Nimona

Stevenson, Noelle. Nimona. 2015. 266p. ISBN 978-0-06-227824-1. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

The Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics has kept the kingdom safe from supervillains by taking action against vigilantes and villains alike. Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin is the Institution's poster boy, beloved by all and always ready to serve and protect. Lord Ballister Blackheart trained with Goldenloin many years ago, but following a joust he lost an arm to the good knight. Ever since, he has vowed revenge on Goldenloin and the Institution.

When Nimona shows up on his doorstep, Blackheart doesn’t know what to do with her. She looks way too young to be a sidekick. Soon, however, he realizes that Nimona is a shapeshifter who’s very interested in villainy. He takes her on, and together they plan to bring down the Institution, for it is in fact not so much concerned with protecting the kingdom as with controlling it. Nimona is useful and determined, but her lack of villainous etiquette means many civilians are getting hurt. As Blackheart’s plan moves forward, casualties mount, and he learns more about Nimona and her dark past; he realizes Nimona's powers and abilities come at a cost that might exceed what he’s willing to pay.

Originally a webcomic, Nimona and Blackheart’s tale is engaging and offers a different look at villains as the “heroes” of the story. Blackheart’s dark castle is balanced by the town's colorful scenery. Blackheart, Goldenloin, and Nimona share similar traits, and their relationships grow more complicated as the story progresses. Fans of fantasy and of villains will appreciate this tale of destruction and redemption.