Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
Reviewed by: Katie Smith, Reference Specialist
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested Age: Teens
What is this book about? Nimona is a spunky and energetic shapeshifter with unique talents – primarily, orchestrating villainy and mayhem. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a professional supervillain with a loner streak. When Nimona breaks into his lair and proclaims herself as his sidekick, he sees an opportunity – together, they can wreak havoc for The Institute of Defense and Lord Blackheart’s nemesis Sir Goldenloin, proving that they aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are. As small acts of mischief turn into bloody battles, it becomes apparent that Nimona is rapidly changing the rules of engagement between Lord Blackheart and The Institute. Powerful, unpredictable, and haunted by a mysterious, dark past – she may be more dangerous than Lord Blackheart is willing to admit. Can he save the kingdom, his chivalrous nemesis, and a sidekick who doesn’t want to be saved?
My Review: If you enjoy graphic novels, sassy characters, plot twists and magical mayhem – then you need to read this book! This story is one that will draw you in with its goofy, accessible characters and then take you in thrilling, unpredictable plot directions, which were not hinted at in the early pages. Characters will grow and change – sometimes painfully – and in a way, everyone’s prickly distance from each other just makes their relationships more appealing! I enjoyed the subtlety of Noel Stevenson’s writing and appreciated her balancing of very weighty, serious material with moments that were cathartic and uplifting. After all, this is a story about heroes and villains, right and wrong, and the power of redemption – but Nimona is a feisty force of nature that will challenge these fantasy tropes in all sorts of unexpected ways!
Three Words That Describe This Book: Heartfelt, Sassy, Charming
Give This a Try if You Like… Adventure Time, Vicious by VE Schwab, and Carry On by Rainbow Rowell.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.
