Lacking inspiration on what to read next? Looking for your next favourite series? Or perhaps, just looking for something to scratch that particular itch? Well, look no further.
In my latest line of reviews, searching for the top picks and top 1os, I’m switching up the recommendations and looking at great series that fit a certain theme. This time, I’m focusing on a well-loved genre within the light novel community, the villainess, looking at series that stretch the genre to its limits by breaking tropes completely or reusing them imaginatively.
Here are four great series that fit this theme:
1) The Holy Grail of Eris
First on the list is a series filled with crime, conspiracies and the ghost of haughtiness past.
The Holy Grail of Eris twists the meaning of the villainess genre by going beyond the set structure in favour of bringing us a world where the titular villainess is already dead, used as a scapegoat to bring peace. Thus, the story itself focuses on Constance, a wallflower to end all wallflowers.
Thrust into a situation where she’s labelled a thief, Constance is saved by the lingering spirit of Scarlett. All she asks in return is that this novice of noble society helps her in getting revenge on those who had her killed. What follows is an ever-spiralling mystery filled with schemes and conspiracies that could bring down the entire continent.
What makes this series a standout?
Two things make this series so great. The first is the story’s overarching mystery. Simple yet effective, it expands the original mystery of Scarlett’s execution into several plot threads that culminate in a shocking and satisfying conclusion.
The second satisfying aspect comes through the characterisation journey of the three main characters. As the mystery progresses, each of the characters are able to accept and move past their flaws.
This sees Connie bloom from a shrinking wallflower into a confident young noblewoman who can survive the harsh social circles of nobility. Meanwhile, this progress has Scarlett confront her villainess actions as a shield and learn to let people in. Finally, investigating the conspiracy allows Randolph to move on from his grief healthily and productively.
What makes The Holy Grail of Eris a worthy read is that it doesn’t let the villainess genre define the story it wants to tell, and as a result, we, as readers see a story with a fascinating mystery and a true depth of character.
You can read the reviews on all the volumes in the series so far here: Volumes 1-3
You can purchase all the volumes in the series so far from the list of distributors found on the Yen Press website.
2) Prison Life is Easy for the Villainess
If a heavier series filled with conspiracies and murder isn’t your thing, then perhaps a more comedic take on a villainess with the skills of a master manipulator might be right up your alley.
Unlike the villainess in the previous story, Rachel is more than happy to be falsely accused and thrown in a deep dark dungeon. From the luxury of her new home, she’s finally able to unburden her true personality – a vicious and unrelenting psychopath with enough connections to pettily turn the screws on everyone she perceives has done her wrong.
What makes this series a standout?
Beyond the well-timed comedy and Rachel’s ever-growing mischievous antics, the series never shy’s away from grey. Despite the prince and his posse’s actions toward Rachel being cruel, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s a victim.
Through scenes past and present, it’s clear that Rachel can also be seen as an aggravating factor. From an outsider’s perspective, she’s impossible to deal with, and her actions can come over as unjust. That is why it hits all the harder when Rachel has to face the consequences of her actions much in the same manner as those who tried to imprison her.
Prison Life Villainess spices up the genre by showcasing the distance a series can travel even through the four walls of a prison cell. Featuring a genuinely hilarious comedic style and a multi-faceted perspective that shows the actions of the protagonist as more than just black and white.
You can read the reviews on all the volumes in the series so far here: Volumes 1-2
You can purchase all the volumes in the series from the J-Novel Club website.
3) Lovestruck Prince! I’ll Fight the Heroine for My Villainess Fiancée
Moving away from schemers and conspirators, the last two on the list fulfil the brief in a fluffier fashion.
Turning towards the villainess’ fiancé, Lovestruck Prince leaves the crown prince in charge of navigating the choppy waters of saving a villainess from her own doom. From a hyper-aggressive heroine to a nobility chomping at the bit, there’s a lot for Vincent to do before he can enjoy a lovey-dovey future with his fiancé.
What makes this series a standout?
Whilst this series may still be in its infancy, there are still a lot of great things to be found. One aspect, in particular, is how seamlessly the story manages to integrate the usual Otome elements into the world-building.
Through the power of words, a new future can come to pass. In this case, a novel directly correlating to the current misfortune of Vincent and Elizabeth amplifies the natural abilities of the heroine to create all the elements necessary for an Otome game situation.
Providing more than lovey-dovey cuteness, this series can more than stand up to the big players of the game through excellent world-building and narrative devices.
You can read the reviews on all the volumes in the series so far here: Volume 1
You can purchase all the volumes in the series so far from the list of distributors found on the Cross Infinite World website.
4) Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
The final recommendation on the list is the most famous of the four with an anime released. It’s a series filled with cute rom-com moments and Otome obsessives.
Following the theme of villainess stories told from unique perspectives, Endo and Kobayashi Live finds two Japanese high schoolers playing the roles of deities. Now with an active role to play within the game world, their plan is to steer the main characters in the right direction to stop the inevitable death of their favourite tsundere villainess, Lieselotte.
What makes this series a standout?
Several aspects of this series make it stand out from an ever-increasing crowd of titles. The first concerns how the series plays to a fan’s imagination. Who amongst us hasn’t wished to change the fate of a certain character or change an ending they don’t like in their favourite series?
This series plays into this question well, utilising the two high schoolers’ information about the game sparingly to not break the flow of the original story and allow the resolution to take place naturally.
Furthermore, throughout the three-volume series, the author manages to create strong, well-rounded characters. The villainess, the heroine, and the prince break from the mould of the game to create complex and human characters.
You can read the review of the EX Disc volume here: EX Disc
You can purchase all the volumes in the series from the J-Novel Club website.
I hope you enjoyed my recommendations. Did I miss any series out? What are your thoughts on these series? Let me know down in the comments!
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