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Viral Superhero #1
The Dark Souls
The world’s first superhero sensation may not live long enough to become a celebrity…
Viral Superhero was previously published as Ted Saves the World. All books in the series have been re-released with new titles and covers.
Books in the series include;
1. The Dark Souls, previously published as Ted Saves the World.
2. The Telepath, previously published as Mind Over Easy.
3. The Candidate, previously published as Portal Combat.
4. Enemy Territory, previously published as The Light, the Dark and the Ugly.
5. The Devil Within, previously published as Veil to the Chief.
6. The Rebellion
7. The Final Battle
Ted Finley is your average suburban nerd, but when a group of thugs threaten to kill innocent people, something incredible happens. After he’s gifted with superhuman abilities during a seemingly random brunch, Ted quickly transforms from a nobody into a viral video sensation…
Forced to navigate school and life with his newfound powers and fame proves to be difficult. But Ted’s biggest challenge lies ahead, because he’s not the only one with incredible abilities. Until he can sort out friend from foe, Ted may be the only person who can keep the world safe from total annihilation…
The Dark Souls is the first novel in the action-packed Viral Superhero Series. If you like fast-paced thrillers, witty heroes, and evil villains, then you’ll love Bryan Cohen & Casey Lane’s high-octane series!
* This book is an edited and revamped new edition of a novel that was previously published as Ted Saves the World. *
Buy The Dark Souls today to watch an ordinary teen become a superhero!Viral Superhero was previously published as Ted Saves the World. All books in the series have been re-released with new titles and covers.
Books in the series include;
1. The Dark Souls, previously published as Ted Saves the World.
2. The Telepath, previously published as Mind Over Easy.
3. The Candidate, previously published as Portal Combat.
4. Enemy Territory, previously published as The Light, the Dark and the Ugly.
5. The Devil Within, previously published as Veil to the Chief.
6. The Rebellion
7. The Final Battle
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2014
492 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Cohen
68 books131 followersBryan Cohen is a bestselling author, experienced copywriter, and the founder of Best Page Forward and Amazon Ad School. He has written or co-written over 30 books crossing a variety of genres. Learn more about Bryan at www.BryanCohen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 23, 2015
Firstly, I start of by telling you all.. THIS BOOK IS FREE TO DOWNLOAD ON EREADERS WOW!
What a hilarious and dark read. I found my self SHOUTING out with laughter so many times whilst reading this story.
I love the way this first book really sets up the story and the characters. Ted, Erica, Natalie and more all come together by the end and sort out any differences.
I love that all the friends of Ted really come together and you can tell that in the rest of the series they are all going to be some strong team!
I loved this read for everything is was. I really think you all should check this out!
It was so much fun! I LOVE SUPER HERO NOVELS!
What a hilarious and dark read. I found my self SHOUTING out with laughter so many times whilst reading this story.
I love the way this first book really sets up the story and the characters. Ted, Erica, Natalie and more all come together by the end and sort out any differences.
I love that all the friends of Ted really come together and you can tell that in the rest of the series they are all going to be some strong team!
I loved this read for everything is was. I really think you all should check this out!
It was so much fun! I LOVE SUPER HERO NOVELS!
May 22, 2016
I enjoyed it and it was a really good book for a superhero story and I definitely will continue reading the series, but I did have a few problems with it
May 18, 2015
There is a lot going on in this book. It was really tricky to follow the plot, it was a little jumpy. I generally love a mixed narrative, however, this one had way too many voices. That would not have been so bad, if the story didn't have so many components.
Mostly this was Ted and "Erica", I wasn't a fan of either character. Ted kind of bored me, while Erica was annoying. I really wish she were more the kickbutt warrior she was supposed to be.
It was young adult age, but it felt more new adult at times. These teens acted much older than their ages.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Steven Jay Cohen, who had a decent read. He has a slower pace to his read, which doesn't help the slow story. This really needed a jolt of energy all around. I wasn't a huge fan of his girl voices. They were too unreal for my listening pleasure. I did generally enjoy the regular narrative parts. He does have a nice tone for YA reads.
I didn't hate this book, but it was a bit of a challenge to finish. Perhaps it just wasn't the genre for me.
Disclosure – I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own.
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. I listen at double speed, all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
Mostly this was Ted and "Erica", I wasn't a fan of either character. Ted kind of bored me, while Erica was annoying. I really wish she were more the kickbutt warrior she was supposed to be.
It was young adult age, but it felt more new adult at times. These teens acted much older than their ages.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Steven Jay Cohen, who had a decent read. He has a slower pace to his read, which doesn't help the slow story. This really needed a jolt of energy all around. I wasn't a huge fan of his girl voices. They were too unreal for my listening pleasure. I did generally enjoy the regular narrative parts. He does have a nice tone for YA reads.
I didn't hate this book, but it was a bit of a challenge to finish. Perhaps it just wasn't the genre for me.
Disclosure – I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts opinions and ratings are my own.
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. I listen at double speed, all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
September 1, 2014
Thank you to the author, Bryan Cohen, via StoryCartel, for providing me with an ebook of 'Ted Saves the World' for the purposes of writing an honest review.
Aaah, Ted. What a fabulously naive, shy, sweet, high school guy... and for a while there, young Ted was definitely living up to the old adage, 'nice guys finish last.' Natalie, a strong, confident jock-ette who had to take him in hand six months prior and ask him out in the first place, finally decides she's had enough of Ted's lack of gumption and sits him down at his favorite diner to have 'the talk.'
"You know, you aren't very manly, Ted."
Doh! Harsher words were never spoken to a shy Sophomore with an appalling lack of self confidence. He's crushed (though not particularly surprised), and is morosely mooning into his milkshake when tragedy strikes the diner in the form of a murderous gaggle of bad guys chanting strange archaic phrases. With a sudden blinding flash of light, Ted's got some unexpected and unexplained new 'juice' - telekinetic super powers! - and our bumbling hero somehow manages to save the day. Of course, his exploits end up plastered all over national news and social media, and Ted finds himself with some serious explaining to do.
If only coming to grips with being the world's first Super Hero was all Ted has to contend with. A 'presumed dead' cheerleader who mercilessly stomped his heart in middle school, a mini-mogul best friend who's biggest concern is how Ted is 'trending' online, mystical thugs bent on world domination, and an other-worldly sword which might just bring on the apocalypse all manage to complicate an already complicated life, immeasurably. It's glaringly obvious that the world needs a Super Hero, but somehow an unassuming kid who's just been dumped by his first girlfriend is the lucky, lucky guy tasked with the job. (Sigh) And through it all, Ted's still the same shy, self-doubting, sweet goofball at heart.
Cohen's high school characters in 'Ted Saves the World' were so charming, and had me reminiscing about the quirky cast of characters I went to high school with. There's definitely a bit of cliquey stereotyping going on, but quite frankly, some of those stereotypes exist for a reason, especially in the social quagmire of high school. Each character has his or her foibles, which gives them some unexpected depth for a YA novel. I absolutely adored a few of the supporting characters, and they'd make amazing 'spin-off' novels and short stories of their own. They're rather well developed, given all the other action that Bryan Cohen manages to cram into this short novel. It's very clear that the author is also a playwrite, as this book would make a rip-roaringly fun adaptation to the screen.
The premise behind all of the 'Super' events in this tale is certainly unique... I won't give it away here, but I will say that I'm looking forward to learning more about the fantastic world(s) that Bryan Cohen has created. I'd have loved to see some concepts more fully explored in the book, but that's through no fault of Cohen's... they were just seriously entertaining ideas, and I was sorry when I realized that I'd reached the final page.
Overall, 'Ted Saves the World' was a seriously engrossing, comic thrill of a read... the perfect thing to pick up if you enjoy a light, fun, paranormal tale (would be amazing for lovers of comics and graphic novels), or even when you need a break from heavier genres and contemporary literature. Personally, I'd picked up and set aside about 12 different novels in the days leading up to my read of 'Ted...'. I was just in one of those modes when I was distracted by real life, and nothing I sat down to read was able to hold my interest for long. Ted and his merry band of high school cohorts just sucked me in, immediately, and I devoured the pages from beginning to end in one sitting. Aside from very young children, I can't really imagine an age group that this book wouldn't appeal to. It's written for the YA audience, I think, but quite frankly, the blast back to high school was bittersweet and incredibly fun for me, and I'm a woman rapidly approaching 40. I think this would be incredible fun reading for a guy 'of a certain age' to look back on the sweet yet painful ride that was adolescence. There's some very mild high school lusting going on, but nothing that would scandalize a middle-grade reader reading up in the YA genre. I can't wait to read later books in the series, and I absolutely recommend 'Ted Saves the World' to anyone. It's a perfect choice the next time you're looking for a lighthearted 'Super' comic romp to make you smile.
September 1, 2014
Full review/Цялото ревю - Click, click :)
Hmm-hmm rather mixed feelings.
The first chapter of TStW was awesome. I liked the style, liked Ted and Natalie and got the ~ohhh it's going to be so good! feeling. But then the story get really really jumpy. It shifted from one point of view to another, introduced the second plot line and even some flashbacks in all the wrong places which I found annoying and couldn't get into the story.
In those chapter I must admit there was something I highly appreciated, and it was the overlapping of scenes in different chapters from two points of vue. This was rather original and rare to be seen and I enjoyed it.
After a couple of dozens of pages (kinda, the risks when you're reading a e-book) things got in better rhyth and it become easier to follow. The pace was kept till the end of the book - which was a bit too open for my liking.
If I have to sum what I liked and disliked in TStW, it'd look something like this:
Yups!:
(+)The base of the plot. It was really good and I loved the idea of the opposing sides of Souls and the Living Souls who may change the outcome of the battle. Here we were given only bits here and there, but I would love to know more about the history of the war and everything. Great idea and nicely developped too.
(+)Characters - we have some really interesting personages here, and probably the most original sidekick ever...
~~~
Следпрочитно:
Хммм, малко смесени впечатления.
Първата глава беше много готина. Самият стил на автора, коментарите и диалозите направиха запознанството с Тед и с още една от главните герои много приятно. След това обаче добрите първи впечатления се развалиха. Започна една серия от кратки глави, които прехвърчаха от един герой на друг, сменяйки сюжетните линии и гледните точки, и прекъсвайки във възможно най-неподходящите места действието, за да въведат например флашбек с тийн романс. Резултатът беше една голяма и дразнеща каша, която щеше да ме откаже напълно, ако разказът бе продължил по този начин.
Все пак трябва да отбележа, че във всичката подскачавост (току-що го измислих - резултат от подскачане и кашавост) имаше нещо интересно. Някои моменти се припокриваха от две гледни точки, което беше интересен и сравнително рядко срещан подход.
След няколко дузини страници (или колкото там излиза в електронен формат) за щастие нещата се поуспокоиха. Действието продължи да е приятно бързо, но вече можеше нормално да се следи нишката на събитията. Темпото остана така до самия край, който обаче бе твърде отворен, за да ми хареса напълно.
Ако трябва да обобщя какво ми хареса и какво не в ТСС, таблицата би изглеждала така:
Абсолютно да:
(+)Основата на сюжета. Самата идея ми се понрави. В опростени линии е сблъсък между Светли и Тъмни души, но от време на време в битката те включвали и т.нар Живи души, каквато се оказва наш Тед. Имаше известен извънземен привкус, интересни ритуали и детайли и като цяло идеята бе разиграна наистина добре, въпреки че голяма част от нещата бяха само зачекнати на повърхността.
(+) Героите - повечето от персонажите бяха много стабилни. Хем успяваха да се държат подобаващо на тийнейджъри, хем да не дразнят, което само по себе си е постижение в голяма част от YA книгите. Освен това имаме Дираж...
Hmm-hmm rather mixed feelings.
The first chapter of TStW was awesome. I liked the style, liked Ted and Natalie and got the ~ohhh it's going to be so good! feeling. But then the story get really really jumpy. It shifted from one point of view to another, introduced the second plot line and even some flashbacks in all the wrong places which I found annoying and couldn't get into the story.
In those chapter I must admit there was something I highly appreciated, and it was the overlapping of scenes in different chapters from two points of vue. This was rather original and rare to be seen and I enjoyed it.
After a couple of dozens of pages (kinda, the risks when you're reading a e-book) things got in better rhyth and it become easier to follow. The pace was kept till the end of the book - which was a bit too open for my liking.
If I have to sum what I liked and disliked in TStW, it'd look something like this:
Yups!:
(+)The base of the plot. It was really good and I loved the idea of the opposing sides of Souls and the Living Souls who may change the outcome of the battle. Here we were given only bits here and there, but I would love to know more about the history of the war and everything. Great idea and nicely developped too.
(+)Characters - we have some really interesting personages here, and probably the most original sidekick ever...
~~~
Следпрочитно:
Хммм, малко смесени впечатления.
Първата глава беше много готина. Самият стил на автора, коментарите и диалозите направиха запознанството с Тед и с още една от главните герои много приятно. След това обаче добрите първи впечатления се развалиха. Започна една серия от кратки глави, които прехвърчаха от един герой на друг, сменяйки сюжетните линии и гледните точки, и прекъсвайки във възможно най-неподходящите места действието, за да въведат например флашбек с тийн романс. Резултатът беше една голяма и дразнеща каша, която щеше да ме откаже напълно, ако разказът бе продължил по този начин.
Все пак трябва да отбележа, че във всичката подскачавост (току-що го измислих - резултат от подскачане и кашавост) имаше нещо интересно. Някои моменти се припокриваха от две гледни точки, което беше интересен и сравнително рядко срещан подход.
След няколко дузини страници (или колкото там излиза в електронен формат) за щастие нещата се поуспокоиха. Действието продължи да е приятно бързо, но вече можеше нормално да се следи нишката на събитията. Темпото остана така до самия край, който обаче бе твърде отворен, за да ми хареса напълно.
Ако трябва да обобщя какво ми хареса и какво не в ТСС, таблицата би изглеждала така:
Абсолютно да:
(+)Основата на сюжета. Самата идея ми се понрави. В опростени линии е сблъсък между Светли и Тъмни души, но от време на време в битката те включвали и т.нар Живи души, каквато се оказва наш Тед. Имаше известен извънземен привкус, интересни ритуали и детайли и като цяло идеята бе разиграна наистина добре, въпреки че голяма част от нещата бяха само зачекнати на повърхността.
(+) Героите - повечето от персонажите бяха много стабилни. Хем успяваха да се държат подобаващо на тийнейджъри, хем да не дразнят, което само по себе си е постижение в голяма част от YA книгите. Освен това имаме Дираж...
August 24, 2014
Add one part Buffy the Vampire Slayer and one part Heroes. A teen drama with enough humor to keep things interesting. Imagine being an average teen one minute and a superhero the next. The power, the girls, the problems.... and the super villains. This describes Ted, an average, boring teen turned hero in the blink of an eye.
Ted wasn't my normal kind of read and I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. Bryan creates an interesting universe and fun characters. Characters that were well written and totally believable. There were a few typos but nothing too distracting. The story is well paced and full of teen angst. If you are a fan of teenage superhero action stories, check this out. If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, give Ted a try. This is Ted's origin story so hop on board and give it a go.
Ted wasn't my normal kind of read and I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. Bryan creates an interesting universe and fun characters. Characters that were well written and totally believable. There were a few typos but nothing too distracting. The story is well paced and full of teen angst. If you are a fan of teenage superhero action stories, check this out. If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, give Ted a try. This is Ted's origin story so hop on board and give it a go.
July 2, 2017
DETAILS:
The first book of the The Viral Superhero is called The Dark Souls. It marks the beginning of a series written by Bryan Cohen and Casey Lane. The series has a rare release schedule favourable to binge reading and which may be linked to the nature of the series. According to the schedule on Goodreads, books one to three released on the same day (June 7th), book four just three weeks after (June 28th), and the fifth at just three weeks later than that (July 19th). Whichever way you look at it, that's five books in six weeks. Given the series is an edited and revamped version of the original five books of Ted Saves the World, I suspect this assisted such a snappy timeframe, not to take anything away from the authors' an efforts.
The critical reviews on Amazon provide no more context for their judgment than the aforementioned detail; to which I'd suggest that they be taken with a grain of salt given the full description states as much from the outset. With this admission in place I can't fathom why anyone can legitimately submit critical reviews on that basis alone, for if you aren't happy about this fact then why did you pickup the book(s) to begin with? At around 55,661 words, the completed series may reach upwards of a quarter'million words. Bryan's readers would know Ted Saves the World, and I'd expect that Casey's - Fairy Tales Forever Series - might be recognised as her predominant material..
I've included links to both author pages on Amazon (US) and to reviews where I can. My review of the prequel to Casey's series (Snow White's Revenge) can be found on Goodreads (you cannot include links from non-Amazon sources in Amazon reviews). Given The Dark Souls is already an Amazon Bestseller in the short time since it released there's obviously something right regardless of mine and other's opinions.
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Bryan-Cohen/e/...
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Casey-Lane/e/B...
Review - https://www.amazon.com/review/RL7WDN2...
Review - https://www.amazon.com/review/RSMLCMD...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
On the outskirts of a town called Treasure a blue lightning bolt raises and restores a murdered cheerleader's body buried in the woods, a process reminiscent of that used by a certain obsessive doctor who used a macabre collection of bits and pieces exhumed during grave robberies to build an alleged monster named after his creator. This body is, however, restored to degrees unmatched by its ancient peer. Despite the thirty days of burial, the body not only rises, it's also restored with prior faculties, abilities, and memories that the aforementioned doctor could've only ever dreamt of. This body is being controlled by an entity within; which precipitated this difference and has added a repertoire of skills far greater than the body's original soul. The vessel now plays host to something that's been transported in the blue lightning bolt that allowed for what is called a crossing over, that is, a dimensional transport for the traveller that was the blue energy used to raise the dead.
At the sound of the dumbfounded Sherrif's voice who stumbled upon it by chance, the previous inhabitants name (Erica) stirs a joining of most of the girl's memories with that of the host's. The unlucky Sherrif would turn out to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, thereby facilitating the first task of the host's mission, the coming event apparent in the lightning now zapping between the fingers of Erica's hand. The subsequent task will be in locating 'the living soul', a vulnerable and untrained person that Erica must find before those hunting him or her gets there. Unlike the vessel, the Sherrif is alive when the blue energy is directed into his head by Erica, a stage where the screaming begins. A lucky location for the host meant that any opening bloodshed is narrowly avoided, although, if the Sheriff could speak then he'd argue differently.
Ted Finley is a dreamer to the point of ruination. His infatuation with the (missing) 'girl next door' who hadn't spoken to him since he secretly fell prematurely in love with her during their childhood friendship, has become the reason his actual girlfriend with soul deep eyes is calling it off. A month of witnessed pining and unspoken personal stakes after the girl went missing, has inevitably arrived at a possibly fated outcome. This first girlfried who ever kissed him and who'd been swept off her feet in spite of the backdrop of his unrequited love, was leaving him over a fantasy of the worst kind. The one where dreams OF the life you'd never live, ruin the dreams IN the life you do live. You'd think that being a nerd would make him intelligent enough to preempt his error of judgment, but apparently not. So the girlfriend he did have was leaving over the one he'd never have, and yet his day was about to get a damn site worse.
Sitting in contemplation he's filled by a debilitating blue energy that sizzled throughout its every passage in his body, and in spite of a vaguest hint of recognition in his soul. Barely restraining a pained screeching, Ted couldn't process that when he opened his eyes none of the diner patrons seemed to have witnessed his debilitating event. Even the waitress, Sandra, standing close nearby failed to notice anything amiss. As the pain turned to immense static he expected to become a part of that rare statistic denoting just how many people actually spontaneously combusteded, the screams that do broke out have nothing to do with him. It was instead the felons getting started on apparent plans to commit a holdup. Soon, however, the intended victims would learn that the presumed hold up would-be been nothing when compared to the actual plans the ringleader had for them.
This wasn't meant to be just any garden variety of holdips, these men were here as lackies and facilitators of a change they'd undergone and which was intended to be shared on a mammoth scale for which the patrons were just a stepping stone. Their message was to eventually be targeted at the rest of their world should they be able to complete the required ritual. From the introspection of one of the weakest link in the gunman, these mass murders would only be the nefarious icing on the cake. Whatever it was that had happened to them was part of events that were impossibly not of this world. From these reluctant musings, such events had been played out on multiple galactic stages in a cosmic war of alternating sides with success and failure.
Amidst typical teenage angst, Ted's were compounded by his life of being one of the nerds at Treasure High. Academic aptitudes not appreciated by his peers - those who favour popularity, jocularity, good looks, hot bodies, and sporting prowess well over and above the respective bitchiness, rumour mungering, and bullying - included eventual ambition, perseverance, and intelligence. Lets face it, you don't take Algebra II because it sounds cool to your mates. Young Ted would ultimately end up wishing for those prior taunts before the early stages of his future would be done and dusted. Following an apparently random arousal or delivery of superhuman abilities, his many life challenges are compounded in no small part by the viral superhero viewing of his social media presence, by the first footage of a transformation casting him with a Peter Parker likeness.
Whilst most intended victims would be thankful, he'd nonetheless accrue a minority but significant impression of fearful prejudice that seeks to cast him as every bit the villains he'll fight with. Only combining his smarts, skills, and dedicated friends will keep him and the intended victims from epic failure, and failures will still occur. Similarly, his newfound abilities and fame alters the public nature of his life, a dimension he's unequivocally unprepared for, but which his sidekick is obsessed with managing. Adding an altered turmoil to his life, he soon learns he isn't the only one capable of superhuman feats. He might be the only one of his new peer group who isn't interested in global domination, but public acceptance of his denials will take time to be accepted. He is drawn into a fight that if he goes alone into it then he'll likely fail.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION:
The Dark Souls gets off to a flying start. In as many chapters there's the raising of a few corpses, a number of murders, and the planned transformation through ritual of the unfortunate local patrons at Page's Diner. Oh and the teensy little ascension of one of the town's teenage nerds, Ted Finley, who in the slight panic throws of having just experienced an inevitable girlfriend breakup he finds himself in the middle of plans to convert his world into that of a race who destroyed their own world in civil war. If that's not a fast and snappy opening then I think you'll be hardpressed to find books that meet your needs, considering much of this framework is established within the first ten percent of the book.
The plot combines urban fantasy with scifi-fantasy, an interaction of wiccan ritual and magic with cosmic science fiction to arrive at superhero and supervillain contests that are surprisingly more fantasy based than I'd presumed. I'm certain fantasy fans had encountered the series under the original banner, but just how many of those fell into the same presumptions I often make about superhero styled plots not being true fantasy is potentially an error at least in this instance; if not more. To clarify, I've seen a good many incongruously appear fantasy based when they better suited a science fiction based action-adventure like those of movie based compatriots. This is the reason I skipped the series under the original banner. My scepticism, though, in this instance was diverted by a few integral aspects that ended up with me committing to read it.
First, is that its co-author Casey has a library that's fantasy based and I've enjoyed it. Second, the cover design combined with the new title moved me somewhat past the connotations in the series name. And finally, only after returning to the description a second time did I arrive at the information at the bottom about the editing and rebranding. I was already reading the story before presumptions steered me away. I would predict that these items could open some doors into reader libraries that the original might not have been able to, but how that'll play out for overall and average ratings is perhaps yet to be seen; but this needs to be taken with a grain of salt because I cannot legitimately make claims given I didn't read the original series.
A possible observation about the substantive outcome I've noticed though, and which is concerning for the authors, is that whilst book shelf/tag classifications on Goodreads regarding the first series haven't a noticeable critical indication, the new branding has already accrued a Did Not Finish tag. Of course, tags aren't the be all or end all, and I'd caution against taking this only in a literal fashion. What might be inferred by the lengths I've gone to in order to make this point, is that this may yet be more representative of expectations about genre than about the quality of the story. Not to mention the statement above that critical ratings have unfairly be justified by unfounded reasoning.
Ted's jocularity and nerd based outlook and repertoire is for me a positive element of the plot. Taking yourself and the stories we enjoy too seriously all of the time can reduce the fun that might otherwise have been taken from such things. A kid who plays five straight hours of videogames in his downtime is likely to benefit from his unorthodox beginnings, that might have given him a verbal and imaginative repertoire some superheroes might've benefited from. How seriously he takes himself is too early to be adjudicated after just one of five books, although his narrative suggests its borderline at this early stage. His sidekick offers much humour and reflection, and not having to rely solely on his contribution to the plot in regards to this dimension allows more depth in his character. The female roles of the young women in the story are as gritty and hardcore as the male compatriots, thereby removing gender as a differentiation altogether.
I feel like if readers remember to keep in mind the intended young adult audience, not that other age groups wouldn't enjoy it, and the admission about the series beginning, then critical readers should leave this out of the story opinions. Above I mentioned a DNF perception, which I personally find surprising. With fun characters, numerous villains and confrontations, and a deep enough story there's no real reasons I can even intentionally perceive for not finishing. Good clean wholesome enjoyment and action is where I arrived. In the absence of an option for 4.5 stars and keeping in mind the future option of raising my rating to reflect improvement, I'm giving it 4 stars. Thus I'd recommend the book and will consider future procurement of others in the series, which at this stage seems to be finishing at a total quantity of five, leaving four more to read.
The first book of the The Viral Superhero is called The Dark Souls. It marks the beginning of a series written by Bryan Cohen and Casey Lane. The series has a rare release schedule favourable to binge reading and which may be linked to the nature of the series. According to the schedule on Goodreads, books one to three released on the same day (June 7th), book four just three weeks after (June 28th), and the fifth at just three weeks later than that (July 19th). Whichever way you look at it, that's five books in six weeks. Given the series is an edited and revamped version of the original five books of Ted Saves the World, I suspect this assisted such a snappy timeframe, not to take anything away from the authors' an efforts.
The critical reviews on Amazon provide no more context for their judgment than the aforementioned detail; to which I'd suggest that they be taken with a grain of salt given the full description states as much from the outset. With this admission in place I can't fathom why anyone can legitimately submit critical reviews on that basis alone, for if you aren't happy about this fact then why did you pickup the book(s) to begin with? At around 55,661 words, the completed series may reach upwards of a quarter'million words. Bryan's readers would know Ted Saves the World, and I'd expect that Casey's - Fairy Tales Forever Series - might be recognised as her predominant material..
I've included links to both author pages on Amazon (US) and to reviews where I can. My review of the prequel to Casey's series (Snow White's Revenge) can be found on Goodreads (you cannot include links from non-Amazon sources in Amazon reviews). Given The Dark Souls is already an Amazon Bestseller in the short time since it released there's obviously something right regardless of mine and other's opinions.
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Bryan-Cohen/e/...
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Casey-Lane/e/B...
Review - https://www.amazon.com/review/RL7WDN2...
Review - https://www.amazon.com/review/RSMLCMD...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION - THE STORY:
On the outskirts of a town called Treasure a blue lightning bolt raises and restores a murdered cheerleader's body buried in the woods, a process reminiscent of that used by a certain obsessive doctor who used a macabre collection of bits and pieces exhumed during grave robberies to build an alleged monster named after his creator. This body is, however, restored to degrees unmatched by its ancient peer. Despite the thirty days of burial, the body not only rises, it's also restored with prior faculties, abilities, and memories that the aforementioned doctor could've only ever dreamt of. This body is being controlled by an entity within; which precipitated this difference and has added a repertoire of skills far greater than the body's original soul. The vessel now plays host to something that's been transported in the blue lightning bolt that allowed for what is called a crossing over, that is, a dimensional transport for the traveller that was the blue energy used to raise the dead.
At the sound of the dumbfounded Sherrif's voice who stumbled upon it by chance, the previous inhabitants name (Erica) stirs a joining of most of the girl's memories with that of the host's. The unlucky Sherrif would turn out to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, thereby facilitating the first task of the host's mission, the coming event apparent in the lightning now zapping between the fingers of Erica's hand. The subsequent task will be in locating 'the living soul', a vulnerable and untrained person that Erica must find before those hunting him or her gets there. Unlike the vessel, the Sherrif is alive when the blue energy is directed into his head by Erica, a stage where the screaming begins. A lucky location for the host meant that any opening bloodshed is narrowly avoided, although, if the Sheriff could speak then he'd argue differently.
Ted Finley is a dreamer to the point of ruination. His infatuation with the (missing) 'girl next door' who hadn't spoken to him since he secretly fell prematurely in love with her during their childhood friendship, has become the reason his actual girlfriend with soul deep eyes is calling it off. A month of witnessed pining and unspoken personal stakes after the girl went missing, has inevitably arrived at a possibly fated outcome. This first girlfried who ever kissed him and who'd been swept off her feet in spite of the backdrop of his unrequited love, was leaving him over a fantasy of the worst kind. The one where dreams OF the life you'd never live, ruin the dreams IN the life you do live. You'd think that being a nerd would make him intelligent enough to preempt his error of judgment, but apparently not. So the girlfriend he did have was leaving over the one he'd never have, and yet his day was about to get a damn site worse.
Sitting in contemplation he's filled by a debilitating blue energy that sizzled throughout its every passage in his body, and in spite of a vaguest hint of recognition in his soul. Barely restraining a pained screeching, Ted couldn't process that when he opened his eyes none of the diner patrons seemed to have witnessed his debilitating event. Even the waitress, Sandra, standing close nearby failed to notice anything amiss. As the pain turned to immense static he expected to become a part of that rare statistic denoting just how many people actually spontaneously combusteded, the screams that do broke out have nothing to do with him. It was instead the felons getting started on apparent plans to commit a holdup. Soon, however, the intended victims would learn that the presumed hold up would-be been nothing when compared to the actual plans the ringleader had for them.
This wasn't meant to be just any garden variety of holdips, these men were here as lackies and facilitators of a change they'd undergone and which was intended to be shared on a mammoth scale for which the patrons were just a stepping stone. Their message was to eventually be targeted at the rest of their world should they be able to complete the required ritual. From the introspection of one of the weakest link in the gunman, these mass murders would only be the nefarious icing on the cake. Whatever it was that had happened to them was part of events that were impossibly not of this world. From these reluctant musings, such events had been played out on multiple galactic stages in a cosmic war of alternating sides with success and failure.
Amidst typical teenage angst, Ted's were compounded by his life of being one of the nerds at Treasure High. Academic aptitudes not appreciated by his peers - those who favour popularity, jocularity, good looks, hot bodies, and sporting prowess well over and above the respective bitchiness, rumour mungering, and bullying - included eventual ambition, perseverance, and intelligence. Lets face it, you don't take Algebra II because it sounds cool to your mates. Young Ted would ultimately end up wishing for those prior taunts before the early stages of his future would be done and dusted. Following an apparently random arousal or delivery of superhuman abilities, his many life challenges are compounded in no small part by the viral superhero viewing of his social media presence, by the first footage of a transformation casting him with a Peter Parker likeness.
Whilst most intended victims would be thankful, he'd nonetheless accrue a minority but significant impression of fearful prejudice that seeks to cast him as every bit the villains he'll fight with. Only combining his smarts, skills, and dedicated friends will keep him and the intended victims from epic failure, and failures will still occur. Similarly, his newfound abilities and fame alters the public nature of his life, a dimension he's unequivocally unprepared for, but which his sidekick is obsessed with managing. Adding an altered turmoil to his life, he soon learns he isn't the only one capable of superhuman feats. He might be the only one of his new peer group who isn't interested in global domination, but public acceptance of his denials will take time to be accepted. He is drawn into a fight that if he goes alone into it then he'll likely fail.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPINION:
The Dark Souls gets off to a flying start. In as many chapters there's the raising of a few corpses, a number of murders, and the planned transformation through ritual of the unfortunate local patrons at Page's Diner. Oh and the teensy little ascension of one of the town's teenage nerds, Ted Finley, who in the slight panic throws of having just experienced an inevitable girlfriend breakup he finds himself in the middle of plans to convert his world into that of a race who destroyed their own world in civil war. If that's not a fast and snappy opening then I think you'll be hardpressed to find books that meet your needs, considering much of this framework is established within the first ten percent of the book.
The plot combines urban fantasy with scifi-fantasy, an interaction of wiccan ritual and magic with cosmic science fiction to arrive at superhero and supervillain contests that are surprisingly more fantasy based than I'd presumed. I'm certain fantasy fans had encountered the series under the original banner, but just how many of those fell into the same presumptions I often make about superhero styled plots not being true fantasy is potentially an error at least in this instance; if not more. To clarify, I've seen a good many incongruously appear fantasy based when they better suited a science fiction based action-adventure like those of movie based compatriots. This is the reason I skipped the series under the original banner. My scepticism, though, in this instance was diverted by a few integral aspects that ended up with me committing to read it.
First, is that its co-author Casey has a library that's fantasy based and I've enjoyed it. Second, the cover design combined with the new title moved me somewhat past the connotations in the series name. And finally, only after returning to the description a second time did I arrive at the information at the bottom about the editing and rebranding. I was already reading the story before presumptions steered me away. I would predict that these items could open some doors into reader libraries that the original might not have been able to, but how that'll play out for overall and average ratings is perhaps yet to be seen; but this needs to be taken with a grain of salt because I cannot legitimately make claims given I didn't read the original series.
A possible observation about the substantive outcome I've noticed though, and which is concerning for the authors, is that whilst book shelf/tag classifications on Goodreads regarding the first series haven't a noticeable critical indication, the new branding has already accrued a Did Not Finish tag. Of course, tags aren't the be all or end all, and I'd caution against taking this only in a literal fashion. What might be inferred by the lengths I've gone to in order to make this point, is that this may yet be more representative of expectations about genre than about the quality of the story. Not to mention the statement above that critical ratings have unfairly be justified by unfounded reasoning.
Ted's jocularity and nerd based outlook and repertoire is for me a positive element of the plot. Taking yourself and the stories we enjoy too seriously all of the time can reduce the fun that might otherwise have been taken from such things. A kid who plays five straight hours of videogames in his downtime is likely to benefit from his unorthodox beginnings, that might have given him a verbal and imaginative repertoire some superheroes might've benefited from. How seriously he takes himself is too early to be adjudicated after just one of five books, although his narrative suggests its borderline at this early stage. His sidekick offers much humour and reflection, and not having to rely solely on his contribution to the plot in regards to this dimension allows more depth in his character. The female roles of the young women in the story are as gritty and hardcore as the male compatriots, thereby removing gender as a differentiation altogether.
I feel like if readers remember to keep in mind the intended young adult audience, not that other age groups wouldn't enjoy it, and the admission about the series beginning, then critical readers should leave this out of the story opinions. Above I mentioned a DNF perception, which I personally find surprising. With fun characters, numerous villains and confrontations, and a deep enough story there's no real reasons I can even intentionally perceive for not finishing. Good clean wholesome enjoyment and action is where I arrived. In the absence of an option for 4.5 stars and keeping in mind the future option of raising my rating to reflect improvement, I'm giving it 4 stars. Thus I'd recommend the book and will consider future procurement of others in the series, which at this stage seems to be finishing at a total quantity of five, leaving four more to read.
February 27, 2018
My original The Dark Souls audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Dark Souls is a riveting audiobook focused on Ted, your average nerdy high schooler and his journey into superherodom! So not only does he have the typical boy loves girl, girl ignores boy problem but he has classes to pass! His first love identifies him as the Living Soul. His enemies are slowly revealed to him and some are people he’s known forever. He’s the only one that can save his small town and the world from the evil, sword-wielding dark souls.
Fast-paced, engaging and fun thriller with clever dialog and action-packed moments. A must have – one will not be disappointed! This is not your typical superhero vs supervillain! Guaranteed to entertain.
The storyline was well-developed, character development was spot on!
Neil Hellegers performs the audiobook flawlessly providing action through his talented voice as well as keeping people on the edge of their seats. His character voices were perfect! Switching back and forth from British to American dialect was smooth.
I enjoyed this book; the story flowed smoothly and accurately. This is a book that all ages would enjoy - especially those into science fiction. My only complaint – it ended.
There were no issues with the audio quality or production of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
Dark Souls is a riveting audiobook focused on Ted, your average nerdy high schooler and his journey into superherodom! So not only does he have the typical boy loves girl, girl ignores boy problem but he has classes to pass! His first love identifies him as the Living Soul. His enemies are slowly revealed to him and some are people he’s known forever. He’s the only one that can save his small town and the world from the evil, sword-wielding dark souls.
Fast-paced, engaging and fun thriller with clever dialog and action-packed moments. A must have – one will not be disappointed! This is not your typical superhero vs supervillain! Guaranteed to entertain.
The storyline was well-developed, character development was spot on!
Neil Hellegers performs the audiobook flawlessly providing action through his talented voice as well as keeping people on the edge of their seats. His character voices were perfect! Switching back and forth from British to American dialect was smooth.
I enjoyed this book; the story flowed smoothly and accurately. This is a book that all ages would enjoy - especially those into science fiction. My only complaint – it ended.
There were no issues with the audio quality or production of this audiobook.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
October 31, 2017
NOTE: One of the authors graciously gave me a copy of this book and asked me to write a review. I previously read and reviewed an earlier version of this book , also at the author's request.
Being a superhero is a lot tougher than it used to be back in the days when Clark Kent worked for the Daily Planet and Peter Parker snapped pictures for the Daily Bugle. Now, any budding superhero would find himself the center of an overnight social media storm, as formerly ordinary high school student Ted Finley finds out in the lively and generally entertaining YA action fantasy novel, The Dark Souls, by Bryan Cohen and Casey Lane.
Ted’s powers literally come as a bolt out of the blue while he’s sitting in a local diner, after which he discovers he can move objects around with his mind and do other amazing things as well. These powers come courtesy of some extraterrestrial beings who have bestowed them on Ted to allow him to ward off another, much more sinister group of aliens bent on conquering the world. The bad guys are led by a small time stickup artist named Nigel, who’s got some nasty powers of his own, including the ability to “recruit” new followers, zombie-style, by reanimating their bodies after they die. Ted has some reanimated help as well, a gorgeous neighbor of his named Erica who has similarly died and been reanimated with the spirit of one of the good guys.
This may sound rather complicated, but The Dark Souls winds up being fairly easy to follow, although the authors are a bit sketchy with the details of the aliens’ back stories. Essentially, the book becomes a handful of combat scenes pitting Ted (with the help of Erica) against various of the Dark Souls who are coming to get him. The authors do a fairly good job of describing the action, and there’s certainly plenty of it to keep both high school audiences and older sci fi action fans happy.
Beyond the action sequences however, The Dark Souls features some entertaining supporting characters and relationships as well. Ted harbors a crush on Erica from his childhood days and that doesn’t sit too well with his ex-girlfriend Natalie who, in a considerable irony, chose to break up in that very same diner with Ted because he wasn’t attentive enough, literally minutes before he acquired his superpowers. Ted’s also got a pal and business manager, Dhiraj, a computer whiz who helps manage his social media presence in the days after he becomes a hero. Dhiraj and Natalie are among those wind up getting involved in the action, Scooby Doo gang style, and there’s the suggestion that Ted’s friends will take part in future books in the series as well.
The best YA novels of this sort, like the Harry Potter series, have almost the same or more appeal to adult audiences as they do to high schoolers. The Dark Souls isn’t quite there yet. The book was revised since its initial release, and most of the changes, it appeared to me, were in the form of streamlining the plot (especially the backstory) and simplifying some of the characterizations. The new version, although it tells pretty much the same story, is more of a concise, straightforward adventure.
Overall, I enjoyed The Dark Souls, although not quite as much as I liked the earlier version of the story. Those who like action interspersed with some humor may enjoy it even better. The authors do engage in some social commentary, especially taking a look at how Ted’s story becomes big news rather quickly (and there’s the promise they will expand those aspects of the story in future volumes of the saga as well). The result is a fair amount of wit in the story that doesn’t descend to the level of outright silliness. Contrary to its title, The Dark Souls is a relatively light, breezy, action filled read and a worthy entry in the superhero genre.
Being a superhero is a lot tougher than it used to be back in the days when Clark Kent worked for the Daily Planet and Peter Parker snapped pictures for the Daily Bugle. Now, any budding superhero would find himself the center of an overnight social media storm, as formerly ordinary high school student Ted Finley finds out in the lively and generally entertaining YA action fantasy novel, The Dark Souls, by Bryan Cohen and Casey Lane.
Ted’s powers literally come as a bolt out of the blue while he’s sitting in a local diner, after which he discovers he can move objects around with his mind and do other amazing things as well. These powers come courtesy of some extraterrestrial beings who have bestowed them on Ted to allow him to ward off another, much more sinister group of aliens bent on conquering the world. The bad guys are led by a small time stickup artist named Nigel, who’s got some nasty powers of his own, including the ability to “recruit” new followers, zombie-style, by reanimating their bodies after they die. Ted has some reanimated help as well, a gorgeous neighbor of his named Erica who has similarly died and been reanimated with the spirit of one of the good guys.
This may sound rather complicated, but The Dark Souls winds up being fairly easy to follow, although the authors are a bit sketchy with the details of the aliens’ back stories. Essentially, the book becomes a handful of combat scenes pitting Ted (with the help of Erica) against various of the Dark Souls who are coming to get him. The authors do a fairly good job of describing the action, and there’s certainly plenty of it to keep both high school audiences and older sci fi action fans happy.
Beyond the action sequences however, The Dark Souls features some entertaining supporting characters and relationships as well. Ted harbors a crush on Erica from his childhood days and that doesn’t sit too well with his ex-girlfriend Natalie who, in a considerable irony, chose to break up in that very same diner with Ted because he wasn’t attentive enough, literally minutes before he acquired his superpowers. Ted’s also got a pal and business manager, Dhiraj, a computer whiz who helps manage his social media presence in the days after he becomes a hero. Dhiraj and Natalie are among those wind up getting involved in the action, Scooby Doo gang style, and there’s the suggestion that Ted’s friends will take part in future books in the series as well.
The best YA novels of this sort, like the Harry Potter series, have almost the same or more appeal to adult audiences as they do to high schoolers. The Dark Souls isn’t quite there yet. The book was revised since its initial release, and most of the changes, it appeared to me, were in the form of streamlining the plot (especially the backstory) and simplifying some of the characterizations. The new version, although it tells pretty much the same story, is more of a concise, straightforward adventure.
Overall, I enjoyed The Dark Souls, although not quite as much as I liked the earlier version of the story. Those who like action interspersed with some humor may enjoy it even better. The authors do engage in some social commentary, especially taking a look at how Ted’s story becomes big news rather quickly (and there’s the promise they will expand those aspects of the story in future volumes of the saga as well). The result is a fair amount of wit in the story that doesn’t descend to the level of outright silliness. Contrary to its title, The Dark Souls is a relatively light, breezy, action filled read and a worthy entry in the superhero genre.
August 28, 2017
The story was a little unbelievable. As the story continued you suspend your belief and take in all the action that is occurring. Ted is amazing and has some amazing friends.
July 30, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, which is probably a good thing if you like this type of book and then realize it's going to be The Viral Superhero Series (5 Book collection total} by Bryan Cohen and Casey Lane that will include 1 The Dark Souls 2 The Telepath 3 The Candidate 4 Enemy Territory 5 The Devil Within. {I got this as a review mobi copy, a here's free book we really hope you find time to actually review it type, no payment just free book, own opinions as ALWAYS, oooh superheroes *POW*....}
Starting with 1, Ted Finley is the average nerd, who all the sudden has super powers and as is usual these days of celebrity stars becomes a viral video sensation. Besides being a teenager,his other problems include not being the only one with super powers, not knowing who is a friend and who could be a deadly foe, oh and saving the world from total annihilation and possibly the universe while not getting himself killed doing that. Killer cheerleaders may or may not play a part in this story, and happily ever after can be iffy.
{This book is an edited and revamped new edition of a novel that was previously published as Ted Saves the World.}
**In next week's thrilling episode uh the next book The Telepath we find out if a superhero can stop a mind-controlling menace, that all girlfriends keep secrets just some more than others, and certain secrets may hold the key to winning the battle but losing the war. {This book is an edited and revamped new edition of a novel that was previously published as Mind Over Easy.}
And btw, yes, I already have this one too!
The Viral Superhero Series
The Chosen One/Ted Saves the World {prequel/0.5}
The Dark Souls 1
The Telepath 2
The Candidate 3
Enemy Territory 4
The Devil Within 5
**THERE ARE NOW &7 BOOKS NOT 5 in series, ADD The Rebellion (The Viral Superhero Series Book 6) and The Final Battle (The Viral Superhero Series Book 7)
Starting with 1, Ted Finley is the average nerd, who all the sudden has super powers and as is usual these days of celebrity stars becomes a viral video sensation. Besides being a teenager,his other problems include not being the only one with super powers, not knowing who is a friend and who could be a deadly foe, oh and saving the world from total annihilation and possibly the universe while not getting himself killed doing that. Killer cheerleaders may or may not play a part in this story, and happily ever after can be iffy.
{This book is an edited and revamped new edition of a novel that was previously published as Ted Saves the World.}
**In next week's thrilling episode uh the next book The Telepath we find out if a superhero can stop a mind-controlling menace, that all girlfriends keep secrets just some more than others, and certain secrets may hold the key to winning the battle but losing the war. {This book is an edited and revamped new edition of a novel that was previously published as Mind Over Easy.}
And btw, yes, I already have this one too!
The Viral Superhero Series
The Chosen One/Ted Saves the World {prequel/0.5}
The Dark Souls 1
The Telepath 2
The Candidate 3
Enemy Territory 4
The Devil Within 5
**THERE ARE NOW &7 BOOKS NOT 5 in series, ADD The Rebellion (The Viral Superhero Series Book 6) and The Final Battle (The Viral Superhero Series Book 7)
August 30, 2014
What a great surprise to read a refreshingly fun novel that fits in a variety of genres! The first few pages had me afraid Ted and friends were going to go from decent people into whiney or spoiled teenagers - like normal teenagers. Full of anxiety, anger, "me" or the variety of moods teenagers go through until they figure out themselves. I found just the opposite in this book. I grew to like the nerdy geeks, the princesses, the over-achievers. I started rooting for the teens as they not only fought the enemy, but tried to figure out life, love and where they fit in the world. The story left so many cliff-hangers I'm actually watching for book 2 to come out. Bryan Cohen has produced a wonderfully fun story that grabbed me, kept me guessing and hating to see the last page appear. I enjoyed the fresh take on possession, light and dark beings, and teens in general. There was no expected outcomes, good people were lost and a few of the baddies remain to visit again. While this is a book that did not keep me up at night, I couldn't wait to grab the kindle first thing the next morning to keep reading. I can see this book appealing to so many readers - young adult, paranormal, romance, suspense, etc. There is humor as well as some sole searching, some sadness and much joy. Lots of action and fighting, some gentle romance, and some really great writing. There was no noticeable grammar mistakes or errors which says so much about how much effort Mr. Cohen put into his novel. Many books at this price leave me wanting to find a pen and start correcting it, or are quickly written and not thought out. Mr. Cohen has created something that I can recommend and eagerly look forward to more.
September 3, 2014
Cohen's "Ted Saves the Word" can stand alone, as the story has a solid conclusion. However, the author introduces a scene at the end and it looks like we will see Ted and Erica back in action; fighting familiar foes and hopefully learning more about `half-face' and the war of the worlds. Yes, plural.
Ted, rather out of the blue (pun intended), receives super powers just after Natalie, his jock girlfriend breaks up with him in a diner. Moments later, thugs enter the diner and the war of light vs. dark officially kicks off for Ted and his friends. Too bad Ted has no clue what is at stake.
Ted is thrust into deadly situations without training or understanding, but his old child-hood friend and love interest, Erica, has the answers and his back. Between Erica and Natalie, and good friend and business manager Dhiraj, Ted is ready to fight to protect the people he cares about.
This book is pure YA. It is clean, and has enough action and young relationship threads to keep the reader engaged. As an adult, the story flows well and the story is entertaining. Adults won't be put-off by the YA dialogue as it is neither stilted nor irritatingly juvenile.
In sum, this was a fun, quick read. It flowed better then I originally thought it would. I would not hesitate to pass this book on to my pre-tween daughter. The editing was pretty good, but there are still errors.
Read August 2014: Author provided copy.
Ted, rather out of the blue (pun intended), receives super powers just after Natalie, his jock girlfriend breaks up with him in a diner. Moments later, thugs enter the diner and the war of light vs. dark officially kicks off for Ted and his friends. Too bad Ted has no clue what is at stake.
Ted is thrust into deadly situations without training or understanding, but his old child-hood friend and love interest, Erica, has the answers and his back. Between Erica and Natalie, and good friend and business manager Dhiraj, Ted is ready to fight to protect the people he cares about.
This book is pure YA. It is clean, and has enough action and young relationship threads to keep the reader engaged. As an adult, the story flows well and the story is entertaining. Adults won't be put-off by the YA dialogue as it is neither stilted nor irritatingly juvenile.
In sum, this was a fun, quick read. It flowed better then I originally thought it would. I would not hesitate to pass this book on to my pre-tween daughter. The editing was pretty good, but there are still errors.
Read August 2014: Author provided copy.
August 24, 2014
Natalie (athlete) & Ted Finley (secret powers, athlete) sat at Page diner contemplating their further teen Treasure HS relationship. She broke up with him.
Dhiraj (Ted BMF, entrepreneur, athlete) remained friends with both of them.
Fast forward; Stucky (Page employee, thief), Tank (Stucky brother, thief), Nigel (thief, British), Yarrick (thief, Russian) & Carter (technician, thief) plan on robbing Page diner.
How will this crime caper turn out?
Erica LaPlante (16, athlete, cheerleader) returns from the deceased & she /Ted Finley seem to have a romance blossoming.
Will this make Natalie jealous?
What adventures are in store for all the characters?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written sci-fi or fantasy novella book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never any dull moments. There were no grammar errors, or typo errors, or repetitive/out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. With the violence I’m not sure what age group this is for. This could also make great movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. I’m well aware of your writing abilities. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (free-ebooks.net/ebook)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Dhiraj (Ted BMF, entrepreneur, athlete) remained friends with both of them.
Fast forward; Stucky (Page employee, thief), Tank (Stucky brother, thief), Nigel (thief, British), Yarrick (thief, Russian) & Carter (technician, thief) plan on robbing Page diner.
How will this crime caper turn out?
Erica LaPlante (16, athlete, cheerleader) returns from the deceased & she /Ted Finley seem to have a romance blossoming.
Will this make Natalie jealous?
What adventures are in store for all the characters?
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written sci-fi or fantasy novella book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never any dull moments. There were no grammar errors, or typo errors, or repetitive/out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. With the violence I’m not sure what age group this is for. This could also make great movie, animated cartoon, or mini TV series. I’m well aware of your writing abilities. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free book (free-ebooks.net/ebook)
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 26, 2014
Young Adult Science Fiction Fantasy (Ending is Left Open)
Reclusive teen Ted would rather hide in books and comics than in the real world. He dates his best friend Natalie. She breaks up with him because he's not over the love of his young life: Erica.
After his breakup with Natalie, he shakes and his skin turns blue.
He knew he shouldn't have ordered the blue plate special.
Ted's life takes an unexpected turn when he exhibits surprising powers. And his life takes a shocking turn when the dead love of his life returns.
Erica LaPlante was "a cheerleader, a slut, and the girl at the top of the popularity food chain." After being missing for a month, she was presumed dead.
"They were right to assume that Erica had died, but this body had a few more tricks left in it.
"'I'm glad you found me,' she said. 'I'm so lucky to see a friendly face.'
"It might not be as lucky for him, but it's all for the greater good, Erica thought."
Bryan Cohen's Ted Saves the World is an excellent science fiction fantasy for young adults and not-so-young adults. I liked Mr. Cohen's characters and his ability to handle flashbacks. I liked Erica's periods of introspection. I also liked Natalie, with her tough exterior and gooey center. The plot took some unexpected turns. The ending is rather open ended and leaves the opening for a sequel.
Reclusive teen Ted would rather hide in books and comics than in the real world. He dates his best friend Natalie. She breaks up with him because he's not over the love of his young life: Erica.
After his breakup with Natalie, he shakes and his skin turns blue.
He knew he shouldn't have ordered the blue plate special.
Ted's life takes an unexpected turn when he exhibits surprising powers. And his life takes a shocking turn when the dead love of his life returns.
Erica LaPlante was "a cheerleader, a slut, and the girl at the top of the popularity food chain." After being missing for a month, she was presumed dead.
"They were right to assume that Erica had died, but this body had a few more tricks left in it.
"'I'm glad you found me,' she said. 'I'm so lucky to see a friendly face.'
"It might not be as lucky for him, but it's all for the greater good, Erica thought."
Bryan Cohen's Ted Saves the World is an excellent science fiction fantasy for young adults and not-so-young adults. I liked Mr. Cohen's characters and his ability to handle flashbacks. I liked Erica's periods of introspection. I also liked Natalie, with her tough exterior and gooey center. The plot took some unexpected turns. The ending is rather open ended and leaves the opening for a sequel.
September 3, 2014
Ted Saves the World is a YA Sci Fi novel with a twist of paranormal,fantasty, humor, the undead, geeks and a surprising hero.
Ted is not the type of guy that would ever be picked as a possible hero but that is exactly what happens. Through a fluke of fate, Ted gains superpowers that he nows has to learn to use. Then we meet Erica, who has died and was buried in the woods, and suddenly..... has come back to life. She has to pair up to help Ted. A most unlikely pair to say the least... Miss Popularity cheerleader. To through in a twist, Ted the geek was in love with Erica.
Ted and Erica have to save thier classmates after an attack on their school. Save not only their classmates but ultimately the world.
Fun book to read and will encompass those who love multiple genres. Great read.
I was given this book free for an honest review, which I have given.
Ted is not the type of guy that would ever be picked as a possible hero but that is exactly what happens. Through a fluke of fate, Ted gains superpowers that he nows has to learn to use. Then we meet Erica, who has died and was buried in the woods, and suddenly..... has come back to life. She has to pair up to help Ted. A most unlikely pair to say the least... Miss Popularity cheerleader. To through in a twist, Ted the geek was in love with Erica.
Ted and Erica have to save thier classmates after an attack on their school. Save not only their classmates but ultimately the world.
Fun book to read and will encompass those who love multiple genres. Great read.
I was given this book free for an honest review, which I have given.
June 10, 2016
What?
From the synopsis of the book I was expecting an entertaining mixture of Warm Bodies and Zombieland. What it turned into was Alien V. Predator with all the weird teen angst and juvenile dialog of Hannah Montana. The story was told from too many points of view (virtually everyone mentioned in the story had it told from their point of view, sometimes even the same situation from multiple views which is just boring.) It was horribly drug out, with more emotional soul searching repetition than anything pertinent to developing a well written story. Even the big climax was less than dramatic and didn't really add to the enjoyment of the story.
I know numerous other reviewers have said it, but really, if you're over the age of 13, don't read this book. It's just not worth it.
From the synopsis of the book I was expecting an entertaining mixture of Warm Bodies and Zombieland. What it turned into was Alien V. Predator with all the weird teen angst and juvenile dialog of Hannah Montana. The story was told from too many points of view (virtually everyone mentioned in the story had it told from their point of view, sometimes even the same situation from multiple views which is just boring.) It was horribly drug out, with more emotional soul searching repetition than anything pertinent to developing a well written story. Even the big climax was less than dramatic and didn't really add to the enjoyment of the story.
I know numerous other reviewers have said it, but really, if you're over the age of 13, don't read this book. It's just not worth it.
March 4, 2016
Can't wait to sink my teeth into this one. I'm a big fan of Bryan's and even subscribe to his blog. I have it on my to read list and will be starting it tonight or once my Kobo is fully charged whichever comes first.
I'm at Chapter 19 and it's amazing. I love all the characters because they complete the book. My favourite line so far is "What he'll are you? I'm Ted." I laughed so hard at this as I was having a bad day and it was a fun part of the book but you don't have to take my word for it. Buy the book and start reading it for yourself. You won't be disappointed, good work, Bryan Cohen.
I'm at Chapter 19 and it's amazing. I love all the characters because they complete the book. My favourite line so far is "What he'll are you? I'm Ted." I laughed so hard at this as I was having a bad day and it was a fun part of the book but you don't have to take my word for it. Buy the book and start reading it for yourself. You won't be disappointed, good work, Bryan Cohen.
September 2, 2014
This is a great start to a new series. Ted Saves the World, has it all love, friendship, betrayal and of course the undead. This book has a great plot with believable characters and flowing dialogue. While not all the questions are answered in this first book, you can get a sense that they will be explained in the following books.
This was a fun, quick read that will have you wanting more.
I received the book free for a review from Story Cartel.
This was a fun, quick read that will have you wanting more.
I received the book free for a review from Story Cartel.
August 31, 2014
I couldn't put this book down! I thought it was well-written, the story soared, and the characters were believable and real. On top of that, it was a fun, entertaining read. Look forward to reading more of Ted's adventures.
Jeffrey Miller,
Ice Cream Headache
Jeffrey Miller,
Ice Cream Headache
June 22, 2016
This is a good, light read. The characters have good chemistry, but the focus on teenage hormones getting in the way of saving the world was annoying (but that always annoys me).
Some good lines, could have tighter writing. Would be a good YA urban-fantasy beach-read type book...
Some good lines, could have tighter writing. Would be a good YA urban-fantasy beach-read type book...
May 16, 2015
Review to come.
January 12, 2016
Teenagers Ted and Natalie are in a diner. She’s dumping him because he isn’t ‘manly’ enough. As she leaves, five guys come in to rob the place. But Ted’s world turns blue and he acquires superpowers; enough to fight them off and save the hostages. At the same time a murdered cheerleader pulls herself out of her grave and heads off to find him. But by the time she does, the video of his antics has already been loaded onto YouTube.
For them both, nothing will ever be the same again.
***
I got this ebook when I signed up to Bryan Cohen’s email list. [And that’s why you couldn’t find it on your phone last night, AM… so techtarded. sighs.] And it is perma free on Amazon.
There is a battle beyond our world; and the fate of Earth determines the fate of the whole universe. Erica, the cheerleader, has been possessed by a warrior who has done this before. But Ted reminds her of her first love; way back before she died for the first time, and she’s so distracted by that, that she isn’t honest with him.
He, on the other hand, is struggling with his newfound fame and fortune. He’s mobbed at school, people want his autograph, others ask him to help them, and Natalie wants him back.
***
Maybe this just isn’t my genre, but I had a few issues with this book.
Ted gets called a ‘living soul’ three times in the robbery and doesn’t seem to notice that might be important.
There are so many point of views, and now flashbacks abound as well. There is a flashback in the finale. It’s too much. Plus the dark soul dudes behave very oddly and their human companions don’t seem to notice or care - they killed their friend and he comes back to life but it obviously isn’t him… That’s weird, right?
Maybe I’ve been reading too many thrillers lately but Erica seems remarkably unconcerned that someone murdered this body she is using and maybe they might try again? And making the sheriff her zombie seems like a very bad idea; the man can’t do his job. And his job is more than just looking after her.
Why keep sending Erica to do this job? She’s done it twenty times before… she’s clearly no good at it. Or is she if the earth still exists? *shrugs*
Plus, she reconstitutes her new body from a rotting corpse but can’t heal any injuries she sustains instantly. I don’t get it. Is she healing human slow but has super strength? ‘coz that isn’t going to work. She’ll hit someone too hard or lift something too heavy for her normal human bone density and break an arm. And she was DEAD for four weeks. That body is just not going to work.
Oh, what a surprise, the guy who murdered her is still around but he’s too dumb to live. He kept all her emails, buried her where he murdered her and their initials are carved on the tree near the grave site. The emails imply that he raped her and then murdered her when she complained about it, but the book just slides right past any issues that might arise from that. Eww
Natalie is just horrid. She thinks Ted should have got over the disappearance of his lifelong friend Erica in two weeks. [oddly, no one seems to think that she might have been murdered, just that she has run away.] I have zero sympathy for a girl who basically wheedles a guy into dating her, dumps him when it isn’t working out for her, flips out when his old friend returns, is insanely jealous of her, and finally stalks him and his new girl looking for criminal evidence or something to break them up. Suck it up, girl.
As the mother of teens, this is not how I would react when one of them shows up after they have been missing for four weeks:
"I don't know whether to hug you or scold you," her mother said. (p. 66).
No hugs, no shouting, no tears, no anger… Snorts… it’s just so… unemotional. Actually, maybe that’s it. I’m not sold on any of the emotions of the characters. It all just feels very shallow.
I had to force myself to finish this.
Another character called him super Ted and this is the image I have in my head now.

2 stars
August 11, 2020
I only got 31% of the way through this book before giving up. The writing wasn't particularly bad, but neither did I care about any of the characters or circumstances. To me it seemed liked the author just started telling a story without proper foundations. For example, one of the "good guys" comes to earth by taking possession of a murder girl's body and pretending to be her with little essentially no regard for the girl's family or friends because the "mission" comes first. What that mission is and why sentients powerful enough to raise and animate dead bodies can't come up with a better methodology was not explained in the part of the book I had the patience to read.
Also Ted gets super powers (telekenesis) and is immediately confronted by a hostage situation in a diner (and I mean immediately- Ted didn't even have time to realize what happened to him before he had to mentally through a bad guy into a jukebox). However, one of the bad guys is "immune" to Ted's power and my first thought was "how and to what extent?" After all, if Ted and metally lift the guy 100 stories in the air this fight would likely be over. Now, this is more of an observation than a criticism as this was a little early in the story to completely flesh out the powers. Still, the first big fight left me with more questions than answers and completely failed to pull me into the story being told.
Bottom line: I could see how someone else (with more patience) might be able to enjoy this book but, for me, life is short and I'm moving on to find something better to read.
Also Ted gets super powers (telekenesis) and is immediately confronted by a hostage situation in a diner (and I mean immediately- Ted didn't even have time to realize what happened to him before he had to mentally through a bad guy into a jukebox). However, one of the bad guys is "immune" to Ted's power and my first thought was "how and to what extent?" After all, if Ted and metally lift the guy 100 stories in the air this fight would likely be over. Now, this is more of an observation than a criticism as this was a little early in the story to completely flesh out the powers. Still, the first big fight left me with more questions than answers and completely failed to pull me into the story being told.
Bottom line: I could see how someone else (with more patience) might be able to enjoy this book but, for me, life is short and I'm moving on to find something better to read.
November 9, 2018
I liked this a lot, but it wasn't a book about superheroes like I thought. I don't know exactly how to classify it, but it has bits of superhero, paranormal, supernatural, and urban fantasy in there. The blurb, while accurate, makes you think this is a superhero origin story, but it's not. Yes, the main character gets incredible powers and has to save the world, and people call him a superhero, but the real story is way different than that.
I'll give a brief description with minor spoilers that should have been included in the blurb. I'll put it in spoiler tags for those that would rather not know, or just trust that the authors mislead us for a reason.
This was a funny, action packed adventure story. I laughed out loud multiple times, and I thought the characters were pretty well developed. The concept was very cool, but unexpected. I kind of had to change gears from what I thought I was going to get to what was actually happening. Maybe that was intended, but I would have rather known what I was getting.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA urban fantasies, a little bit of humor, and a lot of action.
I'll give a brief description with minor spoilers that should have been included in the blurb. I'll put it in spoiler tags for those that would rather not know, or just trust that the authors mislead us for a reason.
This was a funny, action packed adventure story. I laughed out loud multiple times, and I thought the characters were pretty well developed. The concept was very cool, but unexpected. I kind of had to change gears from what I thought I was going to get to what was actually happening. Maybe that was intended, but I would have rather known what I was getting.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA urban fantasies, a little bit of humor, and a lot of action.
Read
June 10, 2019I read the first three of these books, largely because I quite like the genre, although to be honest, not much of it is any good. Nevertheless, I really don't know how I manage to read three of them.
When I read the first of these books, I thought that most of the problems raised in the book would be solved by locking up the gonads of the main character and his friends. The "other team", on the other hand, aside from being psychopaths, seemed to be normal or at least rational given their aims.
So, then I read the second book, and I thought, don't stop at the gonads, rip out your entire endocrine systems, you kids are so self-absorbed, American/whiney and entitled that you shouldn't be left in charge of a ductless gland. On the other hand the bad guys, bad as they obviously were, had all of my, admittedly quite small, admiration.
I don't know why I read the third one. I think I confused it with a Drew Hayes superhero novel. By chapter 7, I had decided that maybe the characters one is supposed to sympathise with should be considered some kind of specially retarded teenager born without an observable brain cell. And it is at this point that I ended my relationship with Mr Cohen's outpouring and downloaded an audio book version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it being more engaging and certainly more sensible than this mindless drivel.
When I read the first of these books, I thought that most of the problems raised in the book would be solved by locking up the gonads of the main character and his friends. The "other team", on the other hand, aside from being psychopaths, seemed to be normal or at least rational given their aims.
So, then I read the second book, and I thought, don't stop at the gonads, rip out your entire endocrine systems, you kids are so self-absorbed, American/whiney and entitled that you shouldn't be left in charge of a ductless gland. On the other hand the bad guys, bad as they obviously were, had all of my, admittedly quite small, admiration.
I don't know why I read the third one. I think I confused it with a Drew Hayes superhero novel. By chapter 7, I had decided that maybe the characters one is supposed to sympathise with should be considered some kind of specially retarded teenager born without an observable brain cell. And it is at this point that I ended my relationship with Mr Cohen's outpouring and downloaded an audio book version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it being more engaging and certainly more sensible than this mindless drivel.
November 13, 2017
I listened to this book through audible. This is the first book I have read by either of these author's and after reading this I can definitely recommend these author's. It is also the first book I have read about a teenager superhero. I can most definitely say that I loved listening to this book and the more that you read, the more addictive this tale becomes and the more you want to know!!!!
This storyline is extremely addictive, thrilling and so unbelievably imaginative. I also loved how these authors wrote this tale with such warmth and depth that really draw you Into this exciting , thrilling world that is full of surprises and so many twists in the storyline. There is so much that happens in this book but it never feels too much or too busy, everything is connected and there is nothing in the book that isnt relevant to the tale
The characters are amazing to read about, they are such an experience to read about, you really invest into these characters, into their lives and their histories, into their wants and needs. This makes you really feel like you know the characters, the more you read about them, the more you want to know!!!
I would highly recommend This book and I can definitely say I will be looking at reading more of these author's work!!!
This storyline is extremely addictive, thrilling and so unbelievably imaginative. I also loved how these authors wrote this tale with such warmth and depth that really draw you Into this exciting , thrilling world that is full of surprises and so many twists in the storyline. There is so much that happens in this book but it never feels too much or too busy, everything is connected and there is nothing in the book that isnt relevant to the tale
The characters are amazing to read about, they are such an experience to read about, you really invest into these characters, into their lives and their histories, into their wants and needs. This makes you really feel like you know the characters, the more you read about them, the more you want to know!!!
I would highly recommend This book and I can definitely say I will be looking at reading more of these author's work!!!
June 3, 2017
I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.
This definitely has a "book one" feel to it. A lot of the book is introducing characters and setting things up for future books. Though this book certainly has it's own plot (and it doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, just enough to lead into the next book), there are a lot of world-building that is more of a hinted at and I'm hoping the later books will continue to build on this.
As much as Ted is the main character, and superhero of the series, I like some of the other characters as much (or maybe more). It is clear that the people around Ted are going to continue to play an important part in development as a "superhero" in the upcoming books.
I like that this has the elements of a superhero story (powers, epic battles, powerful bad guys), but it all has enough of a twist that I didn't feel like I was just reading another version of a Marvel movie/comic. There is certainly the expected teen drama, but it didn't overshadow the rest of the plot (and I didn't feel like rolling my eyes over their behavior).
It will be interesting to see how the characters and plot develop.
This definitely has a "book one" feel to it. A lot of the book is introducing characters and setting things up for future books. Though this book certainly has it's own plot (and it doesn't have a cliffhanger ending, just enough to lead into the next book), there are a lot of world-building that is more of a hinted at and I'm hoping the later books will continue to build on this.
As much as Ted is the main character, and superhero of the series, I like some of the other characters as much (or maybe more). It is clear that the people around Ted are going to continue to play an important part in development as a "superhero" in the upcoming books.
I like that this has the elements of a superhero story (powers, epic battles, powerful bad guys), but it all has enough of a twist that I didn't feel like I was just reading another version of a Marvel movie/comic. There is certainly the expected teen drama, but it didn't overshadow the rest of the plot (and I didn't feel like rolling my eyes over their behavior).
It will be interesting to see how the characters and plot develop.
April 30, 2018
Do you like good stories?
Interesting lore?
A well build universe with believable characters and growth?
Well keep in stepping then.
This isn't even a good prologue to an interesting series.
It tries to set up a universe and rules for the "Super hero" but since the material is so thin the author needs to be vague to save something for the ditch water that the rest of the series is so we get vague hints and "I'll tell you later" moments.
I'm not even going to add a spoiler part because there's so little story it'll be quicker to detail everything that happens and all the lore we're given.
Oh and the bullies. Because of course the untouchable, ever present and senseless bullies need to be in this type of book. (Honest question to editors: Why?! It NEVER works. It always kills the story. Why do you insist on having them. Seriously, the character never grows and the vicious "Character growth" when they get their comeuppance just shows YOU are the bully. Stop it!)
Go read "Please don't tell my parents I'm a supervillain" That's a good book.
This is drivel.
Interesting lore?
A well build universe with believable characters and growth?
Well keep in stepping then.
This isn't even a good prologue to an interesting series.
It tries to set up a universe and rules for the "Super hero" but since the material is so thin the author needs to be vague to save something for the ditch water that the rest of the series is so we get vague hints and "I'll tell you later" moments.
I'm not even going to add a spoiler part because there's so little story it'll be quicker to detail everything that happens and all the lore we're given.
Oh and the bullies. Because of course the untouchable, ever present and senseless bullies need to be in this type of book. (Honest question to editors: Why?! It NEVER works. It always kills the story. Why do you insist on having them. Seriously, the character never grows and the vicious "Character growth" when they get their comeuppance just shows YOU are the bully. Stop it!)
Go read "Please don't tell my parents I'm a supervillain" That's a good book.
This is drivel.
June 15, 2019
This is a YA book about some kids in a town that mysteriously begin to manifest superpowers...and still have to go to school and deal with the celebrity that comes with being able to move things with your mind...as if high school isn't hard enough?
I quite liked the style of this book, the writing was good and the characters and world-building was pretty impressive. It did shift about a bit and come from different POVs, but once you got the hang of it - all good. Kind of reminded me of a cross between the tv shows 'Heroes' and 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer" - so right up my alley!!!
A quick read - fast-paced and full of action and teenage angst. Won't appeal to everyone, but not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
I quite liked the style of this book, the writing was good and the characters and world-building was pretty impressive. It did shift about a bit and come from different POVs, but once you got the hang of it - all good. Kind of reminded me of a cross between the tv shows 'Heroes' and 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer" - so right up my alley!!!
A quick read - fast-paced and full of action and teenage angst. Won't appeal to everyone, but not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
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