Since When Were You The Villain? Novel Review

My Thoughts on Since When Were You The Villain?

"Since When Were You The Villain?" had me hooked from the start with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and fantasy. The premise alone – a romance fantasy reader transmigrating into a novel and assuming she's the main character – is pure gold. It’s a fun ride, and I can definitely see why it's resonated with so many readers.

First Impressions

The initial chapters immediately drew me in with the female lead, Sophia. She's incredibly relatable, basically a "pro-gamer" when it comes to romance fantasy tropes. Her constant reliance on those tropes, even when she's not entirely sure which novel she's in, makes for some hilarious situations. It's a very self-aware story, which is something I always appreciate.

What Works Well

What I enjoyed most was the clever writing and the dynamics between Sophia and Killian, the male lead. The author does a fantastic job of making us believe Killian is the typical cold Duke of the North, only to subvert those expectations. Their interactions are cute and fun to watch. Sophia's straightforward nature also eliminates the frustrating miscommunications that plague so many romance novels, which was a refreshing change. I also appreciated the mystery element woven throughout the romance. It added another layer of intrigue that kept me invested. The characters are well-developed, and even those initially unlikable experience satisfying growth.

Areas of Concern

While the story is generally well-received, the pacing can feel slow, especially in the beginning. Also, I felt the ending was a little rushed and some of the villain's resolutions were a bit unsatisfying. The author could have explored their motivations more deeply. Some details felt inconsistent, like the initial absence of magic that later becomes a key element.

Final Verdict

Despite a few minor flaws, "Since When Were You The Villain?" is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The relatable and hilarious female lead, combined with the subverted tropes and engaging plot, makes it a standout in the romance fantasy genre. If you're looking for a lighthearted yet intriguing story with a strong female lead, I would definitely recommend giving this one a try. I'm giving it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.