The Ables

The Ables, Book 1

By: Jeremy Scott

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

I did have fantastic hearing, mostly by virtue of being blind. But that couldn't actually mean that he's trying to tell me I have super powers, right? Because that would be ridiculous.

It wasn't the "sex talk" he expected. Phillip Sallinger's dad has told him he's a custodian - a guardian - and his genetically inherited power is telekinesis. He'll learn to move objects with his mind. He's excited to begin superhero high school until he discovers he's assigned to a "special ed" class for disabled empowered kids; he suddenly feels like an outsider. Bullied, threatened, and betrayed, Phillip struggles, even as he and his friends - calling themselves the Ables - find ways to maximize their powers to overcome their disabilities, and are the first to identify the growing evil threatening humanity. As vital custodians disappear and the custodian leadership is mired in indecision, a mysterious and powerful figure taunts Phillip, and the enemy is poised to strike. But what if the next "one who does all," the multi-gifted custodian predicted to come, is one of the Ables?

The Ables is a fast-paced, captivating debut novel from Jeremy Scott, a bold, new voice in fantasy and science fiction.

©2019 Jeremy Scott (P)2019 Tantor

best book of my year

I loved how the characters were age-appropriate and yet a little more sophisticated than I thought 12 year olds could be. It was a wonderful book and I can't wait to read the next one.

Unique super hero story.

Unique super hero story from a blind person's perspective. Great storyteller and narrator. Counted only 5 sins.

Invigorating story and wonderfully read

Eric did a wonderful job reading the story, it was gripping and I was able to differentiate between different characters easily, it was clearly a better investment in time through an audiobook then through the book itself. I mean there are a few bits here and there about the story that could use some sense of closure but it’s great, can’t wait till I get to strings.

An interesting take on Superheroes

"What if the mutations the X-men suffered from were more detrimental than just having random abilities?"

It's an interesting proof of concept largely unexplored for comics to have heroes like Nightcrawler lose such a key component to what makes their ability work, and this book delivers well on that concept.

While it does still fall into the usual pitfalls I would associate with modern YA fiction, it's never enough to take me out of the world that the author is trying to build and develop.

In between the talk about prophecies and all-powerful villains, the story is still about kids learning to use their powers and relying on each other to push past the natural limits their disabilities place on them. Some of the abilities are left somewhat vague/aren't really touched upon, which can be annoying for some. I personally didn't focus on it, but if you're one of the people who need concrete rules and explanations, it's not really a key factor here.

I enjoyed that the main character isn't a typical heroic figure. Sometimes he messes up in major ways and that works to the story's advantage. Stories in a similar vein will often see children falling into the role of "hero" naturally and with little effort, and that starts to wear thin. Having a character try as hard as he does and still fall short provides good conflict and interesting situations for them to work through.

I honestly prefer to watch someone give it their all and fail than barely try and succeed. There's more opportunities to grow in the former.

To keep it short, I enjoyed this story and eagerly anticipate the sequel.

Simply put it's amazing!

From the beginning on I couldn't stop listening I love what this book teach us about acceptance and how it built on the superhero type story telling.

Thank You

This was an amazing book. Knowing that the voice of CinemaSins created this just made it that much more enjoyable. I loved all the characters, the story, and the twist and turns. you could tell that this was someone writing this book with the dedication and passion to a amazing story.

a fun take on a familiar premise

a little too derivative of Harry Potter but a fun take on a familiar premise, gets me in the mood for the next season of my hero academia also

A refreshing take on hero life!

It's just so nice to hear a new spin on the tired superhero tropes. It's a great story that's well thought out and well executed. I genuinely cared about the characters and I was a long for a wild ride from the outset. The kids' disabilities are handled SO well! They are integrated into the story as part of their character-NOT as plot devices. I feel like Jeremy put some serious consideration into how each disability/power combination would work together, and how each team member could contribute in meaning ways. Kudos! (and I'm pumped for the sequel!!)

Excellent fresh new perspective on the Hero genre.

Having disabilities myself I appreciate the fresh perspective the author takes. The focus on doing the best you can with what you got is relatable to everyone.

Fantastic!

Excellent especially for my kid who is not quite nuero typical. This would be a good book for any child who has a disability of any kind. It is about resilience and facing difficulties. I loved it as well!