I Couldn’t Stop my Childhood Friend from Turning Into a Villain Novel Review

My Thoughts on I Couldn’t Stop my Childhood Friend from Turning Into a Villain

Okay, buckle up, because "I Couldn’t Stop my Childhood Friend from Turning Into a Villain" is quite the ride. I jumped into this web novel expecting a fluffy romance with a hint of darkness, and while it delivers on some fronts, it definitely has its quirks.

First Impressions

Initially, I was completely charmed. The early chapters are undeniably cute. Lucy and Liel's childhood interactions are heartwarming, and I found myself rooting for them. Cordelia, the original female lead, adds a sweet older sister dynamic that I really appreciated. The premise of trying to prevent a villainous turn is also immediately engaging.

What Works Well

The relationship between Lucy and Liel is definitely the strongest aspect. Liel's character, in particular, is fascinating. He has this mysterious elegance, and his devotion to Lucy, even with his darker tendencies, is compelling. I enjoyed unraveling the mysteries surrounding his past and the reasons behind his obsessive nature. The author does a decent job of exploring the characters' perspectives, which helps to understand their motivations. For those who are interested in the more mysterious parts of the novel, the twists are well done and the reason for the ML to be a yandere is well explained.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm waned as the story progressed. The plot seemed to lose its way after the academy arc, and I felt like the author started meandering. Some plotlines felt unnecessary and didn't contribute to the overall narrative. Additionally, I found the pacing to be inconsistent, with some arcs dragging on while others felt rushed.

Final Verdict

"I Couldn’t Stop my Childhood Friend from Turning Into a Villain" has a lot of potential, and I enjoyed the initial premise and the dynamic between the main characters. However, the inconsistent plot and pacing issues ultimately detracted from my overall enjoyment. If you're looking for a cute and angsty read with a yandere male lead, this might be worth checking out, but be prepared for some bumps along the way. I'd give it a cautious recommendation, maybe read the first few chapters and see if it clicks with you.