Are you awake? Is your reality real? Are you sure?

Take the plunge down the rabbit hole of insanity and wonder in this fast-paced, nonstop psychological thriller that will leave you questioning the very nature of reality and beyond. Part thriller, part romance, part existential horror, A Dream of Waking Life delves into lucid dreaming, psychedelics, existential ontology, video games, the nature of love, the nature of reality, and more.
Outlast. Outgrow. Outlive. In the ashes of Earth, evolution is the ultimate weapon.

Mendel’s Ladder delivers an adrenaline-fueled journey set on a dystopian future Earth, brimming with high-stakes action, adventure, and mystery. This epic series opener plunges readers into a world filled with diverse cultures, heart-pounding battles, and characters who will captivate your heart and imagination.
Embark on a cosmic mystery spanning all of spacetime and beyond to discover the very nature of reality’s multilayered foundations.

“E.S. Fein is raising the bar for quality as it’s a very well-written and thought-provoking book…There are points and themes in the story that could be discussed for eons as people will have their own idea on where it leads. It’s a book I would highly recommend.” – Andy Whitaker, SFCrowsnest

Introduction

In the colorful and diverse world of X-Men, not all mutants are created equal. For every reality-bending super-being, there’s another with powers that might seem… less impressive. But is it fair to call them “weak?” Or, are they just underappreciated? Let’s take a look at some of the X-Men characters whose powers may not pack the biggest punch but bring something unique to the table.

1. Cypher

Douglas “Doug” Ramsey, better known as Cypher, has the ability to understand any language, written or spoken. It may sound like a super-useful tool for a diplomat or linguist, but it’s not the most combat-effective skill on the battlefield.

2. Bailey Hoskins

Bailey’s power is exploding – once. That’s right, he can detonate like a bomb, but doing so would mean his end. A power that can only be used once and terminates the user doesn’t exactly scream “useful.”

3. Goldballs

Fabio Medina, also known as Goldballs, can generate and project gold-colored balls from his body. While it might not be the most fearsome power, it’s been shown to have medical applications, illustrating that there’s more to a power than its offensive capabilities.

4. Eye Boy

Trevor Hawkins, or Eye Boy, has eyes all over his body. This gives him excellent observational skills and makes it almost impossible for anyone to sneak up on him. However, in terms of raw power, it leaves something to be desired.

5. Beak

Barnell Bohusk, Beak, looks like a bird and has all the characteristics you’d associate with one – except for the ability to fly. He does, however, possess a beak and hollow bones, neither of which provide much advantage in a battle.

6. Maggott

Maggott’s digestive system takes the form of two slugs that can eat through virtually any substance. While this can be useful, it’s not exactly the kind of power that’s going to win any popularity contests.

7. Ugly John

Ugly John has three faces, a power that doesn’t really provide any advantage or disadvantage. It just makes him look different, which is a common theme among many mutants.

8. Skin

Angelo Espinosa, aka Skin, had the ability to stretch his skin. This is a useful ability in certain situations, but it doesn’t measure up to some of the more high-powered mutants.

9. Jazz

Jazz has blue skin and can discharge an electric current. This can be handy in a fight, but it’s limited by his body’s energy reserves and it’s not particularly powerful.

10. Lifeguard

Heather Cameron, also known as Lifeguard, has the ability to develop whatever power is needed to save someone’s life. However, this is highly situational and she has no control over what powers manifest.

Conclusion

From language mastery to electricity production, the X-Men universe has a wide range of mutations. Some may not seem impressive at first glance, especially compared to those that can alter reality or manipulate magnetism. However, every power can be useful in the right circumstances, and what might seem “weak” could turn out to be crucially important when the chips are down.


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