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The White Knight & Black Valentine #1
Hero Status
David Del Toro used to be a superhero. Now he's retired and happily married—to his former nemesis, Valentina Belmonte, better known as the Black Valentine. The two have settled in sunny Miami and left the past behind them. No more masks, capes or handcuffs. At least, not outside of the bedroom. But then the famous hero Supersonic turns up dead, and Valentina is arrested for the murder. Dave knows she's innocent, but he has to find the real killer if he wants to prove it. Investigating on his own, dodging the law, he gets tangled in a web of conspiracy that will take more than super-strength to break. If Dave wants to save his wife, he'll have to cross lines no hero ever should... Fans of character-driven genre fiction will enjoy this action-packed thriller. If you like superheroes in movies, TV, or comics, don’t miss out. Download Hero Status and start reading now!
- GenresSuperheroes
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
21 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Brand
29 books506 followersIf Kristen Brand could have any superpower, she’d want telekinesis so she wouldn’t have to move from her computer to pour a new cup of tea. She spends far too much time on the internet, and when she’s not writing, she’s usually reading novels or comic books. Icon by @heckosart.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 18, 2015
Superheroes are hard to write. People might not stop to think about that, but it's true. It's a very visual medium. We are used to SEEING the heroes fly around and punch villains. All wearing their flashy suits with their flashy powers. So writing a novel in the superhero genre is daunting. Reading one is even more... :-)
Recently I've gone on a superhero novel hunt. I wanted to read a good superhero novel. I'm an avid comic book reader and this turned out to be no easy task. I read handfuls of samples of various superhero books, and although some of them were/are promising, the sample for Hero Status is the first to really grab me.
I found myself finding it hard to put down. Brand's writing style is very appealing and I loved the characters and cared about what happened them. While reading the book, I needed to know what happens next. How would the story pan out. This was the first sample that motivated me to purchase the book.
I don't know if the author had this in mind or not, but I almost instantly heard the narrator with Craig T. Nelson's (Mr. Incredible) voice. That didn't bother me at all. It didn't make the story too cartoony or anything.
Recently I've gone on a superhero novel hunt. I wanted to read a good superhero novel. I'm an avid comic book reader and this turned out to be no easy task. I read handfuls of samples of various superhero books, and although some of them were/are promising, the sample for Hero Status is the first to really grab me.
I found myself finding it hard to put down. Brand's writing style is very appealing and I loved the characters and cared about what happened them. While reading the book, I needed to know what happens next. How would the story pan out. This was the first sample that motivated me to purchase the book.
I don't know if the author had this in mind or not, but I almost instantly heard the narrator with Craig T. Nelson's (Mr. Incredible) voice. That didn't bother me at all. It didn't make the story too cartoony or anything.
January 5, 2019
As a superhero novelist myself, I'm always looking for fresh takes on the genre. I found one in this story!
I really enjoyed this novel's focus on David del Toro as a person, in particular as a family man in love with his wife and trying to be a good dad. Of course, this particular dad has an alter ego as the super-strong White Knight, retired superhero, and is married to a one-time super-villain with mind control abilities, but all marriages have challenges. :-)
Of course, since it's a superhero story, it doesn't stay a quiet domestic bliss sort of story. There's a wonderfully creepy super-villain in Dr. Sweet and lots of in-fighting based on misunderstandings and judgments about each other's morality. I loved the different takes on heroism and the cooperation and competition among heroes and with the authorities.
The action sequences are innovative and exciting and the relationships and history from del Toro's past build suspense and intrigue. It's a good balance of plot and character that had me cheering for del Toro throughout. I was engaged from beginning to end and would definitely read more of this series.
I really enjoyed this novel's focus on David del Toro as a person, in particular as a family man in love with his wife and trying to be a good dad. Of course, this particular dad has an alter ego as the super-strong White Knight, retired superhero, and is married to a one-time super-villain with mind control abilities, but all marriages have challenges. :-)
Of course, since it's a superhero story, it doesn't stay a quiet domestic bliss sort of story. There's a wonderfully creepy super-villain in Dr. Sweet and lots of in-fighting based on misunderstandings and judgments about each other's morality. I loved the different takes on heroism and the cooperation and competition among heroes and with the authorities.
The action sequences are innovative and exciting and the relationships and history from del Toro's past build suspense and intrigue. It's a good balance of plot and character that had me cheering for del Toro throughout. I was engaged from beginning to end and would definitely read more of this series.
September 10, 2017
When his wife is framed for the murder of an old friend, a retired super-hero has to get back to work.
Dave, alias White Knight, has super-strength and a bad knee. His wife, Black Valentine, is a telepath who used to be a super-villain. She’s arrested for murder and he sets out to prove her innocent, tangling along the way with old friends and enemies.
Told in first person, this is well written and well edited, with very few errors. Great characters, a decent mystery plot, and plenty of action, delivered with humour and style. The back story is folded in nicely too.
Overall, a highly engaging fun read. Expect some violence and gore, sexual references.
Dave, alias White Knight, has super-strength and a bad knee. His wife, Black Valentine, is a telepath who used to be a super-villain. She’s arrested for murder and he sets out to prove her innocent, tangling along the way with old friends and enemies.
Told in first person, this is well written and well edited, with very few errors. Great characters, a decent mystery plot, and plenty of action, delivered with humour and style. The back story is folded in nicely too.
Overall, a highly engaging fun read. Expect some violence and gore, sexual references.
March 25, 2019
Kristen Brand quickly develops her own stupendous universe of government backed superheroes in this first book of a series. The White Knight used to be one of the world's greatest heroes, but his love affair with the villainous telepath Black Valentine ended his career but started his family. But when his wife is framed for a crime and his teenage daughter is kidnapped, not even a bum knee will keep him from righting wrong and fighting injustice. A great compelling book well worth a read by any fans of superheroes and fiction!
June 14, 2020
I really love the setting Kristen created in this book. White Knight and Black Valentine are a great couple. Hero Status is a great murder mystery. Definitely recommend this if you are looking for a fun mystery in a unique superhero setting.
July 30, 2022
Fun story, tells an interesting tale.
September 27, 2023
My most sincere compliment
It's 2:15 AM, I have work in 6 hours, and I'm still saying up to finish this book. It's that good.
It's 2:15 AM, I have work in 6 hours, and I'm still saying up to finish this book. It's that good.
January 20, 2019
I saw this recommended by a friend, Samantha Dunway Bryant, who is herself an author of superhero fiction. It's a genre I enjoy, and the premise sounded promising, so I grabbed the sample. Seeing few copy editing issues (especially as compared with the usual low superhero-fiction standard) and a motivated protagonist in a dynamic situation, I bought the book, and was glad I did.
It reminded me very much of a noir detective novel, with the protagonist getting beaten up repeatedly and having to deal with mobsters in order to help the femme fatale (who, in this case, is his wife). He solves the case through sheer perseverance combined with ingenuity, which is a combination I always enjoy.
The setup with the supers is (as such things go) believable, the plot was textbook, and the protagonist/narrator was appealing and relatable.
This is the start of a series, and although the next one, from the viewpoint of the supervillain wife, isn't as appealing to me as this one, I may well read it and/or others when I'm next in the mood for some well-written superhero fiction.
It reminded me very much of a noir detective novel, with the protagonist getting beaten up repeatedly and having to deal with mobsters in order to help the femme fatale (who, in this case, is his wife). He solves the case through sheer perseverance combined with ingenuity, which is a combination I always enjoy.
The setup with the supers is (as such things go) believable, the plot was textbook, and the protagonist/narrator was appealing and relatable.
This is the start of a series, and although the next one, from the viewpoint of the supervillain wife, isn't as appealing to me as this one, I may well read it and/or others when I'm next in the mood for some well-written superhero fiction.
January 24, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/he...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Have you ever wondered what does the famous superhero do when he retires? Or what happens when the most popular villain stops robbing banks? Well Hero Status tells the story of the famous hero White Knight and his villain wife Black Valentine. After his forced retirement, Dave Del Toro a.k.a. White Knight has been living a peaceful life with his wife and daughter, well, as peaceful as it can be in their mansion, but not everybody is happy with them.
Author Kristen Brand has created a story based on the ever-after of the golden years of heroes and villains, by doing this, she is showing the reader that there’s more to the happy ever after wedding, and finding the love of your life. But not everybody is happy that a hero married a villain, and even worse, that they have a child that has the probability of inheriting one or both of their abilities, in this case super strange or telepathy.
I really liked the concept that Kristen Brand used regarding the characters’ powers. She shows that every power has a flaw and it can appear in the worst moment, such as with Dave’s impenetrable skin, or a new telepath that has not been able to learn how to block the thoughts around her.
I liked several of the characters, like Dave and Valentine, their chef and maid, FreezeFire, and the Ruby. Who really creeped me out was Dr. Sweet. I’m kind of intrigued about how he managed to survive twice.
If you like stories about heroes and villains, good guys and bad guys that appeared to be good, and powers and abilities, I recommend you read Hero Status, where we see more of the way of how the world of heroes and villains works, and how some lines should not be crossed.
Which would you like to be: a hero or a villain? Tell us in the comments.
*OBS would like to think the author for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Have you ever wondered what does the famous superhero do when he retires? Or what happens when the most popular villain stops robbing banks? Well Hero Status tells the story of the famous hero White Knight and his villain wife Black Valentine. After his forced retirement, Dave Del Toro a.k.a. White Knight has been living a peaceful life with his wife and daughter, well, as peaceful as it can be in their mansion, but not everybody is happy with them.
Author Kristen Brand has created a story based on the ever-after of the golden years of heroes and villains, by doing this, she is showing the reader that there’s more to the happy ever after wedding, and finding the love of your life. But not everybody is happy that a hero married a villain, and even worse, that they have a child that has the probability of inheriting one or both of their abilities, in this case super strange or telepathy.
I really liked the concept that Kristen Brand used regarding the characters’ powers. She shows that every power has a flaw and it can appear in the worst moment, such as with Dave’s impenetrable skin, or a new telepath that has not been able to learn how to block the thoughts around her.
I liked several of the characters, like Dave and Valentine, their chef and maid, FreezeFire, and the Ruby. Who really creeped me out was Dr. Sweet. I’m kind of intrigued about how he managed to survive twice.
If you like stories about heroes and villains, good guys and bad guys that appeared to be good, and powers and abilities, I recommend you read Hero Status, where we see more of the way of how the world of heroes and villains works, and how some lines should not be crossed.
Which would you like to be: a hero or a villain? Tell us in the comments.
*OBS would like to think the author for supplying a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 28, 2019
Superhero fans, come hither, for in Kristen Brand’s Hero Status, there’s plenty of action, romance, mystery, and spandex to enjoy.
Welcome to Part One of my special Superhero Week where we’re spotlighting the White Knight & Black Valentine series. And I LOOOOOVEEE this series! It’s one of the first requests I ever took here at One Book Two as a reviewer, and I was so excited when it landed in my inbox. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. Hero Status and all the sequels are action-packed and full of the good stuff I love. But let’s focus on book one, shall we?
First off is Hero Status, which introduces us to Dave Del Toro, a retired superhero with a bum knee. He’s married to the infamous villain, Black Valentine, who’s a telepath and a sexy badass all rolled into one. He’s also got a daughter named Elisa who discovers she’s inherited powers from both sides of the family.
When Valentina takes the rap for a murder she didn’t commit, Dave’s gotta investigate so he can save his wife from supermax prison. But finding the real killer is going to test lines he’s never crossed. How do you catch the bad guy without breaking a few laws along the way?
This setup is perfect for those looking for a little mystery along the way, as you follow along with Dave as he’s trying to figure out who framed his wife, who the real killer is, and how to stop him before he tries again. And it’s so well written that it always keeps you guessing!
The characters feel so real and ordinary despite all the exciting, villainous things happening around them. And when I say ordinary, I mean that it’s nice to have characters that I’m able to relate to in human ways. These are people that I’d invite over to my house (which would probably be a great time for game night) and hell, I’d probably be a groupie/fangirl in their world. Dave is probably my favorite in the series; he’s tough but kind, passionate, and always looking to do the right thing. Valentina is a badass, but I guess I have a soft spot for gentle giants.
All in all, this has always gotten perfect marks for me. You can read my original review here but I wanted the chance to reread this book and share my updated thoughts.
Welcome to Part One of my special Superhero Week where we’re spotlighting the White Knight & Black Valentine series. And I LOOOOOVEEE this series! It’s one of the first requests I ever took here at One Book Two as a reviewer, and I was so excited when it landed in my inbox. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. Hero Status and all the sequels are action-packed and full of the good stuff I love. But let’s focus on book one, shall we?
First off is Hero Status, which introduces us to Dave Del Toro, a retired superhero with a bum knee. He’s married to the infamous villain, Black Valentine, who’s a telepath and a sexy badass all rolled into one. He’s also got a daughter named Elisa who discovers she’s inherited powers from both sides of the family.
When Valentina takes the rap for a murder she didn’t commit, Dave’s gotta investigate so he can save his wife from supermax prison. But finding the real killer is going to test lines he’s never crossed. How do you catch the bad guy without breaking a few laws along the way?
This setup is perfect for those looking for a little mystery along the way, as you follow along with Dave as he’s trying to figure out who framed his wife, who the real killer is, and how to stop him before he tries again. And it’s so well written that it always keeps you guessing!
The characters feel so real and ordinary despite all the exciting, villainous things happening around them. And when I say ordinary, I mean that it’s nice to have characters that I’m able to relate to in human ways. These are people that I’d invite over to my house (which would probably be a great time for game night) and hell, I’d probably be a groupie/fangirl in their world. Dave is probably my favorite in the series; he’s tough but kind, passionate, and always looking to do the right thing. Valentina is a badass, but I guess I have a soft spot for gentle giants.
All in all, this has always gotten perfect marks for me. You can read my original review here but I wanted the chance to reread this book and share my updated thoughts.
April 10, 2019
Kat Mandu says...
Superhero fans, you won’t want to miss this! Hero Status is packed full of action, humor, and old-fashioned good guys versus bad guys.
I can’t tell you why it has taken me so long to finally read this book. Busy schedules and life, I suppose. But I can’t believe the greatness I’ve been missing!
Dave is an older character and a retired superhero with a bum knee. He used to be famous (and he still kinda is, there are just newer ones out there who have taken over) and one of the good guys until people found out he was in a secret relationship with notorious telepath and villain, Black Valentine. Despite this fact, they also have a daughter together named Elisa, and for a while, have enjoyed their life together.
But then Val gets accused of murder and Dave, who believes she’s innocent, starts investigating. He’s led down a path of several telepathic baddies, a lovestruck damsel in distress, and a mafia gunman with a superhuman strength that matches his own. And as he navigates the chaos of fighting against one of his worst enemies, he’s gotta figure out if he can maintain his superhero morals.
I absolutely LOVED this. It’s funny, it’s a little romantic, it has a really great plot and characters I like. There’s really nothing negative about it, to be honest.
Another thing I enjoyed was the writing. It was well-edited and flowed perfectly, even during the fight scenes. I loved the personal touches the author imbues within the flashbacks and scenes with the whole family.
I picture Dave as Bruce Willis sometimes. I know with a last name like Del Toro, it’s probably not quite the facial visual you’d expect, but I still do it anyway. Mostly because they’re both badasses.
This gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Superhero fans, you won’t want to miss this! Hero Status is packed full of action, humor, and old-fashioned good guys versus bad guys.
I can’t tell you why it has taken me so long to finally read this book. Busy schedules and life, I suppose. But I can’t believe the greatness I’ve been missing!
Dave is an older character and a retired superhero with a bum knee. He used to be famous (and he still kinda is, there are just newer ones out there who have taken over) and one of the good guys until people found out he was in a secret relationship with notorious telepath and villain, Black Valentine. Despite this fact, they also have a daughter together named Elisa, and for a while, have enjoyed their life together.
But then Val gets accused of murder and Dave, who believes she’s innocent, starts investigating. He’s led down a path of several telepathic baddies, a lovestruck damsel in distress, and a mafia gunman with a superhuman strength that matches his own. And as he navigates the chaos of fighting against one of his worst enemies, he’s gotta figure out if he can maintain his superhero morals.
I absolutely LOVED this. It’s funny, it’s a little romantic, it has a really great plot and characters I like. There’s really nothing negative about it, to be honest.
Another thing I enjoyed was the writing. It was well-edited and flowed perfectly, even during the fight scenes. I loved the personal touches the author imbues within the flashbacks and scenes with the whole family.
I picture Dave as Bruce Willis sometimes. I know with a last name like Del Toro, it’s probably not quite the facial visual you’d expect, but I still do it anyway. Mostly because they’re both badasses.
This gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
May 5, 2015
As for the story and characters - loved it all. The first thing that grabbed me with this book was the smooth way the author "showed" us the setting rather than just describing it. On another technical note, there were very few typos or errors in this book, which is nice to see with a new author. I did find that some transitions in this book were a bit bumpy and I occasionally had to re-read a previous paragraph to confirm the connection to the subsequent one. I had skipped over this one a couple of times as the cover wasn't appealing to me - it's very well done in an artistic sense, it just wasn't one that spoke to me. But the Title and the description won out in the end and I'm glad. The story kept moving forward and I felt connected to the characters. I even caught myself thinking about the characters when I was busy with other matters and unable to continue reading. I will definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
May 27, 2016
I was really excited to read this book. A retired superhero married to a supervillain? Let the fun and action begin! Or that’s what I hoped would happen. Reading the word “retired” in the synopsis, had me under the impression that White Knight is no longer saving people and doing his superhero thing. Instead, the story revolves around a superhero has-been who “retired” due to a bad knee (and other reasons). In the end, this book was just way too long. Every time I picked it up to continue reading, I had already forgotten what I’ve read up until that point. White Knight’s aches and pains and his bad knee got really old, really soon. Eventually I wished the story was about one of the other heroes doing their superhero thing, instead of being stuck with one who can hardly walk ten steps without paragraphs of whining.
Overall, this was not a terrible read. There were times I managed a few good laughs. In the end, it just wasn’t what I had hoped it would be.
Overall, this was not a terrible read. There were times I managed a few good laughs. In the end, it just wasn’t what I had hoped it would be.
January 9, 2015
A good first
White Knight was an invincible strongman and the government's go to superhero. Then he married his nemesis, the beautiful psychic Black Valentine. Now he is retired and happily raising their daughter. Then Val is arrested for the murder of Knight's best friend.
Good use of forshadowing, mystery, and characters. The way the author uses super powers is thoughtful and consistent. There are a few oddities, including how the villains still have their fortunes, but the world building is quite good, and subtle.
The family are interesting characters, and most of the supporting cast is developed enough to enjoy.
Recomended for fans of mysteries, thrillers, detective stories, and superhumans.
White Knight was an invincible strongman and the government's go to superhero. Then he married his nemesis, the beautiful psychic Black Valentine. Now he is retired and happily raising their daughter. Then Val is arrested for the murder of Knight's best friend.
Good use of forshadowing, mystery, and characters. The way the author uses super powers is thoughtful and consistent. There are a few oddities, including how the villains still have their fortunes, but the world building is quite good, and subtle.
The family are interesting characters, and most of the supporting cast is developed enough to enjoy.
Recomended for fans of mysteries, thrillers, detective stories, and superhumans.
January 16, 2015
With Hero Status, Kristen Brand has created a thrilling story of a loving husband trying to find out who framed his wife - a former villain with superpowers - for the murder of another superhero. Hero Status is a gripping and touching read with human characters, not only enjoyable for superhero fans. You get to know the characters better and better as the story proceeds, the nerd in me had reasons to chuckle and also hold my breath along the way. I was drawn into the story - trying to stay one step behind Dave. ;-)
This is the very promising first instalment of a superhero series. I'm eagerly waiting for the second instalment.
4.3 stars
This is the very promising first instalment of a superhero series. I'm eagerly waiting for the second instalment.
4.3 stars
April 22, 2015
The superhero genre is flooded with almost but not quite there stories. Kristen Brand seems to nail it on the head with her story of the White Knight and Black Valentine.
I loved the White Knight character, here is a man that did everything possible for justice, his family and friends. He is not egotistical, he is not unlikable and his problems feel real. The sub characters have life and substance as apposed to card board cut outs of tropes.
The villain was creepy, the mystery engaging, and I had a lot of fun reading this.
I will be back for more White Knight action and I can't wait to see what happens to Black Valentine, Elisa and the rest of the cast.
I loved the White Knight character, here is a man that did everything possible for justice, his family and friends. He is not egotistical, he is not unlikable and his problems feel real. The sub characters have life and substance as apposed to card board cut outs of tropes.
The villain was creepy, the mystery engaging, and I had a lot of fun reading this.
I will be back for more White Knight action and I can't wait to see what happens to Black Valentine, Elisa and the rest of the cast.
January 2, 2025
Probably my favorite thing about the book was the diversity. The main hero is Hispanic, and is married to a grey area villain. It flows very well and all the characters are beautifully written and wonderfully three dimensional. It's the perfect read for Marvel fans who prefer traditional writing to a graphic novel.
February 23, 2015
PG but still plenty of fun. One of a trend of realistic superhero novels which stops short of anything unpleasant and is instead just an enjoyable and fun read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews