Lightforce (1)

by PB & Jason

A young man with secret and extraordinary abilities is forced to reveal them, and everything changes. With the help of his dad and boyfriend, Lee Min-Su becomes a super-hero. But it's soon apparent that comic book fantasy and reality are two very different things. Old secrets come to light in the company of new ones, and life's layers are challenged in ways unforeseen. A cast of memorable characters joins Lee on his journey into a brand new world, a world where super-powers are very real.

566 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2018

About the author

Husband, Daddy, Author, Musician, Podcaster, Dungeons & Dragons World Builder, Avid Reader, Nice Guy

Reviews

[Ray Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of heroes all my life. So, I guess it’s fair to say that Lightforce by PB & Jason, was written for guys like me. I like this story. I like that the protagonist has doubts. The best heroes do. I like that the protagonist is young in spirit but has experienced enough of the harshness of life that at times he almost comes across as an old man. He comes across as an old man in the same way that Spiderman sometimes does in Marvel comics and that’s a pretty good trick to be able to pull off. I like that Min-Su Lee is part Korean, part Caucasian, and all American. This is the future of the United States, heroes of all kinds.

The writing is the first thing that captured my attention in Lightforce. It was immediately apparent that PB & Jason (Peanut Butter & Jelly?) is an interesting and exciting new voice in American literature. I like the social commentary. I like the satire even more. The characters are very well drawn. The protagonist Min-Su is someone I can sympathize and empathize with, but to be honest, all these characters are portrayed in a very realistic way. Lightforce is a large novel. Certainly, much bigger than most novels in this genre, but again, I like that. I want to know more about the characters. I want to know more about what they are thinking and plotting. I want the plots to be complex and a little drawn out. I am not usually a big fan of stories that never end but I make an exception for heroes. Batman and Superman have been around since before I was born and I’m not tired of them yet. If you’re a fan of heroes, and things like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then this is the book for you.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was cheering for them. I enjoyed the characters in this book. I new superhero tale and lots of action. Great story for your first one! *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book is not for me. I only read half.

I do, however think it is well written, with humor, just enough mystery and enough action and I think fans of the current trend of humorous super hero movies will really enjoy it.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee had never considered himself to be "normal." He thought perhaps it was a combination of factors, he was the child who read, not watched TV. A loner, a boy of mixed race in a small town of mostly "pure blood", and he was gay. But he knew these were nothing compared to the real secret he harboured. Lee had super powers. When events twisted his hand he was forced to act, to reveal his ability to those close to him. Instead of judgement he receives something else, a costume to protect his identity. It didn't take him long to realise what was going on, his father was turning him into a superhero, and with a world riddled with crime and danger it certainly needed one. But before him lies a journey of secrets and conflict he could have never imagined.

Written with a really entertaining first person narrative, from the very start you get a really good insight into Lee’s character as he begins his almost awkward journey of self-discovery and choices. Lee shows some incredible depth of character, and I really enjoyed the tale of his life, how he came to be who he is, and what drives him. There's a heavy plot with glimmers of humour woven in. PB and Jason are brilliant at conjuring atmosphere, from the ambient to the suspenseful, tranquil to chaotic. Perhaps one of the most unusual aspects of this book is how the switch from first to third person is employed. First person is reserved for monologues, thoughts, first person storytelling, and considerations, the stress and pressures upon Lee, for any descriptive, atmospheric, or visual needs the tense switches to the third person, drawing the reader from the first person visual, before pushing them back for Lee to explain, offer thoughts on what was witnessed, or, more commonly, switch to another person's perspective. An entertaining read, with characters so vivid they almost jump out of the page.

[Jeff Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I don’t read fiction and am not a fan of super heroes. My current read is “The Histories” by Herodotus. I have more than a few bookshelves full of historical and scientific titles and have read all of Sitchin’s books at least three times. Now, on to Lightforce by PB and Jason. I happen to know the author via a common friend. He gave me a copy to read and asked for my opinion. At first I thought “oh no, 500+ pages of super heroes that will melt my brain”. Well nothing could be farther from the truth.
The book is an easy read with many places to stop and return later without losing your place.
It started slow (for me) but something kept me coming back. I got involved with the characters and started to anticipate each following chapter. At some point I forget that this was about super heroes.
I was truly interested in each characters persona. When I came to the end I had an empty feeling that it was over. I truly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to a sequel. Lightforce is a truly unique character with a new and original power, and he’s not the only one. There is something for everyone in this book.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. Thank to the author for sending me a copy of this book. I am a lover of superheroes as much as the next person. This was very cool and unique spin on the superhero universe as we know it. It has nothing to do with the main character being gay. This is just an amazing piece of writing. It has real like issues and things going on. I am more then pleased to find out that this is no a standalone but the first in a series. When I first received it I assumed it was a standalone novel. I don't want to tell you too much. Go read this. Happy reading.

[Spike Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great character development and story line! Listening to the characters talk is like watching a Kevin Smith movie! The dialogue was amazing and kept me very interested in the book, it made it very realistic to read the characters having the conversations they had.

I'm hoping this book will be a series of books because I haven't enjoyed a book like this since Ready Player One or Fight Club.

I highly recommend this book by this rookie author and I'm looking forward to more works in the future!

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed this story, as the author takes the reader on a remarkable journey. Now, anything that has to do with superheroes, I'm in. I'm a nerd at heart, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters were created with depth and purpose, and were very interesting. The dialogue was great, and was written well, and dialogue is not always easy when it tells a story, and this one works. This book was filled with action and adventure, and was a great addition to super heroes. Very imaginative.

[Mis Hashmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read following a well-written, engaging and fun protagonist. Packed with action, suspense and adventure, this book has everything a lover of the superhero genre desires

[Алексей Пятаев · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always was a big fan of Superheroes/Supervillains books. I read bad ones and I read good ones. This one was really good one. And I look forward to read about where the story will lead the characters further. I will be waiting 100% for next book!

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promising story from debut author

Despite some interesting punctuation choices, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

[PB & Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give this book a chance, you’ll be glad you did. And so will I. 😏