What do you think?
Rate this book
Random Man: A Superhero Novel
Randy Regal, a clumsy teenager in his first year at The Academy of Super Police, can’t control his seventeen unruly superpowers. When a disastrous accident gets him kicked out of The Academy, he reluctantly turns to The Western Academy for Super Police - a rundown school buried in a secret canyon town with only 5 students, a handful of reluctant teachers, and a super villain who seems to want Randy dead. Can Randy stay alive, impress his crush, and pass superhero ethics all in one explosive school year? He’s not sure he can.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2020
35 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Costello (A. R. Maxwell
3 books18 followersAndrea Costello is a fantasy author with a passion for yearning romantasy, mythical creatures, and weaving folklore into her magical worlds. When she isn't writing, you'll find her reading, hiking, or teaching creative writing and voice at a local school.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 4, 2024
I’ll admit— I was putting off Reading “Random Man” knowing I wrote a similar book series to “The Heliotrope Diaries.” But I’m so glad I didn’t put it off forever out of fear.
Maxwell’s writing blew me out of the water with how good it was. I’m someone who gets attached to one character and barrels through a media with a singular hyper fixation. Somehow, Maxwell’s got me to like all of the main characters in some capacity. Krista Rose was a standout favorite, and Dom made me chuckle quite a few times. Program 38 has a Dom too (by total coincidence) but I found Random Man’s Dom to really shine in a similar role to my book’s Dom. A cheap, sorta shotty advisor/dean that cares mostly about funding but also his students was funny.
I won’t go in depth about the twists, mostly because the antagonist was kinda predictable? It wasn’t glaring enough to denote a star off it but it certainly didn’t surprise me. The second twist was what got me and it made perfect sense.
Character interactions are where Maxwell shines. From Emma and Randy’s academic rivalry turned enemies to lovers, and even Krista Rose’s and Judah’s relationship, she really nailed it. The students as a group worked well together (aside from Jason, but that’s the point) and I couldn’t put the book down as Randy’s time at WASP developed.
I would’ve liked to see more of Heliotrope and the surrounding areas fleshed out a little more, and I assume we will I’m Triple Bond.
My only complaint? There’s one scene where Santi and Randy talk about God that’s never really carried throughout the book again? I know Maxwell is a Christian Author and I have no problem with it. But the scene felt sorta forced in to make a point that God existed in a world of superheroes? I’d love to see Randy’s religious themes explored more if they are integral to his character. It’s this conversation with Santi that ultimately pushes him to. Realization he needs, but it’s not the God aspect that leverages it for him. The one scene pulls you out of the book. But it’s just one scene. Not a grave complaint.
Random Man is a fun, gripping, compelling read with an excellent understanding of character. The book is funny, the dialogue is witty, and Randy’s stream of consciousness narration is charming. Excellent job, Maxwell.
Maxwell’s writing blew me out of the water with how good it was. I’m someone who gets attached to one character and barrels through a media with a singular hyper fixation. Somehow, Maxwell’s got me to like all of the main characters in some capacity. Krista Rose was a standout favorite, and Dom made me chuckle quite a few times. Program 38 has a Dom too (by total coincidence) but I found Random Man’s Dom to really shine in a similar role to my book’s Dom. A cheap, sorta shotty advisor/dean that cares mostly about funding but also his students was funny.
I won’t go in depth about the twists, mostly because the antagonist was kinda predictable? It wasn’t glaring enough to denote a star off it but it certainly didn’t surprise me. The second twist was what got me and it made perfect sense.
Character interactions are where Maxwell shines. From Emma and Randy’s academic rivalry turned enemies to lovers, and even Krista Rose’s and Judah’s relationship, she really nailed it. The students as a group worked well together (aside from Jason, but that’s the point) and I couldn’t put the book down as Randy’s time at WASP developed.
I would’ve liked to see more of Heliotrope and the surrounding areas fleshed out a little more, and I assume we will I’m Triple Bond.
My only complaint? There’s one scene where Santi and Randy talk about God that’s never really carried throughout the book again? I know Maxwell is a Christian Author and I have no problem with it. But the scene felt sorta forced in to make a point that God existed in a world of superheroes? I’d love to see Randy’s religious themes explored more if they are integral to his character. It’s this conversation with Santi that ultimately pushes him to. Realization he needs, but it’s not the God aspect that leverages it for him. The one scene pulls you out of the book. But it’s just one scene. Not a grave complaint.
Random Man is a fun, gripping, compelling read with an excellent understanding of character. The book is funny, the dialogue is witty, and Randy’s stream of consciousness narration is charming. Excellent job, Maxwell.
November 13, 2024
Randy Regal is the most unlikely superhero ... perhaps ever. He gains a new superpower every year on his birthday but has never gained any control over those powers. Instead he has been berated and made to feel like a failure despite a lack of guidance that ends up starting him down the path to his destiny. Randy meets a few new friends along the way and I enjoyed each of his friends immensely. They each have their own baggage and still take on the world with as much optimism as possible.
Judah is probably my favorite secondary character. He is just this sweet Texas born man that always has a smile and a kind thing to say. Judah is always around to step in and help a friend, regardless of what mess they have gotten themselves into. He doesn't believe his abilities to read minds is that strong but he still works at it anyway. I truly enjoyed learning about his backstory as it rounded out his character so much.
I love the different powers in the book but also the different take on those powers that the author explores. She takes all of the normal powers that are shown in superhero movies, and some lessen known powers that are usually found in the comic books and turn them on their side. What if the trauma of the past affects how one can use the powers? What if person's power is also their biggest fear? What if the person's power is not their biggest interest? What if a person has all the powers but never learns how to control them?
This book explores all of those ideas as well as how a 17 year old male would handle that. If is a great coming of age story written in the guise of a superhero book. There is found family, obviously superpowers, a bit of comic relief, loss and heartache, and the exploration of friendship and love.
Pairs well with an old school drink that takes you back to your teenage angst days and snacks!
Judah is probably my favorite secondary character. He is just this sweet Texas born man that always has a smile and a kind thing to say. Judah is always around to step in and help a friend, regardless of what mess they have gotten themselves into. He doesn't believe his abilities to read minds is that strong but he still works at it anyway. I truly enjoyed learning about his backstory as it rounded out his character so much.
I love the different powers in the book but also the different take on those powers that the author explores. She takes all of the normal powers that are shown in superhero movies, and some lessen known powers that are usually found in the comic books and turn them on their side. What if the trauma of the past affects how one can use the powers? What if person's power is also their biggest fear? What if the person's power is not their biggest interest? What if a person has all the powers but never learns how to control them?
This book explores all of those ideas as well as how a 17 year old male would handle that. If is a great coming of age story written in the guise of a superhero book. There is found family, obviously superpowers, a bit of comic relief, loss and heartache, and the exploration of friendship and love.
Pairs well with an old school drink that takes you back to your teenage angst days and snacks!
May 8, 2025
A Rambunctious Adventure
There’s no limit to the mayhem that a group of superhero misfits can concoct. In Random Man, Randy Regal must learn to control his plethora of 17 superpowers. The problem is, his new school is poorly funded, surrounded by a war zone, and he just found out he’ll be attending with his biggest rival. Opportunities abound for action, injuries, and indigestion (is bad cooking a superpower?) as Randy navigates his new routine and learns what it means to have friends who’ve got your back.
The book uses a comical tone and cartoonish action sequences that take the edge off the more serious injuries and there are a few surprise powers that come to play in righting the wrongs and solving the mystery of the masked menace plaguing the school. It’s a fun story with a conclusive ending and includes themes of working together, finding family, and overcoming obstacles. There’s some lingering typos that might be distracting for the keen-eyed grammar guru, but otherwise readable and fast-paced!
There’s no limit to the mayhem that a group of superhero misfits can concoct. In Random Man, Randy Regal must learn to control his plethora of 17 superpowers. The problem is, his new school is poorly funded, surrounded by a war zone, and he just found out he’ll be attending with his biggest rival. Opportunities abound for action, injuries, and indigestion (is bad cooking a superpower?) as Randy navigates his new routine and learns what it means to have friends who’ve got your back.
The book uses a comical tone and cartoonish action sequences that take the edge off the more serious injuries and there are a few surprise powers that come to play in righting the wrongs and solving the mystery of the masked menace plaguing the school. It’s a fun story with a conclusive ending and includes themes of working together, finding family, and overcoming obstacles. There’s some lingering typos that might be distracting for the keen-eyed grammar guru, but otherwise readable and fast-paced!
January 6, 2025
The first book in The Heliotrope Diaries and I'm already obsessed!
The author wrote a YA superhero book that was hilarious in my opinion. It's silly for absolutely no reason and I couldn't put the book down.
Randy is a boy who have too many powers for his own good.
My guy doesn't know how to handle them until he's paired up with his brothers ex-gf, a girl who can fly but is scared of heights, who is now his rival for a spot in school. These two were chaotic and the banter between the two of them was absolutely everything for me. The slow-build between the two was innocent and adorable.
We also have some tension between family, an angle I wasn't expecting in this book. While most of it was light-hearted and exciting, the author created moments where one can feel similar to this super hero in training.
This for sure reads as a YA. There is no smut at all, so if that's not your cup of tea I would stay clear of the series - but you're missing out.
The author wrote a YA superhero book that was hilarious in my opinion. It's silly for absolutely no reason and I couldn't put the book down.
Randy is a boy who have too many powers for his own good.
My guy doesn't know how to handle them until he's paired up with his brothers ex-gf, a girl who can fly but is scared of heights, who is now his rival for a spot in school. These two were chaotic and the banter between the two of them was absolutely everything for me. The slow-build between the two was innocent and adorable.
We also have some tension between family, an angle I wasn't expecting in this book. While most of it was light-hearted and exciting, the author created moments where one can feel similar to this super hero in training.
This for sure reads as a YA. There is no smut at all, so if that's not your cup of tea I would stay clear of the series - but you're missing out.
July 27, 2024
Without spoilers:
As a lover of superhero movies and a bookworm, I was a little surprised when I realised that I had not read any superhero novels. Which is why I decided to give this book a shot. And I am so glad I did. This book had me giggling with my feet swinging. It has everything that you would want from a superhero book. Friends i.e. sidekick gang, banter, funny sounding supervillain name, all of it.
What was surprising was the way the main character’s lack of control over his powers was portrayed. In most media that I have consumed, that would have made him a villain, not a superhero.
Can’t wait for book 2.
My favourite quote (out of context)
“Oh, and by the way, why are there no women on this board? What is this? 1965?"
As a lover of superhero movies and a bookworm, I was a little surprised when I realised that I had not read any superhero novels. Which is why I decided to give this book a shot. And I am so glad I did. This book had me giggling with my feet swinging. It has everything that you would want from a superhero book. Friends i.e. sidekick gang, banter, funny sounding supervillain name, all of it.
What was surprising was the way the main character’s lack of control over his powers was portrayed. In most media that I have consumed, that would have made him a villain, not a superhero.
Can’t wait for book 2.
My favourite quote (out of context)
“Oh, and by the way, why are there no women on this board? What is this? 1965?"
May 25, 2022
Untrained power and it's clumsiest
This story reminds me of the fun we had with Wands of wonder, you just don't know what will happen. The world is a bit bizarre and unlikely, but people looking for a different type of YA super hero novel will probably enjoy this story. Overall, some predictability with the unpredictable yet an entertaining story about a young man learning about his powers and himself.
This story reminds me of the fun we had with Wands of wonder, you just don't know what will happen. The world is a bit bizarre and unlikely, but people looking for a different type of YA super hero novel will probably enjoy this story. Overall, some predictability with the unpredictable yet an entertaining story about a young man learning about his powers and himself.
October 19, 2021
This is one of the worst things I have read in some time.
If it is meant to be funny, it has failed miserably. The characters are all pathetic, the story is cliche. The character actions are ridiculous, the climax is forced and unbelievable. This is a loose idea thrown in a poorly planned setting and filled with horrible characters.
If it is meant to be funny, it has failed miserably. The characters are all pathetic, the story is cliche. The character actions are ridiculous, the climax is forced and unbelievable. This is a loose idea thrown in a poorly planned setting and filled with horrible characters.
November 24, 2024
Random Man is a fantastic series starter, the author giving us a story that is such a thrill to read. It’s filled with adventure, intense moments, wonderful dialog and a group of characters that are fun to see where the action takes them. I am really enjoying reading the author’s works and can’t wait for the next one to release. These stories are easy to recommend.
June 15, 2021
Awful.
I hate to write something so negative, but it was awful. Just awful.
The plot was motivated mainly by the incredibly stupidity of the main character. No world building. Minimal sense of setting, plot, or character development.
I hate to write something so negative, but it was awful. Just awful.
The plot was motivated mainly by the incredibly stupidity of the main character. No world building. Minimal sense of setting, plot, or character development.
August 2, 2020
The book was exceptional I honestly didn't expect antagonist to be [ fill in name here] I was shocked.
April 8, 2022
Great story
I enjoyed the story very much. Great character development. I would love to read more. Keep up the good work!
I enjoyed the story very much. Great character development. I would love to read more. Keep up the good work!
August 4, 2024
We meet 17-year-old Randy, who gets a new super power every year on his birthday 🦸♂️ Unable to control his powers, Randy is expelled from The Academy and finds himself at a small, underfunded school, buried deep in the bottom of a secret canyon. To redeem himself, Randy must learn to control his powers and out-perform his rival. But that’s the least of his worries when he’s confronted by some dangerous enemies along the way 😳 This is a fast-paced read, with a quirky found family and cute high school crushes. Teenage me would've been obsessed with this 😊 I'm a fan of superhero movies so the concept of a new power every birthday was very interesting to me. There was humor, banter and a few moments I didn’t see coming. It was a fun YA superhero adventure!
Tropes:
✨️YA
🦸♂️Quirky
✨️Banter
🦸♂️Superhero coming-of-age
✨️Fast-paced
🦸♂️Found family
✨️Academic rivals-to-lovers
🦸♂️Protagonist learning to control his powers
Tropes:
✨️YA
🦸♂️Quirky
✨️Banter
🦸♂️Superhero coming-of-age
✨️Fast-paced
🦸♂️Found family
✨️Academic rivals-to-lovers
🦸♂️Protagonist learning to control his powers
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews