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Magno Girl

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When a Manhattan pizza maker is found dead in his own dough, Magno Girl enlists the aid of her biker ninja boyfriend to help solve the crime – and quickly discovers there’s more to the pie than meets the eye, including a sinister plot that spans the globe.

Magno Girl leaps into action. After all, she can fly, she can fight, and she can use her fearsome superpower, the “Gaze of the Guilt,” to bring a hardened criminal to his knees. But the road ahead is hard. The city’s other superheroes despise her, and the cops don’t want her around, and her own mom won’t stop spitting out advice about marrying a “respectable guy” and trading in her crime-fighting career for a baby carriage—but is she attracted to “respectable guys”? And is she interested in emotional commitment? And will finding real love be her biggest challenge of all?

Welcome to the world of Magno Girl, a wild and absurd place filled with humor, action, and romance.

NOTE: This book contains some profanity and adult situations.

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2015

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3651 people want to read

About the author

Joe Canzano

8 books87 followers
Joe Canzano is a writer and musician. He writes science fiction and absurd comic fantasy. He plays guitar-powered rock and roll.

Please visit www.happyjoe.net for more info about him than you'd ever need.

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5 stars
12 (29%)
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16 (39%)
3 stars
9 (21%)
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3 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Reading Corner.
89 reviews126 followers
August 24, 2016
So this is definitely a kickass story full of witty banter and hilarious scenarios, like early in the book a character dies and is covered in pizza dough. The book is about a badass heroine, Magnolia who takes no shit and always does what she thinks is best despite comments or suggestions from her boyfriend, Ron, who is also a martial arts genius and constantly forgets his daggers. Magnolia is not the typical superhero in the books standards despite the fact she can fly as she refuses to do endorsements or advertisements as she doesn't care about the money. Also, her fighting outfit was usually yoga pants and a pink t-shirt which I loved.

The opening is a bit slow to kick off but towards the middle things really get exciting and funny. The characters names was a big aspect of the comedy as some of them were just so ridiculously funny like Lieutenant Rod Saint Royd. These characters then pop up time to time and exchange amusing dialogue with Ron and Mags. The other superheroes had comical names too like, Smashboy and Superstan and the villains were just as funny, like Legalman. Fruit was used as a weapon many times and there was some great moments, like when a face appeared in a pizza slice and Ron starts talking to it. Also, some of the lines just made me chuckle:

"I'm getting blanker every day. I woke up this morning all worried about the thickness of my eyelashes, I was also watching a bunch of reality shows-especially Hillbillies in Heels."

"Get him, Edgar! Get the fucker before he makes tea!"


Furthermore,there was a fantastic twist with the ghost which tied into the ending and the last two fight scenes were definitely unique but entertaining. The closing fight though was slightly dragged out and could have been shorted. Also, I think there could have been more fight scenes in the middle of the book as sometimes I just found myself being incredibly bored and I just wanted more to happen.

I would 100% recommend this to anyone looking for a comedy read as this doesn't disappoint and cracks you up. I'm glad I won this.
Profile Image for Jessica (Odd and Bookish).
713 reviews854 followers
November 12, 2015
I received this book for free through BookLikes' giveaways.

This was definitely an interesting book and I'm not quite sure what to make of it.

I did love the social commentary it offered.

Legalman was my favorite villain. I thought his character was very clever.

Overall I liked it, even though the style wasn't necessarily my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Cat.
809 reviews86 followers
October 17, 2015
I've been given a copy of this book in return of a honest review.

first of all, I want to say that I have not left a book unfinished in a while. I started reading this book today and after 31 pages, I just couldn't read anymore. I felt like the story was already in the middle. there was some things taken by granted that just left me confused. there was absolutely no description of the characters when they appeared. all the attempts of humour were totally failed. most of them where totally misogynist and that's basically why I gave up on this book. I have no tolerance for that. for a book that's supposedly about a strong female super hero (what initially got me curious about this title), it does a poor job.

maybe one day I'll pick it up again. but today, I simply can't.
Profile Image for Midu Hadi.
Author 3 books181 followers
March 6, 2018
What I Thought:

the book was about a female superhero...but the book was not from the superhero's POV but the guy dating her!

some of the jokes and situations were too funny and silly -- I loved them! -- but the jokes did get tiring at the end

I enjoyed every conversation that Magno Girl had with her mother. They were all laugh out loud funny! It also made sense that Sandra would use the issues that Magno Girl had as a curse.

All kinds of discrimination were made fun of and I liked how the author made us see the silliness when it comes to advertising, pregnancy etc. but the MCs continuously joked about the short stature of one of the villains.

The character of the teenage girl who became increasingly vapid was fun to read about but her curse was made into such a big deal and then it was solved just like that!

Legalman was my favorite character -- he would find a reason to sue you even if it killed him you!

I do not know what it was but I kept wanting to put the book away and could not gobble it in one go. I kept wanting to enjoy it and get hooked but that didn't happen. That is why, I am rating it 2.5 rather than 3 stars. However, if you want to try something unusual and funny, Magno Girl is a good idea!

Also reviewed at:
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica.
375 reviews35 followers
August 31, 2015
This was awesome. It reminds me of a comic book without the graphics. It is funny, full of corny action scenes, comic book like humor, and sweet innocent love. This is not the type of book you take seriously, it is meant to be fun and fantastic. There is no great knowledge to be gained, but there is a lighthearted, fun story containing some of the most unique characters I have ever come across.

Magno Girl and Ron team up again in this story. Ron is just plain silly at times in this one tryin to pull off the "I am so manly routine," it is hilarious to read about some of his thoughts. He likes what he likes and he likes Magno Girl, a lot. In this story Magno opens up more than she did in the first story and her character really unfolds. Both characters are very fun and the way they interact and compliment each is great.

The action scenes remind me of scenes from old batman shows. I laughed out loud during a scene where Magno encounters her kryptonite, tobacco smoke. A midget tries to defeat her by smoking a cigar. Her and Ron work together and put the tiny midget in his place before he can cause a lot of damage.

This author is amazing at getting your attention and keeping it. The story is action filled and stays at a steady pace though out the entire book. I will definitely be reading anything this author writes.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a book to read to have a fun time. If you like superheroes or comics, you will most likely enjoy this book. This is meant for an adult audience.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
April 7, 2015
Magno girl even though seems cartoony and cheesy is by no means a ya book. this is a adult book that is one where you kick back and just enjoy. And enjoy you will. It’s fun, lighthearted and written in a laid back manner. The entertainment and fun reminds me of watching a Mel Brooks film particularly Space Balls for it is fun lighthearted and cheesy in a good way.

Ron Magnolia’s best friend is sweet and funny. Magnolia (Magno) independent, fun and adventurous. She can also be stubborn but in a good way.

The book is about Magno and her quest to solve the murder of Joey the round man that occurred at the people’s pizzeria. She recruits the fun loving best friend Ron to help her. Meanwhile she has a problem. Her popularity from her crime solving ways is hindering her from doing the crime solving so she must avoid the media etc and avoid the super dangerous villains who are out to destroy her.

The book is narrated by Magno’s boyfriend who is very supportive of her and respects her but reminds me of when we first meet Yogurt in Space Balls and he’s asked what this is and he says Merchandising. Her boyfriend is all about the Merchandising.

The dialogue is whimsical, lighthearted and quirky. The banter between Magno and Ron is great. Ron truly is a fun character. The action scenes are written in a fun cheesy way that totally works.

This book is really just meant to be a laid back fun entertaining read and in this it doesn’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Puddlyduck.
201 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2015
Magno Girl is a wacky foray into the weird world of minor superheroes, as told by the heroine's macho, money- driven fan Ron.

The book is exactly what I'd expect a rather camp, politically incorrect comic book reimagined as a novel to be. The fights are surreal... very surreal!...and its chock full of stereotypes and witty dialogues.


“Harry, you’re small,” I said. “You’re tiny, little, inadequate, diminutive, meager, undersized, and paltry—and the only way we’ll see eye to eye is if you stand on top of a lunch counter.” Then I assumed fighting stance number forty-one, the ass of the aardvark. It’s a simple position to assume but difficult to hold without getting arrested.



I enjoyed how the book covered the everyday issues of a more mediocre hero. Magnolia - of Magno Girl persona - struggles with money problems, her desire not to sell out for merchandise and the ads deals her pushy boyfriend keeps hinting at, a judgemental mother and her ambition to make it a male dominated career.

It makes for a fun and fresh read and I'd definitely like to read a sequel!


Disclaimer: I received a no-strings attached book in return for an honest review review from the fab folks at netgalley.
Profile Image for Underground Book Reviews.
266 reviews40 followers
April 25, 2015
"Magno Girl," a mid-level, relatively unknown superhero, would rather fight crime than attract lucrative deals for product endorsements, unlike the rest of the caped crusaders running around in Joe Canzano's off-kilter NYC. In a world where Americamarts are popping up on every corner, running mom-and-pop stores out of business, patriotism means shopping and mass consumption, even when that means eating poisoned pizza.

Magnolia, aka Magno Girl and her boyfriend Ron, a part-time crime fighter, part-time fence, uncover a plot to manipulate the masses into uncontrolled consumerism involving pizza and a little-known interaction between tomato sauce and the "special ingredient," fooki, at temperatures over 100 degrees. But the result will ultimately be lethal.

Magno Girl and Ron are determined to stop Thaddeus Stone, founder of the big box store, Americamart ("...rich, he was ruthless, and he was overweight--the big, fat American dream") and Pie Hole Pizza magnate, Melvin Schrick, from their evil plan. But since the masses would rather believe dubious news sources that start stories with "I've also heard..." and reference their sources as "many people," the do-gooders are in for an uphill battle.

...read the rest of this review at UndergroundBookRevieews
Profile Image for Kate.
139 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2015
"I received this book for free though Goodreads First Reads"

Having spoken to the author after winning ‘Magno Gir’l he described the book to me as “It's got a certain
flavour that some people like and some people do not. It's meant to be a
bit out of the mainstream, because that's kind of where I am.” And you know what he’s right, it’s totally out of the box, it’s not the usual genre of book I read however made a refreshing change and break for me. The book kind of reads like a cartoon strip without the pictures, but sometimes you have to let your hair down and read something light-hearted that is fun and entertaining that brings out your inner child once again, and constantly makes you smile as you read it.
Canzano has written a book that doesn’t take life seriously and has packed it full of cheesy humour with lines such “He’s richer than Belgium chocolate”. He has throughout included lively and vibrant array of characters consisting of superheroes and villains, and detailed descriptions of action scenes. Over all I really enjoyed it as I’ve never come across anything quite like it, would totally recommend to anyone who’s after a genre break from their everyday reads.
Profile Image for Jody Ellis.
247 reviews9 followers
April 2, 2015
Absolutely loved. I don't give 5 stars lightly but this book was well written and I found but one error in it! One! Which gave the feel it was really carefully reviewed before publishing.

It reminded me of sin city and sucker punch and kick ass. It was a fabulous book of martial arts and murder. Of a world where real super heroes resided, bought by the dollar and a society sick with greed and obesity. Heroes were real in their lack of preparation for fights.

I also loved the sex, because it wasn't cheesy, it felt real and it didn't make me cringe reading the descriptions. It wasn't overly wordy. Well written!

It had some fantastic humour to boot and I had many a giggle.

Fresh, unique, fun, and full of surprises. Well done and keep these books coming!


Note - I received this book as part of goodreads first read giveaway for a fair review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bradley Knox.
35 reviews
April 24, 2015
MAGNO GIRL is a champ! I gotta say, I love this book! It reads like a comic book without pictures, but filled with such vibrant color, complexion, passion, and wit, that I had no trouble envisioning all the characters in my mind’s eye! Magnolia, the key up-an-coming superhero is caught up in a sea of self-aggrandizing sexist jackasses that double as her contemporaries in the crime fighting gig. How is she going to rise above her plight and maintain her integrity? Will Ron be a help, or another hindrance? Will she be able to defeat the many evil villains aligned against her? Will she foil the wicked plot? Will she get her Mom off her back? Joe Canzano has written a powerhouse of a novel, and I’m very excited for his next one. One head’s up, though, this book is not for the squeamish, repressed or the old-fashioned. You’ve been warned.
Profile Image for Sarah.
11 reviews44 followers
April 27, 2015
This was a fun story that reminded me a little of "the Incredibles" but obviously much cooler. A quirky superhero with normal everyday issues - from a supportive yet materialistic boyfriend to an annoying and argumentative mother.
The humor was sharp and the descriptions colorful - I was completely sucked in to the story enough so that I was truly disappointed when I reached the end.
I'm torn over the reviews comparing it to a comic book though. I guess the fight scenes and "superhero-ness" could be compared to a comic book's but no illustrations could have captured the images I have imagined thanks to the author's lively descriptions.
A break from the everyday!
Profile Image for Sage Adderley.
Author 5 books87 followers
March 13, 2015
Magno Girl is super silly, but don't tell Magnolia that, she might just drop kick me to the floor because she is one bad mamajamma. Magnolia (aka. Mags) is the lead superhero in this book who can crack the truth out of anyone with her red eye glare, but she's putty in your hands with a blow of some smoking tobacco. Please understand while the pages of this story are filled with humor, it is not meant for young readers. It's definitely an adult read. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the never-ending cast of villains. Their names and super powers are awesome. Magno Girl is like a gigantic, well-written comic in book format with a little love, a lot of fighting, and comedy.
Profile Image for Bub.
3 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2015
This is just like a comic book minus the graphics. It's cheesy, there are lame jokes, and the dialogue reminds of what you see inside of conversation bubbles. There is romance, but don't come into this thinking you are going to read a typical lovey, sappy romantic novel. It is just part of the story.

If you like comic books, superheroes, etc. Give this a chance. I doubt you will be disappointed.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
139 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2015
I just received this book in the mail today. It was an interesting read. The humor and nicknames in this novel made this novel a fun read. I really enjoyed the story and the characters in it.
Profile Image for Liz.
4 reviews
March 28, 2015
Really liked this book it was pretty funny especially the fight between Ron and Ton.
Profile Image for Ashley.
174 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2015
I'm not really into superhero books, but this book was good. I enjoyed the reality of the characters. Some parts were definitely very confusing but other than that, a well rounded book.
Profile Image for T.B. Markinson.
Author 72 books1,159 followers
October 21, 2015
A fun, fast-paced, and amusing story. People who have a silly sense of humor and love absurd situations will enjoy Magno Girl.
3 reviews
February 28, 2023
I love a story about a strong lead female character. She is no damsel in distress! A unique and quirky love story with a lot of action and humor. A very entertaining read!
Profile Image for Martina.
203 reviews114 followers
March 5, 2015
I received it from the author for an honest review.

So, the book is quite great and fun, with awesome characters (i love Magnolia!), bu i found it a little childish and boring when battles and fights happen, too cartonish i think.
The context is pretty interesting, an american city with its obvious superheroes but, even if it doesn't seem to be special, they aren't so good or perfect or political correct like the others, so it's time to Magno Girl and her Guilty glaze to free the citizens from evil and corrupt people without seeking for a living or sponsors.

Like i said, Magnolia/Magno Girl is wonderful, seriously. She's an indipendent, strong woman who knows what she wants and she's ready to fight for it, but also she has an annoying mother who dens't understand her at all and a criminal brother, together with some past mistakes and regrets.
When she isn't out to fight criminals, she teaches martial arts and looks after some of her students with family problems and curses (the malediction of the blankness!) or goes out with her boyfriend, the narrator of this novel.
He's really cool and i like how he respects her, her freedom and her desires, but he seems a bit too obsessed with the merchandize and the money he and Magnolia could have if she would have accept to become a testimonial for some products.

It's really realistic how male superheroes behave, very macho and frightened because of her power and her rising popularity and it's relieving to see a strong headed heroine with flaws and difficulties to face.

If only would the fights be more exciting... The food isn't a treat and it can't be used every one for two, because the first time is funny but the second one is childish.
The style is refreshing and it is very similar to the comics one, but i can understand easily the motive.

The end is lovely and i hope for more Magno Girl!
64 reviews6 followers
December 22, 2015
Perhaps it just isn’t my cup of tea, but I found this book extremely hard to connect to. The synopsis sounds like a promising superhero mystery book, though not even 100 pages in and I am struggling to keep going. It is a book that I have had to set down and pick up several times before I even reached page 45.
Magno Girl is told from the perspective of the supposed love interest of the story, a biker who is infatuated with our female superhero. Though Magno Girl insists several times throughout the first few chapters that she isn’t interested in a relationship, he still pursues her and the author has them hook up before you even make it a third of the way through the book. Poor characterization and pacing are just part of why this book fails to capture my interest. The other part is the fact is that the book reads like a poor satire.
Female superheroes are great and there is a definite need for more of them. However, Magno Girl fails to succeed in keeping one’s attention. There’s promise but perhaps the book should be told from the superheroes point of view and not the biker who is in love with her... All in all, Magno Girl pales in comparison to many of the female superheroes that came before her and most likely those that will come after.
(*Note I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Goodreads Giveaways.)
Profile Image for Michael Mardel.
Author 16 books10 followers
July 22, 2015
Magno Girl by Canzano was predictable for me or was it hopeful, that Magno Girl would win the day despite those doubter around her, including her boyfriend Ron and her mother Connie. Ron is the narrator and he tells it from his point of view but we also get the dialogue from the other characters, including Magno. Because the story is about her, we also see her struggle to maintain her individuality despite the scorn of the male superheroes. There is a wicked witch in the mix who comes to a sticky end whilst boasting she could better Magno. The last scene with the mechanical monster puts the nail in the coffin for the fooki pizza.
Profile Image for Julia.
109 reviews15 followers
April 15, 2015
I received this book for free as Goodreads first reads giveaway.

Magno Girl is not the usual genre of book I read but it made a refreshing change; it's a humorous superhero story of Magno Girl and her ninja biker boyfriend Ron.

It reads like a YA book until sex is mentioned, which I believe is unnecessary to the plot or story. The humour is cheesy but fun as are all the characters.

Overall a fun easy read.
Profile Image for Kme_17.
429 reviews159 followers
April 22, 2015
I received this as a first read. This one was very different then I thought it would be. However, it was good read. I did have a little trouble getting into it at first but after while it was a very fast pace easy read. I love that the superhero was a girl and that she had flaws like all of us. A fun read.
5 reviews
March 5, 2020
Great book! Very funny and fast paced. Some of the humor reminds me of the old Airplane movies. Silly and entertaining, but I also really like the main character Magnolia. This is a fun book but also has some underlying themes about our culture.
Profile Image for Ashley Nemer.
Author 27 books74 followers
Read
April 6, 2015
Got through a third of the book - wasn't for me
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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