DOSA Files: Tales from the SVR Universe, Volume 1

by H.L. Burke, Karen Eisenbrey, Sarah Pennington

10 Authors, 10 Stories, Endless Ways to Save the Day!

The Award-Winning Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series expands with this new ten-story anthology of exciting superhero (and villain!) tales.

Enter a world of superpowered heroes... and villains. Of epic adventure and hope.

In this collection you'll find tales of humor, action, and suspense. Meet brave heroes, quippy villains, and desperate vigilantes.

All featured stories are PG or lower, making this a great read for all ages, but especially for fans of superhero fiction, heartfelt moments, and snarky humor.

Featuring New Superhero Stories from Award Winning authors as well as exciting new voices in the genre.

Are you ready to save the day?

Genres: Superheroes, Urban Fantasy, Anthologies

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2024

About the author

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

Reviews

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressively satisfying collection of stories set in the SVR universe, throwing it open to other authors for the first time. Clearly H. L. Burke has managed to acquire some fans who are also talented authors. It also shows that the basic themes of that universe can be put together in some quite creative and different ways.

I won't comment on all the stories. Some of them showcase big hero vs villain setpieces with creative use of powers. "Save{point}" was my favourite of this type, taking the time loop idea from A Superhero Ever After in a much higher adrenaline direction.

Some are focused on individual character growth and family stories - children disappointed with parents, parents trying to raise young families, broken families moving forward, romance, new friendships. "Unseen Influences" was sweet and fun in this mould, also "A Quake Comes to Brighton" as a coming of age story. Burke's own story is broadly in this mould filling out back story for a character from the original series. "Play Date" - a brilliant idea about a sable Mum and toddler group - ambitiously did both. I'd actually have liked this to be longer, it felt a little rushed and I kept forgetting who was what, but the heart of it was really fun.

Some stories definitely picked up smaller distinctives like the obsession with describing food and picking the right superhero handle. ;-)

Finally, many of the stories adopted the themes of second chances and rehabilitation that are the series' most striking hallmark. That brings me to my personal favourite: the hilarious "Oh, Snap", in which a villain calling himself The Rubber Bandit tries to case a bank but finds it does not quite go to plan.

Highly recommended to fans of the series or of superhero stories in general.

Full disclosure: I am a Kickstarter backer for this. I also submitted a story that did not make it in, but can't complain given that I thought all the stories were pretty good.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am a contributing author to this anthology. My review will focus on other's stories.

I am a huge fan of the SVR superhero universe by H.L. Burke so of course the first story I want to single out is the one by her.

H.L. Burke's story "Rethink" is also notable for being the earliest chronological story to date.

This short story really is like a condensed version of one of her novels. Character with internal issue finds resolution through interaction with other characters and an imminent threat from a super villain.

Actually a lot of these stories follow this handy formula for superhero stories.

My next shout out is one of the few that deviates from this structure.

"The mundanities" by Rena Gail is exactly the kind of story that this anthology was made for. A slice of life story with low stakes. A girl who likes smiley faces helps a depressed barista see the heroics in the small everyday deeds. It doesn't have a villain but it does have a good message that will leave a smile on your face.

Overall whether you're a fan of the SVR books already or new to the universe, this anthology is a great place to start. Anyone who loves superheroes will find at least one story in this anthology that they will love.

[Jenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always feels a little weird writing a review for an anthology that I'm part of as an author... but as I had nothing to do with the other stories in the book, and as I did actually really enjoy all of them, I can honestly give this book a whole-hearted 5 stars without feeling too self-serving.

When H.L. Burke opened up her superhero universe for other authors to play in, I was so excited to read what other authors might do with it. What other stories might this world have? What other superheroes and villains could there be?

"Rethink" by H.L. Burke is an epic prologue to the entire SVR (supervillain rehabilitation) world that Burke has created. I enjoyed getting to spend time with Kevin Powell and I would love more stories with and about him, as he was a delightful character and I can definitely see a lot of where Prism and Aiden come from (he's their dad, they are main characters in the original series) in him and his story.

Save{Point} by Sarah Pennington is a thrilling, heart-pumping sort of heist story, with a hero who has time-resetting abilities. I love pretty much everything Sarah writes, so it's no surprise that this was my favorite story of the anthology.

“Oh, Snap” by Amber Gabriel was a really fun story in which a minor supervillain from one of H.L. Burke's first stories gets fleshed out a bit. This one had a lot of humor and I really enjoyed it.

“Unseen Influences” by Michelle L. Houston was adorably sweet, about a teacher with invisibility powers and how she touches lives but sort of goes through life untouched herself... until a certain student and her father enter her world.

“Careless Mistakes” by Karen Eisenbrey was a fun story about how even the smallest or weakest powers can still save the world and be important.

“The Mundanities” by Rena Gail was a delightful sketch about a woman who desperately wanted to be a hero and went in for gene-manipulation to try to become a sable... but never got any powers. Or did she? Perhaps powers don't always look the way we expect. Maybe a smile is more powerful than we can imagine.

“Letting Off Steam” by C. O. Bonham was a fun sort of steampunk twist on the SVR-verse, with a young woman who unexpectedly manifests steam-manipulation powers. This was one of the most complex stories in the anthology thematically and I really enjoyed getting to know Violet and rooting for her to make good choices and become a hero.

“A Quake Comes to Brighton” by Jake Tyson was a fun story that mingled high school sports and sables, which I enjoyed a lot because my kids have all had a lot of conversations about how sports would be affected by sables and what rules would have to be put in place to deal with sables in competition, so it was fun to read a story that kind of delved into that a bit.

“A Supervillain Named Heartache” by K. M. Carroll felt very much like a "classic" SVR story about a villain who gets into the SVR program and gives him a second chance to clean up his act and be a hero.

My own story rounds out this collection of 10 super tales and is about a sable mom who is has just moved to a new town in a new state and is trying to make friends with other super-powered moms. I think it's fun... you should read it and tell me what you thought!

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a really hard time wanting to read short story anthologies because I always end up only liking one or two of the stories, but this one was a surprising exception!

I only ended up not really caring for three to four of them and really enjoyed the rest far more then I thought I would. I especially liked the one by Sarah Pennington, the way it was structured really ramped up the tension of how everything would turn out in the end.

A solid superhero story collection; I’m looking forward to trying out Volumes 2 and 3!


‼️Content (for all stories)‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a character has panic attacks; a girl mentions wanting to throw herself off a building (nothing happens)

Language: heck; gosh-golly; dang it; freaking; dang; gosh; crap; frickin’; what the; screw; hell; oh dear God (1); darn it; suck-up; geez; darn; oh my gosh; God (1)

Violence: fighting with superpowers, weapons, and hand to hand (not detailed); a dead body falls out of a cabinet on a character (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a man slaps his daughter; a teen is shot by a drug dealer (not detailed)

Sexual: a guy uses superpowers to make himself look like a woman; kissing (not detailed)

Alcohol/Drugs: drug dealing and using; a drug cartel

Other: superheroes/supervillains/superpowers; a character has panic attacks; bank robberies; a girl mentions wanting to throw herself off a building (nothing happens); death and grief; a man’s imprisoned

[Brianna Wilkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

DOSA Files #1 is an expansion of HL Burke’s SVR Universe. 10 authors make their mark on an already impressive universe. My favorites were by HL Burke, Rena Gail, Amber Gabriel, and Janelle Leanne Schmidt. Stories range from cute fluff to stories dealing with illegal drugs and murder while somehow remaining safe for all ages to enjoy. It’s a fun addition to an already amazing series.

[Olivia Gratehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a PHENOMENAL collection of short stories, each of them wholly unique and compelling. All of them felt like a natural expansion of HL Burke’s SVR universe, but also stand on their own. I loved every single story, all so well written, exciting, and full of hope, but I’d have to say that “Oh, Snap” and “Play Date” would probably be my favorites.

[Anna Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is a compilation of 10 short stories written by 10 authors in H.L. Burke's supervillain rehabilitation universe. Which means that all these stories feature redemption in some form - whether it's a kid being provided guidance before (or while) they get too deep into trouble, or adults being given a second chance to do the right thing. Orrrr supervillains who "accidentally" do the right thing because at heart they're actually still good human beings deep inside.

There's quite a range of stories here, from sweet romances to slice-of-life, action to... something of a heist so there should be something for every kind of reader. The overarching theme seems to be "everyone can be a hero to someone else, even if you think you/your powers are useless", which, obviously, is a good message to take away.

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOSA Files is the superhero anthology that you didn’t know you needed! Each story provides an engaging set of characters and superb antics, including several cameos from people and places in H.L. Burke’s main series. I love how each author contributed a story full of heart-warming heroics and moving themes, making this collection well worth reading! I hope new readers jump into this anthology with enthusiasm and join the growing group of fans in the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project/DOSA-verse. I highly recommend this addicting superhero series!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5⭐️

As a big fan of H. L. Burke’s SVR universe, I dug into this anthology with excitement and was not disappointed. I loved reading about the characters and situations the authors worked into this world. There were only 2 stories that I didn’t care for, but I loved the rest, with my favorites being “Rethink”, “Save{point}, “Careless Mistakes”, & “Play Date”. This was a very enjoyable read and I’m ready for Volume Two.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great anthology! Perfect for fans of the SVR-verse, but also great for superhero fans looking for a quick read! I enjoyed all the stories, and there were some really unique powers explored!

[C. Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't usually do anthologies - loved this one

I don't usually do anthologies so I was skeptical I'd like this, but I ran out of other SVR books so I figured I'd give it a shot. And it was a lot of fun! It's cool to see others' ideas of the SVR world. Also the Heartbreaker story absolutely made me cry and it's not fair. 😂

[Sarah]

Not rating this because I have a story in it and that feels a little dishonest, but I will say as a reader and fan of the SVR that this book has a lot of really fun stories from the SVR verse. It was fun to see how different authors approached the world and the types of stories they chose to tell!

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The DOSA verse expands...

I loved this anthology. HL Burke gives us a glimpse of the famous Kevin Powell. A supervillain saves the day during a bank heist. A retired superhero mom finds an unusual playgroup. Highly recommended for old and new fans.

[Leiana Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I've reread it multiple times at this point; it just doesn't get old!

Would've been really nice to have a content warning for the dead body description in Save(Point), though. I don't usually need content warnings, but on audiobook, it was so sudden it scared the heck out of me.

[Annie Lima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these stories were great! Well-rounded characters, well-developed settings, and believable plots. Unfortunately, several were in desperate need of both proofreading and developmental editing. We're talking glaring plot holes, inconsistencies, and events that just didn't make sense, along with typos and grammatical errors. I really enjoy H.L. Burke's superhero/supervillain novels, so I'll stick with those from now on. However, if you want some quick, lighthearted reads and you don't get bothered by errors, you'll probably enjoy these fun stories.

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun, family-friendly collection of superhero short stories full of humor and heart, all set in H. L. Burke’s Supervillain Rehabilitation Project universe but each with its own twist. Full disclosure, one of them is mine, and I was pleased with how it fit in with the others.

The anthology opens with Burke’s “Rethink”, in which sables (super-abled) Kevin Powell and Maria Rossi meet at a time when DOSA is new and they are learning how to use their abilities in hero work. I enjoyed this bit of backstory of the Powell family, when future capital-H Heroes were awkward and unsure. The SVR stories always show superhumans being very human, and this is no exception.

“Save(point)” by Sarah Pennington introduces a fun take on time-travel. Ava has the ability to reset time, within limitations, as if in a video game. She’s trying to heist valuable and sensitive material, but things keep going wrong, almost as if she’s not the only one with her power. I liked the clever repeat-with-variations structure as Ava problem solves and learns to trust potential allies.

“Oh, Snap” by Amber Gabriel makes excellent comedic use of the SVR villain with the best name: Rubber Bandit. Recently released from jail, he uses his stretchy powers to change his appearance for the purpose of casing a bank branch. Interactions with a school field trip change his plans for the day when the villain has a chance to play hero.

“Unseen Influences” by Michelle L. Houston explores what it would be like to have superpowers and severe social anxiety. Selina is a kindergarten teacher with the ability to make herself undetectable. She is comfortable with her students, but most adults are too much, so she isn’t DOSA-hero material. I like that the story lets her stay in her comfort zone, while introducing the possibility of friendship or romance with a student’s father.

My story, “Careless Mistakes”, features two low-power sables using their abilities to do office temp work and bonding over grilled cheese and options for entry-level villainy. Will their small powers be enough when an eco-terrorist strikes? I like the idea of weak or ridiculous powers that end up being the right thing at the right time.

“The Mundanities” by Rena Gail features a barista who wanted sable powers but didn’t get them, and a customer whose participation in a drug trial gave her a useless power, along with a disability that made her planned career impossible. This is a touching story of characters struggling to find the good in disappointing situations, and discovering that it is possible to have a special ability even if you don’t have superpowers.

“Letting Off Steam” by C. O. Bonham brings back a cool setting from Burke’s Supervillain Rescue project series: a derelict steampunk theme park. When Violet unexpectedly develops steam powers and scalds some school bullies, she runs away to the abandoned park to hide and get control of her powers. Then she discovers she’s not the only one hiding in the park, and has to choose between the villain she believes she is and the hero she could be with the right kind of help. Bonham has fun with steampunk costumes and delves into cool details of the park for purposes of exploration and battle.

“A Quake Comes to Brighton” by Jake Tyson adds sable powers to a teen drama of addiction, gun violence, and athletic scholarships as a way out of poverty. Jamal and Nathan are teammates turned rivals, high school track stars hoping to impress college scouts. Both end up with sable powers, amping up their adversarial relationship. This story had kind of an Afterschool Special vibe that didn’t quite work for me, but I did like the novel way Jamal gained his powers.

“A Supervillain Named Heartache” by K. M. Carroll introduces a villain who doesn’t want to be one but can’t see himself as anything else. He can use his bioenergy powers to heal or to amplify other sables’ abilities, but he can also use them to amplify himself, with deadly results. The SVR gives him a chance at redemption. He figures he’ll be a support sable, healing the heroes, but when old enemies attach his team, will he be able to fight back without destroying everything? This story is an intriguing look at the fine line between healing and destruction, and how easy it can be for a person with good intentions to be led down the villain path.

I found “Play Date” by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt to be the most entertaining story in the anthology. It would make a very funny action-comedy film. Emilia is taking a break from active hero work to raise her young children after a move to a new city for her husband’s job as a DOSA team leader. She thinks she’s found her people when she gets involved with a group of other sable moms … until she discovers they’re all villains! But when her husband is kidnapped, her new friends band together to help her mount a rescue. I love that these moms’ powers aren’t overtly villainous, and also super useful for parenting small children. Who wouldn’t like to spin off a clone to watch the kids while being free to chat with the adults?

[Mawdiay Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. There were some stories that were not my "cup of tea", but there were some really good ones. I especially liked Rethink, Oh Snap, The Mundanites, and The Supervillain Named Heartache.

I like how Rethink had a theme of mercy triumphing over a need for justice. It also had a theme of how a talent/superpower can seem unimportant, weird, unuseful, and yet become the most important element of the story.

I like how in Oh Snap, the Rubber Bandit, aka Elam Bently, a recently release from jail supervillain accidentally turns into a hero.

Then in The Mundanites, the theme is that small everyday acts of kindness and a well brewed cup of coffee can be a greater act of heroism than flying in to stop a robbery.

The Supervillain Named Heartache is a sweet story of hope and second chances. Heartache who got unknowingly got roped into villain work by his sister gets a second chance by being enrolled in the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project. He thinks he is good for nothing and God should just kill him. In the end he gets to use his powers to protect and heal.

[Amber Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best story collections I have ever read. All the authors (of which I am one, full disclosure, but I'm reviewing the other stories) did an incredible job tapping into H.L. Burke's universe. Each story features creative new characters with an array of powers from the mundane to the epic while keeping with Burke's overarching themes that redemption is possible and that everyone can make a difference. The concept of a Supervillain mom's group cracks me up, and I'd love to read future installments. "A Villain called Heartbreak" has all the feels, and I loved Aiden's cameo in "Letting off Steam." Fun wordplay and steampunk vibes too. "The Mundanities" hit deep with the idea that a hero doesn't have to have flashy powers to help others. I loved each entry in this anthology. Highly recommend to superhero fans, Burke followers, and anyone looking for a wholesome escape.

[Skredder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! Each of the stories was fun and really clever, especially with the different powers and super names. I will say the final story was my favorite (I had purchased the book just to read that one story. Lol). The other stories were still very fun and enjoyable.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super fun short stories