Villain’s Diary: Why Does It Feel Like You’re All Acting Against Me?

My Thoughts on Villain’s Diary: Why Does It Feel Like You’re All Acting Against Me?

Okay, so I just finished reading "Villain's Diary," and I have to say, it was quite the ride. This novel definitely isn't a literary masterpiece, but it's a fun, engaging read that kept me entertained. It's a twist on the villain-diary trope, and I found myself chuckling quite a bit.

First Impressions

The premise is intriguing: our MC is stuck in a world where he has to play the villain, and he's basically phoning it in. He's been through this loop countless times and just wants to get it over with. What makes it interesting is that the heroines can read his diary, so they know what he's "supposed" to do. The whole thing creates this hilarious dynamic where everyone's acting, and the MC is just perpetually confused.

What Works Well

I really enjoyed the MC's character. He's refreshingly mature and not your typical immature protagonist. He's lazy, apathetic, and just wants to get the job done, which makes for some great comedic moments. The heroines are also a strong point. They're not just cardboard cutouts; they have their own motivations and respect the MC's autonomy, even with the diary advantage. I also appreciated the world-building. The author adds a lot of little details – mundane encounters, side character stories – that make the world feel alive and prevent the story from becoming stale. The original MC, Lin Xuan, is also well-developed and avoids many of the pitfalls of similar characters in other novels.

Areas of Concern

The translation can be a bit rough around the edges. There are pronoun issues and inconsistencies that can be distracting. Also, the ending feels somewhat rushed. Loose ends are not tied up, particularly concerning the original MC's fate, and the epilogue leaves a lot to be desired. The story can also become repetitive as the plot progresses. The MC’s methods become predictable, and some arcs feel like filler. I will say that I didn't find the plot to be unoriginal and that it did not impact my enjoyment.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Villain's Diary" is an enjoyable read if you're looking for something light-hearted and fun. While it has its flaws, particularly with translation inconsistencies and a rushed ending, the engaging characters, unique premise, and comedic elements make it worth checking out. I'd give it a solid 3.7/5. It's not perfect, but it's definitely above average in its genre.