Apex

by J.D. Oliva

Yesterday, she didn’t know superheroes existed. Today, she must unlock her hidden abilities to save the world. Nineteen-year-old Jennifer Greywolf is still grieving her mother’s death when she inherits her dad’s mysterious talisman. And when she learns the strange heirloom has mystical powers, she starts searching for clues to the secret life of the man she never knew. But when she accidentally triggers the return of a forgotten hero, her father’s legacy puts her in the sights of a superpowered killer. Attacked by her dad’s old enemy and captured by the US military, Jennifer must team up with the god-like sentinel to escape. But even with his help, if she can’t unleash her amulet’s buried magic, the world could fall to her father’s sinister foe. Can one young woman rise to defend the planet? APEX is the electrifying first book in The VisionQuest superhero series. If you like spectacular superpowers, explosive battles, and terrifying villains, then you’ll love J.D. Oliva’s epic tale. Buy APEX to blast evil into oblivion today!

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2020

About the author

Author, comic writer, filmmaker, podcaster, wrestler, J.D. Oliva has worn a lot of hats. His books include Hawk Hallow, Harvest Moon and the supernatural thriller series, The Books of Jericho. His comics, including Delgue, Red Sunrise and Shunned have won multiple awards. A co-host of the Superhero Speak podcast series, he's also writes about professional wrestling in his free time.

J.D. lives with his wife and son in DeKalb, Illinois where he runs the Video Infinity production company and coaches high school wrestling. He keeps himself pretty busy.

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Plenty of action to make this first book awesome. The characters and what happens is perfect for each other. Loved it.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this beginning book to a new series a little hard to get into at first, but once I did, I was pleasantly surprised how I just couldn't put it down. Jennifer Greywolf does not believe in anything supernatural/superhero until she inherits a talisman from her father which gets her into a mess. It was obvious though that the author wanted you to meet the characters and the generational history and the backstory. With Superhero and supernatural characters and their backstories through generations, you have to follow carefully since you are given different themes for each of the characters and they go back and forth in history, BUT the author does deftly weave them together in the end and you then want more! I received an ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Topsues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within a few days of losing a mother a young woman denied her mother’s last request, leading her into a whole new world of Spiritual awakening and the secret powers she unlocks is shocking. This is a lot to take on, she is forced to turn to the army for protection when attacked by a caged spirit in a monstrous body, what the hell!!! but she soon learns the good guys are not always the best to trust. This is a storyline that is split into the story of Jennifer Greywolf but also other characters from different timelines run alongside her own to acclimate in this final conclusion of book.1. She meets a Superhero? Or another lost soul? I believe readers will reach their own resolutions on this. I don’t like leaving spoilers so I haven’t gone into to much detailing about the plot. J.D.Oliva has this special creativity that I think can make what should be a obvious conclusion, but then actually weaves so many clever ways and different threads that actually each individual reader may stop and think actually maybe that obvious is not the conclusion I reach. . It’s really clever and I look forward to each and every one of these books in this series to be released, This author is a very clever and captivating writer, having the ability for realism for the characters emotions and whichever world is created for them. There is excitement & grief, betrayal and hope in Apex and so much more. Spoilers no, but recommendations for the individuality and the creativity of giving each reader the final decision to take from this, Absolutely 100%

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apex is a supernatural superhero series starter, and it's superb! Okay, that may be overly cheesy but it does tell you this is the first in a great new series that’s a mix of superhero characters and supernatural characters. (If there’s actually a difference!) It’s a really entertaining book full of interesting characters and compelling plots. There are several separate story arcs throughout the story that are each set in different times but are all linked. JD Oliva does a fantastic job with each of the arcs and gives each its own feel. Although this is part of a forthcoming series it’s a full novel with a full story and, thankfully, no open ended cliffhangers. My overriding feeling about the book is wanting more and what could be a better recommendation than that?

[Heather W · Rating 4 out of 5]

APEX is the first book in The VisionQuest superhero series and is a great start to this new series.

I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out the backstories of the various superheroes. Jennifer Greywolf is an intelligent teen who suddenly finds out that she could have powers from her father's amulet. This is an entertaining story that gives a terrific introduction to the VisionQuest world. There is danger, suspense, fantasy, magic, and intrigue.

I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.

[Janice Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story spans three generations of characters and delivers lots of action. It does chop the story into bits and bounces from character to character and back in forth in time. You will need to pay attention. It nicely sets up the superheroes and their back story, which is a bit complicated. The next in the series will probably be easier to read. I would have given this book 3.5 stars if I could.

[Mary T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not like
First impression: This is the weirdest story I have ever read. So far it makes no sense. I've read twelve chapters. I have now finished the book. Here is a quote from the main character: 'Jenn threw her hands into the air. "None of this makes sense!"' (found at location 3187) That is exactly how I feel. I received this book as an ARC from the author to review. I felt it wasted my time. I will not get the second book.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant start to this new series.
Love the well fleshed out characters and their journey.
The plot and story line were extremely well written and flowed easily.
Wonderful world building that enhances the story.
Recommend reading highly.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest voluntary review.

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with so many interesting characters. It moves back and forward in history and the story comes together just perfectly. This author has a great imagination and definitely holds your interest from the beginning until the end.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it a little hard at the start with the time jumps but once used to it the story became clear. So, after the first few chapters this became a page turner very hard to put down.
Highly recommended

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

JD Oliva never fails to deliver entertainment at its best. Super heroes and villains and nonstop action roll up into one amazing read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apex by JD Oliva (VisionQuest #1)While she is still grieving her mothers death she inherits a talisman that had belonged to her dad. When she learns the heirloom has mystical powers she searches for clues of her dads life during which she accidentally triggers the return of a forgotten hero. That combined with her newly discovered powers puts her in the sights of a super powered killer. Can she, along with the returned hero Apex succeed in defending the planet? I think J.D. Oliva did a great job. I enjoyed this book and think others will too. This book is available on Amazon