Mental: Episodes 1 and 2

by John Curry

Andre was used to being called names. He had heard them Crazy, Loony Tunes, Cuckoo, Nutcase, and, when they wanted to be polite, Mental. But those perceptions masked an incredible gift that would propel an unwanted nobody into a quiet hero. Follow his amazing journey from obscurity to crime fighter.

178 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2025

About the author

John Curry is the author of 3 books, The Last Johnson, A PLEDGE AND A PROMISE, and Mental: Episodes 1 & 2. He enjoys exploring urban sci-fi and mystery, where the realms of technology, society, and enigma intertwine to form enthralling tales that will keep you immersed in a world of suspense and intrigue.

Reviews

[Ray Pete]

There’s something refreshingly restrained about this book. Andre doesn’t suddenly become confident or fearless just because he has an ability. The damage done by years of being dismissed and mocked doesn’t disappear overnight, and the story respects that. Episodes 1 and 2 focus more on identity, perception, and small choices than on big action beats, which made the moments that do land feel earned. I’m curious to see where the next episode takes him

[Rachael Kap]

Mental plays with the idea that society is often wrong about who is “broken” and who is dangerous. Andre’s gift isn’t treated as a gimmick, but as something complicated and even burdensome. I liked how the humor and grit are balanced with a sense of hope, without becoming preachy. This is the kind of story that quietly challenges how we judge people, rather than telling us outright that we’re wrong

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Episodes 1 and 2 feel like the foundation of something bigger. The pacing is steady, sometimes deliberately slow, but it works because it allows Andre to feel real instead of rushed into a role. The writing leans more toward introspection than spectacle, which won’t be for everyone, but for me it made the story more believable. This is a thoughtful take on a hero origin that doesn’t rely on clichés