Amelie's Reviews > Blank Mastermind

Evil smells like vanilla and cigarettes, sounds like Schoolhouse Rock, tastes like strawberry ice cream, feels like a well-worn leather jacket, and looks very much like a WolfMart in this absolutely wonderful, unique story, where the hero is actually the villain and the villain isn’t all he’s painted himself to be.

I agree wholeheartedly with the slough of readers who’ve loved this book before me: Wolfgang Dankworth’s voice is just the best. It’s snarky and hilarious, but it’s simultaneously thoughtful and conflicted. And it never seems forced, which deeply impressed me. Wolfgang feels so very real, and his emotions feel so real, too.

Of course, there are moments in the plot where it’s necessary to suspend disbelief, but it’s entirely entertaining and compelling, flavored with non-hashed metaphors (like the jumbled Lego set), heartfelt flashes of memory, exciting action, uproarious humor, and profoundly organic prayers.

Highly recommended, 10000000%.

💣 content/trigger warnings: violence and blood. Mention of old scars on Wolfgang’s wrists, implying past struggles with self-harm. A few instances of mild language, both American and British. 💣