Starter Villain

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John Scalzi: Starter Villain (2023, Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom)

English language

Published Jan. 7, 2023 by Doherty Associates, LLC, Tom.

ISBN:
978-0-7653-8923-7
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4 stars (4 reviews)

4 editions

Enjoyable Scalzi short

4 stars

I enjoyed this more than Redshirts. A fun read that doesn't take itself too seriously. I really felt like I was reading a movie.

A nice self contained plot with plenty of foreshadowing, but I did want a little bit more in the payoff at the end. Plenty of contemporary references and stabs at corporate America. The cat thing was juuuust about on the line and didn't go overboard.

I liked the premise of random guy inserted into villainous empire but i did feel like Charlie's handling of it felt a bit "chosen one". I'd have liked to see a few more disasters along the way.

Narrated by Wil Wheaton, who was perfect and complemented the book's humour perfectly. If you've listened to Ready Player One, he brought a similar nerdy enthusiasm to it.