Plot Summary
Blood and Immortality
Four and a half millennia ago, the battlefield is a slaughterhouse. Krodin, a legendary Assyrian warrior, is nearly invincible—his wounds heal, his strength is unmatched, and his reputation is mythic. He crushes the Egyptian army, forcing their general to kneel and accept defeat. Krodin reveals his secret: he is not a god, but something beyond human, ageless and indestructible. His conquests are relentless, his morality alien, and his only allegiance is to himself. The seeds of his legend are sown in blood and fear, and his immortality is both a gift and a curse, setting the stage for a legacy that will echo through the ages.
The Unseen and the Unremarkable
In present-day South Dakota, Lance McKendrick is a master of invisibility—not by power, but by choice. He's a teenage con artist, running small-time scams and always staying under the radar, determined to be forgotten. His brother Cody is everything Lance is not: popular, athletic, and beloved. Lance's philosophy is simple: success means no one remembers you. But when a scam at the mall goes awry, he's caught by Paragon, a local armored superhero. Humiliated but not arrested, Lance's world is about to collide with forces far beyond his control, as the first hints of a global crisis begin to surface.
Plague in the Air
Across the country, a strange flu sweeps through the adult population, leaving children and teens largely untouched. Schools close, parents are bedridden, and society teeters on the edge of chaos. Roz Dalton, a young telekinetic, and her brother Max, a powerful mind-reader, are drawn into a crisis at a nuclear power plant, where a group of masked, well-trained men launch a violent assault. The attackers are immune to the illness, suggesting a sinister design. As Roz and Max's team is captured, the true scale of the threat becomes clear: this is no ordinary epidemic, but a weaponized virus, and the world's protectors are falling one by one.
The Reluctant Heroes Gather
Abigail de Luyando, a teenage waitress with metal-manipulating strength, and Thunder, a sound-controlling loner, are drawn into the fray. Abby's life is a struggle—supporting her family, hiding her powers, and yearning for something more. Thunder, secretive and sharp-tongued, can manipulate sound waves and silence. When the crisis at the power plant erupts, these young superhumans—along with Roz—find themselves fighting side by side. Their powers are raw, their teamwork untested, but necessity forges them into a unit. The world's adult heroes are incapacitated, and the burden of resistance falls on these unlikely teens.
The Power Plant Siege
The attack on the Midway nuclear plant is a calculated move by The Helotry, a secretive cult with ancient roots. Their goal is not theft, but control and chaos. Roz, Max, and the Rangers are taken hostage, weakened by the virus. Abby and Thunder, after proving their worth to skeptical authorities, join a military assault to free the captives. The rescue is chaotic and costly, revealing the attackers' immunity and hinting at a larger plan. The Helotry's leader, Slaughter, escapes, and the virus continues to spread. The teens' victory is bittersweet, as they realize they are now the world's last line of defense.
Stolen Tech and Stolen Chances
Lance, ever the opportunist, stumbles upon a briefcase linked to Paragon and The Helotry. His curiosity leads him to a secret warehouse filled with stolen superhero tech—jetpacks, armor, and weapons. When he's discovered, a frantic chase ensues, culminating in a wild, jetpack-propelled bike ride down the freeway. Paragon intervenes, saving Lance and recruiting him—reluctantly—into the growing team of young heroes. Lance's skills as a thief and con artist, once used for petty gain, now become vital tools in the fight against a global threat.
The Virus Unleashed
The Helotry's plan comes into focus: the virus is engineered to incapacitate adults, leaving the world vulnerable. Only the young and the immune remain to resist. The cult's ultimate goal is to resurrect the Fifth King—Krodin—using a combination of ancient prophecy, modern science, and superhuman power. The virus is a smokescreen, a means to clear the board for their king's return. As the world descends into chaos, the young heroes realize the stakes: if they fail, humanity will be enslaved by a resurrected tyrant from the dawn of history.
The Helotry's Shadow
Slaughter, The Helotry's enforcer, is a force of nature—strong, fast, and utterly ruthless. She tests the young heroes, nearly killing Abby and Roz, and leaves a trail of destruction. The cult's leadership, ancient and fanatical, manipulates events from the shadows, orchestrating attacks, prison breaks, and the acquisition of key superhumans. Their faith in the Fifth King is absolute, and their methods are merciless. The teens face not only physical threats but psychological warfare, as Slaughter's attacks force them to confront their own fears, doubts, and the limits of their powers.
The Unlikely Team Forms
With the adult world paralyzed, Roz, Abby, Thunder, and Lance—joined by the giant Brawn and, briefly, the villain Pyrokine—form a desperate alliance. Their personalities clash, their trust is fragile, but necessity binds them. They face betrayal, moral dilemmas, and the realization that not all superhumans are heroes. The line between good and evil blurs as they recruit former villains to their cause, knowing that only together do they stand a chance against The Helotry and the coming of the Fifth King.
Slaughter Descends
Slaughter returns, targeting the young heroes with lethal intent. In a savage battle, Abby is nearly killed, Roz is abducted, and the team is scattered. The fight exposes their vulnerabilities and the true danger of their enemy. Slaughter's strength is matched only by her cunning, and her attacks leave physical and emotional scars. The team's resolve is tested as they suffer their first real losses, and the cost of heroism becomes painfully clear.
The Battle for Oak Grove
The team's quest leads them to Oak Grove Prison, where they hope to recruit Pyrokine, a superhuman with the power to manipulate energy at the atomic level. The prison is a scene of devastation—guards and inmates felled by the plague, and The Helotry already one step ahead. Pyrokine is freed, but his allegiance is uncertain. The team is ambushed, separated, and forced to fight for survival. In the chaos, alliances shift, and the true scale of The Helotry's plan becomes apparent: the resurrection of the Fifth King is imminent.
Prison Break: Seeking Pyrokine
Abby's search for Pyrokine leads her through a gauntlet of violence and moral compromise. She frees Brawn, a giant with a villain's past but a hero's heart, and together they battle The Helotry's forces. The team reunites, battered but determined, and races to intercept The Helotry at the Windfield nuclear plant—the site of the final ritual. The stakes are higher than ever, and the young heroes must rely on each other, their powers, and their wits to prevent the return of a tyrant.
The Fifth King Returns
The Helotry's ritual succeeds: Pyrokine, manipulated by Slaughter, channels the energy of the nuclear reactor to tear open time itself. Krodin, the Fifth King, is pulled from the moment before his ancient death and deposited in the modern world. He is bewildered, enraged, and still nearly invincible. The cult hails him as their savior, but Krodin's loyalty is to no one. The young heroes arrive too late to prevent his return, and the final battle begins—a clash of ancient power and modern resolve.
Clash of Titans
Krodin's strength is overwhelming. Brawn, Abby, Roz, Thunder, and Pyrokine throw everything they have at him, but he adapts to every attack, healing and countering with terrifying efficiency. Max Dalton joins the fray, using his mind-control powers to probe Krodin's psyche, but even this is only a temporary reprieve. The team's unity is tested as old wounds and secrets come to light—Max's manipulation of memories, Pyrokine's tragic past, and the cost of their choices. The battle rages for hours, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
Sacrifice and Memory
In the climactic moment, Krodin is on the verge of victory. Roz is nearly killed, and the team is exhausted. Pyrokine, mortally wounded, unleashes the full extent of his power, sacrificing himself to destroy Krodin in a pillar of fire—the very event that was witnessed in the ancient past. The time loop is closed, and the threat is ended, but at a terrible cost. Roz and Pyrokine's forgotten love is briefly rekindled, only to be lost again as Max erases their memories to protect them. The team is left to grapple with grief, betrayal, and the knowledge that heroism often demands the highest price.
Aftermath and New Dawn
With Krodin and The Helotry defeated, the world begins to heal. The virus is cured, thanks to the heroes' efforts and the spread of the counter-virus. The adult superheroes recover, and order is slowly restored. The young heroes—Roz, Abby, Thunder, Lance, and Brawn—are changed forever by their ordeal. They have faced death, loss, and the darkness within themselves, but have emerged stronger, wiser, and more united. The future is uncertain, but they have proven that even the most unlikely heroes can change the world. As Paragon flies Lance home, the story closes on a note of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of youth.
Characters
Krodin (The Fifth King)
Krodin is the living embodiment of ancient power—immortal, ageless, and utterly ruthless. His psychology is shaped by centuries of conquest and survival, making him both awe-inspiring and terrifying. He views humanity as subjects or obstacles, not equals, and his morality is rooted in strength and dominance. When resurrected in the modern world, Krodin is both bewildered and enraged, unable to comprehend the changes around him. His adaptability makes him nearly invincible, but also deeply isolated—he is alone, a relic of a brutal past. His presence forces the young heroes to confront the true meaning of power, leadership, and sacrifice.
Lance McKendrick
Lance is a master of going unnoticed, a teenage grifter who prefers to be forgotten. His intelligence is street-smart, his skills honed by necessity and a desire to avoid attention. Initially self-serving, Lance's journey is one of reluctant heroism—his resourcefulness, quick thinking, and moral flexibility become assets in the fight against The Helotry. He is the team's outsider, often underestimated, but his courage and loyalty emerge as the stakes rise. Lance's psychological arc is about finding purpose and connection, learning that true heroism sometimes means being seen, remembered, and risking everything for others.
Roz Dalton
Roz is a young woman shaped by tragedy and responsibility. Her telekinetic powers are formidable, but her greatest strength is her resolve. As Max Dalton's sister, she is both protected and manipulated, her autonomy often in question. Roz's leadership is tested by betrayal, loss, and the weight of expectation. Her relationship with Pyrokine reveals her capacity for love and vulnerability, while her confrontations with Slaughter and Krodin force her to embrace her own power. Roz's psychological journey is about reclaiming agency, forging her own identity, and learning that true strength lies in compassion and resilience.
Abigail de Luyando (Abby)
Abby is a teenage girl burdened by family responsibilities and poverty, hiding her superhuman strength and metal manipulation. Her sense of justice is fierce, but she is haunted by the fear of hurting others. Abby's journey is one of self-acceptance—embracing her powers, her role as a hero, and her right to happiness. Her friendship with Roz and Thunder, and her rivalry with Slaughter, shape her growth. Abby's psychological arc is about overcoming self-doubt, finding her place in the world, and learning that kindness and courage are as important as strength.
Thunder
Thunder is a loner, defined by his ability to control sound and his reluctance to trust others. His sarcasm and defensiveness mask a deep-seated fear of rejection and inadequacy. Thunder's powers are both a gift and a curse, isolating him from others but making him indispensable to the team. His rivalry with Lance and his evolving friendship with Abby and Roz force him to confront his own vulnerabilities. Thunder's psychological journey is about learning to trust, to collaborate, and to accept that strength comes from connection as much as from power.
Max Dalton
Max is a powerful telepath and the de facto leader of the adult superheroes. His intentions are often noble, but his methods are deeply problematic—he manipulates memories, controls minds, and justifies his actions as necessary for the greater good. Max's relationship with Roz is fraught with tension, as she struggles to assert her independence. His betrayal of Pyrokine and Roz's trust is a central psychological conflict, forcing the team to question the ethics of power and leadership. Max embodies the dangers of unchecked authority and the moral ambiguity of heroism.
Slaughter
Slaughter is The Helotry's weapon—a superhuman of terrifying strength, speed, and cruelty. Her psychology is shaped by rage, trauma, and a desperate need for control. She relishes violence, tests her enemies, and is both feared and pitied by those who face her. Slaughter's encounters with Abby and Roz reveal glimpses of vulnerability, but her loyalty to The Helotry is absolute—until Krodin's return threatens her own survival. Slaughter is a mirror for the heroes, forcing them to confront the darkness within themselves and the cost of victory.
Pyrokine (Fabian)
Pyrokine is a young superhuman with the power to manipulate energy at the atomic level. His abilities are both awe-inspiring and dangerous, making him a target for imprisonment and manipulation. His forgotten romance with Roz is a source of pain and longing, and his ultimate sacrifice is the key to defeating Krodin. Pyrokine's psychological arc is about agency, redemption, and the willingness to give everything for love and the greater good. His death is both a closure of the time loop and a testament to the power of choice.
Brawn
Brawn is a massive, blue-skinned superhuman with a fearsome reputation but a surprisingly gentle heart. Initially a prisoner and an outsider, he joins the heroes out of a sense of honor and debt. Brawn's strength is matched by his empathy, and his presence challenges the team's assumptions about good and evil. His psychological journey is about redemption, belonging, and the realization that even those labeled as villains can be heroes when it matters most.
Paragon
Paragon is the armored superhero who first confronts Lance and later becomes a mentor to the young team. His technology, experience, and unwavering sense of justice provide guidance and support. Paragon's role is that of the adult who believes in the next generation, empowering them to rise to the challenge. His psychological arc is about trust, letting go, and recognizing that heroism is not defined by age or power, but by courage and integrity.
Plot Devices
Time Loop and Resurrection
The central plot device is the resurrection of Krodin, the Fifth King, through a time loop. The Helotry's plan to pull him from the moment before his ancient death creates a paradox—his legendary demise was always the result of his own return. This device explores themes of fate, free will, and the dangers of tampering with history. The time loop is foreshadowed by ancient prophecies and the recurring motif of fire, culminating in Pyrokine's sacrificial act that both fulfills and closes the loop.
Plague as a Weapon
The engineered virus is both a plot catalyst and a symbol of generational conflict. By incapacitating adults, The Helotry clears the way for their king's return and forces the young to take responsibility for the world's fate. The virus's artificial nature, its immunity among the cult, and the race to find a cure drive the narrative's urgency. The device also serves as a commentary on vulnerability, resilience, and the power of youth.
Unlikely Heroes and Team Dynamics
The narrative structure centers on a team of misfits—each with unique powers, backgrounds, and psychological wounds. Their formation, conflict, and eventual unity are driven by necessity and personal growth. The plot leverages their differences, forcing them to confront prejudice, trust issues, and the meaning of heroism. The team's evolution is mirrored by their shifting alliances with former villains, blurring the line between good and evil.
Memory Manipulation and Betrayal
Max Dalton's use of mind control and memory erasure is a recurring device, raising questions about consent, autonomy, and the ethics of leadership. The revelation of his betrayal—erasing Roz and Pyrokine's love—adds emotional depth and moral ambiguity. This device challenges the characters and readers to consider the true cost of safety and the dangers of unchecked authority.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The story is rich with foreshadowing—ancient prophecies, recurring symbols (the blue eye in the golden sun), and mirrored events (the pillar of fire, the cycle of conquest and resistance). These devices create a sense of inevitability and interconnectedness, reinforcing the themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle between freedom and tyranny.
Analysis
Super Human is a high-octane, emotionally charged exploration of power, legacy, and the resilience of youth in the face of overwhelming odds. At its core, the novel interrogates the nature of heroism—not as a function of age, strength, or even morality, but as a willingness to stand against darkness, even when the outcome is uncertain. The resurrection of Krodin, the Fifth King, serves as both a literal and symbolic return of ancient tyranny, challenging the young heroes to confront not only external threats but the shadows within themselves and their mentors. The engineered plague is a masterstroke of narrative urgency, stripping away the safety net of adult authority and forcing the next generation to rise. Through its diverse cast—each flawed, reluctant, and deeply human—the story examines the cost of leadership, the ethics of power, and the possibility of redemption. The time loop and memory manipulation devices underscore the dangers of repeating history and the importance of agency. Ultimately, Super Human is a celebration of courage, friendship, and the belief that even the most unlikely individuals can change the world. Its lessons are clear: true strength lies in unity, compassion, and the refusal to surrender to fate.
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