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How to Be a Supervillain #2
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good
In this highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling How to Be a Supervillain, Victor Spoil must save the world from an evil scheme to enslave the superheroes and villains -- to his parents' utter disappointment.
A sequel has never been this good . . . at being bad! Victor Spoil hates the Junior Super Academy. It makes him cranky -- and his parents couldn't be prouder, because supervillains aren't meant to be nice. Until Victor confesses he wants to leave and become a librarian. The horror!
But when superheroes and villains -- including his parents -- start disappearing, only a dedicated do-gooder like Victor can track them down. He discovers that the supers are being captured to square off against aliens in gladiator-like shows. And unlike the scripted fights that the supers usually sign up for, these battles are to the death!
Victor and his fellow super students must join together and harness their super powers to battle this dastardly mega-villain. But to be a hero, Victor finally has to embrace his inner villain. Will he be able to stoop that low?
A sequel has never been this good . . . at being bad! Victor Spoil hates the Junior Super Academy. It makes him cranky -- and his parents couldn't be prouder, because supervillains aren't meant to be nice. Until Victor confesses he wants to leave and become a librarian. The horror!
But when superheroes and villains -- including his parents -- start disappearing, only a dedicated do-gooder like Victor can track them down. He discovers that the supers are being captured to square off against aliens in gladiator-like shows. And unlike the scripted fights that the supers usually sign up for, these battles are to the death!
Victor and his fellow super students must join together and harness their super powers to battle this dastardly mega-villain. But to be a hero, Victor finally has to embrace his inner villain. Will he be able to stoop that low?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2018
56 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 10, 2018
*This review can also be found on YA Books Central! Huge thanks to the publisher for the review copy in exchange of my honest opinion.*
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good turned out to be such a fun read! It's about a GOOD supervillain who is tired of living the super life and is considering to become a librarian (despite everyone's protest) but before he even tries, he gets pulled into another super adventure where he and his friends have to save all the kidnapped suppers from an unknown villain!
One of the things I loved the most about this book is the type of superpowers all the supers and villains have. Our main character Victor Spoil is a Tickler (he tickles everyone intensely!), but you can also find every kind of peculiar powers and names such as Dr. Deodorant, Moldy Dave, Smelly Foot, Flame Kicker, Worm Boy, Yeastmaster, and so on!
The illustrations found inside helped a lot to imagine the characters and their fun quest. I often found myself staring far too long into some, taking in all the little details like finding random characters among the supers.
I must confess I did not read the first book in this series, but I truly believe this sequel can be read as a standalone. It provides a swift summary of Victor's previous success of saving the world (and failing at being a super villain) so readers won't feel lost if they decide to pick up this sequel instead of the first (though it would be fun to read back-to-back!).
Final Verdict:
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good is a fun middle grade super adventure that readers of every age will come to enjoy! I know my younger self would have enjoyed this book so much (as I did now!). It brings back great memories of witty reads full of humor and funny illustrations in the likes of Captain Underpants.
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good turned out to be such a fun read! It's about a GOOD supervillain who is tired of living the super life and is considering to become a librarian (despite everyone's protest) but before he even tries, he gets pulled into another super adventure where he and his friends have to save all the kidnapped suppers from an unknown villain!
One of the things I loved the most about this book is the type of superpowers all the supers and villains have. Our main character Victor Spoil is a Tickler (he tickles everyone intensely!), but you can also find every kind of peculiar powers and names such as Dr. Deodorant, Moldy Dave, Smelly Foot, Flame Kicker, Worm Boy, Yeastmaster, and so on!
The illustrations found inside helped a lot to imagine the characters and their fun quest. I often found myself staring far too long into some, taking in all the little details like finding random characters among the supers.
I must confess I did not read the first book in this series, but I truly believe this sequel can be read as a standalone. It provides a swift summary of Victor's previous success of saving the world (and failing at being a super villain) so readers won't feel lost if they decide to pick up this sequel instead of the first (though it would be fun to read back-to-back!).
Final Verdict:
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good is a fun middle grade super adventure that readers of every age will come to enjoy! I know my younger self would have enjoyed this book so much (as I did now!). It brings back great memories of witty reads full of humor and funny illustrations in the likes of Captain Underpants.
July 31, 2018
@kidlitexchange #partner #bookstagram #kidlitexchange #kidlit
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This follow-on tale to How To Be A Supervillain is just as quirky, hilarious, and absurd. From the tickling super skill of the narrator, Victor, to the diverse secondary characters, including The Smear, Moldy Dave, and Anvil Head!
Even abstracting from the humor of the superhero’s names and traits, the plot will ensure readers continue to turn pages— who wouldn’t want to know the outcome of a battle between a whole bunch of Supervillains and the alien Commodore who trapped them to use as galaxy entertainment. Oh, and if that’s not enough, the narrator wants to give up his supervillain life to become a civilian librarian and no one’s pleased about that either.
A great middle grade read, either as a stand-alone title or follow on from book one. The large number of illustrations provide another layer of entertainment and will be a great help for reluctant and struggling readers.
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This follow-on tale to How To Be A Supervillain is just as quirky, hilarious, and absurd. From the tickling super skill of the narrator, Victor, to the diverse secondary characters, including The Smear, Moldy Dave, and Anvil Head!
Even abstracting from the humor of the superhero’s names and traits, the plot will ensure readers continue to turn pages— who wouldn’t want to know the outcome of a battle between a whole bunch of Supervillains and the alien Commodore who trapped them to use as galaxy entertainment. Oh, and if that’s not enough, the narrator wants to give up his supervillain life to become a civilian librarian and no one’s pleased about that either.
A great middle grade read, either as a stand-alone title or follow on from book one. The large number of illustrations provide another layer of entertainment and will be a great help for reluctant and struggling readers.
November 16, 2018
I’m finished as in hands up, I give up. I’ve tried, over and over, to complete this book. I can’t manage it, it’s agonizing to start a book without finishing. I love the occasional children’s book, but this is too childish. There is zero substance, I groan inwardly every time I even lay eyes on it. This book beat me, I give up.
The fact that I am old is not lost on me, and maybe that is the issue here. A young child looking for a read that lets the brain take a hiatus may absolutely love this book.
The fact that I am old is not lost on me, and maybe that is the issue here. A young child looking for a read that lets the brain take a hiatus may absolutely love this book.
July 9, 2021
Librarians ARE heroes.
July 14, 2018
How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good
by Michael Fry
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book — all opinions are my own.
*
“It’s not the superpowers, it’s the power of the super!”
*
This book is SUPER!! Filled with lovable characters, clever jokes, and a downright real-life view of the “super” lives led by heroes and villains, Fry’s story will absolutely capture the hearts (and funny bones) of those students who just plain don’t like to read.
*
Victor Spoil is supposed to be a villain, a bad guy, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to stop doing the right thing! Ugh! Being a super villain super STINKS sometimes. Instead of fighting goody-goody heroes in capes and tights, Victor would much rather be a librarian (he loves books). But when Victor’s parents and all of the other supers disappear, it’s up to Victor and his “lame super” friends from Junior Super Academy to save them. Heroes and villains, unite!
*
The book is around 65% text and 35% comic-like illustrations, which makes it both a quick and visually appealing read. One of its key messages to readers is that no matter how “lame” a power may seam, it’s the powers we all have inside of us that make us SUPER. How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good
by Michael Fry
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book — all opinions are my own.
*
“It’s not the superpowers, it’s the power of the super!”
*
This book is SUPER!! Filled with lovable characters, clever jokes, and a downright real-life view of the “super” lives led by heroes and villains, Fry’s story will absolutely capture the hearts (and funny bones) of those students who just plain don’t like to read.
*
Victor Spoil is supposed to be a villain, a bad guy, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to stop doing the right thing! Ugh! Being a supervillain super STINKS sometimes. Instead of fighting goody-goody heroes in capes and tights, Victor would much rather be a librarian (he loves books). But when Victor’s parents and all of the other supers disappear, it’s up to Victor and his “lame super” friends from Junior Super Academy to save them. Heroes and villains, unite!
*
The book is around 65% text and 35% comic-like illustrations, which makes it both a quick and visually appealing read. One of its key messages to readers is that no matter how “lame” a power may seem, it’s the powers we all have inside of us that make us SUPER.
by Michael Fry
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book — all opinions are my own.
*
“It’s not the superpowers, it’s the power of the super!”
*
This book is SUPER!! Filled with lovable characters, clever jokes, and a downright real-life view of the “super” lives led by heroes and villains, Fry’s story will absolutely capture the hearts (and funny bones) of those students who just plain don’t like to read.
*
Victor Spoil is supposed to be a villain, a bad guy, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to stop doing the right thing! Ugh! Being a super villain super STINKS sometimes. Instead of fighting goody-goody heroes in capes and tights, Victor would much rather be a librarian (he loves books). But when Victor’s parents and all of the other supers disappear, it’s up to Victor and his “lame super” friends from Junior Super Academy to save them. Heroes and villains, unite!
*
The book is around 65% text and 35% comic-like illustrations, which makes it both a quick and visually appealing read. One of its key messages to readers is that no matter how “lame” a power may seam, it’s the powers we all have inside of us that make us SUPER. How to Be a Supervillain: Born to Be Good
by Michael Fry
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book — all opinions are my own.
*
“It’s not the superpowers, it’s the power of the super!”
*
This book is SUPER!! Filled with lovable characters, clever jokes, and a downright real-life view of the “super” lives led by heroes and villains, Fry’s story will absolutely capture the hearts (and funny bones) of those students who just plain don’t like to read.
*
Victor Spoil is supposed to be a villain, a bad guy, but no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t seem to stop doing the right thing! Ugh! Being a supervillain super STINKS sometimes. Instead of fighting goody-goody heroes in capes and tights, Victor would much rather be a librarian (he loves books). But when Victor’s parents and all of the other supers disappear, it’s up to Victor and his “lame super” friends from Junior Super Academy to save them. Heroes and villains, unite!
*
The book is around 65% text and 35% comic-like illustrations, which makes it both a quick and visually appealing read. One of its key messages to readers is that no matter how “lame” a power may seem, it’s the powers we all have inside of us that make us SUPER.
July 27, 2019
Victor Spoil is back for his second adventure as the supervillain-in-training, who is really a superhero at heart. While he seems to have a talent for saving the day, he wants to give up his super abilities and become a librarian. Unfortunately, fate has something else planned for him.
It turns out that some alien called the Commander has come to Earth and has started to capture all the supers in order for them to work as gladiators in an arena for entertainment. The Commander is so successful that he is able to capture almost all of the adult supers. That means it is up to Victor, his friends, and his mentor to come up with a plan to rescue the other supers and (once again) save the planet.
I somehow ended up reading this one out of order. It is the second book in the series, but I didn't hear about it until after reading the third book in the series. The good news is that it was still really fun. Fry is definitely a writer and illustrator who will be enjoyed by the fans of Chris Grabenstein. Lots of humor and action are present, which is not surprising in a superhero story. Fry also makes use of his unique illustrations to help tell the story. They are not only used to help show what the narrative is saying, but actually tell parts of the story themselves. This book and this series is definitely worth a read.
It turns out that some alien called the Commander has come to Earth and has started to capture all the supers in order for them to work as gladiators in an arena for entertainment. The Commander is so successful that he is able to capture almost all of the adult supers. That means it is up to Victor, his friends, and his mentor to come up with a plan to rescue the other supers and (once again) save the planet.
I somehow ended up reading this one out of order. It is the second book in the series, but I didn't hear about it until after reading the third book in the series. The good news is that it was still really fun. Fry is definitely a writer and illustrator who will be enjoyed by the fans of Chris Grabenstein. Lots of humor and action are present, which is not surprising in a superhero story. Fry also makes use of his unique illustrations to help tell the story. They are not only used to help show what the narrative is saying, but actually tell parts of the story themselves. This book and this series is definitely worth a read.
June 29, 2018
I won this book on Goodreads I am giving my review as requested.
I LOVE this book for my grandsons! I love how its both a book AND a Comic book combined!
My grandson is 10 and this is a good book for getting him to read the story.
The characters are funny and sometime serious. Our Supervillain/ Super Hero is a typical kids with doubts and peer issues just like any normal kid might experience. His mentor Mr. Smear gets a chance to relive his glory years toward the end of the book. With all the cool adult supervillains got it up to Victor Spoil and his not so cool classmates to rescue them. At one point Victor gives himself up in order to save his classmates only to find out it was a trap and our nasty villain had no intent on releasing his peers. So he makes up a supervillain who is more spectacular than any of the supervillains taken by the evil collector in the hopes of getting the super adults released only to find out you can't trust an evil collector.
I see it being a hit among you reluctant readers such as my grandson!
Thanks for the wonderful book. I now what to go back and read the first How to be a supervillain book!
I LOVE this book for my grandsons! I love how its both a book AND a Comic book combined!
My grandson is 10 and this is a good book for getting him to read the story.
The characters are funny and sometime serious. Our Supervillain/ Super Hero is a typical kids with doubts and peer issues just like any normal kid might experience. His mentor Mr. Smear gets a chance to relive his glory years toward the end of the book. With all the cool adult supervillains got it up to Victor Spoil and his not so cool classmates to rescue them. At one point Victor gives himself up in order to save his classmates only to find out it was a trap and our nasty villain had no intent on releasing his peers. So he makes up a supervillain who is more spectacular than any of the supervillains taken by the evil collector in the hopes of getting the super adults released only to find out you can't trust an evil collector.
I see it being a hit among you reluctant readers such as my grandson!
Thanks for the wonderful book. I now what to go back and read the first How to be a supervillain book!
May 7, 2018
Thanks to @jimmypattersonbooks for an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
…...Readalikes: How to be a Supervillain #1, Unflushables, James Patterson's Middle School series….. Victor Spoil attends a school for supervillains and is known as The Tickler. People laugh at his superpower, but that’s ok. He doesn’t want it anyway. He wants to be a librarian (who doesn’t?), not a supervillain. But darn it, he keeps saving everyone. In this sequel to How to Be a Supervillain, all of the supers’ parents are kidnapped by The Commodore, who wants to make them into real action figures, and it’s up to Victor to get them home. Books in the humor genre are hit or miss, but this works. It’s cute. It’s funny. No glaring plot holes. The illustrations and occasional comic panels break up the text just when it is needed. This is going on my library’s wishlist.
…...Readalikes: How to be a Supervillain #1, Unflushables, James Patterson's Middle School series….. Victor Spoil attends a school for supervillains and is known as The Tickler. People laugh at his superpower, but that’s ok. He doesn’t want it anyway. He wants to be a librarian (who doesn’t?), not a supervillain. But darn it, he keeps saving everyone. In this sequel to How to Be a Supervillain, all of the supers’ parents are kidnapped by The Commodore, who wants to make them into real action figures, and it’s up to Victor to get them home. Books in the humor genre are hit or miss, but this works. It’s cute. It’s funny. No glaring plot holes. The illustrations and occasional comic panels break up the text just when it is needed. This is going on my library’s wishlist.
July 12, 2018
This series is so funny. Victor is the son of super villains, but he doesn’t want to be a villain. In the first book, he learned that his super power is tickling. It’s not a very ferocious power for a super villain.
In this book, Victor decides that he doesn’t want to be a super villain, and wants to be a librarian instead. But before he can quit being a super, all of the parents of kids at the super academy disappear. Victor has to work with his friends and his mentor, the Smear, to get them back.
This was a very funny book. The narrative is interspersed with pictures, like a graphic novel. This format reminds me of the Captain Underpants books. The super villain characters with odd powers reminded me of the Incredibles. This book would be great for fans of both Captain Underpants and The Incredibles.
In this book, Victor decides that he doesn’t want to be a super villain, and wants to be a librarian instead. But before he can quit being a super, all of the parents of kids at the super academy disappear. Victor has to work with his friends and his mentor, the Smear, to get them back.
This was a very funny book. The narrative is interspersed with pictures, like a graphic novel. This format reminds me of the Captain Underpants books. The super villain characters with odd powers reminded me of the Incredibles. This book would be great for fans of both Captain Underpants and The Incredibles.
January 23, 2020
I still read to my son before bedtime, so I'm counting this toward my book challenge, especially since it takes longer to read out loud than silently to myself.
I thought this was a cute story, definitely geared toward the middle grades. My nine-year-old loved it.
My biggest complain - it needed copy editing. Let's face it. The first bit of advice writers give to aspiring writers is to read, read, read. That's not just so they can learn how to craft a story, but also how grammar and mechanics work. Big publishing houses really need to reinvest in copy editors again. I'm tired of reading books with mistakes in them that should have been caught by someone before going to press.
I thought this was a cute story, definitely geared toward the middle grades. My nine-year-old loved it.
My biggest complain - it needed copy editing. Let's face it. The first bit of advice writers give to aspiring writers is to read, read, read. That's not just so they can learn how to craft a story, but also how grammar and mechanics work. Big publishing houses really need to reinvest in copy editors again. I'm tired of reading books with mistakes in them that should have been caught by someone before going to press.
November 18, 2018
Only reason really why I gave this 3 stars is because I’m 25 and this is a children’s book and was hard to keep my interest for very long. It was a cute story and great for kids, probably middle school age. But I did an this book and wanted to give it a try.
This book you follow Victor on another adventure as he has discovered his super power and must use it to save his parents and other supers capture from some spaceship. Story is great but for someone a little older probably skip this one
This book you follow Victor on another adventure as he has discovered his super power and must use it to save his parents and other supers capture from some spaceship. Story is great but for someone a little older probably skip this one
April 5, 2021
Victor Spoil AKA The Tickler and reluctant Super villain has decided to quit the Junior Super Academy, and follow his dream of becoming a librarian. But his plans are put on hold when all the parents have been kidnapped by the evil malevolent mega-villain Commodore. Will Victor be able to spoil the Commodore's plan, and save all the parents before it's too late? This laugh out loud sequel is a must read for both young and old.
May 8, 2018
Great book. Then again, I wrote and Illustrated it. Sequels are tough, but this one is special. Victor and Octavia are back. The Smear is back. The rock monsters are back. And lots and lots of pie. Fun stuff. Mike-Bob says check it out.
May 10, 2019
The humor continues in this middle grade novel by Fry. This time Victor has to work with other Supers to save all supers from a collector who pits them in fights to the death. He learns a valuable lesson about caring for others and being true to himself.
February 2, 2021
This was better than Odd Gods. Less gross, and actually more quirky, with a main character who's supposed to be a supervillain (with the power to super-tickle people), but keeps doing the right thing. Again, this is a book where you have to look at/read the pictures, which I just don't care for.
November 11, 2022
Victor is not happy at the Super Academy. He feels he just doesn’t belong. When Parents Weekend comes all the parents are kidnapped! He must try to save them with the help of Olivia and some of the others.
November 10, 2018
Victor Spoil is too cute.No matter how bad he tries to be,it's his goodness that wins in the end.The puns and cartoons in this book crack me up.Just corny enough to make my day.
January 22, 2019
Remember, it's not the superpower, its the power of the super. This was as fun as the first book. My son liked it. Loved the addition of Javy and Moldy Dave. They were the best.
January 22, 2019
Super "good" villainy fun!!
July 11, 2019
If you liked the first book then you should read this book.I liked it very much.If you choose to read this book then I hope you enjoy it I know I enjoyed it.
October 30, 2019
It was really funny and interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who likes funny books and superhero's.
January 10, 2021
Amazing I loved it!!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!!amzinf
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews