15 year olds. Wasn’t really a problem, really, except for several scenes wherein the age of the father got brought up several times (and likely age of mother, though not expressed). There’s a scene wherein father and daughter watch the Macy’s Day Parade and father makes some comment like “back in my day” and they banter. One of those things parents and children say to each other. One of those things old people say “why, in my day . . ..” Said by the father. Who is currently, at the time of the book, something like six or seven years younger than me.
I already know I’m reading something involving a different generation than my own, do I really need to realize that I’m even older than the parents? Heh. Mmphs.
May 8, 2015
MUCH better than expected.
I wasn't expecting much from this. Maybe one or two interesting characters, or an unusual power, with a cookie cutter plot and a lack of editing. Instead all the characters, even the villains, grabbed my interest. The plot, while somewhat standard for a superhero story, had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged, and the writing had me feel embarrassed, awkward, outraged, tearing up, giggling and more. I finished the entire thing in a day.
I wasn't expecting much from this. Maybe one or two interesting characters, or an unusual power, with a cookie cutter plot and a lack of editing. Instead all the characters, even the villains, grabbed my interest. The plot, while somewhat standard for a superhero story, had enough twists and turns to keep me engaged, and the writing had me feel embarrassed, awkward, outraged, tearing up, giggling and more. I finished the entire thing in a day.
May 23, 2015
I was avoiding this book, being a bit burnt out on young superheroes, but then I ran out of books to read, and my husband and daughter told me to read it. They were right, it was great! A strong, upbeat book with high school superhero wannabes coming of age and running into the real world. I'm gonna go start the next one now.
February 2, 2016
Half superhero story, half high school soap opera
A fun romp through what it might be like to be a teenage superhero. Good pacing overall, and it kept my interest through the end
A fun romp through what it might be like to be a teenage superhero. Good pacing overall, and it kept my interest through the end
January 24, 2016
Quite excellent series-starter. Looking forward to picking up the rest.
September 11, 2014
I will start by being honest; I don’t often read many books written by men that have a female main character, in my mind either the flow or the characterization doesn't always work for me. Not to say I haven’t found ones I like, but it’s rare and for me, it’s not always my cup of tea. This book however, I found that the author not only kept the flow going, but did a great job with a main teenage female character, he even added two other teenage girls who I found great. I was surprised to find I even felt a connection to one of the other girls in the story, having been in a similar situation with my family (sadly no superpowers for me). Over all having once been a teenage girl, I approve.
Speaking of having once been a teenage girl, I have to say this is a book I would have LOVED to have had 12 plus years ago. It had plenty of action, good realistic friendships between boys and girls that felt normal to me, and didn't include a love triangle or romance which was very refreshing. I grew up reading fantasy books so having a superhero book in my bookcase would have been fantastic. As I cannot go back in time to read this, (stupid lack of superpowers) I plan on keeping this in my bookcase, reading the rest of the series and seriously recommending it to people who are currently teenagers, and adults.
Even if you were not once a teenage girl, not planning on becoming a teenage girl, or you are coming to the realization that radioactive spider is not going to bite you and you are going to spend the rest of your days without superpowers, you should read this book, it's great.
Speaking of having once been a teenage girl, I have to say this is a book I would have LOVED to have had 12 plus years ago. It had plenty of action, good realistic friendships between boys and girls that felt normal to me, and didn't include a love triangle or romance which was very refreshing. I grew up reading fantasy books so having a superhero book in my bookcase would have been fantastic. As I cannot go back in time to read this, (stupid lack of superpowers) I plan on keeping this in my bookcase, reading the rest of the series and seriously recommending it to people who are currently teenagers, and adults.
Even if you were not once a teenage girl, not planning on becoming a teenage girl, or you are coming to the realization that radioactive spider is not going to bite you and you are going to spend the rest of your days without superpowers, you should read this book, it's great.
March 26, 2016
I got this book a while back as part of the Superbundle at Storybundle.com. As I whittled my way through my book queue this summer, this was one that I somehow kept overlooking. And I wish I hadn't. Although at first glance this book does come off as pretty standard YA fare, it's much much more than that.
Bailey takes those basic ideas of what a teen would do, should they happen upon superpowers, and turns it into a real coming of age story, where the authority figures are the established superheroes and life lessons come from taking down supervillains with cool tech-manipulating powers.
But this ain't no lofty tale of kids going through metaphorical puberty. It's a kick-ass book about some talented youngsters learning to work together as a team to show those old fogeys what for.
And at the heart of this first book in an on-going series, is a strong female figure who reads like a real live person who, you know, doesn't always know what to do, but it still pretty darn capable of getting the job done when she needs to. You know, like any high schooler. But she just so happens to have to do this while dealing with the fact that some alien gave her superpowers.
This book is goofy, but serious at the same time. And it's seriously great.
Honestly, I can only believe that the rest of the series gets better. Will have to move those books up in my reading queue a little higher...which means I should get to them sometime around 2018 :/
Seriously, pick up a copy. Especially if you dig some superhero fantasy fun in your books.
Buy it now!
Bailey takes those basic ideas of what a teen would do, should they happen upon superpowers, and turns it into a real coming of age story, where the authority figures are the established superheroes and life lessons come from taking down supervillains with cool tech-manipulating powers.
But this ain't no lofty tale of kids going through metaphorical puberty. It's a kick-ass book about some talented youngsters learning to work together as a team to show those old fogeys what for.
And at the heart of this first book in an on-going series, is a strong female figure who reads like a real live person who, you know, doesn't always know what to do, but it still pretty darn capable of getting the job done when she needs to. You know, like any high schooler. But she just so happens to have to do this while dealing with the fact that some alien gave her superpowers.
This book is goofy, but serious at the same time. And it's seriously great.
Honestly, I can only believe that the rest of the series gets better. Will have to move those books up in my reading queue a little higher...which means I should get to them sometime around 2018 :/
Seriously, pick up a copy. Especially if you dig some superhero fantasy fun in your books.
Buy it now!
February 12, 2017
Carrie's parents have divorced, Carrie's mother went to back to her home town (which has been having trouble with rogue robots) and brought Carrie, and Carrie only manages to avoid being late her first day in school by -- flying. She had been given superpowers by an alien.
Meets some kids in school. One, Matt, is rather annoying, until he reveals he saw her fly -- and that he himself can produce objects out of nowhere. He offers to introduce her to some others. On the way, they meet one of the rampaging robots and are not much help. The superhero Concorde (of the local superteam the Protectorate) saves the day and, seeing Matt, tells him in no uncertain terms that he should have listened the last time and stayed out of it.
So Matt introduces her to the others: Stuart, strong and invulnerable; Sara the psychic; and Missy with her strength and ninja abilities. Matt, the superhero geek, is the one who really wants to be a team. Meanwhile, Concorde comes down on the guilty company, and the worker responsible makes plans.
It involves an Internet connection, Sara's knowing a member of the Protectorate because of training to keep her powers from killing her, a villain from Concorde's past, a coffee shop, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, bad news from Stuart's past, and more.
Meets some kids in school. One, Matt, is rather annoying, until he reveals he saw her fly -- and that he himself can produce objects out of nowhere. He offers to introduce her to some others. On the way, they meet one of the rampaging robots and are not much help. The superhero Concorde (of the local superteam the Protectorate) saves the day and, seeing Matt, tells him in no uncertain terms that he should have listened the last time and stayed out of it.
So Matt introduces her to the others: Stuart, strong and invulnerable; Sara the psychic; and Missy with her strength and ninja abilities. Matt, the superhero geek, is the one who really wants to be a team. Meanwhile, Concorde comes down on the guilty company, and the worker responsible makes plans.
It involves an Internet connection, Sara's knowing a member of the Protectorate because of training to keep her powers from killing her, a villain from Concorde's past, a coffee shop, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, bad news from Stuart's past, and more.
June 22, 2014
Reviewed by A Simple Taste for Reading:
http://simpletasteforreading.wordpres...
What a great action packed book! Not only for young adults, but for any age if you ask me! This was a nice fresh read from all the seriousness that comes with some of the books I have been reading. The main character is great, I wish I could meet her in real life some day. Carrie Hauser’s life has just gone from good, to great, to bad then to good again. Her life was perfect, she was popular and everyone loved her. Then, her parents get a divorce and her mom uproots her to a new town where Carrie discovers something about herself that is unexplainable….she discovers she has super powers! Living in a new town, she befriends other ‘super humans’ and they will all work together to help save the town from rogue artificial intelligence as well as trying to keep themselves safe from the people who are creating these creatures!
I seriously loved this book! You all need to read it, it is a fast pace fun read that kicks that imagination back into mode! Thank you to the author, Michael Bailey for sharing his book with me! I cannot wait to read more of these!
http://simpletasteforreading.wordpres...
What a great action packed book! Not only for young adults, but for any age if you ask me! This was a nice fresh read from all the seriousness that comes with some of the books I have been reading. The main character is great, I wish I could meet her in real life some day. Carrie Hauser’s life has just gone from good, to great, to bad then to good again. Her life was perfect, she was popular and everyone loved her. Then, her parents get a divorce and her mom uproots her to a new town where Carrie discovers something about herself that is unexplainable….she discovers she has super powers! Living in a new town, she befriends other ‘super humans’ and they will all work together to help save the town from rogue artificial intelligence as well as trying to keep themselves safe from the people who are creating these creatures!
I seriously loved this book! You all need to read it, it is a fast pace fun read that kicks that imagination back into mode! Thank you to the author, Michael Bailey for sharing his book with me! I cannot wait to read more of these!
August 5, 2014
This one, from the perspective of an adult reader, definitely falls under the category of guilty pleasure. Bailey creates a completely believable Massachusetts Cape area town (except accents - nobody has a Boston accent!) with characters that could have been you as a kid.
It's written decidedly for the YA audience, but that didn't stop me from tearing through the book in a couple of days in my free time and hoping that a second book would soon appear. In this book, character development is everything and Bailey makes the most out of dialogue. Each character has a distinctive voice and the protagonist's first-person insights cement her as a believable creation.
Now if he would hurry up and write book 3...
It's written decidedly for the YA audience, but that didn't stop me from tearing through the book in a couple of days in my free time and hoping that a second book would soon appear. In this book, character development is everything and Bailey makes the most out of dialogue. Each character has a distinctive voice and the protagonist's first-person insights cement her as a believable creation.
Now if he would hurry up and write book 3...
December 7, 2013
Highly enjoyable plot, fun characters, and a world *just* removed from our own. A YA novel that can also be easily enjoyed by adults, "Action Figures- Issue One: Secret Origins" is a great romp of a read. Can't wait for Issue Two!
July 9, 2014
4.5 stars. Really good YA super hero novel that is first in a series. The story moves at an entertaining pace, the characters are well developed, the world building is consistent. A YA novel, but still well worth reading if you are into super heroes.
August 31, 2015
Fun YA supers story
The book seems to be set in a world where the only difference is that supers have appeared in small numbers. The characters are young but intelligent and make you root for them throughout. Fun first book in a series!
The book seems to be set in a world where the only difference is that supers have appeared in small numbers. The characters are young but intelligent and make you root for them throughout. Fun first book in a series!
November 6, 2015
I have mixed feelings about YA novels. Too many of them feel dumbed down to appeal to the author's mistaken preconceptions of what a young adult will like. The good ones, though, don't feel dumbed down at all.
This is one of the good ones.
This is one of the good ones.
January 6, 2015
What a delightful read! A little bit "Eureka" and a little bit "The Incredibles" I am definitely ready to see what happens to Carrie and her friends next!
November 4, 2016
This book was not my usual genre, but I saw it on KU and decided "why not?" Sometimes it's good to branch out from the stuff that normally fills our brains. This was a perfect example of that. It's light a funny, with extremely likable characters and an absurd plot that you can't help but love.
Perfect for someone in a bit of a reading slump. Carrie is a teenage girl who moves to a new town after her parents divorce. She doesn't quite know that her life is about to get a little bit cray. As in, robots damaging the town and a posse of wannabe superhero friends.
I say wannabe superheroes because they have the powers, but no training. The guts, without the little bit of fear that could keep them from doing something stupid. There are superheroes in their town who are telling them that under no circumstances are they to involve themselves in dangerous business. Like that'll stop them.
Perfect for someone in a bit of a reading slump. Carrie is a teenage girl who moves to a new town after her parents divorce. She doesn't quite know that her life is about to get a little bit cray. As in, robots damaging the town and a posse of wannabe superhero friends.
I say wannabe superheroes because they have the powers, but no training. The guts, without the little bit of fear that could keep them from doing something stupid. There are superheroes in their town who are telling them that under no circumstances are they to involve themselves in dangerous business. Like that'll stop them.
September 22, 2017
Carrie is a 16-year old smart wise-crack. She’s also a teen superhero (she got em’ from an alien that dropped on Earth.) The thing is that she’s not the only one at her new school. Apparently, there’s a whole odd-ball group of them. They get to know each other and become fast friends. Pretty soon, they’re having to contend with an evil robot terrorizing the city. Of course, with them being kids and all, they step back and let the real superheroes handle it.
Still, why shouldn’t they get in on the action, too?
This was a cool story. I liked how these kids were fumbling with their powers and learning how to save the world. It was the story of a B-squad superhero team. It was like reading a comic book without the pictures. Of course, I didn’t really buy the evil robot angle, but young readers will definitely get a kick out these kids.
Still, why shouldn’t they get in on the action, too?
This was a cool story. I liked how these kids were fumbling with their powers and learning how to save the world. It was the story of a B-squad superhero team. It was like reading a comic book without the pictures. Of course, I didn’t really buy the evil robot angle, but young readers will definitely get a kick out these kids.
September 16, 2018
I thought the book was an excellent read. Read through it faster than most other books I've read. I feel as though the target audience is likely younger than myself. Teenagers and young adults, especially those who are into comics and super hero culture, will really enjoy this book. Filled with pop culture references that span generations are still made plausible by how they are introduced to the young heroes, and having some not understand the references makes it more realistic. The primary characters, who are all in high school, all come off as very likable and can be seen in those hero roles.
I'm looking forward to Issue Two.
I'm looking forward to Issue Two.
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August 6, 2021Superhero At Heart
Carrie Hauser is a grimly optimistic girl whose entire world changed the day she learned her parents were getting divorced. She was going to be forced to live with her Mom, away from her Dad & her home in Boston. Her friends - all snooty pretty girls irritated by her changed attitude - abandoned her.
And then there was the dying alien in the woods who gifted her with utter agony … then incredible powers….
Carrie Hauser is a grimly optimistic girl whose entire world changed the day she learned her parents were getting divorced. She was going to be forced to live with her Mom, away from her Dad & her home in Boston. Her friends - all snooty pretty girls irritated by her changed attitude - abandoned her.
And then there was the dying alien in the woods who gifted her with utter agony … then incredible powers….
February 17, 2024
Late to the party, but glad I arrived
I picked this up on sale as a lark and very much enjoyed it. I fully understand why the author became successful with this as his first novel. Good characterization, intelligent villain, heroes that are people. I read this in two long reads and I plan on buying more in the series.
Recommend to people looking for a believable or grounded set of superhero fiction.
I picked this up on sale as a lark and very much enjoyed it. I fully understand why the author became successful with this as his first novel. Good characterization, intelligent villain, heroes that are people. I read this in two long reads and I plan on buying more in the series.
Recommend to people looking for a believable or grounded set of superhero fiction.
July 23, 2022
This book took what I thought I knew about superheroes and comic books and turned it all on its end. My mind has been blown. This book does not allow you to lose your train of thought or to lose interest. This kept me going until the conclusion, and now I need the second book!
June 21, 2018
Although I read a great deal of Superhero Lit, I am somewhat choosy about my selections. This volume reached beyond my expectations, and I shall be reading the next in the series.
October 31, 2025
2.5 Stars
February 21, 2014
I don’t typically read YA novels. Haven’t since I was in high school and was forced to read them. So yea, haven’t opened a cover of Harry Potter, or read Twilight, or even the Hunger Games series. But I do love a good action story, especially when it’s of the superhero comic variety. So that was enough for me to give Michael Bailey’s debut novel Action Figures a read.
And I’m so glad that I did.
The story takes place in the present day and super heroes are a real thing, patrolling the streets and sky for situations too big for local law enforcement to handle. Our (super) heroine is Carrie Hauser, a high school girl who’s starting life anew in a new town. Her parents went through a divorce over the summer, so life has been a little rocky at best. She also has super powers (I won’t tell you how she got them) that allows her to fly, glow like a bright light, and fire powerful beams of light at her adversaries. At high school she meets some other kids with unusual gifts. And, of course, there are bad guys to handle. At the beginning it’s just military robots gone bad, but the stakes get higher with each passing go.
The characters are all fun and unique. Carrie, as already noted, can fly at high speeds, glows and can shoot power light beams. Than there’s Matt, aka Captain Trenchcoat, who can make anything appear from his coat that he can think of. He’s also a superhero nut, having memorized every heroes tech and history from A to Z. He wants so badly to be a successful superhero and leader of the group. There’s Sara, aka Psyhce, who can read minds and put up psyonic barriers to protect herself and the team. I’ll also note that I love how Michael explains Sara’s powers. It’s such amazing faux-science that it’s very believable in this world he’s created. Then there’s Stuart, aka Superbeast. He’s your rock loving, long-hair “dude” kinda guy, but his skin is almost impenetrable and he’s got superhuman strength. Oh and he eats…. a lot. I wonder where he gets enough money to eat out so much sometimes… And he hates bullies… a lot. There’s also Missy, aka Kunoichi, who’s got super speed and agility. She’s the ninja of the group.
Then, of course, there’s Carrie, aka Lightstorm.
One of the biggest complaints of male writers is their inability to write multi-dimensional female characters. Michael Bailey, however, does not fall under this category. His female characters are believable and as complex as the men and boys running around in the story (funny that, eh?). Also, the idea of writing a lead character much younger than yourself is a daunting task, but one Michael took up and nailed with Carrie Hauser. She’s highly intelligent but still falls victim to the same adolescent issues we all faced with growing up.
Of course, they’re not the only superheroes around. The main team of heroes in the Boston-area is the Protectorate, led by Concorde and Mindforce. While Mindforce plays good cop with the young superhero teens, Concorde touts the bad cop. He’s a fantastic superhero, but doesn’t give Carrie and her friends much encouragement and shows little respect for the team. They struggle with why Concorde is such a jerk towards them.
There’s also the roster of villains which range from hacked robots to highly payed and deadly super villain mercenaries with their own array of gadgets, abilities, and powers.
As for the plot, it’s rock solid. There are no gaping holes that take you out of the story, and the scenes all flow nicely together in a very logical manner. These teenagers are new at the whole super hero gig and it shows in the book. They go through growing pains, saving the day but with a lot of collateral damage at first, but getting better at the whole teamwork thing as the stakes get higher. They also struggle coming up their superhero names, their costumes, and even a team name for their superhero squad, creating some very amusing scenes in the novel.
And it’s not just a story about teenagers learning to be superheros. They have lives outside of their extracurricular activities. Carrie is settling into a new town and school, and she’s still having trouble over her parents divorce. Missy is terribly embarrassed by her dad’s strictness, and Stuart has to come to grips with demons from his past resurface at school.
Overall, the story is fantastically written and it’s been a while since I’ve picked up a book that’s as much of a page turner as this one. I usually read on my way to and from work, and I really wished my commute was a little longer so I could read more of the story. I think that speaks volumes to Michael’s talent, especially considering that I don’t do YA books.
Verdict: I highly recommend Action Figures to parents looking for a new, adventure story for their kids to read, or anyone who enjoys new, original superhero tales full of action and amazing character development. I look forward to the sequel.
And I’m so glad that I did.
The story takes place in the present day and super heroes are a real thing, patrolling the streets and sky for situations too big for local law enforcement to handle. Our (super) heroine is Carrie Hauser, a high school girl who’s starting life anew in a new town. Her parents went through a divorce over the summer, so life has been a little rocky at best. She also has super powers (I won’t tell you how she got them) that allows her to fly, glow like a bright light, and fire powerful beams of light at her adversaries. At high school she meets some other kids with unusual gifts. And, of course, there are bad guys to handle. At the beginning it’s just military robots gone bad, but the stakes get higher with each passing go.
The characters are all fun and unique. Carrie, as already noted, can fly at high speeds, glows and can shoot power light beams. Than there’s Matt, aka Captain Trenchcoat, who can make anything appear from his coat that he can think of. He’s also a superhero nut, having memorized every heroes tech and history from A to Z. He wants so badly to be a successful superhero and leader of the group. There’s Sara, aka Psyhce, who can read minds and put up psyonic barriers to protect herself and the team. I’ll also note that I love how Michael explains Sara’s powers. It’s such amazing faux-science that it’s very believable in this world he’s created. Then there’s Stuart, aka Superbeast. He’s your rock loving, long-hair “dude” kinda guy, but his skin is almost impenetrable and he’s got superhuman strength. Oh and he eats…. a lot. I wonder where he gets enough money to eat out so much sometimes… And he hates bullies… a lot. There’s also Missy, aka Kunoichi, who’s got super speed and agility. She’s the ninja of the group.
Then, of course, there’s Carrie, aka Lightstorm.
One of the biggest complaints of male writers is their inability to write multi-dimensional female characters. Michael Bailey, however, does not fall under this category. His female characters are believable and as complex as the men and boys running around in the story (funny that, eh?). Also, the idea of writing a lead character much younger than yourself is a daunting task, but one Michael took up and nailed with Carrie Hauser. She’s highly intelligent but still falls victim to the same adolescent issues we all faced with growing up.
Of course, they’re not the only superheroes around. The main team of heroes in the Boston-area is the Protectorate, led by Concorde and Mindforce. While Mindforce plays good cop with the young superhero teens, Concorde touts the bad cop. He’s a fantastic superhero, but doesn’t give Carrie and her friends much encouragement and shows little respect for the team. They struggle with why Concorde is such a jerk towards them.
There’s also the roster of villains which range from hacked robots to highly payed and deadly super villain mercenaries with their own array of gadgets, abilities, and powers.
As for the plot, it’s rock solid. There are no gaping holes that take you out of the story, and the scenes all flow nicely together in a very logical manner. These teenagers are new at the whole super hero gig and it shows in the book. They go through growing pains, saving the day but with a lot of collateral damage at first, but getting better at the whole teamwork thing as the stakes get higher. They also struggle coming up their superhero names, their costumes, and even a team name for their superhero squad, creating some very amusing scenes in the novel.
And it’s not just a story about teenagers learning to be superheros. They have lives outside of their extracurricular activities. Carrie is settling into a new town and school, and she’s still having trouble over her parents divorce. Missy is terribly embarrassed by her dad’s strictness, and Stuart has to come to grips with demons from his past resurface at school.
Overall, the story is fantastically written and it’s been a while since I’ve picked up a book that’s as much of a page turner as this one. I usually read on my way to and from work, and I really wished my commute was a little longer so I could read more of the story. I think that speaks volumes to Michael’s talent, especially considering that I don’t do YA books.
Verdict: I highly recommend Action Figures to parents looking for a new, adventure story for their kids to read, or anyone who enjoys new, original superhero tales full of action and amazing character development. I look forward to the sequel.
February 10, 2016
Michael C. Bailey’s Action Figures – Issue One: Secret Origins, is a ridiculously fun superhero novel. It follows Carrie Hauser, a teenage girl who recently gain superpowers, as she deals with her parents divorce, tries to start a superhero team with her friends, deals with veteran superheroes who don’t seem to like her very much, and of course fight supervillains and a shadowy evil organization. I know it sounds very paint-by-the-numbers, but it really isn’t.
This book fixes all the issues I had with Earthman Jack. This guy gets how teenagers talk. It feels real. More impressive to me was just how well he captured the voice of a teenage girl. I legitimately would not have been able to tell it was a man who wrote this. Throughout the story, nearly every character is fleshed out. You really get to know not just Carrie, but her friends, her parents, her friends parents, the other superheroes, etc. They all feel like people, and you can’t help but feel like you have to turn the next page just to get the chance to know them better, which is more than I can say for most books.
While the characterization is flawless, the plot is rather episodic. It mostly ties together in the end though, but rather than seem like a big story, it seems like a lot of smaller ones. Personally, I like this approach, especially to a superhero story which by its nature is episodic. And don’t worry about a cliffhanger ending or anything. There’s a little teaser at the end, but otherwise its basically a complete story.
Something this book does that I found pretty distracting was that it switched from first person to third person mid-chapter. It was confusing at first, but I eventually got used to it, and at least there was a break within the chapter to indicate a different point of view. I understand the decision behind this. The first person narrative makes the reader feel as though they’re in Carrie’s head, and the author didn’t want to lose that. At the same time, there are other things going on that the main character isn’t privy too that is necessary to move the story along. It is a strange, jarring choice, and it wouldn’t have been the one I would’ve made, but at the same time, I understand it. I’d have been much happier though, if it had been done by having a chapter break, with the new form of narration taking place in a new chapter entirely, or use a few different POVs to tell the other parts of the story. In the writer’s defense, however, while it was pretty jarring at first, eventually I got used to the switching between first and third person. I just wish it was handled better.
All in all, despite my issue with the switching between writing styles mid-chapter, this book is by far the best of the indie books I’ve reviewed thus far. The story was fun and engaging, the characters felt real, and the prose itself was very well done. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like superheroes or even just a good teen drama, check this book out. You won’t regret it.
This book fixes all the issues I had with Earthman Jack. This guy gets how teenagers talk. It feels real. More impressive to me was just how well he captured the voice of a teenage girl. I legitimately would not have been able to tell it was a man who wrote this. Throughout the story, nearly every character is fleshed out. You really get to know not just Carrie, but her friends, her parents, her friends parents, the other superheroes, etc. They all feel like people, and you can’t help but feel like you have to turn the next page just to get the chance to know them better, which is more than I can say for most books.
While the characterization is flawless, the plot is rather episodic. It mostly ties together in the end though, but rather than seem like a big story, it seems like a lot of smaller ones. Personally, I like this approach, especially to a superhero story which by its nature is episodic. And don’t worry about a cliffhanger ending or anything. There’s a little teaser at the end, but otherwise its basically a complete story.
Something this book does that I found pretty distracting was that it switched from first person to third person mid-chapter. It was confusing at first, but I eventually got used to it, and at least there was a break within the chapter to indicate a different point of view. I understand the decision behind this. The first person narrative makes the reader feel as though they’re in Carrie’s head, and the author didn’t want to lose that. At the same time, there are other things going on that the main character isn’t privy too that is necessary to move the story along. It is a strange, jarring choice, and it wouldn’t have been the one I would’ve made, but at the same time, I understand it. I’d have been much happier though, if it had been done by having a chapter break, with the new form of narration taking place in a new chapter entirely, or use a few different POVs to tell the other parts of the story. In the writer’s defense, however, while it was pretty jarring at first, eventually I got used to the switching between first and third person. I just wish it was handled better.
All in all, despite my issue with the switching between writing styles mid-chapter, this book is by far the best of the indie books I’ve reviewed thus far. The story was fun and engaging, the characters felt real, and the prose itself was very well done. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like superheroes or even just a good teen drama, check this book out. You won’t regret it.
July 29, 2016
There are millions of books out there, just ready for your perusal. Every reader has their own preferences, and though occasionally they might step out of our comfort zone, they generally gravitate to stories they feel they will enjoy the most.
When you stumble upon one that hits you in every sweet spot you have, you rejoice. And in my case, "Secret Origins" did that for me. Superhero storyline that made me nostalgic for those days when I read oodles of comic books and watch Spider-Friends and Justice League on Saturday mornings? Check. Heartfelt, poignant story about the real-world problems that all teens, superpowers or no, face on a daily basis? Check. Wonderfully-written, snarky-as-all-get-out humor? Triple check.
Carrie Hauser is a typical fifteen-year-old girl (except she has superpowers given to her by a dying alien, but other than that, she really is pretty typical) who has just moved to the town of Kingsport, Massachusetts. She is still reeling from her parents' divorce, and wants nothing more than to leave. After she starts high school, she falls in with a delightful crowd of misfits who, wouldn't ya know it, are secretly superheroes too. Matt the fanboy wannabe (who has magic gloves that can pull literally anything from his trenchcoat), Sara the sullen psychic, Missy with the mile-a-second personality and superpowers to match, and Stuart, the big goofball with the power of a mack truck.
I won't go into the story too much, but it brilliantly weaves a story of friendship and self-discovery in with a kick-ass story that includes battles with some truly BAD super-villains. What is most impressive about Secret Origins is that it never, NEVER lets us forget that it is a story about people with families and problems and issues underneath their flashy costumes. But it takes the grown-ups to make them realize that, in this world where comic-book weirdness happens on a regular basis, there is a (often terrible) cost to throwing themselves headlong into danger.
And the humor. Hoo boy. I highlighted so many fantastic lines on my Kindle for later reference that I one day hope to get laughs with at social gatherings, it's not even funny. Well, actually it is. It's hilarious. I cracked up laughing more times during this book than I can count.
But the best moments are when we see Carrie just being Carrie. Michael Bailey nails the character perfectly, and, as Carrie's scenes are told in first-person, we get to live her life, feel her feelings, read her thoughts. I feel like I know her, and trust me, if you're reading this, you'll want to know her too.
Mr. Bailey, you have created a simply marvelous, rollicking action story that I would recommend to all ages. Whether you are a teenage comic-geek or a septuagenarian comic-geek (because, lets face it, one NEVER stops being a comic-geek), or whether you just love YA books or action, do yourselves a favor and pick up this book. I will be moving right on to the next four books in the series.
Five solid stars for me. I would give it ten if I could. Wow.
When you stumble upon one that hits you in every sweet spot you have, you rejoice. And in my case, "Secret Origins" did that for me. Superhero storyline that made me nostalgic for those days when I read oodles of comic books and watch Spider-Friends and Justice League on Saturday mornings? Check. Heartfelt, poignant story about the real-world problems that all teens, superpowers or no, face on a daily basis? Check. Wonderfully-written, snarky-as-all-get-out humor? Triple check.
Carrie Hauser is a typical fifteen-year-old girl (except she has superpowers given to her by a dying alien, but other than that, she really is pretty typical) who has just moved to the town of Kingsport, Massachusetts. She is still reeling from her parents' divorce, and wants nothing more than to leave. After she starts high school, she falls in with a delightful crowd of misfits who, wouldn't ya know it, are secretly superheroes too. Matt the fanboy wannabe (who has magic gloves that can pull literally anything from his trenchcoat), Sara the sullen psychic, Missy with the mile-a-second personality and superpowers to match, and Stuart, the big goofball with the power of a mack truck.
I won't go into the story too much, but it brilliantly weaves a story of friendship and self-discovery in with a kick-ass story that includes battles with some truly BAD super-villains. What is most impressive about Secret Origins is that it never, NEVER lets us forget that it is a story about people with families and problems and issues underneath their flashy costumes. But it takes the grown-ups to make them realize that, in this world where comic-book weirdness happens on a regular basis, there is a (often terrible) cost to throwing themselves headlong into danger.
And the humor. Hoo boy. I highlighted so many fantastic lines on my Kindle for later reference that I one day hope to get laughs with at social gatherings, it's not even funny. Well, actually it is. It's hilarious. I cracked up laughing more times during this book than I can count.
But the best moments are when we see Carrie just being Carrie. Michael Bailey nails the character perfectly, and, as Carrie's scenes are told in first-person, we get to live her life, feel her feelings, read her thoughts. I feel like I know her, and trust me, if you're reading this, you'll want to know her too.
Mr. Bailey, you have created a simply marvelous, rollicking action story that I would recommend to all ages. Whether you are a teenage comic-geek or a septuagenarian comic-geek (because, lets face it, one NEVER stops being a comic-geek), or whether you just love YA books or action, do yourselves a favor and pick up this book. I will be moving right on to the next four books in the series.
Five solid stars for me. I would give it ten if I could. Wow.
November 2, 2016
As a child, I was a huge comic book fan, and still am today. I enjoy anything to do with superheroes, though I do tend to be all the more critical of all things superhero because of this history. That being said, I was a little skeptical of this book when I first picked it up, but I knew I had to give it a try to see how it goes. And boy, am I happy I did!
The plot is wonderfully written, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader captivated at all times. It has a magnificent cast of characters, both primary and secondary, that each has their own individuality and depth. There is no shortage of opportunities for the reader to connect with a character, (or characters), as there is a wide variety of unique attributes to select from.
Michael Bailey has not just written an entertaining novel, he's created a world that I find myself drawn into, that I need to continue to explore. Luckily for yours truly, there are already four more books in the series, and I hope that there will be quite a few more!
Be prepared -- Once you read this first one, you'll definitely want to continue the series!
The plot is wonderfully written, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader captivated at all times. It has a magnificent cast of characters, both primary and secondary, that each has their own individuality and depth. There is no shortage of opportunities for the reader to connect with a character, (or characters), as there is a wide variety of unique attributes to select from.
Michael Bailey has not just written an entertaining novel, he's created a world that I find myself drawn into, that I need to continue to explore. Luckily for yours truly, there are already four more books in the series, and I hope that there will be quite a few more!
Be prepared -- Once you read this first one, you'll definitely want to continue the series!
September 3, 2024
I've gotta preface that I've read this series twice over. That said, gotta say this is the weakest one, but still worthy of four stars. Gotta agree with other reviewers that the a) the prologue/flashforward set up wasn't needed and b) the occasional perspective flip (which I really didn't have a problem with) could've been improved by keeping the same tense.
That said, this book series has ruined me in the best way possible. I love, absolutely love, superhero fiction and other novels in the genre can't compete with Action Figures because there's nothing else like it. Action Figures is about a team of teen heroes and does its job. The team dynamics mixed with the teen dynamics and how it interacts with the adults in the characters' lives is just *chef's kiss*. Secret Origins not only does a good job introducing us to Carrie's world without dumping worldbuidling (Bailey knows his stuff) but the interpersonal conflict between, for example, Carrie and her mother sell the realness of it.
That said, this book series has ruined me in the best way possible. I love, absolutely love, superhero fiction and other novels in the genre can't compete with Action Figures because there's nothing else like it. Action Figures is about a team of teen heroes and does its job. The team dynamics mixed with the teen dynamics and how it interacts with the adults in the characters' lives is just *chef's kiss*. Secret Origins not only does a good job introducing us to Carrie's world without dumping worldbuidling (Bailey knows his stuff) but the interpersonal conflict between, for example, Carrie and her mother sell the realness of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2016
Teen superheroes seem to be a thing these days. A while back I read through a compendium of Invincible comics, which were silly but entertaining. This book throws in pretty much all of the teen and high school tropes from divorced parents to the hierarchies of high school kids. Kind of reminded me of Buffy in that sense, and also in the density of pop culture references (oddly Carrie is a big Bruce Springsteen fan). All in all, quite enjoyable, although geared to a younger audience.
The formatting was a bit problematic; the POV shifts could have used a bigger space between paragraphs.
I got this book free from the Kindle store.
The formatting was a bit problematic; the POV shifts could have used a bigger space between paragraphs.
I got this book free from the Kindle store.
December 30, 2015
3.5 stars. Predictable. At first I was annoyed with the main character and it definitely reads like a female character written by a man but the book improves as it goes. It was great for a plane ride and definitely reminded me of being in high school again.
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