Elemental: The Complete John Black Series

by Keith Soares

My name is John Black and I have no idea how to be a hero. Was it dumb luck or cruel fate that gave me power? I'd love to say it was just chance, but that seems too convenient. All I ever wanted to do was eat pizza and play video games, but the world had other plans. I ended up not just a superhuman but part of a superhuman war, with the destiny of the planet on the line. They say that a butterfly can flap its wings on the other side of the world and change your fate. Well, there must have been a crapload of butterflies flapping their wings in my case. I would have been happy just hanging out with my friends, but instead, I somehow gained an archnemesis, battled giant monsters, flew through the air, and dove into the deepest caves of the earth. Through it all, one question kept coming Is it worth it? Well, I'll tell you this. When superpowers and supervillains threaten the lives of your father, your mother, your sister, and your friends, yeah. Yeah, it's worth it. Even though I'd rather be doing a million other things, you can bet I'll do what's needed when the time comes. You can bet I'll fight. --- What readers are saying about John "I honestly couldn't put any of these books down. They are that gripping." "Intriguing from the first chapter to the last word on the last page." "Super powers with a definite different spin, well written, believable characters. Had a great time reading this, lost some sleep because I just couldn't put it down." "I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did." "One of the most amazing, outstanding, adventurous, and fantastic books I have read this year. A top ten pick for me I Loved It!" "Suspense right to the last paragraph." "Easily my favorite superhero series." --- This John Black box set contains all four full-length novels and all four short 1. For I Could Lift My Finger and Black Out the Sun (novel) 1.5 If Only Every Moment Was Black and White (short story) 2. And It Arose From the Deepest Black (novel) 2.5 The Night is Black, Without a Moon (short story) 3. On a Black Wind Blows Doom (novel) 3.5 The Black Eye of the Beholder (short story) 4. In the Black Veins of the Earth (novel) 4.5 Cloak of Black, Mantle of Sorrow (short story)

1587 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2018

About the author

Keith Soares is an independent American speculative fiction author who has a potentially unhealthy obsession with Godzilla, so it’s no coincidence that kaiju have made it into some of his stories. His favorite question to ask when writing is, “How would I respond if that really happened, right now?” If he saw a raving, bloodthirsty shamble, he’d call it a zombie. If he suddenly couldn’t be hurt by fire, he’d call that superpowers. If he could harness electricity at will, he’d call that magic.

More than anything, Keith writes stories about family, whether that means the parents that gave birth to you or the friends you’ve had for years. His characters are fiercely loyal, though they often feel like they aren’t up to the job of whatever disaster they’re living through. We all feel that way, sometimes.

Keith's novels include The Oasis of Filth, the John Black series (beginning with For I Could Lift My Finger and Black Out the Sun), the Lightning Hopkins series (beginning with Struck), and White Fire.

Reviews

[Merlin Orr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great premise-Lame hero

Hard one for me to review. I did like the writing however the hero goes from naively ignorant to outright stupidity as the novel progresses. It seems a terrible waste to have such a gift and be both afraid to use it and clueless as to what to do when an opportunity presents itself. I got through the last 200 pages hoping that the ending was salvageable but ended up disappointed. I felt the story was like Johnny, a great opportunity wasted.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic to have a series in one box set. Can’t wait to read more by this author