Virgil: A Superhero Tale by Jim Beck

From Amazon: Virgil was no ordinary man. He had once fought alongside some of the world’s greatest heroes and saved entire cities from the brink of destruction. But after violently killing a young suspect, he was left on the wrong side of the law. Rather than be locked up, he opted to have the source of his powers removed, and to live out the rest of his days in his hometown watching the world go by without him.

Five years later, he had settled into his new life. Until one night, when he heard a kidnapped girl’s screams and came to her rescue. Reinvigorated by a feeling he hadn’t experienced in years, Virgil decides to become his city’s lone vigilante, even though he no longer has his power. But as he will soon learn, every action has a consequence and his world may very well crumble down around him.

Virgil used to be a superhero, but due to the government regulations, he was stripped of his powers and now works a nine to five job in a small town.  He keeps to himself, and even though he resolved not to, has become addicted to TV dinners and watching the television.  When he hears a struggle next door, his instincts go into high alert.

Playing hero, he keeps a low cover so no one knows that he helped that poor girl.  But he doesn't feel right, in fact, it reminds him of how he felt when the powerful amulet first laid against his skin.  Is the scar above his pec leaving powerful residue? Probably not, but to be safe, he takes a drive to the seedier part of town.  Instead of being hero, he gets his body pulverized.  Oh well, at least now he knows.

But he enjoys playing vigilante, so he continues to keep watch over them in town.  What he doesn't realize is that someone is watching him and his carefully built house of cards is about to crumble.

A unique tale, featuring superheros, I really liked the character of Virgil.  He had many facets and  by his many different actions, I was intrigued to get to know him.  So immersed in the story, I was shocked to see I had come to the ending far too quickly.  A great read that I look forward to seeing what Beck has in store next.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.