A Superhero Called Doberman by John and Shami Stovall Book Review
I don't read a great deal of LitRPG or progression fantasy, but every so often a book comes along that reminds me why it's worth stepping outside my usual comfort zone. A Superhero Called Doberman combines superhero action, imaginative world-building, and genuine heart into a fast-paced adventure that surprised me from beginning to end.
A fast-paced superhero fantasy with imaginative world-building, memorable characters, and enough heart to make me eager for the next adventure.
Let's take a look at what this superhero fantasy is all about.
About A Superhero Called Doberman
A Superhero Called Doberman By John Stovall, Shami Stovall
Series: The Superhero Doberman #1
Published by Capital Station Books on 06/30/2026
Genres: Contemporary Fantasy, litRPG adventure
Formats: Audiobook, eBook
Pages: 390
Leon Lewis is essentially the reincarnation of Anubis, but the idiot street thugs don’t know what a jackal is, so they call him “Doberman” instead…
Which works out, because in this new age of superheroes, most names are copyrighted.It all started thirty-one years ago…
Humans began being born with a new organ called the “facet gland,” which mutated their bodies and granted them superhuman abilities. Each person’s power is unique, but one fact quickly emerged: these abilities were subject to progression and advancement, much like building muscles through exercise.Complex powers even follow a tier system with multiple improvement paths. And while some use their gifts to benefit humanity, others embrace unprecedented villainy.
Leon grew up idolizing heroes like Nova, Glitter Ninja, and Japan’s fan-favorite Shine Shine Hero. But his own abilities are dangerous, and could harm random people, so he lives in isolation in a cramped apartment.
That is, until his neighbor, Rachel Anderson, is targeted by the Kings in Yellow—a mysterious street gang infamous for making people vanish.
Leon can’t stand by and do nothing, but activating his abilities might prove fatal…Because Anubis is death to friends and foes alike.
A litRPG adventure for fans of Super Powereds by Drew Hayes or Villain Core by John Stovall!
Reader Resources
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Review at a Glance
| Genre | Superhero Fantasy / Progression Fantasy |
| Series | The Superhero Doberman #1 |
| Setting | Sacramento, California; modern world with superheroes |
| Length | 390 pages |
| Content Rating | PG-13 (comic-book violence, gang activity, peril, mild language) |
| Ideal Reader | Fans of superhero fiction, Readers who enjoy progression fantasy or LitRPG, Anyone looking for an action-packed fantasy with emotional depth, Readers who appreciate reluctant heroes and found-family dynamics |
| My Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) |
Quick Take: A fast-paced superhero fantasy with imaginative world-building, memorable characters, and just the right blend of humor, action, and heart. Even readers unfamiliar with LitRPG or progression fantasy will find plenty to enjoy.
Content Considerations:
- Comic book-style violence and action
- Gang activity and criminal threats
- Some peril and frightening situations
- Mild language
- Themes of sacrifice, responsibility, friendship, and choosing compassion over fear
Here's what worked for me-and where this story really shines.
My Thoughts
Leon Lewis is the kind of protagonist I enjoy following. He projects a gruff, intimidating exterior, but underneath is someone who genuinely wants to protect others. His dry, sarcastic humor complements the Anubis-inspired mythology surprisingly well, making him feel both larger than life and remarkably human. As the story unfolds, it's easy to understand why readers can't help but root for him.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its balance. John and Shami Stovall weave together humor, supernatural action, and heartfelt emotional moments without allowing any one element to overshadow the others. The progression fantasy mechanics and superhero world-building are thoughtfully developed, creating a universe that feels both expansive and believable.
I've come to expect a certain level of quality from the Stovalls, whether they're writing individually or together, and A Superhero Called Doberman certainly delivers. Their novels are consistently well-written, exciting, fast-paced, and filled with imaginative world-building that keeps the pages turning while leaving me eager to continue the series.
Although LitRPG and progression fantasy aren't genres I read regularly, that didn't diminish my enjoyment in the slightest. In fact, this novel arrived at exactly the right time. After several heavier, emotionally demanding books, A Superhero Called Doberman was exactly the entertaining break I needed. Sometimes the best books are the ones that fall outside your usual comfort zone, and this one proved that stepping into an unfamiliar genre can be well worth the adventure.
If you've been curious about progression fantasy but weren't sure where to begin, A Superhero Called Doberman makes an approachable entry point. The world, characters, and power system are introduced naturally, making it easy for newcomers to become invested while still offering plenty for longtime fans of the genre.
In Conclusion
A Superhero Called Doberman delivers exactly what a great superhero fantasy should: memorable characters, inventive world-building, exciting action, and genuine heart. Whether you're already a fan of progression fantasy or simply looking for a refreshing change of pace, this is an entertaining adventure that's easy to recommend.
John and Shami Stovall have once again created a story that is both imaginative and emotionally engaging, and I'll definitely be watching for Leon's next adventure. If you're looking for a fast-paced fantasy that balances humor, action, and meaningful character development, this one deserves a place on your reading list.
If you've enjoyed Shami Stovall's previous novels, this collaboration with John Stovall continues the imaginative storytelling and engaging characters readers have come to expect.
Related Reviews
Excerpt
To give you a feel for the writing style, here's a brief excerpt:
Two thugs waited in a dark alley behind a strip club and that was never a good sign.
Leon Lewis stood across the street, staring down the alleyway from a good fifty feet away, watching the two suspicious men. He waited, unblinking, in the safety of a moonlight shadow.
The Eclipse Lounge, one of the few high-quality strip clubs in Sacramento, only operated from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. because only the saddest of sacks went to an adult entertainment lounge in the middle of the day. That meant it was always dark when Leon came to visit, and he was extra familiar with the dank surroundings, neon flashing lights, and overstuffed dumpsters.
He also knew who usually came and went. These gangbangers weren't on the regulars list.
Don't get the wrong impression, though. Leon never, not even once, went inside the strip club. He had no idea what the interior looked like, and he didn't care.
He only came to the Eclipse Lounge to make sure one of the girls made it home safely.
Rachel Anderson, who went by the stripper name of Stella Velvet, was Leon's next-door neighbor. Months ago, she had returned to her apartment with bruises after a long night of work. Since then, Leon had gone out of his way to make sure she got home safely whenever her shift was over.
This would be the third time strange men came to bother Rachel since Leon took up his bodyguard duties. Something was clearly going on.
Before we wrap up, here's a little more about the authors behind the story.
About John and Shami Stovall
About John Stovall
John Stovall loves Shami, gaming, reading, math, his friends, his family, and his dog, and probably a whole lot of other things he can't think of right now. He obtained his BA in political science, and then later his JD from Humphrey's School of Law, but his real passion lies in writing. When he isn't thinking up number systems for his own homebrew Dungeons & Dragons game, he's thinking up cool plot lines for his books.
If you'd like to contact John Stovall, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram at: john.w.stovall (be prepared for questionable photography skills)
Author page at: john-stovall-author
About Shami Stovall
Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level, and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators, or hugging John.
Email: s.adelle.s@gmail.com
Explore more from John Stovall
Amazon | Goodreads
Explore more from Shami Stovall:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads | Shami Stovall Author Hub
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Tour dates: June 30th thru July 28. To see the full schedule of stops, visit the
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