The Hero Business

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

All formats available on Amazon!

Audiobook now available on Audible!

"A very fun magical super hero story, that feels a bit like it’s bringing a silver aged super hero into a modern anti-hero comic book..." -Coldforge, Royal Road

Hell was just the beginning

Tim Kovak was supposed to be a bad guy, the latest in a line of evil wizards bound by a demon contract, supervised by a six-hundred-year-old succubus named Lydia.

With a little magic and a lot of luck, Tim broke the contract and set them both free. Now he’s trying to be a superhero, learning the hard way that you can’t save everybody, and some problems are too big to punch.

Tim's trying to be a hero in a world that doesn't believe in heroes anymore, a world where even the good guys have been turned into cynical corporate slaves.

He thought he had managed to flip the script and beat Hell at its own game, but demons are patient, and all debts eventually come due.

"The author skillfully blends lighter moments with more serious turns... The ending is superb (despite tragic losses) and teases the next installment." -Kirkus Review"Duff continues to use humor to dissect real-world issues, making this story more than just a fun ride." -FLhunter, Royal Road"Good mixture of humor and serious moments. Very neat world building." -Arcane_Pozhar, Royal Road

This is the second book in my series and this time I really am using Royal Road for its intended purpose, getting feedback from readers.

I would encourage any new people to read the first book, and please make comments if you have feedback for this one.

If something makes you laugh, if something makes you cringe, if you read something that makes you go WTF just happened, please let me know.

First book isstill here on Royal Road, or you canhelp me out and buy it here .

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: michaelbduff

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 214
Views: 97,536

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(6)

Arcane_PozharRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm kind of tired, so I'm going to keep this review quick, but the story has had me hooked for the past 3 days. It's got elements of fantasy, and post-apocalypse, but it's primarily a superhero story. In a somewhat darker world, a bit into the future. Dialogue is a lot of fun, the story is a lot of fun, good mixture of humor and serious moments. Very neat World building. Seriously everyone, there are many stories I pass by without giving five stars to, so if this sounds at all like it's your cup of tea, give it a chance.
ColdforgeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A very fun magical super hero story, that feels a bit like it’s bringing a silver aged super hero into a modern anti-hero comic book, if the silver aged hero was bound into a demonic contract and living with a succubus while hacking computers with their pornbot derived AI buddy. It’s complicated.
ConstantBlueRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Fun story. No easy overdone plot points and no unexplained powerspike. The lore is well developped and you can really feel the world the hero is evolving in. Some weird stuff with the romantic relationships and pairing but I think it’s just me. Please keep up the good work.
Will buy on kindle to support the author.
FLhunterRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Duff is back with The Hero Business, and he doesn't disappoint. Like his first book, the writing here is sharp, funny, and a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. If you enjoyed the mix of superhero satire, cyberpunk, and irreverent humor in the first installment, you'll love this one. The same effortless style shines through, with Duff trusting his readers to piece things together without spoon-feeding them the details—an approach that makes for an engaging and rewarding read.
Once again, Duff takes familiar tropes and freshly flips them. The world-building is still top-notch, filled with angels, demons, witches, and wizards, but the characters steal the show. Each is fully fleshed out, with natural human flaws that make their journeys both relatable and unpredictable.
What stands out in The Hero Business is how Duff continues to use humor to dissect real-world issues, making this story more than just a fun ride. He's clearly targeting young men who might feel stuck or overwhelmed by life, and he does it with empathy and wit. The mix of satire and superhero tropes keeps things light, but there's a deeper layer of meaning just beneath the surface.
The first book was a page-turner, and this one is just as compelling. Duff's skill at ending chapters with lines that draw you in to start the next one is unmatched. Before you know it, you're awake in the middle of the night with a grin on your face, rooting for imperfect heroes.
This is an absolute must-read for fans of Duff's last book and anyone who appreciates fantasy with a sense of humor. Whether you're here for the satire, the action, or the heartfelt moments, this book delivers on all fronts.
RevschmidtRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Finished this and loved it. Well written and well edited, as well as a fun concept. It reminded me a little of the Dresden files, with a protagonist who gains power, and clings to humanity. Would happily recommend. Has adult themes which go beyond just sexual, and include the self destructive nature of power trips.
pdb5906Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Confession: I am all done with superhero stuff. I'm completely numb from watching dudes in spandex punch each other for 120 minutes.
But this guy has found something new to do with the genre, and also mixed in some supernatural, religious, scifi, and even dare I say romantic elements to make it work.
I really like where this is headed.