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Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1
His schizophrenia is his power. His PTSD is their nightmare.
Cody, a US Army veteran who now works as a firefighter, is one bad 911 call from a complete mental breakdown. Then life feeds him two bad calls, back to back.
He begins to hallucinate and hear voices. But they don't just speak to him-they grant him abilities beyond his wildest imagination. And they have their own agenda.
Meanwhile, sinister forces wreak havoc on the city, tearing apart its infrastructure bit by bit. Will this firefighter-turned-superhero quell the burning city's flames, or will he be the gust that spreads them?
Ancestor is a dark urban fantasy thriller which explores the daily lives of first responders and mental health topics through the lens of a superhero's trials.
Inside you will and vengeance dealt with a bloody, heavy hand.Revenge. Beautiful, satisfying revenge.An unforgettably unique romance subplot.Insight into the daily lives of first responders, written by a first responder.Seriously flawed, regular people. Because to be flawed is to be normal.
Jump straight into the depths of Jade City. Buy it now.
Cody, a US Army veteran who now works as a firefighter, is one bad 911 call from a complete mental breakdown. Then life feeds him two bad calls, back to back.
He begins to hallucinate and hear voices. But they don't just speak to him-they grant him abilities beyond his wildest imagination. And they have their own agenda.
Meanwhile, sinister forces wreak havoc on the city, tearing apart its infrastructure bit by bit. Will this firefighter-turned-superhero quell the burning city's flames, or will he be the gust that spreads them?
Ancestor is a dark urban fantasy thriller which explores the daily lives of first responders and mental health topics through the lens of a superhero's trials.
Inside you will and vengeance dealt with a bloody, heavy hand.Revenge. Beautiful, satisfying revenge.An unforgettably unique romance subplot.Insight into the daily lives of first responders, written by a first responder.Seriously flawed, regular people. Because to be flawed is to be normal.
Jump straight into the depths of Jade City. Buy it now.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 21, 2025
Ancestor: The Hooded Hero by Matt Ozanich is the kind of book that catches you off guard—in a good way. At first glance, it feels like your classic superhero origin story, but within a few chapters, it becomes clear this is something a little different. Ozanich weaves a story that’s as much about identity and belonging as it is about capes and villains. His protagonist, known simply as the Hooded Hero, isn’t your typical flawless superhero. He’s flawed, relatable, and battling personal demons as much as external ones. You get a sense that Ozanich poured a lot of heart into this character, and it shows.
The pacing is snappy without feeling rushed, and the action scenes have a gritty, grounded feel—more street-level scrappy than over-the-top explosions. But where the book really hits is in its quieter moments. The way Ozanich explores legacy, ancestry, and the weight of expectations adds a real emotional depth you don’t always get in this genre. It’s refreshingly introspective at times, without losing that pulpy comic book charm.
Some of the dialogue could be sharper in places, and there are a couple of scenes that tread familiar ground, but overall, this is a debut with real promise. If you enjoy superhero fiction with a bit more heart—and a lead who feels like a real person, not a cliché—you’ll get a lot out of Ancestor: The Hooded Hero.
It’s a solid, thoughtful read that leaves you hoping this is just the start of a bigger series. Definitely worth checking out.
The pacing is snappy without feeling rushed, and the action scenes have a gritty, grounded feel—more street-level scrappy than over-the-top explosions. But where the book really hits is in its quieter moments. The way Ozanich explores legacy, ancestry, and the weight of expectations adds a real emotional depth you don’t always get in this genre. It’s refreshingly introspective at times, without losing that pulpy comic book charm.
Some of the dialogue could be sharper in places, and there are a couple of scenes that tread familiar ground, but overall, this is a debut with real promise. If you enjoy superhero fiction with a bit more heart—and a lead who feels like a real person, not a cliché—you’ll get a lot out of Ancestor: The Hooded Hero.
It’s a solid, thoughtful read that leaves you hoping this is just the start of a bigger series. Definitely worth checking out.
July 20, 2025
A Gripping Descent into Darkness
Matt Ozanich's *Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1* is a breathtaking plunge into the dark and gritty world of urban fantasy. This novel doesn't just entertain; it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, exploring the complexities of mental health within a thrilling superhero narrative. Firefighter Cody Chance, disillusioned with his life and haunted by failure, becomes the unlikely vessel for extraordinary powers. But these gifts come at a steep price: the incessant, bloodthirsty voices in his head.
Ozanich masterfully portrays Cody's internal struggle. Tormented by his newfound abilities and the sinister whispers that accompany them, Cody walks a tightrope between hero and anti-hero. His transformation into a brutal vigilante, fueled by a desperate need for justice, is both terrifying and compelling. The reader is right there with him, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and the chilling question of whether he can retain his humanity amidst the encroaching darkness.
The backdrop of Jade City, crumbling under the weight of sinister forces, adds another layer of tension to the narrative. As Cody battles his inner demons, he must also confront external threats that seek to destroy everything he holds dear. The stakes are high, and the action is relentless, making for a truly unputdownable read.
*Ancestor* is more than just a superhero story; it's a poignant exploration of mental health, wrapped in a thrilling package of fantasy and adventure. Ozanich skillfully uses the superhero genre as a lens to examine the struggles of those battling inner demons. The themes of vengeance, justice, and the corrupting influence of power resonate deeply, leaving the reader pondering long after the final page is turned.
This is a dark, gritty, and intensely satisfying read. If you're looking for a fresh take on the superhero genre with a healthy dose of psychological depth, *Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1* is an absolute must-read.
Matt Ozanich's *Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1* is a breathtaking plunge into the dark and gritty world of urban fantasy. This novel doesn't just entertain; it grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, exploring the complexities of mental health within a thrilling superhero narrative. Firefighter Cody Chance, disillusioned with his life and haunted by failure, becomes the unlikely vessel for extraordinary powers. But these gifts come at a steep price: the incessant, bloodthirsty voices in his head.
Ozanich masterfully portrays Cody's internal struggle. Tormented by his newfound abilities and the sinister whispers that accompany them, Cody walks a tightrope between hero and anti-hero. His transformation into a brutal vigilante, fueled by a desperate need for justice, is both terrifying and compelling. The reader is right there with him, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and the chilling question of whether he can retain his humanity amidst the encroaching darkness.
The backdrop of Jade City, crumbling under the weight of sinister forces, adds another layer of tension to the narrative. As Cody battles his inner demons, he must also confront external threats that seek to destroy everything he holds dear. The stakes are high, and the action is relentless, making for a truly unputdownable read.
*Ancestor* is more than just a superhero story; it's a poignant exploration of mental health, wrapped in a thrilling package of fantasy and adventure. Ozanich skillfully uses the superhero genre as a lens to examine the struggles of those battling inner demons. The themes of vengeance, justice, and the corrupting influence of power resonate deeply, leaving the reader pondering long after the final page is turned.
This is a dark, gritty, and intensely satisfying read. If you're looking for a fresh take on the superhero genre with a healthy dose of psychological depth, *Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1* is an absolute must-read.
August 25, 2025
Ancestor drops you headfirst into the life of Cody Chance, a firefighter-paramedic in the gritty near-future city of Jade. It starts with what feels like a standard emergency call, but quickly escalates into a chaotic, bloody night that leaves Cody haunted by both what he saw and something darker that seems to be following him. A comet burns across the sky like an omen, strange voices whisper from nowhere, and Cody’s grip on reality frays. Between violent calls, moral compromises, and an unshakable sense that something supernatural is at play, the book builds a tense blend of urban fantasy, first responder realism, and psychological suspense.
Ozanich writes with the eye of someone who’s lived it, pulling you into the banter, the gallows humor, and the ugly truths of emergency work. At the same time, the creeping horror threaded through the story kept me off balance. I loved that shift. It’s not just gore for the sake of it. The unease builds slowly, like a shadow you can’t quite catch. The voice of the narrator feels raw and honest, even when the things he’s thinking aren’t noble. That unvarnished humanity made it hit harder.
The violence is vivid and unflinching, and the pace sometimes lingers on procedure in a way that slows the momentum. I found myself caught between being absorbed in the detail and wanting the story to push forward. And Cody, well, he’s not always easy to like. He’s stubborn, sometimes reckless, and definitely flawed, but that’s what makes him real. There’s a claustrophobic quality to the way the night unfolds, which works brilliantly for tension.
I’d recommend Ancestor to readers who like their urban fantasy grounded in real-world grit, especially those who aren’t squeamish about violence or moral ambiguity. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the supernatural seeps in slowly, and you can handle the rough edges of first responder life, this one’s worth the ride. It’s a wild, unsettling, and strangely relatable trip.
Ozanich writes with the eye of someone who’s lived it, pulling you into the banter, the gallows humor, and the ugly truths of emergency work. At the same time, the creeping horror threaded through the story kept me off balance. I loved that shift. It’s not just gore for the sake of it. The unease builds slowly, like a shadow you can’t quite catch. The voice of the narrator feels raw and honest, even when the things he’s thinking aren’t noble. That unvarnished humanity made it hit harder.
The violence is vivid and unflinching, and the pace sometimes lingers on procedure in a way that slows the momentum. I found myself caught between being absorbed in the detail and wanting the story to push forward. And Cody, well, he’s not always easy to like. He’s stubborn, sometimes reckless, and definitely flawed, but that’s what makes him real. There’s a claustrophobic quality to the way the night unfolds, which works brilliantly for tension.
I’d recommend Ancestor to readers who like their urban fantasy grounded in real-world grit, especially those who aren’t squeamish about violence or moral ambiguity. If you enjoy character-driven stories where the supernatural seeps in slowly, and you can handle the rough edges of first responder life, this one’s worth the ride. It’s a wild, unsettling, and strangely relatable trip.
July 22, 2025
What happens when the mind meant to hold a hero isn’t even reliable? That’s the gripping core of Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1. Matt Ozanich introduces us to a protagonist struggling with schizophrenia—but instead of sidelining him, the story imbues his condition with real power. You immediately feel the tension: every step forward may be a triumph or a misfire in his fractured perception.
The premise drew me in: what if the mental labyrinth of psychosis became the source of extraordinary ability? Ozanich treats this with unexpected compassion and nuance. The hallucinations pulse through the plot, shaping both challenge and potential. It’s a superhero tale, yes, but with real emotional stakes—where every decision feels precarious, yet no less heroic.
The tone is intimate and tense. One moment, you’re wired into the hero’s confused adrenaline; the next, you’re inside his doubt, his fear of being dangerous even to himself. That duality makes every scene feel resonant. The world around him—sometimes blisteringly vivid, sometimes threateningly blurred—takes on shades of his inner turmoil.
By the end, I was rooting for him in a way few masked crusaders earn. He's flawed, fragile, and often unsure—but also operating out of genuine care. And you’re left wondering where the line is between power and instability.
The premise drew me in: what if the mental labyrinth of psychosis became the source of extraordinary ability? Ozanich treats this with unexpected compassion and nuance. The hallucinations pulse through the plot, shaping both challenge and potential. It’s a superhero tale, yes, but with real emotional stakes—where every decision feels precarious, yet no less heroic.
The tone is intimate and tense. One moment, you’re wired into the hero’s confused adrenaline; the next, you’re inside his doubt, his fear of being dangerous even to himself. That duality makes every scene feel resonant. The world around him—sometimes blisteringly vivid, sometimes threateningly blurred—takes on shades of his inner turmoil.
By the end, I was rooting for him in a way few masked crusaders earn. He's flawed, fragile, and often unsure—but also operating out of genuine care. And you’re left wondering where the line is between power and instability.
July 24, 2025
Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1 by Matt Ozanich is a gritty, gripping dive into urban fantasy that blends superhero action with psychological depth. Firefighter Cody Chance’s life unravels after a cosmic event leaves him with schizophrenia-induced superpowers and the bloodthirsty voices that come with them. What makes this debut stand out is how it handles mental health: raw, unflinching, and painfully real. Cody isn’t a clean-cut hero, he’s a man battling internal chaos while trying to bring justice to a crumbling city. The ancestral spirits guiding him are eerie and compelling, adding mythic weight to his vigilante arc. The pacing is intense, the world immersive, and the themes, trauma, legacy, vengeance, linger long after the final page. Fans of darker superhero stories like Moon Knight or The Punisher will find a lot to love here. Ancestor is both thrilling and thought-provoking, a bold start to a promising series. I’ll be watching for book two.
August 16, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. It wasn't something that I would normally choose, but I'm glad I did. Ozanich does a really great job of bringing up the important topic of mental health struggles, but he doesn't over do it or glamorize it. He really blends fantasy and reality and brings you to a place to truly understand the characters. The thing I liked most about the book is that it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. The main character, Cody, isn't the normal feel-good hero that you'd expect. He makes you think and challenges you as the reader to understand him as a character. I would recommend this book for people who like a little less fairytale and a little more honest, darker fiction. I did enjoy this read. If you are on the fence because it isn't your normal genre, give it a chance, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
July 19, 2025
Cody, an overworked paramedic, gains supernatural powers…
…From a trio of ghostly ancestors, and embarks on a vigilante quest for justice. Along the way, he confronts supernatural monsters, amoral gods, and murderous thugs, all while striving to keep his increasingly chaotic life in order.
I enjoyed Cody’s interactions with his coworkers and Sadie, the girlfriend he acquires in the midst of the anarchy. His struggles to maintain a moral center are gripping. Likewise, the ancestral ghosts, while cryptic, have distinct personalities and motivations. The setting comes across as ‘real,’ though it seems more 2024 than 2040.
This book should appeal to fans of urban fantasy and those who like contemporary supernatural thrillers.
…From a trio of ghostly ancestors, and embarks on a vigilante quest for justice. Along the way, he confronts supernatural monsters, amoral gods, and murderous thugs, all while striving to keep his increasingly chaotic life in order.
I enjoyed Cody’s interactions with his coworkers and Sadie, the girlfriend he acquires in the midst of the anarchy. His struggles to maintain a moral center are gripping. Likewise, the ancestral ghosts, while cryptic, have distinct personalities and motivations. The setting comes across as ‘real,’ though it seems more 2024 than 2040.
This book should appeal to fans of urban fantasy and those who like contemporary supernatural thrillers.
July 23, 2025
What? An adventure? Okay. A thriller. Yes. Right from the start I felt like I was in the hands of a good storyteller. Amazon recommended the book to me, and they weren't wrong. The title intrigued me, and it seemed to be sci-fi with a supernatural twist. Hmm.
I did not expect Cody's journey. I enjoyed the ride
I did not expect Cody's journey. I enjoyed the ride
July 27, 2025
Great Hero story, like reading a comic book!
So this felt like I was reading a mash up of The Strange Talents of Luther Strode and MoonKnight, but with the vibe of UnBreakable, Split, and Glass. If you like that dark super hero, crazy vibe then this is the way to go. Action was great, characters were compelling, book was great, definitely worth a read.
So this felt like I was reading a mash up of The Strange Talents of Luther Strode and MoonKnight, but with the vibe of UnBreakable, Split, and Glass. If you like that dark super hero, crazy vibe then this is the way to go. Action was great, characters were compelling, book was great, definitely worth a read.
October 10, 2025
Loved it!! All the characters were so relatable and the story immediately sucked me in. I really liked how Matt described the mental health struggles that the two main characters suffered with. It was easy to imagine their struggles and easily breaks your heart as you’re reading. Can’t wait for book 2!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews