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The Pantheon Saga #2
Monsters Among Men
With great power...comes great corruptibility. Titan is dead. And the world needs heroes more than ever. Hugo’s dream of becoming a superhero blows up in his face. And the impossible rage that remains pulls him deeper into darkness. After several successful battles, Greyson’s ragtag team rides a wave of stardom. But what people love more than celebrating their heroes is tearing them down. And Quinn’s investigation into Titan’s murder gets derailed, leaving her reputation in shambles. But this journalist’s relentless pursuit of the truth could cost more than her job. These strangers are on a collision course with destiny. And each other. Join the fight in Monsters Among Men, Book Two of the Pantheon Saga superhero series. Start reading today. This novel contains cursing, mild teen angst and badass superhero action. If you’re easily triggered by cursing, mild teen angst or badass superhero action, this novel might not be for you.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
280 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Ekeke
31 books142 followersC.C. Ekeke is a native of California by way of Georgia by way of Missouri, spending much of his childhood on a steady diet of science fiction movies and television shows, as well as superhero comic books. It was in college studying for a degree in advertising that he stumbled across a desire to write books.
STAR BRIGADE: Resurgent, his debut novel, was originally self-published in December 2005. This re-release marks the second edition of the book. He’s currently at work on the next books in the Star Brigade series.
STAR BRIGADE: Resurgent, his debut novel, was originally self-published in December 2005. This re-release marks the second edition of the book. He’s currently at work on the next books in the Star Brigade series.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 7, 2021
4.5/5
MONSTERS AMONG MEN is the second installment of the Pantheon Saga by C.C. Ekeke and a book that I immediately purchased after finishing the first one. This book was originally the second half of the first volume and manages to carry on the plot of Titan's murder as well as the development of its protagonists. The Pantheon Saga follows three individuals: new superhero Greyson, intrepid reporter Quinn, and teen powerhouse Hugo as they deal with the fallout from Titan's death.
The premise is that the world's greatest hero was killed by a magnetic pulse that gave him a stroke. His former archenemy, Lord Borealis, was arrested and is now set to be executed for the crime. However, there's ample evidence that someone else was responsible for the crime. Unfortunately, the Vanguard have closed ranks and are torn between believing the simple answer versus those who think it might have been one of their fellow superheroes.
This is a significantly stronger installment than its predecessor and I liked Age of Heroes a great deal. Basically, the stakes are higher and the character development is stronger. Several characters go in directions that I didn't expect and the book is all the better for it. Basically, the writer is not afraid to make characters irredeemable and redeem others that you wouldn't expect to be the good guys.
Greyson's story is the strongest in this book despite the fact it was the weakest in the previous one. A terrible disaster happens at the start of the book and it results in him becoming a wanted fugitive. His burning anger that he'd been using superheroism to sublimate doesn't go away when he's forced into retirement and the attempts to "help" him deal with his guilt only make things worse. I especially liked Lauren's "betrayal" as she thinks she's helping him but does something that is truly unforgivable.
Hugo's story is also fascinating as he is slowly lured into becoming a juvenile delinquent verging on supervillain due to the fact he's met a beautiful teenage girl that wants him to join her gang. His anger is every bit as deep as Greysons and the continued abuse he gets at school is slowly driving him insane. At any point, losing control could result in a lot of his (admittedly terrible) classmates being killed. It's a surprising source of tension.
Quinn's story is continuing her investigation into the death of Titan and the possibility that one of his teammates were involved. Sadly, I feel her story was the weakest of the three due to the fact both Greyson and Hugo suffer dramatic tragic events that change their lives. Quinn comes close but the story always seems to walk back the worst of the consequences.
The book reveals some of the darker side of superheroes with some explicit references to the #MeToo movement that makes the story all the stronger. It's not just that one of the superheroes is a complete scumbag but that his fellow "heroes" looked the other way while he was behaving in such a despicable manner. I felt that was distressingly realistic and it's well handled in this book.
This book wraps up most of the plotlines introduced in the first book and sets up the plotlines for the second. Really, if both of them had been combined into one book then it would be a straight 5 out of 5 for me. However, this does feel like the latter half of a larger book. Still, the action was good, the characters well-written, and the story entertaining.
MONSTERS AMONG MEN is the second installment of the Pantheon Saga by C.C. Ekeke and a book that I immediately purchased after finishing the first one. This book was originally the second half of the first volume and manages to carry on the plot of Titan's murder as well as the development of its protagonists. The Pantheon Saga follows three individuals: new superhero Greyson, intrepid reporter Quinn, and teen powerhouse Hugo as they deal with the fallout from Titan's death.
The premise is that the world's greatest hero was killed by a magnetic pulse that gave him a stroke. His former archenemy, Lord Borealis, was arrested and is now set to be executed for the crime. However, there's ample evidence that someone else was responsible for the crime. Unfortunately, the Vanguard have closed ranks and are torn between believing the simple answer versus those who think it might have been one of their fellow superheroes.
This is a significantly stronger installment than its predecessor and I liked Age of Heroes a great deal. Basically, the stakes are higher and the character development is stronger. Several characters go in directions that I didn't expect and the book is all the better for it. Basically, the writer is not afraid to make characters irredeemable and redeem others that you wouldn't expect to be the good guys.
Greyson's story is the strongest in this book despite the fact it was the weakest in the previous one. A terrible disaster happens at the start of the book and it results in him becoming a wanted fugitive. His burning anger that he'd been using superheroism to sublimate doesn't go away when he's forced into retirement and the attempts to "help" him deal with his guilt only make things worse. I especially liked Lauren's "betrayal" as she thinks she's helping him but does something that is truly unforgivable.
Hugo's story is also fascinating as he is slowly lured into becoming a juvenile delinquent verging on supervillain due to the fact he's met a beautiful teenage girl that wants him to join her gang. His anger is every bit as deep as Greysons and the continued abuse he gets at school is slowly driving him insane. At any point, losing control could result in a lot of his (admittedly terrible) classmates being killed. It's a surprising source of tension.
Quinn's story is continuing her investigation into the death of Titan and the possibility that one of his teammates were involved. Sadly, I feel her story was the weakest of the three due to the fact both Greyson and Hugo suffer dramatic tragic events that change their lives. Quinn comes close but the story always seems to walk back the worst of the consequences.
The book reveals some of the darker side of superheroes with some explicit references to the #MeToo movement that makes the story all the stronger. It's not just that one of the superheroes is a complete scumbag but that his fellow "heroes" looked the other way while he was behaving in such a despicable manner. I felt that was distressingly realistic and it's well handled in this book.
This book wraps up most of the plotlines introduced in the first book and sets up the plotlines for the second. Really, if both of them had been combined into one book then it would be a straight 5 out of 5 for me. However, this does feel like the latter half of a larger book. Still, the action was good, the characters well-written, and the story entertaining.
January 23, 2025
slightly better than the first one. dialogue still atrocious, character descriptions still atrocious, female characters very obviously written by a man
February 4, 2020
(a few spoilers below)
The Story was engaging for sure. And certainly worth reading. But the dialogue is atrocious and there's a bit of inconsistency with the morals in the story which is a bit hard to stomach.
Titan is a disgusting pig because he slept around with groupies (who were all consenting adults) but Serif, who is engaged to another man yet is having sex with a 17 year old kid behind her fiance's back is somehow noble and sympathetic because.. you know... "me too!" and "grrrrrl power!"
It feels like the author is just pandering to the current social / political climate.
The Story was engaging for sure. And certainly worth reading. But the dialogue is atrocious and there's a bit of inconsistency with the morals in the story which is a bit hard to stomach.
Titan is a disgusting pig because he slept around with groupies (who were all consenting adults) but Serif, who is engaged to another man yet is having sex with a 17 year old kid behind her fiance's back is somehow noble and sympathetic because.. you know... "me too!" and "grrrrrl power!"
It feels like the author is just pandering to the current social / political climate.
July 17, 2022
I enjoyed the first book but loved this one. I would say you need to treat both books as being one big saga instead of two books because not only do they continue on from each other but things get wrapped up or explained a bit more in the second book. The book follows three main characters as they come to terms with a world without the world's greatest hero, you could call it there origin story of why they became who or what they are and like all good super hero's it's never an easy path, making it full of action and great for the listener. The is also a number of surprises to keep the listener on there toes or hearts in there mouths. I really like the characters, especially the person or hero the teenager Hugo has become in this book, there were a few times I wasn't sure how it was going to play out but glad with the results. The mystery of who killed Titan also gets wrapped up nicely and kept me guessing. With so much drama, action and mystery I could very easily see it being made into a tv series if not a film. On to the next book.
With his mentor still laid up in hospital and nobody to keep the citizen safe, Greyson and his ragtag team of newbie hero's step up. But after a mission goes horribly wrong, it sends Greyson's life spinning out of control. Can one mistake cost him everything? As the citizens he once protected and popular opinion turn against him and his team, they quickly become the hunted. At the same time Quinn is also being hunted by someone who will stop at nothing to stop her from uncovering the truth behind Titan's death. Quinn will have to decide if writing the story is worth risking her life and those of the people she love because everything she has learnt points to Titan's killer being one of his team mates, the powerful Vanguard. The teenager Hugo finds out high school is no picnic, even with super powers. The school bully still hasn't learnt his lesson, will he be able to keep his temper or will be finally teach him once and for all? There is also something off with the work his new super girlfriend and her friends do. Should he trust his judgement and stay away from the love of his life?
I liked having the three narrator's it made it easy to follow the story and they all put in a good performance.
With his mentor still laid up in hospital and nobody to keep the citizen safe, Greyson and his ragtag team of newbie hero's step up. But after a mission goes horribly wrong, it sends Greyson's life spinning out of control. Can one mistake cost him everything? As the citizens he once protected and popular opinion turn against him and his team, they quickly become the hunted. At the same time Quinn is also being hunted by someone who will stop at nothing to stop her from uncovering the truth behind Titan's death. Quinn will have to decide if writing the story is worth risking her life and those of the people she love because everything she has learnt points to Titan's killer being one of his team mates, the powerful Vanguard. The teenager Hugo finds out high school is no picnic, even with super powers. The school bully still hasn't learnt his lesson, will he be able to keep his temper or will be finally teach him once and for all? There is also something off with the work his new super girlfriend and her friends do. Should he trust his judgement and stay away from the love of his life?
I liked having the three narrator's it made it easy to follow the story and they all put in a good performance.
August 7, 2019
Plenty of twists and turns
Wow! To think I almost stopped reading the first book because the pace was to slow. What a mistake that would have been. This blows Age of Heroes away. That was three different people being focused on the eventually merge into one large story.
Quinn, Grayson and Hugo were three unrelated people. Well as the story goes on it fast becomes a small world. Their lives all become intertwined. Monsters Among Men is fast paced and thrilling. I could hardly stop reading. Plenty of curves, twists and turns. A murder mystery thrown in. Lots of supers.
These superheroes aren't like Superman. More like Hollywood and all the dirty little secrets. None of these characters are even close to perfect. They are what superheroes would be in real life. Lustful, violent, vicious, conniving. You name it. Is there a hero among them? There is. Not all of these characters are rotten. Quite a lot in this book are though. Some to from good to bad and vice versa. This author shows that having superpowers would be anything but a piece of cake. Already purchased book three.
This was an immensely enjoyable read. I would highly recommend it. If I have any complaint it is the names this author gives some of these people. Some of them just don't seem real. Like a state name. Anyways if you are into the superhero genre this is an absolute must read. You will not be disappointed.
Wow! To think I almost stopped reading the first book because the pace was to slow. What a mistake that would have been. This blows Age of Heroes away. That was three different people being focused on the eventually merge into one large story.
Quinn, Grayson and Hugo were three unrelated people. Well as the story goes on it fast becomes a small world. Their lives all become intertwined. Monsters Among Men is fast paced and thrilling. I could hardly stop reading. Plenty of curves, twists and turns. A murder mystery thrown in. Lots of supers.
These superheroes aren't like Superman. More like Hollywood and all the dirty little secrets. None of these characters are even close to perfect. They are what superheroes would be in real life. Lustful, violent, vicious, conniving. You name it. Is there a hero among them? There is. Not all of these characters are rotten. Quite a lot in this book are though. Some to from good to bad and vice versa. This author shows that having superpowers would be anything but a piece of cake. Already purchased book three.
This was an immensely enjoyable read. I would highly recommend it. If I have any complaint it is the names this author gives some of these people. Some of them just don't seem real. Like a state name. Anyways if you are into the superhero genre this is an absolute must read. You will not be disappointed.
December 30, 2023
Blend DC, Marvel, and the dirty human realism of The Boys, toss in a lot of unneeded woke diversity and you get this book.
Was waffling about what rating to give, seeing as I like the world building, and emergence stories of supers, and some of the circumstances and choices which turn potential heroes into wanted villains.
Yet that is detracted by the author's apparent not understanding of how people talk, and definitely detracted by the wholly unnecessary and deliberate inclusion of describing the race of every character like the author was going overboard to.make sure the readers knew how inclusive the author is.
And (spoiler) an apparent lack of understanding what happens with computers electronics when exposed to magnetic fields... like using electromagnetic powers to seal malware programming in a computer system.
Was waffling about what rating to give, seeing as I like the world building, and emergence stories of supers, and some of the circumstances and choices which turn potential heroes into wanted villains.
Yet that is detracted by the author's apparent not understanding of how people talk, and definitely detracted by the wholly unnecessary and deliberate inclusion of describing the race of every character like the author was going overboard to.make sure the readers knew how inclusive the author is.
And (spoiler) an apparent lack of understanding what happens with computers electronics when exposed to magnetic fields... like using electromagnetic powers to seal malware programming in a computer system.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2023
4.5 Stars. I loved the first book in the saga but wasn’t a huge fan of some pieces of the previous book which is why it got a lower score. Keeping that in mind for the 2nd book, I didn’t know what to expect but my expectations were blown out of the water. The twists, the heartbreaks, the holding my breath moments, the moments I gasped audibly, the moments I almost cried. What an INCREDIBLE follow up to Age of Heroes. This sequel solidified The Pantheon Saga, in my opinion, as one of the “Titan’s” ;) of the superhero novel genre. Highly recommend picking up the first one, bearing through some of the cringy language/plot points because you’re going to be blown out of the water by the 2nd book.
March 20, 2020
Sequel to Age of Heroes, really the 2nd half of that story. Titan, the world's greatest hero, has been murdered. Again, we have 3 different storylines going, with the main one being reporter Quinn's investigation into the prime suspect of Titan's murder, a former super villain, being innocent of the crime.
I actually got really sucked into this story and the world of super heroes that Ekeke created. I thought the two books would be a fun read, and I was rewarded. If you enjoy super hero stories, you'll probably enjoy these two books. I already look forward to book #3 in the series.
I actually got really sucked into this story and the world of super heroes that Ekeke created. I thought the two books would be a fun read, and I was rewarded. If you enjoy super hero stories, you'll probably enjoy these two books. I already look forward to book #3 in the series.
October 30, 2021
After my dislike of book one I am surprised by how much I like this one.
The only reason I tried this one was the overall story seemed very interesting. And it did not disappoint. Once I realized all the characters were horrible people, and not just people who made bad calls, but horrible people who were just terrible. It got so much easier to read. The mistakes, the angst, the bad judgement, it is all just bad people making bad choices in bad situations in a horrible setting. Not horribly written, but written to be horrible.
The only reason I tried this one was the overall story seemed very interesting. And it did not disappoint. Once I realized all the characters were horrible people, and not just people who made bad calls, but horrible people who were just terrible. It got so much easier to read. The mistakes, the angst, the bad judgement, it is all just bad people making bad choices in bad situations in a horrible setting. Not horribly written, but written to be horrible.
July 7, 2020
YA with a BUT
No question but that this is for the late teen. If I'm pushed, I'd also say that the author goes to an awful lot of trouble to mention that this is a black person or this is a coffee coloured person. Beware, this leads to things like "Noddy" being banned. Dispite the blatant aiming at YA, it is a good read with not too many shudders at the fragility of the teenager. Good imagination here!
No question but that this is for the late teen. If I'm pushed, I'd also say that the author goes to an awful lot of trouble to mention that this is a black person or this is a coffee coloured person. Beware, this leads to things like "Noddy" being banned. Dispite the blatant aiming at YA, it is a good read with not too many shudders at the fragility of the teenager. Good imagination here!
September 16, 2019
I’m very impressed by this series, it manages to visit all the appropriate tropes without wallowing in them. The characters are solid, the situations suitably dramatic and the battles exhilarating.
That being said, I can live without reading the words “powerwalking” and “dickmatized” anymore.
Otherwise, solid well crafted superhero prose.
That being said, I can live without reading the words “powerwalking” and “dickmatized” anymore.
Otherwise, solid well crafted superhero prose.
March 23, 2021
Great follow up
I was quite surpriced by book 1 as i had no idea what to expect, just bought it on a whim and it was fun to see it actually both had a good storyline, great caracters with depth and great action. This one is even better and was very close to get a 5 star review, defently will continue read the serie
I was quite surpriced by book 1 as i had no idea what to expect, just bought it on a whim and it was fun to see it actually both had a good storyline, great caracters with depth and great action. This one is even better and was very close to get a 5 star review, defently will continue read the serie
May 24, 2019
Great story, a few surprise twists at the end.
Excellent story, and I loved the three-pronged approach. There were some surprising twists at the end, including Greyson, Lady Liberty, and Titan’s killer. I still want to know who Geist is though.
Excellent story, and I loved the three-pronged approach. There were some surprising twists at the end, including Greyson, Lady Liberty, and Titan’s killer. I still want to know who Geist is though.
August 4, 2020
Wonderful novel
Don't start reading unless you have time to read. This book is hard to put down. Lots of super hero and villain action. With mystery and murder. Great action and fight scenes.
Don't start reading unless you have time to read. This book is hard to put down. Lots of super hero and villain action. With mystery and murder. Great action and fight scenes.
January 6, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two from this series. I like how it jumps back and forth between the points of view, leaving you in suspense until that character comes back into the fray. The world building is very intriguing a total multiverse.
August 8, 2022
2 keeps it going!
I never expected more than sheer fun from a book written about supers, but nope, there is a neat story, an interesting world, a cool mystery, and some really fun characters to get to know. Well worth read!
I never expected more than sheer fun from a book written about supers, but nope, there is a neat story, an interesting world, a cool mystery, and some really fun characters to get to know. Well worth read!
dnf
June 13, 2019The first one was okay, but I'm just not interested enough to put up with the poor editing or the young angst of teen superheroes.
December 3, 2019
Still mostly Y/A fiction
Story gets a bit darker than book one with a lot more superhero action. Still chocked full of high schooler drama and angst but readable.
Story gets a bit darker than book one with a lot more superhero action. Still chocked full of high schooler drama and angst but readable.
January 15, 2020
I like it
I had a wide variety of emotions which I feel a good book should be able to do. If you don't care about the characters there's no point in reading the book, well done!!!
I had a wide variety of emotions which I feel a good book should be able to do. If you don't care about the characters there's no point in reading the book, well done!!!
April 11, 2020
Fun main characters...still easy mindless reading.
January 17, 2021
Not perfect, by any means, but a really unique take on superheroes. Ekeke keeps you on your toes and creates really dynamic characters.
May 20, 2021
Much better !
I can definitely tell a difference in writing! Much better put together and a big twist in there. Keep em coming !
I can definitely tell a difference in writing! Much better put together and a big twist in there. Keep em coming !
July 6, 2022
*3.5
Still not the best wrotten thing in the world and there are elements I don't care for but damn if I'm not invested in the story and can't wait to continue.
Still not the best wrotten thing in the world and there are elements I don't care for but damn if I'm not invested in the story and can't wait to continue.
July 12, 2022
Great part 2….
The picks up where it left off. Ekeke writes a great story. I was worried for a little while. If you liked the first book, you’ll love this one too.
The picks up where it left off. Ekeke writes a great story. I was worried for a little while. If you liked the first book, you’ll love this one too.
February 16, 2025
First book was OK. Second book, WOW.
May 24, 2025
Review by baseline
This was amazing and its only the 2nd book! But also only book 2 and kinda already over the brie\hugo drama. Otherwise on to book 3!!!
This was amazing and its only the 2nd book! But also only book 2 and kinda already over the brie\hugo drama. Otherwise on to book 3!!!
November 2, 2025
everyone is flawed.
October 14, 2019
In the first volume, it was difficult to tell which character was going to end up in which role -- hero or villain. In this one, those roles are defined, and the definition is a logical progression of existing character traits, which is nice.
August 14, 2019
Holy crap.
Dammit. !@#$. Loved this book.
1st in the series was fun, this one ties it together the twists!. And now I'm waiting for the next one. A series worth owning.
I'm an avid KU reader. This one I'll buy.
Dammit. !@#$. Loved this book.
1st in the series was fun, this one ties it together the twists!. And now I'm waiting for the next one. A series worth owning.
I'm an avid KU reader. This one I'll buy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews