The Diary of a Reluctant Superhero

by Michael D.A. Clarke

Angel Dawson never really knew her father - only that he didn’t want to know her. He was a name, a shadow, a string of excuses.

At his funeral, she hoped for answers. A connection. Something to make sense of the man who had chosen a life without her. But the stories she heard only made him feel more like a stranger.

Searching for truth, Angel breaks into his apartment and stumbles upon his diary - a chaotic, cryptic journal that reads like the ramblings of a madman. The confessions of someone who truly believed he was a superhero.

With every page, doubt turns to possibility. And if any of it is true, then whatever killed him… might be coming for her next.

454 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2025

About the author

Michael D. A. Clarke believes that by adding in his initials and speaking in the third-person, he may come across as a real writer. In reality, he's not quite sure if he is a real writer as he has only written a few books. I mean, he did write them - so, by definition he's definitely a real writer, right? The question should be, "Is he a good writer?" That's for you to decide. But take comfort in knowing that Michael D. A. Clarke has been writing words since he was just 5 years old and has written many words since then.

Reviews

[The_5ft_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ive read 2 other books from this author and this is certainly something different .... its a funny. bittersweet story about a guy who never wanted to be a hero and a daughter searching for answers, not my usual choice of read but glad I took a chance because its a fab read!

[Lady Georgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about Daniel Dawson, a superhero who never wanted the job and it is told through his diary entries, which makes it feel really personal and honestly kind of hilarious. He’s not trying to be brave but he’s just trying to survive whatever the universe suddenly threw at him. You get to watch him question everything while watching him stumble through situations he isn’t prepared for.

And then there’s Angel, his daughter in Eye Village who grew up with a mother who keeps quiet in a town full of rumors. She’s intuitive and a little strange in a way and she knows deep down that the truth about her father is bigger than anyone wants to admit. She aches to find answers that no one will give her.

Love the sarcasm and humor from this book for sure!

“With great power…comes a whole mess of problems nobody warns you about”😆

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So superhero books are not my normal read but I am glad I took a chance on this one as I loved it. This is a story about a guy who only wants to do the right thing but keeps failing those he loves because he has a secret he can’t share with anyone. He has powers and he has to use them for good. As he tries to move away from the crime life he grew up in and settle down with his wife and child he is constantly pulled away and when he finally has To make a decision it turns his life and that of his daughters on its head. I can’t say anything more without spoiling it but I fell in love with the characters and this book felt very real and was clearly written by a father who loves his child very much because you could feel it in the fabric of the story. A great read so take a chance on this one!

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hilarious, action packed read. 🥷🏼

What would you do if you got given superhero abilities, but really did not want to be one?
What if you found out that person was your dad? 👀

Michael mixes humour and action together in this. It had me laughing out loud in some spots and reading later in the night than usual (hello, by bed time is 8pm thank you 🙄) to find out what happens.
I actually got up at 5am to finish this, because I needed to know how it ends. 😅

A great, fun read that had me hooked. Full of humour, action, mystery and suspense. 🦸🏼‍♂️
The ending was so sad but bittersweet. 🥺

[Morrigan Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun action packed story, the dry humor is my favorite and had me laughing multiple times through out!!
I really enjoyed how this was written, and how the story unfolded.
I’m glad Angel got the answers she was looking for and got a sweet ending. Also I think everyone needs a friend like Jacob in their life :)

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story about the hero that didn’t want the job. Funny and quick witted, another great story from Michael Clarke