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The Protectors
An enthralling debut, The Protectors offers a dark twist on the classic superhero story as fallen hero Scott McAlister embarks on a globe-hopping chase to stop his former teammate—and ex-lover—gone rogue.
Don’t call him a superhero.
Heroes change the world. Scott McAlister? On a good day, he manages to change out of sweatpants.
It wasn’t always like this. Scott used to be leader of the Protectors, the world’s one and only squad of superheroes. It was a decent gig, but far from the shiny force for good the UN advertised. He could abide the publicity stunts, the lies, the ham-fisted government handlers—but when one of the Protectors died under his command, it was too much. Wracked with guilt, Scott stepped down and into an early retirement.
Now, five years later, a desperate CIA chief shows up on Scott’s doorstep with a polite request and a cadre of shock troops to ensure that Scott accepts. His ex-teammate and ex-lover, Lyla Ravzi, has gone rogue. The former Protector has the ability to control minds, and she’s no longer interested in “protecting.” She wants world domination.
Scott’s mission is simple: Find Lyla and stop her. The messy little details are up to him. It’s the last thing Scott needs after five years spent trying to forget the Protectors and to get over Lyla, but the alternative is worse.
As he closes in on his target, Scott is forced to confront his past and face a chilling reality: Can he save the world and the woman he once loved? Or will he have to choose?
Don’t call him a superhero.
Heroes change the world. Scott McAlister? On a good day, he manages to change out of sweatpants.
It wasn’t always like this. Scott used to be leader of the Protectors, the world’s one and only squad of superheroes. It was a decent gig, but far from the shiny force for good the UN advertised. He could abide the publicity stunts, the lies, the ham-fisted government handlers—but when one of the Protectors died under his command, it was too much. Wracked with guilt, Scott stepped down and into an early retirement.
Now, five years later, a desperate CIA chief shows up on Scott’s doorstep with a polite request and a cadre of shock troops to ensure that Scott accepts. His ex-teammate and ex-lover, Lyla Ravzi, has gone rogue. The former Protector has the ability to control minds, and she’s no longer interested in “protecting.” She wants world domination.
Scott’s mission is simple: Find Lyla and stop her. The messy little details are up to him. It’s the last thing Scott needs after five years spent trying to forget the Protectors and to get over Lyla, but the alternative is worse.
As he closes in on his target, Scott is forced to confront his past and face a chilling reality: Can he save the world and the woman he once loved? Or will he have to choose?
240 pages, ebook
First published October 7, 2014
4 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Trey Dowell
14 books14 followersTrey Dowell uses writing as a desperate measure to release all of the pressure generated by the ideas bouncing around inside his skull—and also as a semi-legitimate reason to put off mowing the lawn. Hard at work on his first novel, he’s been a Finalist (top five) in Writer’s Digest’s Popular Fiction Awards, as well as an Honorable Mention recipient in the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition. He also took 1st place in Writersweekly.com’s 24-hour fiction contest.
He resides in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he’s a member of Writers Under The Arch, along with several other Untreed Reads authors.
He resides in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he’s a member of Writers Under The Arch, along with several other Untreed Reads authors.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 15, 2014
Ok, I love Superhero type characters as the next guy.....I loved Superman Comics,and Batman when I was a kid....I even read the Archies, Garfield,and we didn't get the Sunday St. Louis Post Dispatch, but my Aunt did,and when we went to visit, I'd always run out to the frontyard to get the paper,and spread it open on the floor to read the funnies,and always had my egg of silly putty ready too.....
So, it is about somE, superheroes, THE PROTECTORS, obviously...... The storyline was very engrossing, hard to put down, and the action was brisk, for sure. I cared about the characters, I cared about what was going to happen to them. Trey threw in some current issues of our dealings with the Middle East,and some environmental issues, that we are still facing. It's a love story, it's a story about feelings,and longings, about betrayal, about conspiracy.....the list goes on.....
Should you read it? YES! I gave it such a high rating because I did enjoy it very much. I did want to keep reading,and the best part is I found myself laughing outloud pretty often. I think Trey must be a funny guy,and it comes across in his writing.
Was it the best novel I've ever read? NO, but it was quite a bit of fun. Some may say part of the formula is the same as other Superhero stories....somewhat that is true. But hey it's about some superheroes...that's to be expected. I don't know if this book is available in paper yet, but it's certainly worth the download...however you may have to do it. If you don't have such a machine? Borrow one. I hope it goes to print in paper soon. I think it would do well. I am intriqued to hear if there's gonna be a movie deal....I think it would be a go.
I have a one word question for anyone that's read it,and I already put it to the author. Yes, I do know him somewhat. Nice guy! He deserves his success.... just don't get the big head, buddy, not yet...lol....
That one word question??? Are you ready for it? I bet you can guess what it is? Wait for it...wait for it....still waiting....you know what it's gonna be......you're like get on with it...the suspense is killing you.....it's just like the book........I wanted to keep going to find out how it was gonna end up...no spoilers....except this.....
Sequel?
Have fun reading this one!
So, it is about somE, superheroes, THE PROTECTORS, obviously...... The storyline was very engrossing, hard to put down, and the action was brisk, for sure. I cared about the characters, I cared about what was going to happen to them. Trey threw in some current issues of our dealings with the Middle East,and some environmental issues, that we are still facing. It's a love story, it's a story about feelings,and longings, about betrayal, about conspiracy.....the list goes on.....
Should you read it? YES! I gave it such a high rating because I did enjoy it very much. I did want to keep reading,and the best part is I found myself laughing outloud pretty often. I think Trey must be a funny guy,and it comes across in his writing.
Was it the best novel I've ever read? NO, but it was quite a bit of fun. Some may say part of the formula is the same as other Superhero stories....somewhat that is true. But hey it's about some superheroes...that's to be expected. I don't know if this book is available in paper yet, but it's certainly worth the download...however you may have to do it. If you don't have such a machine? Borrow one. I hope it goes to print in paper soon. I think it would do well. I am intriqued to hear if there's gonna be a movie deal....I think it would be a go.
I have a one word question for anyone that's read it,and I already put it to the author. Yes, I do know him somewhat. Nice guy! He deserves his success.... just don't get the big head, buddy, not yet...lol....
That one word question??? Are you ready for it? I bet you can guess what it is? Wait for it...wait for it....still waiting....you know what it's gonna be......you're like get on with it...the suspense is killing you.....it's just like the book........I wanted to keep going to find out how it was gonna end up...no spoilers....except this.....
Sequel?
Have fun reading this one!
October 5, 2014
This Review and Many More Originally Posted at Happy Cloud Reviews
*ARC provided via NetGalley by publisher in exchange for a completely honest review*
When I saw this up on NetGalley, I jumped on it. I have a very known love for superheroes, and this sounded so good I couldn't help myself but start it immediately. I wasn't disappointed.
"Knock Out" "Aphrodite" "Blaster" these are all amazing names for superheroes, and they were such diverse and interesting characters. You never truly know how they all got together in the first place, but the story of why they are all in different places and not working as a team anymore is wonderful.
Wonderfully written and action packed, there wasn't a slow part in this book. Plus, the plot evolved, which I really enjoyed overall. Because the story is told exclusively from Scott's point of view, Lyla is a mystery most of the book, and you never truly know what her motive for anything is. I honestly think that was my favorite part. She added this level of mystery and "what is she going to do next" that really kept the plot flowing.
To sum things up, I loved this. Superheroes + action + government conspiracy = wonderfully brilliant story that makes you wish there were actually "Protectors" in the real world.
*ARC provided via NetGalley by publisher in exchange for a completely honest review*
When I saw this up on NetGalley, I jumped on it. I have a very known love for superheroes, and this sounded so good I couldn't help myself but start it immediately. I wasn't disappointed.
"Knock Out" "Aphrodite" "Blaster" these are all amazing names for superheroes, and they were such diverse and interesting characters. You never truly know how they all got together in the first place, but the story of why they are all in different places and not working as a team anymore is wonderful.
Wonderfully written and action packed, there wasn't a slow part in this book. Plus, the plot evolved, which I really enjoyed overall. Because the story is told exclusively from Scott's point of view, Lyla is a mystery most of the book, and you never truly know what her motive for anything is. I honestly think that was my favorite part. She added this level of mystery and "what is she going to do next" that really kept the plot flowing.
To sum things up, I loved this. Superheroes + action + government conspiracy = wonderfully brilliant story that makes you wish there were actually "Protectors" in the real world.
October 5, 2014
This Review Originally Posted on Happy Cloud Reviews
*ARC provided via NetGalley by publisher in exchange for a completely honest review*
When I saw this up on NetGalley, I jumped on it. I have a very known love for superheroes, and this sounded so good I couldn't help myself but start it immediately. I wasn't disappointed.
"Knock Out" "Aphrodite" "Blaster" these are all amazing names for superheroes, and they were such diverse and interesting characters. You never truly know how they all got together in the first place, but the story of why they are all in different places and not working as a team anymore is wonderful.
Wonderfully written and action packed, there wasn't a slow part in this book. Plus, the plot evolved, which I really enjoyed overall. Because the story is told exclusively from Scott's point of view, Lyla is a mystery most of the book, and you never truly know what her motive for anything is. I honestly think that was my favorite part. She added this level of mystery and "what is she going to do next" that really kept the plot flowing.
To sum things up, I loved this. Superheroes + action + government conspiracy = wonderfully brilliant story that makes you wish there were actually "Protectors" in the real world.
*ARC provided via NetGalley by publisher in exchange for a completely honest review*
When I saw this up on NetGalley, I jumped on it. I have a very known love for superheroes, and this sounded so good I couldn't help myself but start it immediately. I wasn't disappointed.
"Knock Out" "Aphrodite" "Blaster" these are all amazing names for superheroes, and they were such diverse and interesting characters. You never truly know how they all got together in the first place, but the story of why they are all in different places and not working as a team anymore is wonderful.
Wonderfully written and action packed, there wasn't a slow part in this book. Plus, the plot evolved, which I really enjoyed overall. Because the story is told exclusively from Scott's point of view, Lyla is a mystery most of the book, and you never truly know what her motive for anything is. I honestly think that was my favorite part. She added this level of mystery and "what is she going to do next" that really kept the plot flowing.
To sum things up, I loved this. Superheroes + action + government conspiracy = wonderfully brilliant story that makes you wish there were actually "Protectors" in the real world.
March 30, 2015
"You only get everything you want right before it gets taken away."
Super-heroes, but with a twist.
Scott McAlister is a pretty average guy. He drinks beer, lives in a cabin, and since it doesn't mention him doing 500 push-ups every morning, I assume he looks pretty average looking also, except for one tiny thing: he's one of only four super heroes on the earth. The CIA forces him out of forced retirement to track down and stop the girl he may or may not love, who has been using her super powers to recklessly try and save the world.
Dowell takes many super-hero tropes and refreshingly turns them on their sides. His voice in writing Scott McAlister is amazing, with just the right amount of pithy sarcasm and introspection. The high-action, fast moving plot keeps the reader turning the pages. Highly recommend!
Super-heroes, but with a twist.
Scott McAlister is a pretty average guy. He drinks beer, lives in a cabin, and since it doesn't mention him doing 500 push-ups every morning, I assume he looks pretty average looking also, except for one tiny thing: he's one of only four super heroes on the earth. The CIA forces him out of forced retirement to track down and stop the girl he may or may not love, who has been using her super powers to recklessly try and save the world.
Dowell takes many super-hero tropes and refreshingly turns them on their sides. His voice in writing Scott McAlister is amazing, with just the right amount of pithy sarcasm and introspection. The high-action, fast moving plot keeps the reader turning the pages. Highly recommend!
October 7, 2014
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. The story moves very fast and balances lots of high tension action with laugh out loud humor.
October 10, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Don’t call him a superhero.
Heroes change the world. Scott McAlister? On a good day, he manages to change out of sweatpants.
It wasn’t always like this. Scott used to be leader of the Protectors, the world’s one and only squad of superheroes. It was a decent gig, but far from the shiny force for good the UN advertised. He could abide the publicity stunts, the lies, the ham-fisted government handlers—but when one of the Protectors died under his command, it was too much. Wracked with guilt, Scott stepped down and into an early retirement.
Now, five years later, a desperate CIA chief shows up on Scott’s doorstep with a polite request and a cadre of shock troops to ensure that Scott accepts. His ex-teammate and ex-lover, Lyla Ravzi, has gone rogue. The former Protector has the ability to control minds, and she’s no longer interested in “protecting.” She wants world domination.
Scott’s mission is simple: Find Lyla and stop her. The messy little details are up to him. It’s the last thing Scott needs after five years spent trying to forget the Protectors and to get over Lyla, but the alternative is worse.
As he closes in on his target, Scott is forced to confront his past and face a chilling reality: Can he save the world and the woman he once loved? Or will he have to choose?
This was great fun. A story that was packed with superheroes that I could truly cheer for, a plot that felt like it came from one of the very best comic book archives, and a style of story-telling that kept me turning the pages.
It is very hard to do any kind of a review of the story without giving too much away (I think) so the best I can do is this: if you love superheroes, stories of government conspiracies; and main characters that you can connect with immediately, then this is the book for you.
Highly recommended!
Paul
ARH
Don’t call him a superhero.
Heroes change the world. Scott McAlister? On a good day, he manages to change out of sweatpants.
It wasn’t always like this. Scott used to be leader of the Protectors, the world’s one and only squad of superheroes. It was a decent gig, but far from the shiny force for good the UN advertised. He could abide the publicity stunts, the lies, the ham-fisted government handlers—but when one of the Protectors died under his command, it was too much. Wracked with guilt, Scott stepped down and into an early retirement.
Now, five years later, a desperate CIA chief shows up on Scott’s doorstep with a polite request and a cadre of shock troops to ensure that Scott accepts. His ex-teammate and ex-lover, Lyla Ravzi, has gone rogue. The former Protector has the ability to control minds, and she’s no longer interested in “protecting.” She wants world domination.
Scott’s mission is simple: Find Lyla and stop her. The messy little details are up to him. It’s the last thing Scott needs after five years spent trying to forget the Protectors and to get over Lyla, but the alternative is worse.
As he closes in on his target, Scott is forced to confront his past and face a chilling reality: Can he save the world and the woman he once loved? Or will he have to choose?
This was great fun. A story that was packed with superheroes that I could truly cheer for, a plot that felt like it came from one of the very best comic book archives, and a style of story-telling that kept me turning the pages.
It is very hard to do any kind of a review of the story without giving too much away (I think) so the best I can do is this: if you love superheroes, stories of government conspiracies; and main characters that you can connect with immediately, then this is the book for you.
Highly recommended!
Paul
ARH
November 9, 2024
Wow! Action, romance, suspense and comedy!
This was an amazing find, recommended by a friend and I got way more than I thought out of this read. It has been a while since I read something unpredictable, that made me think, that made me laugh, and that pulled at my heart strings at the same time. I hope the author has plans for more because the Protectors are my new favorite team.
I would almost put this writing into magic realism as it feels so visceral and believable but what the characters are capable of it out of this world and exciting. There was edge your seat action and suspense nearly the whole book while the overall flow was very smooth. I am surprised I could only find one other title by this other. He seems very polished. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
This was an amazing find, recommended by a friend and I got way more than I thought out of this read. It has been a while since I read something unpredictable, that made me think, that made me laugh, and that pulled at my heart strings at the same time. I hope the author has plans for more because the Protectors are my new favorite team.
I would almost put this writing into magic realism as it feels so visceral and believable but what the characters are capable of it out of this world and exciting. There was edge your seat action and suspense nearly the whole book while the overall flow was very smooth. I am surprised I could only find one other title by this other. He seems very polished. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
February 18, 2024
Very well written
I am not normally a super hero type person, however, Trey made them down to earth and instilled wit and humor to make the story almost relatable (because although I will never be a super hero, I can be cynical as hell). I enjoyed the detail that actually made me able to picture the story in my mind (which has been lacking in other books I’ve read lately…), as well as the fact he tied up loose ends. Nothing worse than a cliffhanger in a book that never sees a sequel. I look forward to more books from Trey!
I am not normally a super hero type person, however, Trey made them down to earth and instilled wit and humor to make the story almost relatable (because although I will never be a super hero, I can be cynical as hell). I enjoyed the detail that actually made me able to picture the story in my mind (which has been lacking in other books I’ve read lately…), as well as the fact he tied up loose ends. Nothing worse than a cliffhanger in a book that never sees a sequel. I look forward to more books from Trey!
August 5, 2023
Oh, man, what a wild and enjoyable ride. The action is fast, the dialogue is tight, and the end will leave you begging for a sequel!
I recommend this book to both readers and writers. To readers, because it's a few hours of the absolute pleasure of reading a writer who knows his way around a story and tells it well. To writers, because it's like a master course in writing dialogue and keeping only the details that really matter. Read this to learn how to write clean and tight.
I recommend this book to both readers and writers. To readers, because it's a few hours of the absolute pleasure of reading a writer who knows his way around a story and tells it well. To writers, because it's like a master course in writing dialogue and keeping only the details that really matter. Read this to learn how to write clean and tight.
June 8, 2015
An amazing debut
First-time novelist Trey Dowell invites readers into a near future world much like ours but complicated by the existence of four superheroes.
Scott McAlister, the former leader of the Protectors, doesn’t call himself a hero and is our first person view into Dowell’s world. Scott is washed up, jaded, and doesn’t believe the world can be changed. His voice is snarky and sarcastic throughout much of the novel, lending a lot of humor to the narrative but not to the point where it’s overdone. He’s a planner but makes plenty of mistakes along the way, especially with people, which is fitting given his superpower–putting people to sleep in an instant. He works through problems in fun and clever ways, often making unexpected and creative use of his powers.
When Scott’s former bosses at the CIA come to bring Scott out of retirement to track down his former teammate and lover, Lyla Ravzi, Scott is again forced to face the world as Knockout, his superhero persona, and choose between his country and his personal loyalties.
While the superhero coming out of retirement or having to choose between duty and a lover isn’t new ground, Dowell crafts an entertaining narrative from page one, using the Scott’s wit and charm to advance the plot until it spins in a new direction about halfway through. The introduction of Lyla, now a rogue mind-controller, provides a great counterpoint to Scott’s cynicism. She doesn’t just want to survive, and she isn’t satisfied with the choices offered her. She wants to change the world for the better with her power, specifically in her home country of Iran.
While they make a great team, their seemingly contradictory powers and personalities actually complementing each other quite nicely, there is a the shadow of mistrust as Scott tries to figure out if she’s using her mind-control power to manipulate him and keeps the reader guessing till the end.
The pair faces threats from both their own government via the CIA and the Iranian Government and their struggles get more and more dangerous and appropriately flashy for superheroes as they go. Agent Tucker, their CIA boss and nemesis, is a worthy antagonist. Despite his lack of superpowers, he more than makes up for it, employing vast CIA resources, connections, and money against the pair. His interactions with Scott are some of the best scenes in the book, as the snarky Scott runs up against the too-smart Tucker, and Dowell wisely opens on one of these scenes, bringing the reader into the conflict without delay.
Just as with the introduction of Lyla, the rest of the book gains strength as it moves forward. Scott’s interactions with other characters really shined in this book. As a first person narrative, it is sometimes hard to get a sense of the other characters, but that’s not a problem with Dowell’s writing. When another teammate, Diego, finally joins up, he and Scott have a completely different and unique relationship than Scott and Lyla, and it refreshes the book for the ending.
Dowell brings together a few interesting threads that had dangled in the larger narrative for the ending. As the title suggests, the Protectors come together again, and Dowell leaves us with new revelations on the last few pages, giving the book strong sequel potential.
Comic fans, superhero movie fans, sci-fi fans, or plain old adventure fans will find a lot this is familiar here, but in a good way. Dowell plays with the familiar elements in ways that feels original. Scott’s first person point of view plays to the strengths of the novel and is a offers a different look into the world of superheroes that readers don’t often get in other mediums.
First-time novelist Trey Dowell invites readers into a near future world much like ours but complicated by the existence of four superheroes.
Scott McAlister, the former leader of the Protectors, doesn’t call himself a hero and is our first person view into Dowell’s world. Scott is washed up, jaded, and doesn’t believe the world can be changed. His voice is snarky and sarcastic throughout much of the novel, lending a lot of humor to the narrative but not to the point where it’s overdone. He’s a planner but makes plenty of mistakes along the way, especially with people, which is fitting given his superpower–putting people to sleep in an instant. He works through problems in fun and clever ways, often making unexpected and creative use of his powers.
When Scott’s former bosses at the CIA come to bring Scott out of retirement to track down his former teammate and lover, Lyla Ravzi, Scott is again forced to face the world as Knockout, his superhero persona, and choose between his country and his personal loyalties.
While the superhero coming out of retirement or having to choose between duty and a lover isn’t new ground, Dowell crafts an entertaining narrative from page one, using the Scott’s wit and charm to advance the plot until it spins in a new direction about halfway through. The introduction of Lyla, now a rogue mind-controller, provides a great counterpoint to Scott’s cynicism. She doesn’t just want to survive, and she isn’t satisfied with the choices offered her. She wants to change the world for the better with her power, specifically in her home country of Iran.
While they make a great team, their seemingly contradictory powers and personalities actually complementing each other quite nicely, there is a the shadow of mistrust as Scott tries to figure out if she’s using her mind-control power to manipulate him and keeps the reader guessing till the end.
The pair faces threats from both their own government via the CIA and the Iranian Government and their struggles get more and more dangerous and appropriately flashy for superheroes as they go. Agent Tucker, their CIA boss and nemesis, is a worthy antagonist. Despite his lack of superpowers, he more than makes up for it, employing vast CIA resources, connections, and money against the pair. His interactions with Scott are some of the best scenes in the book, as the snarky Scott runs up against the too-smart Tucker, and Dowell wisely opens on one of these scenes, bringing the reader into the conflict without delay.
Just as with the introduction of Lyla, the rest of the book gains strength as it moves forward. Scott’s interactions with other characters really shined in this book. As a first person narrative, it is sometimes hard to get a sense of the other characters, but that’s not a problem with Dowell’s writing. When another teammate, Diego, finally joins up, he and Scott have a completely different and unique relationship than Scott and Lyla, and it refreshes the book for the ending.
Dowell brings together a few interesting threads that had dangled in the larger narrative for the ending. As the title suggests, the Protectors come together again, and Dowell leaves us with new revelations on the last few pages, giving the book strong sequel potential.
Comic fans, superhero movie fans, sci-fi fans, or plain old adventure fans will find a lot this is familiar here, but in a good way. Dowell plays with the familiar elements in ways that feels original. Scott’s first person point of view plays to the strengths of the novel and is a offers a different look into the world of superheroes that readers don’t often get in other mediums.
June 2, 2015
I picked up Trey Dowell's The Protectors: A Thriller for two reasons: I'm a sucker for a good superhero/mutant story, and Trey is a friend. As much as I can, I'll separate the latter from my review.
Let’s address this right off the bat. This is a book about superheroes, and so I'm going to take a moment to contextualize this piece.
It’s easy to place the spiritual setting of book in The Watchmen universe, although it’s a much less dystopian Earth. Despite a similar “Who Will Watch the Watchmen?” plot point, the main characters inhabit a world more like the one painted by Christopher Nolan in The Dark Knight Rises.
All of that is to say: This story is set in a non-fantastical world, and all is not well on our fine planet.
The Protectors, a group of four humans with extra-sensory powers, were a group of superheroes who worked for the world government to keep the peace. They were both loved by the people of Earth, and feared by those in power since they couldn't be controlled.
Adding to the team's complexity, The Protectors were just people who happened to have special powers. They weren't given a deeper emotional maturity or an understanding of what it means to be human. They were just broken people like the rest of us.
And that’s where the book showed the most promise: What if superheroes were actually a bad thing for humanity because they brought out the worst in us? Imagine if you lived in a world where four people could - at any moment - change everything?
There's almost no chance that ends well. Hang with me for a minute, and I'll explain.
The story opens with Knockout, the first-person narrator and leader of The Protectors, forced to go on "one last mission." The group had long-ago broken up, and he was tasked with tracking down one of the former members who had taken it upon herself to make the world a better place. As it turned out, the CIA didn't much care for that kind of thinking.
What followed was a series of Jason Bourne-like adventures (er, MacGuffins) that as an avid sci-fi and comic book reader I found familiar. I never felt as if The Protectors were in danger; I was more interested to see how they might escape. Along with that sense of "superhero-ness," I couldn't help but see a little bit of Malcolm Reynolds and Hellboy in Knockout, and a smidge of Storm and Jean Grey with a touch of Lara Croft for good measure in Aphrodite.
But that felt like the purpose of the book: To take those much-love anti-hero tropes, and turn them just a bit.
What kept me reading (and I read the book in 2 sittings) was that the “bad guys” continually had all of their fears about The Protectors realized. Even as the antagonists double-crossed, battled, and pushed against The Protectors, who were doing good (at least as told to the reader), by the end I wasn't sure who I was rooting to win.
And that’s the real trick of the book. In most anti-hero stories, you end up rooting for rogue. You want Han Solo to come back to save Luke. You need Mal Reynolds to broadcast that final message about the Reavers.
As The Protectors raced towards their final battle, I wasn't sure for whom I was rooting. (And I didn't feel better after I read the Epilogue.)
Let’s address this right off the bat. This is a book about superheroes, and so I'm going to take a moment to contextualize this piece.
It’s easy to place the spiritual setting of book in The Watchmen universe, although it’s a much less dystopian Earth. Despite a similar “Who Will Watch the Watchmen?” plot point, the main characters inhabit a world more like the one painted by Christopher Nolan in The Dark Knight Rises.
All of that is to say: This story is set in a non-fantastical world, and all is not well on our fine planet.
The Protectors, a group of four humans with extra-sensory powers, were a group of superheroes who worked for the world government to keep the peace. They were both loved by the people of Earth, and feared by those in power since they couldn't be controlled.
Adding to the team's complexity, The Protectors were just people who happened to have special powers. They weren't given a deeper emotional maturity or an understanding of what it means to be human. They were just broken people like the rest of us.
And that’s where the book showed the most promise: What if superheroes were actually a bad thing for humanity because they brought out the worst in us? Imagine if you lived in a world where four people could - at any moment - change everything?
There's almost no chance that ends well. Hang with me for a minute, and I'll explain.
The story opens with Knockout, the first-person narrator and leader of The Protectors, forced to go on "one last mission." The group had long-ago broken up, and he was tasked with tracking down one of the former members who had taken it upon herself to make the world a better place. As it turned out, the CIA didn't much care for that kind of thinking.
What followed was a series of Jason Bourne-like adventures (er, MacGuffins) that as an avid sci-fi and comic book reader I found familiar. I never felt as if The Protectors were in danger; I was more interested to see how they might escape. Along with that sense of "superhero-ness," I couldn't help but see a little bit of Malcolm Reynolds and Hellboy in Knockout, and a smidge of Storm and Jean Grey with a touch of Lara Croft for good measure in Aphrodite.
But that felt like the purpose of the book: To take those much-love anti-hero tropes, and turn them just a bit.
What kept me reading (and I read the book in 2 sittings) was that the “bad guys” continually had all of their fears about The Protectors realized. Even as the antagonists double-crossed, battled, and pushed against The Protectors, who were doing good (at least as told to the reader), by the end I wasn't sure who I was rooting to win.
And that’s the real trick of the book. In most anti-hero stories, you end up rooting for rogue. You want Han Solo to come back to save Luke. You need Mal Reynolds to broadcast that final message about the Reavers.
As The Protectors raced towards their final battle, I wasn't sure for whom I was rooting. (And I didn't feel better after I read the Epilogue.)
June 20, 2015
3.5 stars
A superhero thriller featuring a rogue superhero, a superhero forced out of retirement, and government meddling was a good premise that dragged as the story went on and did not totally wow me in the end. The premise was promising enough, the writing is solidly decent and is fast paced, the characters are delightfully flawed, and there are comic book worthy one-liners, jokes, and sarcasm, but, for a story that involved international politics and country hopping, it felt like the scope was too narrow, and the superheroes were never in danger of actually failing. It takes more skills to create a character-driven story that also manages to capture the world without losing its sense of complexity, and this title just did not have it. It came down to being just a pissing match between Scott/Knock-out and Agent Tucker with a lot more damage and explosions. The superheroes have interesting enough abilities, which saw some creative use, but they were almost too powerful for any challenge.
There are only 4 superheroes (one is dead), but there is no sense of an origin story, beyond abilities just appeared and they were recruited to present the facade of an international policing team. There were only the 4 and haven't been any since them, and their abilities have started evolving/changing over the years, so they were a random, isolated incident. There's mention of testing to try to understand them. Otherwise, there's not even a sense of some kind of development, backstory, underlying story, to what could have caused superheroes to exist. It's fine if the story was to take a post-modern attitude of randomness and chaos, but it just plopped superheroes into a thriller with some flashbacks. There were some interesting ideas tossed around about the impact of superheroes' existence on the world, but it came across a little superficial and naive. There is a new development introduced in the end that leaves room for a sequel, but I'm not sure with some of the ways the Protectors are planning to change the world, how that fits in believably. The Violent Century by Lavie Tidhar has been my recent benchmark for superheroes in non-comic book settings. It had superheroes as government tools, but there was define angle being explored with a sense of scope, depth, and introspection on what it was like to have abilities and what it does to them as a person. The Protectors was a decent read but isn't one that is staying with me or will be one to re-read.
A superhero thriller featuring a rogue superhero, a superhero forced out of retirement, and government meddling was a good premise that dragged as the story went on and did not totally wow me in the end. The premise was promising enough, the writing is solidly decent and is fast paced, the characters are delightfully flawed, and there are comic book worthy one-liners, jokes, and sarcasm, but, for a story that involved international politics and country hopping, it felt like the scope was too narrow, and the superheroes were never in danger of actually failing. It takes more skills to create a character-driven story that also manages to capture the world without losing its sense of complexity, and this title just did not have it. It came down to being just a pissing match between Scott/Knock-out and Agent Tucker with a lot more damage and explosions. The superheroes have interesting enough abilities, which saw some creative use, but they were almost too powerful for any challenge.
There are only 4 superheroes (one is dead), but there is no sense of an origin story, beyond abilities just appeared and they were recruited to present the facade of an international policing team. There were only the 4 and haven't been any since them, and their abilities have started evolving/changing over the years, so they were a random, isolated incident. There's mention of testing to try to understand them. Otherwise, there's not even a sense of some kind of development, backstory, underlying story, to what could have caused superheroes to exist. It's fine if the story was to take a post-modern attitude of randomness and chaos, but it just plopped superheroes into a thriller with some flashbacks. There were some interesting ideas tossed around about the impact of superheroes' existence on the world, but it came across a little superficial and naive. There is a new development introduced in the end that leaves room for a sequel, but I'm not sure with some of the ways the Protectors are planning to change the world, how that fits in believably. The Violent Century by Lavie Tidhar has been my recent benchmark for superheroes in non-comic book settings. It had superheroes as government tools, but there was define angle being explored with a sense of scope, depth, and introspection on what it was like to have abilities and what it does to them as a person. The Protectors was a decent read but isn't one that is staying with me or will be one to re-read.
September 18, 2019
The Protectors is a rewarding superhero story grounded in real world politics. There are no supervillains trying to take over the world, no giant monsters trying to stomp all over the world, and certainly no alien hordes trying to demolish the world. No, the assumption here is that, thanks to war mongering, political subterfuge, and class disparity, the world is already pretty messed up as it is. Enter stage left: a trio of powered individuals who have the audacity to try and fix it.
This angle sets this superhero story apart from many others, allowing for a fresh take on what’s become a mainstream genre. Usually, it’s supervillains who decide to use their power to amass wealth, accumulate power, wreak havoc, or exact revenge, and it’s the superheroes’ role to stop them. Supervillains are traditionally proactive, while superheroes are traditionally reactive. This novel flips that idea on its head, allowing the heroes to decide (after much philosophical wrangling) to use their powers to balance the scales, and the villains are none other than society’s already existent corrupt politicians and selfish billionaires.
The novel also gives the reader cause to think about the potential repercussions of superbeings in a much more realistic, matter-of-fact way. As a card-carrying nerd who’s been reading comic books for decades, I love traditional superhero stories. But while I love watching Superman fight off a horde of alien invaders as much as the next person, The Protectors resonated on a much more believable scale.
Not to mention, it’s well written, and a complete joy to read. The characters are fully fleshed out, each with ample backgrounds and dynamic complications. The plot moves along nicely. And it’s occasionally funny as hell. There were a few speed bumps in the middle (I think the novel could have benefited from one or two less “escape from one place to another” scenes, and a few less “let's discuss the ethics of being the moral executives of the world” conversations), but the overall theme kept me moving forward, and its resolution was extraordinarily rewarding. I laughed out loud a number of times. I ended with a sense of closure and hope. What more can you really ask from a novel?
You’ve written a good book, Trey Dowell. Thanks for taking me along for the ride.
This angle sets this superhero story apart from many others, allowing for a fresh take on what’s become a mainstream genre. Usually, it’s supervillains who decide to use their power to amass wealth, accumulate power, wreak havoc, or exact revenge, and it’s the superheroes’ role to stop them. Supervillains are traditionally proactive, while superheroes are traditionally reactive. This novel flips that idea on its head, allowing the heroes to decide (after much philosophical wrangling) to use their powers to balance the scales, and the villains are none other than society’s already existent corrupt politicians and selfish billionaires.
The novel also gives the reader cause to think about the potential repercussions of superbeings in a much more realistic, matter-of-fact way. As a card-carrying nerd who’s been reading comic books for decades, I love traditional superhero stories. But while I love watching Superman fight off a horde of alien invaders as much as the next person, The Protectors resonated on a much more believable scale.
Not to mention, it’s well written, and a complete joy to read. The characters are fully fleshed out, each with ample backgrounds and dynamic complications. The plot moves along nicely. And it’s occasionally funny as hell. There were a few speed bumps in the middle (I think the novel could have benefited from one or two less “escape from one place to another” scenes, and a few less “let's discuss the ethics of being the moral executives of the world” conversations), but the overall theme kept me moving forward, and its resolution was extraordinarily rewarding. I laughed out loud a number of times. I ended with a sense of closure and hope. What more can you really ask from a novel?
You’ve written a good book, Trey Dowell. Thanks for taking me along for the ride.
October 8, 2014
I’m not gonna lie, this is the type of story I had been looking for.
I grew up on comic books. So I have a soft spot for stories of superheroes. What I loved were the great story tellers like Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, and Alan Moore who took you on an unexpected journey and took the ordinary and made it extraordinary. Unfortunately, what irritated me was when superhero books (or movies) insulted the reader’s intelligence and made the story about their powers and not their humanity or the story itself. The Protectors by Trey Dowell delivered on all my hopes and expectations.
The subtitle of the book is “A Thriller” and it does not disappoint. The story unfolds quickly. If you’re not ready for conflict, an intricate plot, chase scenes, brilliant banter, laugh-till-you-cry one-liners, and kick ass superhero powers, then this book is not for you. But if you want all of that and want to be entertained by a skilled storyteller, then buy The Protectors and set aside a solid chuck of time because there’s no way you’ll want to stop at the end of each chapter. Also, I don’t think you’ll find powers like the ones Dowell created. So many books come up with a “it’s-like-so-and-so but a woman,” or blatantly rip-off a well-known character and expect the reader to be wowed by said powers. Dowell’s characters would make Stan Lee nod in approval.
And the heroes are exactly what I would want: flawed, born with a gift they did not ask for, in a world that cannot understand them, but wants to love them, even though the same fans will watch in glee when the hero falls from grace.
This book has it all. It delivers on the promise while creating new characters that could easily be the lead roles of the next blockbuster movie.
I look forward to reading more from Dowell. This is a franchise that will only grow as we delve deeper into this universe.
Highly Recommended.
I grew up on comic books. So I have a soft spot for stories of superheroes. What I loved were the great story tellers like Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, and Alan Moore who took you on an unexpected journey and took the ordinary and made it extraordinary. Unfortunately, what irritated me was when superhero books (or movies) insulted the reader’s intelligence and made the story about their powers and not their humanity or the story itself. The Protectors by Trey Dowell delivered on all my hopes and expectations.
The subtitle of the book is “A Thriller” and it does not disappoint. The story unfolds quickly. If you’re not ready for conflict, an intricate plot, chase scenes, brilliant banter, laugh-till-you-cry one-liners, and kick ass superhero powers, then this book is not for you. But if you want all of that and want to be entertained by a skilled storyteller, then buy The Protectors and set aside a solid chuck of time because there’s no way you’ll want to stop at the end of each chapter. Also, I don’t think you’ll find powers like the ones Dowell created. So many books come up with a “it’s-like-so-and-so but a woman,” or blatantly rip-off a well-known character and expect the reader to be wowed by said powers. Dowell’s characters would make Stan Lee nod in approval.
And the heroes are exactly what I would want: flawed, born with a gift they did not ask for, in a world that cannot understand them, but wants to love them, even though the same fans will watch in glee when the hero falls from grace.
This book has it all. It delivers on the promise while creating new characters that could easily be the lead roles of the next blockbuster movie.
I look forward to reading more from Dowell. This is a franchise that will only grow as we delve deeper into this universe.
Highly Recommended.
November 3, 2014
I enjoyed this so much. It’s a superhero tale, and it’s such a smart one, because the writer never forgot that his characters were human beings first, and he never backed away from giving them big, big problems to solve. Our main character, Scott McAlister, has a curious superpower: he can put people to sleep (not in the veterinarian pink shot way, unless he goes to far). When we meet him it seems his hero career is at an end, until a former handler shows up from the CIA with just one more job for him. We learn he once went to far, in the most shattering circumstances, and now he is being asked to keep another teammate from misusing her power. Will he go back into the field, risk everything for a government that used and abused their small team of superheroes? Worse, will he risk being around the former love of his life? Together can they get some kind of revenge against their former handlers and win some kind of freedom?
This book stands out in a lot of ways. First, the characters. They’re clever, they’re intelligent, and they can be wonderfully funny. Dialogue sparkles. The author manages to write the most beautiful and supernaturally alluring woman in the world, but her appeal to the reader is how strong and smart she is. Definitely not the usual centerfold-in-insufficient-spandex female superhero. Scott McAlister is the guy who always has the right line, even when it’s self-deprecating. My other favorite feature of The Protectors is the plotting. None of this is easy. Impossible situations a specialty. And they aren’t just reacting to problems; they are going after some tough goals. Into Tehran? Check. Into the CIA? Just wait and see. Add a pitch-perfect ending and all I want is a sequel.
This book stands out in a lot of ways. First, the characters. They’re clever, they’re intelligent, and they can be wonderfully funny. Dialogue sparkles. The author manages to write the most beautiful and supernaturally alluring woman in the world, but her appeal to the reader is how strong and smart she is. Definitely not the usual centerfold-in-insufficient-spandex female superhero. Scott McAlister is the guy who always has the right line, even when it’s self-deprecating. My other favorite feature of The Protectors is the plotting. None of this is easy. Impossible situations a specialty. And they aren’t just reacting to problems; they are going after some tough goals. Into Tehran? Check. Into the CIA? Just wait and see. Add a pitch-perfect ending and all I want is a sequel.
October 15, 2014
This must be what it really feels like to have super powers. Always in the crosshairs. A unique take on the reluctant superhero theme. This isn't just a book about superheroes. Sure, they have a few powers but their weaknesses are just as great. This is a story about being different and being hunted because of it. Never being able to rest but not being able to shake the responsibility to use your abilities to their fullest.
Conflicted meta-humans who need each other in order to grow in their power but to help them find some normalcy.
The good guy/bad guy lines are so blurred it is a perfect representation of todays society. Who can you trust?
There is plenty of action here to keep the pages flipping. And the approach to the super powers seems like a plausible everyday occurrence.
A great ride and one I hope has a followup in the near future.
Conflicted meta-humans who need each other in order to grow in their power but to help them find some normalcy.
The good guy/bad guy lines are so blurred it is a perfect representation of todays society. Who can you trust?
There is plenty of action here to keep the pages flipping. And the approach to the super powers seems like a plausible everyday occurrence.
A great ride and one I hope has a followup in the near future.
May 26, 2016
This book is an engaging read with depth to the characters. At this point, there are only 79 reviews on here, and that is shocking to me. Though the book is all its own, I thought of Jim Butcher or Benedict Jacka in the pacing of plot and interaction of characters. I totally expected it to be a NYT bestseller with hundreds of reviews. If you like the synopsis, then give it a chance. The writer is a good writer with a clear head for what makes things work (and move along) in a novel.
At this point, it is only an e-book available on Amazon. I absolutely hate reading e-books just because of the medium, but I gave this one a chance. It was a wonderful experience despite the medium. So glad I did.
At this point, it is only an e-book available on Amazon. I absolutely hate reading e-books just because of the medium, but I gave this one a chance. It was a wonderful experience despite the medium. So glad I did.
Read
January 11, 2015I have been a huge fan of superheroes and comics for decades, so it was kind of a no-brainier that I would pick up this book. I did some with some trepidation, since every novel based on comics I've read has had me cringing at some point or another. I was pleasantly surprised to find out this one was fantastic! Well rounded, three-dimensional characters and antagonists who are at least as intelligent as the protagonists.
The cover does state the book is a thriller, and this is correct. It is less super-hero action and more of a good spy or covert ops book, yet it works really well. I highly recommend it.
The cover does state the book is a thriller, and this is correct. It is less super-hero action and more of a good spy or covert ops book, yet it works really well. I highly recommend it.
October 9, 2015
Good
I was sceptical, but this is a solid globe trotting thriller where the protagonists have super powers (instead of the world's best training).
Good characters, well written, interesting plot and development, and virtually no typos.
Recommended for any fans of super powers, spy thrillers, relationship drama, or an engaging read.
I was sceptical, but this is a solid globe trotting thriller where the protagonists have super powers (instead of the world's best training).
Good characters, well written, interesting plot and development, and virtually no typos.
Recommended for any fans of super powers, spy thrillers, relationship drama, or an engaging read.
May 31, 2015
3 1/2 stars. Can't say I am into superhero books, but this one is very enjoyable. A fast-paced, well-written read about a group of superheroes named "The Protectors." Told from the perspective of one of the group, Knockout, whose self-aware, snarky voice is fun to hear.
June 30, 2015
Cool modern twist on super hero story.
November 21, 2016
A fine entertainment. This is a novel about superheroes. It is quick and enjoyable read.
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