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A review by roannasylver
Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee
5.0
“It’s a secret identity thing, isn’t it?”
“You could say that.”
* * *
I love superheroes. I especially love superhero books where the writing is lively and engaging, and the marginalized rep is easy, inclusive and positive. I love Jess' drive to find herself and come into her own as a hero instead of standing in her sister's (and parents, to an extent) shadow. I love her resourcefulness and tenacity in the face of opposition and conspiracy from adults, and I love her and Abby's interactions and chemistry. (I also really love Bells, which is good news for me and everyone else!)
This story also has enough twists to keep readers guessing. I admit that I did see pretty much all of them coming, but not because the writing is predicable or slow - it's just that every reveal is *exactly what I would have written, and specifically wanted to see!* Always fun when a writer seems to be right inside your brain. It's not boring; it's satisfying in the best way.
Without spoiling, I will say that the situation - heroes versus villains - is not what it seems, leading to some surprisingly relevant commentary, from celebrity culture, political PR stunts, and the revision of history in the media and even school textbooks. Anyone paying attention to the state of the world today will find their concerns and suspicions reflected here - and because this is a superhero novel, these sometimes-insidious evils will actually be addressed.
I'm so very much looking forward to the sequel, NOT YOUR VILLAIN, which will center Bells. Can't wait to read more about him; again without spoiling, the first book sets him up very well for more adventures. I'm hoping for the same mix of real-world commentary and pointed optimism. The future seems bright!
“You could say that.”
* * *
I love superheroes. I especially love superhero books where the writing is lively and engaging, and the marginalized rep is easy, inclusive and positive. I love Jess' drive to find herself and come into her own as a hero instead of standing in her sister's (and parents, to an extent) shadow. I love her resourcefulness and tenacity in the face of opposition and conspiracy from adults, and I love her and Abby's interactions and chemistry. (I also really love Bells, which is good news for me and everyone else!)
This story also has enough twists to keep readers guessing. I admit that I did see pretty much all of them coming, but not because the writing is predicable or slow - it's just that every reveal is *exactly what I would have written, and specifically wanted to see!* Always fun when a writer seems to be right inside your brain. It's not boring; it's satisfying in the best way.
Without spoiling, I will say that the situation - heroes versus villains - is not what it seems, leading to some surprisingly relevant commentary, from celebrity culture, political PR stunts, and the revision of history in the media and even school textbooks. Anyone paying attention to the state of the world today will find their concerns and suspicions reflected here - and because this is a superhero novel, these sometimes-insidious evils will actually be addressed.
I'm so very much looking forward to the sequel, NOT YOUR VILLAIN, which will center Bells. Can't wait to read more about him; again without spoiling, the first book sets him up very well for more adventures. I'm hoping for the same mix of real-world commentary and pointed optimism. The future seems bright!