“Being a sidekick is about knowing your place, not just in a fight, but in life.”
— Jess discussing her philosophy on sidekicks early in the book.
Archivist's Choice
Not Your Sidekick
C.B. Lee (2016)
Genre
Fantasy / Science Fiction / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
500 min
Key Themes
See below
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A teen from a superhero family gets an internship with a supervillain. She soon finds herself caught up in crushes, secret identities, and a conspiracy bigger than good versus evil.
Synopsis
Jessica Tran, a high school student in a world with superheroes, struggles with her lack of powers despite her heroic family. To improve her college applications, Jess applies for an internship and discovers it is with the supervillain, 'M'. She takes the job, drawn by the chance to work with her secret crush, Abby, and to annoy her superhero parents. As Jess starts her new role, she feels a connection to a mysterious fellow intern, 'M', who is never around when Abby is. Jess soon realizes her villainous internship is more complicated than she imagined. She uncovers a data breach and a suspicious project within Monarch Corp., the company fronting the villain's operations. Jess discovers Abby's secret: Abby and 'M' are the same person. This reveals 'M's' true motivations. The plot becomes more complex as Jess learns Monarch Corp.'s real plan, which goes beyond the usual hero-villain dynamic. Jess is torn between her family's heroic ideals and her growing understanding of 'M's' cause. This leads to a confrontation and an uneasy alliance with 'M' and other allies. The story ends with a climax at Monarch's lair, where Jess plays a key role in disarming a device that would change the balance of power. Afterward, Jess and Abby start fresh, redefining what it means to be a hero or a villain in their world.
Reading time
500 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Fun, Romantic, Adventurous, Lighthearted
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy YA romance, superhero stories with a twist, and exploring themes of identity and morality.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer gritty, dark superhero narratives or dislike teenage romance tropes.
Plot Summary
The Intern Hunt and the Villainous Opportunity
Jessica Tran, a high school student in Andover, feels overshadowed by her superhero parents, Guardian and Evergreen, and her superpowered older siblings. Without powers, Jess feels like a 'sidekick' in her own life. Desperate for a paid internship to help with college, she applies to many places without success. Looking through job boards, she finds an interesting, well-paying internship at 'Monarch Corp.' Despite initial doubts about the mysterious company, the good salary and the need for a resume boost convince her to apply. This choice starts an unexpected series of events that will challenge her views on heroes and villains.
Monarch Corp. and the Secret Villain
Jess is surprised to be accepted for the Monarch Corp. internship. On her first day, she quickly realizes that Monarch Corp. is a front for the notorious supervillain, Monarch, her parents' arch-enemy. To her surprise, her longtime crush, Abby, is also interning there. Abby, usually quiet at school, seems comfortable in this villainous setting. Jess is assigned to research various energy sources and their uses, along with doing routine office tasks. She struggles with the ethics of working for a villain, especially one who regularly fights her family, but the pay and being near Abby keep her engaged.
Meeting M and the Double Life
As Jess settles into her internship, she meets another intern, a mysterious and charming person known as 'M.' M is witty, smart, and often challenges Jess's ideas about heroes and villains. Jess feels more and more drawn to M, creating a complicated situation since she also has feelings for Abby. Jess notices that M is never present at the same time as Abby, making her wonder about M's true identity and connection to Monarch. This observation plants the first seed of suspicion in Jess's mind about her fellow interns and Monarch Corp.'s operations.
The Data Breach and the Suspicious Project
While working on her tasks, Jess finds encrypted files and unusual data logs that do not match the harmless projects Monarch Corp. shows the public. She finds evidence of a data breach targeting hero organizations and government databases, specifically looking at power dampening technology and energy manipulation. This discovery increases her suspicion about Monarch's real intentions, making her realize the internship is far more complex and dangerous than she first thought. She begins to quietly investigate, using her tech skills to look deeper into Monarch's digital archives, risking exposure to both Monarch and her superhero family.
Abby's Secret and M's Revelation
Jess's suspicions about Abby and M grow stronger. Through careful observation and some accidental eavesdropping, Jess discovers that Abby has hidden powers, and that 'M' is Abby's alter ego. Abby is the superpowered vigilante known as 'Mayhem,' who often works in the grey areas between hero and villain, sometimes even clashing with Jess's parents. This revelation shatters Jess's view of Abby and M as separate people, and forces her to re-evaluate her feelings for both. Realizing Abby leads a double life and is deeply involved in Monarch's operations complicates everything for Jess.
The True Nature of Monarch's Plan
As Jess continues to investigate, she uncovers Monarch's full plan: to use a new device to neutralize superpowers across Andover, effectively depowering all heroes and villains. Monarch believes this will bring true equality and prevent the widespread damage caused by superpowered conflicts. Jess realizes the data breach and energy manipulation research were all part of developing this power-dampening technology. While Monarch's reasons are for peace, the method is extreme and dangerous, threatening to strip individuals of their inherent abilities and potentially destabilize the entire city. Jess now faces a moral choice: expose Monarch and risk Abby, or let the plan happen.
A Divided Loyalty
Jess feels torn between her family, the heroes who uphold the law, and Abby/Mayhem, the person she cares deeply for, who is directly involved in Monarch's controversial plan. She understands Monarch's frustration with the hero-villain dynamic but cannot approve of forcing an entire city to lose its powers. This internal conflict is made worse by her growing romantic feelings for Abby, making it hard to decide where her loyalties truly lie. She tries to find a way to stop Monarch without directly betraying Abby, navigating a difficult path between love and duty, and questioning the very definitions of good and evil.
Confrontation and Collaboration
Jess finally confronts Abby about her dual identity and her involvement with Monarch. Abby, initially defensive, eventually admits her struggles with her powers and her desire for a world without constant conflict. Jess, understanding Abby's motivations, convinces her that Monarch's plan is too extreme and dangerous. They agree to work together to find a way to disarm Monarch's device without causing chaos or harming anyone. This collaboration strengthens their bond, turning their complicated romantic tension into a partnership driven by a shared goal of protecting Andover, even if it means going against their respective mentors/employers.
The Climax at Monarch's Lair
Jess and Abby, now working together, plan to infiltrate Monarch's main facility where the power-dampening device is being activated. They use Jess's technical skills and Abby's powers as Mayhem to navigate the complex security systems. The tension is high as they race against time, knowing Monarch is close to starting the widespread power neutralization. They face various obstacles and minor fights, but their combined efforts and knowledge of Monarch's operations allow them to bypass most defenses. The stakes are very high, as the future of Andover's superpowered population depends on their success.
Disarming the Device and Aftermath
Jess, with Abby's help, manages to disable the power-dampening device at the last possible moment. Monarch is stopped, but not without a complex understanding between everyone involved. Jess's parents, Guardian and Evergreen, arrive, initially confronting Monarch, but Jess's intervention helps calm the situation. The incident forces a public discussion about the hero-villain dynamic and the need for more peaceful coexistence. While Monarch is arrested, the event causes a shift in Andover, leading to talks about regulating superpowers and setting new rules for hero-villain interactions. Jess's actions earn her recognition, not as a sidekick, but as a hero in her own right.
A New Beginning for Jess and Abby
Afterward, Jess finds her place, not as a superpowered person, but as a brilliant strategist and tech expert. Her internship, though unusual, gives her valuable experience and a unique perspective. Her relationship with Abby deepens, becoming a confirmed romance. Abby, now more open about her powers, begins to find a new purpose as Mayhem, working for positive change rather than staying in the shadows. Jess embraces her identity, proud of her skills and her ability to make a difference without superpowers, finally stepping out of her family's shadow and making her own heroic path alongside Abby.
Principal Figures
Jessica Tran
The Protagonist
Jess evolves from feeling like an ordinary person in a superpowered world to embracing her unique non-powered strengths and becoming a hero in her own right, defining her own path and identity.
Abby (aka Mayhem, aka M)
The Love Interest / Supporting Character
Abby moves from hiding her powers and operating in moral ambiguity to openly embracing her abilities and using them for positive, constructive change alongside Jess.
Monarch
The Antagonist
Monarch remains steadfast in their ideology but is ultimately thwarted, forcing the city to reconsider the implications of their actions and the hero-villain dynamic.
Guardian (Mr. Tran)
The Supporting
Guardian learns to better appreciate Jess's unique contributions and redefine what it means to be a hero beyond physical powers.
Evergreen (Mrs. Tran)
The Supporting
Evergreen, alongside Guardian, comes to recognize and value Jess's intellectual and strategic strengths as equally heroic.
Chloe
The Supporting
Chloe remains a steadfast friend, offering unwavering support as Jess navigates her extraordinary circumstances.
Ethan Tran
The Supporting
Ethan continues his role as a hero, indirectly influencing Jess by embodying the life she initially feels excluded from.
Cassie Tran
The Supporting
Cassie continues her role as a hero, serving as another example of the superpowered life Jess initially feels excluded from.
Themes & Insights
Defining Heroism and Identity
This theme explores what it means to be a hero, challenging the idea that heroism is only tied to superpowers. Jessica, without powers, proves that intelligence, wit, strategy, and a strong moral compass are just as important, if not more, in making a difference. Her journey is about finding her own way to contribute to the world, stepping out of her family's shadow, and seeing her non-powered identity as a strength. The story also questions the clear definitions of 'hero' and 'villain' through characters like Abby/Mayhem and Monarch, suggesting that motivations and actions are more complex than simple labels.
“"Maybe being a sidekick isn't about being less, but about finding your own way to be a hero."”
The Greyness of Morality
The story looks at the unclear lines between good and evil, showing a world where 'heroes' can cause unintended harm and 'villains' can have understandable, even noble, reasons. Monarch's desire to neutralize powers comes from a genuine belief in creating peace and equality, challenging Jess's simple understanding of villainy. Abby/Mayhem operates in the grey, sometimes clashing with heroes but often working for what she sees as justice. This theme forces characters and readers to question whether the outcome justifies the method, and whether intentions are more important than results, showing that the line between right and wrong is often blurred in Andover.
“"Sometimes, the biggest heroes are the ones who don't wear capes, and the biggest villains just want to fix what's broken."”
Family Expectations vs. Personal Path
Jessica's main struggle is living up to her superpowered superhero family's expectations while trying to create her own path. Her parents and siblings are famous heroes, making Jess's lack of powers a source of insecurity and a desire for independence. She constantly feels pressure to prove her worth and find her place, often rebelling against the perceived 'sidekick' role. The internship with Monarch is initially a form of defiance, a way to escape her family's shadow and define herself on her own terms, even if those terms lead her to the 'wrong' side. She eventually finds common ground with her family by showing that her path, though different, is equally valid and heroic.
“"I didn't want to be a sidekick. I wanted to be… something more. Something for me."”
First Love and Self-Discovery
The theme of first love is woven into Jess's journey of self-discovery. Her crush on Abby, and later her growing feelings for M (who is Abby), complicate her already complex life. This romantic subplot allows Jess to explore her own desires, vulnerabilities, and the complexities of human connection, especially when the person she is falling for is her classmate, fellow intern, and a superpowered vigilante. The romance helps Jess confront truths about herself and others, pushing her to be brave and open, ultimately helping her to understand and accept who she is and what she wants in life and love.
“"It wasn't just about the powers, or the capes. It was about the person underneath, the one who saw something in me."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Secret Identity
Characters maintain hidden personas to navigate the hero-villain world.
The secret identity is a fundamental plot device, most notably used by Abby, who is both the quiet classmate, the charming intern 'M,' and the powerful vigilante 'Mayhem.' This device creates layers of mystery and romantic tension for Jess, as she falls for different aspects of Abby's personality before realizing they are one. It also highlights the societal pressures and personal conflicts characters face in a world where superpowers are common. The secret identity allows for dramatic reveals, unexpected alliances, and moral ambiguities, as characters' public and private lives clash and intersect, driving much of the narrative's intrigue.
The Unpowered Protagonist in a Superpowered World
Jessica's lack of powers drives her unique perspective and strategic contributions.
This device immediately sets Jessica apart from her family and peers, creating her core internal and external conflicts. Her 'normalcy' in a world of supers forces her to rely on her intellect, tech skills, and observation rather than brute force. This highlights that heroism isn't exclusive to those with powers and allows her to navigate the hero-villain dynamic from a neutral, analytical standpoint. It positions her as an underdog, making her eventual successes more impactful and relatable, as she must outsmart rather than outfight her opponents, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre.
The Morally Ambiguous Internship
Working for the villain forces the protagonist to challenge her worldview.
The internship at Monarch Corp., a front for the supervillain Monarch, is a central plot device that propels Jess into the heart of the conflict. It immediately puts her in a morally compromising position, forcing her to confront her preconceived notions about good and evil, heroes and villains. This setup allows for direct interaction with the antagonist, insight into their motivations, and the development of her relationship with Abby/M. It acts as a crucible where Jess's values are tested, and her understanding of the world is expanded beyond the simple hero narratives she grew up with, leading to complex ethical dilemmas and personal growth.
The MacGuffin: Power-Dampening Device
Monarch's device serves as the central object of conflict and a symbol for the story's themes.
Monarch's power-dampening device is the primary MacGuffin of the story. Its existence and activation drive the main plot, giving Jess and Abby a clear, urgent objective: to stop it. While its specific technical details are less important, its function — to strip all superpowered individuals of their abilities — is crucial. It symbolizes Monarch's ideology of forced equality and serves as a physical manifestation of the core thematic conflict: whether true peace can be achieved through extreme, non-consensual means. The device acts as the focal point for the climax, bringing all the character arcs and thematic explorations to a head.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Maybe being a hero isn't about having powers, but about having the courage to use them.”
— Jess reflecting on the nature of heroism after witnessing a villain's actions.
“Sometimes the biggest mysteries are the ones hiding in plain sight.”
— Jess realizing a connection between two seemingly unrelated events.
“It’s hard to be a good sidekick when you don’t even know who your hero is.”
— Jess grappling with the ambiguity of her internship.
“You can’t save the world if you can’t even save yourself.”
— A mentor figure giving Jess advice during a training session.
“The line between hero and villain is often just a matter of perspective.”
— Jess pondering the motivations of the 'villains' she encounters.
“Sometimes, the best way to hide is to be exactly where no one expects you to be.”
— Jess using unconventional tactics during a stealth mission.
“Love isn't always fireworks and grand gestures. Sometimes it's just being there.”
— Jess reflecting on her feelings for Abby and Emma.
“We all have our secrets, even the ones we tell ourselves aren't secrets.”
— Jess realizing the hidden truths within her own family.
“Being a hero isn't a job you clock out of. It's who you are.”
— Jess accepting her role and responsibilities towards the end of the book.
“The greatest power isn't in what you can do, but in who you choose to be.”
— A concluding thought as Jess embraces her unique path.
“You don't need a cape to make a difference.”
— Jess realizing that everyday actions can have heroic impacts.
“It's not about being fearless, it's about doing what needs to be done despite the fear.”
— Jess overcoming her anxieties in a critical moment.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The story follows Jessica Tran, a seemingly ordinary high school student in Andover where superpowers are common. Despite coming from a superhero family, Jess lacks powers and seeks an internship to boost her college applications, inadvertently landing one with the notorious supervillain, Mastermind, leading her into a complex world beyond simple hero-villain dynamics.
About the author
C.B. Lee is the author of the "Sidekick" series, including the Lambda Literary Award-nominated "Not Your Sidekick." A graduate of UC Berkeley, Lee is known for their vibrant, genre-bending stories that often explore themes of identity, found family, and queerness within speculative fiction. Their writing is celebrated for its humor and heart.
