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Reviews tagging 'Body horror'
Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain by Richard Roberts
1 review
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.
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Body horror
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