Relapsed

Supervillain Rehabilitation Project #0.5

by H.L. Burke

Former villain Fade joined the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project to try to be a hero, but when a mission gone wrong puts him within reach of the score of a lifetime, does he have what it takes to stay on the hero path? Or will this one time villain relapse?

A short story prequel to the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Series.

Genres: Superheroes, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction

50 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2020

About the author

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at Fade’s life before Reformed (or at least a piece of it) and I enjoyed it, though I don’t think it’s necessary to read before Reformed.


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a suicide bomber

Language: crap; dang; screwed; hell; what the hell; freakin’

Violence: a suicide bomber blows himself up (not shown)

Other: superheroes and supervillains; a guy is mentally unstable; a hostage situation

[Jason McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to diving into HL Burke’s DOSAverse. This prequel gives us a look into Fade’s backstory while delivering a great look at the heart of this sable. (Sable = super abled.) Bonus, the story is great, fast-paced super action ala your favorite comic universe. I recommend starting here before diving into the full length novels.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally starting this series as I’m in the mood for some superhero media. Really appreciate the nuance and I also really connected to Fade’s tendency to overthink and doubt himself. 😅 Intrigued to watch his character grow over the series.

[J.M. Jablowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Looking forward to reading Reformed.

[Jenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun prequel story to the SVR. Neat to get to see young Fade and Kevin Powell working together!

[Tricia Mingerink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short look at Fade's life before the beginning of the first book. He is such a conflicted sweetheart. Really cool to see Prism and Aiden's father in action!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relapsed is a short story prequel to the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project series.

This story focuses on the villain turned hero, Fade. He has to make the hard choice to either take an easy out or to keep doing the right thing. It is a great exploration of what it means to be a good person. Recognizing the difference is more than never being tempted, it's not acting on our temptations.

If you have already read the first novel in the series, Reformed then you should also be prepared for some feels, Prisim's father is a major character. It is really nice getting to know his character.

[Jessica Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually listen to audio books, but I had a chance to try this one for a nominal fee, so I took a chance. I can't recall the reader's name, but she did a fantastic job. And H. L. Burke's story really connected with me - even if I'm not a former supervillian in a rehabilitation program :) I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!

[Michele Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, short intro to Reformed, H.L. Burke's superhero story. Reformed was high on my TBR list, but the moment I read this short, I had to start it right away. I am enjoying it so much, thanks to this short story!

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute

Okay I will definitely admit that Fade is my fave!! Honestly, he's one of my favorite characters in Heidi's series, so I loved getting to see a bit more of him - before all the events in the first book. And it was really nice to see Allay as well.

[Corinne Morier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beta-read this for you-know-who so I'm sure as heck going to count it for my reading challenge lol.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet backstory before bk 1! Missed the SVR storyworld so decided to return for a bit! RTC

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

..."officially a branch of the Department of Super-Abled, the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project.."

This done in one prequel short story does its job well. It clearly and quickly establishes the world, and the important high level concepts that make it interesting. This short story has the feeling of an elongated scene, dropping the reader in at the last second to find out where we are, why, and what's going on, taking us through the adventure of the moment, and perhaps most importantly staying in this world long enough for us to see how this adventure has emotionally and mentally impacted two of its three central figures.

We're also given some nice interactions with several other characters that we can expect to see in future stories, and learn about to or three others in a manner that left me hoping they too our woven into future tales.

A self-contained short story that establishes an interesting world, and made me curious to spend more time in it, this prequel delivered in every way I hoped it would, and exceeded my hopes as it challenged Fade to not only ask himself the hard questions, but find answers for them.

[Sharon Hughson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great prequel to the series that gives insight into Fade, who has no memory of what he was REALLY like. Still can’t decide if he’s hero material? You’ll have to read the series.
I appreciated seeing Allay and his vision of villain reform, too. It informed some of my thoughts about his daughter, who is the shero of the first book in the series.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰

Another will written fantasy futuristic world 🌎 adventure thriller short story by H. L. Burke about a a petty thief who has been rehabilitated and working on the side of the law. But he has questions about the long term? I would recommend this novella to readers of fantasy mysteries. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye damage and health issues. 2022 😮⏰

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about the beginnings of the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project. It gives a good introduction into the world and highlights the humour and the foundation of the world building. It is very short indeed, and certainly isn't intended to be read as a standalone. I'd have liked a little more, particularly considering the importance of the characters in the main series. But as it stands it's an entertaining glimpse into the world.

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story gives us a glimpse into the relationship between Allay (Prism’s father) and Fade. If you’ve read Reformed (Book 1) then you’ll realize it’s also poignant. I like how H.L. Burke brings in another former supervillain and makes this character also come to life in a few pages. Fade is still the best!

I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story offers not only a chance to meet younger Fade, but also to meet Prism's dad, the man who started the SVR.

When Fade has a chance to run, to relapse into theft and villainy, he almost takes it. With a deep awareness of his flawed nature, how can he accept his mentors trust?

[Lariza Pieterse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder to find meaning

This was fun. The story reminded me to find meaning in what we do. To show up for yourself. Take responsibility, work through the tough part and forgive yourself.

[Crystan M.]

This 27 page short story was a freebie from the author H.L. Burke to introduce readers to the Supervillain Rehabilitation Project World. This little story was fast-paced with believable characters, but not quite enough for me to invest in the world she created.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to the series!

I started these books at a later point in the timeline, so I'm used to a more mature version of Fade. I loved this chance to see Fade as he was struggling with his identity, only just starting to become who he was meant to be.

[Jordan (jojobooklover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome Read!

This was such a good insight into Fade’s past. Things were going so well, I feel even sadder about the events that led to him being imprisoned again.

[Kandi J Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun glimpse into the past

I loved seeing an early Fade and meeting Allay. It was a perfect introduction to the Supervillain Reform Project series.

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good female author.

A short story set in a superhero setting. Does a good job of explaining motivation and good vs evil, law vs chaos. Tries to present a fresh look at the genre.

[Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little prequel to this series.

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short origin story for Fade.

[Kelly Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been intending to start at the beginning of HL Burke’s SVR (etc) series since I read Power On a couple years ago (and loved it!). Relapsed is the prequel short story giving a little backstory on Fade, who I already loved. It was fun seeing a little of how he got to where he is now, and I loved seeing him interact with Prism’s dad! I do love the found family trope. 💛