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House of Dolls #1
House of Dolls
Hate your job.
Win the lottery.
Get a superpower.
Roman Martin is a normal guy until he happens upon a winning lottery ticket that grants him an incredible superpower.
Unfortunately, Roman has to keep his new power a secret, and in a society that separates superpowereds from half-powereds, that's a big deal.
There's also his troubled past, a dark secret that constantly looms over him, his co-worker's mysterious death, and the fact that Roman is being blackmailed by two beautiful female spies at war with one another.
So Roman does what any down-on-his-luck partially exploited office worker would do in his situation: get women, get good, and get ready to fight back.
Warning: House of Dolls contains a blossoming harem and other polyamorous situations, toxic cat girls, superpowers used in ways they weren’t intended to be used, cosplay, fantasy violence, office humor, dark themes, and other trigger-worthy adult situations. It was inspired by Office Space, the anime High School DxD, Drew Hayes’ Superpowereds, and The Americans.
Win the lottery.
Get a superpower.
Roman Martin is a normal guy until he happens upon a winning lottery ticket that grants him an incredible superpower.
Unfortunately, Roman has to keep his new power a secret, and in a society that separates superpowereds from half-powereds, that's a big deal.
There's also his troubled past, a dark secret that constantly looms over him, his co-worker's mysterious death, and the fact that Roman is being blackmailed by two beautiful female spies at war with one another.
So Roman does what any down-on-his-luck partially exploited office worker would do in his situation: get women, get good, and get ready to fight back.
Warning: House of Dolls contains a blossoming harem and other polyamorous situations, toxic cat girls, superpowers used in ways they weren’t intended to be used, cosplay, fantasy violence, office humor, dark themes, and other trigger-worthy adult situations. It was inspired by Office Space, the anime High School DxD, Drew Hayes’ Superpowereds, and The Americans.
Audiobook
First published August 14, 2018
630 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Harmon Cooper
141 books363 followersHarmon Cooper is the author of over sixty fantasy works. His bestselling series include Pilgrim, War Priest, Cowboy Necromancer, and Tokens and Towers.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
His series, The Feedback Loop, is one of the earlier GameLit works first published in 2015. An earphone award winner for the series Death's Mantle, Harmon won the LitRPG/GameLit Audiobook of the Year award for Sacred Cat Island, narrated by Legends and Lattes author Travis Baldree.
Harmon write progression fantasy, cultivation fantasy, and LitRPG/GameLit.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 27, 2018
2.5 stars.
With books like this, the author taking his subject matter too seriously almost always ruins it for me. Luckily, Cooper is pretty tongue-in-cheek here and creates some pretty fun moments.
On the other hand, there is a bit too much exposition and meandering scenes that seemed kind of pointless. It sometimes feels like Cooper had enough story for about 3/4 of the page count and padded the rest out.
Like most of these independent series' that flood Amazon, this was ok for what it was but it didn't make me want to continue with the next book.
With books like this, the author taking his subject matter too seriously almost always ruins it for me. Luckily, Cooper is pretty tongue-in-cheek here and creates some pretty fun moments.
On the other hand, there is a bit too much exposition and meandering scenes that seemed kind of pointless. It sometimes feels like Cooper had enough story for about 3/4 of the page count and padded the rest out.
Like most of these independent series' that flood Amazon, this was ok for what it was but it didn't make me want to continue with the next book.
April 23, 2019
I'm reading some strange books lately, and having great fun.
This is the ultimate boy toy fantasy. I found myself tricked into imagining myself in the role of main character and how great it would be to have his power. Like, really imagining.
I probably haven't indulged in such an infantile fantasy ever since I scooped mushrooms with my father in the woods, and secretly hoping Smurfs were real and I'd uncover one of them every moment beneath some 'shroom!
This is the ultimate boy toy fantasy. I found myself tricked into imagining myself in the role of main character and how great it would be to have his power. Like, really imagining.
I probably haven't indulged in such an infantile fantasy ever since I scooped mushrooms with my father in the woods, and secretly hoping Smurfs were real and I'd uncover one of them every moment beneath some 'shroom!
April 22, 2020
As goes, it’s ok, but (like another similar novel I’m reading) a bit heavy on the wish-fulfillment and insufficiently so on some other things (exactly/well-chosen words, ...)
January 10, 2020
I have read the first and half of the second book of this series. There are multiple problems with this series. I will try to keep this spoiler free.
1. The main character is unlikable. Sure, some will probably like him, but he comes off as kind of a jerk. Yes, it later on explains why he acts this way, but that doesn't make you like him any more than before.
2. This is very slice of life. Some people like these types of books, but there doesn't seem to be much of a sense of urgency or difficulty to overcome. Maybe there is some big bad further on in the series which has yet to be revealed, but so far nothing has been mentioned.
3. The powers are very nebulous, I believe on purpose. He seems to be able to do almost anything, up to his imagination. The problem with this is that I could imagine him doing quite a few things that would mean instant death among pretty much anyone he wants, as long as he strikes first at least. Either the author has a lack of imagination, or he has some limitation that he did not explain to the reader. This leads the reader to assume that the MC can use it this way, but he is too dumb to realize it.
1. The main character is unlikable. Sure, some will probably like him, but he comes off as kind of a jerk. Yes, it later on explains why he acts this way, but that doesn't make you like him any more than before.
2. This is very slice of life. Some people like these types of books, but there doesn't seem to be much of a sense of urgency or difficulty to overcome. Maybe there is some big bad further on in the series which has yet to be revealed, but so far nothing has been mentioned.
3. The powers are very nebulous, I believe on purpose. He seems to be able to do almost anything, up to his imagination. The problem with this is that I could imagine him doing quite a few things that would mean instant death among pretty much anyone he wants, as long as he strikes first at least. Either the author has a lack of imagination, or he has some limitation that he did not explain to the reader. This leads the reader to assume that the MC can use it this way, but he is too dumb to realize it.
January 28, 2019
So - Centralia; many similar traits as Earth, but there are loads of exemplars - i.e. guys and gals with super powers.
Roman Martin is a non-exemplar, or a regular person. But, he stumbles into the opportunity to elevate his status significantly and receives a unique power.
His power: he can animate objects. What does a guy who likes randoms do first, and pretty much second? He brings to life two sex-dolls. Ironically, he has yet to drive that train to pound-town. Odd, I say. Odd.
Yes, there is more to the story than this. Roman works in government - immigration, and he crosses paths with spies from different regions, various exemplars, trains to become one himself, and navigates all this while dealing with a bitchy work manager.
This is definitely not a full story. This is a launch of a serial and as Roman's powers grow - I'm sure there will be more action to witness.
In all, a fast read. I'm curious to see how future installments fare.
3.5 of 5. ARC Provided
Roman Martin is a non-exemplar, or a regular person. But, he stumbles into the opportunity to elevate his status significantly and receives a unique power.
His power: he can animate objects. What does a guy who likes randoms do first, and pretty much second? He brings to life two sex-dolls. Ironically, he has yet to drive that train to pound-town. Odd, I say. Odd.
Yes, there is more to the story than this. Roman works in government - immigration, and he crosses paths with spies from different regions, various exemplars, trains to become one himself, and navigates all this while dealing with a bitchy work manager.
This is definitely not a full story. This is a launch of a serial and as Roman's powers grow - I'm sure there will be more action to witness.
In all, a fast read. I'm curious to see how future installments fare.
3.5 of 5. ARC Provided
August 15, 2018
Oooooooh... this is Harmon Cooper at his glorious best.
I adored Cooper's 'Life is a Beautiful Thing' series. A d o r e d i t. It was just so out of this world and enjoyable, for me anyway. This might be just me too, but I can feel some of that same vibe and excitement in 'House of Dolls' and it had me turning the pages like they were on fire.
The storytelling and characterizations are excellent, and it's wickedly evil, wickedly sexy, and wickedly funny. [BTW, I refuse to apologise for my overuse of 'wickedly'.] It gets in your head, visualize everything, and it just won't go away.
Whether you are familiar with Cooper's work or not, don't hesitate to give this a go. It's something different, and you won't be disappointed.
I was given an ecopy which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
I adored Cooper's 'Life is a Beautiful Thing' series. A d o r e d i t. It was just so out of this world and enjoyable, for me anyway. This might be just me too, but I can feel some of that same vibe and excitement in 'House of Dolls' and it had me turning the pages like they were on fire.
The storytelling and characterizations are excellent, and it's wickedly evil, wickedly sexy, and wickedly funny. [BTW, I refuse to apologise for my overuse of 'wickedly'.] It gets in your head, visualize everything, and it just won't go away.
Whether you are familiar with Cooper's work or not, don't hesitate to give this a go. It's something different, and you won't be disappointed.
I was given an ecopy which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2018
Weird, Interesting, and Unsettling
Cooper’s Cherry Blossom Girls walks a fine line between humor, drama, action, and horror. It also pokes much fun at writers and the self-publishing world. It’s a good read. Take away pretty much all humor from it, and you’ll come close to this.
This is very interesting: not only for the powers, politics, and other very adult themes (and no, not the sex), but for the characters. However, running a story with an anti-hero protagonist and an anti-villain (?) antagonist makes for many pursed-eyebrow moments. The whole thing feels a bit like a social experiment, where you can appreciate the skill and the form, if maybe not the result. Well written and edited, it’s a skillful piece of work, but I’m still trying to figure out if I like it or not. Looks like you’ll need to do the same.
Cooper’s Cherry Blossom Girls walks a fine line between humor, drama, action, and horror. It also pokes much fun at writers and the self-publishing world. It’s a good read. Take away pretty much all humor from it, and you’ll come close to this.
This is very interesting: not only for the powers, politics, and other very adult themes (and no, not the sex), but for the characters. However, running a story with an anti-hero protagonist and an anti-villain (?) antagonist makes for many pursed-eyebrow moments. The whole thing feels a bit like a social experiment, where you can appreciate the skill and the form, if maybe not the result. Well written and edited, it’s a skillful piece of work, but I’m still trying to figure out if I like it or not. Looks like you’ll need to do the same.
March 12, 2020
Thriller? Not so much
Sure, there are spies. But the pace is wrong for it to be a ‘thriller’. This is very ho-hum, with a side of sex.
The world-building is incomplete and bad. There is an international flavor, but there is no substance. You are simply *told* that there are other countries.
That’s really the issue: everything is ‘tell’. Things only happen when they are convenient to the narrative. Every character is flawed past redemption.
I got halfway and just couldn’t keep pushing. Other, better books to read.
DNF
Sure, there are spies. But the pace is wrong for it to be a ‘thriller’. This is very ho-hum, with a side of sex.
The world-building is incomplete and bad. There is an international flavor, but there is no substance. You are simply *told* that there are other countries.
That’s really the issue: everything is ‘tell’. Things only happen when they are convenient to the narrative. Every character is flawed past redemption.
I got halfway and just couldn’t keep pushing. Other, better books to read.
DNF
May 21, 2022
Beware Mature Audience warning!
But I felt ready for it, I'm mature! Ha! Little did I know what that would intale...
I like Harmon Cooper and well Neil Hellegers is fabulous... so I soldiered on, and I found myself enjoying the main storyline, even briefly thinking about getting the next book to find out what happens! But I also really did skip most of the S&M parts. Which for me were unpalatable! So no, I won't be venturing any farther into this saga!
I'll also hafta say that Harmon Cooper is a great writer and Neil Hellegers is just a dynamite storyteller!
But I felt ready for it, I'm mature! Ha! Little did I know what that would intale...
I like Harmon Cooper and well Neil Hellegers is fabulous... so I soldiered on, and I found myself enjoying the main storyline, even briefly thinking about getting the next book to find out what happens! But I also really did skip most of the S&M parts. Which for me were unpalatable! So no, I won't be venturing any farther into this saga!
I'll also hafta say that Harmon Cooper is a great writer and Neil Hellegers is just a dynamite storyteller!
August 15, 2018
House of Dolls is an unusual adult superhero adventure in a strange future where classes are divided based on their powers or lack of powers. The main character, who isn't quite a hero, works in the immigration department for people with superpowers. The story is entertaining, humorous at times, sometimes dark, and a bit of social commentary without being preachy. This story isn't for everyone- there's a fair amount of sex included- but it's a really good book.
August 16, 2018
Probably Harmon Cooper's best
I think this is his best work to date. The story is deep going through multiple POV each with its own distinct conflict drawing you in to the overall intrigue of the main story. The dialogue is smooth and witty, especially with my favorite girl. Oh and Gothic Lolita dresses on non lolis which is refreshing and welcome. Patiently waiting for book 2.
I think this is his best work to date. The story is deep going through multiple POV each with its own distinct conflict drawing you in to the overall intrigue of the main story. The dialogue is smooth and witty, especially with my favorite girl. Oh and Gothic Lolita dresses on non lolis which is refreshing and welcome. Patiently waiting for book 2.
August 26, 2018
I've Got A Secret
Roman has a dark secret. It shapes his life, a life of mediocrity and guilt. Will gaining a superpower resolve his issues? At a minimum, it will be more interesting. I like the action, humor, and relationships. Roman is a compelling competent, yet tragic character. The plot is interesting, fresh, and intriguing. I anxiously await the book.
Roman has a dark secret. It shapes his life, a life of mediocrity and guilt. Will gaining a superpower resolve his issues? At a minimum, it will be more interesting. I like the action, humor, and relationships. Roman is a compelling competent, yet tragic character. The plot is interesting, fresh, and intriguing. I anxiously await the book.
December 4, 2018
Well this is probably the worst of or best of superheros, depending on what you expect. I think the story started slow, but at the end I am wanting book 2. Cooper has a great storytelling ability and this shows in the characterisation and storyine, No Spoilers as usual. If you are looking for sexy, well I think that is on the way..
January 26, 2019
I was a huge fan of Life is a Beautiful Thing series and so became a fan of Harman. I took no time to read his Feedback Loop series too. So I decided to try House of Dolls. The writing style remains solid but I just couldn’t totally get into this. I’ll probably try others in this series. It’s fun. But outside of the world built in LIABT.
May 14, 2019
Awesome start
This was a great start to the series. I was a little hesitant about this book, but I am pleasantly surprised and impressed. The plot moves at a good pace. The character based pov is different but well done. Not done in a confusing way. Very impressed and looking forward to the next book.
This was a great start to the series. I was a little hesitant about this book, but I am pleasantly surprised and impressed. The plot moves at a good pace. The character based pov is different but well done. Not done in a confusing way. Very impressed and looking forward to the next book.
November 22, 2019
Really fun
The book starts out a little slow, but it starts explaining the world right away. It's an interesting idea a world with Supers, and normals, with not much interaction between them.
All in all It's an enjoyable story, and a very interesting world. I'm going to start book two soon.
The book starts out a little slow, but it starts explaining the world right away. It's an interesting idea a world with Supers, and normals, with not much interaction between them.
All in all It's an enjoyable story, and a very interesting world. I'm going to start book two soon.
September 1, 2018
A pleasant surprise
I never know what to expect from Cooper, his books are so different from each other. I can say that I felt this book was much more polished than the others I've read. Looking forward to more!
I never know what to expect from Cooper, his books are so different from each other. I can say that I felt this book was much more polished than the others I've read. Looking forward to more!
September 6, 2018
Harmon writes...
...entertaining stories but he also does a good job at bringing humanity to his characters. He really enjoys angst, moral ambiguity and dilemmas, and sex. Yet he still writes with heart.
...entertaining stories but he also does a good job at bringing humanity to his characters. He really enjoys angst, moral ambiguity and dilemmas, and sex. Yet he still writes with heart.
September 24, 2018
Refreshing new fantasy!
This author's refreshing view on superhero fantasy with an adult flare is inspired! Loved the world he has created and the asexually charged characters that fill it.
This author's refreshing view on superhero fantasy with an adult flare is inspired! Loved the world he has created and the asexually charged characters that fill it.
October 26, 2018
Looking Forward To More!!!
It great start, and build up to a new series... The characters, and powers are cool, different, and we are looking forward to how this all going to play out in the future... A very enjoyable read...
It great start, and build up to a new series... The characters, and powers are cool, different, and we are looking forward to how this all going to play out in the future... A very enjoyable read...
November 19, 2018
House of dolls
Just finished book 1 of house of dolls, found the beginning slow to start with but glad I stuck with it found it very entertaining at the end now I need book 2, thanks.
Just finished book 1 of house of dolls, found the beginning slow to start with but glad I stuck with it found it very entertaining at the end now I need book 2, thanks.
March 20, 2020
Just don't care.
Got a third of the way through this book and I just do not care about any of these characters. The story has hints of depth but there is not enough to keep my interest long enough to find out. Just don't care.
Got a third of the way through this book and I just do not care about any of these characters. The story has hints of depth but there is not enough to keep my interest long enough to find out. Just don't care.
September 5, 2021
Good origin story
This starts a little cartoonish and violates one of its own rules when a non-super gets powers in a lottery, but it soon warms up to become a real hero novel with depth and action
This starts a little cartoonish and violates one of its own rules when a non-super gets powers in a lottery, but it soon warms up to become a real hero novel with depth and action
November 14, 2021
An everyday tale of a beurocrat and his dolls
A desk jockey ready to jump off the roof, two spies, animated dolls superpowered people an everyday thing just another day at the office then.......
A desk jockey ready to jump off the roof, two spies, animated dolls superpowered people an everyday thing just another day at the office then.......
April 3, 2022
Intriguing!
Really well written, it carries you along at a fast pace! I was so intrigued to find out what on earth was going on that I couldn't put it down. Off to read the next instalment!
Really well written, it carries you along at a fast pace! I was so intrigued to find out what on earth was going on that I couldn't put it down. Off to read the next instalment!
January 7, 2025
This book was a wild ride and suprizingly more readable then I was expecting. Is it high literature? No. Are parts of it basically porn? Yes.
But there is a shocking amount of spy antics mixed in with the catgirls and it ends up being a pretty fun read.
But there is a shocking amount of spy antics mixed in with the catgirls and it ends up being a pretty fun read.
August 25, 2018
Just couldn't finish this. Just don't care about romans plight.
September 3, 2018
Good introduction novel
The novel was great and entertaining.
The only thing I did not like was that there was the confusion on the setting. Hope the next book explains better.
The novel was great and entertaining.
The only thing I did not like was that there was the confusion on the setting. Hope the next book explains better.
September 3, 2018
Not as light hearted as MR. COOPER'S previous novels,but all the other elements of a COOPER novel are: witty,sexy,outrageous..and I would add for this story,thoughtful! Gimme the next story!!
September 6, 2018
Great fun
I am really hooked, can't wait to read the next one.
This one has set up the world and story nicely.
Hope to read about more dolls. Cheers.
I am really hooked, can't wait to read the next one.
This one has set up the world and story nicely.
Hope to read about more dolls. Cheers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews