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Starter Villain Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

John Scalzi (Author), Wil Wheaton (Narrator), Audible Studios (Publisher)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,306 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books of the Year 2023
See all formats and editions

Inheriting your uncle's supervillain business is more complicated than you might think. Particularly when you discover who's running the place.

Charlie's life is going nowhere fast. A divorced substitute teacher living with his cat in a house his siblings want to sell, all he wants is to open a pub downtown, if only the bank will approve his loan.

Then his long-lost uncle Jake dies and leaves his supervillain business (complete with island volcano lair) to Charlie.

But becoming a supervillain isn't all giant laser death rays and lava pits. Jake had enemies, and now they're coming after Charlie. His uncle might have been a stand-up, old-fashioned kind of villain, but these are the real thing: rich, soulless predators backed by multinational corporations and venture capital.

It's up to Charlie to win the war his uncle started against a league of supervillains. But with unionized dolphins, hyperintelligent talking spy cats, and a terrifying henchperson at his side, going bad is starting to look pretty good.

In a dog-eat-dog world...be a cat.

Review

Scalzi's latest is a light-hearted story with a likeable fish-out-of-water protagonist and a lot of very smart cats. There's also a dolphin labor dispute, some truly awful techbros, and a volcano island lair... Who could resist?--Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Black Sun

“Combining the sarcastic humor of Scalzi’s Redshirts with an origin story for James Bond–like supervillains operating with the competence-porn-level efficiency and work ethic of Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots, this story of snark with a heart reminds readers that the logical conclusion of “dogs have owners, cats have staff” is that cats are management and never let anyone forget it... Highly recommended.” ―Library Journal, Starred Review

“Scalzi again examines tropes in a tale of an ordinary individual being cast into an extraordinary situation with his trademark quick pacing, clever banter, and ability to find humor in desperate situations…. With a large print run and a clever premise, Scalzi’s latest will appeal to his legion of fans and draw in new ones.”―Booklist, Starred Review

“In this clever, fast-paced thriller, Hugo Award winner subverts classic supervillain tropes with equal measures of tongue-in-cheek humor and common sense… The result is a breezy and highly entertaining genre send-up.”―Publishers Weekly

"Classic Scalzi set pieces like a class of managerial cats or dolphins on strike – and moments when you will laugh so loudly you will wish you weren’t reading in public."--The New Scientist

"Witty dialogue, clever world-building and engaging secondary characters make this a satisfying escape from the real world. And of course, if you’ve got a feline companion, Starter Villain is a perfect lazy Cat-urday read."--Wall Street Journal

"Irreverent and subversive...with James Bond-level bad guys set in the everyday trudge of corporate life a la The Office."--Entertainment Weekly

About the Author

JOHN SCALZI is one of the most popular SF authors of his generation. His debut, Old Man's War, won him the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His New York Times bestsellers include The Last Colony, Fuzzy Nation, Redshirts (which won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Novel), The Last Emperox, and 2022's The Kaiju Preservation Society. Material from his blog, Whatever, has earned him two other Hugo Awards. He lives in Ohio with his wife and daughter.
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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 5 minutes
  2. Author
    John Scalzi
  3. Narrator
    Wil Wheaton
  4. Audible release date
    September 19, 2023
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Audible Studios
  7. ASIN
    B0C6FR3JN1
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 5 minutes
Author John Scalzi
Narrator Wil Wheaton
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date September 19, 2023
Publisher Audible Studios
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0C6FR3JN1
Best Sellers Rank #565 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#2 in Superhero Fantasy
#5 in Superhero Science Fiction
#17 in Adventure Science Fiction

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
8,306 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing quality very good, fierce intellect, and droll sense of humor. They also find the literary aspects fascinating, entertaining, and lift their spirits. Readers describe the imagination as inventive, likable, and breezy. They mention the pacing as quick and fun. Customers also find that the storyline is fun and unique with interesting plot twists that make them smile. They describe the humor as a fun read and a delightful romp with villains.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
HumorStorylineCharacterizationPacingWriting qualityImaginationLiterary aspectsProtagonist
188 customers mention "Humor"186 positive2 negative

Customers find the book hilarious, quick, and clever. They also describe it as a light-hearted and delightful romp with villains.

"...Starter Villain is once again, a wonderful, humorous, but still serious takeoff on super heroes and villains...." Read more

"...the animals and implications that they have in the story are extremely entertaining...." Read more

"...Fun premise with good twists along the way. Felt a little sorry that the cat wasn’t that important, but the protagonist more than made up for it...." Read more

"Doesn't leave a super big impression, but it was definitely a fun, light read.It's a comedy, so whether it's right for you might vary...." Read more

117 customers mention "Storyline"101 positive16 negative

Customers find the storyline convoluted with lots of plot twists and turns. They also describe the book as imaginative, engaging, and believable. Customers also mention that the book is bizarre and funny.

"...Lot's of surprises and wonderful characters. It's hard to put down.I recommend it highly." Read more

"...I truly was surprised by all the twists and turns and the end will really make you smile...." Read more

"...Fun premise with good twists along the way. Felt a little sorry that the cat wasn’t that important, but the protagonist more than made up for it...." Read more

"...recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good pace, humor, and cats." Read more

58 customers mention "Characterization"43 positive15 negative

Customers find the characters wonderful and surprising.

"...Lot's of surprises and wonderful characters. It's hard to put down.I recommend it highly." Read more

"...I love the humor and depth the characters showed. The story was original and brilliant. I truly had no idea what was coming next...." Read more

"...I was able to keep from weeping at the poor treatment of the protagonist, but only just...." Read more

"...to thank you the great Will Wheaton for narrating it, and bringing the characters to life.FINAL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️..." Read more

48 customers mention "Pacing"44 positive4 negative

Customers find the pacing of the books fast, easy to read, and smart. They also say the books have the right amount of action and are breezy, fun, and inventive.

"...Definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good pace, humor, and cats." Read more

"Doesn't leave a super big impression, but it was definitely a fun, light read.It's a comedy, so whether it's right for you might vary...." Read more

"Jokey, quick reading, occasionally chuckle worthy and clever. Worth your time and money. Scalzi has got a ton of range" Read more

"...He is still keeping the bouncy, almost frenetic pace through his books, which is really his style when he is writing, but this one has some great..." Read more

38 customers mention "Writing quality"38 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book very good, phenomenal, and cleverly constructed. They also say it's a standout work from John Scalzi, with originality, a fierce intellect, and a droll sense of humor.

"...Overall, feels like a well lived in world that has a lot of stories to tell." Read more

"...) Almost hoping for a sequel, but it’s a solid read now and I’m not at all sure that a sequel could be “even better” .. which is what I’ve..." Read more

"...Generally good, but slow at times (a bit heavy on old men pontificating,) and occasionally hard to digest some of the writing..." Read more

"...ever wondered about becoming a world-class villain, this is an excellent primer...." Read more

21 customers mention "Imagination"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inventive, wild, and full of surprises.

"...is really his style when he is writing, but this one has some great ideas about everything that has to do with many of the tropes we have when..." Read more

"It's a cool read, I enjoyed it, and recommend it, has some cool ideas and is well executed, I like Scalzi writing." Read more

"...It has interesting ideas, it is sometimes funny, some of the twists are unexpected. It's not profound literature, just fun...." Read more

"...Breezy, fun, and inventive." Read more

20 customers mention "Literary aspects"17 positive3 negative

Customers find the book witty, fascinating, and catchy. They also say it's a subtle blend of real and fantastic elements that convey deeper messages about ambition, collaboration, and nature. They say the concept is funny and a clever commentary on wealth and privilege in society. Overall, customers say the book lifts their spirits and truly entertains.

"...is fast-paced, with never a dull moment, yet it also conveys deeper messages about ambition, collaboration, and the nature of true villainy...." Read more

"...books and wanted to help get the word out that his books are witty, fascinating and the main protagonist is usually a likeable/relatable character...." Read more

"...This book is filled with interesting tidbits of random knowledge...." Read more

"...I chortled and chuckled; this book lifted my spirits and truly entertained. I highly recommend it!" Read more

12 customers mention "Protagonist"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the protagonist cute and creative.

"...lot of word building, but more a satire and very funny and shall I say, cute? Good read." Read more

"...Sharp incisive look at business and at our social and political structures, but with damned fine story that had me rooting for a 'starter villian'...." Read more

"...He can even blend the two styles beautifully together (see "The Android's Dream")." Read more

"...I don't know what else to say. It's a nice short read. The concept is cute but the execution was short...." Read more

A great Comedic rise and turn of fortune story
5 out of 5 stars
A great Comedic rise and turn of fortune story
As ever Scalzi provides an amazing roller coaster of riotous and at times ridiculous characters, with enough hilarious dialogue and snarky commentary to make the ride pass far faster than I wanted! As ever, Wil Wheaton’s performance keeps up with the demands of the author’s wittyness!
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Top reviews from the United States

Dan S. Tong
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Original, Creative, Delightful, book from John Scalzi
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you read any prior books by Scalzi, you are already a fan of this wonderful storyteller. My first introduction to Scalzi was with the series called Old Man's War. It was fresh, original, and hard to put down.

There are so many so called SF books these days, especially compounded with the negative aspects of self publishing, it is not easy to find books written with competence, and with even a smidgeon of originality.

John Scalzi is a first rate writer who is, certainly in my mind, on the list of my most talented, original authors.

Starter Villain is once again, a wonderful, humorous, but still serious takeoff on super heroes and villains. Not your dumb copycat type of story, but one that keeps you guessing where things will go. Lot's of surprises and wonderful characters. It's hard to put down.

I recommend it highly.
8 people found this helpful
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Gecky Boz
4.0 out of 5 stars Starter Villain
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024
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The characters and humor really make this book shine. You really feel for Charlie and the fact that his life isn't exactly going great. Then things turn very intriguing when his uncle dies. That might just have been the funniest funeral scene that I've ever read (also seriously contemplating some of those flower arrangements and vases for the future for reasons.)

I love that Charlie is thrown into this world of villains. Hera is my favorite and very much a surprise. The expectations versus the reality of it all when it comes to villainy are a great read. Also, all of the animals and implications that they have in the story are extremely entertaining.

I truly was surprised by all the twists and turns and the end will really make you smile. Overall, feels like a well lived in world that has a lot of stories to tell.
6 people found this helpful
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Sheryl Knowles
5.0 out of 5 stars The cat’s not that important <smile>
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
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I really liked this addition to the superhero-lit collection of my library. Fun premise with good twists along the way. Felt a little sorry that the cat wasn’t that important, but the protagonist more than made up for it. (There’s precedent. Scalzi is often compared to Heinlein and the cat in “Cat Who Walked Through Walls” is not significant either. <smile>) Almost hoping for a sequel, but it’s a solid read now and I’m not at all sure that a sequel could be “even better” .. which is what I’ve come to expect of Scalzi. Good job!
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danny2step
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredibly fun read
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
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This book was initially recommended to me by a friend, and it was everything he sold me on and more. Definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good pace, humor, and cats.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Light Read
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2024
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Doesn't leave a super big impression, but it was definitely a fun, light read.

It's a comedy, so whether it's right for you might vary. But I found it was full of funny and clever moments. It's also very short. A dedicated reader could get through it in a couple afternoons.

The excellent cover does make for great coffee table book, or facing outward on a shelf.
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Keith Bowden, aka Godzylla
5.0 out of 5 stars Prrrr
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2024
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All I want to say is this was a lot of fun, hilarious and exciting. But more touching than the gift in the story was Scalzi's appreciation for his wife in the afterword. Kudos, sir.

Meowr.
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Jeremy Freed
3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
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A fun read--what happens when an everyman is unexpectedly dropped into a James Bond world.

Generally good, but slow at times (a bit heavy on old men pontificating,) and occasionally hard to digest some of the writing (not always sure who is talking, that sort of thing.)

Some brilliant ideas though. The dolphins are laugh-out-loud terrific, and I'd do anything for a cat like Hera.
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Practical Pam
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
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A fun story. If you like fiction and are silling to accept that animals can learn to communicate in human terms, this is witty and fun. The authors wit and tone provided some chuckle out loud moments.
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Top reviews from other countries

Moe Sasseville
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and fun read
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2023
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This was a fun read, not a long or overly convoluted book...I don't want to spoil it, but the premise is generally, what would happen is an everyman was put in charge of an organization like those ran by James Bond-style villains.

It's fun and clever, with all the hallmarks of Scalzi's writing.

I though that the plot started to feel predictable around the end...there's a point about halfway through the novel where it feels like this novel is the start of a series...and it veers completely away from this point. The book is surprisingly tight and it cleans up almost every possible plot point...it's almost like Scalzi was trying to make it clear that this was a one-and-done story. Don't look for a sequel, don't ask for one...It does lead to the ending feeling a little rushed, but with everything neatly closed off, there really doesn't need to be.

If you like his previous novels, this is a great one...a perfect weekend read due to its length and pacing.
One person found this helpful
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Jens Stark
5.0 out of 5 stars A Scalzi
Reviewed in Germany on January 25, 2024
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You can expect an insane joyride of a book. A story with more twists than Jack Rabbit Slim's.

And you better like cats.
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Melissa P
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and cozy read
Reviewed in France on October 26, 2023
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I had so much fun with this book (I'm a huge cat lover). Everything about it was funny, warm, and cozy. Very entertaining.
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Kevin, The Wonder Horse
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, well written, interesting and short
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2023
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Five stars on account of the cats, which I am sure was Scalzis plan all along.

A thoroughly entertaining, if short, read with quite a satisfying ending.

Like many of his other books there's a lot of humour in this one. All of the characters, even those, like the hero, who don't habitually shoot people, throw them to the sharks or attempt to drown them in molten lava approach such activities with the kind of dry, wise cracking humour that probably wouldn't be exhibited in real life.

An out of work journalist come supply teacher finds his life turned upside down following the death of his estranged uncle. He swaps a mediocre solitary existence with just his cat for company for a life populated by men called "Tobias the Stabber", not so secret high tech lairs on volcanic islands, secret cabals of global super villains and surprising revelations about his cat.

Why would want to read this book ? Why wouldn't you. It's short so it won't take long and it's exciting, warm and amusing with an ending that will leave you feeling happier than you felt when you started the book.
5 people found this helpful
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Russell Conduit
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book - get the audiobook if you like Will Wheaton - his reading is awesome!
Reviewed in Australia on May 11, 2024
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This is an underrated laugh. I really enjoyed it. If you like will wheaton get the audiobook because he really does a great job.
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