I enjoyed this book more than the first one, because it actually told a story. I have trouble appreciating some of the humor in these books but I find it easier to like Vordak as a character when he is telling his story rather than just telling how to be a supervillain.
My daughter and I were huge fans of the original Vordak book, though the intended audience was clearly male--which we found a bit perplexing, given how entertained we were by it. Shortly after finishing it, I stumbled upon the Goodreads page for the second book, and we'd been eagerly awaiting it ever since. Some mild spoilers ahead.
The best thing about the Vordak books is Vordak himself. He is a very vivid character with a really unique voice. A would-be supervillain, he tends to talk in very grandiose language, to hilarious effect. As a parent, I really appreciate the use of some very large, unusual words--Vordak is a veritable thesaurus. In addition, he is given to making up his own words when he finds regular words lacking, which always causes us to laugh. We now tend to walk around exclaiming "Zounds!", as Vordak is wont to do. We really enjoyed reading another story in Vordak's unique voice, and he's just as outrageous and egotistical as he was in the first.
This time, though, Vordak is accidentally shrunken and mistaken for a middle school student. In order to return to his true size, he needs a part that can only be found in his new middle school, so the plot revolves around his machinations to obtain this part and defeat his nemesis, Commander Virtue, in the process. This allowed for a very amusing cast of characters, from Commander Virtue's son to a boy who spends most of the book walking around with an enormous fish on his head to a kid with severe sinus issues. One of my favorite things about this book were the ridiculous and unpronounceable names given to students and a particular lake that is mentioned later in the book.
Like the first, this book is a bit of a mixed bag. We get a lot of Vordak's pontificating (which is always entertaining) broken up by amusing drawings related to events in the text. There are also some sort comic book-like sequences, a few hilarious letters written by Vordak and directed to various targets (such as his list of demands for the school's principal as well as some funny notes written to his minions), and some short conversations between Vordak and other characters, which are written in a play-like format. Most amusing of all, though, was Vordak's insult generator. The reader picks a three digit number and then scans the columns to find the corresponding word, which is then used to fill in the blanks in the form. My daughter and I had a lot of fun creating insults for various family members, all of which were completely absurd (for example, one was about a family member enjoying sniffing dirty sneakers). We also really enjoyed seeing the lengths Vordak's neighbor went to in order to ensure he didn't cut through her yard on his way to school.
This is a really great franchise that I'd highly recommend to anyone, particularly if your child is a fan of superhero stories. He or she will surely be amused by Vordak's over-the-top antics, which are really more silly than they are evil. I also recommend a visit to Vordak's website. My girl and I are crossing our fingers and hoping we won't have to wait too long for book three!
This pint size villain is so incredibly evil, but in such a good way. I'm sure he's not going to enjoy the fact I've called in pint size or evil in a good way. This evil genius is so well written that both adults and MG readers will enjoy reading his books. You don't need to have the desire to want to take over the world or rule the school like Vordak to appreciate his evil, sarcastic charm. There's plenty of laugh out lines, and one liners you'll find yourself wanting to quote, that make this book engaging and fun.
Those who have had to deal with Vordak and his somewhat evil ways will enjoy reading this book. You might even say Vordak has been giving the best pay back ever! *evil laugh* Yes, I'm referring to the fact Vordak finds himself in MIDDLE SCHOOL. I know, I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. What? I'm not mean. Given the chance Vordak would do his evil laugh if any one of us were in his position, which I find highly unlikely since the vast majority of us don't play with age-reversing rays. I know what you're thinking, "serves him right". Well this is Vordak we're talking about and of course he's has an evil, cunning back up plan.... TO RULE THE SCHOOL!
This isn't just any middle school, it's Farding Middle School. Yes, laugh all you want at that name, but they do have a cool mascot, the Farding Ferrett (you can stop laughing now). It's humor like this, that make these books so appealing to readers, especially boys. Girls will enjoy this as well, but I think Vordak will interest even the most reluctant young male reader. Vordak's books are funny, full of satire and though he's evil (in a harmless way, well he doesn't think that but he won't read this so I can say that), his books are ones even I enjoy joy and have started reading with my son, who by the way thinks Vordak is funny.
Vordak books are ones I highly recommend, especially for school reading programs for kids who aren't fond of reading. These books are clean cut, really funny, and they're written in a really engaging way. Vordak's writing will make readers feel like he's addressing them in person. His books aren't just a story, but they will make readers feel like they're part of his plan and there to listen to him. I like that unique approach to reading. To parents and teachers, Vordak's evil is harmless, just don't tell him I said that. He's crafty, well development and down right hilarious. This is a book I can see parent's enjoying as much, if not more than their kids.
If you're one who likes a little evil genesis with a sense of humor, than I recommend going out and picking up Vordak's books. I'm really looking forward to reading more of his books. I think Vordak's next plan to should be to take over the book world. Who doesn't want to read more of his books? In order for him to take over the book world, he'd have to publish quite a few more books. I wonder if he's up for the challenge..... *evil laugh*
So here we see a different side of Vordak the Incomprehensible. In his first book, a guide for aspiring supervillains titled How to Grow Up and Rule the World, Vordak was retiring from a life of crime with one final scheme: finding a worthy apprentice (through his guide) to practice villainy on his behalf with the intent of seizing power back once the work had been done (a kind of reversal of The Police's Wrapped Around Your Finger, I suppose). It was a true guide, one that found it's humor in exposition and description. Reading between the lines, we learned about Vordak as a powerful, imposing figure just past his prime years.
This book is a narrative, on the other hand, and takes place after Vordak has accidentally reversed his age too far so that he's once again in middle school. This time we get to see him put his own advice into action. Of course, ***NOT-REALLY-A-SPOILER ALERT*** the fact that Vordak was retiring without successfully ruling the world was a hint that he's not so great at achieving his aims, and we see much more of that side of him here. He's still the supremely confident evil genius, he just, like most evil geniuses, always finds a way to undermine his own plans. The Abominable Age-Reduction Ray working too well is just the first of many accidents. What Vordak succeeds at without fail is entertaining and amusing his readers, as both his views on others and his exploits are consistently funny. He skewers middle school life most uproariously, and any reader looking for a book to laugh with will be hard pressed to find better.
One of the best ongoing gags is the name of Vordak's school: Farding Junior High. Combined with other fun names, we get plenty of chuckles from things like this intercom announcement: Attention, students. This is Principal Combover. Our own Miss Chowdersox is recovering nicely and should be back at school in a few weeks. She says it's too quiet sitting at home by herself and she really misses all the noise you Farding kids make.
And, since he stops us readers from making use of it in this way while reading the tale of his campaign to become class president, I feel I simply must try out Vordak the Incomprehensible's Mind-Bogglingly Bold Bald-Faced-Lie Generator. So, using three random numbers between 0 and 9, I get: Did you hear about Vordak the Incomprehensible? He kissed a volleyball for a dollar!
There is much, much more, so find a copy and enjoy.
In this new book, the evil supervillian Vordak wants to create a powerful freeze ray that will turn all the water on the planet to ice. But first, he starts with his Abominable Age-Reduction Ray. Whoops, when he tests it on himself, he ends up only being old enough to enter junior high school. Problem is, the balsoid coil broke and now he can't reverse the effects of his Abominable Age-Reduction Ray until he finds a new one. Good thing Farding Junior High has one. So, Vordak, who has a penchant for alliteration, joins the ranks of students at Farding and attempts to rule the school while searching out the balsoid coil. If he gets a chance to wipe out his arch-nemesis, Captain Virtue, in the process, it will be all that much better. "MUAHAHAHAHA!!!"
Filled with zany characters like Principal Combover, who enjoys making public announcements over the loud speaker, Marlena Lurchburger--Vordak's rival for school president, lunch lady Agnes Lipwartz, and janitor Burfus Waxclog, Rule the School will have your reader ages 9 and up turning page after page. In a unique twist, Vordak banters with an unknown reader throughout the book.
The entire story takes place over eight weeks with Vordak bringing you through each week from Week 8 to current day. He is kind enough to start you off with "A Word of Warning," which gives you some insight into this evil, sarcastic, inventive genius.
Kids everywhere will want to read this one. It's too funny to pass up.
"So many evil plans, so little time!" This time Vordak designs an "Abominable Age-Reduction Ray" so that he can be younger and in better shape to RULE THE WORLD! Unfortunately, his machine "overshoots his age target" and he's 13 again and forced to go to Farding Jr. High (thanks to a snoopy neighbor who calls the truant officers). But when he learns that Commander Virtue's son goes to this school, an evil plan hatches in his mind. All he had to do is have a career day! Which means he needs to win the student council election so he can make that happen.
These books can be funny at times, but they also go a bit too far, I think. I'm sure you can imagine the numerous jokes about "Farding Students".
Vordak's back and this time this pint size evil villain finds himself back in middle school *snickers* the poor guy. Even my son enjoyed looking through this book and enjoyed the laughs that ensued with Vordak. If you enjoyed the first Vordak book, I highly recommend picking up this one! You can read my full 5 star review here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2011/0...
Recommended for fans of Vordak's previous title How to Grow Up and Rule the World as well as for fans of truly inept villains. I preferred having an actual storyline vs. the how-to format of the previous book, but missed the moments of absolute brilliance and hilarity that popped up in several of Rule the World's chapters. I still recommend it, though. This may be an easier format to read, and kids can always go back and pick up the other title.
Lincoln Peirce stayed true to his comedic style. This new character is arrogant, quirky, and stupid in a good way. Vordak shrinks himself and therefore to avoid the law enrolls in middle school. Just one of the crazy things he does is run for student body president in his quest to defeat his nemesis Captain Virtue.
It was a funny and interesting story; however, I expected it to be more of a how to guide like the first one. It would have been a bit more entertaining that way. Still really good though.