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Devi's Cape
Devil's Cape
A superhero thriller.
Devil's Cape, Louisiana. Founded by pirates. Ruled by villains. Desperate for heroes.
In 1727, the masked pirate St. Diable created the city of Devil's Cape as a haven for his men and a place to begin his empire. Pirates gave way to outlaws, who gave way to gangsters, who gave way to gangs and organized crime. But the city has never escaped from its shroud of violence and corruption.
And now a stunning, murderous act has made Devil's Cape more dangerous than ever. Someone needs to protect the city.
Three people are willing to try. Jason Kale, part of a criminal family, who hides the abilities of Greek heroes. Cain Ducett, a psychiatrist and former gang member, who finds that he is turning into a monster. Kate Brauer, genius engineer, daughter of a slain superhero, who has lost more than most to the city and its criminals. But they're outnumbered and overpowered. Can they possibly make a difference?
Devil's Cape, Louisiana. Founded by pirates. Ruled by villains. Desperate for heroes.
In 1727, the masked pirate St. Diable created the city of Devil's Cape as a haven for his men and a place to begin his empire. Pirates gave way to outlaws, who gave way to gangsters, who gave way to gangs and organized crime. But the city has never escaped from its shroud of violence and corruption.
And now a stunning, murderous act has made Devil's Cape more dangerous than ever. Someone needs to protect the city.
Three people are willing to try. Jason Kale, part of a criminal family, who hides the abilities of Greek heroes. Cain Ducett, a psychiatrist and former gang member, who finds that he is turning into a monster. Kate Brauer, genius engineer, daughter of a slain superhero, who has lost more than most to the city and its criminals. But they're outnumbered and overpowered. Can they possibly make a difference?
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
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1904 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 26, 2019
Original review over at Fantasy Book Critic
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: I had previously read Devil’ Cape nearly a decade ago when it was still under its Wizards Of The Coast publishing press. I had loved that book back and I was very excited to see it submitted for this year’s SPFBO. When I first read Devil’s Cape, I was absolutely stunned by its immense scope and how well the author executed his vision. After nearly a decade of reading it, I was wondering how it would hold to my tastes. It’s safe to say that the read held up as good as it was.
The story in Devil’s Cape is spread over a vast period of thirty-five years and twenty days with the narrative switching between the past and the present with each chapter being timestamped from nearly thirty years ago to a day after a horrific murderous event around which the main plot revolves. For the first few chapters of the book, the author introduces the three main characters—Kate Brauer, Cain Ducett and Jason Kale—and their backstories: Jason Kale is trying to distance himself from his family’s criminal past; Kate Brauer has come to Devil’s Cape to regain something which she lost and possibly carry on her family legacy; and Doctor Cain Ducett is targeted by someone from his violent past. In the first 150 pages, the author also introduces various secondary characters such as Costas Kalodimos, head of the Kalodimos family and caporegime to the Robber Baron (the current crime boss of Devil’s Cape).
The novel’s main event is a large-scale murder that propels the three protagonists in different ways. This event is the main one around which every other chapter is measured. It’s the pivotal event which leads to many a shake-up. Overall, the story has multiple threads ranging from family drama between brothers, to a person finding a semblance of themselves after a profound personal loss, even squabbling between crime bosses and rivalries. All of these minute and major events slowly start to coalesce into a fine tapestry (around a singular horrific event), which helps make this book so special and exciting to read.
Besides the story, the novel also succeeds due to excellent characterization with every single character presented in Devil’s Cape. This includes the three main protagonists, the secondary POVs, both good and evil, and even the characters who reside in the background . . . each get their chance to differentiate themselves in the reader’s mind. Simply put, characterization was the MAIN reason why the plot was brought to life so vividly. With this factor, it’s seems highly improbable that this is Rob Rogers’ debut novel, such is the mastery that’s showcased. Yet it’s true that this is indeed his debut. The story really shines a lot on everyone and we get a solid three-dimensional view into almost all of the POV characters.
Another major plus point of the novel is the city itself which is its own character thanks to the author slowly building up the image, history & geography of Devil’s Cape by providing random and specific tidbits here and there, including intriguing vignettes, quotations or recaps that open each chapter. Not only does this help make the city feel real, but it allows readers to become acclimatized with Devil’s Cape, while also adding various (metaphorical & literal) layers to the story. Like the origins of Devil’s Cape which is an important part of the novel. The author also beautifully describes several aspects of Devil’s Cape:
Dawn was breaking over Devil’s Cape’s historic Doubloon Ward. Wisps of fog snaked across streets lined with cast-iron lampposts designed to look like the gaslights that had stood there more than a century before, when horse-drawn carriages rolled along the roads instead of cars.
An eleven-story brownstone painted white and maroon, the Lo Center dated back to 1917 and featured heavy, curved eaves reminiscent of a pagoda. Trumpet vines crept up the walls and tangled around the shingles on the eaves.
Cap de Creus Street, the main artery of Devil’s Cape’s business district, was named for the farthest eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the winds could carry a fisherman’s cap out of sight between two heartbeats or send the beam of a sail whipping around with murderous speed.
I loved this aspect of the book as it left an indelible impression of Devil’s Cape as a city and it became iconic in my mind such as GRRM’s King’s Landing, Scott Lynch’s Camorr, and many other incredibly described ones.
I also liked how the novel is grounded in reality. Yes, Devil’s Cape is full of super-powered people, but the world presented is dark, gritty and violent, while the physics and limitations of each superhero and supervillain is realistic, bringing to mind the kind of realism found in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. In other words, nothing is off limits. Everyone has a weakness and even heroes can be killed, which makes it fun to see who survives and who doesn’t. The book also mixes terrific superhero action sequences with the rough & tumble approach of a crime drama. This unique mix makde it even more special as I've haven't come across any such a combination ever.
Lastly, Devil’s Cape is brimming with terrific symbolism. For instance, the novel can be construed as a parable of the corruption, avarice and basic human nature we live within our lives today. On the other hand, it can be looked at as an origin story where legends are made and epic events occur. Finally, readers can view the book as an odyssey where characters must go through various trials and tribulations in order to get wherever it is they want to go in life. In short, Devil’s Cape is a multi-faceted gem that offers a unique reading experience that can vary depending on the reader.
To top it off, after the action-packed climax, the author one-ups himself by dropping a huge twist, which makes the sequel a must read. Too bad it’s been over eleven years and we haven’t heard about anything of book 2. The story though stand proudly on its own and it’s a book that I would recommend to any noir-crime fan as well.
Negatively, there were only a few drawbacks in Devil’s Cape. The first is the pacing, which can be a bit languid for the first 100-150 pages as characters are introduced and the story is being set up, but it’s not a major issue since things steadily pick up afterwards and stay that way until the terrific climax. Secondly, the large cast of characters can be a bit troublesome to remember, but the author does his best to make sure the reader doesn’t get confused.
CONCLUSION: Random chance gave me another opportunity to read Devil’s Cape, and I’m very glad it did. Rob Rogers’ debut is a fantastic gem, the kind of novel that one fervently searches for, but rarely finds. In fact, Devil’s Cape has now become one of my favorite crime books of all time and I find it a cruel shame that the book is not more popular amongst SFF readers. After all, it’s one of the best superhero fiction novels in the current market. So do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Rob Rogers’ vastly underrated debut, to see why it's so rave worthy...
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: I had previously read Devil’ Cape nearly a decade ago when it was still under its Wizards Of The Coast publishing press. I had loved that book back and I was very excited to see it submitted for this year’s SPFBO. When I first read Devil’s Cape, I was absolutely stunned by its immense scope and how well the author executed his vision. After nearly a decade of reading it, I was wondering how it would hold to my tastes. It’s safe to say that the read held up as good as it was.
The story in Devil’s Cape is spread over a vast period of thirty-five years and twenty days with the narrative switching between the past and the present with each chapter being timestamped from nearly thirty years ago to a day after a horrific murderous event around which the main plot revolves. For the first few chapters of the book, the author introduces the three main characters—Kate Brauer, Cain Ducett and Jason Kale—and their backstories: Jason Kale is trying to distance himself from his family’s criminal past; Kate Brauer has come to Devil’s Cape to regain something which she lost and possibly carry on her family legacy; and Doctor Cain Ducett is targeted by someone from his violent past. In the first 150 pages, the author also introduces various secondary characters such as Costas Kalodimos, head of the Kalodimos family and caporegime to the Robber Baron (the current crime boss of Devil’s Cape).
The novel’s main event is a large-scale murder that propels the three protagonists in different ways. This event is the main one around which every other chapter is measured. It’s the pivotal event which leads to many a shake-up. Overall, the story has multiple threads ranging from family drama between brothers, to a person finding a semblance of themselves after a profound personal loss, even squabbling between crime bosses and rivalries. All of these minute and major events slowly start to coalesce into a fine tapestry (around a singular horrific event), which helps make this book so special and exciting to read.
Besides the story, the novel also succeeds due to excellent characterization with every single character presented in Devil’s Cape. This includes the three main protagonists, the secondary POVs, both good and evil, and even the characters who reside in the background . . . each get their chance to differentiate themselves in the reader’s mind. Simply put, characterization was the MAIN reason why the plot was brought to life so vividly. With this factor, it’s seems highly improbable that this is Rob Rogers’ debut novel, such is the mastery that’s showcased. Yet it’s true that this is indeed his debut. The story really shines a lot on everyone and we get a solid three-dimensional view into almost all of the POV characters.
Another major plus point of the novel is the city itself which is its own character thanks to the author slowly building up the image, history & geography of Devil’s Cape by providing random and specific tidbits here and there, including intriguing vignettes, quotations or recaps that open each chapter. Not only does this help make the city feel real, but it allows readers to become acclimatized with Devil’s Cape, while also adding various (metaphorical & literal) layers to the story. Like the origins of Devil’s Cape which is an important part of the novel. The author also beautifully describes several aspects of Devil’s Cape:
Dawn was breaking over Devil’s Cape’s historic Doubloon Ward. Wisps of fog snaked across streets lined with cast-iron lampposts designed to look like the gaslights that had stood there more than a century before, when horse-drawn carriages rolled along the roads instead of cars.
An eleven-story brownstone painted white and maroon, the Lo Center dated back to 1917 and featured heavy, curved eaves reminiscent of a pagoda. Trumpet vines crept up the walls and tangled around the shingles on the eaves.
Cap de Creus Street, the main artery of Devil’s Cape’s business district, was named for the farthest eastern point of the Iberian Peninsula, where the winds could carry a fisherman’s cap out of sight between two heartbeats or send the beam of a sail whipping around with murderous speed.
I loved this aspect of the book as it left an indelible impression of Devil’s Cape as a city and it became iconic in my mind such as GRRM’s King’s Landing, Scott Lynch’s Camorr, and many other incredibly described ones.
I also liked how the novel is grounded in reality. Yes, Devil’s Cape is full of super-powered people, but the world presented is dark, gritty and violent, while the physics and limitations of each superhero and supervillain is realistic, bringing to mind the kind of realism found in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. In other words, nothing is off limits. Everyone has a weakness and even heroes can be killed, which makes it fun to see who survives and who doesn’t. The book also mixes terrific superhero action sequences with the rough & tumble approach of a crime drama. This unique mix makde it even more special as I've haven't come across any such a combination ever.
Lastly, Devil’s Cape is brimming with terrific symbolism. For instance, the novel can be construed as a parable of the corruption, avarice and basic human nature we live within our lives today. On the other hand, it can be looked at as an origin story where legends are made and epic events occur. Finally, readers can view the book as an odyssey where characters must go through various trials and tribulations in order to get wherever it is they want to go in life. In short, Devil’s Cape is a multi-faceted gem that offers a unique reading experience that can vary depending on the reader.
To top it off, after the action-packed climax, the author one-ups himself by dropping a huge twist, which makes the sequel a must read. Too bad it’s been over eleven years and we haven’t heard about anything of book 2. The story though stand proudly on its own and it’s a book that I would recommend to any noir-crime fan as well.
Negatively, there were only a few drawbacks in Devil’s Cape. The first is the pacing, which can be a bit languid for the first 100-150 pages as characters are introduced and the story is being set up, but it’s not a major issue since things steadily pick up afterwards and stay that way until the terrific climax. Secondly, the large cast of characters can be a bit troublesome to remember, but the author does his best to make sure the reader doesn’t get confused.
CONCLUSION: Random chance gave me another opportunity to read Devil’s Cape, and I’m very glad it did. Rob Rogers’ debut is a fantastic gem, the kind of novel that one fervently searches for, but rarely finds. In fact, Devil’s Cape has now become one of my favorite crime books of all time and I find it a cruel shame that the book is not more popular amongst SFF readers. After all, it’s one of the best superhero fiction novels in the current market. So do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Rob Rogers’ vastly underrated debut, to see why it's so rave worthy...
Read
November 17, 2019* I read this as an entry for the #SPFBO as I'm a judge *
I didn't finish this, it's 100% not the sort of book which gels well with me as it's told through a series of short chapters each introducing a new character or showing a snippet of a character returning. I actually love books with lots of characters and tend to gravitate towards them often, but this felt too much like a snapshot and not enough like I was discovering who a character was. I really struggled to care about any of the characters when they were only there for a few pages before someone new came along, and I think that the themes of the story also didn't click with me.
This book is well written, and it's definitely a case of personal taste which makes this book not for me. I think the writing was solid and the descriptions we're good, but it was the layout of the book structure and the plot overall which just never drew me in enough. I know other reviewers have enjoyed this far more than I have, and I think it's more stylistic than anything else because I'd say this is aiming to be a thriller-style of read more than a big fantasy. Personally, I need something engaging straight away to capture my attention for this sort of book, and here I didn't really get that.
On the whole, I think the concept of a world of criminal crime lords and superheroes and individual stories which a link to sounds good, but it just never gave me the excitement I wanted or the connection. It's definitely not a bad book, it's just not a book for me unfortunately. DNF.
I didn't finish this, it's 100% not the sort of book which gels well with me as it's told through a series of short chapters each introducing a new character or showing a snippet of a character returning. I actually love books with lots of characters and tend to gravitate towards them often, but this felt too much like a snapshot and not enough like I was discovering who a character was. I really struggled to care about any of the characters when they were only there for a few pages before someone new came along, and I think that the themes of the story also didn't click with me.
This book is well written, and it's definitely a case of personal taste which makes this book not for me. I think the writing was solid and the descriptions we're good, but it was the layout of the book structure and the plot overall which just never drew me in enough. I know other reviewers have enjoyed this far more than I have, and I think it's more stylistic than anything else because I'd say this is aiming to be a thriller-style of read more than a big fantasy. Personally, I need something engaging straight away to capture my attention for this sort of book, and here I didn't really get that.
On the whole, I think the concept of a world of criminal crime lords and superheroes and individual stories which a link to sounds good, but it just never gave me the excitement I wanted or the connection. It's definitely not a bad book, it's just not a book for me unfortunately. DNF.
January 20, 2013
With an alliterative name like Rob Rogers, it was obvious that the author was destined to write a superhero-based novel. And, indeed, that's what Devil's Cape is. It's a thriller about superheroes (with a bit of piratey goodness thrown in) set in the seedy, corrupt city of Devil's Cape, a mix of Batman's gloomy Gotham City and a darker version of New Orleans. Powered villains rule the city until a trio of reluctant heroes step forward to bring a little light and hope to the place.
There aren't many original superhero novels out there; most superhero books seem to be tie-ins to existing comic book properties. Those original stories that do exist tend to be pretty good and this book is certainly no exception.
Like many first superhero books, this includes the obligatory origin story. But not just for one or two characters. It's the origin of around ten of them! Those characters are very different, interesting and realistically depicted. And yet they're still firmly in the superhero genre - i.e. they wear costumes and give themselves codenames like 'Doctor Camelot'. The book is dark - evil and corruption are everywhere and people die in horrible ways - and yet not overwhelmingly bleak or too adult to be off-putting. Overall, it's a good, gripping read.
This is Rob's first book but it doesn't read like it. It's engaging and well written. I'd heartily recommend this to anyone who enjoys unusual thrillers or action stories, especially those with a superhuman theme to them.
There aren't many original superhero novels out there; most superhero books seem to be tie-ins to existing comic book properties. Those original stories that do exist tend to be pretty good and this book is certainly no exception.
Like many first superhero books, this includes the obligatory origin story. But not just for one or two characters. It's the origin of around ten of them! Those characters are very different, interesting and realistically depicted. And yet they're still firmly in the superhero genre - i.e. they wear costumes and give themselves codenames like 'Doctor Camelot'. The book is dark - evil and corruption are everywhere and people die in horrible ways - and yet not overwhelmingly bleak or too adult to be off-putting. Overall, it's a good, gripping read.
This is Rob's first book but it doesn't read like it. It's engaging and well written. I'd heartily recommend this to anyone who enjoys unusual thrillers or action stories, especially those with a superhuman theme to them.
June 24, 2018
I’m in a bit of a superhero reading focus at the moment, and this book - Rob Roger’s Devil’s Cape - came up as a recommendation as one I’d possibly like. Imagine my surprise when I came to buy it, only to find that I had downloaded it and apparently read it already.
Opening to read it I discovered why it hasn’t left any lasting impact in my memory. I really don’t like this book.
It’s not the fault of the author, is writing is quite clear, clean and relatively engaging. I think perhaps the main problem lies with the organisation of this novel. It is written in a series of small chapters with each taking place in a different time and focusing on a different character as (essentially) the protagonist in that section.
The story begins three decades before the “main” plot, and I got a rather unsettling feeling of reading a number of different short stories with each finally coming together to paint a picture of an overall plot arc. This is not my favourite kind of novel style and I think that really disengaged me from enjoying reading this book.
Opening to read it I discovered why it hasn’t left any lasting impact in my memory. I really don’t like this book.
It’s not the fault of the author, is writing is quite clear, clean and relatively engaging. I think perhaps the main problem lies with the organisation of this novel. It is written in a series of small chapters with each taking place in a different time and focusing on a different character as (essentially) the protagonist in that section.
The story begins three decades before the “main” plot, and I got a rather unsettling feeling of reading a number of different short stories with each finally coming together to paint a picture of an overall plot arc. This is not my favourite kind of novel style and I think that really disengaged me from enjoying reading this book.
September 6, 2009
Aside from the Big Two [Marvel & DC:] the literary landscape is suffering from a lack of original super hero content. When Wizards of the Coast started their Original Voices lines I saw this book as something Wizard's might jump on to turn into a new RPG landscape. However, that has yet to happen.
I will say this, readers looking for a book that will have you cheering out loud during the final fight, here's a book for you. It starts off grim in the face of the destruction of the world's premiere heroes. In come three relative newcomers with a deck stacked firmly against them nearly 2-to-1. I am a huge fan of triumph over adversity and this book showcases that trait completely. I just wish Rob would be given the chance to continue to explore this compelling world.
I will say this, readers looking for a book that will have you cheering out loud during the final fight, here's a book for you. It starts off grim in the face of the destruction of the world's premiere heroes. In come three relative newcomers with a deck stacked firmly against them nearly 2-to-1. I am a huge fan of triumph over adversity and this book showcases that trait completely. I just wish Rob would be given the chance to continue to explore this compelling world.
August 17, 2014
A common problem I have with "superheroes in the real world" novels (i.e. "Wildcards") is that they tend to revel in dark, R-rated violence and cynicism. Fortunately, "Devil's Cape" succeeds without having to resort to that darker level of storytelling. It also does a fine job of capturing the appeal of the comic book superhero within the context of the fictional city of Devil's Cape, Louisiana. Author Rob Rogers gives the city a vivid history and unique "personality" for the cast to play off of, as well as a great cast of super-villains for our heroes to protect it from. The ending of the book felt a bit rushed, but other than that, I found the story interesting and engaging. If you're a fan of comic book superheroes (or superhero movies), give this book a try!
March 17, 2009
So, it's funny, because you hear superhero, and I at least expect something *totally* different from the gritty feel of this book. Think Heroes but darker and larger in scope. No, that's a poor attempt at a generic description... think The Godfather with an LA Confidential feel, but with capes....
It's a noir/gangster/realistic take on superheroes in Louisiana. Noir can sometimes be a little slow for me, but this book, so far, is expertly plotted, drawing me right along.
Oooh, and carnies! Did I mention that there are carnies? You know you'd love to see a bunch of freaks turn superhero!
It's a noir/gangster/realistic take on superheroes in Louisiana. Noir can sometimes be a little slow for me, but this book, so far, is expertly plotted, drawing me right along.
Oooh, and carnies! Did I mention that there are carnies? You know you'd love to see a bunch of freaks turn superhero!
February 23, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. I read the synopsis about new superheroes rising to take the place of the old, in a city that had none, and I thought of the Watchmen. It was nothing like that, it had it's own story. The characters and city were described in such a way that you could see it as real. It's darkly engaging, well-written, and shows depth in all of the characters. I couldn't put it down. And I can't wait for the next one.
April 5, 2014
From the Ancient Greek origins in the opening pages through to the Iron Man-inspired legacy hero and the Dr Jekyl/Mister Hyde bat creature, Rob Rogers brought three major strands of superhero fiction together. His fictional city is a good choice as he can weave through his own mythology rather than take a real city and add it as an alternate history kind of thing. Devil's Cape has a great cast of characters, from the heroes to the cynical bystanders and the circus-themed villains.
Each of the three main characters has their own origin story in the book so it works really well as a getting on point for superhero stuff. Unfortunately there's no follow up story -although there are a couple of short stories around.
and
Each of the three main characters has their own origin story in the book so it works really well as a getting on point for superhero stuff. Unfortunately there's no follow up story -although there are a couple of short stories around.
and
August 5, 2008
Hey! That was a totally satisfying and fun way to spend an afternoon! Not great, not entirely unclunky, but not bad! Rogers obviously needs to spend a little bit more time in Louisiana, as the titular city does not feel as though is could actually exist next to New Orleans. But if you don't know LA, you probably won't care.
The idea of superheroes in prose fiction is still something I find a little silly, although Soon I Will Be Invincible was surprisingly good. Here it feels a little like the author wishes he had a comic book.
But Devil's Cape is a pretty well written adventure yarn, and I'm sure that soon enough we'll have a sequel. This would make a good read-on-the-bus sort of book.
The idea of superheroes in prose fiction is still something I find a little silly, although Soon I Will Be Invincible was surprisingly good. Here it feels a little like the author wishes he had a comic book.
But Devil's Cape is a pretty well written adventure yarn, and I'm sure that soon enough we'll have a sequel. This would make a good read-on-the-bus sort of book.
August 28, 2013
A little slow to start with as it piles on the backstory, but it eventually picks up into an entertaining superhero adventure (in the darker current style - rather than a "golden age" mode).
Reminds me, a lot, of Astro City* - in both it's character asides and how much world building it packs in. I certainly imagined it with Brent Anderson art and an Alex Ross cover.
The only thing that nags at me is the question - did this being a novel rather than a comic actually add anything; did it allow the author to do something that wouldn't have worked as well in a comic?
Does that even matter if producing a text only "comic" experience was the goal?
I'd probably be about 50/50 on buying a follow up.
* This is a good thing - I really liked Astro City
Reminds me, a lot, of Astro City* - in both it's character asides and how much world building it packs in. I certainly imagined it with Brent Anderson art and an Alex Ross cover.
The only thing that nags at me is the question - did this being a novel rather than a comic actually add anything; did it allow the author to do something that wouldn't have worked as well in a comic?
Does that even matter if producing a text only "comic" experience was the goal?
I'd probably be about 50/50 on buying a follow up.
* This is a good thing - I really liked Astro City
May 6, 2012
“The Devil’s Cape” by Rob Rogers is a strange read. Initially I found this book hard to due to it’s genre, but that feeling is quickly dispelled by both the pacing and the setup in the book. The autor not only manages to portray three well rounded protagonists aswell as an array of antagonists, locations and supporting characters. The book itself spans over thirty years which help to not only set up the events which occur in the book aswell as the particular reasons each character is envolved in them. The excerts from various sources at the beginning of each chapter also provide an important function in creation of this universe.
February 15, 2013
It's pretty rare that I read an author I've never heard of before and thought "Good Lord, this author knows how to write!" That's most assuredly the case with this book. Wow ... Rob Rogers, where the hell have you been? This book ... man. It's freaking fantastic and one of the best super-hero books I've read ever.
Strong Points: The mythology is fricking awesome; the characters are strong, competent, compelling and well drawn; and the plot is an excellent "super team assembles" type without falling into a lot of the cliches.
Highly, highly recommended.
Strong Points: The mythology is fricking awesome; the characters are strong, competent, compelling and well drawn; and the plot is an excellent "super team assembles" type without falling into a lot of the cliches.
Highly, highly recommended.
January 23, 2015
Knowing this author personally, I had to be supportive. Like, yeah man, the book will be great. He gave it to me when it came out and I guess it went into the big pile of things-to-do. I finally found it, and felt obligated to read it, being a few years late. Nothing prepared me for the thrilling storyline, the at times dark motives, and the twisting and turning revealed secrets. Finally finished it, and I'm sure to tell him that he needs a sequel.
July 27, 2015
Very enjoyable alternate-history / superhero fiction set in Louisiana. Tied a lot of varied storylines together very easily and gave vague hints of how the various relationships will pick up in a sequel. Best of this sort of thing I've read in quite a while, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment, when/if it appears.
December 9, 2008
I truly enjoyed Devil's Cape. It took me by surprise, what with the super heroes and villains, and I usually don't stomach thrills and suspense too well, but this read like some of my favorite movies. I could see it as a movie, in fact.
Not for children, but then, there's no sex or romance, so I'll let my teens read it. I can't wait for the sequel!
Not for children, but then, there's no sex or romance, so I'll let my teens read it. I can't wait for the sequel!
January 14, 2009
Gritty superhero yarn similar in feel to Watchmen which I'm now reading. Set down on Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana and featuring some of the more interesting...and troubled...super powered people I've ever met. Expect a few great twists.
September 27, 2009
I'm a sucker for a superhero novels. I've never understood why this genre wasn't more popular. Rob Rogers might change that. Deft plotting, a thorough understanding of the genre and enough gritty realism to keep it all ground. I could ask for nothing more in a book.
July 19, 2019
This was a very good book about superheroes in a fictional city...Devil's Cape, Louisiana. This is the author's first book, but you would never guess this fact because Rogers manages to avoid the typical mistakes of many new authors. Devil's Cape has the right blend of action and characterization. I never felt bored reading this book. In fact, I eagerly look forward to the next installment.
July 22, 2021
Wonderfully written. Not your average superhero story - the author takes the fantasy idea of superheros and plants them in a believable, real-world setting. Good isn't always invincible. Evil is brutal, merciless and does not hesitate to act. For a first novel, this author does an amazing job at drawing you into the story and letting you become entwined with the characters and their ventures.
October 26, 2014
This is a book with multiple narratives - it follows a number of beginner heroes - but with the central character being the city of Devil's Cape.
The villains are dark and work well as a team.
The heroes are naive enough to be realistic but quickly grow into an effective and heroic team.
Highly recommended!
The villains are dark and work well as a team.
The heroes are naive enough to be realistic but quickly grow into an effective and heroic team.
Highly recommended!
April 27, 2015
Meh...it never really hooked for me and was a struggle to get though. All the characters felt bland and I just didn't care about anyone. I'm disappointed because I came in with high hopes from all the reviews.
September 26, 2008
This was a great book. It kept me interested all the way through, setting itself up nicely for a sequel without being blatant.
July 24, 2008
Interesting character-driven superhero story.
January 3, 2013
great new author
June 23, 2011
I would love to read more books set in this universe. Good for the Wild Cards fan.
March 18, 2013
Excellent book and very dark; I wish that Rob would write a sequel to this book becuase I definitely would be buy it.
February 27, 2014
Solid world building, seemingly effortless dialogue, and superheroes. Weirdly believable soperheroes. Great setting, vilkains, and an easy quick read to boot. Well worth your time.
January 3, 2015
Moody as hell and dark with the kind of setting that breathes like it's alive. Didn't find myself terribly engaged by the plot or (most) characters, but worth a read.
March 16, 2020
Personally I think this book starts off great with some really good characters. I love reading about the historical Superheroes and their different powers and abilities.
The standout group were the Circus group. I know they were supposed to be the bad guys but I couldn’t help but root for them. They had personally and attitude and were easily defined.
Where it falls flat though is the main three superhero characters, Captain Camelot, Bedlam and Argonaut. They are all pretty interchangeable without any real passion or defining characteristics.
Captain Camelot does not come across as though she has a vendetta and is pretty dull, Argonaut is useless as a hero (his brother is good though) and when Bedlam finds out who created his powers and ruined his life he just accepts it. No anger, no reproach, nothing. Plus they all become freinds so quickly it feels so rushed. A little bit like the ending, plus you never really think they are in any danger.
The book is good and readable, but ultimately pretty uninspiring.
The standout group were the Circus group. I know they were supposed to be the bad guys but I couldn’t help but root for them. They had personally and attitude and were easily defined.
Where it falls flat though is the main three superhero characters, Captain Camelot, Bedlam and Argonaut. They are all pretty interchangeable without any real passion or defining characteristics.
Captain Camelot does not come across as though she has a vendetta and is pretty dull, Argonaut is useless as a hero (his brother is good though) and when Bedlam finds out who created his powers and ruined his life he just accepts it. No anger, no reproach, nothing. Plus they all become freinds so quickly it feels so rushed. A little bit like the ending, plus you never really think they are in any danger.
The book is good and readable, but ultimately pretty uninspiring.
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