Hero

By: Perry Moore

Narrated by: Michael Urie

In the story comic book legend Stan Lee calls "spellbinding" and "totally original," Thom Creed has secrets. For one, like his father, he has super powers. Also, he's been asked to join the League—the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. Then there s the secret Thom can barely face himself: he's gay.

But becoming a member of the League opens up a new world to Thom. There, he connects with a misfit group of aspiring heroes, including Scarlett, who can control fire but not her anger; Typhoid Larry, who can make anyone sick with his touch; and Ruth, a wise old broad who can see the future. Like Thom, these heroes have things to hide; but they will have to learn to trust one another when they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the League.

To survive, Thom will face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he'll have to come to terms with his father's past, and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be.

Timely and inspiring, Hero tackles love, friendship, and the struggle to come to terms with who we really are in a sincere and suspenseful way.

This audiobook includes an exclusive introduction written and read by Stan Lee himself.

©2007 Perry Moore (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Moore's casting of a gay teen hero in a high-concept fantasy marks an significant expansion of GLBTQ literature into genres that reflect teens' diverse reading interests; given the mainstream popularity of comics-inspired tales, the average, ordinary, gay teen superhero who comes out and saves the world will raise cheers from within the GLBTQ community and beyond." (Booklist)

Give it a listen!

Like the previous reviewer, I couldn't start listening once I started. I responded to the depth and honesty of many of the characters and found myself laughing out loud, groaning in consternation, and shouting at one character or another. Thom, the main character, is certainly likable, but also certainly flawed. I found myself frustrated with him and his actions (or inaction!) more than once throughout the narrative--like a good friend who just keeps making mistakes. The fantasy world of this novel is fun, with many somewhat darker connections to our own world. For me, the fantasy took a backseat to the excellent development of a whole stable of characters, as well as the heartfelt romantic element. This novel is fun, intelligent and meaningful without being cloying or overly concerned with pushing an agenda. The writing style is honest and straightforward with some whimsical touches. I am eagerly awaiting a sequel!

Wonderfully Original

I bought this book for our annual cross-country road trip to go see my in-laws. I stand back really pleased. The hardest thing about choosing a family book to listen to on road trips is making everyone in your car happy. This book had a bit of everything. My man loves super heros and all of those comic book type things and I adore a quirky protagonist with a lot to prove. Perry Moore's novel about a healing superboy who just also happens to be gay, hits all the spots.

I noticed another review talked about the masturbation scene that occurs within the first part of the novel. Okay people, this was NOT a graphic scene, and it was important for the book. As long as your kids are older than 12, they will be just fine listening to this book with you. And if not, listen to it on your own and appreciate the meaning of family and friendship, because those are the true themes behind this masterpiece.

Not enough stars...

There are not enough stars available to rate this book. I have had the book for several months and I have listened to it three times now and would have no problems listening to it again! The story of Thom and his adventures for self-acceptance is a great journey that anyone could relate to. Perry Moore's writing was engaging, enlightening, gut-wrenching, and soul solidifying. I laughed out loud. I cried uncontrollably. The story runs the gambit of emotions and takes you on a super adventure. Though I am a comic book junkie, don't let that disuade you from experiencing this tale. Michael Urie's narration was phenomenal. Seriously, I am having a hard time trying to express just how great this book is. Images, twists, and plots keep rushing in and I just want to tell you about Scarlett, Larry, Ruth, Justice, and so forth. I won't, but I will encourage to read or listen to this book if you want to embark on a spellbinding (as Stan Lee so eloquently states it) journey. I love this book!!

Should be required readiing

Under the guise of a fun filled comic book adventure, lies the story of a young boy struggling with his sexuality. In a country, that we must remember was first settled by Puritans,and 400 years later still cannot rid itself of the disdain it continues to show towards sex in general. Add to that the idea, that sex in question may not be what we consider "normal", and most people still tend to react extremely poorly.
Let me get off my soapbox here, and just say this is a thoroughly engaging hero, that while enjoying all his adventures, we might even learn something on a deeper level. Don't be afraid to read this book. With all due respect to other readers who have a right to have their opinion, do not be afraid to confront masturbation. This is after all a book for teens. I personally found the way Mr. Moore presented the scene rather "innocent".

Read this book, have your kids read it, have your grandkids read it and then "talk about it". I intend to buy a bunch of written copies and hand them out.

This is an incredible book. Enjoy!

Loved it!

Fantastic story and great narration. Wasn't sure what to expect but I loved it! Can't wait to read more from this author!

Interesting idea... But somehow falls flat.

I read this book really wanting to love it. The idea of a teen gay superhero was wonderful. I could see the angst and heartbreak.

However, when reading the book, it fell so short of the mark for me. I didnt feel like it focused on the superhero part enough. He seemed to have more focus on the gay, and people's reactions to him being gay. It wasn't a superhero who happens to be gay... But a gay boy who happens to be a superhero. I hope that makes sense to those of you ready this review. Whilst his inner drama of dealing with his feelings about being accepted in his life and loved for who he was had merit, I just felt flat over the entire thing.

I thought the blatant use of descriptions of Superman and Wonder Woman were a sign of lazy on the part of the writer.

The plot too was a bit lazy and predictable. I knew who the villan was immediately.

I love that gay people are represented in this book, but how about them truly having some personal power and acceptance for themselves. How about a mentor that helps him accept himself in a more positive way rather than him being ashamed for the entire book, then a little P.s. Happy ending where it's all ok.

Good Story but a misleading summary

So this is a great story about the struggles of being a gay boy in America. I see this all of the time in daily life and it make me very sad for the kids who have to deal with that kind of persecution. That being said, the novel summary plays like it is a super hero book. In reality it is a book about the trials and tribulations of a kid who doesn't align with societies preconceived placement who just happens to have super powers. It is a good novel with a good story but make no mistake, this is not a super hero novel, this is a novel that attempts to bring light to a challenging social problem through super hero fiction. This story gets 4 star instead of five not because of the afore mentioned summary issues, but instead because of the 'woe is me' feeling through the book. Instead of a feeling of empowerment, I just felt sad which made it a hard listen.

One of my favorite books!

I related to this book in so many ways. Perry Moore is such a great writer.

Read this now!

A very unexpected pleasure to read. I wish there were more! Great character development and an engaging story.

Enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to Hero the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the characters. They were interesting and facts about them were revealed in stages so you wanted to keep listening to find out more.

What does Michael Urie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I enjoyed the narration. He did a good job bringing life to the characters and action.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It started off a bit slow at first, but it quickly got interesting. Toward the end, I didn't want to put it down.

Any additional comments?

I would have loved to see a sequel to this book. It'd be nice to know what happens to the characters next.