The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass

My Thoughts on The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass

The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass promised a delicious tale of revenge, and while it had moments that hooked me, the overall experience left me feeling conflicted. It's a story with a lot of potential, but one that ultimately stumbles in its execution.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a villainess, reborn, vowing to become even better at being evil. The idea of a protagonist who wasn't trying to be a misunderstood good girl was refreshing. I was eager to see how Aria would navigate her second chance at life, armed with knowledge of the future and a burning desire for vengeance.

What Works Well

The initial chapters were genuinely captivating. Aria's early schemes, her manipulation of those around her, and her unwavering focus on revenge were all compelling. I appreciated that the story didn't shy away from her darker side. Some readers seemed to really connect with Aria's morally ambiguous nature, finding her motivations understandable, even if not always agreeable. I also found the romantic elements, particularly Asher's devotion to Aria, to be a satisfying addition to the story. His character added a layer of fluff and levity that balanced out the darker themes of revenge. The ending was good and refreshing.

Areas of Concern

However, as the story progressed, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated. Aria's enemies often felt cartoonishly inept, making her victories feel less earned and more a result of plot convenience. I feel that the character growth was not consistent and that there were missed opportunities. I also felt that some of the side characters didn't get the ending that they deserved and that the MC was not a sympathetic character.

Final Verdict

The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass is a mixed bag. While it offers a refreshing take on the villainess trope with a cunning protagonist and a devoted love interest, it ultimately suffers from uneven writing, simplistic conflicts, and questionable character development. If you're looking for a light, revenge-focused read with a morally ambiguous lead, you might enjoy it. However, if you prefer nuanced characters, intricate plots, and a more balanced power dynamic, this novel may leave you wanting more. I'd give it a tentative 3/5 stars.