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Kid Normal #2
Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes
The second, epically funny adventure starring Murph Cooper and the Super Zeroes from Greg James and Chris Smith
Not all heroes have superpowers.
Don't believe us? Well Murph Cooper is living proof. Since becoming Kid Normal, he and the Super Zeroes have been catching baddies all over the place. But being a hero is about to get a whole lot harder ...
Far away in a top-secret prison, the world's most feared supervillain has broken a thirty year silence. His first words?
'Bring Kid Normal to me!'
Not all heroes have superpowers.
Don't believe us? Well Murph Cooper is living proof. Since becoming Kid Normal, he and the Super Zeroes have been catching baddies all over the place. But being a hero is about to get a whole lot harder ...
Far away in a top-secret prison, the world's most feared supervillain has broken a thirty year silence. His first words?
'Bring Kid Normal to me!'
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2018
58 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 16, 2018
"Bring Kid Normal to me!" Famous first words spoken by an overpowered villain. :P
So I was ridiculously excited when I found out that there would be another Kid Normal book. I just adored the first book, with a great kid who doesn't have superpowers but makes the best of things and is even leader of a superhero team!
I already knew what Magpie was up to from the moment he wanted to see the kid without the superpowers. I do wonder why no one else put any doubt in it. Really guys, the worst villain of all times is suddenly talking and you are not all in high alert and maybe keeping a closer eye on things? Gee wiz. Oh well, I guess if they knew there wouldn't be any story. It was still fun to see everyone else get that feeling of doom, and also to have them figure out that stuff are about to get very hairy.
I would have loved seeing a few more missions for our Super Zeroes, now we only seen one, and the rest is all about Magpie and what makes him so evil. What he did 30 years ago. What terrors he could instil now. Not that I mind it that much as it brought some great battles and showed that Murph, despite him not having a cape, is still a superhero.
I found it adorable how Murph and Mary acted around each other. Aww!
Oh and why didn't anyone ever think to check out where Magpie other lairs where? I would think someone knows about it, and otherwise there was 30 years of time to search. It would have saved a lot of effort, but again, like with how no one knew Magpie's plans until it was too late, there wouldn't be any story if they did find the laboratory. Plus they wouldn't be in such a pickle.
I loved reading about the prison, how it looked, how the villains lived/how it went from not so baddies to OMG nope baddies.
But I didn't like Magpie. I get that is the idea, but I hated him for something else. He was just ridiculously overpowered. It wasn't even funny or exciting. No. Maybe it is because I am a gamer, and have encountered my share of overpowered characters. It just seems stupid, why would you make a supervillain so overpowered that he can barely be caught (and I strongly believe that he just let himself caught 30 years ago). But yeah, sorry, a dude that can just steal superpowers/capes?
Drench? Bro, please, Magpie STOLE YOUR SUPERPOWER, or at least partially, and you are now teaming up with him? *wonders if there is a name for that, some sort of capeholm syndrome? :P* Yep, I already didn't like Drench for his whiny attitude, but this didn't make it any better.
Mr. Flash? Boy, he is still pretty much mean, but I did see another side to him, a kinder one. Plus he did help out our Super Zeroes. Good job, I hope that he will show his kinder side more often.
The ending was pretty awesome (and also a bit sad), though I am not particularly looking forward to seeing Magpie again. *sighs*
The art was, as it was also the case with the previous book, fabulous. I just adore the style and how everyone is drawn.
All in all though I did enjoy the book, I laughed so many times (plus how can I not resist fourth wall breaking?), and I was cheering our heroes on. I will still be reading the next book, even with the idea that Magpie will be in it...
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So I was ridiculously excited when I found out that there would be another Kid Normal book. I just adored the first book, with a great kid who doesn't have superpowers but makes the best of things and is even leader of a superhero team!
I already knew what Magpie was up to from the moment he wanted to see the kid without the superpowers. I do wonder why no one else put any doubt in it. Really guys, the worst villain of all times is suddenly talking and you are not all in high alert and maybe keeping a closer eye on things? Gee wiz. Oh well, I guess if they knew there wouldn't be any story. It was still fun to see everyone else get that feeling of doom, and also to have them figure out that stuff are about to get very hairy.
I would have loved seeing a few more missions for our Super Zeroes, now we only seen one, and the rest is all about Magpie and what makes him so evil. What he did 30 years ago. What terrors he could instil now. Not that I mind it that much as it brought some great battles and showed that Murph, despite him not having a cape, is still a superhero.
I found it adorable how Murph and Mary acted around each other. Aww!
Oh and why didn't anyone ever think to check out where Magpie other lairs where? I would think someone knows about it, and otherwise there was 30 years of time to search. It would have saved a lot of effort, but again, like with how no one knew Magpie's plans until it was too late, there wouldn't be any story if they did find the laboratory. Plus they wouldn't be in such a pickle.
I loved reading about the prison, how it looked, how the villains lived/how it went from not so baddies to OMG nope baddies.
But I didn't like Magpie. I get that is the idea, but I hated him for something else. He was just ridiculously overpowered. It wasn't even funny or exciting. No. Maybe it is because I am a gamer, and have encountered my share of overpowered characters. It just seems stupid, why would you make a supervillain so overpowered that he can barely be caught (and I strongly believe that he just let himself caught 30 years ago). But yeah, sorry, a dude that can just steal superpowers/capes?
Drench? Bro, please, Magpie STOLE YOUR SUPERPOWER, or at least partially, and you are now teaming up with him? *wonders if there is a name for that, some sort of capeholm syndrome? :P* Yep, I already didn't like Drench for his whiny attitude, but this didn't make it any better.
Mr. Flash? Boy, he is still pretty much mean, but I did see another side to him, a kinder one. Plus he did help out our Super Zeroes. Good job, I hope that he will show his kinder side more often.
The ending was pretty awesome (and also a bit sad), though I am not particularly looking forward to seeing Magpie again. *sighs*
The art was, as it was also the case with the previous book, fabulous. I just adore the style and how everyone is drawn.
All in all though I did enjoy the book, I laughed so many times (plus how can I not resist fourth wall breaking?), and I was cheering our heroes on. I will still be reading the next book, even with the idea that Magpie will be in it...
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 4, 2019
I’m absolutely not the intended audience, but it’s lighthearted and funny. If you have children in your life, they will l0ve this.
March 22, 2018
Kid Normal and the Super Zeroes are back and — in my opinion — with an even more sophisticated adventure than in the first book.
Whilst the debut novel of Greg James and Chris Smith focused on Murph Cooper becoming Kid Normal and facing an evil but at the same time somehow ridiculous and dumb villain, this book's baddie Magpie is seriously malevolent.
The book continues to tell the story of the superhero without any superpower and his cap(e)able friends. Since Kid Normal and the Super Zeroes have joined the Heroes Alliance they have been facing some challenges. But their biggest (so far, there are more sequels on the way) is yet to come. As the blurb says: "Far away in a top-secret prison, the world's most feared supervillain has broken a thirty-year silence. His first words? 'Bring Kid Normal to me!'"
Sounds thrilling? Let me tell you — it is!
I won't tell much more about the story as I don't want to spoil anything. But there will be a comeback by the Blue Phantom and some more of the characters appearing in the first novel. Hence make sure to read that first. The story takes the readers back to The School. The Super Zeroes will have to face the struggles of being the outsiders at school as well as a rogue hero. And they will be brilliant. I reckon that's all you need to know.
If your thoughts right now are "but this is a story for kids, I'm an adult and not meant to read it", here's the thing: One is never too old for a cute story. And the authors know that adults might read it as well which is shown by my kind of favourite quote from the book:
"If you are now wondering, «Was there an overhead projector?» then a) yes there was and b) you’re a grown-up. Busted!"
It isn't my favourite quote regarding the story (I can't give you that one, it's a spoiler) but it's the one that shows the unique element of this book: The storytelling. Greg James and Chris Smith have managed to continue to narrate in their unique style. There are parts when the reader is addressed directly by the narrators. It seems a bit odd at first but it grows on you quite fast, as it makes you feel like they're sitting right next to you telling you the story. And it's also great if you're reading the story out loud to children. The unique storytelling is topped off with unusual and creative comparisons (e.g. "[they] were hot on their heels like a pair of insulated socks with innovative heel-warming pads built in" or "[it] would be an understatement the size of a medium-to-large rhinoceros").
So, if you're searching for something to read to your kids or an entertaining, cute and yet thrilling story to read for yourself — this (and book 1) could be the one(s).
February 20, 2022
Yay, higher stakes and more emotions while still keeping it light and fun!
April 25, 2018
I liked this book because it’s all about normal kids who happen to be heroes. It’s very funny; if you were feeling down it would really cheer you up! Even though I haven’t read the first Kid Normal book you get a good understanding of what’s going on and who is who. My only grumble would be that I would have preferred the illustrations to have been in colour.
By Owen
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends as it is so funny. Because I hadn’t read the first Kid Normal book it took me a little while to get used to the characters, but it wasn’t a huge problem. Murph was my favourite. The illustrations were very good and looked like they had real movement in them.
By Akalya
I liked the descriptions of the characters. They were so detailed I could picture them in my head. The emotions they felt was written in an outstanding way. The illustrations were fantastic. I would recommend it because it’s such a great book.
By Taya
I liked how the no-cape committee are still very brave, and Murph makes it clear that cape or no cape, when it comes to being a hero it’s what’s in your heart that counts. I would recommend it to people as it has heart-warming moments, good jokes and a great moral; hearts not capes !
ByKirsty
By Owen
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends as it is so funny. Because I hadn’t read the first Kid Normal book it took me a little while to get used to the characters, but it wasn’t a huge problem. Murph was my favourite. The illustrations were very good and looked like they had real movement in them.
By Akalya
I liked the descriptions of the characters. They were so detailed I could picture them in my head. The emotions they felt was written in an outstanding way. The illustrations were fantastic. I would recommend it because it’s such a great book.
By Taya
I liked how the no-cape committee are still very brave, and Murph makes it clear that cape or no cape, when it comes to being a hero it’s what’s in your heart that counts. I would recommend it to people as it has heart-warming moments, good jokes and a great moral; hearts not capes !
ByKirsty
April 4, 2018
Read this review on my blog here: https://rebeccafarren.com/review-kid-...
Thanks to Bloomsbury Kids and NetGalley for the review copy.
Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes is the second novel in the children’s superhero series by Radio 1’s Greg James and Chris Smith. I will make no secret of the fact that I read this book because of the authors. These radio nerds are two of my favourite chaps on the planet, and there is a good chance that one of them is reading this right now, so do forgive me if the review comes across as slightly biased (I’m being honest, I promise!)
Murph Cooper and his friends have completed their first year at ‘The School’, a place where kids with superpowers or ‘capes’ learn to use (or at least control) their special ability. Despite the fact that Murph has no superpower at all and is only accepted into the school after an almightily awkward monumental mix-up, he and his pals are inducted into The Heroes Alliance as ‘Kid Normal and the Super Zeroes’ after they defeat the evil, if utterly ridiculous, Lord Nektar. They think that they’re in for a quiet second year at The School but the most dangerous super-villain (or Rogue Hero) of them all has other ideas. No-one has been able to go near Magpie in 30 years for fear of having their power stolen, so when he summons Kid Normal to his top-security cell, The Alliance seizes the opportunity to glean new information on his crimes. The visit seems unfruitful, and frankly, a massive let down but Murph is convinced that there must be more to know. A nonsense poem and a bit of digging lead the gang on their most important mission yet.
Right from the off I was so impressed with this sequel! It jumps straight into the action, as the Super Zeroes thwart a jewel thief with ease. It keeps up the pace throughout with an exciting premise and twists and turns every few chapters moving the story forward. It strikes a much better balance between plot and Greg and Chris’ wonderful brand of comedy than its predecessor. The jokes fit in very well and add much needed lightness and fun. I really appreciated The Monty Python-esque interlude and the Famous Five reference! A few of the action scenes go on a bit too long for my liking but not enough to detract from the book as a whole.
I was thrilled to see a properly scary villain! He was chilling and I actually felt like he was a real threat to the heroes this time, making it infinitely more exciting.
The diverse representation in this book is fantastic. At the beginning we’re introduced to an old-school hero with a flying wheelchair! He even has his own accessible hovercraft! I had a little cry with joy! Our team of heroes is gender balanced and Nellie, who is a girl of colour and a selective mute, is absolutely brilliant. One thing I loved about Kid Normal that is brought forward to book two is the theme of old and young people working together to save the day. I haven’t seen this often, especially in children’s literature, and it is really lovely to read.
Character development is another outstanding element of Kid Normal and The Rogue Heroes. Murph and his friends all mature significantly during the few months in which the book is set. They all learn that actions can have serious consequences and build on the friendships they formed in the first book. We learn much more about the adults of the Kid Normal universe and their pasts too. Even grumpy, shouty Mr Flash gets the chance to show he’s not a totally unreasonable buffoon! This makes the book rich and well rounded.
Overall, this is a fabulously fun story. It is a huge improvement on the first Kid Normal book, so if you loved that one you’ll like this one even more. It might be aimed at kids but it will hook grown ups too. I’m so happy about how much I enjoyed it and I’m really pleased that there are two more books to look forward to in the series. All that’s left for me to say is please go forth with peace and love and enjoy this wonderful adventure!
10/10
Thanks to Bloomsbury Kids and NetGalley for the review copy.
Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes is the second novel in the children’s superhero series by Radio 1’s Greg James and Chris Smith. I will make no secret of the fact that I read this book because of the authors. These radio nerds are two of my favourite chaps on the planet, and there is a good chance that one of them is reading this right now, so do forgive me if the review comes across as slightly biased (I’m being honest, I promise!)
Murph Cooper and his friends have completed their first year at ‘The School’, a place where kids with superpowers or ‘capes’ learn to use (or at least control) their special ability. Despite the fact that Murph has no superpower at all and is only accepted into the school after an almightily awkward monumental mix-up, he and his pals are inducted into The Heroes Alliance as ‘Kid Normal and the Super Zeroes’ after they defeat the evil, if utterly ridiculous, Lord Nektar. They think that they’re in for a quiet second year at The School but the most dangerous super-villain (or Rogue Hero) of them all has other ideas. No-one has been able to go near Magpie in 30 years for fear of having their power stolen, so when he summons Kid Normal to his top-security cell, The Alliance seizes the opportunity to glean new information on his crimes. The visit seems unfruitful, and frankly, a massive let down but Murph is convinced that there must be more to know. A nonsense poem and a bit of digging lead the gang on their most important mission yet.
Right from the off I was so impressed with this sequel! It jumps straight into the action, as the Super Zeroes thwart a jewel thief with ease. It keeps up the pace throughout with an exciting premise and twists and turns every few chapters moving the story forward. It strikes a much better balance between plot and Greg and Chris’ wonderful brand of comedy than its predecessor. The jokes fit in very well and add much needed lightness and fun. I really appreciated The Monty Python-esque interlude and the Famous Five reference! A few of the action scenes go on a bit too long for my liking but not enough to detract from the book as a whole.
I was thrilled to see a properly scary villain! He was chilling and I actually felt like he was a real threat to the heroes this time, making it infinitely more exciting.
The diverse representation in this book is fantastic. At the beginning we’re introduced to an old-school hero with a flying wheelchair! He even has his own accessible hovercraft! I had a little cry with joy! Our team of heroes is gender balanced and Nellie, who is a girl of colour and a selective mute, is absolutely brilliant. One thing I loved about Kid Normal that is brought forward to book two is the theme of old and young people working together to save the day. I haven’t seen this often, especially in children’s literature, and it is really lovely to read.
Character development is another outstanding element of Kid Normal and The Rogue Heroes. Murph and his friends all mature significantly during the few months in which the book is set. They all learn that actions can have serious consequences and build on the friendships they formed in the first book. We learn much more about the adults of the Kid Normal universe and their pasts too. Even grumpy, shouty Mr Flash gets the chance to show he’s not a totally unreasonable buffoon! This makes the book rich and well rounded.
Overall, this is a fabulously fun story. It is a huge improvement on the first Kid Normal book, so if you loved that one you’ll like this one even more. It might be aimed at kids but it will hook grown ups too. I’m so happy about how much I enjoyed it and I’m really pleased that there are two more books to look forward to in the series. All that’s left for me to say is please go forth with peace and love and enjoy this wonderful adventure!
10/10
April 8, 2022
Murph Cooper (aka Kid Normal) and the rest of the Super Zeroes have been busy saving the day, preventing robberies and other crimes. However even now after officially being made part of the Heroes Alliance, Mr Flash and their fellow students still scoff at them.
The Super Zeroes may all have weird capes (capabilities) and Murph no powers at all, but they soon put them to the test in an exercise set by Mr Flash in class. Outperforming his favourite students, Mr Flash suddenly seems to have more respect for them, not that he'd ever admit it.
Meanwhile a message is delivered. Somebody incredibly important and extremely dangerous wants to meet with Kid Normal. He is intrigued but worried when taken to a high security prison. This is where the heroes who go bad are locked up. They are called Rogue Heroes.
The most villainous of them all has a cell deep underground, with multiple cameras watching his every move and lots of other technology to keep him exactly where he should be, to keep the world safe. His name is Magpie.
Kid Normal wonders why this Rogue Hero wants to speak to him especially? What did he do to be imprisoned in an impenetrable cell for the last 30 years? Little does Kid Normal know that he himself is part of Magpie's latest evil plan.
Kid Normal returns to school and learns more of Magpie's crimes, something so terrible that retired heroes never speak of it.
Soon Magpie reveals something no one thought possible. Both young heroes and old must pull together to save a daughter, defeat a monster and try and put wrongs right. Magpie seems invincible, but then he has never met Kid Normal who knows that heroes can exist without special powers.
Another hilarious book in this trilogy. Narrated direct to the reader it has action aplenty, tons of silly similie and lots of laughing out loud. The Super Zeroes must face a Super Hero who has gone Rogue and committed the most evil crimes.
Even after dealing with Nektar in their first adventure, the villain they are now up against is a huge step up in evil. Can they clear their names of false charges, save a friend's loved one, protect the retired heroes and escape a giant ticking bomb? I particularly liked the hugely imaginative similie whether it be a sound, a smell or incredible actions of these pint-sized super heroes.
Looking forward to the last book in the series - Kid Normal and the Shadow Machine.
The Super Zeroes may all have weird capes (capabilities) and Murph no powers at all, but they soon put them to the test in an exercise set by Mr Flash in class. Outperforming his favourite students, Mr Flash suddenly seems to have more respect for them, not that he'd ever admit it.
Meanwhile a message is delivered. Somebody incredibly important and extremely dangerous wants to meet with Kid Normal. He is intrigued but worried when taken to a high security prison. This is where the heroes who go bad are locked up. They are called Rogue Heroes.
The most villainous of them all has a cell deep underground, with multiple cameras watching his every move and lots of other technology to keep him exactly where he should be, to keep the world safe. His name is Magpie.
Kid Normal wonders why this Rogue Hero wants to speak to him especially? What did he do to be imprisoned in an impenetrable cell for the last 30 years? Little does Kid Normal know that he himself is part of Magpie's latest evil plan.
Kid Normal returns to school and learns more of Magpie's crimes, something so terrible that retired heroes never speak of it.
Soon Magpie reveals something no one thought possible. Both young heroes and old must pull together to save a daughter, defeat a monster and try and put wrongs right. Magpie seems invincible, but then he has never met Kid Normal who knows that heroes can exist without special powers.
Another hilarious book in this trilogy. Narrated direct to the reader it has action aplenty, tons of silly similie and lots of laughing out loud. The Super Zeroes must face a Super Hero who has gone Rogue and committed the most evil crimes.
Even after dealing with Nektar in their first adventure, the villain they are now up against is a huge step up in evil. Can they clear their names of false charges, save a friend's loved one, protect the retired heroes and escape a giant ticking bomb? I particularly liked the hugely imaginative similie whether it be a sound, a smell or incredible actions of these pint-sized super heroes.
Looking forward to the last book in the series - Kid Normal and the Shadow Machine.
March 23, 2018
Best. Book. EVER!
Well, ok, probably not, but what fun! Sillier than fish dancing Monty Python members, breaking the 4th wall more often than a Deadpool movie (without all the naughty bits), more capable of taking the pi... pie, yes I mean, pie out of things for a good laugh, this is a book to be read and re-read by all ages. But let me back up a bit first...
A couple of years ago, I had the unsurprising misfortune to have a long- and repeatedly extended layover in Heathrow Airport. Granted, they have upgraded the place and it is no longer as unpleasant as an abandoned trail-side public toilet, but only just. Well, as I had already filled myself on cheap sandwiches and a last pint of Guinness, I had the bright idea to allow myself to be sucked into the vortex that is one of the local shops that sells literally everything under the Sun including books. The rest as they say, is history. Or at very least a very lucky find in that I chose to pick up a discounted (by 35p I think) copy of Kid Normal, thinking if I didn't like it, maybe my kids would. Oh me of little faith...I then proceeded to finish the original 'Kid Normal' well before we were allowed to board our flight (next time we will consider swimming back to France as a quicker alternative). Absolutely wonderful!
Well written and exciting, all I can add is that I can't wait for next year's installment! I only wish that I could sit in on the authors creative sessions and see how the magic is made! Enjoy!
Well, ok, probably not, but what fun! Sillier than fish dancing Monty Python members, breaking the 4th wall more often than a Deadpool movie (without all the naughty bits), more capable of taking the pi... pie, yes I mean, pie out of things for a good laugh, this is a book to be read and re-read by all ages. But let me back up a bit first...
A couple of years ago, I had the unsurprising misfortune to have a long- and repeatedly extended layover in Heathrow Airport. Granted, they have upgraded the place and it is no longer as unpleasant as an abandoned trail-side public toilet, but only just. Well, as I had already filled myself on cheap sandwiches and a last pint of Guinness, I had the bright idea to allow myself to be sucked into the vortex that is one of the local shops that sells literally everything under the Sun including books. The rest as they say, is history. Or at very least a very lucky find in that I chose to pick up a discounted (by 35p I think) copy of Kid Normal, thinking if I didn't like it, maybe my kids would. Oh me of little faith...I then proceeded to finish the original 'Kid Normal' well before we were allowed to board our flight (next time we will consider swimming back to France as a quicker alternative). Absolutely wonderful!
Well written and exciting, all I can add is that I can't wait for next year's installment! I only wish that I could sit in on the authors creative sessions and see how the magic is made! Enjoy!
June 28, 2019
Competent sequel that expands upon favourite characters and gives them a new challenge.
My son had begged me for the second in the series, after we both loved the first. We got the audio version from the library, for school commuting, and it is narrated with energy and some great voices for the over-the-top characters, a good format for the series.
Now established at the superhero academy, Kid Normal, he with no actual superpowers, and his friends, are trying to do their schoolwork and occasionally being asked to help with the Superhero Alliance. And of course, there's a new villain in town... and maybe some hero backstory/history to discover.
A sequel is always a time for expanding stories, now characters are established. Murph and his friends, we know quite well. The teachers, especially Mr Flash, are even funnier now we know them a little better.
It's good to get a little more detail on Murph's superhero world, and to see the Zeroes working together again. My eight-year-old was listening along avidly, and has asked for the next book already.
Easy style of writing to follow, lots of action, realistic kids' speech and very easy to imagine the characters. Great series for 7-12 year olds.
My son had begged me for the second in the series, after we both loved the first. We got the audio version from the library, for school commuting, and it is narrated with energy and some great voices for the over-the-top characters, a good format for the series.
Now established at the superhero academy, Kid Normal, he with no actual superpowers, and his friends, are trying to do their schoolwork and occasionally being asked to help with the Superhero Alliance. And of course, there's a new villain in town... and maybe some hero backstory/history to discover.
A sequel is always a time for expanding stories, now characters are established. Murph and his friends, we know quite well. The teachers, especially Mr Flash, are even funnier now we know them a little better.
It's good to get a little more detail on Murph's superhero world, and to see the Zeroes working together again. My eight-year-old was listening along avidly, and has asked for the next book already.
Easy style of writing to follow, lots of action, realistic kids' speech and very easy to imagine the characters. Great series for 7-12 year olds.
October 11, 2020
Good Sequel; Read Book One
This is the second installment in what is currently a five book series. It has all of the laughs, thrills, and action you could hope for, and is a fine addition to the Kid Normal series.
But, I would strongly encourage readers to start with Book One, ("Kid Normal"). The first book establishes Murph Cooper and introduces the Zeroes. The story behind how Murph ended up at super school and how he managed to fit in is very funny, presented in an engaging, dry deadpan style, and sort of touching. By the same token, each Zero is given a strong intro and the school is well established. The second book sort of assumes all of that and takes right off. The reader is briskly reintroduced to the main characters, but not in the same appealing fashion. As a consequence I think a reader would lose a lot by starting here.
That said, though, this is a fun series and this book is a fine second entrant. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is the second installment in what is currently a five book series. It has all of the laughs, thrills, and action you could hope for, and is a fine addition to the Kid Normal series.
But, I would strongly encourage readers to start with Book One, ("Kid Normal"). The first book establishes Murph Cooper and introduces the Zeroes. The story behind how Murph ended up at super school and how he managed to fit in is very funny, presented in an engaging, dry deadpan style, and sort of touching. By the same token, each Zero is given a strong intro and the school is well established. The second book sort of assumes all of that and takes right off. The reader is briskly reintroduced to the main characters, but not in the same appealing fashion. As a consequence I think a reader would lose a lot by starting here.
That said, though, this is a fun series and this book is a fine second entrant. A nice find.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
February 4, 2018
I received this as a free ARC ebook via NetGalley. This does not affect my review.
This is great fun! Poor old Kid Normal - the only kid without superpowers in his whole school. You'd think that would be depressing, but he's so good at planning and keeping his team together that he's a hero anyway. Great set up, even if you haven't read the first book. Of course there is an arch-villain to battle, shiny gadgets and folks to save, so there's lots of action, and I think just about the right amount of downtime to let kids process what's happening. I'd recommend this for confident Y3s upwards - there's a decent use of vocab which will appeal to older children too, and I love the occasional breaking of the fourth wall to speak to the reader (yes, I did think about the OHP...busted!). Four stars because it's just very slightly on the too-long side.
This is great fun! Poor old Kid Normal - the only kid without superpowers in his whole school. You'd think that would be depressing, but he's so good at planning and keeping his team together that he's a hero anyway. Great set up, even if you haven't read the first book. Of course there is an arch-villain to battle, shiny gadgets and folks to save, so there's lots of action, and I think just about the right amount of downtime to let kids process what's happening. I'd recommend this for confident Y3s upwards - there's a decent use of vocab which will appeal to older children too, and I love the occasional breaking of the fourth wall to speak to the reader (yes, I did think about the OHP...busted!). Four stars because it's just very slightly on the too-long side.
April 17, 2019
Втората книга от трилогията за Мърф Нормалния е вече тук! Новите приключения на (не)супергероя без суперсили са подобаващо забавно продължение на чаровния оригинал. Мърф и Супер Нулите ще се изправят пред голямо предизвикателство. А Грег Джеймс и Крис Смит са се справили с предизвикателството да напишат поредната разведряваща и духовита книга, с която да зарадват малките си читатели. Помагат им карикатурните илюстрации на Ерика Салседо и свежарският превод на Светлана Комогорова-Комата. Представяме ви „Мърф Нормалния и героите ренегати” (изд. „Прозорец”) Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
September 16, 2018
It’s a kids book but do I care. No! I love Greg James and Chris smith as a partnership and honestly this book is an embodiment of them. All of the jokes are well placed and brilliant without just putting jokes in for the sake of it. The storyline isn’t at all lost on the jokes. The jokes make the story but they are not the story. Everything about it is just hilarious. If you liked the first book, then you will love this. All of your favourite characters are back with an even greater villain. The book spares no expense and you can imagine that this is a child’s mind would be explosive. Having a normal kid at the front of a superhero book, ingenious. A must read for everyone, it’s not just a kids book.
January 18, 2020
As in book one Kid Normal, powerless but brave Murph and his oddly magical crew, The Super Zeroes, defeat a villain with their strange powers (tiny horses, Mary Poppins-y umbrella flight, ballooned body parts). This time the bad guy is power-stealing Magpie who is imprisoned not unlike Hannibal Lector, but without the muzzle and in an underwater cell. Assisted by some elderly and charming retired superheroes, known as Capes, The Zeroes outwit and out-gadget the ultimate Rogue (the name for Capes gone bad). Co-written by two British broadcasters, the story is genuinely funny and enjoyable but a bit long for a light humorous adventure.
June 1, 2018
I am happy to say that my fears of sequel-flop were not realized with this second adventure. James and Smith had me stifling laughter whenever I took the book out in public. From the puns to sarcasm, old video cassettes, and of course plot developments, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I can't wait to see where the adventure goes next, especially as there are now a number of "threads" with which they can weave the next tale. I have so many questions and I suppose I'll just have to wait for the answers.
Final words? Kitty Rap.
Final words? Kitty Rap.
February 26, 2019
This is a quirky, humorous adventure story about a superhero, who has no special powers, and his group of friends who are called the Super Zeroes. Upper elementary kids will love it, especially if they like other zany comedy adventure stories. I like the fact that the authors address readers directly as part of the story line. This is the 2nd book about Kid Normal and I assume, based on the ending, that there will be more!
Ps - this review is based on a galley. The book doesn’t come out until May. 😊
Ps - this review is based on a galley. The book doesn’t come out until May. 😊
June 6, 2019
With a house full of Fans of Dork diary and Diary of a Wimpy kid we couldn't pass up the chance to find a new series to fall in love with.
This is a another awesome graphic novel series about middle school that kids of all ages can enjoy. The author bring characters readers will enjoy and find connections with. Everything from the SuperVillians to the "Normal kid" kids will enjoy the fun, super hero story story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Bloosmbury Children's book for the advance Copy Greg James and Chris Smith book 2 Kid Normal and the Rouge Heroes.
This is a another awesome graphic novel series about middle school that kids of all ages can enjoy. The author bring characters readers will enjoy and find connections with. Everything from the SuperVillians to the "Normal kid" kids will enjoy the fun, super hero story story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Bloosmbury Children's book for the advance Copy Greg James and Chris Smith book 2 Kid Normal and the Rouge Heroes.
May 20, 2019
What kid doesn't dream of being a superhero? And who says you need a cape (a capability, i.e. a super power) to be one? Not Murph. Even though he's cape-less, he leads his friends,the Super Zeroes, against Magpie, the worst nightmare of the Heroes' Alliance. The tone of the book is spot-on middle grade boy, with lots of action and a bit of snarkiness. Not great literature, but a lot of fun.
Review based on an ARC through NetGalley.
Review based on an ARC through NetGalley.
October 26, 2018
So funny. I work in a primary school and have been reading children's fiction to be able to personally encourage children to read.
This book will be easy to get the children reading and as an adult this book made me laugh. I look forward to the next adventure.
This book will be easy to get the children reading and as an adult this book made me laugh. I look forward to the next adventure.
September 30, 2023
This second book too was really fun. I'm absolutely loving this series and the idea of a normal kid being a hero. There is a slight crush happening but it is very innocent and not even hand holding happens. Again, a great audiobook series!
Found in L4M YT Volume 86.
Found in L4M YT Volume 86.
July 30, 2018
4.5 stars rounded up.
May 21, 2019
3.5⭐️
September 10, 2019
After a thirty year silence, the world's most feared supervillian speaks. What were his first words?
"Bring Kid Normal to me!"
"Bring Kid Normal to me!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2019
Great
This book was amazing
Loved it as much as the other one
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So good
Couldn't be better
I don't k ow what else to say
This book was amazing
Loved it as much as the other one
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So good
Couldn't be better
I don't k ow what else to say
October 27, 2019
Very good for kids
May 5, 2020
A super sequel which incorporates the good elements of plot, character and tone of the first book. Very good writing too!
May 11, 2020
Love this story, the characters are fun and the story enjoyable. The audiobook is exciting and very funny. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to listen to the next book.
August 17, 2020
This sequel to Kid Normal is just as funny and engaging. I am loving the authors with, comedy stylings and performances (audio version). These are great family road trip books.
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