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Elite Hands of Justice #1
Phenomenal Girl 5
A new recruit to the Elite Hands of Justice, the world's premiere cadre of superheroes, Lainey Livingston, who possesses great strength and the ability to fly, falls in love with her trainer, a Reincarnist who cannot die, when they stumble upon a fiendish plot to take over Megolopolis. Original.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2008
5 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Menden
4 books32 followersIn her everyday life, A.J. Menden is a mild-mannered newspaper columnist and magazine editor who wanted to write books ever since she could read one. Her husband helped foster her love of superheroes and their house is now full of comic books and action-figures.
Here Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/ajmenden.
Here Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/ajmenden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 19, 2009
Lainey Livingston has a dream of working for the Elite Hands of Justice, which has the best group of superheroes in the world. Lainey is a superhero herself and goes by the name of Phenomenal Girl Five. She excels at flying, has great strength, and is intelligent as well. Even though she comes quite recommended, she is given a preliminary membership until she can prove herself with the group. For the time being, she will train with the Reincarnist. The Reincarnist is the smartest man on Earth because every time he dies, he comes back as a twenty year old man with some of his memories intact. The real downside is that when he's reborn, he's forgotten his friends and lovers.
When Lainey meets Robert Elliot, the Reincarnist, she thinks he is a jerk, even though a very handsome one. Robert doesn't seem too happy with having Lainey around since he prefers to work alone. He tends to be very critical of Lainey's costume and her abilities. But Lainey has wanted to be a part of the EHJ forever and won't give up, even if the Reincarnist thinks she is not up for the job. But then they go out patrolling, and Robert has a newfound respect for Lainey. Soon, their arguments no longer matter and they begin to work as partners. Lainey even admits to herself that she has a slight crush on Robert, while Robert continues to treat her as a co-worker.
A day in the life of a superhero is never restful, especially when the villains of Megolopolis have become more powerful and evil. When Lainey is almost killed and Robert saves her life, they admit their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, Robert has used up too much energy saving Lainey, and because of it, he will die shortly and be reincarnated. That means he will forget Lainey. When Robert is gone, Lainey feels as if her heart has been ripped out. When she meets Wesley Charles, the new Reincarnist, she is even more depressed, because Wesley doesn't seem to like her at all and treats her rudely.
Rainey knows she must get past her grief over losing Robert, and that means accepting Wesley. Wesley may seem to be the complete opposite of Robert, but he does seem to have some of the same traits that Robert had. As Lainey and Wesley get to know each other, there is a fierce enemy waiting to destroy the Reincarnist and rule the world. It will be up to the Elite Hands of Justice, Phenomenal Girl 5, and the Reincarnist to save the world.
Fans of superhero culture and myth will definitely get a kick out of PHENOMENAL GIRL 5. There is a lot of comic book action and a multitude of superhero characters that are bound to please. The dialogue is crisp, and the plot is very intriguing.
As for the romance, I felt it would have been better left out because of the issues I had with the Reincarnist. Some readers may not mind a hero like Robert, who, because he has lived so many lifetimes, has had many lovers, wives, and even children that he is not aware of. I found the chemistry between Robert and Lainey lacking. Robert is the older mentor and teacher to Lainey. Lainey having a crush on Robert was cute, but as their relationship ventures into love, especially on the part of Robert, that just did not ring true to me. I became a bit disgruntled, because as soon as they both acted on their love, Robert was conveniently killed off to make way for his new alter ego. It would seem that Wesley and Lainey would not get along at all, especially since Lainey can't get over the loss of Robert. But since we need a happily ever after for Lainey with the man of her dreams, A.J. Menden wrote it in a way that everything comes together perfectly for her. Not to mention how Lainey is fine with the Reincarnist's children walking around such as Doctor Rath, who runs the EHJ, and is the son of the Reincarnist from before Robert was "born."
PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 would have been better as a straight action novel without the love story. The best parts of the novel were when Lainey and Robert would work as a team against the Megolopolis villains or interacted with the other EHJ superheroes who all have very unique powers.
When all was said and done, PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 had some interesting scenes and will please some sci-fi fans, but as for the romance lovers, it may be lacking. The ending for Lainey was a bittersweet one because you know that the Reincarnist will continue to be reborn and fall in love long after Lainey leaves the Earth.
When Lainey meets Robert Elliot, the Reincarnist, she thinks he is a jerk, even though a very handsome one. Robert doesn't seem too happy with having Lainey around since he prefers to work alone. He tends to be very critical of Lainey's costume and her abilities. But Lainey has wanted to be a part of the EHJ forever and won't give up, even if the Reincarnist thinks she is not up for the job. But then they go out patrolling, and Robert has a newfound respect for Lainey. Soon, their arguments no longer matter and they begin to work as partners. Lainey even admits to herself that she has a slight crush on Robert, while Robert continues to treat her as a co-worker.
A day in the life of a superhero is never restful, especially when the villains of Megolopolis have become more powerful and evil. When Lainey is almost killed and Robert saves her life, they admit their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, Robert has used up too much energy saving Lainey, and because of it, he will die shortly and be reincarnated. That means he will forget Lainey. When Robert is gone, Lainey feels as if her heart has been ripped out. When she meets Wesley Charles, the new Reincarnist, she is even more depressed, because Wesley doesn't seem to like her at all and treats her rudely.
Rainey knows she must get past her grief over losing Robert, and that means accepting Wesley. Wesley may seem to be the complete opposite of Robert, but he does seem to have some of the same traits that Robert had. As Lainey and Wesley get to know each other, there is a fierce enemy waiting to destroy the Reincarnist and rule the world. It will be up to the Elite Hands of Justice, Phenomenal Girl 5, and the Reincarnist to save the world.
Fans of superhero culture and myth will definitely get a kick out of PHENOMENAL GIRL 5. There is a lot of comic book action and a multitude of superhero characters that are bound to please. The dialogue is crisp, and the plot is very intriguing.
As for the romance, I felt it would have been better left out because of the issues I had with the Reincarnist. Some readers may not mind a hero like Robert, who, because he has lived so many lifetimes, has had many lovers, wives, and even children that he is not aware of. I found the chemistry between Robert and Lainey lacking. Robert is the older mentor and teacher to Lainey. Lainey having a crush on Robert was cute, but as their relationship ventures into love, especially on the part of Robert, that just did not ring true to me. I became a bit disgruntled, because as soon as they both acted on their love, Robert was conveniently killed off to make way for his new alter ego. It would seem that Wesley and Lainey would not get along at all, especially since Lainey can't get over the loss of Robert. But since we need a happily ever after for Lainey with the man of her dreams, A.J. Menden wrote it in a way that everything comes together perfectly for her. Not to mention how Lainey is fine with the Reincarnist's children walking around such as Doctor Rath, who runs the EHJ, and is the son of the Reincarnist from before Robert was "born."
PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 would have been better as a straight action novel without the love story. The best parts of the novel were when Lainey and Robert would work as a team against the Megolopolis villains or interacted with the other EHJ superheroes who all have very unique powers.
When all was said and done, PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 had some interesting scenes and will please some sci-fi fans, but as for the romance lovers, it may be lacking. The ending for Lainey was a bittersweet one because you know that the Reincarnist will continue to be reborn and fall in love long after Lainey leaves the Earth.
February 4, 2010
Snarky characters, diabolical dialogue, intriguing premise.. and you got me reeled in. Thought it was great, and so different from other things I've read. The premise is that this is a world where there are superheroes and villians and alternate dimensions and magic. Phenomenal Girl 5 (Lainey) is just trying to find her place in the world and join in on EHJ. She has superstrength and can fly. She is teamed up with The Reincarnist (Robert) so that she can be trained for her new job. But of course, the villans never rest.
I liked how the characters made fun of eachother, and poked fun at the world of superheroes that they inhabit. My one issue, it seemed the ending was dragged out. When I thought it was going to end, it didn't and then became slow whereas the rest of the book was fast paced. Despite this, I still thought the book was great.
I liked how the characters made fun of eachother, and poked fun at the world of superheroes that they inhabit. My one issue, it seemed the ending was dragged out. When I thought it was going to end, it didn't and then became slow whereas the rest of the book was fast paced. Despite this, I still thought the book was great.
June 2, 2010
This is a new and different world. I wanted more action and emotional connection. There was more conversation than action.
STORY BRIEF:
Instead of Superman and Batman hiding their identities, this world has many super heroes seeking publicity, popularity and selling action figures. Lainey is strong and can fly. She has chosen the name Phenomenal Girl 5. The previous four didn’t work out or died. There are different groups of super heroes who fight villains. Lainey was previously part of the Power Squad and recently was hired to work for the Elite Hands of Justice (EHJ), the most elite of the groups - her dream job. Unfortunately she is the new hire whose job it is to do paperwork, correspondence, and buy coffee for others. She’d prefer fighting villains. There are frequent minor villains causing trouble which makes work for the heroes. There is also a major villain planning apocalyptic harm.
Robert works on and off with the EHJ. He has magic abilities including his own repeat reincarnations. He’s lived many lives. After each death he is reborn into the body of a 20 year old man. He retains his magic abilities and knowledge of spells but has no memory of people in his life. Lainey and Robert become attracted to each other.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The action was flat. A lot of time was spent in “conversations” rather than seeing events happen. There was a gossipy office politics feel to the book. The Reincarnist spent a lot of time “studying” what the main villain might be doing and how to stop him. As a reader I wanted to see more of the villain, what he was planning and doing. Maybe the reason we don’t see that is because the story is told in first person by Lainey. A major conflict between the couple was based on an “inaccurate assumption” and a lie. I didn’t connect emotionally with anyone. I didn’t feel anticipation during the story. It didn’t work for me, but I think urban fantasy and comic book fans might like it more than I did. There are some love scenes which are referred to, not shown, in case that’s important.
DATA:
Story length: 305 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual content: none. Setting: current or future time in Megolopolis. Copyright: 2008. Genre: paranormal romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Instead of Superman and Batman hiding their identities, this world has many super heroes seeking publicity, popularity and selling action figures. Lainey is strong and can fly. She has chosen the name Phenomenal Girl 5. The previous four didn’t work out or died. There are different groups of super heroes who fight villains. Lainey was previously part of the Power Squad and recently was hired to work for the Elite Hands of Justice (EHJ), the most elite of the groups - her dream job. Unfortunately she is the new hire whose job it is to do paperwork, correspondence, and buy coffee for others. She’d prefer fighting villains. There are frequent minor villains causing trouble which makes work for the heroes. There is also a major villain planning apocalyptic harm.
Robert works on and off with the EHJ. He has magic abilities including his own repeat reincarnations. He’s lived many lives. After each death he is reborn into the body of a 20 year old man. He retains his magic abilities and knowledge of spells but has no memory of people in his life. Lainey and Robert become attracted to each other.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The action was flat. A lot of time was spent in “conversations” rather than seeing events happen. There was a gossipy office politics feel to the book. The Reincarnist spent a lot of time “studying” what the main villain might be doing and how to stop him. As a reader I wanted to see more of the villain, what he was planning and doing. Maybe the reason we don’t see that is because the story is told in first person by Lainey. A major conflict between the couple was based on an “inaccurate assumption” and a lie. I didn’t connect emotionally with anyone. I didn’t feel anticipation during the story. It didn’t work for me, but I think urban fantasy and comic book fans might like it more than I did. There are some love scenes which are referred to, not shown, in case that’s important.
DATA:
Story length: 305 pages. Swearing language: mild, including religious swear words. Sexual content: none. Setting: current or future time in Megolopolis. Copyright: 2008. Genre: paranormal romance.
October 31, 2008
Phenomenal Girl 5 (SHOMI) by A. J. Menden
Mass Market Paperback Paranormal Romance – October 28, 2008
5 Stars
Once I started reading this book, I literally could not stop!
This book began with good, light-hearted fun and intriguing characters. And then it became so MUCH MORE! It has surprising depth and explores the characters personalities and emotions in a way that makes you love them.
Phenomenal Girl 5 moved me to tears and proves that good does triumph over evil. If you are looking for a book that thrills, has well developed characters and a fascinating plot that keeps you guessing, this is it!
Lainey Livingston has been driven by one goal – to be a superhero. Not just any superhero, a member of the exalted Elite Hands of Justice (EHJ); the premier super hero group in the world. In the beginning, Lainey is promoted from her old team to the EHJ. But before she starts active duty, she must mentor with the founder, The Reincarnist. He is the smartest, most powerful magician alive. Although Lainey tries, she cannot help feeling attracted to him. The Reincarnist has never met a remarkable woman like Lainey through all his past lives. The attraction between them is both touching AND heated!
I have been reading romance novels for a very long time and this book is one that grabbed my attention and never let it go! If I hadn’t finished it at 4am, I would have immediately re-read it! A. J. Menden must have spent a lot of time crafting a novel with such originality and eloquence. I admire her skill. Even though the plot takes surprising twists and turns, it was a deceptively smooth and easy read. This is a ‘phenomenal’ book! It already has a place in my “keeper” shelf. Phenomenal Girl 5 is a real hidden gem to be treasured again and again.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Mass Market Paperback Paranormal Romance – October 28, 2008
5 Stars
Once I started reading this book, I literally could not stop!
This book began with good, light-hearted fun and intriguing characters. And then it became so MUCH MORE! It has surprising depth and explores the characters personalities and emotions in a way that makes you love them.
Phenomenal Girl 5 moved me to tears and proves that good does triumph over evil. If you are looking for a book that thrills, has well developed characters and a fascinating plot that keeps you guessing, this is it!
Lainey Livingston has been driven by one goal – to be a superhero. Not just any superhero, a member of the exalted Elite Hands of Justice (EHJ); the premier super hero group in the world. In the beginning, Lainey is promoted from her old team to the EHJ. But before she starts active duty, she must mentor with the founder, The Reincarnist. He is the smartest, most powerful magician alive. Although Lainey tries, she cannot help feeling attracted to him. The Reincarnist has never met a remarkable woman like Lainey through all his past lives. The attraction between them is both touching AND heated!
I have been reading romance novels for a very long time and this book is one that grabbed my attention and never let it go! If I hadn’t finished it at 4am, I would have immediately re-read it! A. J. Menden must have spent a lot of time crafting a novel with such originality and eloquence. I admire her skill. Even though the plot takes surprising twists and turns, it was a deceptively smooth and easy read. This is a ‘phenomenal’ book! It already has a place in my “keeper” shelf. Phenomenal Girl 5 is a real hidden gem to be treasured again and again.
Reviewed by Steph from Bookaholics Romance Book Club
September 29, 2011
When I think of a SHOMI book I want romance and action and, more importantly, a connection. I loved DRIVEN by Eve Kenin aka Eve Silver and COUNTDOWN by Michelle Maddox. Then there were some SHOMI books that I would rate at the bottom of the barrel. PG5 was OK, not bad...just not great.
Lainey Livingston has a gift and she is going to be trained by the Reincarnist, Robert Elliot. You'll see some action though not as much as I expected. And yes, there is a romance, but I just did not feel the connection. I don't want to give away too much in case you plan to read this book.
If you enjoy anime or like comic book types of stories this book may be your style. I guess my biggest complaint is I bought TEKGRRL at the same time I bought PG5. TEKGRRL is the follow-up to PG5. Because I didn't think too highly of this story it kept me from reading the next one. Usually I give each book I have a chance but not with this author; I donated both books to the library.
Lainey Livingston has a gift and she is going to be trained by the Reincarnist, Robert Elliot. You'll see some action though not as much as I expected. And yes, there is a romance, but I just did not feel the connection. I don't want to give away too much in case you plan to read this book.
If you enjoy anime or like comic book types of stories this book may be your style. I guess my biggest complaint is I bought TEKGRRL at the same time I bought PG5. TEKGRRL is the follow-up to PG5. Because I didn't think too highly of this story it kept me from reading the next one. Usually I give each book I have a chance but not with this author; I donated both books to the library.
July 24, 2014
Phenomenal Girl 5 sort of reminds me of Noble Causes. If you are less of a comic book nerd than me, Noble Causes is a comic series from Image about a superhero family that's commonly described as 'a superhero soap opera'. Only Phenomenal Girl 5 was more of a superhero romance story in novel form. It had all a lot of elements from comics that I do like with lot's of great action scenes and SUPERPOWERS. But it took out a lot of my gripes with some actual well written characters that didn't take themselves too seriously. I totally loved it and would recommend it to anyone looking for something fun.
March 10, 2009
I was expecting this to be a fun little read, super heroes falling in love and saving the world, but it surprised me. It was fun, but it was an even better book than I expected. The romance between the two main characters truly moved me to tears, and I loved the world that Menden built, with superheroes who are also real people, with their own personalities, conflicts, loves, and their various reactions to fame.
July 27, 2017
Well written with good characters who, thankfully, were not stereotypical comic book superheroes. This book stayed pretty firmly in the middle of a superhero & romance story, and did not waiver too far to either side to turn off readers looking for either a superhero story or a romance story.
My only complaint was PG5's continually pining over her mentor/partner. The whole' "he loves me, he loves me not" thing got a little old even with the reasonable instances that it occurred.
While I already have the next book in the series, I was disappointed to see that book 3 is near impossible to get, and that book 4 was never published.
My only complaint was PG5's continually pining over her mentor/partner. The whole' "he loves me, he loves me not" thing got a little old even with the reasonable instances that it occurred.
While I already have the next book in the series, I was disappointed to see that book 3 is near impossible to get, and that book 4 was never published.
May 2, 2009
The Dragon's murder victims are stacking up in Megolopolis, and this is Elite Hands of Justice trainee Lainey Livingston's chance to break a major case, thus finally proving that she - Phenomenal Girl 5 - is a worthy enough superhero to join EHJ. The travel sickness from teleportation will pass, and the spells she's learning will add another weapon to her trade. But standing in Lainey's way from making the promotional leap is the reclusive Reincarnist, Robert Eliot, who's both training and tempting her. How can she investigate when he's hiding details of the crimes? Would working full-time for EHJ break her and Robert's budding relationship?
The first half of this book is exceptionally well done. Lainey's not perfect, though she is rather vain about her chest. Robert speaks without contractions, but Lainey calls him on it. A major spoiler puts emotions through the wringer, but as the characters' personal lives improve, they became somewhat...annoying. I was fine with Lainey until she started playing seductress. Then we meet more of the EHJ and learn that they're more celebrities than superheroes, doing more ad campaigns than investigation and heroics. This in itself is not a bad read, but it's frustrating when an apocalypse is nigh and no one seems to be working the case. Lainey recognises this, but then does the same thing and spends more time with her lover. I preferred the unrequited love to the out-in-the-open relationship - there's a stage in which most scenes end with fade-to-black shagging, and I had trouble refraining from yelling, "Get back to the freaking plot!" But this is a romance novel, not a thriller. I am not the target audience.
Maybe you can tell a lot about someone by their choice of coffee, but when Lainey goes around and collects everyone's order...that was kind of tedious. Okay, the over-the-top EHJ heroes have grandiose beverages, whilst the down-to-earth people stick with espresso - readers could've figured that out on our own. That scene could've been cut.
Then there's the multiple past, present and perhaps future relationships which they openly gossip about. Phenomenal Girl 5 works much better when it's serious, not light, but I'm very picky about humour ;-) Still, it's a new-to-me spin on superheroes, and Book 2 in the series - Tekgrrl - should go down a treat.
The first half of this book is exceptionally well done. Lainey's not perfect, though she is rather vain about her chest. Robert speaks without contractions, but Lainey calls him on it. A major spoiler puts emotions through the wringer, but as the characters' personal lives improve, they became somewhat...annoying. I was fine with Lainey until she started playing seductress. Then we meet more of the EHJ and learn that they're more celebrities than superheroes, doing more ad campaigns than investigation and heroics. This in itself is not a bad read, but it's frustrating when an apocalypse is nigh and no one seems to be working the case. Lainey recognises this, but then does the same thing and spends more time with her lover. I preferred the unrequited love to the out-in-the-open relationship - there's a stage in which most scenes end with fade-to-black shagging, and I had trouble refraining from yelling, "Get back to the freaking plot!" But this is a romance novel, not a thriller. I am not the target audience.
Maybe you can tell a lot about someone by their choice of coffee, but when Lainey goes around and collects everyone's order...that was kind of tedious. Okay, the over-the-top EHJ heroes have grandiose beverages, whilst the down-to-earth people stick with espresso - readers could've figured that out on our own. That scene could've been cut.
Then there's the multiple past, present and perhaps future relationships which they openly gossip about. Phenomenal Girl 5 works much better when it's serious, not light, but I'm very picky about humour ;-) Still, it's a new-to-me spin on superheroes, and Book 2 in the series - Tekgrrl - should go down a treat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2016
Who hasn't wanted to be a superhero at some point or another in their life? Popular culture is filled to its seams with the various caped crusaders of Justice. So that's why I was more then a little shocked to realize that PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 is the first romance I've read that deals even partially with the idea.
The world of PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 is our own, except super powers are just a routine thing. Menden doesn't keep everything happy-go-lucky sweet, however—sure, there are altruistic heroes who do it because they want to make the world safer, but for everyone of them there are five others who want the fame and notoriety. In fact, the 'Elite Hands of Justice' runs more like a modeling agency then a heroic station.
If you enjoyed comic books as a kid, you will no doubt be able to recognize who some of the characters are meant to resemble and emulate. I was shocked during Lainey's first time meeting the EHJ—these are superheroes? Saving the day and keeping us safe? I swore I was reading about the latest episode of some soap opera! And I liked that. I really enjoyed that Menden made it a purpose to show that even though they had powers and were these icons of Justice, they were people with all the same foibles the rest of us have.
As for the characters, I loved Lainey. She had the stereotypical 'blonde bombshell' (complete with black leather outfit) look, but insisted on using her brains and talents to get her where she wanted to go. She didn't want to be so floozy bimbo with powers and hooker costume—she was bound and determined to make a difference, no matter what.
As for Robert, aka 'The Reincarnist' (I love the fact the names are so hokey in this book), I had a very hard time not falling in love with him as well. Stubborn, tactless and at times downright infuriating, he didn't come off as anything but protective of Lainey. Overprotective even. I admit to being a little iffy about when he dies he comes back as a whole new person, not because I objected to that, but to what that means in terms of the relationships he forges.
According to Menden's website she is working on another EHJ romance and I, for one, am eager to see what fascinating new aspects of her world she draws out for us.
The world of PHENOMENAL GIRL 5 is our own, except super powers are just a routine thing. Menden doesn't keep everything happy-go-lucky sweet, however—sure, there are altruistic heroes who do it because they want to make the world safer, but for everyone of them there are five others who want the fame and notoriety. In fact, the 'Elite Hands of Justice' runs more like a modeling agency then a heroic station.
If you enjoyed comic books as a kid, you will no doubt be able to recognize who some of the characters are meant to resemble and emulate. I was shocked during Lainey's first time meeting the EHJ—these are superheroes? Saving the day and keeping us safe? I swore I was reading about the latest episode of some soap opera! And I liked that. I really enjoyed that Menden made it a purpose to show that even though they had powers and were these icons of Justice, they were people with all the same foibles the rest of us have.
As for the characters, I loved Lainey. She had the stereotypical 'blonde bombshell' (complete with black leather outfit) look, but insisted on using her brains and talents to get her where she wanted to go. She didn't want to be so floozy bimbo with powers and hooker costume—she was bound and determined to make a difference, no matter what.
As for Robert, aka 'The Reincarnist' (I love the fact the names are so hokey in this book), I had a very hard time not falling in love with him as well. Stubborn, tactless and at times downright infuriating, he didn't come off as anything but protective of Lainey. Overprotective even. I admit to being a little iffy about when he dies he comes back as a whole new person, not because I objected to that, but to what that means in terms of the relationships he forges.
According to Menden's website she is working on another EHJ romance and I, for one, am eager to see what fascinating new aspects of her world she draws out for us.
March 12, 2011
In a nutshell, I'd describe this book as a Superhero Romance. Lainey Livingston (aka Phenomenal Girl 5) has just been made a member of the Elite Hands of Justice, the world's topmost band of superheroes. It's a dream Lainey has been working for since she was a school girl. However, before becoming a full-fledge member, she must train for two years with The Reincarnist, Robert Elliot. Robert is a magician who, upon death, is instantly reincarnated as a 20 year old man who retains all previous magical knowledge - though not necessarily ALL knowledge. As Lainey & Robert grow closer, a new evil mastermind hatches the most nefarious plot the Elite Hands of Justice have ever seen.
Yes, it sounds hokey - a superhero romance. And yes, this book sat on my TBR shelf for three years. But, let me tell you what a mistake that was! This is a fantastically refreshing book! As a long-time paranormal romance reader, one sees mostly vampires & werewolves with the occasional magic-user type book. But this is the first true superhero book I've seen and it was awesome! I'm definitely picking up the second book in the series, Tekgrrl, (despite hating the LOL Cat style title) sometime very soon. You meet Tekgrrl in this book and I'm looking forward to reading her story in her own book. There's also a third book, Sorceress, Interrupted that features another very minor character in Phenomenal Girl 5.
Since this is an unusual book, the series I've read that is most like this one is Gena Showalter's "Extraordinary Girl" series. However, I think anyone who likes both romance and comic books (or movies based on comics) will like this book.
Yes, it sounds hokey - a superhero romance. And yes, this book sat on my TBR shelf for three years. But, let me tell you what a mistake that was! This is a fantastically refreshing book! As a long-time paranormal romance reader, one sees mostly vampires & werewolves with the occasional magic-user type book. But this is the first true superhero book I've seen and it was awesome! I'm definitely picking up the second book in the series, Tekgrrl, (despite hating the LOL Cat style title) sometime very soon. You meet Tekgrrl in this book and I'm looking forward to reading her story in her own book. There's also a third book, Sorceress, Interrupted that features another very minor character in Phenomenal Girl 5.
Since this is an unusual book, the series I've read that is most like this one is Gena Showalter's "Extraordinary Girl" series. However, I think anyone who likes both romance and comic books (or movies based on comics) will like this book.
October 28, 2014
I liked this but it was completely lacking in substance. I suspect I liked it so much because it was a light read and didn't require any thinking. I guess for me it was much like a much needed palette cleanser between heavier Urban Fantasy courses.
I did go in to this fully readying myself for the PNR angle but I still ended up surprised by how heavily it was ladled on. Honestly this could have been a straight up romance and it probably wouldn't have made much difference to the story. The super power thing made some narrative leaps easier to make, but on the whole they were rather superfluous. In fact I think Lainey used her powers twice in the entire book and they were either something she could have done by mundane means or which ended up being ineffectual even with the power boost. Also the superhero setting was barely used and for most of the book Lainey was relegated to sidekick status watching everyone else do stuff whilst she ran coffee orders and dealt with the mail.
I think I would have liked this novel better if it had landed more on the action-packed superhero side of things and delved in to what could have been complex relationship issues (not necessarily the romantic ones, but also the friendships/ rivalries within The Hands). Of course then it would probably end up edging away from PNR at an alarming speed and would have turned in to something quite different.
Overall I can't say this was a bad novel and if superhero flavoured PNR is your thing then you'll probably not have (m)any complaints, but for me this has definitely filled my light and fluffy quota for the month and I don't think I'll be terribly sad if I never reread it again.
I did go in to this fully readying myself for the PNR angle but I still ended up surprised by how heavily it was ladled on. Honestly this could have been a straight up romance and it probably wouldn't have made much difference to the story. The super power thing made some narrative leaps easier to make, but on the whole they were rather superfluous. In fact I think Lainey used her powers twice in the entire book and they were either something she could have done by mundane means or which ended up being ineffectual even with the power boost. Also the superhero setting was barely used and for most of the book Lainey was relegated to sidekick status watching everyone else do stuff whilst she ran coffee orders and dealt with the mail.
I think I would have liked this novel better if it had landed more on the action-packed superhero side of things and delved in to what could have been complex relationship issues (not necessarily the romantic ones, but also the friendships/ rivalries within The Hands). Of course then it would probably end up edging away from PNR at an alarming speed and would have turned in to something quite different.
Overall I can't say this was a bad novel and if superhero flavoured PNR is your thing then you'll probably not have (m)any complaints, but for me this has definitely filled my light and fluffy quota for the month and I don't think I'll be terribly sad if I never reread it again.
October 30, 2011
I had trouble with the beginning chapter of this book. I almost didn't make it to chapter two because the first few pages seemed too hokey for me. I was afraid the author was seting me up for a 1960's era superhero story - everything over the top and still perfectly tame for the kiddies. Then he heroine, Lainey, showed a little feminist rebellion that hinted the book might go in another direction, so I stuck with it. It was a bumpy read for me. There were a few more times when I groaned inwardly and considered putting the book down for good, but they turned around soon enough that I did finish the story. My verdict: pretty good - the romance aspect was especially good. (I don't mean good sex scenes - I mean a good romance story. I nearly cryed for Lainey once.) The author stayed true to comic conventions and also wove in a believeable love story. The weak part was where she didn't quite succeed in making the story believable in this contemporary world. It could have used a bit more Watchmen-esque cynicism or violence.
Premise: 1 of every 10,000 people are born with superpowers, a la Heros or X-Men. There are plenty of leagues of elite heros that fight the villians to project man, and Lainey has had her eye on the top prize- the Elite Hand of Justice - since puberty. She makes it in and is in training with the Reincarnist, whom she grows to like and eventually love. Only they both get caught up in the evil world-dooming plot of the Dragon.
Premise: 1 of every 10,000 people are born with superpowers, a la Heros or X-Men. There are plenty of leagues of elite heros that fight the villians to project man, and Lainey has had her eye on the top prize- the Elite Hand of Justice - since puberty. She makes it in and is in training with the Reincarnist, whom she grows to like and eventually love. Only they both get caught up in the evil world-dooming plot of the Dragon.
March 17, 2011
I had never heard of SHOMI books before reading this book, so I did not go into the book with any special expectations. The description was just interesting to me.
Readers going into this book should realize that it is primarily a light romance story between superheroes in a world where superheroes and villains are quite common. This book reads kind of like a Star Trek TNG episode plays in that there is some action here and there, but the real focus is on the relationships and situations between the characters. In the case of this book, the dialogue and relationship building is almost exclusively between the two main characters. Considering that I love TNG and its format, this book was not hard to like at all.
I found the characters to be quite interesting, and the Reincarnist gave the story a unique edge. The romance story was a cute one than managed to keep my interest until the end. There was just enough action in the right places for me.
Yes, the constant references to cleavage got annoying during the first half of the book, and, yes, I did figure out a couple of parts of the story on my own before the end of the book. Nevertheless, it was still a very enjoyable read. I snagged this read for free in the kindle store. I will probably pay to read Tekgrrl because I enjoyed this so much.
Readers going into this book should realize that it is primarily a light romance story between superheroes in a world where superheroes and villains are quite common. This book reads kind of like a Star Trek TNG episode plays in that there is some action here and there, but the real focus is on the relationships and situations between the characters. In the case of this book, the dialogue and relationship building is almost exclusively between the two main characters. Considering that I love TNG and its format, this book was not hard to like at all.
I found the characters to be quite interesting, and the Reincarnist gave the story a unique edge. The romance story was a cute one than managed to keep my interest until the end. There was just enough action in the right places for me.
Yes, the constant references to cleavage got annoying during the first half of the book, and, yes, I did figure out a couple of parts of the story on my own before the end of the book. Nevertheless, it was still a very enjoyable read. I snagged this read for free in the kindle store. I will probably pay to read Tekgrrl because I enjoyed this so much.
October 25, 2015
What an amazingly refreshing blend of mystery, romance and paranormal. Well written, cohesive, likeable and engaging characters. Phenomenal Girl 5 is a superhero in world that has superheroes and a regulated educational process and career path for people with extra talents and powers.
Phenomenal Girl 5 has super human strength and can fly. Her parents are both dead, and she was sent to a hero's school as a younger girl, never really fit in well at school, but always wanted to be a member of the Elite Hands of Justice so she kept applying and finally made it to the final interview call back. Having been accepted to the EHJ as a provisional member, she went into a two year training/mentoring program with the Reincarnist - a superhero who reincarnates immediately upon death (as an adult) and has the highest level of magic ability of all the magic users out there. The story unfolds as she begins her training program with the Reincarnist and a plot to destroy the world slowly becomes uncovered.
Phenomenal Girl 5 has super human strength and can fly. Her parents are both dead, and she was sent to a hero's school as a younger girl, never really fit in well at school, but always wanted to be a member of the Elite Hands of Justice so she kept applying and finally made it to the final interview call back. Having been accepted to the EHJ as a provisional member, she went into a two year training/mentoring program with the Reincarnist - a superhero who reincarnates immediately upon death (as an adult) and has the highest level of magic ability of all the magic users out there. The story unfolds as she begins her training program with the Reincarnist and a plot to destroy the world slowly becomes uncovered.
August 10, 2010
When I think of a SHOMI book I want romance and action and, more importantly, a connection. I loved DRIVEN by Eve Kenin aka Eve Silver and COUNTDOWN by Michelle Maddox. Then there were some SHOMI books that I would rate at the bottom of the barrel. PG5 was OK, not bad...just not great.
Lainey Livingston has a gift and she is going to be trained by the Reincarnist, Robert Elliot. You'll see some action though not as much as I expected. And yes, there is a romance, but I just did not feel the connection. I don't want to give away too much in case you plan to read this book.
If you enjoy anime or like comic book types of stories this book may be your style. I guess my biggest complaint is I bought 'Tekgrrl' at the same time I bought PG5. 'Tekgrrl' is the follow-up to PG5. Because I didn't think too highly of this story it kept me from reading the next one. Usually I give each book I have a chance but not with this author; I donated 'Tkkgrrl' to the library.
Lainey Livingston has a gift and she is going to be trained by the Reincarnist, Robert Elliot. You'll see some action though not as much as I expected. And yes, there is a romance, but I just did not feel the connection. I don't want to give away too much in case you plan to read this book.
If you enjoy anime or like comic book types of stories this book may be your style. I guess my biggest complaint is I bought 'Tekgrrl' at the same time I bought PG5. 'Tekgrrl' is the follow-up to PG5. Because I didn't think too highly of this story it kept me from reading the next one. Usually I give each book I have a chance but not with this author; I donated 'Tkkgrrl' to the library.
February 18, 2011
This was a free book that I recently got for my Kindle. I was between books and looking for something different to read and decided to give this one a try. This was a very entertaining book. It is definitely more PNR than Urban Fantasy. The focus of the book is more on the relationship between the two main characters, but it was well done. The main characters are all super heros and this was a different take on the urban fantasy premise but it was nice to read something different. At first I didn't think I would like the main character of Lainey but she quickly grew on me. She was an extremely likable character. I also really liked the Reincarnist and felt that he was a good love interest for Lainey. This was a fast read and I found that once I started it I just wanted to keep reading it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something light and entertaining to read. I plan to eventually read the next book in the series as well.
March 28, 2009
Strike one: This obviously wasn't written for my demographic.
Strike two: I am screamingly jealous of the author and can be a hyper-critical lit snob when confronted with someone more successful than myself in the publishing world.
So I assumed I'd have to trudge through this and say some obligatory nice things I didn't mean. Luckily, that wasn't the case at all. I got drawn into it immediately and just kept turning the pages. Sure, I was still hyper-critical. (Using "large" as an adjective twice in the same sentence?! Scoff!) But the narrator was lovably complex, the plot was engaging and it didn't contain any of the romance novel cliches I expected. A.J. obviously loves superheroes, gets how they work and isn't posing or trying to shoehorn in some popular fad of the moment to a story she'd rather be telling.
Congrats. Now bring on Tekgrrl!
Strike two: I am screamingly jealous of the author and can be a hyper-critical lit snob when confronted with someone more successful than myself in the publishing world.
So I assumed I'd have to trudge through this and say some obligatory nice things I didn't mean. Luckily, that wasn't the case at all. I got drawn into it immediately and just kept turning the pages. Sure, I was still hyper-critical. (Using "large" as an adjective twice in the same sentence?! Scoff!) But the narrator was lovably complex, the plot was engaging and it didn't contain any of the romance novel cliches I expected. A.J. obviously loves superheroes, gets how they work and isn't posing or trying to shoehorn in some popular fad of the moment to a story she'd rather be telling.
Congrats. Now bring on Tekgrrl!
August 26, 2013
Let me make one thing abundantly clear. This is a ROMANCE novel first and a superhero novel second. It wasn't really my thing. If they had been in the other order then maybe, but they weren't. It obviously doesn't know anything about how to write about magic. It just comes across sounding stupid. The characters are dull and cliche. The villainous plot is apocalypse (surprise). I did like a few of the twists with the Reincarnist at the end. My favorite character was Mindy who has one important scene in the book and maybe thirty extra lines. So that died.
I have to give it a two though because it got me hooked. Not with the stupid villain or with the magical aspect, but with the snarky comments and a few romantic scenes.
I have to give it a two though because it got me hooked. Not with the stupid villain or with the magical aspect, but with the snarky comments and a few romantic scenes.
August 9, 2017
This is a very good book! (Not that I expected anything less.) I love the way superheros are treated as a normal part of society, and how the different teams have different focuses.
The romance angle is nicely done as well, with scenes that are sensual instead of explicit, and a romance that seems real.
The villains as well have some depth to them, though we don't get to see much of them (first person POV) to find out the details of that depth.
Pick it up and read it! This is a great debut book, and I can't wait to see what AJ has in store for us next.
The romance angle is nicely done as well, with scenes that are sensual instead of explicit, and a romance that seems real.
The villains as well have some depth to them, though we don't get to see much of them (first person POV) to find out the details of that depth.
Pick it up and read it! This is a great debut book, and I can't wait to see what AJ has in store for us next.
January 5, 2009
Lainey Livingston has never really fit in. Orphaned as a child, she was placed in a foster home until her special powers earned her a place at The School. Being one of the youngest and kind of a nerd, she was picked on by the other kids...
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Phenomenal Girl 5 in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of Phenomenal Girl 5 in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
January 12, 2011
Short review: I picked this up when it was free for kindle. Well worth it for free :)
It is a good comicbook superhero/romance. Nothing earth shattering, but well written. I get frustrated with some of the clichéd romance story lines. But this book I really thought about how much truth some of the clichés have. This was an enjoyable take. Had some magic and action with the superheros. And the romance portions were PG13.
Full review on my blog at http://www.mrshields.com/phenomenal-g...
It is a good comicbook superhero/romance. Nothing earth shattering, but well written. I get frustrated with some of the clichéd romance story lines. But this book I really thought about how much truth some of the clichés have. This was an enjoyable take. Had some magic and action with the superheros. And the romance portions were PG13.
Full review on my blog at http://www.mrshields.com/phenomenal-g...
October 12, 2009
4.5*
I just finished reading Phenomenal Girl 5 by A. J. Menden, and it is the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time. It's a relatively short (300 pages), easy read. The pacing of the story is top-notch, the dialog believable, the characters well-drawn and interesting, and the world-building fun and fresh, even though it's not a totally original concept. The author mixed action with humor and romance and balanced it all extremely well.
I just finished reading Phenomenal Girl 5 by A. J. Menden, and it is the most fun I've had reading a book in a long time. It's a relatively short (300 pages), easy read. The pacing of the story is top-notch, the dialog believable, the characters well-drawn and interesting, and the world-building fun and fresh, even though it's not a totally original concept. The author mixed action with humor and romance and balanced it all extremely well.
March 24, 2011
I enjoyed this book a lot but it could have been better. Sure it's a superhero book and well-written but it was a lot more 'romancey' than I would have liked. It probably should have been categorized as "Urban Fantasy/Romance" instead of "Leisure Fiction" but meh, no big deal and not enough to give it less than 4 stars because it was very entertaining and gave a very new (to me) spin on the superhero community.
March 26, 2015
This is the first book I reread within a single library loan period. It starts simply enough, with a new addition to a superhero team being trained up, but then the twists hit back and forth and froth up the story into a frenzy. I admit I cried, really hard, around the middle of the book, which made my husband poke his head into the bedroom to make sure I was okay. Luckily, the book continues and gets better and better, and I was smiling by the end. An excellent superhero/fantasy/romance mix.
December 28, 2013
This was one book that I could not put down. Although at times the main character became a little girly for her name, and her attitude, the majority of the time the author was constant on giving the characters book long personalities.
I do wish however that AJ expanded on characters more, there is so much more I want to know about Mindy, Luke, and Toby. I am interested in seeing what the other Elite Hands of Justice Books consist of.
I do wish however that AJ expanded on characters more, there is so much more I want to know about Mindy, Luke, and Toby. I am interested in seeing what the other Elite Hands of Justice Books consist of.
June 30, 2009
This one's for all the people pining for a Power Girl and Dr. Strange team-up (weird as that may be). And since this book's a superhero/romance hybrid, I kept waiting for the spandex-ripping superheroic sex. As expected, Karen Starr and Stephen Strange get it on, but all the biff-pow action takes place off screen. By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth, how disappointing!
January 15, 2011
Phenomenal Girl 5 was so much fun. I am a closet comic book collector and this book spoke to my inner nerd. It is also the best free Kindle book I have ever read. I loved Lainey! She is a kick butt heroine. Great Love Story + Adventure + Mystery To Solve = A Book That Sucks You In. This had it all and was hard to put down. I will definitely check out more books by A.J. Menden.
January 18, 2011
One of the best "sci fi" romance novels I've read. It had a surprisingly well thought out comic book plot world and the story was decent (for a romance novel). As a comic book geek I wished there was more detailing of the superpowers but I enjoyed how the Reincarnist powers were both plausible and interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 14, 2017Phenomenal Girl 5, aka Lainey Livingston, falls for her mentor, the Reincarnist, only to find herself battling villains seeking world domination, heroes more intent on publicity than saving the world and her lover’s death and rebirth! This book was funny and poignant at the same time, keeping me hoping for a happy ending.
- Lynn H -
- Lynn H -
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