The Villainess Is Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Country

My Thoughts on The Villainess Is Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Country

"The Villainess Is Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Country" had a lot of potential, but ultimately fell short of my expectations. While the premise is intriguing, the execution left me wanting more. It's a light and fluffy read, but the story and characters lack depth.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the familiar villainess-reincarnated-into-an-otome-game trope. The beginning was promising, with Tiararose, the main character, navigating her broken engagement with some semblance of composure. Her quick transition to a relationship with Aquasteed, the crown prince, felt a bit rushed, but I was willing to see where it would go.

What Works Well

The first arc, focusing on Tiararose escaping her "destruction flag" with Hartnight, is undoubtedly the strongest. I enjoyed seeing her stand up for herself and find happiness with Aquasteed. The initial karma served to the antagonists was very satisfying. The world-building and writing style are also decent, creating a pleasant reading experience.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the story loses its way after the first few arcs. I found Tiararose's character development to be stagnant, if not regressive. She becomes increasingly insecure and jealous. The plot becomes repetitive, often revolving around trivial matters like stolen sweets. The introduction of Aishira, the sequel's heroine, added unnecessary drama and highlighted Tiararose's flaws. Additionally, the names are indeed a bit silly. I found myself chuckling at "Aquasteed Marineforest" more than once.

Final Verdict

Overall, "The Villainess Is Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Country" is a mixed bag. While the initial premise is appealing and the first arc is enjoyable, the story suffers from poor character development, repetitive plots, and unnecessary drama. I would only recommend this novel to readers seeking a very light and fluffy read with minimal substance.