Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm A Supervillain (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
The premise is cool - middle school kids come into super powers and find being villains is a lot of fun, so long as no one gets hurt. The world, in which super is ordinary (at least in LA) is well thought out, though backstory references are often given short shrift. I almost didn't make it past chapter two, however, because at times the writing is just that bad. Unclear pronouns, sometimes a lack of pronouns (one paragraph was 4 sentences long, all about Ray, all of which used his name in simple declarative sentences), and rambling, unfocused digressions are par for the course.I would imagine a middle grade reader wouldn't be bothered, but as an adult I expect tighter writing with better editing. If you're looking for a strong female protagonist for a young adult reader, I'd suggest Rysa Walker's Chronos files over this.For what it's worth, I just binge read the entire Dresden Files series (14ish books to date) by Jim Butcher, which was in first person (as is this novel), and so perhaps I've been spoiled by some really good writing. I see the sequel to Super Villain is coming out later this month (January 2015). I won't bother buying it. Too many books, too little time. This was a wonderfully done supervillain book. I like that the characters didn’t mean to be supervillains but want to be superheroes. It’s a great plot idea. Mr. Roberts has written an excellent book for young readers. His writing style is awesome, and it really got me straight into the story. I read this book in one day – it literally kept me turning the pages. I love the character of Penny, and that she never wanted to be a supervillain, yet she turns out to be an excellent mad science. She is great at the evil laugh too. ;) I think that the main characters act realistically (as middle schoolers). The dialogue is spot on. I hope that there is a sequel to this book, but I also thought the book ended very well even though it is a bit of a cliff-hanger. Bonus points for a really cool cover too. Based on this book, I am looking forward to reading more from Mr. Roberts.*NOTE I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
What do You think about Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm A Supervillain (2014)?
This is straight up one of the best, funnest, and most interesting reads I have had in a while.
—bmxchic
Loved it I would recommend it to anyone who has similar reading tastes as me.
—Cassy
