Review: Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Rating:

Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Humor

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: September 19, 2023

Pages: 264 pages

Why did I choose to read this book?

Adrian Tchaikovsky recommended it on his homepage and since it sounded so fun and I am looking to try new authors I gave it a go.

Introduction

“When life hands you a supervillain empire, what's an out-of-work journalist to do?”

John Scalzi, celebrated for his sharp wit and imaginative storytelling, delivers another engaging tale with Starter Villain. This novel combines humor, satire, and science fiction to explore the unexpected inheritance of a supervillain's empire by an ordinary individual.

What’s It About?

Charlie Fitzer, a former business journalist turned substitute teacher, is struggling to make ends meet. His mundane life takes a dramatic turn when he learns of his estranged Uncle Jake's death. To Charlie's astonishment, he inherits his uncle's vast empire, which is not just a collection of parking lots but a full-fledged supervillain operation complete with a volcanic island lair, intelligent animal operatives, and a host of enemies.

As Charlie navigates this new world of villainy, he must contend with rival villains, manage sentient feline spies, and address labor disputes with intelligent dolphins. The novel humorously examines corporate culture, ethical dilemmas, and the absurdities of power dynamics.

Why You Should Read It

• Humorous Satire: Scalzi masterfully parodies the supervillain trope, offering a fresh and comedic perspective on the genre.
• Engaging Protagonist: Charlie's relatable struggles and witty demeanor make him an endearing character to follow.
• Creative World-Building: The novel introduces a world where supervillainy intersects with everyday bureaucracy, enhanced by intelligent animal characters.

Standout Elements

Intelligent Animal Characters: The inclusion of sentient, computer-savvy cats and unionizing dolphins adds a unique and entertaining dimension to the story.

Sharp Dialogue: The witty exchanges between characters keep the narrative lively and engaging.

Social Commentary: Through satire, the novel addresses themes of corporate greed, labor rights, and the complexities of modern capitalism.

Weak Points?

• The novel's lighthearted approach may not delve deeply into character development, focusing more on humor and plot.
• Some readers might find the rapid pacing leaves certain plot elements underexplored.

Read This If You Like...

• The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi – for its blend of humor and science fiction.
• Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots – for a unique take on villainy and corporate satire.
• The Rook by Daniel O'Malley – for its mix of bureaucracy and the supernatural.

Final Verdict

– A witty and entertaining dive into the world of supervillainy. Starter Villain offers a humorous and imaginative narrative that will delight fans of satirical science fiction.