Repulsive

by Brian W. Foster

Zack Zurick loves superheroes. Lives them. Knows everything about them. And hey, he is a classic underdog and has an alliterative name, so maybe he could one day be chosen to join their ranks.

His life drastically changes when he becomes Repulsor. He’d hoped the fame and money would make Hayli see him as more than a friend. Instead, she can’t even look at him without literally getting sick. And the whole saving-the-world thing turns out to be harder than he thought, too. The villains have teamed up, and the heroes have a traitor in their midst. Zack must figure out who’s betraying them, defeat the bad guys, and, oh yeah, not get killed.

Right. Why not just go ahead and win the girl while he’s at it?

Maybe he could. If she weren’t dating the most popular, most famous, and most handsome superhero of them all. And if only he weren’t … Repulsive.

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2016

About the author

Brian W. Foster is a speculative fiction writer whose works include the epic fantasy Rise of the Mages series and the superhero genre series, Repulsive.

Brian lives in California with his wonderful wife and two adorable kids. He is a season ticket holder for the New Orleans Saints, plays in two dynasty fantasy football leagues, enjoys strategy board games, and is a registered professional engineer (mechanical) in the state of Louisiana. He also has a tendency to write segments like this one in the third person but feels strange about doing so.

For notifications and free stuff, join his email list at http://www.subscribepage.com/p5h5o2

Reviews

[Mary Lou Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a teen book when I downloaded it. Since I don't read a lot of YA, I was pleasantly surprised by the caliber of this story. The reluctant protagonist had just the right amount of teen angst for an underdeveloped, bullied young man. He complained, but he didn't get too angry, whiny, or indecisive. In other words, I didn't have the urge to shake him. For someone recently blessed (or cursed) with superpowers, he makes the adaptation quite well. The writing is sound, and so is the editing. The characters were different enough to be interesting. If your into superheroes, give this one a try

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I regret reading this book.

The three primary characters are Zack, Hayli, and the Captain.
1. Everyone (including The Captain, an adult) was drowning in angst.
2. Each primary character is stupid AF
2a. None of the primary characters have any skills regarding effective or timely communication.
2b. All of the primary characters are incredibly self-absorbed and have absolutely no perspective into other people's lives.
2a and 2b caused 99% of the problems in this book. "Your feelings are hurt because you misinterpreted what I said/I didn't finish speaking/I couldn't bring myself to tell the truth" and "My feelings are hurt so I'll act like a resentful toddler/I'm afraid to confess to you so I'll just let you, me, and our relationship suffer for months". This was not only pedantic, it was both frustrating and boring, so the romance plot was completely uninteresting.
3. The villains, and the world overall, were incredibly one dimensional. I was at no point interested in what the villains were doing. The way people gained powers was kind of interesting but not well explained or given a good history.

Neither the romance nor the superhero plots were at all engaging.
Zack and Hayli are high schoolers with twice the hormones, and the logic and emotional control of elementary schoolers. Rarely have I felt such utter contempt for a protagonist. The twist in the epilogue was predictable and will in no way improve the story given the incredible flaws of every other part of the book.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited though maybe have a copy on my computer but it's a chromebook so, well not going there. My roommate read this since had it keyed up and he's in to the superhero/litrpg and all, but he never reviews ANYthing, but said he didn't like the ending, and right now he's pouting at his computer reading something else.

Zack Zurick loves superheroes. Lives them. Knows everything about them. And hey, he is a classic underdog and has an alliterative name, so maybe he could one day be chosen to join their ranks.His life drastically changes when he becomes Repulsor. He’d hoped the fame and money would make Hayli see him as more than a friend. Instead, she can’t even look at him without literally getting sick. And the whole saving-the-world thing turns out to be harder than he thought, too. The villains have teamed up, and the heroes have a traitor in their midst. Zack must figure out who’s betraying them, defeat the bad guys, and, oh yeah, not get killed.Right. Why not just go ahead and win the girl while he’s at it?Maybe he could. If she weren’t dating the most popular, most famous, and most handsome superhero of them all. And if only he weren’t … Repulsive.

Repulsive Origins: The Captain {A Short Story}
Repulsive
Rise of the Mages
Gryphon {coming soonish}

[Frank Burgos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Well written tale. I read this story and wanted more. What happens next. How will the ending affect repulsor? How will it affect tge captain? What happened to the other heroes? So many question but most importantly what happened to book 2 already almost 4yrs over due

[Zyderzee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is very much based on my own opinion, my own likes and dislikes. First, I rather liked the characters. They were personalities that I could enjoy reading about. The writing itself was well done, the pace moved along and I enjoyed the action and the interaction.

Spoilers here -

I was frustrated by the two main characters and their constant fear of telling each other how they feel. A little is understandable, but I want my stories to have realizations and happy endings. I was really unhappy with the way this story ended, especially with her situation. I'm not sure I will read a second if it is written - I'm not sure I could take it if there was another whole book of relationship angst...

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next era of superheroes. Conversion can and does happen to the most unlikely people. Zach hopes beyond all hope that he will be one of the lucky ones chosen for conversion. Then when he is, he finds that his powers are not quite what he expected. Will Hayli give him the time of day or will she be repulsed by his looks and his powers? Stay tuned for the new age of heroes. Enjoy!

[Chrissy Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Foster gives us a fabulous YA story. The characters are different and very likable. Can't wait for the next book.