I really enjoyed this book. It's not your typical superhero novel, none of the characters are really "heroic" in any sense of the word, and in many ways the heroes are all smug a-holes and the villains are the real true "heroes" of the story. It's a fun little twist on "good vs. evil" that is unlike anything I have ever really read before.
Before you read Almost Infamous, you should be aware that is very similar in tone to the movie Sky High, or to the earlier books in the Harry Potter series. It's basically a bunch of kids who are thrown together in a weird situation, and they have to decide how they are going to work together and what their powers are going to be. Only it's not EXACTLY like Harry Potter because there is also a buttload of sex and profanity and graphic violence in the book. Although I should stress that I don't really say that as being a bad thing. I loved Matt Carter's sense of humor, and his clever way of messing with your expectations. He is really good at setting up a scene one way, and then having it spin off in a completely different dark direction that you won't see coming. I found myself laughing out loud at least five or six time when I was reading the book. And that's hard to do, because I don't laugh out loud all that often.
In any case, I would recommend this book for anyone who likes edgy, fun writing, and who does or doesn't like superhero stories. If you like superhero stories, great, you will love the Almost Infamous universe. If you don't like superhero stories, great, Matt tweaks them so much and he takes so many obvious potshots at superhero "trademarks" that you will love how much glee he has in taking them apart. So either way you will like the book. And if you like teenagers throwing around the f word and banging each other every five minutes in the midst of all this, so much the better. This is one of those books that takes pride in how delightfully naughty it is.
Oh yeah, and I can't end the review without pointing out how many subtle little movie references are in this book. I am a big movie buff, and I caught references to at least ten or eleven different movies throughout the course of Almost Infamous. Including the fate of one hero at the beginning of the book, which came right out of Galaxy Quest, and a great scene towards the end of the book which is right out of John Carpenter's "The Thing." And there were a couple of others which will bring a smile to your face if you know your sci fi or horror movies.
In any case, read this book. It is a lot of fun and I enjoyed it immensely. You will probably enjoy it too.
And long live Spongeman!
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
