Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Starter Villain

• Author: John Scalzi
• Published: September 19th, 2023
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Rating: 4/5 

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synopsis

Charlie’s mundane life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged uncle, a low-key supervillain, passes away and leaves his nefarious empire in Charlie’s reluctant hands. Instead of the glamorous life of world domination, Charlie is thrust into a sinister world of ruthless adversaries, corporate greed, and cutthroat villains. As he struggles to keep his uncle’s legacy afloat, Charlie must assemble a quirky team, including unionized dolphins, hyperintelligent spy cats, and a formidable henchperson, to battle a league of genuine supervillains. In a world where evil reigns supreme, Charlie learns that sometimes, being a cat in a dog-eat-dog world is the only way to survive.

My thoughts

“Starter Villain” offers a refreshing perspective on the world of supervillains. Charlie’s life is a comedy of errors, with his dream of opening a downtown pub seemingly more elusive than securing a bank loan, where even his wayward feline companions boast more impressive credit scores. Scalzi’s writing style is casual and light-hearted, prioritizing storytelling and reader engagement over any grand display of his writing prowess.

Charlie’s inadvertent entry into the world of supervillainy unveils a truth – it’s more corporate than wicked. Supervillains, it turns out, are essentially professional disruptors, and Scalzi’s portrayal of this world is both entertaining and astute. The hidden quirks of this industry, such as sentient cats, add a delightful layer of humor to the narrative.

The characters in “Starter Villain” are a constant source of amusement. The heroes are charming and eccentric, while the antagonists lack any redeeming qualities, fitting perfectly into the story’s comedic tone. Although they may lack subtlety, this serves the story well in its given context. After all, when we watch older James Bond movies, we’re not seeking nuanced character development but rather the thrill, action, and the presence of nefarious villains.

In summary, “Starter Villain” comes highly recommended for those in search of witty and amusing entertainment. Scalzi’s imaginative storytelling ensures that readers will be thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.