Brighteyes

I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, but the cover jumped out at me and I was intrigued by the description. I am glad that I gave it a shot! I really enjoyed this book. It seems that it is tthe first in a series and I’m excited to see where the author takes it all.

One of the things I really liked was the world-building in the novel. While the book focuses on a smallish cast of main characters—Cameraman, Victoriana, Inferna, Brighteyes, Decibelle, The Knack, and Minder—there are so many additional heroes and villains mentioned that I could see many books being added to the series and I would welcome that! There is also an appendix in the book that lists out the characters, villains, and organizations, thus far. That was a nice touch. There are also comic book style panels scattered throughout, and although this book is most definitely a novel, It was a fun bit of comic book-style that added to the over-all experience.

Speaking of characters, I liked them right away and truly cared about what happened to them over the course of the book. Each character is well-crafted and unique. (Inferna may just be my favorite so far!)

This book has a really good balance between action scenes and quieter moments. There is a vein of humor running throughout, as well, but the book is by no means a comedy. (Example: One of the mentioned heroes is named General Principles which made me laugh out loud.)

What I didn't expect was that BRIGHTEYES would hit me on an emotional level, but it did and I am glad for it.

Also, romance is mentioned on the cover, it is not a romance story. Love is absolutely and integral part of the book, but it is only a component of the book’s overarching plot.

The book is billed as a memoir and it reads that way. I enjoyed the style and tone of Cameraman’s delivery. I never lost interest in the story being told and breezed through it.

To sum up, I found BRIGHTEYES to a refreshing read. With so many superhero movies and tv shows out there already, it was nice to read a novel that honored the spirit of the superhero genre while having fun with it, too. Definitely recommended and looking forward to book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Nosetouch Press for the opportunity to read in advance!

(NOTE: I read this as an epub and and the formatting was clean and professional.)

3.5* rounded up

This was a 'judge a book by its cover' pick as it immediately jumped out at me and I'm glad I picked it up.

In this book we follow Mitch 'the Cameraman' who has thrown himself into solo superhero work after experiencing a personal tragedy and who finds himself in the middle of a conspiracy that could completely upend his world after Brighteyes, a member of The Affiliates, starts murdering supervillains.

What we have here is essentially a narrative superhero memoir that could be a graphic novel which is filled with action, adventure and a personal touch that came as a surprise to me.

I found touches of Marvel, DC, Watchmen and The Boys scattered throughout this book and I think superhero fans will enjoy this refreshing take on this genre. It was a fun and engrossing tale that read quickly with bright and vivid world building and characters that were more fully fleshed out than you normally find in superhero stories (and for the female characters didn't fall on lazy and tired stereotypes).

If you want a superhero tale that feels modern and fresh then I think you won't go far wrong with this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a digital review copy of "Brighteyes" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Okay this was a complete cover decision to read but i am SO glad i did!! I loved the world building so much, and i genuinely can’t wait to see where the author goes with the story and the series!!

I loved the inclusion of the appendix, it helped so much with keeping track of names and who’s who, which i struggle so much with in fantasy/sci-fi books, so i was incredibly thankful to have that to turn to whenever i lost my way!!