55 pages 1 hour read

John Scalzi

Starter Villain

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In John Scalzi’s satirical science fiction novel Starter Villain, 32-year-old Charlie Fitzer learns of his estranged billionaire uncle's death and discovers he has inherited his uncle's nefarious enterprises, leading him into a world of genetically modified espionage cats, talking dolphins, and villainous organizations as he navigates his new role and confronts various challenges and betrayals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Starter Villain by John Scalzi receives mixed reviews. Positively noted for its humor, engaging characters, and a fast-paced storyline, readers appreciate its wit and clever dialogue. However, critics point out a predictable plot and underdeveloped secondary characters as drawbacks. Overall, it’s seen as a fun, light read despite some narrative shortcomings.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Starter Villain?

Fans of humorous, satirical science fiction will enjoy Starter Villain by John Scalzi. This novel is perfect for readers who appreciate the wit of Douglas Adams's The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and the quirky, inventive plots of Jasper Fforde's The Eyre Affair. Scalzi's sharp prose and inventive world-building offer an engaging, light-hearted read.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Humor

Topics

Animals

Themes

Natural World: Animals

Society: Class

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil