Likely Stories - Starter Villain

A villain to a group of supervillains, thrust into a life of evil with spy cats, crass dolphin warriors, a ruthless henchwoman, and a HEAPING dose of snark. Sign. Me. Up.

Charlie Fitzer is your average Everyman, a divorced, down-on-his-luck substitute teacher trying to hang on to his house and keep his adorable and suspiciously intelligent cats fed. His luck begins to change when he learns of the death of his estranged billionaire uncle Jake who has left a “parking structure business” to Charlie.

At the funeral, in which no less than five people try to re-kill Jake just in case he’s faking his death, Charlie learns of his uncle’s true life: he was a villain who was at the top of a consortium of other evildoers. Jake had a lair inside an active volcano, he managed a cadre of communicating cats he used as spies (including the ones living at Charlie’s house), he oversaw foul-mouthed dolphins who want to rise up and overthrow “the man” who keeps them subservient, he kept tabs on an Indiana Jones-esque warehouse of treasure possibly stolen from Nazis, he absolutely did not fake his death to escape consequence, and now he needs someone (here’s where Charlie comes in) to stand up against the syndicate of evil.

WHEW.

After taking all this in, Charlie feels he’s quite in over his head, but he keeps up the best he can. He has to decide if this life of villainry will be for him, or if a mild-mannered life of substitute teaching and cat-feeding is more his style.

The sardonic, incredulous tone Charlie strikes at all times makes the ride even better. I have to admit I was drawn in by the cover of this book, but the content inside did not disappoint. Parts of this book were laugh out loud funny, and all of it was wild and unique. I actually listened to the audio version, which was narrated by Wil Wheaton, who is the perfect choice for Charlie’s voice. His uncertainty of this new life into which he’s stumbled and his sarcasm toward the villains surrounding him are encapsulated perfectly by the narrator.

If irreverent, speculative stories with a wry twist are your thing, you’ll want to start this one as soon as possible.

RECENT EPISODES OF LIKELY STORIES

Likely Stories - The End of the Spear by Steve Saint

Hi, my name is Harrison Otis, and welcome to Likely Stories. Today I'll be reviewing Steve Saint's 2005 memoir, End of the Spear.

Likely Stories - The Will of the Many by James Islington

The Will of the Many by James Islington...I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book, but that's exactly what I want to do today. Hello, and welcome to Likely Stories. I’m Paige Connell, and I teachEnglish at Midway High School.

Likely Stories - A Heavy Metal History Lesson by Josh Putnam

In his new book A Heavy Metal History Lesson, author Josh Putnam explores the historical backgrounds of 10 heavy metal songs.

Likely Stories - We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper

In her first Likely Stories review, Kelly Craine explores We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper—a gripping investigation into a decades-old Harvard murder. More than a true crime story, it’s a powerful meditation on memory, misogyny, and the life of Jane Britton. A compelling debut from a new voice on Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea by Jack Davis

This is the Reverend Dr. Andrew Armond, associate rector of Saint Albans Episcopal Church here in Waco. Welcome to this week's edition of Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi

If you have ever wondered what it would be like if Star Trek The Next Generation and Monty Python had a baby, I expect that reading a John Scalzi novel is as close as you can get to experiencing it. I’m Gia Chevis with this week’s installment of Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - I See You've Called In Dead by John Kenney

Hello. My name is Douglas Henry, Dean of the Honors College at Baylor University, with this week’s edition of Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson

The summer you turn 12 is the most magical and glorious of them all. Times stretches out before you, freedom is riding your bike all over the neighborhood, and every day is wonderful, especially if you spend it with your eccentric uncle going to all the best haunted spots in town.Welcome to Likely Stories, I’m Diane Kemper.

Likely Stories - Winters in the World: A Journey Through the Anglo-Saxon Year by Eleanor Parker

This is the Reverend Dr. Andrew Armond, associate rector of Saint Albans Episcopal Church here in Waco. Welcome to this week's edition of Likely Stories.

Likely Stories - My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris

Part murder mystery, part coming-of-age tale, My Favorite Thing is Monsters blends pulp horror, art history, and raw emotion into a stunning graphic novel experience. Told through a young girl's illustrated diary, Emil Ferris's masterpiece is unforgettable in both story and style.