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D-List Supervillain #3
Rise of a D-List Supervillain
Cal Stringel returns in the fourth volume of the D-List Supervillain series! One of the few heroes he respects has been captured, and now Cal must rely on his wit, technical skills, and a healthy dose of The Big Lie, to pull off a daring rescue from inside a villain's base.
Along the way, he and his team of New Renegades will have to worry about an imposter, human/animal Manglermal hybrids, a naked woman, an evil scientist, a terrifying plan, and the ever intrusive presence of Big Brother. Can Cal keep the fact that he's really alive a secret? What hidden truths has Aphrodite been holding onto and how will it change their relationship?
All these questions await Cal, but most importantly, why are you still reading the description? You should already be reading chapter one!
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2017
216 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Jim Bernheimer
32 books439 followersJim lives in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife Kim, and daughters Laura and Marissa. By day, he works as a Systems Administrator on a government contract and runs his own side Information Technology consulting firm, EJB Networking, which can be found at www.ejbnetworking.com
Blessed (or cursed depending on your point of view) with an overactive imagination, Jim has long been a fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Seeking to put that imagination to use, he has started to write his own orginal works in hopes of making his mark on the literary world.
Jim's literary influences include well known writers such as Robert Heinlein, Edgar Allen Poe, J.R.R Tolkien, and the not so well-known C.T. Westcott.
Blessed (or cursed depending on your point of view) with an overactive imagination, Jim has long been a fan of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Seeking to put that imagination to use, he has started to write his own orginal works in hopes of making his mark on the literary world.
Jim's literary influences include well known writers such as Robert Heinlein, Edgar Allen Poe, J.R.R Tolkien, and the not so well-known C.T. Westcott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 27, 2017
RISE OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN is the fourth novel of the popular D-List Supervillain series by Jim Bernheimer. I should state before I begin this review you should probably ignore it if you are afraid of any kind of bias since not only is Amber Cove (Jim's label) my publisher but we're good friends. Hell, I'm even mentioned in the book itself as he named Paper Tiger (a D-List Superhero) after me. This is probably in repayment for the fact I mentioned Mechani-Cal (called Mechani-Carl) in SECRETS OF SUPERVILLAINY.
If you're still interested in hearing my opinion of the book then I'll happily share my opinion of the work. Believe me, I'm going to be honest. If I hated the book, I'd just not do a review and I'm not going to sully Jim or my reputations by saying false things. However, I love the series and have always loved the series. I actually read it when Jim was first creating it in the old Permuted Press Writers' Forum and have followed it until now. So, again, you should know I am going to be remarkably biased despite said honesty.
When last we left Cal Stringel a.k.a Megasuit a.k.a Mechani-Cal a.k.a ManiCals, he'd successfully faked his death after killing archenemy Lazarus Patterson. It was his goal to retire from superheroics and raise his daughter with the World's Most Beautiful WomanTM Aphrodite. If you haven't read HORROR, HUMOR, AND HEROES Vol. 4# then you probably missed some developments with Cal in the Hillbilly Bobby novella THUGS, LIES, AND SPIES. I really wish Jim would release that separately as a $1.99 ebook, personally.
Thankfully, you don't need THUGS, LIES, AND SPIES to understand Cal has returned to semi-active (anti)superheroism with his "New Renegades" team. Unfortunately, he's doing so under an assumed name so he can't do anything about a doppelganger who pops up claiming to the "real" Cal Stringel after he successfully time-traveled two years from his "death." Worse, Cal and Bobby are on the trail of a really big "fish" in a gathering of supervillains under the world's second most dangerous supervillainTM General Devious.
One of my complaints about SECRETS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN was the anachronistic order which the book was framed that made too many uses of flashbacks and references. By contrast, Rise of a D-List Supervillain is much-much easier to understand. It's a series of gonzo adventures with Cal, Hillbilly Bobby, Imaginary Larry, Whirl Wendy, Andy-Droid, and Aphrodite. Also, newcomer Paper Tiger (a.k.a. Charles Phipps after Supervillainy Saga author C.T. Phipps). They're a lovable collection of oddballs who are as much a danger to themselves as they are to the villains.
If you've read the previous books then you have a pretty good idea what the novel is going to be about. Cal will be sarcastic and demeaning to everyone around him but Aphrodite, Bobby will show everyone brute force has a quality all its own, and the women will try to add a bit of sense to their man-children colleagues. I'm interested in seeing where the story of ImposterCal is going to go and also liked the development in Cal as well as Stacy's relationship.
There's some great moments spread throughout the book like the origins of superpowers in the D-List Supervillain universe, Cal having to deal with becoming far more reptilian than he ever thought possible (while also being the worst infiltrator of all time), and quite a few well-described battles. I think Cal's Megasuit is too overpowered but, otherwise, this is a great work.
In conclusion, I recommend this book for fans of snarky, silly, but still heartfelt superhero literature. The book isn't quite as good as ORIGINS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN or the original CONFESSIONS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN but does an excellent job of setting up future adventures in the world.
9/10
If you're still interested in hearing my opinion of the book then I'll happily share my opinion of the work. Believe me, I'm going to be honest. If I hated the book, I'd just not do a review and I'm not going to sully Jim or my reputations by saying false things. However, I love the series and have always loved the series. I actually read it when Jim was first creating it in the old Permuted Press Writers' Forum and have followed it until now. So, again, you should know I am going to be remarkably biased despite said honesty.
When last we left Cal Stringel a.k.a Megasuit a.k.a Mechani-Cal a.k.a ManiCals, he'd successfully faked his death after killing archenemy Lazarus Patterson. It was his goal to retire from superheroics and raise his daughter with the World's Most Beautiful WomanTM Aphrodite. If you haven't read HORROR, HUMOR, AND HEROES Vol. 4# then you probably missed some developments with Cal in the Hillbilly Bobby novella THUGS, LIES, AND SPIES. I really wish Jim would release that separately as a $1.99 ebook, personally.
Thankfully, you don't need THUGS, LIES, AND SPIES to understand Cal has returned to semi-active (anti)superheroism with his "New Renegades" team. Unfortunately, he's doing so under an assumed name so he can't do anything about a doppelganger who pops up claiming to the "real" Cal Stringel after he successfully time-traveled two years from his "death." Worse, Cal and Bobby are on the trail of a really big "fish" in a gathering of supervillains under the world's second most dangerous supervillainTM General Devious.
One of my complaints about SECRETS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN was the anachronistic order which the book was framed that made too many uses of flashbacks and references. By contrast, Rise of a D-List Supervillain is much-much easier to understand. It's a series of gonzo adventures with Cal, Hillbilly Bobby, Imaginary Larry, Whirl Wendy, Andy-Droid, and Aphrodite. Also, newcomer Paper Tiger (a.k.a. Charles Phipps after Supervillainy Saga author C.T. Phipps). They're a lovable collection of oddballs who are as much a danger to themselves as they are to the villains.
If you've read the previous books then you have a pretty good idea what the novel is going to be about. Cal will be sarcastic and demeaning to everyone around him but Aphrodite, Bobby will show everyone brute force has a quality all its own, and the women will try to add a bit of sense to their man-children colleagues. I'm interested in seeing where the story of ImposterCal is going to go and also liked the development in Cal as well as Stacy's relationship.
There's some great moments spread throughout the book like the origins of superpowers in the D-List Supervillain universe, Cal having to deal with becoming far more reptilian than he ever thought possible (while also being the worst infiltrator of all time), and quite a few well-described battles. I think Cal's Megasuit is too overpowered but, otherwise, this is a great work.
In conclusion, I recommend this book for fans of snarky, silly, but still heartfelt superhero literature. The book isn't quite as good as ORIGINS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN or the original CONFESSIONS OF A D-LIST SUPERVILLAIN but does an excellent job of setting up future adventures in the world.
9/10
Want to read
August 26, 2017It's out! 8-25-2017
Bernheimer says audio will be out mid-sept!
Newer Update Feb 2017! Author's FB page gives some cover art AND a Toronto based film company has signed an agreement on Cal's adventures.
Update- December 4th 2016. I can wait several months after what Bernheimer has listed as an anticipated release of August. I am just hopeful on early-mid 2017 at this point.
In the process of being written. Chapter 1 complete as of May 28th. (2016)
Yay!!!!
Bernheimer says audio will be out mid-sept!
Newer Update Feb 2017! Author's FB page gives some cover art AND a Toronto based film company has signed an agreement on Cal's adventures.
Update- December 4th 2016. I can wait several months after what Bernheimer has listed as an anticipated release of August. I am just hopeful on early-mid 2017 at this point.
In the process of being written. Chapter 1 complete as of May 28th. (2016)
Yay!!!!
January 9, 2019
A very nice Superhero(villain) story that surprisingly gets better as the series progresses. Nice action and humor throughout makes this a nice enjoyable read. Very recommended
August 27, 2017
The plot worked much more smoothly than in the previous book and this book actually had a conclusion. However, the book was still a set-up book, an intermission. Of the threats named in the opening chapters or of those carried over from the last book (doppelganger-Cal, Overlord's threat, kidnapped Jose, Wendy's status with the government, Andy's status with the superheroes, Cal's death) only one got solved, and two more introduced in the final pages.
I understand that at this time this is a continuous story (with installments coming every other year), but I would have appreciated a bigger sense of closure. The story is still essentially at the same place where it was after the first book.
I understand that at this time this is a continuous story (with installments coming every other year), but I would have appreciated a bigger sense of closure. The story is still essentially at the same place where it was after the first book.
September 25, 2017
I want to preface this review by saying that 'Rise' is not a bad book. It's got a good flow to it, some interesting characters, and a few novel ideas for super powers and heroes in general that I haven't seen before. It was a quick read; I got through it in about a day, and not because it was short. Breezy is probably the right word.
But while Rise is not a bad book, it's not a good book either. At best I can call it ok. Some of the problems are with Jim's writing style- specifically, the dialogue. I can't quite put my finger on what about the dialogue specifically turned me off but it really did. It could be that every character felt like they were trying to out do each other in the most clever quips contest, or maybe it's that the characters- when they were talking- were just talking at each other. No actions or anything broke up a conversation once it got started. It felt a little more robotic then then Andydroid.
Another problem I had with the book is that there was no real recap. I don't expect my hand to be held when I'm reading anything, but most series have a bit of a refresher at the start. A 'I'm Harry Dresden, Wizard PI, and this is my talking skull' kind of thing where the protagonist reflects on the various characters they meet. There was none of that in Rise. As such, I didn't remember who anyone was but Cal, Stacey, and Wendy without going back and double-checking one of the other books. (Full Disclosure: I did not go back and check the other books to refresh my memory. As such, remembering who was who and what they've done before was rough)
My last real criticism is something I've given to one of Jim's books before: mainly, Rise feels incomplete. It felt like the first act of a bigger book that was cut off because the author needed to publish something and his real last volume in the series wasn't ready yet. That impression wasn't helped by the big 'TO BE CONTINUED' at the end. Also, I was a touch miffed that when I thought I had another 10% of the book left to go, a 10% I thought was going to give some closure on at least a few things, it was a preview for another book by another author that I'm not going to read. That's just me though. Maybe that preview is the best thing since sliced bread.
If you enjoyed the first few D-List books, you'll enjoy this one. But if you didn't, this will not change your mind. And if you haven't read the first three at all, this is not a good jumping on point.
But while Rise is not a bad book, it's not a good book either. At best I can call it ok. Some of the problems are with Jim's writing style- specifically, the dialogue. I can't quite put my finger on what about the dialogue specifically turned me off but it really did. It could be that every character felt like they were trying to out do each other in the most clever quips contest, or maybe it's that the characters- when they were talking- were just talking at each other. No actions or anything broke up a conversation once it got started. It felt a little more robotic then then Andydroid.
Another problem I had with the book is that there was no real recap. I don't expect my hand to be held when I'm reading anything, but most series have a bit of a refresher at the start. A 'I'm Harry Dresden, Wizard PI, and this is my talking skull' kind of thing where the protagonist reflects on the various characters they meet. There was none of that in Rise. As such, I didn't remember who anyone was but Cal, Stacey, and Wendy without going back and double-checking one of the other books. (Full Disclosure: I did not go back and check the other books to refresh my memory. As such, remembering who was who and what they've done before was rough)
My last real criticism is something I've given to one of Jim's books before: mainly, Rise feels incomplete. It felt like the first act of a bigger book that was cut off because the author needed to publish something and his real last volume in the series wasn't ready yet. That impression wasn't helped by the big 'TO BE CONTINUED' at the end. Also, I was a touch miffed that when I thought I had another 10% of the book left to go, a 10% I thought was going to give some closure on at least a few things, it was a preview for another book by another author that I'm not going to read. That's just me though. Maybe that preview is the best thing since sliced bread.
If you enjoyed the first few D-List books, you'll enjoy this one. But if you didn't, this will not change your mind. And if you haven't read the first three at all, this is not a good jumping on point.
October 9, 2017
I am a huge fan of Jim Bernheimer's writing in general and this series in particular. While I feel that he captured lightning in the bottle with the first book; the sequels have been an entertaining continuation of the story.
These have a strong episodic comic book feel to them. From the revelations that Aphrodite is basically an immortal toddler, to the appearance of a duplicate Cal; the story continues to gain momentum.
And while Cal is on the side of the angels now, he isn't one of them.
These have a strong episodic comic book feel to them. From the revelations that Aphrodite is basically an immortal toddler, to the appearance of a duplicate Cal; the story continues to gain momentum.
And while Cal is on the side of the angels now, he isn't one of them.
September 26, 2017
It was good to see another Cal Stringel story...but I also felt somewhat cheated with the end of this particular novel which ends on a cliff-hanger with a note that the next book will be 'fall of a d-list supervillain' which sounds rather ominous for Cal. I'll pick up the next book, but I hope it completes this overall story properly as this is only half a story.
May 4, 2018
Wow this is even worse than what came before. When an author thinks having every third sentence contain the word poop shoot I think we can tell he has real issues.
September 16, 2017
Some 2 years in the making and not even what seems like a full plotline. Confessions was good and had a Begining, Middle, and End. Origins was good as we got to understand how Calvin got the neuroses that he exhibits. Secrets was an embroidery of the Confessions storyline but also included some good content explaining more of the story.
What this consists of is a 2 chapter prelude and then spending the entirety of the rest of the book in what could generously be considered one Confessions chapter.
What this consists of is a 2 chapter prelude and then spending the entirety of the rest of the book in what could generously be considered one Confessions chapter.
June 26, 2018
I decided to read this book again, to give it another chance. It was even worse the second time. Multiple chapters of Cal engaging in pointless self criticism and self censorship, and far too much "tell" and not enough "show."
Old Cal was amusingly manic / depressive and over the top, this Cal is simply depressing.
And even worse, Boring.
Old Cal was amusingly manic / depressive and over the top, this Cal is simply depressing.
And even worse, Boring.
May 8, 2018
Wow somehow this one was out for almost a year without my noticing. So when I realized, I had to backburner my other current reads and dig into this.
It's book four in the series, so by this point I think you either know you like it or you don't. I like it. Cal is sarcastic and vulgar and semi-witty as ever and I really had fun. It's a short read, and I think that's the biggest flaw it suffers from. My favorite parts of the series are the basic worldbuilding and just getting to indulge in Cal's creative problem solving and engineering. The overarching level of dramatic tension is on a steady climb, however (We're no longer dealing with the fallout from Cal's mess-ups as the source of much of the dramatic tension), and plot is pushing out scenery.
It's a rollicking good read, though, and I'm ready for the next one. I wish I'd had a chance to re-read the previous books, though, between heavy use of flashbacks and the 'first book, prequel, sequel' structure of the series, I honestly had a pretty hard time remembering where things left off in the last book.
Anyways. If you liked the last three, you'll like this one. If schedules don't slip we're due for another one later this year!
It's book four in the series, so by this point I think you either know you like it or you don't. I like it. Cal is sarcastic and vulgar and semi-witty as ever and I really had fun. It's a short read, and I think that's the biggest flaw it suffers from. My favorite parts of the series are the basic worldbuilding and just getting to indulge in Cal's creative problem solving and engineering. The overarching level of dramatic tension is on a steady climb, however (We're no longer dealing with the fallout from Cal's mess-ups as the source of much of the dramatic tension), and plot is pushing out scenery.
It's a rollicking good read, though, and I'm ready for the next one. I wish I'd had a chance to re-read the previous books, though, between heavy use of flashbacks and the 'first book, prequel, sequel' structure of the series, I honestly had a pretty hard time remembering where things left off in the last book.
Anyways. If you liked the last three, you'll like this one. If schedules don't slip we're due for another one later this year!
May 12, 2021
The never ending story
I thought I'd hit gold with origins and confessions, but this series has lost its mojo. This one is all over the place with its ideas, and presents power origins that kinda ruins the whole story. Not to anyone's surprise, the book is structured like a comic book, containing several different issues relating to the overarching plot. Unfortunately, we are presented with too little plot progression and too much expository dialogue. A lot is happening, but it's moving at a snails pace. If you were looking for a conclusion based off the title of the book, then prepare to be sorely disappointed. The series is starting to string you along, giving you tidbits of an compelling redemption story, keeping you coming for the next bite. Don't get me wrong, I like the characters and some of the concepts, but I understand that no conclusion will be coming anytime soon. Also, the story is beginning to suffer from the First person story structure with no differing POVs to get a different view of the world. Cal is alright, but getting the story solely from his cynical perspective is starting to become claustrophobic.
I thought I'd hit gold with origins and confessions, but this series has lost its mojo. This one is all over the place with its ideas, and presents power origins that kinda ruins the whole story. Not to anyone's surprise, the book is structured like a comic book, containing several different issues relating to the overarching plot. Unfortunately, we are presented with too little plot progression and too much expository dialogue. A lot is happening, but it's moving at a snails pace. If you were looking for a conclusion based off the title of the book, then prepare to be sorely disappointed. The series is starting to string you along, giving you tidbits of an compelling redemption story, keeping you coming for the next bite. Don't get me wrong, I like the characters and some of the concepts, but I understand that no conclusion will be coming anytime soon. Also, the story is beginning to suffer from the First person story structure with no differing POVs to get a different view of the world. Cal is alright, but getting the story solely from his cynical perspective is starting to become claustrophobic.
September 27, 2017
This is not a book, this is the first half of a book. This story is like if A New Hope ended right after they rescue the princess, and the whole movie was 50 minutes long.
I'd recommend waiting till the next book is out to read this one.
I'd recommend waiting till the next book is out to read this one.
September 20, 2017
've enjoyed Jim Bernheimer's Supervillain series immensely and this one is no exception. Jeffrey Kafer's production of the audio book is superb and couldn't be better. The words are laugh out loud funny and Kafer adds the perfect inflection and tone to make this a truly funny audio book.
The inventiveness of Bernheimer is beyond compare, why he isn't working for SpaceX to come up with new ideas is beyond me.
This was for the audio version of the book.
The four stars for story was just because "it ended too damn quickly!"
The inventiveness of Bernheimer is beyond compare, why he isn't working for SpaceX to come up with new ideas is beyond me.
This was for the audio version of the book.
The four stars for story was just because "it ended too damn quickly!"
October 9, 2017
As much as I liked the previous book, even Bobby's short novella, This is not a story, it feels like there is no plot, like Dragon ball Z where they are infinity building more power and nothing actually happens, sure there is some nice humor in there but where is it going?
It also feels short and just a connector to more...
and to quote another review: "The story is still essentially at the same place where it was after the first book."
It also feels short and just a connector to more...
and to quote another review: "The story is still essentially at the same place where it was after the first book."
April 22, 2020
My boyfriend and I just finished listening to this last book in this series and we are so sad that there isn't another one yet. We have laughed and cried with the characters that Jim has brought to life for us.
This is not your typical superhero or even anti hero story. Cal is a truly complex character with a depth that surprised me as the series continued. He has created a family for himself that you always want to hear more about. If you are looking for an entertaining series that will draw you in, this is the series for you!
This is not your typical superhero or even anti hero story. Cal is a truly complex character with a depth that surprised me as the series continued. He has created a family for himself that you always want to hear more about. If you are looking for an entertaining series that will draw you in, this is the series for you!
September 1, 2017
More good fun with Cal
If you are looking at this book, you probably have read the other books in the series. This is more of the same and I mean that in the best way possible!!
It nice to see Cal on his own and how all the other characters are evolving. I am eagerly awaiting more!
If you are looking at this book, you probably have read the other books in the series. This is more of the same and I mean that in the best way possible!!
It nice to see Cal on his own and how all the other characters are evolving. I am eagerly awaiting more!
September 5, 2017
Not bad. Jim Bernheimer appears to be having problems with the main character being uncharacteristically over powered. (The character trait being the problem not the power level) But its still a good story and he finds ways to work around it. Most likely he will continue to try to work around it bringing another long wait for a sequel. Still, I am looking forward to it.
December 24, 2017
This is my favorite book in the series so far! I can’t wait until Fall comes out. I will say the ending of this book is a MASSIVE cliffhanger. I finished the last sentence, took a double take and said to myself, you have got to be kidding me! That’s it? Lol. I’ll definitely be reading Fall just as soon as it’s released.
December 28, 2017
Just don't wast your time. The author tells an incomplete story in a short a book with no apparent intention of ever wrapping up a single story line. If you want a good "supers" book I recommend 'SuperGuy' by Kurt Clopton, the Super Powereds series by Drew Hayes or 'So Not a Hero' by S.J. Delos (that last is definitely for adult readers despite its lighthearted title).
March 30, 2020
This series really seems to have lost it's way. Cal used to be funny and likable - now he is just kind of boring.
One book has been split into two novellas. None of the storylines are concluded - not that any of them were particularly compelling
I am in no flying hurry to read the next in the series, life is too short and the 'to read' list is too long.
One book has been split into two novellas. None of the storylines are concluded - not that any of them were particularly compelling
I am in no flying hurry to read the next in the series, life is too short and the 'to read' list is too long.
October 10, 2017
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this D-List Supervillain book just like I have all the others. It felt like half a book though, not much story was told. I don't mind a short book when a full story is told, but charging full price for half a story is messed up.
Perfect narration.
I really enjoyed this D-List Supervillain book just like I have all the others. It felt like half a book though, not much story was told. I don't mind a short book when a full story is told, but charging full price for half a story is messed up.
Perfect narration.
October 20, 2017
Excellent story, great writing but much shorter than I had hoped considering the long wait from the last book. In addition the book ends in a cliff hanger so I guess I'll see you guys again in two years.
November 11, 2017
Wow what a read! Cannot wait for more, the sooner the better!
This book like all the rest in this series just sucks you in. Is he a hero or a man that just does the right thing for all the wrong reasons? Who cares! Just enjoy the book and hold on for a great time.
This book like all the rest in this series just sucks you in. Is he a hero or a man that just does the right thing for all the wrong reasons? Who cares! Just enjoy the book and hold on for a great time.
November 13, 2017
I’ve enjoyed Cal from his first story. This addition did not disappoint. I love his inner turmoil to be both who he is and try to be a good guy too. He is an applicable anti hero. The story is lined with wisdom and wit. I recommend it.
December 4, 2017
I Liked it but only felt like it was half a book...Jim left the book on a serial kind of ending without resolution or closure. I guess we'll have to wait and see in the next great installment of That D- List guy.
January 23, 2018
The most recent in a series chronicaling the life and times of wannabe super-villain turned semi-competent hero Cal Stringle, it's a fun time if you like the idea of heroes just a bit off center... and a bit sinister.
May 31, 2018
Finally the storyline is going somewhere. Honestly, the last two books should have been. Single novel, but oh well. This book was not as funny for me, but since there was an actual plot this time around I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 3, 2023
I enjoyed Rise of a D-List Supervillain as much as the previous books in the series. Bernheimer does a great job of balancing humor and action, and the characters are still as charming and relatable as ever. It is such a fun series...nothing like way special, but fun. 8/10
January 26, 2018
Fun but felt to short
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews