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The Outlaw #1

The Outlaw: Origins

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New Cover Edition found here.

A masked vigilante stalks the streets of downtown Los Angeles, disrupting crime and rescuing movie starlets. After being spotted on security cameras and thrust into the national spotlight, he is pursued by both the media and powerful new enemies. Little does the world know the Outlaw is just High School junior Chase Jackson wearing a mask and wondering why his body is suddenly…extraordinary.

The story continues in Book Two of the Outlaw Series. 'Infected',

328 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2015

306 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read

About the author

Alan Janney

12 books69 followers

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5 stars
401 (46%)
4 stars
270 (31%)
3 stars
148 (17%)
2 stars
37 (4%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia Hamill.
Author 16 books100 followers
October 7, 2015
Outlaw is an origin story about a teenaged superhero. Unlike many superhero stories, there are not-so-subtle hints that Chase’s condition is actually a deadly disease rather than a supernatural or alien power, which piqued my curiosity.

Beside the hero stuff, both Chase and his history are interesting and complex. His relationship with his dad reveals his struggles at home and how he had to grow up too soon. I specifically like how many of the choices he makes are inspired by a desire to help his father recover.

Adding to that, his feeling of being a nobody, even when both his known and secret identities become famous/infamous, was one of Chase’s most interesting characteristics. He’s a reluctant, accidental hero. With every game and with every appearance of the Outlaw, Chase does crazy, extraordinary things and does not quite realize their magnitude, and he never quite gets why everyone is so interested in his alter ego.

I thought the emotions around his crush, his girlfriend, and the starlet he saves are well described and developed, and I also love that his secret identity feeds into his romance troubles. Then again, Chase is rather fickle, and I got a little frustrated with him misunderstanding, overlooking, and caving in to the hints, tendencies, and whims of all three. On the other hand, despite Chase’s attraction to three girls, he is loyal to his official girlfriend while they are together, a definite plus in my opinion.

I thought the football games tended to be rather long and detailed, although they are easy to picture and to follow. Chase’s performance in the games relates to his progressing condition, so I didn’t get the feeling that the games were filler. I think folks who love football will really dig the detail in those parts.

Overall, this is a great origin story. Fans of YA, superheroes, and football will like this. I’m really curious about Chase’s condition, and I suspect it’s caused by something scientific, rather than paranormal, which I like.

I received the review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review was written for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
Profile Image for Gypsy Madden.
Author 2 books30 followers
February 8, 2021
From the cover I had expected a superhero book. I can’t get enough of reading books starring superheroes these days. And to say I dislike football, would be putting it mildly. I run away screaming from it. Just telling me about plays in football, you might as well be speaking ancient Greek. So, rather than being a superhero book as the cover marketed itself as being, this was a book about a high school football player. The football games, practices, conditioning, etc, took up well over half the book. His high school life drama took up another 30-40-ish percent. Leaving the last 10 percent sliver to be about him crime fighting and making appearances as The Outlaw. So, if you’re a football fan, you’ll love this. The football scenes were all highly detailed with plenty of plays and action. Me, I felt a bit lied to that it was really a football book instead of being the superhero book I had been promised. Then there’s his romance with three different girls. He committed to the cheerleader, but yet he wishes he had been with his friend. (Why doesn’t he just break up with the cheerleader if he wants to be with his friend?) The cheerleader is basically a female Mr. Spock, and works entirely on logic, and not really on actual emotion, mainly just selling the relationship to everyone around them because they look good together. And he does keep Katie at a distance, and she knows perfectly well that he has a girlfriend. It’s the relationship with the Hollywood starlet that I have a problem with. She kisses him in one scene. Does he tell her that he has a girlfriend? No. He keeps texting her and visiting her while being the boyfriend of the cheerleader. After that first kiss was when he turned jerk in my eyes. Third problem I had with this book is, as other reviewers pointed out, this is massively racist. I know he repeats several times that he isn’t. But the writer goes on and on about the Mexican-led riots, and the Blacks and Mexicans being at the center of the violence of South LA. There’s no mention of white people being among them. All the characters in this are racist stereotypes. As in, there’s the smart Asian guy helping him in math, there’s the tough Black guy who’s also on the football team with him, there’s the Latina girl who’s mother keeps inviting him over for dinner, and there’s the blonde popular cheerleader that he’s dating. Most of them he only mentions every so often, but whenever Katie is mentioned she’s always referred to as “the Latina girl”. The author doesn’t seem to have any other way to describe her. Will I read further books in this series? I actually have a copy of book 2, and I have the full collection of all 7 books that I got on sale. Yeah… Nope. I snuck a look at the reviews of the next book and they said that it’s mainly just more of the same: predominantly football and him stringing along 3 girls. I’m not subjecting myself to more of that.
Profile Image for Tate Webb.
274 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2024
So. Much. Football.

I am super curious about this world but, the football. I have read football books before with game time this felt like too much. Maybe if I loved football more I would have liked it more.

His confusion with the three women in his life was epic. Loved how lost he was.
Profile Image for Chelsies Reading Escape.
634 reviews379 followers
Want to read
November 10, 2016
Im reading and reviewing Carmine right now and I had no idea this book existed. I wish I could review this series as well because Im really enjoying Carmine.
16.6k reviews155 followers
February 20, 2018
Out there

This story will give you surprise after surprise. You will be drawn on in and you will be left hoping for more
Profile Image for Jacque.
4 reviews
January 15, 2017
Absolutely loved this book

These books are fantastic and so captivating that I read books 1-3 in one day. This is a great series and I look forward to reading the rest of it!
Profile Image for Melissa Maas.
28 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2016
I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway, and I'm glad I did because I would probably never have picked it up otherwise. I'm an avid reader of YA fiction but I tend to stick with my favorites in fantasy and dystopia. And I definitely stay far away from anything involving sports. But this book surprised me (pleasantly) on all counts.
The premise of a high school football player becoming a (somewhat accidental) superhero led me to expect the worst of a number of stereotypes and played out plotlines, but I felt the entire work was actually complex--and maybe even in the realm of believable. The main character is flawed in a likeable way, less hero quarterback and more awkward former gymnast who doesn't know how to talk to girls. I'll admit that I skimmed all the football game scenes, but I have a number of students who would be riveted by them, and swept along with the rest of the story. I look forward to recommending this to some of my reluctant readers who are used to being handed another Mike Lupica with an urgent "You'll like this because SPORTS!"
Furthermore, I give Alan Janney a big thumbs up for skipping the gratuitous explicit language and sex that seem to have become ubiquitous in YA lit. That's something I appreciate as a mom and a middle school teacher. It's clean but not whitewashed or over virtuous, and definitely possesses enough edge to hook my jaded students.
The one thing that gives me cause for hesitation is the toe-dipping into some actual supernatural territory--it doesn't seem to fit the rest of the book. However, I'll withhold more judgement on that until I read the next book.
I rarely rate anything at 5 stars, and I give this one 4 mostly because it's just not in my wheelhouse--but I imagine it will become a fast favorite of many.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
May 16, 2016
8/28/2017-11/1/2017, Silver Lake, Glendale HS (Eagles).
Natalie North (former movie actress, current college student) is robbed at a ATM machine by Beans (thief) & Tee (thief, aka Goliath).
Chase Jackson (narrator, aka Ballerina, 2nd. string QB, Glendale HS, aka Sweetiefinds out about it & comes to her rescue.

There is something he is not revealing to everyone in the community.
Katie Lopez (Puerto Rican, Glendale HS), is Chase’s BFF.
Hannah Walker (rich, popular, Glendale HS, homecoming queen, Andy’s ex-G/F), seems to like him also.
But then again seems Natalie North does to.
Chase has other bizarre sometimes humorous encounters also.
Lots of delightful HS kids.
Since I played football & many other sports I could not put this book down.

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written HS super-hero paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great HS super-hero paranormal movie, an animated cartoon, or a mini TV series or even. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Sparkel Press; Autographed; paperback, book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
104 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2015
Awesome book!

It's about a high schooler, so for older readers part of it won't resonate as well. However, the rest of it will, enough to keep you from putting it down!

It was a little on the predictable side and a couple of editing errors are in there. Even so, when I'm this keyed up for the next one I had to give it a 5.

In comparison to a couple other series, it's more exciting and knuckle biting than the Xgeneration series, and more realistic than Kid Sensation (a 4 & 5 star series, respectively, in my opinion).
266 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2015
Decent satire (How most people don't see it as such is beyond me), but in that vein, relies heavily of Superhero tropes (Lose of a parent, damsel(s) in distress, etc.) One of the characters even points this out. Beginning of the story is a bit too focused on structure, which makes the storytelling stilted; but it picks up about a 1/3 of the way through. A few "Superhero" references litter the pages throughout. Not too bad, but not as exceptional as it was made out to be. Give the sequel a shot.
Profile Image for Jordan.
663 reviews13 followers
February 24, 2016
So many reasons why this book shouldn't work. The author blends so many genres

superhero (my favourite, also something I judge hard)
romance
sports (something I usually detest)
action
mystery

Personally despite the interesting premise I thought it would fall apart after a 100 pages. So very glad I was wrong, very talented writer Alan Janney does a terrific job of mixing all the elements into a fantastic book. Very much looking forward to starting the next in the series.
Profile Image for Kyle.
16 reviews
February 2, 2017
I don't normally rate books



I don't normally rate books. I wanted to rate this one less than half way through it. Well written is an understatement. The characters are well thought out and personable. The story line was built to keep me reading well passed my bed time. Just enough hints to keep me speculating without saying too much. This guy writes like a pro.
344 reviews
June 11, 2015
This book is very, very good!! A story line that pulls you in, characters you can connect with, and action scenes you can almost reach out and touch. And the suspense!!! Take note of this new author's name – – he's going to be famous one day.
3 reviews
October 10, 2018
Did not finish

I feel like I've been cat fished. dropped at chapter 27 I wanted to read about an vigilante fighting crime but got a teen drama about a backup quarterback. VERY little crime fighting to be had here.
Profile Image for Ptdog.
371 reviews66 followers
December 11, 2015
Entertaining. I had some moments when my ability to suspend reality to stay invested in the story was interrupted. Otherwise, perfect!
Profile Image for Cyndi.
268 reviews
August 1, 2016
All I can say is that I have to read book two!
Profile Image for Natalie Love.
65 reviews
January 28, 2017
SOOOOOO GOOD!!!! I loved every part of it: so much suspense and the complicated romance makes the book so good to read! I loved it so so much!
132 reviews
July 8, 2017
Too much football (thus star reduction because combinining final confrontation with football? Seriously, I can sort of understand that, but still, why?), but otherwise a solid read.

Main character was actually hilarious in his socially inept, oblivious way, Hannah was a fascinating character and not just the good old evil-slut-who-keeps-MC-from-his-true-and-only-forever-love. No, she had her own reasons, motivations and personality. Also, she did become sweet in her own special way. The cast itself was interesting, and while half was stereotypical and nothing new, the other half was sort of endearing. The plot was solid, pretty predictable though, but, I repeat, too much football and sports. I'm fine with it being an important element if it's important to either the plot or the character playing it - but honestly? It was absolutely irrelevant to the plot - I mean, besides it being used to make MC popular, but frankly, you didn't have to include so much football for that plot point to work - and the character's love for that sport? Seemingly nonexistant. It felt like some surrogate for gymnastics, his earlier choice of sports, but he even questions at some point why football was so popular while gymnastics wasn't. He sort of kept doing it because... he was good at it? I think? Maybe? The big focus on football was not only annoying, but this need to include football in the plot made the ending slightly dumb and superficial as well. Big, big spoiler for the end boss:

While this book was interesting to read, it had its weaknesses, but overall, if you like superheros, find oblivous characters amusing and don't mind football (or actually like it! I'm girl enough to admit the football scenes were well written), give this one a go. Otherwise skip, you won't miss much.
Profile Image for Jim Boyd.
6 reviews
August 23, 2018
This book was right up my ally, written in first person, normal guys becomes super hero kinda book.

I liked the book. It had a good story, it developed the characters well. It is labeled as a YA book, which it was, but the story was way a little more high-school teenager level then fitted my age or taste. Nothing wrong with that (again it was labeled a YA book). I'm not the target demographic for this book (or it isn't for me).

The only real beef I have with the book is that the first person narration did not fit the character. Made it hard to settle into the character and get a flow. Just my two cents.
Profile Image for Lynn.
464 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2022
Regrettably this book does not even scratch the surface of it's potential. The narrative is loaded with inconsistencies and plot holes, not to mention spelling and grammatical errors.

An example of one of these inconsistencies is the first scene in the church, where one of the football coaches claims to be a head Deacon despite not being Catholic. In order to become a deacon in the Catholic church, the candidate needs to have been a Catholic for a considerable period of time, and go through a rather extensive training course before being sworn in. The author should have done his research.

Towards the end of the book, the author describes a scene in a hospital room, where the main character, who is hooked up to a bunch of medical equipment, is going all Incredible Hulk in the presence of some girls and NOBODY NOTICES! Seriously?

There are others, but it would take up too much space to add them all in. I won't be reading any more books in this series.
43 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The writing seemed a bit stilted in the beginning, but either it improved, or I stopped caring pretty quickly. The main character was very relatable, despite being a "superhero," and I felt like his reactions to what goes on around him were quite believable. In the end, this was more a story of a teenager going through the confusion of life than the story of a superhero, but in my opinion that's what made it good.

Can't wait to read the next one!
79 reviews
October 9, 2017
MUCH BETTER THEN AVERAGE

Usually this is not the type of book I enjoy reading, I would not have made a career in Law enforcement it I was assigned as a Juvenile officer and was limited to
Dealing with teenagers.
Most of the teenagers that require law enforcement attention are " Know if all "
Teenage punks.
Having stated the above, this book is the exception, it is well written and held my
Interest thru the last page.
Profile Image for Kosh Gott.
345 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2021
As a person who reads taboo and banned books about some pretty gross and fringe things, it is hard for a book to anger and sicken me: this one succeeded. The racism and other forms of bigotry run through it, endlessly. It is revolting and disheartening. What's worse is that I doubt the author even realizes just how racist he is, or at least how racist this book is. I have nothing good to say about it or the author. I won't be reading anything else by this bigot.
Profile Image for Milan.
595 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2018
Pretty interesting and entertaining book. Keeps things intriguing without revealing too much. Although a bit more information would have been nice it still works very well the way it's been given to the reader.

Interesting and complex characters however some don't seem as fleshed out as the others.
Will definitely read the sequels to see how it develops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews12 followers
May 16, 2019
I enjoyed it . A teenager with extra strength when he is angry. he feels like he is alone in the world and becomes a sensation on the football field and in the news after he saves an actress. the cliffhanger shocked me and I want to read the next book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA fiction.
146 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2020
The outlaw

Love, love, loved this book! I accidentally read the first book of the follow up series Carmine : Rise of the Warrior Queen before realising that there was a prequel series.

I love the characters and the storyline and would recommend this book to teens and adults alike!
76 reviews
February 26, 2018
Interesting read.

Pretty good read. In my opinion too much time was spent on a particular sport. I am still intrigued by what everything means, and will consider the next in the series.
Profile Image for Sean Duggan.
140 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2018
Surprisingly good

As a superhero book, this book falls a bit short. The Outlaw only gets into a handful of fights, largely against unworthy opponents. As an exploration of secret identities and football politics, it's excellent.
390 reviews
August 20, 2020
For Young Adults

I am the wrong demographic for this book. It is definitely for young adults, or school age kids.
That being said, I enjoyed it, but not sure I will read any more of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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