Simon: Superhero In Training

Not Your Average Chronicles #2

by Lucas W. Mayberry

He's back. He's bitter. And he's better than before. Helped by the enigmatic Arthur, Simon has escaped torture, but the Green Hood's underlings are hot on his heels. He believes they are safe for now - or so they thought.

Regrouping on a secluded Scottish island with his wife and friend, Simon and the others train for a fight they know will be bigger than they've ever faced.

Still confused by his new superhero abilities, Simon tests his wits and strength to uncover the full extent of his heroic powers.

When he discovers the true identity of the Green Hood, the ensuing chaos drags them back into the fray.

Cue the intense, epic battle between Simon and the Green Hood.

In this powerful follow-up to Simon: Not Your Average Superhero, Lucas W Mayberry delivers once again the valiant superhero origin story.

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2022

Reviews

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superheroes, Sequel and Backstories

Simon's story continues where the previous story left off. He is with his wife Vasia and in the secret island which is cloaked from normal humans. There they practice well and Vasia is very good at sword fighting. The story then explains how Simon got there after his ordeals at the underground chamber and how he 'survived' it. While escaping Simon thinks that is the last he has seen of Sean and genuinely hopes so.

Meanwile in the normal world, a month has passed and people in London are reminiscing the explosion which occured a month back and another huge attack between the very parties in the march ensues. Luckily, Simon is able to stop that.

Haider and others are considering setting up 'SUPER' because now it becomes more and more obvious that there are many superpowered beings in the world and there is someone who is using the powers of the super-powered individuals and the identity of the Green Hood remains a mystery.

Then the backstoies of Eraaf and Author come out and the story goes back in time to the times of King Arthor and Morgana!

Whether Simon would be abe to understand the new problems that are caused because the Green Hood forms the rest of the story.

It was fun to read about the super-powered individuals, expecially their banter. Weaving the events of the past and bringing them to the present day was also a cool touch. Overall, a nice fun, adventurous read.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a dull moment!

After 6 months of training on a small Scottish island, Simon and Vasia felt ready to face his old enemy, The Green Hood, to iliminate her once and for all. However, events soon had him returning to the island far quicker than expected.
A great sequel that did not disappoint. Following Simon on his quest takes you on a roller-coaster journey to the moon and back, literally, encountering epic battles of superpowers clashing for supremacy. Great storyline and well defined characters. Love the unveiling of Arthur's identity, his connection with The Green Hood and the final outcome for Sean! Great read, thoroughly enjoyed, looking forward to the 3rd!

[Johnny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book two

It actually gets worse!
The super heroes are not very good ones.
Nobody goes back to rescue the other super powered people till the MC does on accident, this causes all but one to die.
Nobody goes back to the lair hidden under the Mall either.
The cops just happen to be bumbling idiots.
Sean shot the MC twice in book one and nobody reacts even though it happened in a heavily guarded airport.
The cops then admit to it in an interrogation and again nothing happened.
Why didn't they find the lair when searching the Mall for the MC and his friends?
You have an officer open fire at a rally for no real reason. Sets off a giant brawl.
The cops are hunting the MC and again it's without good reason.
You have another cop just shoot a civilian, granted his original target moved out of the way.
But how did a bullet aimed at her head hit the lady behind her in the chest? Was she a midget?
Don't say that the victim was hit due to bullet drop. She would have had to be quiet some distance behind the original target for that to happen. In which case the officer should have been able to see her and held his fire.

Now the main female bad guy has time travel powers? She doesn't even use them very well.
I'm going to read book three just to get it out of my read next section.

3/10

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent sequel!
I read Not Your Average Superhero a while back and I just had to read this one.
Simon's superpowers are natural and raw. He needs to learn the art of combat fighting in order to hone his skills, and Arthur is the man to do it. So, along with his wife, Vasia, and his best friend, Zeke, they are taken to a remote Scottish island to begin his training. They spend six months there and eventually return to do battle with, as it turns out, age old enemies.
One of my favourite moments was when Zeke and Simon test Simon's distance and speed. They reminded me of two little boys, competing to see who could throw stones the farthest. I loved their undying friendship, which was so evident in these scenes.
But my favourite part was when Arthur told his story. I sort of though he was who I suspected he was, but I wasn't sure. But I was correct and his story was brilliant.
In essence, this book is more that the story of how Simon learns how to be a superhero, it is also a very good origin story.
Roll on part three.

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The typical comic book made novel

I consider myself a comic book reader, I own tons, I love them and I buy them every month. But I never read a super-hero story out of the typical panels of a comic book. This is exactly what you will have in this book but put in words instead of color drawings. And I loved it.

What is this book all about? Imagine that you have super powers (in the level that you can even travel through space to Mars) but you do not control them entirely or you do not know how to juice them properly. All that mixed with an evil bad boss that wants to kill you. You will have to train hard to fully understand and wring them out.
How does the author achieve his plan? With a great bunch of humour mixed with some (light to the reader) sex scenes.

You a comic book reader? You will find this book entertaining and worth of reading!

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing.
After enjoying book 1 very much I was looking forward to book 2.
I don't often give up on a book but sadly I'd had enough when I got to chapter 16 of this one. Too much emphasis on martial arts, fighting and raunchy sex just put me off listening to any more. Sorry! Steve Field's narration is the only thing I can't knock as his enthusiasm for the narrative was second to none.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and it continues where book one ends. However, this time, it is written in the more traditional third person, which I preferred. After six months of training on a Scottish island, Vasia and Simon are ready to face The Green Hood, an old enemy. The book has a range of well-thought-out characters and is full of action as Simon has to defeat a host of supervillains. It is an entertaining book to be enjoyed.

[Peter Okonkwo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quest for power and authority

“He was on my table. I opened up his chest and took out his heart. Now, he’s walked out and I’m just standing here?” An excerpt from page 23.

Following on from the interesting features of Simon in the first book series, SIMON: Not Your Average Superhero, it was quite amazing to see this mystifying story developed further. The event succeeding the ascending of Simon to the sky was quite dynamic as it was covered on the news, he had saved thousands of people from the bomb that Morgana intends to plant on the field. Simon after saving multitudes realized that he is gradually losing his powers, he was helped by Arthur, but then, in something that looked like a vision, they could see how Simon’s body was being disintegrated, and some experiments were conducted on him. Luckily, he escaped with the help of Arthur.

This was followed by another attack by Morgana where Simon fought her and she managed to slit the neck of officer Haider who was instantly rushed to the hospital. Then Zack, Simon, and Vasia took to their heels when they realized that the police were after them. I love the funny scene where Simon turned to a woman while the officer came in, they were disappointed and asked him if he saw two men and a woman run past. This part among many other sections of the book reads quite scenically.

The police weren’t going to let them be. The Green Hood is the antagonist that the cop needs to deal with, but then, they were incompetently after Simon, his wife, and innocent Zack. When they wouldn’t leave their house in the name of investigation and arresting them, Simon resort to another location and that was how they came to stay at Arthurs’s house.
Their stay at Arthur’s abode was full of impressive features, they had several months of training. Simon told Arthur about the Green Hood who was later recognized as Arthur’s younger sister, this was followed by scenarios of the story and history of Arthur explaining how Morgana connived with Unwin to kill his father. This storyline was so intriguing and captivating, yet sorrowful.

It was great to know about how Unwin got his power from Eraaf and how he is using it horrendously and was even on a mission to eliminate every superhero on Earth just so he can attain the position of power and rule the entire world, but then, for him to do that, he need to kill Eraaf, the Xuholo man, and have other superheroes like him dead. This was the main line of the battle and why Morgana whom Unwin had promised a position was interested in his rulership. In my perception, I suggest that Unwin will disappoint Morgana, perhaps he was using her for his good. I for one am looking forward to seeing how this story is developed in the upcoming series.

The scenarios of the training at Arthur’s place were quite remarkable. Simon was trained and prepared for what was to come, and so was Vasia. Then came the quest to find Nayvie, a lad whom Simon had seen in his vision. Nayvie was in trouble and on the spot for Morgana and her beast, Unwin. This was followed by their transit to Venice. Another war broke up in the field and eventually led to a fist exchange between Simon and Morgana. Morgana disappeared and Simon found himself in their laboratory. A season of exchanging words led to the discovery of some great facts between both parties. Simon quickly stole Unwin's hard drive for Mark to wipe off later as it contains Unwin's data from years of research. He also helped Etienne from his semi-dead state.

I will resist giving much away, but then, the events in the second series of Simon are so captivating, wholesome, and intriguing. Lucas W. Mayberry’s writing style is so lively, brilliant, and enchanting. The characterization, plot twist, and storytelling techniques are so compelling. I for one am looking forward to seeing how this great story is continued. This particular series seems to be my most admirable. Wholesome and wonderfully written. I look forward to reading about the story of Eraaf whom Morgana injected with a syringe. Vasia, who was mistakenly shot by officer Haider when trying to take his revenge on Morgana, and Simon, who found himself in God knows where. This is a great read and I solely recommend it to lovers of science fiction, action thrillers, and literature at large.

[Katherine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon: Superhero in Training by Lucas W. Mayberry

A romp through superhero perfection and a must for any superhero fan who thinks they’ve seen it all.

As a character, Simon works because he’s so likeable. He’s an average kind of Joe. A young, married man living in a world that confuses him sometimes—until he isn’t average.

Following on from the last book in this sequel, we open on a remote Scottish island where the guys have fled to safety under Arthur's watchful guidance and brilliant coaching.

They undergo months of combat training beautifully described in a fabulous setting. At first, Vasia follows their moves in secret until she’s discovered and brought into the full-on sessions with her husband—while Zack watches the single-channel television and grumbles a lot.

The Green Hood and her evil intentions are never far away. And, of course, after a quick trip to Mars, via the moon, we are off on a bookful of missions and rescues.

They have a lab where they are doing unimaginable things to the supers. Our guys have so much to do and so little time. We travel through space to beautiful Venice and end up in a vast football stadium for the thrilling climax.

The characters are real (apart from maybe Sean by the end of the book—god knows what he is!). Zack brings a lovely light tone to everything. While Simon and Vasia are the perfect wholesome couple, we’d all strive to be— though probably without the muscles, flying and other extras that humanity doesn’t yet provide.

This series is made for television. The novels run like episodes rather than sequels, with them picking up exactly where the last one left off. Perfect for a Netflix series, though some of the special effects might cost them a bit. A brilliant, fun, lighthearted read with goodies, baddies and some really cool abilities.

I love the vein of humour running through the book, and the pitch and pace are perfect. We even have some myth and magic from the history tomes cleverly interwoven into our modern-day plot as we dip backwards in time.

Suitable for anybody from teenage to terminus—this is everything you would expect from a book in the superhero genre and more.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon: Superhero in Training, by Lucas W. Mayberry, is Book 2 of a series, “Not Your Average Chronicles,” and I have not read the first book. I give this a 3.5 rounded up to a 4. This installment is not the conclusion of the series; rather, this one ends in a cliff-hanger. The tale begins with Simon practicing fighting techniques with his wife on an island. Then, in Chapter two, we are in a different time/place with Simon and his friend Arthur being pursued and shot at. Then they are both observing Simon’s dead body as it is being autopsied. But we are assured that Simon, as a superhero, can come back from the dead, at least in most circumstances. That is quite a fancy trick, even for a superhero! Does this action take place before or after the training sessions on the island? Numerous scene breaks and chapters in this book switch to different time frames and locations without headings or sub-headings to identify them, and I found that confusing.
Another avenue of confusion for me was the use of ambiguous pronouns as in this fight scene:
Simon kicked the second guy in the face in a similar fashion. He somersaulted backwards, and the back of his head hit the opposite wall.
Do the “He” and “his” both refer to the “second guy?” I cannot be certain. I would consider a somersault to be something one would do on purpose since one has to curve their body in a precise way, not after being kicked in the face, which would usually make you fall and land on your back.
On the positive side, this tale is evidence of a fertile imagination on the part of the author. I think the strongest area of the book might be the fight training scenes, which are coherent and informative. There is an overall irreverent tone to the story that may seem out of place in a tale that goes to grim extremes, such as the autopsy scene or the graphic descriptions of death from an explosive. There are also somewhat explicit sex scenes between Simon and his wife. This is, if nothing else, an unusual story-a singular mix of adventure, fantasy, science fiction, and alternative history featuring an unlikely hero.

[Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Read

I recently read "Simon: Superhero In Training" by Lucas W. Mayberry, and I thoroughly enjoyed this action-filled sequel. I liked how the story evolves and picks up with Simon, who, despite escaping torture – and many hardships - with the help of the enigmatic (and weird) Arthur, finds himself still on the run. The secluded Scottish island setting was a fantastic choice, offering a mix of isolation and urgency that heightened the stakes.

One of the aspects I found good and engaging was Simon's journey to understanding and honing his new superhero abilities. His training sessions, especially with the katana sword – which I am a fan of, were described in vivid detail, making me imagine like I was right there with him. I appreciated the introduction of new characters like Vasia, Arthur, and Eraaf. These characters added depth and complexity to the story.

I also liked the reveal of the Green Hood's true identity; this was a thrilling twist that kept me on the edge (will not spoil). The ensuing chaos and the epic battle that follows were incredibly well-written, showcasing Mayberry's talent for balancing intense action with moments of introspection and growth for Simon.

I also enjoyed the way the book tackled contemporary issues, such as far-right blame for attacks, which added a layer of realism to the fantastical elements. The integration of modern and medieval elements, along with the references to pop culture and music, made the story feel fresh and relatable.

Overall, "Simon: Superhero In Training" is a compelling read that kept me hooked from start to finish. Mayberry has crafted a story that's not just about superhero action but also about personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of heroism. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment in the series.

[Karen J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s so much to like about this book. So much so, in fact, that I now want to read the first book in the series. I think it might have helped me understand some of the character, Simon’s issues and some of Mayberry’s references. The gaps in knowledge I encountered in the second Not Your Average Chronicles book were not so problematic that I couldn’t enjoy the story or infer the basics of what was happening and why in places. But I think I would have had a more well-rounded or fuller picture to work with. Having said that though, I liked this story a lot. I’m a superhero fan, myself, for starters. And the reluctant hero / spy / etc. trope is an especially beloved sub-category of fiction for me. Simon didn’t want to be a superhero. He isn’t used to his powers. He isn’t quite sure what to do with them or how sometimes. And he’s clearly not happy with having “greatness” thrust upon him. This wasn’t what he wanted out of life and he has many more questions than answers about what the heck happened to him, why, and what to do now. All perfectly reasonable concerns for someone who started the series (according to the description of the first book) as an out of work thirty-something who was in the wrong (or right) place at the wrong (or right) time. The story’s pacing and the development of the characters’ relationships went at a decent clip. Nothing went by so quickly I was left wondering what just happened, and although there were a few static scenes—or at least scenes that felt on the verge of static because so much explanation happened during what should have been faster-paced moments—the forward momentum of the narrative never halted to a standstill. It didn’t even come close to that. I really enjoyed the book as a whole. I definitely plan to pick up the first installment of Simon’s adventures before moving onto what happens next.

[P.J. Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this adult take on the superhero genre. It is dark in tone and gory. The plot is exciting and the book is fast paced. It starts with Simon training and then there is a long flashback to how he got there. Then there are visitors to the island and Simon and his companions learn a lot about Arthur and the antagonists which sets up the conclusion.

This book is filled with pop culture references which are entertaining. Some specific and mentioned through dialogue, some not so specific and require interpretation. The book is humorous too and I laughed out loud a few times. Especially Zack, Simon's slacker friend, who seems reminiscent of Ed in Shaun of the Dead, and the police who come up with a stupid acronym just because they want to name their special unit SUPER. I enjoyed the plot schemes of the antagonists too. The conclusion and cliffhanger were excellent.

I know Simon has just learned about his superpowers and is in training to see what he can do, but there was a scene where he, Vasia and Zach are being chased in Luton and in order to escape, he uses a superpower he hasn't used before. This came across as a bit of a deus ex machina and would have been better if this was setup previously. Another issue I had was around the 70% mark in Venice, where there seemed to be another deus ex machina. The characters do something that came across as contrived and a decision they wouldn't make in that situation. However, the behaviour they displayed did indeed pay off for them.

All in all though, this book is solidly plotted, the writing is great, the characters are likable. I loved the gore and the story was satisfying. I highly recommend Simon: Superhero in Training.

[Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love graphic novels, comics, Marvel movies and the like, then you are somewhere dead-center in the target market demographic for “Simon: Superhero In Training (Book Two in the “Not Your Average Chronicles”).

Lucas W. Mayberry has written this follow-up to his first novel, in which we were first introduced to Simon Emerson, a normal unemployed 30ish suburban guy who, after finding himself in a terrorist bombing on the subway in London, finds he has developed superhuman abilities.

Of course he needs to master his new skills, so in this second book we are treated to a lot of training sequences, skillfully rendered and well researched, especially regarding fencing. But it is in Simon’s practice battles with his sexy wife, Vasia, that things really scintillate.

Mayberry is an excellent writer, employing strong, clear declarative prose in the active voice, with no excess. He paints verbal pictures like a comic book, although in this comic one finds quite a lot of sex. Those scenes are racy but nothing overly salacious (good clean fun) and often are injected with some humor, as is often Mayberry’s penchant. In this case, Simon starts to have blackouts after climaxing and finds himself in the middle of phantasmagorical visions or hallucinations or something, with monsters and so forth. Strange, inexplicable scenes.

Mayberry's sense of humor also shows in how Simon is able to quickly regrow severed limbs, like a lizard on super steroids.

The story rolls right along with the tone a bit like an old Stan Lee comic, at times. Quite cheeky. Overall, for fans of the genre, Simon’s adventures will be a hit. Oh, and wait for the reveal on the enigmatic character, Arthur. Worth the price of admission.

[Eve Kheir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Amazing sequel to Simon: Not Your Average Superhero!

WOW, that was such an amazing read, what a book!

I literally couldn't put Simon: Superhero In Training down for one second! I was on the edge of my seat all the way from start to finish. Even though the first book Simon: Not Your Average Superhero was so entertaining and encouraging the reader to want more and more, this sequel is even more packed with action and keeps the reader getting carried away by the momentum of the fast-paced story line.

The story is so brilliant that it kept me entertained and engaged from those first pages until the very last. I really liked the detailed training methods that Arthur had provided Simon with, and as someone who had suffered from PTSD in the past, I appreciated the fact that the talented author had highlighted the importance of getting any mental health issues treated one way or another in order to gain one’s strength back.

Both Lucas W. Mayberry's books are so easy to pick up and get right into without any boring preamble on the way. They are such terrific reads that, with the incorporation of trips to space and mythology, take the reader away from my one’s own reality for a short while.

I love the protagonist Simon, his wife, and his friends. His life is not an easy going one though, and everything he becomes involved in is extremely believable and filled with action.

I highly recommend these Lucas W. Mayberry's books. They are very entertaining with lots of action, murder, passion, and humour too. I very much look forward to reading this author's next book!

[François G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simon's back, bitter but supposedly better. "Simon: Superhero In Training" brings us another round of heroic shenanigans.

The saga, now in its second installment, narrates Simon's continued struggle with newfound powers. While the supercharged action is present, the excessive verbosity in descriptions becomes a bit like using a firehose to water a daisy—a tad too much.

Mayberry masterfully juggles second-person narrative, a challenging feat, yet occasional shifts to third-person narratives in mid-chapter add a dash of confusion. The narrative richness, though, can be like having one too many toppings on your pizza, slowing down the pace unnecessarily.

The superpower-laden battles are vivid, but Simon's perpetual disadvantage against powered foes creates a sense of déjà vu. The novel dips into explicit scenes and strong language, so tread carefully if you're sensitive.

Unexpectedly, a pregnancy bombshell drops like a plot twist in a soap opera. However, some character reactions seem more scripted than genuine, making the emotional impact less potent.

In superhero territory, where predictability often reigns, Mayberry introduces a unique twist with time-travel elements. The cliffhanger featuring a colossal T-rex feels both thrilling and out of left field — a mixed bag of excitement and, "Wait, what?"

For action aficionados craving superhero escapades, this sequel serves a decent dish, despite the narrative hiccups. If you're not stickler for tight pacing or seamless narrative transitions, "Simon: Superhero In Training" could be your next action-packed read.

[Elle Sie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this pretty much straight after finishing the first as I found book 1 enjoyable. I was almost expecting more of the same second person narrative as in the first, but actually found myself pleasantly surprised that it was in third person focusing on Simon, a change which I liked as I had been wanting more of his thoughts in the first. At the start, the story began with Simon training with his wife Vasia, another plot point that I enjoyed which was a nice counterpoint to their hot and heavy romance in the first book. This book also dealt with contemporary issues such as racist blame for the Green Park station attack by far right groups, and I liked the inclusion of more serious issues which was also a counterpoint to the more lighthearted and at times humorous tone of the first book. Simon's training also took on a more rigorous nature in this book under his mentor, Arthur on a remote Scottish island, with katana sword fighting and other forms of martial arts included, which made for an interesting read and also helped build-up credibility of the threat from the villainous threat.

Like the first book there were references to pop culture, this time more through music, especially imagining a soundtrack accompanying Simon and Arthur's training. Some bits of the story reminded me of movies like Highlander, especially parts of Arthur's back story, and I liked how the story included Anglo Saxon and English mythology, as well as discussions about the ethnicity of biblical characters in terms of modern 'whitewashing' in movies. It was also diverse in terms of featuring an autistic boy, Mark, who helped Simon and his fellows, so I enjoyed how inclusive this instalment was.

Particularly in the latter half of this book, I thought the story got quite fantastical, both through Simon's superhero visions and the extent of his and other's skills in flying and hence travelling into the heavens and beyond. This was a refreshing change of pace from the first book which was much more grounded in real locations. The ending allowed room for the third in the series, while still wrapping the plot up and ending on a nice note for Simon and Vasia. An enjoyable read.

[Iain Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I’d been waiting for this book to appear would be a fair assessment. I really enjoyed the first in the series and Simon: Superhero in Training managed to be better than the first. It follows a more conventional third-person POV this time to tell the story of how Simon learns how to use his accidentally acquired superpowers. His wife, Vasia, aided and ably abetted by Arthur, are facing off against a group of supervillains led by Arthur’s former nemesis, though the main encounters Simon has initially are with “The Green Hood”. Before his training can begin, Simon has to escape the torture he undergoes, which Arthur helps him with employing an inventive way out. After that it’s training, something he and Vasia do together until they are ready. Along the way, we learn more about the supers and their enemies culminating in a battle scene worthy of Marvel. There must be another, given how this one ends (it’s another cliffhanger folks!) and I am now waiting for that one! Downsides? I now know more than I wanted to about a variety of martial skills and have an insider’s knowledge of Venice, both of which could have been curtailed. My other downside… why are the heroes always a bit dim (joke)? There are some lovely set pieces, a little spice, and a cracking story that flows well.

[Aaron Goodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Superhero In Training is an enjoyable sequel that takes the average superhero on his next step in his character arc as he seeks to do good by honing and developing his skills to stop the arch supervillain. It is a worthy sequel that is just as fun as the first.

I liked how this book is much darker than the first. Mayberry has gone straight from Philosopher's Stone (ish) to Deathly Hallows and skipped all the steps in between. There is plenty of violence in the action and a number of adult themes. It is also clear that this book draws a lot of inspiration from Marvel/DC in both theme and subject, and Simon shares some of my favourites traits as some of my favourite heroes.

Simon comes across as a believable character and it was great to see that he is still a novice despite his skills. He is sloppy on technique and needs training from his mentors to take on the challenges he will soon face. It was good to see he still relied on parts of his past life and was still consistent with the person we met in the first book. I also appreciate ditching the second person narrative although a section in the middle felt shoehorned in.

The ending shows that Mayberry can go anywhere with this story and I look forward to Simon's next episode.

[Alex Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, let’s get this out of the way up front: I’m not a fan of the cover. But I made myself set that aside and judge the story on its own merits.

In this sequel to Not Your Average Superhero, we follow Simon, his wife Vasia, and their friends as he gets to grips with his newfound 'superhero' powers. And while there’s definitely a whole lot of action, the book leans heavily into the training aspect, which is both its strength and its weakness. There are some genuinely fun passages as Simon hones his abilities, but the focus on training means the middle section dragged a little for me.

The dialogue can be a bit hit-and-miss, swinging between some great one liners and stilted. Likewise, the writing style veers from wonderfully cinematic to occasionally verbose. I couldn't help but think a firmer editorial hand might have brought more consistency and tightened the pacing. That said, there are some fun reveals along the way, and while it definitely helps to have read the first book, it’s not strictly necessary. New readers can still follow the action without feeling lost. All up, it’s a worthy follow-up to the first novel: ambitious, entertaining, and while occasionally uneven, still a solid continuation of Simon’s story.

[Ryan Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucas Mayberry has done it again—and then some. Simon: Superhero in Training takes everything that made the first book so good and cranks it up with sharper humor, bolder action, and a richer emotional core. Set on a rugged Scottish island, Simon’s struggle to control his newfound powers feels raw and real, blending superhero spectacle with deeply human moments. The camaraderie, the banter, and even the flashes of intimacy make these characters feel alive. Mayberry’s writing is cinematic—each fight scene and quiet exchange vivid enough to play out in your mind like a movie. Beneath the explosions and laughter runs a thread of heart: Simon learning who he truly is and what being a hero costs. It’s smart, funny, and unapologetically adult storytelling. Mayberry surpasses his debut with confidence, crafting a world that’s chaotic, dangerous, and completely addictive. I couldn’t put it down. While reading and visualizing the scenes I was reminded of the 1960s Batman shows starting Adam West, with a modern R rating upgrade to the action and intimacy of course. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and have already purchased Continuum - book three in the series. Well done Mr. Mayberry!

[Tracey Gerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing follow up!
A superhero in training is the second book in this series, which keeps you entertained throughout.
From intense training on a remote Scottish Island, a trip to Mars and missions to save lives, this story is explosive.
Simon’s escape from his torturers, with the help of Arthur is so outlandish, it makes for tv viewing. We are then whisked back to the Scottish Island (where the story began) to witness Simon put through some gruelling, intense training all the while he his learning to cope with PTSD brought on from the terrorist attack from the first book. Vasia his wife sits on the side lines watching and learning until she too is being taught by Arthur as Zack the good friend who was dragged along with them sits around moaning about the lack of wifi and tv.
The author has done an amazing job at creating a superhero, supervillains and a whole range of characters that are lovable, fun and believable. The storyline is very well thought out, with lots of action, humour and some sexy times. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bring on book 3!

[Gail McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Galvanizing Superhero Adventure Continues
This sequel hooked me from the start and didn’t let me go to the end. It took the superhero adventure up a notch from the first book. And the reader gains a more immersive connection with Simon, his wife Vasia and their colorful friends as Simon rises above the trauma of unbelievable torture. I enjoyed its Scottish island setting which served as a haven for Simon to hone his skills. And Vasia gets into the action as well. The author has done an amazing amount of research on this book in describing Simon’s martial arts training as well as the in-depth mathematics involved in Simon’s space travel. I also loved the galvanizing scenes in Venice and the UK. The Green Hood's true identity was a captivating surprise! The final battle was all-out exhilaration and vivid action that had my heart racing. The ending leaves you anxious to read the next installment. Don’t miss these superhero gems that keep you on the edge of your seat, coax a smile, and tug on your heartstrings.

[Hilly Barmby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like to read the book version of a superhero film or comic strip, this is for you. It starts off crazy and doesn’t let up. We follow Simon, his wife, Vasia, and his friends as he gets to grips with his newfound powers. He’s been taken to an island as now the police are hunting for them. I loved the quips and references to all the existing superhero/sci-fi films. We discover who Arthur really is and get his backstory, and this is where we learn who the Green Hood is. I won’t say as it will be a spoiler but the story coalesces wonderfully. We meet old friends from Book 1, and they all come together to fight a common enemy. But these are not your usual baddies as they also have superpowers. There are pitched battles galore, and we wonder how Simon and the others can possibly win against the 'bad' guys, especially considering the plans they have in store for world domination. Add to that, Simon has unsettling visions that he can’t work out… until we come to the end of the book and the final reveal. It’s not what you might think.
A rip-roaring saga.

[Jason Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Simon's epic adventures in "Simon: Not Your Average Superhero" he returns for more action as more powerful villains try to gain global power intent to destroy anyone in their wake. Simon is mentored by Arthur, who's been alive for 2,000 odd years, teaching him numerous fighting techniques, so that he can prevent the evil Unwin from gaining global domination.

Mayberry throws in more characters in this edition, whilst keeping some from the first book, and cranks up the action and drama a couple of notches. What you get is an action packed, suspenseful and quite emotional rollercoaster of a story, keeping you hooked as you turn the pages. I also love how Mayberry throws in many subtle and unsubtle pop culture references and many of the locations are real, truly demonstrating that Simon seems like the boy next door.

If you've read Simon: Not Your Average Superhero, then read this now.

[Tom Gormley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayberry's second book in the "Not Your Average Chronicles" series continues to follow Simon and his wife, with his mentor Author and sidekicks. Written like a comic book with words instead of pictures, it has plenty of fights (without the BAM!, POW! and SWOOSH!) and an occasional sex scene. There are a couple of villains with plenty of henchmen to battle and defeat.

Mayberry writing style does keep the story rolling along pretty well (except when he gets bogged down describing the different fencing stances and thrusts). Character development is decent and you can relate to the main characters even though their superpowers keep getting a bit beyond belief (flying back and forth to Mars within a hour?). He uses the King's English so spellings may be a bit different than Yankee style.

Overall, a fun summer read that stands by itself even if you don't get the first book in the series.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into superhero stuff, this book is a total rollercoaster! The story grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go till the end. Simon's growth from the first book adds a whole new layer to the action, making you root for him even more. I read both books, and man, book two was a blast! Mayberry really knows how to keep you guessing with all the twists and turns. You're constantly on edge, wondering what's coming next. What I loved most was how the action and Simon's character development blend seamlessly. It feels real, like you're right there discovering superpowers along with him. And that showdown between Simon and the Green Hood? Epic! Mayberry's writing sucks you in. You forget it's fiction; it's that immersive. You're right there with Simon, feeling every punch and triumph. For me this book is a must for superhero fans. It builds on book one so well, giving you a wild ride that's hard to put down.

[Joseph Minart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good entertaining read
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2023

It was a good entertaining read where we have Simon, our superhero in training, who has powers to enable him to do amazing feats. I liked the interactions between his lover, Vaisa, and Arthur training on an island. Simon is also involved with other places as the story ventures around the United Kingdom. I liked how the author was knowledgeable about the different names of actual combat styles presented by Simon, who still hasn't mastered his abilities. He even has other friends like Zack encounter him while he trains to become a better superhero. You see this through his short escapades into space to test out the limits of his powers and his confronting his vision of a prehistoric beast. The action scenes were good to make sure the readers' attention was held. It was written with light humor, which can make the reader enjoy it. It was a quick, entertaining read.

[Caroline Hurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like action-packed sci-fi thrillers, you'll love Simon Superhero in Training ‒ the explosive sequel to Simon: Not Your Average Superhero.
Simon saves thousands of lives from a bomb planted by Morgana but turns to Arthur for help as he realizes he's losing his powers. As they unravel Morgana's nefarious plans, a showdown puts Simon and his friends on the run from the police.
Expect a captivating tale of intense training on a remote Scottish island, self-discovery, shocking secrets, and thrilling action sequences as Simon and his comrades face epic battles against Morgana's minions and assorted supervillains.
Lucas W. Mayberry's immersive writing kept me engrossed into the early hours. Excellent character development and unique personalities add depth to the well-paced plot, while twists and turns kept me guessing until the cliffhanger ending. Tbc, obviously!

[Sally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon: Superhero in Training by Lucas W. Mayberry is Book 2 in the Not Your Average Chronicles. I read the first book in the series (Simon: Not Your Average Superhero) a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. This sequel is another fantastic read. It would be possible to go straight to this book without having read the first, but I would recommend that you read book 1 first, as you will get so much more from this sequel having read the first book in the series. Again, it is fast—paced and action packed. There is plenty of humour in there too and lots for fans of martial arts. Whilst some things are revealed, the book does again end on a cliffhanger, so I imagine that Book 3 is next on my reading list! A great super-hero, fantasy ready with lots of humour thrown in. I definitely recommend this book.