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Superego #2
Fathom
There are two ways to be a hero.
One is more violent than the other. And the universe needs a hero, because a mysterious entity known as the Fathom is terrorizing the known universe and seizing control. But they’ve made one mistake: They woke Rico, the universe's greatest killer, from a coma. And he’s decided he might be the good guy this time.
But being a hero isn’t easy. Rico has to work with others (not his favorite), and the impossible odds means it’s going to take an insane scheme or two (more to his liking). Still, Rico won't let anything get in his way on his mission to destroy the Fathom... even though there are like a ton of things in his way -- militaries, trained killers, a planet-devastating weapon or two.
Once again, it looks like Rico is going to destroy a lot of things and kill a lot of people.
But hopefully this time in a good way.
One is more violent than the other. And the universe needs a hero, because a mysterious entity known as the Fathom is terrorizing the known universe and seizing control. But they’ve made one mistake: They woke Rico, the universe's greatest killer, from a coma. And he’s decided he might be the good guy this time.
But being a hero isn’t easy. Rico has to work with others (not his favorite), and the impossible odds means it’s going to take an insane scheme or two (more to his liking). Still, Rico won't let anything get in his way on his mission to destroy the Fathom... even though there are like a ton of things in his way -- militaries, trained killers, a planet-devastating weapon or two.
Once again, it looks like Rico is going to destroy a lot of things and kill a lot of people.
But hopefully this time in a good way.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2020
39 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Frank J. Fleming
14 books131 followersI used to write political satire, but then I got sick of politics and now sticking to science fiction and fantasy. It's supposed to be more serious writing, but people keep calling them comedies :(
Newsletter: http://frankjfleming.com
Newsletter: http://frankjfleming.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 24, 2023
This was sequel was a good instalment in the Superego series. I’d actually rate it as even more enjoyable than the first book in the series. This series might have the feel of a fun pulpy 80s B- flick but it hits the notes it needs to in order to make this story a pretty engaging and enjoyable read despite the fact that it leans heavy into a lot of old school cliches. What we get from the story is a pulpy action thriller that delivers plenty of action and excitement that is smart to mix in just enough humour and drama to keep the reader emotionally engaged in the story!
In this sequel we continue to follow the adventures genetically engineered psychopathic hitman Rico as he recovers from the events of the first book in the series and begins a new life as he breaks away from his previous employers. Rico has been convinced to give hero-ing and lucky for him that means plenty of fun killing and action is to be had as a new nemesis has arisen and are actively trying to take over the galactic empire by force!
The whole story was a lot of fun. Rico always manages to be weirdly easy to root for despite all his flaws. The story and action was pretty engaging and the pacing of the story was good. There was rarely a dull moment and the mix of action, drama, and comedy we got in the tale really worked well for me.
The most enjoyable part of the story was Rico’s interactions with his AI. DIP (the AI) was always there to offer words of advice to Rico on just how a “good” human would act, or react, in any situation. It was hilarious. I actually think the fact that Rico has a decent sense of humour, despite lacking much in the way of emotions, was one of the things that made the story so fun. Rico was never short of a fun one-liner!
The characters were also a real strength for the story. Rico is a good lead and the first person POV really benefits him and makes it easy to get the best out of the character. DIP was a fun sidekick and the rest of the supporting cast, including Rico’s love interest, were defined enough and interesting that they made a decent impact on the tale in their own right. Some of the villains were especially fun.
This book did have the flaws. It was very 80-90s B-movie in some regards but at least it seemed self-aware enough about the slight misogyny to poke fun at itself a few times. I could have lived without all the religious overtones and some of the other things hinted at in the tale but on the whole I have to admit that the tone was light and fun, despite all the violence, so the flaws were easy to ignore.
All in all this was a really fun sequel and I’m looking forward to picking up the third book when it gets released. I just hope we do not have to wait another 4-5 years for it to come around!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I felt like Joel Richards did a good job with the audio. He got the tone and the humour of the story and was decent with the voices.
Edit: Just as good the second time around!
In this sequel we continue to follow the adventures genetically engineered psychopathic hitman Rico as he recovers from the events of the first book in the series and begins a new life as he breaks away from his previous employers. Rico has been convinced to give hero-ing and lucky for him that means plenty of fun killing and action is to be had as a new nemesis has arisen and are actively trying to take over the galactic empire by force!
The whole story was a lot of fun. Rico always manages to be weirdly easy to root for despite all his flaws. The story and action was pretty engaging and the pacing of the story was good. There was rarely a dull moment and the mix of action, drama, and comedy we got in the tale really worked well for me.
The most enjoyable part of the story was Rico’s interactions with his AI. DIP (the AI) was always there to offer words of advice to Rico on just how a “good” human would act, or react, in any situation. It was hilarious. I actually think the fact that Rico has a decent sense of humour, despite lacking much in the way of emotions, was one of the things that made the story so fun. Rico was never short of a fun one-liner!
The characters were also a real strength for the story. Rico is a good lead and the first person POV really benefits him and makes it easy to get the best out of the character. DIP was a fun sidekick and the rest of the supporting cast, including Rico’s love interest, were defined enough and interesting that they made a decent impact on the tale in their own right. Some of the villains were especially fun.
This book did have the flaws. It was very 80-90s B-movie in some regards but at least it seemed self-aware enough about the slight misogyny to poke fun at itself a few times. I could have lived without all the religious overtones and some of the other things hinted at in the tale but on the whole I have to admit that the tone was light and fun, despite all the violence, so the flaws were easy to ignore.
All in all this was a really fun sequel and I’m looking forward to picking up the third book when it gets released. I just hope we do not have to wait another 4-5 years for it to come around!
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: I felt like Joel Richards did a good job with the audio. He got the tone and the humour of the story and was decent with the voices.
Edit: Just as good the second time around!
May 3, 2022
I must admit that I had my misgivings about trying to transform psychopath antihero Rico into a hero. But I think it worked, no small achievement. I continue to think psychopath hero/antihero Rico is one of the finest and most twisted literary achievements since George MacDonald Fraser’s Flashman.
Plus, both books are full of gems like:
"But she was right; we were never going to be a cute little couple. If I simply didn’t hurt her anymore, it would be a victory for my possibly nonexistent humanity."
"Then why did you hit her?" I shrugged. "I told you: They’re reporters."
"You’re going to die screaming." I shrugged. "Probably. But not today."
"She did not like me, but I couldn’t fault her much for that."
"'Actually ...' You always need to emphasize that word. Especially when correcting a woman."
Plus, both books are full of gems like:
"But she was right; we were never going to be a cute little couple. If I simply didn’t hurt her anymore, it would be a victory for my possibly nonexistent humanity."
"Then why did you hit her?" I shrugged. "I told you: They’re reporters."
"You’re going to die screaming." I shrugged. "Probably. But not today."
"She did not like me, but I couldn’t fault her much for that."
"'Actually ...' You always need to emphasize that word. Especially when correcting a woman."
August 8, 2020
I am so glad that Rico's story went on. The first book blew me away. I was afraid the sequel might fall short. Worse, that Rico would cease to be Rico-- that he'd be replaced by some perfect clone with morals and stuff. Not to fear! Rico continues to be just as at a loss as to why saving ten people, a hundred, or even a billion should be something he cares about. At the same time, Rico is also struck by a desire to be better, but he really truly can't help himself. He is most certainly still the psychopath we know and, for some reason, still love.
The wittiness and contemplative tones from the first book still resonate through "Fathom." I smirked and chuckled throughout. Quite impressively, Fleming was able to bring new life to the story while still staying true to its roots.
The plot twist came so far out of left-field, I felt like I had been hit with a stray baseball. I expected one part of it but not at all the other . I've noticed now, too, that Fleming tends to only hint at what's going on before a major reveal at the end. While I did get antsy waiting for the author to let us in on the big secret, it did not disappoint.
I admit, I was not happy with the ending the first time I read it. I attribute this to being cramped in an Economy seat on a long flight with a headache, trying to read the eBook off my phone. Thinking about it later, and re-reading the end, it was very clever. But then, the author left much to be resolved. The poignant yet hopeful wrap-up could be left as is, but I really hope Fleming writes a third installment!
There's so much more that could be explored.
For example:
OK, OK, now I've said my piece... But it was so good, who can blame me for wishing for more?
The wittiness and contemplative tones from the first book still resonate through "Fathom." I smirked and chuckled throughout. Quite impressively, Fleming was able to bring new life to the story while still staying true to its roots.
The plot twist came so far out of left-field, I felt like I had been hit with a stray baseball. I expected one part of it but not at all the other . I've noticed now, too, that Fleming tends to only hint at what's going on before a major reveal at the end. While I did get antsy waiting for the author to let us in on the big secret, it did not disappoint.
I admit, I was not happy with the ending the first time I read it. I attribute this to being cramped in an Economy seat on a long flight with a headache, trying to read the eBook off my phone. Thinking about it later, and re-reading the end, it was very clever. But then, the author left much to be resolved. The poignant yet hopeful wrap-up could be left as is, but I really hope Fleming writes a third installment!
There's so much more that could be explored.
For example:
OK, OK, now I've said my piece... But it was so good, who can blame me for wishing for more?
November 17, 2020
The end of the first book felt like it hinted at a copout seen in a lot of fiction written by Christians: God performed a miracle, the lost child was saved and spent the rest of his days living a generic "good Christian life", instead this book faces head-on the fact that the main character is STILL a sociopath. With the A.I. now an ever present voice in his head, every decision is a discussion about the most efficient vs. moral vs. badass way to handle each situation. The very unique story of someone incapable of feeling guilt, still coming to the conclusion that living by his own rules is not the way he wants to live, and the events that cause him to constantly reconsider if the moral decisions are worth the effort, make this a far deeper book than it first appears. The universe feels like something out of a Sega Genesis era RPG in that the spaceships and technology create a setting, but are not a part of the story itself. This may not be a fair analysis as I read this just after reading Heretics of Dune, that said I think it fulfilled its purpose, because the value in the story, to me, was Rico trying to figure out how to interact morally with others despite lacking the emotional drive to please them.
July 1, 2020
So far this is one of my favorite books by Frank Fleming. This and the first Superego. Originally I was offput by the cover of the first book. I know the old adage that says, "Don't judge a book by its cover". That saying holds no water for me. I have read books that I loved that had terrible covers. I have also read books because of the cover and they have been garbage. So maybe the adage is true both ways. Anyway, this book is really good and if there is a Superego 3 I will definitely be reading it.
November 29, 2020
So Very Disappointing
Following the first book in this Superego series, I thought this would be good. But, I was sadly let down. The plot was plodding and slow. There were glimpses of vitality and intrigue, but they flew past too quickly. I kept slogging on hoping that the conclusion would be worth the effort. It wasn't. In fact it was a super letdown that simply set up a potential sequel. Which, if one is written, I will definitely NOT READ!!!
Following the first book in this Superego series, I thought this would be good. But, I was sadly let down. The plot was plodding and slow. There were glimpses of vitality and intrigue, but they flew past too quickly. I kept slogging on hoping that the conclusion would be worth the effort. It wasn't. In fact it was a super letdown that simply set up a potential sequel. Which, if one is written, I will definitely NOT READ!!!
May 28, 2020
Very well done. Thoroughly enjoyable read. Hope there is a third book. The hero is so different and the plot is definitely appropriate in this political climate. Religious overtones are less of a topic in this second book. Five stars. Different, interesting and certainly thrilling.
November 16, 2020
I’m usually not into stories narrated by sociopaths: after reading the first “Dexter” novel, I had no desire to continue. This is different. The protagonist is completely believable, and heroic despite his cynicism. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
August 10, 2024
Hard to put down
Fascinating psychological thriller with fast paced action. Hero/anti-hero? The author forces you to challenge the limits of your tolerance for this flawed being. The only thing that is certain is the desire to consume the next installment.
Fascinating psychological thriller with fast paced action. Hero/anti-hero? The author forces you to challenge the limits of your tolerance for this flawed being. The only thing that is certain is the desire to consume the next installment.
July 24, 2025
I am cleaning my kindle on holiday. I had this 29% read as book 2 and just realised it was majorly stressing me that it kept appearing in my not finished list.
I liked book 1 and just didn't want to continue
I liked book 1 and just didn't want to continue
June 1, 2020
Great follow-up to the first book
Lots of good twists and turns done with a weird sense of humor only found in Frank Fleming's books. Can't wait for the next installment!
Lots of good twists and turns done with a weird sense of humor only found in Frank Fleming's books. Can't wait for the next installment!
July 5, 2020
Again very good
A lot of action, even more plot twists and surprises, and a promise if even more to come. Excellent follow up.
A lot of action, even more plot twists and surprises, and a promise if even more to come. Excellent follow up.
October 15, 2020
Another winner from Fleming. I like this character. This book wasn't as funny as the first, but a couple times I did bust out laughing. Eager for another book.
Same great narration.
Same great narration.
October 27, 2020
Fantastic sequel. Left me wanting more!
November 17, 2020
3.5 stars.
Intergalactic psychopathic assassin is given a second chance at life - attempts at heroism thwarted by family drama.
Intergalactic psychopathic assassin is given a second chance at life - attempts at heroism thwarted by family drama.
February 21, 2024
I didn't like this one quite as well as the first, but I'm still interested to see where the story goes.
June 20, 2020
Fathom is the second book in a science fiction series, and without giving up anything about the plot you will find that the hero is... unique. But in a good way! Frank Fleming's always had a good turn of phrase about him; I was glad to see that he's pursuing a fiction career, and I was glad to finally get a sequel to Superego. Check it out!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews