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Rising Tides
Kingston James Parks’ day starts off badly enough when he arrives at work to find the FBI had raided his place of employment. It gets worse when the Green Zombie Soldiers (really) start shooting at him and becomes downright surreal when getting shot at triggers his breakthrough and he teleports to safety. He’s become a superhuman, a “jumper.”
He'd have rather taken a bullet.
In the days following the Chicago Attack and the Brussels Strike, as the world reels in the aftermath of the Ascendancy’s Götterdämmerung Plot, Kingston must decide what to do with his newfound power. He’s always been good at—very intelligently—avoiding fights, even running from them when he has to. But not everyone he loves can run, and now able to jump away from any fight, he finds himself suiting up to jump into a fight he never could have imagined.
Rising Tides is the first book in superhero-author Marion G. Harmon’s new Capes series.
He'd have rather taken a bullet.
In the days following the Chicago Attack and the Brussels Strike, as the world reels in the aftermath of the Ascendancy’s Götterdämmerung Plot, Kingston must decide what to do with his newfound power. He’s always been good at—very intelligently—avoiding fights, even running from them when he has to. But not everyone he loves can run, and now able to jump away from any fight, he finds himself suiting up to jump into a fight he never could have imagined.
Rising Tides is the first book in superhero-author Marion G. Harmon’s new Capes series.
292 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2024
86 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Marion G. Harmon
26 books291 followersMarion G. Harmon picked up a Masters of History degree because he likes stories. He resides in Las Vegas, where he dabbles in various aspects of financial planning while trying to get the people in his head onto the page so they’ll stop pestering him.
Addendum: M.G.Harmon still lives in Las Vegas, but has ceased telling other people how to invest their money to become a "professional author," whatever that is. He has written nine books, all about Astra and Company. They still won't leave him alone.
Addendum: M.G.Harmon still lives in Las Vegas, but has ceased telling other people how to invest their money to become a "professional author," whatever that is. He has written nine books, all about Astra and Company. They still won't leave him alone.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 1, 2025
Great addition to the Wearing the Cape universe
I was a little doubtful when I first heard about this book. I've been a fan of the author's Wearing the Cape series since it started and I was a bit disappointed that this was "just" a spin off. I shouldn't have worried.
The book was great and I already love the new characters it introduced. Seeing the world from a different viewpoint, both a different main character and a different situation, was really enjoyable and has expanded the setting in new and interesting ways.
Now I'll be looking forward to more books in both series!
I was a little doubtful when I first heard about this book. I've been a fan of the author's Wearing the Cape series since it started and I was a bit disappointed that this was "just" a spin off. I shouldn't have worried.
The book was great and I already love the new characters it introduced. Seeing the world from a different viewpoint, both a different main character and a different situation, was really enjoyable and has expanded the setting in new and interesting ways.
Now I'll be looking forward to more books in both series!
May 14, 2024
Harmon takes a sidestep in the world of Wearing the Cape to explore what life would be like for a small-time hero who is not a member of an established superhero team like his flagship Sentinels. In other words, what's it like to be a vigilante superhero in his Wearing the Cape world?
To accomplish this, Harmon takes us from the moment of his hero's breakthrough (which happens during the events of Wearing the Cape book 8) through approximately a year of superhero insanity. In the process, we get to see a pretty normal guy grow into a man willing to take pretty crazy risks for a cause he believes in. To make the vigilante part have teeth, he has his Illinois take a big step toward the dark by requiring all super-powered beings to register. And Kingston, for reasons I never actually understood, decides that he will not do the sane thing and move to a different state. (He's actually unemployed at the time with a roommate whose job takes her all over the world taking pictures. Moving would have been a highly reasonable move for both of them, but they don't really even consider it which never made sense to me.) Instead, he decides to both stay in Illinois and do something that was illegal even before the new law was passed--vigilante justice.
This troubled me. Harmon's universe is not Marvel Comics where just about every hero seems to be a vigilante. He has taken great pains to show us why his world developed in such a way that governments, in a variety of ways, incorporated superpowered beings into their already existing institutions. Vigilantism is exciting, but it's not even a Band-Aid in the fight against real crime. So, I feel like on some level, this whole move isn't sustainable. It is frankly in the government's interest on the city, state, and federal level to catch these vigilantes before they do something that becomes tragic. And it's in the interests of groups like The Sentinels to help them bring the vigilantes to justice.
So, as you can see, on a fundamental level, I never bought into the basic premise of this book. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Harmon is a very accomplished writer who thinks deeply about his subject matter. The two things I enjoyed the most were the return of a minor character from Wearing the Cape book 5 and the significant thought that Harmon has put into how Kingston's teleporting power would work. Both those things were highly enjoyable, as were Harmon's excellent action sequences.
I will wrap up this review by complimenting Harmon on his courage in beginning a second series within his excellent Wearing the Cape universe. This is not a side adventure like his novel, Bite Me. It's an entirely new beginning for heroes who will operate at a much lower level than Astra with her Superman-Lite powers does. I'm sure that wasn't easy, but the result is quite enjoyable.
To accomplish this, Harmon takes us from the moment of his hero's breakthrough (which happens during the events of Wearing the Cape book 8) through approximately a year of superhero insanity. In the process, we get to see a pretty normal guy grow into a man willing to take pretty crazy risks for a cause he believes in. To make the vigilante part have teeth, he has his Illinois take a big step toward the dark by requiring all super-powered beings to register. And Kingston, for reasons I never actually understood, decides that he will not do the sane thing and move to a different state. (He's actually unemployed at the time with a roommate whose job takes her all over the world taking pictures. Moving would have been a highly reasonable move for both of them, but they don't really even consider it which never made sense to me.) Instead, he decides to both stay in Illinois and do something that was illegal even before the new law was passed--vigilante justice.
This troubled me. Harmon's universe is not Marvel Comics where just about every hero seems to be a vigilante. He has taken great pains to show us why his world developed in such a way that governments, in a variety of ways, incorporated superpowered beings into their already existing institutions. Vigilantism is exciting, but it's not even a Band-Aid in the fight against real crime. So, I feel like on some level, this whole move isn't sustainable. It is frankly in the government's interest on the city, state, and federal level to catch these vigilantes before they do something that becomes tragic. And it's in the interests of groups like The Sentinels to help them bring the vigilantes to justice.
So, as you can see, on a fundamental level, I never bought into the basic premise of this book. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Harmon is a very accomplished writer who thinks deeply about his subject matter. The two things I enjoyed the most were the return of a minor character from Wearing the Cape book 5 and the significant thought that Harmon has put into how Kingston's teleporting power would work. Both those things were highly enjoyable, as were Harmon's excellent action sequences.
I will wrap up this review by complimenting Harmon on his courage in beginning a second series within his excellent Wearing the Cape universe. This is not a side adventure like his novel, Bite Me. It's an entirely new beginning for heroes who will operate at a much lower level than Astra with her Superman-Lite powers does. I'm sure that wasn't easy, but the result is quite enjoyable.
December 21, 2025
Rising Tides is the first book in the new "Capes" series by Marion G. Harmon. I've been a big fan of "Wearing the Cape" since I read Team-Ups and Crossovers. While Rising Tides is set in the same universe as the other books in the "Wearing the Cape" series, set at the same time as Repercussions (Book 8 in the series), and references the events happening in the main series, this book has a different feel to it. Unlike Astra, whose reaction to being a Breakthrough was "Yes! I can do awesome heroic stuff now!", the reaction of main character here, who doesn't even take a cape name until, I think, past the half-way mark, was "Okay, I'm a breakthrough...now what?" And it's not until later in the book that he actually decides to be a hero (or at least a heroic vigilante outlaw).
With all that's been going on in my life this year, I wound up having to start over on the book and power my way through it. It did get better later in the book, and I'll probably reread it again down the line, but for now it's hovering in the high "It was ok" territory.
With all that's been going on in my life this year, I wound up having to start over on the book and power my way through it. It did get better later in the book, and I'll probably reread it again down the line, but for now it's hovering in the high "It was ok" territory.
June 17, 2025
CAPES: RISING TIDES is a fantastic continuation of the Wearing the Cape franchise. The series there has kind of fallen into a pattern as Hope has settled into her new life with her shapeshifting boyfriend/girlfriend as well as superheroics. So making a new protagonist is good and we have one with a useful power of teleportation. It also involves a lot of mythology, magic, and moral compromises. It follows the typical plot of anti-superhero prejudice. I think some of the story beats are resolved a bit too pat but it is still one of the most solid books in the series in years. I strongly recommend it and it doesn't need the rest of the Wearing the Cape books to enjoy.
August 10, 2025
A wonderful, action-packed read. I haven't read the Wearing the Cape series, but I had no problem understanding what was happening in this book. Kingston becomes a Breakthrough at the beginning of the book. The only problem: his best friend September is anti-superheroes. So he decides to use his abilities in secret. Which is great until a deity takes an interest in him. He is forced to navigate a rapidly changing world while learning to use his abilities to help others. Meanwhile, September has to navigate her prejudices to follow her own path. Overall, it is a great story about personal growth and the support of friends and family.
May 14, 2024
In the world of Wearing the Cape: A Superhero Story, but a new character, and not even one as closely related to Astra as Artemis. Parallels the events of Repercussions and Joyeuse Guard.
Kingston's new job crashes and burns as it turns out the company was corrupt. He's heading home when the attacks come. He flees. He flees quite well. And it takes him a bit to realize he's teleporting -- he's a breakthrough. And his best friend and roommate really hates breakthroughs.
It involves a job-search, several characters from Astra's series, laws against breakthroughs, rats, tests of his ability, and more
Kingston's new job crashes and burns as it turns out the company was corrupt. He's heading home when the attacks come. He flees. He flees quite well. And it takes him a bit to realize he's teleporting -- he's a breakthrough. And his best friend and roommate really hates breakthroughs.
It involves a job-search, several characters from Astra's series, laws against breakthroughs, rats, tests of his ability, and more
August 3, 2024
Can I have another?
This was a really fun read. A totally engaging and joyously unusual kind of Origin story. Killjoy is a really cool and unique kind of super though I guess it remains to be seen if he transitions to full hero or keeps skirting the line of vigilantism. I was compelled to follow this story to the end and was distinctly disappointed that no Capes Book 2 was awaiting at the end of my Kindle journey. Hats off to Marion (who rarely disappoints) for such a well crafted, insightful and fun return to the WTC Universe.
This was a really fun read. A totally engaging and joyously unusual kind of Origin story. Killjoy is a really cool and unique kind of super though I guess it remains to be seen if he transitions to full hero or keeps skirting the line of vigilantism. I was compelled to follow this story to the end and was distinctly disappointed that no Capes Book 2 was awaiting at the end of my Kindle journey. Hats off to Marion (who rarely disappoints) for such a well crafted, insightful and fun return to the WTC Universe.
May 2, 2024
Another marvelous entry in the world of “Wearing the Cape”
Ever since I was first pointed towards this series, I’ve been captivated by the writing, the world-building, the characters, EVERYTHING!
I’ve come to care about the characters, eagerly turning the pages to see what happened next.
This entry is no exception. You’ll love it all… but start with the very first book, and enjoy this world in all its glory. You’ll be so glad you did…
Ever since I was first pointed towards this series, I’ve been captivated by the writing, the world-building, the characters, EVERYTHING!
I’ve come to care about the characters, eagerly turning the pages to see what happened next.
This entry is no exception. You’ll love it all… but start with the very first book, and enjoy this world in all its glory. You’ll be so glad you did…
May 5, 2024
Good to be back in Post-Event Chitown.
While this book could have used another editing and proofreading pass, I can forgive these small errors. Harmon's ability to mix plausible human motivations, cultural trends, and physical realities with gonzo comic book nonsense remains top notch. Whether you're new to the series or already a fan, this is a promising intro to a new set of characters and situations that will leave you waiting for the next fix.
While this book could have used another editing and proofreading pass, I can forgive these small errors. Harmon's ability to mix plausible human motivations, cultural trends, and physical realities with gonzo comic book nonsense remains top notch. Whether you're new to the series or already a fan, this is a promising intro to a new set of characters and situations that will leave you waiting for the next fix.
May 8, 2024
Great story and a lot of fun
I was a bit skeptical at first. After all, it only peripherally touches on the characters in the other stories. But man, I had fun reading this one. I like the new MC, I like the view of cape-dom it provides, and I’m looking forward to many more of these.
I was a bit skeptical at first. After all, it only peripherally touches on the characters in the other stories. But man, I had fun reading this one. I like the new MC, I like the view of cape-dom it provides, and I’m looking forward to many more of these.
July 5, 2024
New series
The only thing I disliked was that it wasn't an Astra story.
On the other hand, the protagonist is interesting and nowhere as strong or durable as Astra. He's merely a short-ranged teleporter with a magic sword. The story has a lot of Shelly in it. And the writing is the same quality I expect from this author.
The only thing I disliked was that it wasn't an Astra story.
On the other hand, the protagonist is interesting and nowhere as strong or durable as Astra. He's merely a short-ranged teleporter with a magic sword. The story has a lot of Shelly in it. And the writing is the same quality I expect from this author.
May 2, 2024
A great new entry in the "Wearing the Cape" series. This is a wonderful book which adds context and color to the rest of the series. I hope he continues to add more stories into this as-well-as the main series. Well worth the wait.
May 13, 2024
A slow start, but good book
This book took me a while to get into. I've enjoyed the other WtC books, and kept going. After about a quarter of the book, the pace picked up and I had trouble putting the book down.
This book took me a while to get into. I've enjoyed the other WtC books, and kept going. After about a quarter of the book, the pace picked up and I had trouble putting the book down.
April 28, 2024
Clean Fun
The Capes universe can be a dark place, but stories like this show that darkness is a collection of choices - and people can choose differently.
Recommended.
The Capes universe can be a dark place, but stories like this show that darkness is a collection of choices - and people can choose differently.
Recommended.
April 28, 2024
Great new Super Story
Nice new addition to the Wearing the Cape series. Tons of action and it really zipped along! I highly recommend it!
Nice new addition to the Wearing the Cape series. Tons of action and it really zipped along! I highly recommend it!
April 28, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine superhero adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Simon. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine superhero adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Simon. I anxiously await the sequel.
Read
May 4, 2024Great new story
Well done new characters, storyline and plot that still weaves in some previous cannon material. I thought the rat story arc was awesome and relatable.
Well done new characters, storyline and plot that still weaves in some previous cannon material. I thought the rat story arc was awesome and relatable.
May 4, 2024
Great book
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
June 4, 2024
Really
This reads like an early WTC edition and I can only hope that Mr. Harmon can hit both series out of the park.
This reads like an early WTC edition and I can only hope that Mr. Harmon can hit both series out of the park.
May 8, 2025
Amusing
Amusing side entry in the Capes universe. We get a few mentions of Astra, but she isn't part of this story at all.
Amusing side entry in the Capes universe. We get a few mentions of Astra, but she isn't part of this story at all.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews