The Other Eight: Volume 1

Name: The Other Eight: Volume 1
Rating: 4.461538314819336 (13 reviews)

Joseph R. Lallo

Apr 2014 · Joseph R. Lallo

4.5

13 reviews

Ebook

150

Pages

Eligible

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About this ebook

Superpowers have turned out to be a disappointment. Heat vision? Super strength? Flight? They are nowhere to be found. Instead, powers like photosynthesis or the ability to spontaneously change hair color seem to be the best the world can offer. To make matters worse, the gifted individuals tend to suffer from psychological issues. Nonetheless, in hopes of finding enough functional meta-humans to form a squad, in 1965 the US military created The Guardian Project. The head of the Army's current incarnation of the project hires Dr. Adam Aiken, a psychologist specializing in the meta-human condition, to filter out the most dangerously unbalanced of the prospective super-soldiers. The screening process is to be done with all possible secrecy. This proves to be more easily said than done. A misfiring superpower leaks news of the recruitment effort to the public, attracting a flood of misfit meta-humans from around the nation, each hungry for heroic validation. A sleazy PR officer knows publicity when he sees it and converts the secret program into a nationally broadcast competition with all of the dignity and grace of a reality show. The ultimate prize is a coveted spot on a government sanctioned super team.

The Other Eight follows the exploits of the applicants deemed sane enough for consideration. On one side are earnest but underpowered heroes like the twitch-inducing Nonsensica or the fluorescent tube-hurling Phosphor. On the other are the better equipped but less dedicated recruits like walking good luck charm Johnny on The Spot and seed-spitting loose cannon The Hocker. Who will win a place on the team, and what will be done about the jilted heroes who didn't make the cut?

Ratings and reviews

4.5

13 reviews

John Smith

May 16, 2019

The Other Eight is an amazing and well thought out story you'll enjoy from start to finish and repeated readings won't diminish the fun. A "realistic" look at what a world would be like with super powers. Not everyone can be a Superman, but you can still be a hero.

3 people found this review helpful

James Hayward

February 5, 2017

A very entertaining read although a little wordy in places, as a recruitment drive turns into a reality show for the military.

3 people found this review helpful

reno fye

October 26, 2017

This story kept me entertained, chuckling, and wonderfully amused. What a concept! People with almost useless powers but brilliant characters!

1 person found this review helpful

About the author

Joseph Lallo, though having written several novels, was slow to consider himself an author. Educated at NJIT, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering, the world of Information Technology is where most of his bills were paid until Sept of 2014 when he finally became a full-time author. When not writing, he owns and operates BrainLazy.com along with two friends. There he posts random rants and editorials regarding the world of humor, entertainment, and technology. He made his home in Bayonne, NJ, where he had lived all of his life until the success of his books allowed him to buy a home in Colonia, NJ.

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