A Superhero’s Duty (The Heroes of Corvus Book 1) by Gilliam, Patricia

Myth by Name. Villain by Nature. Hero by Choice. A fight between a second-generation superhero named Red Bolt and a villain-for-hire named Icarus goes terribly wrong, resulting in the drowning deaths of three innocent civilians and orphaning a six-year-old boy. Racked with guilt, Red Bolt visits Cameron Wilson at the hospital every night and won’t leave the boy’s side until he falls asleep. Befriended by a night-shift nurse, the man in costume begins to disclose what really happened after the fight—and why he feels the deaths of Cameron’s parents and sister fall on his actions. A superhero didn’t survive that night, and Cameron and the rest of the city aren’t out of danger.

Not as well structured as previous super hero stories that I’ve enjoyed in recent years, but it’s pretty ok. It’s also the first one to my knowledge written by someone that wasn’t a middle aged white guy and was part of a story bundle that I bought a few months ago. There’s some narrative issues that I take issue with, but the basic concept of a super powered nearly immortal being that isn’t as bad (or as good) as he seems is a solid premise and one that I think has legs.

It’s not enough to interest me in the sequels, but if you’re into mythological super heroes in modern settings this might do it for you.

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