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Halfhero #2
Halfheroes
★★★★★"Fantastic fantasy writing at its best!"★★★★★The world’s only superhero was discovered in 1969. No others were ever found. Until now.With Station destroyed, and their friends dead, might Daniel and Abos finally be allowed some peace?
Yeah, right.
Daniel’s talents are needed by a UN department taking on the bad guys, including rogue halfheroes. Abos is searching for more of her species. She soon finds she’s not the only one looking. There’s a new threat that no one saw coming. And halfheroes are being targeted.
When Daniel goes missing, it’s down to Abos to find out what’s going on and try to stop it. Her only chance of success means risking everything she’s gained since she stopped being The Deterrent.
Meanwhile, Daniel’s staging a breakout from the most secure prison ever built, but what’s waiting for him is even worse.
It’s time for Daniel to find out if he’s a halfhero, or a real hero.
★★★★★"Wow, this guy can write!"★★★★★
★★★★★"Deserves to be made into a film."★★★★★
★★★★★"Wish there were more than 5 stars - this one would get a 10."★★★★★
★★★★★"A rollercoaster ride that never heads where you think it's going."★★★★★
★★★★★"One of the most imaginative science fiction authors in recent years"★★★★★
Yeah, right.
Daniel’s talents are needed by a UN department taking on the bad guys, including rogue halfheroes. Abos is searching for more of her species. She soon finds she’s not the only one looking. There’s a new threat that no one saw coming. And halfheroes are being targeted.
When Daniel goes missing, it’s down to Abos to find out what’s going on and try to stop it. Her only chance of success means risking everything she’s gained since she stopped being The Deterrent.
Meanwhile, Daniel’s staging a breakout from the most secure prison ever built, but what’s waiting for him is even worse.
It’s time for Daniel to find out if he’s a halfhero, or a real hero.
★★★★★"Wow, this guy can write!"★★★★★
★★★★★"Deserves to be made into a film."★★★★★
★★★★★"Wish there were more than 5 stars - this one would get a 10."★★★★★
★★★★★"A rollercoaster ride that never heads where you think it's going."★★★★★
★★★★★"One of the most imaginative science fiction authors in recent years"★★★★★
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2018
134 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Ian W. Sainsbury
28 books219 followersIan W Sainsbury is a musician, composer, writer, comedian and puppet wrangler (yes, that's a real job). Obviously, he doesn't know what to do when he grows up and - now that he's in his forties - he's resigned to the fact that he probably never will.
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
His first novel was published in 2016.
Subscribe at http://bit.ly/1VSg2tT for a copy of the unpublished prologue from The World Walker.
email Ian: ianwsainsbury@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 24, 2019
The first several chapters were less than stellar I suppose. Just the "crew" performing job after job after job. I feared that the rest of the book would be a tedium of the same. And so it started out as a 4-star book. WELL.... it SKYROCKETED from there!! 5 stars NO PROBLEM throughout the remainder!! Through the stratosphere and into outer space for me. Key points, well, I suppose I appreciate the political economics which arose full force and even perhaps secretly touched upon serious issues facing us today in those realms AND other more or less related realms. Let's just say it was a ballsy move by the author to write such... to purport such... to even mildly hint at such. And yet WITH so much not mildly at all. Now let's consider the obvious - the Utopian Code - and its blatantly socialistic ideal. Though I personally feel it as represented is TOO ""utopian"" (let's use that word) in its manifestation; I ALSO FEEL that something quite similar NEEDS to be implemented as PART(!!!!!!!!) of what MUST(!!!!!!!!!!!) happen in this country (USA) and elsewhere in the world either to a greater extent than already in place or pretty much AT ALL as in our messed up country. WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION on a serious(!!!!!!!!) scale must absolutely occur as part of saving our country and the world and our species as a whole. So what is proposed in the book by Gorman, though beautifully idealistic, does from too many respects take things a BIT too far in certain regards. At least from a realistic perspective of it actually working indefinitely AND solving the SERIOUS wealth disparities and blatant poverty as well as sickening greed for absolutely no fucking reason whatsoever by these motherfuckers who, all of whom could manage to fit in my tiny apartment, "own" the wealth by themselves that the 7 billion other people on this earth also hold as a unit. That is just fucking disgusting!!!! Anyway, thank you Mr. Sainsbury for even putting this in the book. I hope to see more of the same activism and thus hope for our species survival in the 3rd book. If not, well, brilliant work on at least getting the potentiality out there for those of us who aren't in the 0.0001% of the population. Oh, one thing I must mention about the system mentioned unfortunately. It essentially requires an authoritarian dictator to implement and maintain it at his/her discretion. Considering the state of the human condition I can hardly imagine a democratic handling of such matters. Anyway, even aside from that aspect of the book, well, I thoroughly enjoyed ALL else that followed those first few chapters (suspect I was terribly worried at that time that the entire book would be more of the same and, well, UGH!!! LOL). I seriously wish this trilogy would've been longer overall. My "selfishness" for great reading perhaps?? But then, well, with the World Walker series somehow a 4th book came into the light. I'm only 1-1/2 hours (Audible) into the narration of book 3 so can't tell if a 4th (or 5th even) would be at all possible. Enough said. I want to get to my reading already!!!
June 9, 2018
Great sequel. The author navigated and weaved the story unlike others I have read where they were out to just publish more books and extend the story which dilutes the reader's experience. The sequel is a masterful continuation of the flow from the first book, Children Of The Deterrent (Halfheroes Book 1).
After Mr. Sainsbury first highly successful series, The World Walkers, I wasn't sure if the author could repeat it. He certainly did.
As I mentioned in the review of the first book, to fully appreciate the book you must read the Author's Notes after reading the books in order to appreciate this review. The reason for the 5 stars is because this book of the trilogy is not just a great story, it is a reflection of the author's personal trials and tribulations, past and current professions which fuels the twists and roller-coaster ride and inspires the writing itself is manifested through the prose and the characters. When someone like Mr. Sainsbury has had so many rich social and life experiences pens something down you can witness how his variety of the frame of experience is manifested throughout the book.
I have no doubt that Mr. Sainsbury will rise in popularity and become part of the top authors we Sci-Fi readers will Follow and anticipate his books for time to come.
After Mr. Sainsbury first highly successful series, The World Walkers, I wasn't sure if the author could repeat it. He certainly did.
As I mentioned in the review of the first book, to fully appreciate the book you must read the Author's Notes after reading the books in order to appreciate this review. The reason for the 5 stars is because this book of the trilogy is not just a great story, it is a reflection of the author's personal trials and tribulations, past and current professions which fuels the twists and roller-coaster ride and inspires the writing itself is manifested through the prose and the characters. When someone like Mr. Sainsbury has had so many rich social and life experiences pens something down you can witness how his variety of the frame of experience is manifested throughout the book.
I have no doubt that Mr. Sainsbury will rise in popularity and become part of the top authors we Sci-Fi readers will Follow and anticipate his books for time to come.
August 19, 2018
So cool...
Ian W. Sainsbury continues to bend genres, and completely invert well-established sci-fi and (super)hero tropes. Halfheroes expands on the themes established in the first book, and introduces new and intriguing characters you'll come to know and love. Leaping off the page fully-formed, they compliment our flawed hero well. There's a lot more action in this sequel, and while we find out more about Abos and the Halfheroes, there are still many questions left dangling at the end, both old and new. The villain of the piece is pleasingly not one-dimensional, and even offers some relevant social commentary on modern capitalist culture. There's a little something for everyone here: action, suspense, horror, romance, explosions, plot twists galore...and an interesting take on some old myths and legends. Another classic - can't wait to read part three!
Ian W. Sainsbury continues to bend genres, and completely invert well-established sci-fi and (super)hero tropes. Halfheroes expands on the themes established in the first book, and introduces new and intriguing characters you'll come to know and love. Leaping off the page fully-formed, they compliment our flawed hero well. There's a lot more action in this sequel, and while we find out more about Abos and the Halfheroes, there are still many questions left dangling at the end, both old and new. The villain of the piece is pleasingly not one-dimensional, and even offers some relevant social commentary on modern capitalist culture. There's a little something for everyone here: action, suspense, horror, romance, explosions, plot twists galore...and an interesting take on some old myths and legends. Another classic - can't wait to read part three!
November 15, 2018
Okay so what did I think of this book ....
I was very excited to get started on this sequel, but after a third of the way through it, it lost my interest. 2 months passed I tried to read the odd page but read 3 other books in this time before trying to finish it off as I have only ever not read 1 book and to be fair, I read a page a year of that as I won’t give up on a book till its read.
So why did it lose me? Looking back it seemed like every other superhero story I have seen/read. I was bored. Same ol’,same ol’ is what I thought. Oooh why don’t I learn my lesson....
Two months on I start reading again and after a few pages I’m hooked. Took me two days to finish it once I started back.
I don’t like spoilers so what I will say.....
It gets good. Well worth the read, now leave me alone, I need to read the last book, bother me later....
I was very excited to get started on this sequel, but after a third of the way through it, it lost my interest. 2 months passed I tried to read the odd page but read 3 other books in this time before trying to finish it off as I have only ever not read 1 book and to be fair, I read a page a year of that as I won’t give up on a book till its read.
So why did it lose me? Looking back it seemed like every other superhero story I have seen/read. I was bored. Same ol’,same ol’ is what I thought. Oooh why don’t I learn my lesson....
Two months on I start reading again and after a few pages I’m hooked. Took me two days to finish it once I started back.
I don’t like spoilers so what I will say.....
It gets good. Well worth the read, now leave me alone, I need to read the last book, bother me later....
May 22, 2018
Excellent summer read
If you read more in the summer and not year-round , this series would be great to take to the beach or the mountains. Not heavy science , apolitical, and not telling you which side to take on the zillion social issues of the day, which can get oh so tiring but which seem to be prevalent in sci-fi now a days, Mr. Sainsbury continues to weave a good yarn about good versus evil . Unpredictable. Twist and turns. Identifiable , humanistic , and colorful character development. I will bet you will find yourself, when you are not reading, thinking , "I wonder what the gang's up to today ?" For me, always the sign of an enjoyable read. Enjoy !!
If you read more in the summer and not year-round , this series would be great to take to the beach or the mountains. Not heavy science , apolitical, and not telling you which side to take on the zillion social issues of the day, which can get oh so tiring but which seem to be prevalent in sci-fi now a days, Mr. Sainsbury continues to weave a good yarn about good versus evil . Unpredictable. Twist and turns. Identifiable , humanistic , and colorful character development. I will bet you will find yourself, when you are not reading, thinking , "I wonder what the gang's up to today ?" For me, always the sign of an enjoyable read. Enjoy !!
July 7, 2018
A well rounded superhero - a rare and beautiful thing.
An apparently alien being which in human form has fathered the Halfheroes of the title is the focus of the story. But unlike superhero stories of old, this story, without preaching or losing the plot, explores what it is to be human. There is pathos, joy and the full gamut of human emotions contained within this beautifully written book.
As an ex librarian of a grammar school for boys I can think of many people to whom I would recommend this book. Like the best writing it holds cross generational appeal.
An apparently alien being which in human form has fathered the Halfheroes of the title is the focus of the story. But unlike superhero stories of old, this story, without preaching or losing the plot, explores what it is to be human. There is pathos, joy and the full gamut of human emotions contained within this beautifully written book.
As an ex librarian of a grammar school for boys I can think of many people to whom I would recommend this book. Like the best writing it holds cross generational appeal.
May 10, 2021
A superhero series with a difference. In this series, it seems it is the heroes that are constantly getting caught and imprisoned or brain washed or both. But there is actually a lot of positivity too. I generally find books where main characters are mistreated very difficult to read, but this series seems to get around that and still make me want to come back for more.
Very readable, "page turner" books. Very listen-to-able voice reading them too. The voice fits the books beautifully and the narrator gives a lot of life and vigor to the story he is reading.
Very readable, "page turner" books. Very listen-to-able voice reading them too. The voice fits the books beautifully and the narrator gives a lot of life and vigor to the story he is reading.
January 2, 2022
While I did enjoy the book it suffered from the Iron Man 3 treatment.
Spoiler: 80% in the author took an interesting villian whose motives you can understand even get behind, and for whatever reason, killed him off page only to be replaced with a character no one gives a shit about from book one. It undid what could have been a really interesting arc that lasted a couple of books. Really disappointed with that choice.
But, I do like the characters and look forward to seeing where they go from here.
Spoiler: 80% in the author took an interesting villian whose motives you can understand even get behind, and for whatever reason, killed him off page only to be replaced with a character no one gives a shit about from book one. It undid what could have been a really interesting arc that lasted a couple of books. Really disappointed with that choice.
But, I do like the characters and look forward to seeing where they go from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
This is a great second novel in the deterrent series
Usually the middle book of a trilogy is a stop gap but I enjoyed it more than the first
Having said that the first one was good
I just hope the author has a clear picture on how the third and final book will end
I recently finished a superhero trilogy with a different take on the theme and it started great but by the final book it had no idea were it was going and was a great disappointment
Hopefully it will not be the case with these books
Usually the middle book of a trilogy is a stop gap but I enjoyed it more than the first
Having said that the first one was good
I just hope the author has a clear picture on how the third and final book will end
I recently finished a superhero trilogy with a different take on the theme and it started great but by the final book it had no idea were it was going and was a great disappointment
Hopefully it will not be the case with these books
August 12, 2018
A second start
I wasn’t sure when I finished the first book and was unsure where the second could possibly take me! Wow! I enjoyed this one more than the first a real rampaging adventure full of intrigue that was compelling right to the end!
Now I have to wait for the third!
This is a great read a different twist on the science fiction that’s out there at the moment, gentle at times and full of interesting ideas like so much sci fi is.
I wasn’t sure when I finished the first book and was unsure where the second could possibly take me! Wow! I enjoyed this one more than the first a real rampaging adventure full of intrigue that was compelling right to the end!
Now I have to wait for the third!
This is a great read a different twist on the science fiction that’s out there at the moment, gentle at times and full of interesting ideas like so much sci fi is.
November 26, 2018
Incredible
Another great one! I've always been a reader, read loads of different genres, and can't say I have a favorite, really. But I do have a Short List of Favorite Authors.....Ian Sainsbury is now on that list. The way his characters are written, they literally come alive, and you find yourself thinking about them, long after you've put the book down. That's the best kind of writing....Pure Magic.
Another great one! I've always been a reader, read loads of different genres, and can't say I have a favorite, really. But I do have a Short List of Favorite Authors.....Ian Sainsbury is now on that list. The way his characters are written, they literally come alive, and you find yourself thinking about them, long after you've put the book down. That's the best kind of writing....Pure Magic.
May 11, 2021
Intelligent sience fiction
Book nr 2 didn't dissapoint, it starts exactly where nr 1 left of and Daniel and his friends with superpowers tries to stop their evil brothers and sister, in one of these attempts something goes very wrong and from there crazy things happens but i wont give away spoilers. It is fun to read and hear an intelligent story about superhumans and their struggles, defently will get the last book in the serie
Book nr 2 didn't dissapoint, it starts exactly where nr 1 left of and Daniel and his friends with superpowers tries to stop their evil brothers and sister, in one of these attempts something goes very wrong and from there crazy things happens but i wont give away spoilers. It is fun to read and hear an intelligent story about superhumans and their struggles, defently will get the last book in the serie
July 20, 2018
Totally amazing
This book not only has a gripping plot, action, bad guys, good guys/gals. Bad guys that are good guys, we hope! Oh an the main character finally gets the gal too. Cant wait for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy. A must read that can be read on its own and still makes sense. Highly recommend this book.
This book not only has a gripping plot, action, bad guys, good guys/gals. Bad guys that are good guys, we hope! Oh an the main character finally gets the gal too. Cant wait for the 3rd and final book in this trilogy. A must read that can be read on its own and still makes sense. Highly recommend this book.
August 16, 2020
What a relief
After reading and loving the The World Walker series, I moved on to Children of the Deterrent. I almost gave up by the middle of the book. The last third of the book was much better, which kept me going on.
Halfheroes is brilliant! Ian Sainsbury is back. Moving to book 3.
After reading and loving the The World Walker series, I moved on to Children of the Deterrent. I almost gave up by the middle of the book. The last third of the book was much better, which kept me going on.
Halfheroes is brilliant! Ian Sainsbury is back. Moving to book 3.
Read
October 7, 2021I didn't love this as much as I did the first book in the series. The narrative felt a bit more standard and just less interesting than the time-hopping in book 1, and the reveals and ending were more predictable and even underwhelming. Still I liked it enough to want to read the final part of the story which I'm sure I'll get to at some point soon.
October 20, 2018
Excellent
Brilliant Sir, thank you, you have created a world that is easy to slip into but hard to escape from. Please let This ride long continue and good luck with the final book.
Brilliant Sir, thank you, you have created a world that is easy to slip into but hard to escape from. Please let This ride long continue and good luck with the final book.
October 21, 2018
Decent series this
Good fun through away story, as with the first book i sometimes wish my imagination could take up some of the rabbit holes the story almost enters but get it ain't my book. This is decent harmless fun as looking forward to reading the third instalment.
Good fun through away story, as with the first book i sometimes wish my imagination could take up some of the rabbit holes the story almost enters but get it ain't my book. This is decent harmless fun as looking forward to reading the third instalment.
March 3, 2019
Lovely job
Built on the first book, is better because of the first, if you catch my drift. The author notes make me smile.
A shit review if you want details, but fuck it, if you're curious, read the fucking book, it's brilliant.
Built on the first book, is better because of the first, if you catch my drift. The author notes make me smile.
A shit review if you want details, but fuck it, if you're curious, read the fucking book, it's brilliant.
December 15, 2020
Another compelling read
A grittier edge to book 2; continues with Daniel and the legacy of ABOS.
Wasn’t sure where this would go, which is why it’s a great read. Think I can see where book 3 will take us, but who knows. I have no doubt I will enjoy the journey
Thanks Ian
A grittier edge to book 2; continues with Daniel and the legacy of ABOS.
Wasn’t sure where this would go, which is why it’s a great read. Think I can see where book 3 will take us, but who knows. I have no doubt I will enjoy the journey
Thanks Ian
April 24, 2021
A real improvement on the first book. This one expands the story in location and cast size and also in the ambition of the story being told. We learn more about ABOS and his/her kind, and Daniel grows more as a likable protagonist to the whole thing. I'm enjoying this series.
June 1, 2018
Another great book
Totally unputdownable. I devoured this book in 2 days and I can't wait for the next. Please keep writing these great stories.
Totally unputdownable. I devoured this book in 2 days and I can't wait for the next. Please keep writing these great stories.
June 29, 2018
Another excellent story
Enjoyed the first book and pleased to say this was every bit as good!
Looking forward to the third book in the Trilogy
Enjoyed the first book and pleased to say this was every bit as good!
Looking forward to the third book in the Trilogy
July 27, 2021
Enjoyed this far as the story evolved. I listened to this as an audio book..... I would be really grateful if someone with a print copy could remind me of the utopian algorithm?..... Brilliant idea 💡
July 29, 2021
It’s a long time since I read the first one in the series and it took a while for me to get back into it, but in the end it’s a fun airport-fiction yarn.
December 24, 2021
Amazing
The story continues with twists and turns. The excitement is sometimes unbearable. What they face and succeed make you read on and on. Can't wait for the next one.
The story continues with twists and turns. The excitement is sometimes unbearable. What they face and succeed make you read on and on. Can't wait for the next one.
November 20, 2019
I devoured this in about 7.5 sittings, which I realise is not very impressive sounding but just look at my diary for January -BUSY- and you’ll realise I took a lot of loo breaks and extended car journeys to get this done, love your work mr Sainsbury.. and yes, the car park to said supermarket IS a good place to grab a chapter.
October 9, 2018
as good as the first
May 13, 2018
Halfheroes is definitely not half assed
Another brilliant peace of work by a talented and much admired author. I would say don't read this book yet, why? Because if you are like me it will eat you up waiting for the next instalment. But you have to read this if you are any kind of science fiction fan!!
Another brilliant peace of work by a talented and much admired author. I would say don't read this book yet, why? Because if you are like me it will eat you up waiting for the next instalment. But you have to read this if you are any kind of science fiction fan!!
February 21, 2019
After accidentally finding the 'World walker' series by the same author, which you can see in Iain, a novice author, develop rapidly over the series into a very mature writer who is a joy to read.
I found 'The Blurred Lands' which is his best to date in my opinion. I would state this is on a par with Clive Barker's 'Weaveworld', Alan Garner's 'Weirdstone of Brisingamen', which were all partly inspired by Tolkien's stories.
Halfheroes is not as escapist or believable as 'The Blurred Lands', but still a great book & I certainly intend to read the next story.
Ian has become one of my favourite authors to date. I particularly enjoy reading his history notes on how he got to be where he is, making him an author that is very approachable.
I found 'The Blurred Lands' which is his best to date in my opinion. I would state this is on a par with Clive Barker's 'Weaveworld', Alan Garner's 'Weirdstone of Brisingamen', which were all partly inspired by Tolkien's stories.
Halfheroes is not as escapist or believable as 'The Blurred Lands', but still a great book & I certainly intend to read the next story.
Ian has become one of my favourite authors to date. I particularly enjoy reading his history notes on how he got to be where he is, making him an author that is very approachable.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews