It’s the season for award shows, so I thought it would be fun to nominate our favorite fictional sidekicks – you know, the wacky and wonderful characters who make the protagonist appear smarter, kinder, stronger, or whatever?
My Favorite Sidekicks…
Derek (from the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews)
He’s got this wonderful teenage guy enthusiasm, in a very focused, control-freak, shapeshifter way. I love how protective he is, and how he brings out a softer side to Kate. Double points for the fact that he’s also a sidekick to Curran, revealing a layer of the Beast Lord’s history that explains soooo much.
Pipistrelle (from Maggie for Hire)
I don’t get what all the fuss is about how vampires are supposedly sexy, blah blah blah. Brownies are where it’s at! They cook, they clean, they do laundry – and they’re like 12 inches tall. *dies from the cuteness* Seriously, where can I get me one of these?
Oberon (from The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne)
A talking (sort of) and immortal (kinda) Irish Wolfhound? It’s hard to beat that. I adore Oberon’s outlook on life, from his love of bacon and French Poodles to his big-hearted loyalty. I also love the way that his simple outlook on life cuts through all the baloney and keeps his human grounded.
Ethan (from the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent)
I’m a sucker for books featuring siblings – it’s one of those story elements that always gets me, particularly when the siblings are friends and/or fighting Big Evil together. Ethan is one of my favorite fictional brothers, ever. He’s cute, funny, has a huge heart and a lethal set of claws. I only wish he hadn’t… *sniffle*
My favorite is Jim from Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE sidekicks!! LOL I remember when I was little and I never wanted to be a hero — I wanted to be the super-cool sidekick who helped the hero save the day. Like Robin to Batman. x) I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned about, but Rachel Vincent’s Shifters series is definitely on my TBR list because her books are just so awesome!
This post is made of awesome, BJ!! Sidekicks totally need more recognition! <3
Mimi Valentine recently posted..Review: Under the Never Sky
Have you ever seen the movie “Sky High”? It features Kurt Russell and Bruce Campbell, and it is TOTALLY fun. Anyhoogle, it’s all about the sidekicks and there is a FANTASTIC montage sequence about sidekick training. It is one of my favorite guilty pleasures.
Yep, Oberon is definitely at the top of my list! And Derek, also pretty awesome–I think Julie has potential too. Jeanienne Frost’s Night Huntress series is teeming with awesome side characters, but I think Fabian the ghost is my favorite. Oh, and Grimilkin the cat/fairy from the Iron Fey books by Julie Kagawa. Those are my favorites
Chelsea Spencer (@ReadingPenguin) recently posted..Miscellaneous Monday: The Acquisitive Penguin
Fabian was a great sidekick!
Oh dear! I don’t think I’ve read any of these. I like sidekicks but I usually like the guy sidekicks and wonder why the dumb female protagonist doesn’t choose him instead. For example, Ben in the Mercedes Thompson series. Sigh!
Jenny recently posted..Review: Looking For Alaska
I loved Ben! His snark was fantastic, and the way his character evolved was great. (Never felt there was enough chemistry between him and Mercy for anything to happen, but I keep hoping he’ll find a girl soon…)
I definitely will nominate Oberon and Grimalkin from The Iron Fey books. A dog and a cat that can understand English! I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I had them.
I’m going to have to think hard about some others, since I don’t really know what all constitutes a “sidekick.” I keep thinking of supporting characters that might not necessarily be sidekicks, per se.
Cathy Keaton recently posted..Book Recommendations: TGIF at GReads! (1)
Jenks, anyone? Rachel Morgan’s potty-mouthed pixie is my favourite.
OMG, how did I forget Jenks?! You’re absolutely right. He’s a fantastic sidekick! My fav character in the series, for sure.
I’m going to have to go the obvious Harry Potter route and nominate Luna and Neville who are just so cute and who evolve so much. Much agreement on Derek and Oberon.
Excellent nominations! Neville is fantastic.
Ooo, awesome question ! I love Derek from the Magic series, too…and let me think, let me think. How about Magnus from TMI and ID, Myrnin from Morganville Vampires, Midas the Horse from Unearthly, and Volusian from Dark Swan?
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
Wendy Darling recently posted..Bittersweet: review
Myrnin was a great sidekick! Forgot about him. I must confess I haven’t read any of the others you mention…*stands on tiptoe to add to TBR*