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sarz's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
polarmouse's review
4.0
This is a very low trauma, very cute book about a girl who wants to be a superhero, but seems fated to become a super villain instead. I was expecting more conflict between the main character and, well, pretty much everyone, but it somehow manages to avoid all that, but somehow still remains enjoyable.
srreid's review
5.0
Superheroes and Supervillains, and the new kids (literally a bunch of teens) on the block The Inscrutable Machine, who can't decide which faction to join, and beats both of them many times along the way.
Lots of fun and games, fights, inventions, breakins, heists, and the whole time their parents don't even know it's them, despite being ex superheroes themselves.
Will definitely check out more in this series!
Lots of fun and games, fights, inventions, breakins, heists, and the whole time their parents don't even know it's them, despite being ex superheroes themselves.
Will definitely check out more in this series!
baronessekat's review
4.0
This book grabbed my attention because of the title. It sounded fun. And, hands down, it was.
13 year old, Penelope's parents are Superheroes. The two smartest ones known. And Penelope's been waiting for her powers to start manifesting so she can join the ranks of LA's Superhero community.
But when her powers do start to manifest, she's told by her parents that it's going to take a few years for them to fully form. But what she doesn't tell them is that the powers are growing faster than expected. And what those powers prove to make her into... a mad scientist. So Penny, along with her best friends Claire and Ray, who both also develop powers, team up.
They start proving themselves to the Superhero/Supervillain communities, hoping to be taken seriously. And while everyone labels them to be villains, Penny hopes to one day still be part of the Hero side.
But until then, what's a 13 year old Mad Scientist to do but have fun and show up the Grown-ups.
I completely enjoyed this book, found myself smiling throughout it and am looking forward to the next one. Highly recommend.
13 year old, Penelope's parents are Superheroes. The two smartest ones known. And Penelope's been waiting for her powers to start manifesting so she can join the ranks of LA's Superhero community.
But when her powers do start to manifest, she's told by her parents that it's going to take a few years for them to fully form. But what she doesn't tell them is that the powers are growing faster than expected. And what those powers prove to make her into... a mad scientist. So Penny, along with her best friends Claire and Ray, who both also develop powers, team up.
They start proving themselves to the Superhero/Supervillain communities, hoping to be taken seriously. And while everyone labels them to be villains, Penny hopes to one day still be part of the Hero side.
But until then, what's a 13 year old Mad Scientist to do but have fun and show up the Grown-ups.
I completely enjoyed this book, found myself smiling throughout it and am looking forward to the next one. Highly recommend.
claudia_marcela's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
iceman76's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
If I view this as a cute, fun story for kids 10-14, then it’s fine. If, however, I compare it to the Harry Potter books and the His Dark Materials trilogy, it pales in comparison. Those two series were complex and detailed tales with strong plot and characterization. I was emotionally invested in what was happening.
By contrast, the Supervillain book was kids playing with their new superpowers and having big, messy, not-too-scary fights. The plot was just that - kids, new powers, fights. There’s clearly something serious going on with Ray’s home life but it’s never explored. This had potential to be a good coming of age novel but that didn’t happen.
That said, I really liked the final section that takes place in the library. Stories - both fiction and nonfiction - have come to life throughout the library such as Lincoln’s assassination, horror stories, and Raymond Chandleresque detective stories. I wanted to be there and experience that.
Overall, it’s a funny book but nothing I could take seriously. And even kids’ books should be taken seriously, whether or not their story is serious.
By contrast, the Supervillain book was kids playing with their new superpowers and having big, messy, not-too-scary fights. The plot was just that - kids, new powers, fights. There’s clearly something serious going on with Ray’s home life but it’s never explored. This had potential to be a good coming of age novel but that didn’t happen.
That said, I really liked the final section that takes place in the library. Stories - both fiction and nonfiction - have come to life throughout the library such as Lincoln’s assassination, horror stories, and Raymond Chandleresque detective stories. I wanted to be there and experience that.
Overall, it’s a funny book but nothing I could take seriously. And even kids’ books should be taken seriously, whether or not their story is serious.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
kaqueershi's review against another edition
5.0
Some of the most fun I've had reading in.... probably years. This book had no right to be as good as it was. A complete joy to experience. Wonderful characters that you root for and a silly plot that will make you laugh in all the right and best ways. I wouldn't mind if this ended up as a series. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a light read and a smile.
chukg's review against another edition
3.0
This book almost reads like good fan fiction. There's something about it that feels a little amateur. That said, it was compelling read if you are a fan of superhero fiction (which I am), some neat powers, interesting characters, and good action scenes. I will probably read the sequel.