The Never Hero (Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs Book 1)

This was a great story with a wonderful concept. I did feel that Jonathan could perhaps be a bit more communicative with his friends. After all, no one should have to endure what he is dealing with alone. Great characters, solid plot, lots of fun to read.

I have been looking for the perfect new book series to fall into and I think I may have found it. I was pleasantly surprised at the pacing that the book takes, and does not happen in a montage of sorts. This isn't something superpoered 20 something who falls naturally into a role, but someone who gets an ability that he has to work his ass off at making better, making himself better.
I was originally looking for a book to help me span the time between Jim Butcher books and the like but I think I've found a new author that comfortably sits at their level. Look forward to seeing more from T Ellery Hodges

Great read! It had a refreshingly unique plot, relatable cast, and finished very strong leaving plenty open for the sequels.
-im normally a fantasy reader and i mix SciFi in occasionally and I found this book to be a nice change of pace. There is nothing "standard" about the story. I was impressed with the originality of the plot and a hero dilemma I've never come across.
-Its written in a way that makes the main cbaracter and his supporting cast mush more real and relatable than your average novel. I waa more immersed in the story than in my normal reading experiance.
- Unlike many series this debute finshed very strong. It teased on some of the theories and predictions i was considering and had several great surprises i didnt see coming at all!

All in all,the book built very well and you will enjoy it if like the challenge of puzzling out what's in store for the next page!

Well written and thought thru. I enjoyed your book completely. It was exciting, thought provoking on many levels and on many topics. Thanks for your hard work and be assured I fully intend to read any more books you write.

This was pretty good. I find myself looking forward to the sequel. It was an interesting spin on and look at the hero novel and the people who read and write them. For my taste he focus was a bit to heavy on the hero's introspection and emotional battle . . . but not so much that I am not interested in how it turns out. I look forward to more writing from this author.

Excellent plot, well-drawn characters, and an 'unfolding' plot that keeps you thinking. The 'anti-hero' in the book is definitely a reflection of the ambivalent times we live in. I WILL read this author again.

Truly enjoyed the book;good character development good pacing and blessedly the fight scenes were not overly drawn out . I also appreciated that people asked questions when they should instead of letting obvious important information slide. Four is my highest rating now days. A five would change my view of life, mankind or give me deeper insight to God.

My reviews stink, but I gave this first novel of the series 5 stars because I really want to read the next one. Reluctant hero? Check. Conspiracies? Check. End of work threat? Check. Best part is you don't have to travel to a distant world to get it all, it's happening right here (if you live near Seattle Washington). Not as down trodden as Thomas Covenant, not as naive as Harry Potter. Check it out for yourself .

A thought provoking story, intriguing character development and plot, exciting action and all presented through well crafted writing and editing. In the past I have been willing to settle for a good story and patiently wait for an author to develop his or hers skills. I now have a new standard.

Very cerebral for this genre, but well worth the effort. Lots of action, very complex ( ie, human) characters. All aspects of the writing very technically polished. Fun movie references, Satisfying ending, but with a good hook for the next book, which I will definitely read.

I listened to the Audible version. I do find two flaws that I hope will come out as forgotten tidbits in the first book. It seems the Non Hero has never heard of active armorments the human race had at the time of writing. If there was a reason they could not have been used, it was not explained. The second was funding. This guy won't be able to buy a lunch by chapter two of the next edition. Maybe its the writers plan to have a hero that exist only on food stamps. This end of the story needs to be tightened up.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but I am so glad I did. A complex "hero", engaging and self aware writing, and a delightfully twisted plot make for an overall fantastic read. I highly recommend this book.

Enjoyed this immensely. The hero is reluctant but loves his family & 'family' with a love that makes him selfless. The problems I have with this book - they preach over and over that there is no right or wrong but they fight to save life. If there is no right or wrong then why fight at all? What has value? And I have a problem with the alien race being described at never fighting within their tribe and then plotting to over throw their leader. Can't have it both ways. But it was so good as an over all story the title says it all. I truly want to read the next book in the series.

A fast paced thriller of a story - a fun read for sure, especially for anyone with ties to Seattle. The plot twists kept this reader engaged, and the protagonist was inspiring. Anyone who enjoys an action-packed science fiction novel will enjoy this story...there is romance, friendship, transformation, betrayal ... I will definitely be looking up the sequel.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. The character development was amazing, the writing style was fluid and easy to read, and the plot was just twisty enough to keep me on my toes. A great addition to any sci-fi or superhero fans collection.

What can I say. It's a terrible read. Flawed writing, terrible plot. If you love 80's montage movies but wished the entire movie was a long drawn out montage with a terrible plot.....then This is your perfect book. Even if you can get past that when you find out the whole plot revolves around alien inter species mating rituals it kind of kills any redeeming parts of the books and invalidates any descent characters.

This was a real gem in terms of the plot. Really enjoyed it. I liked the philosophical discussions too, there are things to be remembered from what-do-you-do-with-your-freedom-to-choose debate. 4stars because it was slow at times, and I found myself skipping though pages. Headline here is no small praise for the work here btw, considering I have a PhD in evolutionary genetics. Will certainly read the next installment.

I very much enjoyed this. I read it and immediately wanted to read it again. I was surprised how good The Never Hero was considering it is a 1st novel, I have recommended this friends and look forward to reading his next in this series.

It seems like such an odd story but definitely original. It's not so much a superhero story as it is an unwilling human caught up in alien affairs. It was a fun read with a good plot twist. Definitely worth reading.

Well, couldn't put this down. The events leading up to Jonathan's selection really set the stage for an awesome action packed ride! I really enjoyed the the fight scenes and all the events leading up to them especially the interactions with the supporting characters. Needless to say I'm looking forward to the sequel!

This is more of an adult book with a lot of introspection on what is a hero. It is broken up with some action and building up of what it is to become a hero. Its way more realistic picture of someone getting powers and having alot to go against. I will say this, the ending is descent and is a jump point for a rich world building and intrigue to develop further. Looking forward to the sequel.

I loved the idea, but Tibbs was in his own head far too much. It makes sense that the character should be terrified. But the author elaborated the point.

And if Gibbs wins his battle, the timeline resets as if nothing happened at all? It felt a little like a let down. There should always be consequences...other than to the protagonist s psyche.

well thought out. Interesting moral dilemma, protagonist is developing into a genuine character, but the Leah twist was a wee bit predictable, fun but predictable. Just the dad part of the Leah arc is twisted

This is a very exciting story and brings a fresh perspective to the post-apocalyptic young adult genre. Says that its part of a series but I can't any other books. If available, I'd definitely read more of these books.

Good book. I'll definitely look for book 2. I liked Tibbs and his roommates. I found the spies a bit predictable, but not disappointingly so. I appreciated that Tibbs was a reluctant and fearful hero.

Sometimes its tough to put that feeling into words, you know, the one you get when you've finally found that book which seems to just fit into your wheelhouse? Well written, great story and a real pulse to the book. Great job.

well thought out. Interesting moral dilemma, protagonist is developing into a genuine character, but the Leah twist was a wee bit predictable, fun but predictable. Just the dad part of the Leah arc is twisted

This is a very exciting story and brings a fresh perspective to the post-apocalyptic young adult genre. Says that its part of a series but I can't any other books. If available, I'd definitely read more of these books.

Good book. I'll definitely look for book 2. I liked Tibbs and his roommates. I found the spies a bit predictable, but not disappointingly so. I appreciated that Tibbs was a reluctant and fearful hero.

Sometimes its tough to put that feeling into words, you know, the one you get when you've finally found that book which seems to just fit into your wheelhouse? Well written, great story and a real pulse to the book. Great job.

I was able to get my hands on a copy of the pre publication of The Never Hero.

I enjoyed this epic science fiction adventure about an unlikely hero. There is a sinister sense that this is a story that could be taking place as we speak… and thank goodness we would never know.

Just when you think the story is going one direction, it threads in another layer that adds depth and and you know that this story line has a strong foundation that will have many interesting moments to explore and enjoy..

I’m looking forward to the next volume in this series!

I’m always worried about reading a first book in a series that is free to get you hooked. A lot of the time they are poorly written. Not in this case. I was hooked two chapters in. I definitely recommend this book if you like action sci-fi thrillers.

I enjoyed this book. Loved how I never saw some of the plot twists coming.This book is great at telling the whole story. We see the lead character stopping and reflecting on the the other point of views. Very refreshing.

I really enjoyed reading about Mr. Tibbs. The characters in the book are very well developed and I found it hard to put it down. I found the introduction of a new type of superhero refreshing although a bit different from the standard dark persona found in other superhero books. I think it would make a great series of movies. I cannot wait until the next book comes out ! I recommend this to anyone wanting to read something new.

Loved this book! Definitely worth reading. There are many things I could say about this book, but most would involve spoilers and still wouldn't do the story justice in explaining why I found it such a good read.

This was an amazing book. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Jonathan Tibbs is a great character. Basic run of the mill college student that must fight an alien race in order to survive, epic. I look forward to book two.

Even with the answers your given its easy to see more plot twists. Tibbs is a classic example of the untapped hero emerging as the need arises. You have the hint of old time demons being portrayed as aliens just trying to survive.

This book was so good that when it ended I was disappointed. Wish the author had finished the ending a little better just in case I can not find the next book, but you can bet I will be looking for it!

This was a good read. There were a couple parts that I found frustrating but I realized that the story was following a believable course. The characters reactions and thoughts would be exactly how you or I would react.

I've read some pretty good books that follow this genre and this is up there on my list of good reads.

AM

Slow start but fantastic overall. Especially great is the real life approach to how he transitions into a hero, highlighting the pain and turmoil of the process rather than a simple snap of the fingers. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one.

I had a hard time putting this down. The main character is probably pretty familiar to people who enjoy these kinds of books, but there are some cool twists that keep it fun. Hope you've kept up the good work!

I found this novel to be fast paced and well written. Author has a well balanced story line with enough action and bizarre twists to make me start and finish it in one sitting. Which hasn't happened in awhile. Can't wait for the next installment.

This is a very intriguing story, written with finess and skill, about an ordinary college student who is unexpectedly asked to go beyond what he believes he is capable of doing and choose to become a very reluctant "hero". Highly recommened! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I don't normally write reviews but this was one book that I felt compelled to do so. It is fast paced while still giving the reader a good feel for the main character. There were some good twists and a novel storyline. All in all a good book... I just wish the next one was out!!!

Great book, I saw other positive reviews and took a chance. I was not disappointed. The start of a great action saga, with Jonathan Tibbs forced into being the reluctant hero. Someone has to save the world, "right"? I can't wait for the 2nd book.

Slow start but fantastic overall. Especially great is the real life approach to how he transitions into a hero, highlighting the pain and turmoil of the process rather than a simple snap of the fingers. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one.

I had a hard time putting this down. The main character is probably pretty familiar to people who enjoy these kinds of books, but there are some cool twists that keep it fun. Hope you've kept up the good work!

I found this novel to be fast paced and well written. Author has a well balanced story line with enough action and bizarre twists to make me start and finish it in one sitting. Which hasn't happened in awhile. Can't wait for the next installment.

This is a very intriguing story, written with finess and skill, about an ordinary college student who is unexpectedly asked to go beyond what he believes he is capable of doing and choose to become a very reluctant "hero". Highly recommened! I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I don't normally write reviews but this was one book that I felt compelled to do so. It is fast paced while still giving the reader a good feel for the main character. There were some good twists and a novel storyline. All in all a good book... I just wish the next one was out!!!

This book was an awesome start to a new series, I would definitely recommend it. If you are a fan of the Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson, you will like this book as well. I can't wait for the next book.

Great story. Kept me in suspense with each chapter. Many themes woven into each character. Looking forward to the next book. I think T. Ellery Hodges has great potential as a new author. I hope the sequel "The Never Trespass" is as good or better as this book.

It is probably unfair to this book that just as I began to read it, my copy of Stephen King's _Finders Keepers_ arrived, and I dropped everything else to read that. Then I came back and finished this book, but while considering my response, I read Madeleine L'Engle's _A Wind in the Door_. Sandwiched between two giants, this author went from "pretty good" to "okay." While this isn't a terrible book, it's definitely not a GREAT one.

The idea of comparing Jesus and Superman is hardly new, though I like the idea of the two storytellers developing the comparison as a graphic novel. And obviously Jonathan is being asked to sacrifice his whole existence to try to preserve humanity, which makes him a Christ-like hero. That he only sort of has a choice in the matter doesn't make him less heroic. Obviously Leah's sculpture of a man creating himself reflects much of Jonathan's position.

What I can't figure out is where the author is going with his philosophical musings. If Jonathan does heroic stuff but no one else knows about it, yes, he remains a hero. But if Jesus/Superman has a sympathetic but opposite twin in Damien, then good and evil become equally weighted, and no, I can't accept that Manichean perspective.

Then we come to Heyer and his brother, and the fight between good and evil is reduced to a cosmic game. Ultimately choosing sides means nothing, unless you want to argue in Darwinian terms that what is Good = whatever best insures the survival of the human species.

As I said earlier, the two other books I've just read refute that position absolutely. As someone once sang, "Sometimes bad is BAD." No question marks. No nebulous grey middle ground. King's villains and L'Engle's are unquestionably Evil. On the other hand, I can't decide whether or not Jonathan's quest has any real meaning, especially as the monsters he fights are not intrinsically evil. They just aren't very good for humanity. Is Malkier Evil? I can't decide. Is Heyer Good? Not entirely. Is all of this Good vs Evil concern just a game, like choosing factions in World of Warcraft? I don't accept that position.

I loved the way the author took time to develop the characters. He kept me interested and wanting to figure out what was going on. He made you understand what drove each character and left you wanting to know what happens next. Great book.

The time spanned in this book is about three and a half months. It reads as if in real time. Dead slow, little action, and seems to go nowhere. Needed to be half as long or needed twice the story. Too much exposition in body building and the pop-culture hero paradigm. Reads a bit amateurish. Pass on this one, even for free.

This is a refreshing take on the super-hero genre, with no flashy costumes or powers. The protagonist Tibbs is 3 dimensional, and the author Hodges is talented in making you feel the character's trials and tribulations. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

The time spanned in this book is about three and a half months. It reads as if in real time. Dead slow, little action, and seems to go nowhere. Needed to be half as long or needed twice the story. Too much exposition in body building and the pop-culture hero paradigm. Reads a bit amateurish. Pass on this one, even for free.

This is a refreshing take on the super-hero genre, with no flashy costumes or powers. The protagonist Tibbs is 3 dimensional, and the author Hodges is talented in making you feel the character's trials and tribulations. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I'm not sure why I picked this from kindle unlimited, but I'm really glad I did. The characters are relatable, the plot (plots?) is engaging, and best of all is that it's very thought provoking. The author does an admirable job of avoiding trite cliches, and every scene feels like it moves the story forward. While it's not action packed, the action is pretty good. This isn't your average urban fantasy, it's more like a character study. A good one, even. I look forward to the follow up.

Fantastic book. One of the best I've read in the past year. Actually ruined my Tuesday because I started the book late Monday night and couldn't put it down, read straight through until morning... no kidding. Mr. Hodges you have a great career ahead of you - this is a fantastic first book. Can't wait to read the next one. Many thanks

The story develops very slowly. Even at the end, there has been no indication of why Tibbs was chosen to play his pivotal role in the conflict. The author hints that there was a reason, but doesn't explore or explain n any meaningful way. for me, Tibbs isn't likeable enough to catch and maintain my interest without some explanation for his diametrically opposed traits of fear/near cowardice and his willingness to enter the fight. Many of the characters are dealt with in the same way, the author hints that other characters have information that you (the reader) don't have, but doesn't divulge it. On the other hand, some "secrets" are so obvious that it is incredible that our hero doesn't figure them out very quickly, particularly in light of his paranoid tendencies. By the end of Book 1 the reader should be hooked - not mildly curious, which is where I ended up.

I love super hero books, but I'm not even sure what this is. After giving up trying to figure it out I flipped through it and I still don't understand the book. I give it three stars for being in English, good spelling, and good grammar. Maybe this book was designed for a different audience, because I have no idea what's going on.

In between books randomly found this one and gave it a shot. Extremely impressed!! Not only by the intelligent banter between characters but the goofy debates they get into that are way more philosophical than the topics would normally merit. Very in depth with character building and there thoughts and purposes behind their actions. Great all around book to get pulled away by.

I'm not sure how this book got rated highly, the authors writing style is terrible and the immersion is terrible. While trying to read the first few chapters I got lost several times because of the authors lack of skill - switch view point characters mid paragraph, etc. The use of dates on chapters is totally unnecessary, and adds to the difficult of the suspension of belief, all that was needed was to specify how many years have elapsed.

Like a lot of the books on the store it demonstrates why you shouldn't self publish without a really good (mean) editor.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. At times I felt it slowed a d became dragged out with Jonathan and all of his internal emotions. To me he doubts himself way too much and once you think he's moved passed it, self doubt returns. Either he's a warrior in training or not.

I haven't quite figured out Paiges purpose to this story. I hope it's good.

Love, Love, Love Hayden and Collin. Maybe it's my inner geek surfacing, but they help this story so much I'm excited for their involvement. Especially their series, hope TEH writes this in completion, I would totally buy it.

Finally, not a huge fan of Olivia. But I guess I'm not supposed to be. Grant is Jonathan's brother (A Guess) Which means Jonathan's parents are involved in this some how. Interested in seeing how works. Oh and Leah, I can't even address, you'll have to read the book to understand. Patiently waiting for book 2

Yes, I did read the entire book. I was lulled into acquiring it by the enticing commentary and stellar reviews. But I must say I kept looking for more and it never came. Certainly I am not primed to proceed further with future books and my suggestion would be that you not bother with book 1.

It doesn't matter how good an idea is if it is overuses the word "it" over and over again, for it drives a reader insane.

Using the "ambiguous it" might be acceptable in middle school, but that horrible habit should have been abolished shortly afterward. Not only is this convention found in the first sentence, the writer continues the mistake so often that I had to remove the book from my device. Though I don't demand perfect grammar when reading a book, I simply cannot abide a lazy author who stunts his or her own narrative for jarring linguistic shortcuts.

Really good book. A very fresh and original take on some of the traditional super-hero tropes, with characters who you grow attached to and a story that reveals secrets at a pace that keeps you wanting more. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys sci-fi, fantasy, or geeky pursuits.

One of the worst books i have ever read. Don't do it. The whole book is redundant and after everything and the climax time reverses and nothing happens. The idiot didn't even know he was dating a government enemy spy. Main character is a very weak and sensitive person. The book felt like half a book.

This book was recommended to me by Overly Sarcastic Productions on Youtube where they talk about story tropes. And oh boy was this book an anthology on the hero trope "but with a twist".
10/10 would recommend, read again, and fanfic to my hearts content.

This is an amazing book! There's sci-fi and fantasy combined, in the form of aliens and superpowers. Jonathan Tibbs is what real heroes are, he isn't insta-perfect, he is scared, but he does it anyway. I love the characters, there is so much depth to them. The storyline is great and the twists are actually surprising. I highly recommend giving this a read!

Great, now I'm hooked. Was not expecting to like this book. In fact I thought it was going to be a huge letdown. Massive mistake on my part! How was I to know it would be awesome? The big problem I have with this book and the second book is that the third book isn't available yet. Darn you Mr. Hodges!

If you're reading this review then my advice is to stop reading reviews and start reading "The Never Hero"!

Jonathan Tibbs is a normal university student, living in a house with his three friends. That is until the day he wakes up to find himself in a pool of his own blood and no idea why thus changing his future forever. Tibbs is destined to become the earth’s savior from alien challengers. The aliens are coming to his city. Tibbs knows he is not up to the task of being savior but he has no other choice.

I found the style of T. Ellery Hodges to be mostly original and it was fun, quick, and different.

I liked the settings as they were reality based, we don’t have a masculine hero gifted with mysterious powers out of nowhere and we see his hard work, the anguish, and the constant fear, which really gives the story reality. This is kind of the other side of the typical hero story. The characters were realistic, likable, and fun. I really liked the psychological dynamic between them. The one downside of the book was while I liked the good guys, I felt nothing for the bad ones, no hate, no anger toward them, and that goes for the monsters as well.

The events were fast paced, shown to us by following Jonathan and some other characters, but this is where we have the issue of predictability. I mean it’s a hero story: he will win – the hero always wins right? Yet that did not keep me from wanting to know the rest of the story.

The plot was ok. However, the explanations I felt they were silly, childlike, and just plain stupid. At one point I was like: SERIOUSLY?

Steven Barnett did a very good job narrating. He gave each character its own voice, reflecting their mentality and inner conflict. One of the characters had a unique voice which sounded affected by a “voice modulator” and he imitated it perfectly. Barnett’s voice was mostly was calm and collected, even during the action scenes it would rise in accordance with the events of the battle, but it stayed calm.

There were no issues with the production.

Audiobook purchased for review by ABR.

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This book is amazing. It not just one day he got powers and the next he is a superhero. It's shows his preparation and all that it takes to get to that point. His struggle to want everything to stay the same but knowing it can't. It was greatly writing one of my new favorites. Can't wait for the second book to come out.

Great book, I saw other positive reviews and took a chance. I was not disappointed. The start of a great action saga, with Jonathan Tibbs forced into being the reluctant hero. Someone has to save the world, "right"? I can't wait for the 2nd book.