The Superyogi Scenario

by James Connor

Experience authentic wisdom that creates superheroes.

The Superyogi Scenario is a fresh new take on the superhero story that packs a philosophical punch. Instead of getting supernatural powers from radiation or spider bites, powers are developed through yoga and meditation.

Drawing from authentic verses in The Yoga Sutra, this thought-provoking thriller envisions yogic supernatural abilities rising among the world’s growing population of yoga practitioners—and wild consequences when heroes and villains emerge.

Genres: Science Fiction, Superheroes

426 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2015

About the author

I began writing supernatural thrillers when I won a Raven Society Award at the University of Virginia in support of my creative writing. But it wasn’t until two decades later, after completing a three year isolated meditation and yoga retreat in the high-desert mountains of Arizona, that I felt compelled to publish stories that allow readers to experience deep wisdom gained from fifteen years of detailed Buddhist and yoga training. Following in the footsteps of my story-telling idols C.S. Lewis, Neil Gaiman, and the Wachowskis, I am a firm believer in combining philosophy with fun. I am also the founder of GoBeyond.org and travel teaching Buddhist and yoga philosophy with an emphasis on meditation.

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the world of The Superyogi Scenario comic book type heroes and villains are real. These exceptional individuals powers don't come from mutations, being aliens, or science experiments gone wrong, but from yoga and meditation. Verses of The Yoga Sutra are brought into a comic book style universe to explain how ordinary men and women can open their chakras to become beings greater and more powerful than most people could ever imagine.

The Superyogi Scenario is an interesting take on the superhero world which results in a story both familiar and very different at the same time. I picked this book up because it seemed intriguing. I'm certainly not one for yoga, but superheroes are an area I know and love. I wasn't at all disappointed with the familiar superhero powers and scenarios. As the book delved into The Yoga Sutra I found myself as ignorant as the majority of american sports fans trying to watch cricket. I can't help but feel that this book would be far more appreciated by a person who likes superheroes and yoga rather than one or the other. Despite large portions of the book being about topics I have little knowledge or interest in, I still found I enjoyed The Superyogi Scenario.

The author's creativity really creates a compelling story. Choosing to depict heroes gaining powers through yoga and meditation creates a new and potentially endless supply of heroes and villains. It also is a take that I don't believe I've ever witnessed before which is always fun to see. Creating super powers from verses of The Yoga Sutra went really well for the author. While the powers were familiar the way they turned on were quite intriguing with glowing eyes/skin and hair color changing.

Like nearly all books, The Superyogi Scenario has its warts. One such wart was that the point of view jumped around like a drunken bullfrog. At times the point of view changed every paragraph with no indication a change had been made. It also slipped into third person omniscient at times which I personally found to be the most annoying of the point of view issues.

The Superyogi Scenario also suffered from the recurring moments of eye rolling dialogue. The dialogue was eye rolling because it was the type of dialogue that even as a child I'd get annoyed with such as "Physique is going down" and "It's diamond time." Perhaps the author's intentions were to recall the dialogue from the most innocent heroes in the media and if that was the case then the mission was accomplished.

The story also suffers because it can't seem to decide how serious it wants to be. At one moment it's naively innocent with kid friendly dialogue the next its a woman in a wet white shirt thinking how the guy she likes can now clearly see her nipples since she apparently wasn't wearing a bra. The more adult vibe continues with a naked hero at the moment of her rebirth and comic artists trying to make the female heroes sexy costumes rather than practical ones. Honestly either tone would be fine with me I just wish the story would choose one and stick with it.

One other neutral comment I wanted to make is that all the people doing yoga were repeatedly mentioned as being extremely physically beautiful. Not one of the characters who practiced yoga seemed to have a physical flaw at all while the CIA and FBI agents were depicted as particularly average looking. The main male character is repeatedly thought of as being a gorgeous man by nearly all the female point of view characters. It's not especially important, but I wanted to note that point.

The Superyogi Scenario was something slightly different in a sea of books where many look the same. It was a nice change of pace.

2.5 out of 5 stars

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I know James Connor. In fact, I witnessed The Superyogi Scenario morph from an idea to a knock-out novel, and I'm convinced that it will morph again into a Blockbluster movie. But I'm not alone. The feedback I've heard from people—both inside and outside the publishing world—who have read the Advance Reader's Copy of the soon-to-be-published novel isn't just good; it's exuberant. Everything from "Where's the sequel? I didn't want it to end!" to "Amazing. This is the next big idea."

I couldn't agree more. The Superyogi Scenario is a genre-busting good ride, combining eastern philosophy with an action-packed superhero story set in contemporary America. It's Master Patanjali's 3rd century Yoga Sutra meets Hollywood blockbluster, if you can imagine such a thing. James Connor did, with wisdom culled not just from books, but from his own meditative deep-dive during an isolated 3-year meditation retreat.

Along with suspense and vivid, compelling characters, the novel delivers profound ideas and a moral core so often lacking in pop entertainment. If you're a person who wants more from their entertainment, check it out. If you like yoga, anything eastern philosophy, superhero movies, fast-paced thrillers, good fiction, profound ideas, and uplifting tales, check it out.

[Alma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is entertaining. The ancient wisdom incorporated into the story is fascinating and smartly done. You don't have to practice yoga to enjoy this read. Yoga practitioners (aspiring yoga teachers) will find this illuminating and it will give your time on your mat a little extra "umph". Comic book lovers might enjoy this new spin on super heroes and new perspective on super human powers. What makes this special is that it integrates actual ancient teachings, not radio active critters or scientific serums, in to an exciting story. Go ahead, treat yourself to this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Superyogi Scenario is a novel with a difference; and in a world replete with novels, this story is a standout. It's also a quasi-fantasy - but it's one of those fantasies that straddles the genre line, as it doesn't present the usual devices for a superpower's acquisition and, indeed, adds a healthy dose of eastern philosophy into its mix.

It relies on verses from The Yoga Sutra for the source of its inspiration (the ancient yoga text actually provides instructions for developing superpowers) and it mixes in thriller elements as it presents the story of yogic supernatural abilities rising among the world's yoga practitioners (a possibility that will intrigue and delight any new age reader already well versed in yoga traditions and thought).

Of course, heroes and villains emerge from such a scenario, as they always do - but in Connor's world, the spiritual roots of these newfound yoga abilities are quite different than the usually-accidental scientific incident or fluke of birth that most fantasies posit.

Add verses from the above-mentioned texts and the story that emerges is anything but ordinary. Fueled by the social, political and ethical challenges that follow these beings, the story line draws readers into a much-changed world where enlightenment moves from vague possibilities into sometimes-dangerous results.

Those who eschew new age thinking, superhero abilities, or Buddhism and meditation may not appreciate The Superyogi Scenario's unique focus - but that would be a shame. In a world where novels and fantasies tend to develop the same kinds of liner stories based on similar concepts, this story is remarkable.

Add a few pages of eye-catching artwork depicting these super beings in action and The Superyogi Scenario is exceptional both in its basic concept and in its development: something that crosses genres with a confident combination of action, philosophy, and intriguingly different concepts on what makes a superhero - or, a supervillain.

[Jack Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor’s first novel is an exciting thriller with a smashing new twist—the good guys, who are regular folks like you and me (slightly better looking), are under the gun to find and develop their own superhuman powers in time to save the US from critical disaster.

How they do this, in specific detail, adds fascination to classic thriller elements that keep you turning pages like mad. The hero is everywoman’s dream of a damaged, tender vigilante—you know you can count on him to cut through both evil and bureaucracy like a Gordian knot, no matter what hate-crazed villains or conventional thinkers throw at him. Plus he’s gorgeous and accessible. Strong women abound. Connor’s plot uncovers frightening weaknesses in the world we all inhabit that the villains home in on, intending to unleash devastation on millions of innocent people. The radically refreshing aspect of The Superyogi Scenario is that missiles, rocket launchers, and AK47s (so passé) are not in evidence—both sides use the crushingly powerful abilities of the human mind, developed to the nth degree, to wrest the advantage in this raging battle between good and evil.

Connor does not bore us with lectures or goody-goody people. There’s plenty of glamorous, juicy detail about evening gowns, gourmet meals, sex, and exotic locales. The scene where the heroine learns to fly, and it’s not in a plane by the way, is hilarious. Marvel Comics philosophy made manifest and taken seriously plus all the newest technology adds interest and freshness. This is not your grandfather’s thriller—make way for the twenty-first century! Someone gave me a copy, then I bought my own. And gifted it. Read this book. You’ll love it.

[Julia Mikes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the idea of this book and how it was going to work, superheroes by definition being such a fine blend of selflessness and vanity. It worked out fine, as the bad guys got all the vanity and so our heroes (especially Eric, aka Diamond Mind) got to be perfectly selfless. As a superhero action book it is rather simplistic and many of the issues are left unresolved (I hope for a sequel, because I have to know what's up with that Bone Frightener!) and I probably would have loved it more if all the characters weren't so damn pretty and perfect. I know you can't make up a team of superheroes out of chubby accountants and middle aged house wives, but I was so hoping for at least Father Agua to be something better than a Latino heartthrob... If he was an 80 year' old mystical Mexican priest, maybe it would have brought a bit of authenticity. I mean, yogic superpowers must take a LOT of work, so it's rather unbelievable that they all got them by the age of 30.
I still loved reading this book, and it was mostly due to the simple and clear way it talked about the nature of reality. The way "Eric" explains things, you not only believe him, but you almost wonder how come you can't fly already. It makes you think that anything is truly possible and that is an awesome feeling.

[Annette Rochelle Aben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that when I first received this book, I rolled my eyes because I was never a fan of super hero comics or movies and television shows about them yet I cracked the cover, took a deep breath and began reading anyway. HOOKED! I found myself caught up in what I was learning and all the while being swept along in the adventurous tale. Easily I connected with the characters as people who found them selves in super hero circumstances because it seemed natural and doable. What made it appear natural and doable was the yoga connection.
Yoga, not just for better breathing, flexibility or a better butt any more! Yoga, a practice whose benefits are only limited by the limits of our own minds. Allow The Superyogi Scenario to breathe energy into your mind to help you soar past previous limits and show you how to access a world where anything is possible!
Kudos to a master at his crafts, both yoga and writing. I for one, look forward to the day this book becomes a movie!

[Curtis Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as kung fu is to The Matrix, yoga is to The Superyogi Scenario.

James Connor wrote an exhilarating page-turner that will engage both young and adult audiences alike. Highly recommended for fans of supernatural, psychological thrillers!

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Superyogi Scenario by James Connor

410 Pages
Publisher: Sky Grove, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles
Release Date: June 4, 2015

Fiction, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Meditation, Yoga

Eric experienced Buddhism and learned about the Sutras, the power of meditation and yoga. He works for the government but was relegated to a lower level position after submitting a paper on the possibility of someone using their yoga skills and meditation to gain superpowers. Suddenly he is called to the head office. Someone is doing exactly what he wrote about and they need his expertise to overpower this person. He has a partner Ariel. She does not believe in this at all except for the fact that Eric overcame being in a wheelchair and sometimes his eyes glow.

When I started reading this book, I thought it was far-fetched. Then I is it truly any different than Spiderman or superman. No, their backstories are just as bizarre. The only comical part for me is the superheroes carry yoga mats.

I found the book very slow as the author was setting the stage. The action built and then the story got going and I finished it in an evening. The characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view. This book would be good for anyone with an interest in meditation, yoga, and comic book superheroes.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting blended story

I like the blending of traditional eastern systems into our modern world especially in regard to the current trend of Superheroes. The implications that we all have unrealized superhero abilities. The one flaw is the story overwhelms the characters' interactions. I like the characters and want to see their interaction grow in future stories.

[DEBORAH BRAUNSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

I

Incredible! I will become reacquainted with yoga teachings I drifted away from 40 years ago. I very much want to become a better person. It is never too late.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an interesting (and creative) idea. And it's an easy and enjoyable read. Good action. And I liked the character motivations. They felt real. Nothing is easily black and white, and I wanted to sympathize with the villain to a certain extent.

I realize that this is supposed to be a new breed of Western yogis, but they do seem awfully white. And the first 3 we meet are all blonde and pretty (one man, two women). At least, though, he attempts to explain it with the idea of western yogis being propelled by past lives. Some of it, also, is a bit cliche, like: "...her sinister plan."

Also, it seemed a bit ironic that Eric kept talking about losing your sense of self to "gain yogic superpowers". If you're focussed on gaining superpowers, would it be hard to lose your sense of self?

But I really liked how the philosophy fit in to the story. I love how the whole point of our lives is (or should be) to end suffering. That does seem to be a common thread through all the religions (even if a lot of supposed disciples don't practice it).

And what he says about wisdom is huge - about the throwing off of the self…

...we can use any ancient spiritual text - whether Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Taoist, or Confucian - whatever you are attracted to…All the prophets were trying to take people to the sane realizations using different words and different techniques. All of them lead toward the same place.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good superhero story, especially if they'd be interested in a bit of infusion of philosophy, morality, and even theology.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Superyogi Scenario was an original and unique piece of fiction!

I found this book to be a cute twist on the superhero trend going on lately. Superheroes that gain their powers through yoga is a unique spin on how to become a superhero. The references made in the book to different novels was also appreciated, and made the book more interesting.

I did find this book to be long and boring, despite the interesting plot. The first two hundred pages kept me hooked on suspense and action, but then the plot began to get boring. To many characters were being introduced, to many conflicts that didn't link up and plot lines that seemed unoriginal were present. I wished the author would have kept the fast, suspenseful pace throughout the novel until the conflict was being resolved.

The novel was very interesting though, and when I continued reading I did learn a lot about yoga and some historical facts about those exercises. It was a very original piece of fiction and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a book that isn't the typical plot or read.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. The slow pace at the end did not take away from the amount of knowledge I learned and the enjoyment of the novel.

Three out of five stars, due to the slow pace movement near the end of the novel.

I would recommend this book to those interested in superheroes, indie books, yoga, and books that don't follow a typical plot line (ex, superheroes save the day after radioactive spill).

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

My novel was also an ARC, keep that in mind when reading my review.

[Paul Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought the premise was corny—yoga can turn you into a superhero!—but it ended up being very enjoyable, in a science-fiction kinda way. I mean, is that really any different than being bitten by a radioactive spider or shot in a rocket from a dying world on the other side of the galaxy? Why not?
I had a few questions about the first scene: If she can shapeshift, why does she need to change clothes? And why bother disguising yourself if there aren’t going to be any survivors/witnesses? These are the types of little things that annoy me, but fortunately the writing gets better. Later on a magnificent new character is introduced, only to be killed off by the end of the chapter; fortunately she got better too.
There are a few well-done drawings of the main characters in their superhero uniforms, but I didn’t like them much, because they didn’t seem to match the earlier word descriptions. And quite frankly they didn’t show off the beauty of these two ladies that had been an integral part of their characters since we were introduced to them.
Parts do get a bit silly, but if you don’t take it too seriously you’ll be fine with it. There are bad yogis who want to destroy the world, or at least New York, with a main villain we never meet who has brainwashed others to do his bidding. Instead of all these characters being Superman, they each have their own unique powers, which makes things a lot more interesting. There’s a lot to like here, but it could have been better, or will be, once the author has more experience; I’d be shocked if there aren’t sequels.
3.5/5

[Tamara Pinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midway through this novel, I learned that it would be part of a series. Keep in mind, I wasn't even done reading when I heard this and I was EXCITED! I had no clue at that point where the story would end, but I knew that I wanted to know more about the world and the characters that James Connor had created.

I am not at all into yoga, but I do believe meditation is key to inner-peace, so when I first saw the title of this novel, I was expecting something silly but enjoyable, like Jennifer Estep's "BigTime" series, with heroes and villains taking a time-out to meditate and "downward dog" a little bit. That's not what this book was. "The Superyogi Scenario" is like the novelization of a comic book, with the grittiness of a detective novel. The characters are well fleshed out and although they do unbelievable things, they are still very human and somehow, believable.

[Books In Brogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The popularity of yoga and superheroes is at an all time high. Over 20 million Americans are doing yoga, an increase of 29% in the last 4 years. Superhero movies consistently top the movie box office.

The Superyogi Scenario is a fresh new take on the superhero story where readers get to experience authentic wisdom from The Yoga Sutra that in its highest form creates superpowers, known as siddhas.

This allegorical thriller examines the rise of superpowered yogis in a contemporary world and concludes it's not power that makes someone super-it's putting other people first.

Written by James Connor who recently completed a three-year meditation retreat after 15 years of detailed study in Buddhist and Yoga lineages.

[Brenda Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting thriller. A good read. I received this through Good Reads.

[Chris Vidal · Rating 5 out of 5]

very entertaining and fast reading with nice reference to yoga sutra and tibetan buddhism.