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Worst Hero Ever
Heroes are the worst. Jim Riven would know–he used to be one. Now he just wants to run his crumbling old bar and be left alone. Beer and chicken wings don’t try to vaporize him. Well, not since that one time.
But when remnants of his old life come calling, they bring the one reason he can’t ignore. Lock, a hero who died fighting for the Spectrum–the world’s premier hero team–may not be so dead after all. But if she’s alive, where has she been? Though Jim works hard at not caring about stuff, this is different. Lock was his sister, and the truth about her is hidden somewhere in the Spectrum’s base.
Sneaking in is easy. For the first time in years, the Spectrum has invited aspiring heroes to compete for recruitment. The hard part? Something has twisted the Spectrum’s minds, and now they’re hunting the recruits for sport. If Jim’s going to survive long enough to find the truth, he’ll have to work with a ragtag group of wannabes heroes–and one villain–all while keeping his true identity secret.
See? Heroes are the worst.
But when remnants of his old life come calling, they bring the one reason he can’t ignore. Lock, a hero who died fighting for the Spectrum–the world’s premier hero team–may not be so dead after all. But if she’s alive, where has she been? Though Jim works hard at not caring about stuff, this is different. Lock was his sister, and the truth about her is hidden somewhere in the Spectrum’s base.
Sneaking in is easy. For the first time in years, the Spectrum has invited aspiring heroes to compete for recruitment. The hard part? Something has twisted the Spectrum’s minds, and now they’re hunting the recruits for sport. If Jim’s going to survive long enough to find the truth, he’ll have to work with a ragtag group of wannabes heroes–and one villain–all while keeping his true identity secret.
See? Heroes are the worst.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 13, 2026
Are you looking for a humorous version of “The Boys” and a parody of “The Justice League”? Then the “Worst Hero Ever” may be the answer you’re looking for. We follow Jim, an ex-hero, and sarcastic cynic to a fault, as he works at his run-down bar. After losing his sister as she helps the heroes of their city, Jim wants nothing to do with parahumans, until he finds out that maybe his sister isn’t as dead as he thought, and if she’s alive, then what does that mean for the Spectrum heroes who told his family she had died? Through an open call competition to join the Spectrum, Jim and his unlikely team try to find the answers they seek, even if they aren’t fully aware of the sinister forces they are up against. At least, not until the Spectrum tries to kill everyone in the competition.
This book is incredibly fun; each chapter ends with a zinger that really feels appropriate for these comic book-like heroes and villains. Jim tries so hard to be the clown, but when lives are on the line, he always steps up. The book is campy, and while I had a lot of fun with that, I know it’s not for everyone. Neither are cliffhangers, which this book has. Which is honestly my only issue; the cliffhanger came with no resolution to the current task, the story incomplete. For a book so quick and short, I wouldn’t have minded this first book being longer so we could at least get to know the late comers to Jim and his team a bit more. Also, while I could see the twists coming when it came to Summer, Jim’s salty attitude was enough to keep me invested.
“Worst Hero Ever” is an action-packed book with fun banter from start to finish. Each of the team members have interesting character arcs and personalities that fit with the over-the-top nature of a superhero story. I found all the abilities to be interesting, especially for a world where it seems like parahumans are the norm rather than the exception. This isn’t a book meant to be read seriously, it’s pure entertainment and, in that regard, it really knocked it out of the park. Still, I would have liked more of the story to be wrapped up in this first book before the abrupt cut off, hence the 4.5 stars, but it does make me very excited to see what comes next!
This book is incredibly fun; each chapter ends with a zinger that really feels appropriate for these comic book-like heroes and villains. Jim tries so hard to be the clown, but when lives are on the line, he always steps up. The book is campy, and while I had a lot of fun with that, I know it’s not for everyone. Neither are cliffhangers, which this book has. Which is honestly my only issue; the cliffhanger came with no resolution to the current task, the story incomplete. For a book so quick and short, I wouldn’t have minded this first book being longer so we could at least get to know the late comers to Jim and his team a bit more. Also, while I could see the twists coming when it came to Summer, Jim’s salty attitude was enough to keep me invested.
“Worst Hero Ever” is an action-packed book with fun banter from start to finish. Each of the team members have interesting character arcs and personalities that fit with the over-the-top nature of a superhero story. I found all the abilities to be interesting, especially for a world where it seems like parahumans are the norm rather than the exception. This isn’t a book meant to be read seriously, it’s pure entertainment and, in that regard, it really knocked it out of the park. Still, I would have liked more of the story to be wrapped up in this first book before the abrupt cut off, hence the 4.5 stars, but it does make me very excited to see what comes next!
March 15, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
Dear Archer Thorn, how very dare you end the book there?! I loved it. This is the second book I've read this year that reminds me of The Boys, and I say this with utter affection as a huge fan of that franchise. Jim was a grumpy, reluctant and quick-witted protagonist, written with perfect characterisation. The ragtag team of found family were a delight to get to know, and I really enjoyed the diversity.
The end of this book also mentioned a short bonus story for signing up to the author's mailing list, which I did immediately, and that was just as good. Both this and the main story had fun storylines with a decent bunch of surprises, and I guess I just have to sit here and wait for the next one.
Dear Archer Thorn, how very dare you end the book there?! I loved it. This is the second book I've read this year that reminds me of The Boys, and I say this with utter affection as a huge fan of that franchise. Jim was a grumpy, reluctant and quick-witted protagonist, written with perfect characterisation. The ragtag team of found family were a delight to get to know, and I really enjoyed the diversity.
The end of this book also mentioned a short bonus story for signing up to the author's mailing list, which I did immediately, and that was just as good. Both this and the main story had fun storylines with a decent bunch of surprises, and I guess I just have to sit here and wait for the next one.
April 4, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a download of this book through the Booksirens program for the purpose of writing this review. No other compensation was offered or requested.
Jim Riven used to be a minor superhero along with his sister Summer. She was Lock, with computer powers, while he was Lode, with electrical control. They cleaned up some gangs in their home town of Highguard. Then Lock was recruited by the world’s greatest hero team, the Spectrum, through the Dare program to become one of their support team, the Prism. It didn’t last very long before Summer died in a supervillain battle. That was ten years ago.
Jim tried to carry on as Lode for a short time, but he’d already struggled to stay motivated without his partner, and now that his sister was dead, it seemed pointless. He bought a dive bar to be the bartender of, and sank into a comfortable cynicism. He wanted nothing more to do with heroism.
But now the Spectrum has decided to restart the Dare to recruit new members for the Prism. And a mysterious contact reveals Summer might in fact be alive, somewhere on the Spectrum’s orbital headquarters. The contact gives Jim a false identity to allow him to infiltrate the Dare, but is maddeningly short on straight answers.
The local pickup point is in the nearby city of Cloudguard, and by chance Jim is assembled with three other hero prospects. Kelvin, who turns out to be a elementary school friend of Jim’s but is also here under an assumed name, so is willing not to let on to Jim’s real identity, and has invisibility-related powers. Natalie, an energetic and optimistic young woman who can summon rocks and stone. And Zoe, a standoffish but hot woman who supplements overall competency with something called “Aethyr.” We’ll soon learn they’re all hiding secrets.
The Dare turns out to be a deceptively simple-sounding challenge. Get from the top of the satellite headquarters to the bottom, first seven there get to join the Prism. The standard catch is that the Spectrum and current Prism members will be trying to stop you. The new, unexpected twist is that they will be using lethal force. Deliberately to kill you. Jim doesn’t think that’s something the world’s greatest superheroes should be doing.
Can Jim and his newfound allies win, or even survive the Dare, or will their hidden motivations sabotage their efforts? Is Summer really alive and in what condition? And why have the Spectrum turned murderous?
Good: While the Spectrum is very obviously based on the Justice League with its “big seven” of whom several are one-for-one expies, and its satellite headquarters, there’s enough variation not to just “be” the Justice League, and the Prism supers are more varied.
Jim and his initial three teammates get a decent amount of backstory and characterization, with Jim having the most character development. He’s forced to confront his cynicism and rediscover his heroic instincts, as well as learn that he’s far more powerful than he ever thought he could be.
We also get a little bit of characterization for other potential recruits–one of them is only too willing to resort to killing to curry favor with the Spectrum’s new direction.
There’s a handy glossary at the end.
Less good: You’ll notice from the cover reproduced above that this is “Book One of the Black Cape Saga.” This turns out to mean that the book ends not with the resolution of the first plotline, but in the middle of it, just stopping as our protagonists enter a new area of the satellite, with a stinger suggesting that Summer is indeed still alive. If this sort of thing frustrates you, this book might not be your first choice.
This also means that the three new teammates introduced late in this book get a minimum of characterization, making it a bit hard to care about them.
Content notice: Lethal violence. Some rough language. Bullying. Teens up should be able to handle this.
This is decent enough superhero action, but the not-ending is annoying, and you may want to wait until the sequel is out to see if it can stick the landing.
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Jim Riven used to be a minor superhero along with his sister Summer. She was Lock, with computer powers, while he was Lode, with electrical control. They cleaned up some gangs in their home town of Highguard. Then Lock was recruited by the world’s greatest hero team, the Spectrum, through the Dare program to become one of their support team, the Prism. It didn’t last very long before Summer died in a supervillain battle. That was ten years ago.
Jim tried to carry on as Lode for a short time, but he’d already struggled to stay motivated without his partner, and now that his sister was dead, it seemed pointless. He bought a dive bar to be the bartender of, and sank into a comfortable cynicism. He wanted nothing more to do with heroism.
But now the Spectrum has decided to restart the Dare to recruit new members for the Prism. And a mysterious contact reveals Summer might in fact be alive, somewhere on the Spectrum’s orbital headquarters. The contact gives Jim a false identity to allow him to infiltrate the Dare, but is maddeningly short on straight answers.
The local pickup point is in the nearby city of Cloudguard, and by chance Jim is assembled with three other hero prospects. Kelvin, who turns out to be a elementary school friend of Jim’s but is also here under an assumed name, so is willing not to let on to Jim’s real identity, and has invisibility-related powers. Natalie, an energetic and optimistic young woman who can summon rocks and stone. And Zoe, a standoffish but hot woman who supplements overall competency with something called “Aethyr.” We’ll soon learn they’re all hiding secrets.
The Dare turns out to be a deceptively simple-sounding challenge. Get from the top of the satellite headquarters to the bottom, first seven there get to join the Prism. The standard catch is that the Spectrum and current Prism members will be trying to stop you. The new, unexpected twist is that they will be using lethal force. Deliberately to kill you. Jim doesn’t think that’s something the world’s greatest superheroes should be doing.
Can Jim and his newfound allies win, or even survive the Dare, or will their hidden motivations sabotage their efforts? Is Summer really alive and in what condition? And why have the Spectrum turned murderous?
Good: While the Spectrum is very obviously based on the Justice League with its “big seven” of whom several are one-for-one expies, and its satellite headquarters, there’s enough variation not to just “be” the Justice League, and the Prism supers are more varied.
Jim and his initial three teammates get a decent amount of backstory and characterization, with Jim having the most character development. He’s forced to confront his cynicism and rediscover his heroic instincts, as well as learn that he’s far more powerful than he ever thought he could be.
We also get a little bit of characterization for other potential recruits–one of them is only too willing to resort to killing to curry favor with the Spectrum’s new direction.
There’s a handy glossary at the end.
Less good: You’ll notice from the cover reproduced above that this is “Book One of the Black Cape Saga.” This turns out to mean that the book ends not with the resolution of the first plotline, but in the middle of it, just stopping as our protagonists enter a new area of the satellite, with a stinger suggesting that Summer is indeed still alive. If this sort of thing frustrates you, this book might not be your first choice.
This also means that the three new teammates introduced late in this book get a minimum of characterization, making it a bit hard to care about them.
Content notice: Lethal violence. Some rough language. Bullying. Teens up should be able to handle this.
This is decent enough superhero action, but the not-ending is annoying, and you may want to wait until the sequel is out to see if it can stick the landing.
Share this:
August 5, 2025
This book was a fun and fast read from start to finish. You may think you know how super hero stories go, but you've never read one quite like this before. Thorn's take is salty, sarcastic, surprising, and yet still compelling on an emotional level. You'll devour this book and be chomping at the bit for the next one. Trust me.
May 3, 2025
Jim isn’t a hero.
He works in a rundown bar. He likes it that way.
He used to be a minor hero along with his sister. His sister’s dead now.
He wants nothing to do with his past self. In fact, he wants nothing to do with any hero. His sister died because of them.
And then, one day, one of the heroes gives him information that makes him believe she’s not quite dead. And, in order to find out more, he will need to compete in the Dare, a competition for aspiring heroes, where they get to prove themselves and their worth.
He wants nothing to do with heroes. He wants nothing to do with this competition or a bunch of hero wannabes. But this competition might be his only chance at finding out the truth about his sister, and rescuing her if she needs help.
And so, Jim decides to compete.
He’s not a hero. He’s most definitely not a hero. He still wants nothing to do with them.
Soon, he discovers that something has gone extremely wrong. The competition has turned into a death-trap. The heroes, who the rest of the world considers their, well, heroes, (though he couldn’t think less highly of them) are killing Dare contestants for entertainment.
It’s up to him and his team to get to the finish line alive and save as many contestants as they can.
Jim may not be a hero. But he won’t let anyone die if he can help it. Even if it means giving up on information that could lead to his sister.
This book includes many other terms and nicknames that I didn’t quite follow. (Hence the usage of the generic term hero.) Though, this didn’t bother my understanding of the occurrences, only of the hierarchy and actual worldbuilding, and I understood well enough who was against who, which is probably most important.
The story follows Jim and his team as they start the contest, get closer to the finish line, and start to act as the team of heroes that they are. And then, it just ends in the middle. Right as they’re starting to figure it out, right as soon as they’re on the right line, and their secrets are all . Which was rather disappointing, since the book was just getting started and already it ended.
The part of the story that was included in this book was definitely engaging. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. Jim is an entertaining character, with comebacks for everything and a sense of humor that shows up right in the midst of danger and is amusing to read. Yes, there definitely were a few spots were the humor felt forced or overdone, but this was a minor blip more than anything and the many funny moments more than made up for them.
Jim’s character and thoughts were well developed. There were a few flashback scenes where Jim remembered his dead/missing sister, Summer, which helped me understand him more. There was also a scene or two from one of the other team member’s POV, which felt a bit out of place. Overall, though, it was Jim’s story. Which worked, since he was an amusing character. I wish I got to know the rest of his team a bit better, since it sounded like they all had stories of their own.
I also got annoyed at Jim’s team for just kill them once and for all and prevent more innocent deaths in the future. Again, I’m not usually advocative of murder. But when this person is dangerous and trying to kill you and/or others, then yes, please do just eliminate them so that they don’t escape and kill you.
The story did seem to be cut off in the middle (and it sort of was, so this makes sense), leaving me hanging in the middle of the action, and leaving the other characters not-developed-enough. For this reason alone, I would’ve given this book 3 stars, but decided it was fun enough to overlook these facts.
This is a great read for anyone who likes superhero reads, exciting twists, and witty narrators. Just beware it ends on a cliffhanger.
“Who knows, Louis? One day, the world may need you to save it.”
“It... it may need me? How?”
“I don’t know. But when that day comes, I need you to be there with me.” She was close enough to touch him now, holding out her hand. “We can’t afford to lose good people from this world. Not even one. Please, Louis.”
Content:
Flirting. Danger and evil. Heroes Man threatens suicide. Jim owns a bar.
A few uses of minor language.
He works in a rundown bar. He likes it that way.
He used to be a minor hero along with his sister. His sister’s dead now.
He wants nothing to do with his past self. In fact, he wants nothing to do with any hero. His sister died because of them.
And then, one day, one of the heroes gives him information that makes him believe she’s not quite dead. And, in order to find out more, he will need to compete in the Dare, a competition for aspiring heroes, where they get to prove themselves and their worth.
He wants nothing to do with heroes. He wants nothing to do with this competition or a bunch of hero wannabes. But this competition might be his only chance at finding out the truth about his sister, and rescuing her if she needs help.
And so, Jim decides to compete.
He’s not a hero. He’s most definitely not a hero. He still wants nothing to do with them.
Soon, he discovers that something has gone extremely wrong. The competition has turned into a death-trap. The heroes, who the rest of the world considers their, well, heroes, (though he couldn’t think less highly of them) are killing Dare contestants for entertainment.
It’s up to him and his team to get to the finish line alive and save as many contestants as they can.
Jim may not be a hero. But he won’t let anyone die if he can help it. Even if it means giving up on information that could lead to his sister.
This book includes many other terms and nicknames that I didn’t quite follow. (Hence the usage of the generic term hero.) Though, this didn’t bother my understanding of the occurrences, only of the hierarchy and actual worldbuilding, and I understood well enough who was against who, which is probably most important.
The story follows Jim and his team as they start the contest, get closer to the finish line, and start to act as the team of heroes that they are. And then, it just ends in the middle. Right as they’re starting to figure it out, right as soon as they’re on the right line, and their secrets are all . Which was rather disappointing, since the book was just getting started and already it ended.
The part of the story that was included in this book was definitely engaging. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. Jim is an entertaining character, with comebacks for everything and a sense of humor that shows up right in the midst of danger and is amusing to read. Yes, there definitely were a few spots were the humor felt forced or overdone, but this was a minor blip more than anything and the many funny moments more than made up for them.
Jim’s character and thoughts were well developed. There were a few flashback scenes where Jim remembered his dead/missing sister, Summer, which helped me understand him more. There was also a scene or two from one of the other team member’s POV, which felt a bit out of place. Overall, though, it was Jim’s story. Which worked, since he was an amusing character. I wish I got to know the rest of his team a bit better, since it sounded like they all had stories of their own.
I also got annoyed at Jim’s team for just kill them once and for all and prevent more innocent deaths in the future. Again, I’m not usually advocative of murder. But when this person is dangerous and trying to kill you and/or others, then yes, please do just eliminate them so that they don’t escape and kill you.
The story did seem to be cut off in the middle (and it sort of was, so this makes sense), leaving me hanging in the middle of the action, and leaving the other characters not-developed-enough. For this reason alone, I would’ve given this book 3 stars, but decided it was fun enough to overlook these facts.
This is a great read for anyone who likes superhero reads, exciting twists, and witty narrators. Just beware it ends on a cliffhanger.
“Who knows, Louis? One day, the world may need you to save it.”
“It... it may need me? How?”
“I don’t know. But when that day comes, I need you to be there with me.” She was close enough to touch him now, holding out her hand. “We can’t afford to lose good people from this world. Not even one. Please, Louis.”
Content:
Flirting. Danger and evil. Heroes Man threatens suicide. Jim owns a bar.
A few uses of minor language.
March 21, 2025
4.5/5 rounded to 5
This one took me a second to get invested, but boy does it take off! The story opens with a bartender who used to do hero stuff, but is now a jaded and sarcastic bar owner. Quips fling at you right and left, and you get an idea of Jim’s interaction with the world including his long abandoned hero dreams as Lode. (The scene with the waitress and the special dessert he uses to deal with rude patrons- chef’s kiss!)
Yeah heroes are great and all, until they aren’t. About halfway, we get to the meat and the action. Jim is talked into finding out what really happened after his sister and hero partner, Lock was asked to join the Spectrum and died under mysterious circumstances. It’s soon revealed that the invitation Jim received along with many other hero hopefuls was not in good faith. Win or die, there’s no other choices.
The flow is fast, the banter is hilarious and you can’t help but get sucked into the story. The inner monologues are peak.
And that ending… Daaaaaamn. Archer Thorn sure knows how to leave you hanging.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Everwatch Books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one took me a second to get invested, but boy does it take off! The story opens with a bartender who used to do hero stuff, but is now a jaded and sarcastic bar owner. Quips fling at you right and left, and you get an idea of Jim’s interaction with the world including his long abandoned hero dreams as Lode. (The scene with the waitress and the special dessert he uses to deal with rude patrons- chef’s kiss!)
Yeah heroes are great and all, until they aren’t. About halfway, we get to the meat and the action. Jim is talked into finding out what really happened after his sister and hero partner, Lock was asked to join the Spectrum and died under mysterious circumstances. It’s soon revealed that the invitation Jim received along with many other hero hopefuls was not in good faith. Win or die, there’s no other choices.
The flow is fast, the banter is hilarious and you can’t help but get sucked into the story. The inner monologues are peak.
And that ending… Daaaaaamn. Archer Thorn sure knows how to leave you hanging.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Everwatch Books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2025
In a world where superheroes and supervillains are real, Jim Riven wants nothing more than to run his seedy bar and stay off everyone’s radar. He tried his hand at the superhero thing once before, and it ended up costing his older sister, Summer, her life. Now, heroes, villains, and superpowers are the last things he wants to think about.
Jim’s determination to stay off the grid falls by the wayside when Lord Neon contacts him with the information that Summer may still be alive. All he has to do is compete in the Dare, nominally a competition to recruit new members for the superhero team. Lord Neon’s enigmatic instruction: “Follow the green line.” But Jim barely has time to ponder the meaning of that inscrutable directive before he realizes that someone has taken control of the superheroes and converted them to supervillains. In the ensuing battle royale, he wonders if he’ll ever be able to solve the mystery of Summer’s disappearance.
Worst Hero Ever is an enjoyable potpourri of fantasy and science fiction. Everyone, it seems, including Jim, has a hidden superpower. The official superheroes may be imposing, but the challengers participating in the Dare show surprising ingenuity and resilience. Jim cracks lame jokes and spouts corny puns throughout, as becomes his jaded attitude toward the whole superhero milieu.
Yet through it all, despite his self-assessment as the “worst hero ever,” Jim’s better nature constantly shows through. Everyone he teams up with has baggage, but together, they form an effective fighting force.
Fantasy and science fiction are not genres I typically read, but I nonetheless enjoyed Worst Hero Ever after acclimating myself to its alternative universe. It’s a tale of swashbuckling adventure akin to Star Wars or some of the pirate epics from Hollywood’s golden age. It’s easy to read and fun. But watch out for the ending!
Jim’s determination to stay off the grid falls by the wayside when Lord Neon contacts him with the information that Summer may still be alive. All he has to do is compete in the Dare, nominally a competition to recruit new members for the superhero team. Lord Neon’s enigmatic instruction: “Follow the green line.” But Jim barely has time to ponder the meaning of that inscrutable directive before he realizes that someone has taken control of the superheroes and converted them to supervillains. In the ensuing battle royale, he wonders if he’ll ever be able to solve the mystery of Summer’s disappearance.
Worst Hero Ever is an enjoyable potpourri of fantasy and science fiction. Everyone, it seems, including Jim, has a hidden superpower. The official superheroes may be imposing, but the challengers participating in the Dare show surprising ingenuity and resilience. Jim cracks lame jokes and spouts corny puns throughout, as becomes his jaded attitude toward the whole superhero milieu.
Yet through it all, despite his self-assessment as the “worst hero ever,” Jim’s better nature constantly shows through. Everyone he teams up with has baggage, but together, they form an effective fighting force.
Fantasy and science fiction are not genres I typically read, but I nonetheless enjoyed Worst Hero Ever after acclimating myself to its alternative universe. It’s a tale of swashbuckling adventure akin to Star Wars or some of the pirate epics from Hollywood’s golden age. It’s easy to read and fun. But watch out for the ending!
April 1, 2025
Absolutely stellar! Archer Thorn's "Heroes are the Worst" is a five-star masterpiece that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. From Jim Riven's perfectly crafted grumpy-hero-turned-reluctant-savior persona to the vibrant and diverse ragtag team he's forced to work with, this book is an absolute delight.
Thorn masterfully weaves a tale that's equal parts hilarious and heart-pounding. Jim's sharp wit and snarky inner monologues are a constant source of amusement, while the mystery surrounding his sister Lock and the sinister happenings within the Spectrum keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are dynamic and engaging, and the world-building is seamless.
The found family dynamic is beautifully executed, and you can't help but become invested in each character's journey. And that ending! Oh, that ending! Thorn leaves you craving more, a testament to their exceptional storytelling prowess. Plus, the bonus story for signing up for the mailing list was a brilliant touch—a delightful extra treat that only enhanced the experience.
If you're a fan of witty banter, compelling characters, and a thrilling plot with a dash of dark humor, "Heroes are the Worst" is an absolute must-read. Thorn has crafted a truly unforgettable story, and I eagerly await the next installment!
Thorn masterfully weaves a tale that's equal parts hilarious and heart-pounding. Jim's sharp wit and snarky inner monologues are a constant source of amusement, while the mystery surrounding his sister Lock and the sinister happenings within the Spectrum keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action sequences are dynamic and engaging, and the world-building is seamless.
The found family dynamic is beautifully executed, and you can't help but become invested in each character's journey. And that ending! Oh, that ending! Thorn leaves you craving more, a testament to their exceptional storytelling prowess. Plus, the bonus story for signing up for the mailing list was a brilliant touch—a delightful extra treat that only enhanced the experience.
If you're a fan of witty banter, compelling characters, and a thrilling plot with a dash of dark humor, "Heroes are the Worst" is an absolute must-read. Thorn has crafted a truly unforgettable story, and I eagerly await the next installment!
August 2, 2025
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
And that my friends is how you write a superhero novel! Books like this is what keeps us reading superhero books, straight out if the Golden and Silver ages of comics the action does not stop once battle is joined but still the pacing is perfect. The balance of the team and the team dynamics are great and the characters are well thought out.
I seriously have no criticisms or bad words to say about this book just I hope ths author can maintain the story through book #2
Five stars - Hell yes, If you are a fan of superhero comics from the glory days of superhero comics do yourself a favor and read this book, you will not regret it.
And that my friends is how you write a superhero novel! Books like this is what keeps us reading superhero books, straight out if the Golden and Silver ages of comics the action does not stop once battle is joined but still the pacing is perfect. The balance of the team and the team dynamics are great and the characters are well thought out.
I seriously have no criticisms or bad words to say about this book just I hope ths author can maintain the story through book #2
Five stars - Hell yes, If you are a fan of superhero comics from the glory days of superhero comics do yourself a favor and read this book, you will not regret it.
September 3, 2025
“Worst Hero Ever” introduces Jim Riven, an ex-superhero who’s sworn off anything to do with spandex, capes, and crime fighting. His sister died fighting for the Spectrum- a premier team of superheroes. Since then, he gave it all up to run a bar.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The story’s told through Jim’s POV. He’s a grumpy, broken, and sarcastic protagonist who sometimes talks to himself. He also happens to have the power to manipulate and control electrical items. His sister Summer (Lock) was his partner (when he went by Lode), but she perished when working for the Spectrum. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The story’s told through Jim’s POV. He’s a grumpy, broken, and sarcastic protagonist who sometimes talks to himself. He also happens to have the power to manipulate and control electrical items. His sister Summer (Lock) was his partner (when he went by Lode), but she perished when working for the Spectrum. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
April 15, 2025
This was such a fun read! I read it in a couple of hours, and spent the whole time gasping at the twists and cackling at the rest of it.
Our main character, Jimmy, is far too relatable with his stellar sense of his humour and his general exasperation whilst dealing with heroes. Despite his personality seeming to be created around this humour, he was still a well rounded character with a great backstory, and believable circumstances leading to his presented self.
The power system was interesting, being presented vaguely enough that it never felt info-dumpy, but well enough that I felt like I could exist in this world.
Highly recommend for a fun and easy read. So glad that I got the opportunity to read this.
Our main character, Jimmy, is far too relatable with his stellar sense of his humour and his general exasperation whilst dealing with heroes. Despite his personality seeming to be created around this humour, he was still a well rounded character with a great backstory, and believable circumstances leading to his presented self.
The power system was interesting, being presented vaguely enough that it never felt info-dumpy, but well enough that I felt like I could exist in this world.
Highly recommend for a fun and easy read. So glad that I got the opportunity to read this.
May 23, 2025
My 13-year-old son and I started laughing on the dedication page and Archer Thorn kept the laughs and action coming. The book gives Mystery Men vibes, which is exactly how we like our super heroes. I haven't watched The Boys, but based on the previews, this has a similar feel.
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