Title: Not Your Sidekick
Author: C. B. Lee
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Series? Yes, 1 of 3.
Do you remember Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson? That series where super powered humans emerge in a post-apocalyptic world, quickly dividing society into factions? Well, I have good news for those who enjoyed it – Not Your Sidekick gives you a similar premise, but filled with a whole lot more of diversity and heart. Although it dresses up in superhero capes and fun action – at its heart Not Your Sidekick is the perfect book for anyone who’s ever felt the yearning to be a part of something more.
Comic book superheroes and supervillains gets a makeover in Not Yout Sidekick. Aside from action sequences and save-the-world type plotlines, we also get an introspective and character centred novel. While the book was extremely fun during its engaging action scenes and exposition, it shined brightest due to the lovable and diverse cast of characters. Alongside with saving the day, Jess and the crew also have to contend with romantic mixed signals, embarrassing siblings, and the difficulties of finding gainful employment without work experience. It’s comic superheroes at their most relatable.
I began reading Not Your Sidekick aware that it had an Asian-American protagonist, thanks to its fantastic illustrated cover. But I was positively gleeful when I realised that Jess is Chinese-Vietnamese (for those who don’t know, I’m full Vietnamese). It’s rare to see an Asian protagonist anywhere in fiction, but it’s even rarer to see one in a SFF. I loved seeing Jess’s respect for her heritage, mingled with insecurities about her mixed background, her grasp of the individual cultures and languages. These uncertainties plagued her just as much as her doubts over her absent superhero powers. My teenage self would have adored this book, and I am so glad to see it’s now available – you can bet that I will be pushing Not Your Sidekick on all the kids I meet from now on.
Aside from Jess, Not Your Sidekick also had a full cast of endearing and memorable supporting characters. I especially loved Jess’s best friends, each unique and have fully fleshed out stories of their own aside from their part in Jess’s tale. The sequel promises to feature Bel, and I can’t wait to get into his story. I also loved Jess’s relationship with Abby – their romance was such a delight in their uncomplicated and mutual adoration for one another. The book also did an excellent job on its portrayal of Jess’s bisexuality, especially in scenes where she interacts with members from their school’s LGBT club. Apart from her peers, I also found Jess’s parents to be such familiar figures – her love and respect for them reminds me of my feelings for my own mother. For me, this book’s cast of characters are just so comforting and familiar, I really loved spending time with them.
Not Your Sidekick also pulls its weight in terms of world building and plot. I really enjoyed seeing the different aspects of Jess’s world, especially the way her country have commercialised superheroes and turned them into celebrities. I can’t wait to learn more about this world, especially given the ominous turn in plot we saw at the end of the novel. Those averse to cliffhangers need not fear, though – as Not Your Sidekick wraps up nicely and would function well even as a standalone novel. However, I can promise that you’ll be clamouring for another opportunity to spend time with Jess and co. by the end of the novel.
Thank you to CW of Read, Think, Ponder for introducing me to this book! If you don’t already follow CW, fix this immediately. She’s crazy talented and always have the most thought-provoking discussions on her blog.
Have you read Not Your Sidekick? Do you have any other recs for Vietnamese protagonists in fiction, especially SFF? I am all ears!
Read at Midnight 
This is the first I’ve heard of a Chinese-Vietnamese protagonist in a contemporary superhero book (I’m also half Viet so this makes me so excited!). Thank you for such a great review! I love that the characters are relatable – makes me want to pick up the book even more. ☺️
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CW also introduced me to this book but I have yet to read it (main problem is that I have to get my hands on it somehow!) BUT I LOVE THAT THE MC IS CHINESE-VIETNAMESE. THAT IS AMAZING. That is also what attracted me to this book, and the fact that it revolves around superheroes and supervillains. I have yet to read Steelheart too, but I will one day. I need to read all the things basically.
Awesome review Aentee!
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Ohhh I definitely want to read this now!! I don’t even know if I’d heard of it before?! But YAY for diverse sci-fi and superheroes that are also really relatable. That’s the actual best.🎉🎉 I also love your graphic for it.😍 And I think the only Vietnamese characters I’ve read are in historical fiction books set in the Vietnam War, I think?
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Your graphic is so beautiful Aentee (well as usual though)! I absolutely adored this book and I can’t wait until the sequel comes out next year, yay for a Bells centred book ❤
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I haven’t read this yet but am v. excited too. In Vietnamese protagonists, you probably are already familiar, but have you read Aliette de Bodard’s The House of Shattered Wings? It’s got multiple viewpoints and one of them (maybe two? ugh I can’t remember, it has been a bit since I read it) is Vietnamese. Also it’s just really creepy and weird, in the best SFF way. 😀
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Your reviews are always so good and easy to read. You really know how to sell a book and got me even more hyped to read Not Your Sidekick. I, of course, already had it on my TBR, but I needed an extra push and reminder to finally buy it! I know I’ll love it.
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This definitely isn’t one that I would pick on my own. But I think you’ve convinced me! Between the fabulous world-building, the strong supporting characters, and the Vietnamese MC it sounds like an amazing read!
Thanks for introducing me to a new book ❤
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This sounds so good! I’ve seen it floating around and so happy that it has a Chinese-Vietnamese protagonist – yay for SFF that’s diverse! I mean, about time, right? Stunning graphic as always ❤
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This book sounds like it was made for me! I’ve been longing for a cute and relatable superhero story and this seems perfect. Plus the fact that it’s diverse makes it so much better! I don’t enjoy much contemporary, and diversity in SFF is hard to come by. It’s so great to hear that Jess’ ethnicity and insecurities about it are actually addressed, because in my experience being a part of more than one culture isn’t always acknowledged as a complex thing, so I think this will really resonate with me.
Amazing review – I will definitely be adding this to my list ❤
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Also I forgot to add – your graphics are stunning!
I must ask, do you have any other diverse books you would recommend? I created a masterlist of all my diverse reads of this year and I’m hoping to read more in 2017 so I can do the same!
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Words like “introspective” and “character driven” are guaranteed to get me interested in a book, even if it IS about superheroes (I don’t really like reading about them that much??? I know, I’m like the only one!). I NEED more bi protagonists in SFF though, so I bought this on Kindle a while ago to show my support via the almighty dollar. 😉
You’ve definitely convinced me to make more time for this one though, Aentee! Can’t wait to get to it in the New Year. And of course, your graphic is stunning!
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Since cw recommended this book to me I’ve been really looking forward to picking it up! Cultural diversity and superheroes, it definitely sounds up my alley! Love that you enjoyed it so much Aentee. Great review!
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This sounds EXCELLENT! I love superheroes, and this is a diverse book? Yes please
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Osum review …….i will cor sure read this book now.☺
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Your writing is absolutely beautiful, I love reading your posts *heart eyes* I’m super excited for Not Your Sidekick! Especially after your review. It promises to be fantastic 🙂
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