Words are failing me, though I’m not sure if that’s because the book was just so good or it’s after midnight as I write this. Regardless, Not Your Villain was a fun, exciting sequel that I’m pretty sure has a little something for everyone.

Lee began the novel by retelling the ending of book one, Not Your Sidekick, from Bells’ perspective. I appreciated the refresher, and Lee’s execution felt natural; the opening chapters fit with the rest of the story, flowing smoothly into the action and intrigue of the new narrative.

I think Bells is my favorite character out of the Sidekick Squad. He’s witty, resilient, genuine, and interesting—a well-balanced and well-written protagonist. But honestly, everyone else is great too. His friends Jess and Emma, Jess’ girlfriend Abby, and Jess’ younger brother Brendan had distinct personalities and unique relationship dynamics.

Even the parents in the novel—you heard me, this is a YA sci-fi where all the teens have present parents; a true twist—are good. They’re responsible and firm but supportive and caring. If more protagonists had adults like these in their lives, who knows what YA SFF would look like? Maybe fewer disastrous occurrences? But anyway. Props to Lee for that.

I love when books can convey so many feelings—particularly romantic ones—in so few words. Bells’ crush on his friend, his internal conflict when said friend reveals their new relationship, and everything that follows: brilliant. In the midst of the scheming and action, something much more minor shone through and tugged at my heartstrings. I repeat: brilliant.

My only complaints would be a) the sheer number of characters and b) the ending. At times, I couldn’t remember whose brother Brendan was or keep parents or meta-humans straight. Admittedly, this could just be a personal struggle, but in my opinion, there were sometimes too many characters to keep up with.

As for the ending, I didn’t have any issues with the story itself. I was pleased Lee didn’t go the cliffhanger route and curious where the third book would go. My issue was that the final chapter seemed a bit disjointed. I can’t explain further without spoilers and, in my experience, the Goodreads app doesn’t do well with the spoiler tag...so that’s that on that.

It’s late and I’m tired, so I’ll leave this here. Not Your Villain was a quick, thoroughly enjoyable read, and a satisfying sequel. I look forward to diving into the next installment ASAP!

Representation:
• Bells, the protagonist, is a black trans guy. It’s mentioned a few times that he takes T-shots.
• Of the three major side characters: Jess is Chinese-Vietnamese and bisexual; Abby is sapphic, though her exact identity isn’t mentioned; Emma is Latinx, on the aromantic and asexual spectrums, and has two moms. Jess and Abby are dating.
• Many minor characters are queer and/or of color. There are (at least) two that use they/them pronouns, and one scene where group introductions include pronouns.

CW: [I don’t think there are any.]