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The Backup Superhero: Book One in The Backup Superhero Series Kindle Edition

4.0 out of 5 stars 52 ratings

In a world where superheroes are real but fame is reserved for the elite, Tanser Girl grapples with her role as a Level D hero, overshadowed and undervalued. But when a newcomer from her ranks threatens to disrupt the status quo, Tanser Girl must navigate a treacherous landscape of power and ambition to protect the fragile balance of justice.

For Tanser Girl, being a superhero isn't about fame—it's about making a difference, one small act at a time. But as a Level D hero, she's resigned to anonymity while others hog the spotlight. When a fellow Level D hero challenges the system, Tanser Girl is thrust into a world of power struggles and deception.

With the fate of the superhero community at stake, Tanser Girl must confront her fears and embrace her true potential before it's too late.

"A quick read, this fun superhero story is perfect for fans of The Boys, Marvel, and DC." - Melissa Rose Rogers.

"A fascinating new way of looking at the superhero genre from the perspective of the lower tier characters (think Rose and Thorn instead of Superman) and what it's like to be at the lesser-known end of the heroic spectrum throws in a whole new mystery to keep you hooked!" - Steve Vimes.

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There are 4 books in this series.

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From the Publisher

The Backup Superhero Characters

female superhero

Tanser Girl

A shining example of a perfect superhero. Tanser Girl may be at the bottom of the superhero ranks, Level D to be exact, but she still loves what she does.

The question is, can she uncover what Level A Superhero Goffman is plotting for the superhero system?

"So, there I stood drenched in dirty street water, with a ripped cape and an uncomfortably old band-aid that at some point had found a home on my boot."

male superhero

Dwighter

Being a notorious drunk hasn't earned Dwighter a very good reputation, but he chooses to change that when he takes credit for his superhero work on the local news.

However, being the first to break the rules of the superhero system brings an avalanche of trouble.

“You called Frank? How about an ambulance? I need a hospital, not a beer!”

bartender

Frank

The bartender and owner of Heroes Cave, the backup superhero bar, means Frank hears everything that goes on.

But, unknown to many, there is more to Frank than simply being a bartender.

“You get hard evidence. No use in going to the media before he does, without evidence, you’re shouting out to the void.”

seed

Seed

A special contact of Franks, Seed used to be a police officer.

Always tinkering and experimenting, he grew his hobby of creating technology and weapons into a full time business.

“Well, this is going to shake a few tree’s, don’t you think? What are you going to do Frank?”

Heirarchy

The Superhero System Hierarchy

In a world where superheroes work in tandem with law enforcement and the city, an order needs to stay in place for everything to function. For the public to stay safe.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08TTNQQ4S
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 5, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 72 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Backup Superhero Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 52 ratings

About the author

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Kayla Hicks
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Kayla Hicks is an award winning multi genre author having been published since 2014, beginning with her young adult dystopian novel, Kale Stone: An Outliers Tale. Since then, she has expanded her repertoire to include YA fiction, superhero stories, and children's books, captivating readers of all ages.

Beyond her growing collection of works, Hicks has made numerous public appearances to connect with readers and share her stories:

- Lancaster Native Plant and Wildlife Festival – Presented her children's book Dandelion

- Lititz Public Library Indie Author Event – Showcased her full range of works

- Adamstown Elementary School's Read Across America Day – Read Dandelion to 100 students

- U-Gro Learning Center – Shared Dandelion with young readers

- The Writing Community Chat Show – Featured guest discussing her writing journey

- Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Young New Adult (17 and up)

Her work has also been recognized in Lancaster Online for The Backup Superhero and Today I'm Not Laurel. Her Young Adult book, Secrets They Never Told, was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards 2025 for the Young New Adult Fiction (17 and up) category.

When she’s not writing, Hicks enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter, as well as getting lost in a good book.

Reviews:

"Towards the end, during one of their times hanging, I was in tears. I'm such a sap when the right mood and words hit. This is one book that just fit at the right time and found me in the right mood. Anywhere Else is exactly what I needed and I can't recommend this one enough for those who just want something sweet and uplifting."- Bookn.All.Night for Anywhere Else

"It's a short work. In fact, if you're a fast reader like myself, you'll have this done in a couple of hours, but don't let that fool you. It's an wonderful read with interesting characters that you want to know more about as well as the world they live in and you're definitely left wanting to know what happens next!"- Steve Vimes for The Backup Superhero

"This is an incredibly powerful and moving read. From the first few pages this is emotionally charged and deals with some difficult issues for a young character. Sadi is such a strong female lead, and Parker was a brilliant bestie too. I felt for both of these characters from the off. Some surprising events and a moving outcome."- Bobs and Books Blog for Secrets They Never Told

"What a lovely colourful book. Kayla's art work pops with colour and cheer, this beautiful book, with its tale of acceptance and how everyone (every flower) is different, and is a must for all children to have on their bookshelves."- Chris Horn for Dandelion

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
52 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book a quick and enjoyable read with a fun superhero plot. They appreciate the engaging characters and the author's writing style, with one customer noting how the author packs a wealth of information.

8 customers mention "Enjoyment"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very enjoyable and entertaining, with one mentioning it held their attention from beginning to end and another noting it's a quick read.

"It's a quick read, but the author packed a wealth of information into this first book of the series...." Read more

"...This is a fun book that knows it's fun, and is determined to put a smile on the reader's face...." Read more

"...The lighthearted BackUp Superhero was such fun to read...." Read more

"The story was great. Kayla Hicks is an excellent author. Highly recommended and the price was really good in addition to the book being enjoyable" Read more

8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this superhero novella, describing it as a fun-filled adventure with plenty of action.

"...and the class system creating tension gives this the makings of a fun story with interesting characters...." Read more

"...With plenty of action and easy readability, it was a pleasure to read and I look forward to the next installment of the series." Read more

"...A quick read, this fun superhero story is perfect for fans of The Boys, Marvel, and DC...." Read more

"...It is a fun filled story that takes us inside the superhero politics of the city...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning the different levels of heroes.

"...Engaging characters and dialog enhance this introduction into a superhero's struggle to find her place in the world...." Read more

"...Having different levels of heroes and the class system creating tension gives this the makings of a fun story with interesting characters...." Read more

"...While the characters are engaging, the length doesn't allow them to grow past their archetypes...." Read more

"...The spotlight-hating, funny, self deprecating Tanser Girl is a likable character...." Read more

3 customers mention "Author style"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's writing style, with one noting how engaging it is, while another mentions the wealth of information provided.

"It's a quick read, but the author packed a wealth of information into this first book of the series...." Read more

"...Throughout the book, the author writes in an engaging style, and uses her voice to invite the reader to enjoy the story...." Read more

"...Being a visual person, I love the author's descriptions and vivid use of setting and colors...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It's a quick read, but the author packed a wealth of information into this first book of the series. Engaging characters and dialog enhance this introduction into a superhero's struggle to find her place in the world. The author's unique take on this world of superheroes was surprising and the main character's interaction with her unlikely sidekicks amusing. With plenty of action and easy readability, it was a pleasure to read and I look forward to the next installment of the series.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I've never been into super hero books or movies, but I really love this idea that everyday people can be trained to become super heroes. Having different levels of heroes and the class system creating tension gives this the makings of a fun story with interesting characters.
    I enjoyed the plot but felt it was a bit condensed. There were areas I thought needed to be fleshed out, and details that were assumed but would have added to the depth if explained. Some of the dialogue felt off or punctuation implied sentences were more intense than needed to be.
    I love the short, quick read, but I still really have no idea who the characters are and what brought them to where they are in the story.
    I liked it enough to want to keep reading, so that's a good thing. :-)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The BackUp Superhero tells the story of Tanser Girl, a superhero in a world populated with powerless heroes. Following the emergence of superheroes, to reassure the public they are more than simple vigilantes, they have fallen under the jurisdiction of the Superhero League Board. They are all ranked by their level of importance: Level A are the top-level heroes, who get all the credit for solving crimes, front the media, and are the shining examples of heroism. Level B heroes are the sidekicks. Level C heroes are the back-up sidekicks. And Level D heroes do the grunt work when nobody else is available.

    Tanser Girl is a Level D superhero. When fellow Level D-er, Dwighter, appears on television, taking credit for his actions, it leads him to trouble, and Tanser Girl to a conspiracy she must stop. It's a fun hook that unfolds nicely throughout the book.

    At 66 paperback pages, I wish this book had more space to flesh out the characters and world. As entertaining as the story is, this length doesn't give it room to breathe. More space would have added additional depth to the world and mystery, and would have helped the climax which wrapped up a little quickly and easily. Another casualty of the length is the cast of characters. While the characters are engaging, the length doesn't allow them to grow past their archetypes.

    With this being the first part of the series, though, there is obviously more story to be told, which allows more space to deepen the world and its characters. The book leaves a lot to be resolved in subsequent entries, and the result means it feels like the first chapter in an ongoing story. This may frustrate some readers who like stories to feel complete without having to read further, but this serialised nature mirrors ongoing superhero comic books, where there's always more to come.

    Throughout the book, the author writes in an engaging style, and uses her voice to invite the reader to enjoy the story. It's a lighthearted romp with plenty of winks and nudges. The story, action and drama are inoffensive; suitable for readers of most ages and sensibilities. This is a fun book that knows it's fun, and is determined to put a smile on the reader's face.

    The BackUp Superhero is a light story that knows how to entertain. While I would have preferred it was expanded into a full-length novel that added more depth to the characters and world, it remains a fun story that serves as the first part of a continuing adventure.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Tough-as-nails Tanser Girl has worked hard to get where she is - a Backup Superhero. The public didn't get the memo in the superhero caste system - when Tanser Girl and another Level D superhero receive accolades, a sinister hierarchy threatens her and her friend. As Tanser Girl unravels the plot, she uncovers deep corruption.

    One of the things I like best about this superhero world is that there are zero super powers, so it requires no suspension of disbelief. We're thrust into this world and it doesn't require elaborate backstories or explanations. With no farfetched science or wacky mysticism, it's easy to get down to business.

    Being a visual person, I love the author's descriptions and vivid use of setting and colors.

    A quick read, this fun superhero story is perfect for fans of The Boys, Marvel, and DC. This is a clean story that doesn't use sex or romance to drive the plot. There wasn't enough cursing to make an impression on me, so I think it has very little if any. I deeply appreciate that Tanser Girl is competent. The conflict of this story isn't reliant upon the main character being incompetent. Tanser Girl is the captain of her fate and pushes through with sheer grit.

    I look forward to the next stories in this series.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "So, there I stood drenched in dirty street water, with a ripped cape and an uncomfortably old band-aid that at some point had found a home on my boot. This was not my best day."

    Clearly, Tanser Girl, one of the level D superheroes in Kayla Hicks's The BackUp Superhero, was not having a good evening! But she had tied up two robbers and wasn't that the most important thing?

    Hicks's novelette focuses on Tanser Girl and Dwighter another D level superhero. It is a fun filled story that takes us inside the superhero politics of the city. There is a clear pecking order and D levels should never steal the spotlight from A levels. And if they do. . .

    The lighthearted BackUp Superhero was such fun to read. It is hard not to draw comparisons to a simpler time of superheroes such as the Legion of Substitute Heroes. But there is also a more complex dynamic going on that makes it enjoyable on another level.

    My only disappointment was the brevity of the story (clocking in at 60 pages). However this was mitigated by the fact that this is only the first in a series and book two is already available!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Sascha K. (SK) Alexander
    4.0 out of 5 stars A short but fun superhero story with more potential
    Reviewed in Germany on November 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Kayla Hicks’ The Backup Superhero offers a unique and fun take on a world of heroes. Though packed with intriguing characters and worldbuilding, the story doesn’t reach its full potential.

    In The Backup Superhero, Book One of The Backup Superhero Series, Kayla Hicks introduces a world where superheroes work closely with law enforcement to protect the public. They operate under the watchful eye of the Superhero League Board. This League enforces reserves fame for top-tier heroes and relegates backup heroes to the shadows. But what happens when someone disrupts this hierarchy?

    After a rough day, Tanser Girl, a D-list superhero, heads to Hero’s Cave, a bar where backup heroes unwind. There, she meets Dwighter, a fellow low-ranking hero, and Frank, the bar’s owner. When first Dwighter and then Tanser Girl receive accolades for their actions, tensions rise with their superiors. Soon, Tanser Girl suspects that something more is at play. As she and Dwighter face mounting problems, they find support in Frank and his contact Seeds. Together, they uncover betrayal in a world where heroes are supposed to protect, not deceive.

    Ordinary heroes and realistic relationships

    The fascinating twist in The Backup Superhero is that these superheroes have no actual superpowers. They are regular people who have trained rigorously to gain a spot in the Superhero League. Because of this, the author does not need to explain paranormal abilities or far-fetched powers.

    The characters feel authentic and grounded. Tanser Girl, the main protagonist, is a capable woman who has put in serious work to earn her place in the League. Her life is not without challenges, but her struggles are not because of incompetence or naïveté. Instead, it is her colleague, Dwighter, who ignites the story’s conflict. His issues with alcoholism and his naïve, sometimes impulsive, personality make him a liability.

    Hicks crafts a plausible villain in Goffman. Introduced as the “poster boy” of heroism, his polished public image does not match his true nature. While his actions as a villain are believable, more exploration into his motivations would have added depth to his character and the story.

    A layered superhero society

    The Backup Superhero is packed with just enough worldbuilding to bring the characters and the superhero system to life. Hicks creates a society where heroes operate under the strict jurisdiction of the Superhero League Board. This hierarchy assigns heroes ranks based on their perceived value and importance.

    This structured system of roles adds an interesting dynamic to the story. It illustrates how “backup” heroes do the grunt work but are overlooked and especially undervalued. The hierarchy not only feels logical but also introduces realistic tensions and issues.

    Room for expansion

    The Backup Superhero is an enjoyable novella that establishes a world of superheroes that feels both fresh and accessible. The League’s structured hierarchy brings to mind The Boys—though with no superpowers, no gore, and no gritty darkness. Instead, the story is suitable for readers of all ages. It balances action and drama without veering into anything too intense or controversial.

    However, the novella reads more like a prequel than a standalone tale. The potential of its world is so vast that the short length feels limiting. A full-length novel would have allowed Hicks to explore the superhero system and its members. Moreover, the showdown between Goffman and Tanser Girl feels rushed.

    Nonetheless, Kayla Hicks’ The Backup Superhero offers a unique take on hero stories with its realistic characters and relatable plot. While more development would have enriched the story, the novella lays the groundwork for a promising series.
  • T. Dar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable quick read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A cracking little superhero story that I read in a single sitting. Thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.

    More akin to The Incredibles than The Avengers, 'The Backup Superhero' is a fun novella with a lot of character and a great plot. The ending (which I won't spoil) is brilliant!

    If you like underdogs and a bit of tongue-in-cheek, I think you'll love this!
  • Trixie Pereira
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and fast-paced Novella!
    Reviewed in India on March 27, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Backup superhero is a fun and fast-paced story centering around Tanser girl, a superhero in a universe where superheroes are fairly common. The heroes have a ranking system and Tanser girl is quite content being at the lowest level and away from the limelight. Although things change for her when her friend and fellow D ranking superhero find themselves with an unbelievable opportunity.
    I love the world-building in this novella, it’s really well thought-out. The characters are fun and the story is well written. I definitely recommend this book.
  • Demi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Punchy, witty, and worth a read :)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The premise of this story is intriguing, the league of superheroes, being graded A - D. I'd have liked to have seen a little more history behind this, to really get under Tanser Girls skin with regards to her training, skills, flaws and strengths.
    That being said, the character is witty and interesting to follow, and I personally love an underdog story. Her sidekicks are pretty unique too, a drunkard hero and an old barman, not something you'd come across every day.
    The twist was exciting (no spoilers here), and the action scenes definitely packed a punch.
    Overall, I look forward to the next tale in this series, to see how the trio develop and what other cases they crack!
  • Nadja
    4.0 out of 5 stars Superhero Fun
    Reviewed in Germany on January 4, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A unique idea and a fast fun read for in between. Reminded me a little of the TV show "The Boys".

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