Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Villains Return by M.K. Gibson Narrator: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: The Shadow Master #5
Published by Indie on October 05, 2023
Genres: Fantasy
Length: 11 hours, 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Apple
Following the events of VILLAINS DEFEAT, Jackson Blackwell—the minor god and former Shadow Master—is dead. His empire toppled, his entourage dispersed, and his stain upon the cosmic landscape wiped clean. And that is exactly what Jackson, the newly graduated Titan, wants Eris Pence and the gods of the multiverse to think.
After two years of secret training, Jackson is ready to begin his rampage, his mission of sweet revenge. The only things standing between him and his dark desires are a few pesky personality tests and a Titan named “Frank.”
VILLAINS RETURN is the fifth book in the award-winning Shadow Master series and something of a whirlwind tour of Jackson’s greatest hits. This action-packed dark comedy calls back to several beloved locations, ties up more than a few loose ends, and forces Jackson to see beyond his immediate goals. Growth, it seems, can come at any stage in a person’s life. Even a right prick like Jackson can become a better man—or villain.
I’m always ready to go back into the Shadowmaster world with Jackson Blackwell. He is just such a fun character. He always tells it like it is as he sees it. It’s been two years since the previous book (both in the book world and in real life). I was chomping at the bit to get back to this story. Jackson has been missing from his friends and family for all this time, while he learns his new titan powers. And a lot has changed since he last saw his minions.They are all scattered across several different multiverses.
This book has everything that we have come to expect from Jackson Blackwell. He is still very much a villain with a very snarky side. He also still only sees things from his own perspective, though he does come to see others through this book. I love seeing Jackson become more human, even as he becomes less human. He learns to not take his friends and family for granted. He even teaches his former boss about how vengeance can be very self destructive.
I would not start with this book, if you’ve never tried Shadowmaster. This is a series that is meant to be read from the beginning. I will say this story does pull in a lot from previous books, reminding Jackson where things once were. There is also a large number of pop culture references, a huge amount of humor, and internal monologue.
I’ve always loved how Jackson speaks directly to the listeners. I also love how Gibson changes things up for the audiobooks and adds some stuff specifically for us. I keep saying I’m going to try an ebook, just so I can see the differences, but it has yet to happen. The audiobooks are just too fun.
If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it. It always makes me laugh. And this came at a time when I could use one.
Narration:
Jeffery Kafer always does an amazing job when he narrates a book, but I have to say, I love when he performs the snarky ones best. I think he does such an amazing job bringing Jackson to life. I don’t think I could just read one of these books, I have to listen. And even if I did read, it would be with Kafer’s voice in my head.
There is also a blooper reel at the end of this audiobook. I think all snarky books should include them. I felt it made the jokes even better. I’ve often wondered how narrators would get through some of these scenes without laughing. The answer, several takes.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Jeffrey Kafer
An award-winning, Los Angeles audiobook narrator, Jeffrey Kafer has performed over 375 titles in all genres from indie authors to bestsellers.
About M.K. Gibson
Hi, I’m Mike Gibson (Gib or Gibby to my friends). I’m a father, husband, writer and a retired US Air Force MSgt with 20 years of service. Back in 1980, when I was 5, I saw the animated version of The Hobbit and was a geek from then on. All I have ever wanted to do was to write and tell stories.
And yes, those are some of my framed rejection letters from agents, agencies and publishing houses on the home screen. I keep them, take them out from time to time and remind myself that some people are idiots.
I live with my wife, son, 2 dogs and cat in Mt Airy, Maryland.
I love to read, play video games, exercise and watch movies. I’m a lover of all things geek and I’m a highly opinionated, socially/politically neutral person. I feel those who live and die by a brand, or party, are doomed to fail as human beings. I also mock those who refuse to let go of the Oxford comma.
In short, I’m an asshole. Yet, a lovable asshole. I hope.
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I started listening to audiobooks when a new book in a series was coming out and I wanted to get a refresher, but didn’t have time to read all the books (I think it was Anita Blake). I fell in love. I stayed with strictly re-reading books that I’d already read for a long time. I eventually tried an audiobook for something that I hadn’t read first and was hooked there too. Now, I listen to audio for both re-reads and first time. I have some series that I’ve given up reading and only listen. I try to get any many books/audiobooks from the library to help save on my budget. Books on CD and the newer digital downloads from the library really allow me to listen more. I then purchase my favorites (because who can wait in line for your favorite book??) and less mainstream books from Audible or some other online retailer.
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This is a new one for me, I haven’t read it but it does sound interesting. Thanks for the great review.
Crap, I’ve fallen way behind on this one – I think I’ve only read the first two? I’m glad they are holding up for you!
Oooooo! I’m curious now