The second book in author Justin Richman’s fantastic new Superhero series, Deathwish, is out now, and I think it’s even better than his first one. This is a narrative about a regular guy who has the superhuman power to heal even his most severe wounds instantaneously. It’s fast-paced, exciting, and entertaining. I really enjoyed Adam, the witty and sarcastic person, even his (sometimes) “Dad joke” banter.
Adam was dealt a terrible hand when the ability was discovered and has essentially been on his own his entire life. He is extroverted and prepared to take charge, upend the status quo, and bring about positive change. I adored how he sprang into action despite the fact that bullets were flying and he had no idea what he was doing or going into. I laughed out loud quite a bit and would have read this book cover to cover in one sitting if I hadn’t had to deal with real life.
Similar to the original Superhero novel by Richman, there are some excellent supporting and auxiliary characters. Adam’s excellent friend in the Mapleton PD, Shane Cranston, is a lovely guy who excels at his work and sincerely attempts to guide the lost Adam.
Chuck, Adam’s best friend and the only other person who is aware of his secret, can be said to share the same sentiments. I thought Adam and Kate Phillips had a nice fling, and I hope it leads to something for Adam. Liz McKenzie, an officer who enjoys picking locks, is one that would be intriguing to get to know more.
The connections between this and book one, The Silver Hood, were equally enjoyable to me. Typically, a series will keep its locale same, however in the second Superhero book, the location is actually a nearby city. Before Decker City became so crowded and crime-ridden that they had to set up a separate system, it was amusing to watch how the towns all used the same radio dispatcher.
Regarding the lack of communication and information sharing that can occur across agencies, it was largely accurate. I liked how the author prevented Shane and Adam from encroaching on Decker City’s territory without the DC PD first requesting help and the two later correctly anticipated consequences for going too far.
The story’s action is consistent, with thrilling, nearly frantic moments sometimes picking up the pace to “Eleven.” I was so astonished by a key plot twist that I really said it out loud. There is a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and there are still some eerie characters and objects lurking in the distance, indicating that the author has much more in store! And there’s an intriguing story about how Adam got his special healing power.
I suggest DEATHWISH to people who like spectacular superhero stories because of its engaging premise and never-ending thrill and action. (If sharing this book with a younger audience is something you’re thinking about, it does contain some death and destruction and drinking, but no drugs or “kissing scenes”).
About The Book
Adam has a strange side hustle—getting into organized street fights and, using his unique ability to quickly heal, he always wins. But, when he sees The Silver Hood in action, he decides to use his powers for the greater good.
Adam bounced from foster home to foster home, and each time his ability manifested, he was branded as a monster, an outcast. Drifting through life, with no direction, Adam’s world changes when he crosses paths with the hooded vigilante from Decker City.
Seizing the chance to reinvent himself as a hero, Adam looks to partner with the Mapleton police department. As the police aid Decker City with their investigations, Adam must try to conceal his abilities while working alongside Lieutenant Shane Cranston.
Uncovering something bigger, and more threatening than they ever imagined, the unlikely duo begin to realize that the threat to Decker City has found its way to their doorstep. As danger threatens those closest to Adam, can the man who doesn’t believe in himself stand in the way of an all-powerful criminal organization? Or will the would-be hero’s self-doubt lead him to falter when the city needs him most?
The Review
Deathwish
"Deathwish" is the second novel in author Justin Richman’s great new "Superhero" series, and I believe it is even better than his debut outing. It’s a fast-paced, exciting, and entertaining story about a regular guy with a superhuman ability to instantly heal even his most grievous wounds. Adam was dealt a tough hand when the ability was discovered and has really been on his own his whole life, and I really liked the clever and snarky guy, even his (at times) “Dad joke” dialogue. He’s an extrovert and ready to take action, shake things up, and make things work. I loved that he jumped into action even as bullets were flying, knowing absolutely nothing about what he was doing or heading into. I laughed out loud quite a bit and would have read this book cover to cover in one sitting if I hadn’t had to deal with real life.