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Review of “I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss Volume 1” by Sarasa Nagase

EisahJan 1, 2023, 6:49:20 PM

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I’ll start off this review by admitting my biases: recently I’ve read books from the “My Next Life as a Villainess” series, and it’s hard not to notice the major similarities between the two titles and concepts. It seemed like the author of this book probably read “My Next Life as a Villainess” and was majorly inspired by it to write her own book.

This, in and of itself, I don’t think is a bad thing. People get inspired all the time. However, there was so many noticeable similarities between the two books that I began with a negative view of this book, although I was trying to go in neutral.

The story starts with Aileen regaining her memories of her past life while she’s being dumped publically by Cedric. In her past life, this was all part of an otome game – a pretty similar setup to other isekai novels right now. After this, she’s realizes she’s on the route to die, and decides to take action. So, instead of waiting, she marches over to the demon king’s territory and proposes to him. From there she’s struggling against Prince Cedric and his new love, Lilia, as she tries to coerce the demon king Claude to marry her.

It was fun enough that after the first two chapters I was willing to take it as it was and enjoy it as something light and fluffy. The setup was decent enough and it wasn’t taking itself too seriously, and some of the banter was enjoyable.

However, the third chapter went downhill, and it struggled after that. It suddenly introduced many more characters all at once and politics. The supposed political intrigue stayed fairly weak after that, because everything seemed made up on the spot for the story rather than being part of a well-built world, just as all the characters brought into chapter three all seemed like they were there because Aileen needed them. They all just happened to be able to do the things she needed.

There were also some issues with the dialogue. For example:

“In that case, let me put it this way. What reason do you, a duke’s daughter, have to personally take on a project like this?"

“Because—it will help those in need."

Claude gives her a look from under his half lowered eyelids. Feeling uncomfortable, Aileen adds to her explanation.

“It’s also a chance to retaliate against Master Cedric."

“I believe you blustered about not wanting to waste a single second more of your life on Cedric."

The man has an excellent memory. Aileen decides to change her line of attack.

“As I intend to keep you as a pet, Master Claude, it is my role to provide you with a life of comfort.”

“If you won’t answer honestly, then forget about it. This is a waste of time. I use the barrier to observe humans who come and go, but I make sure they enter and exit quietly. I don’t want to attract the attention of those nagging aristocrats.”

“O-of course, I’ll be careful"; Wait, then it’s all right? If I begin the repairs, I mean.”

“Yes. Your methods may be one thing, but I trust the results of what you’re trying to achieve.”

In this example, from what Claude was saying, it didn’t sound to me like he was giving her permission when he was saying it was a waste of time and that he didn’t want to attract attention, but somehow she took from that that he was giving her permission.

There were some other good bits after that. I particularly liked a little quip between Keith and Claude about knowing where the tea is, and I liked some of the ideas, but overall it felt like it rushed through the plot quite quickly and never let the story breathe. I also enjoyed some of the characters. I liked Beezlebuth’s and the demon’s general simple-minded enthusiasm. It was interesting enough to repaint the heroine of the story as someone manipulating things from behind the scenes.

It’s a decent read and pretty short, so if it sounds like fun to you give it a try, but don’t expect too much.

Next time, "I Refuse to Be Your Enemy! Volume 1" by Kanata Satsuki.

Buy it here:

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Other reviews:
"The Second Jungle Book" https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/the-second-jungle-book-by-rudyard-kipling-1390007675730792452

"We" https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/we-by-evgenii-zamiatin-1390784329147224071

"Anthem" https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/review-of-anthem-by-ayn-rand-1395054370269171723

"Spice & Wolf Vol.2" https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/review-of-spice-wolf-volume-2-by-isuna-hasekura-1397584117876396040

"Spice & Wolf Vol.3" - https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/review-of-spice-wolf-volume-3-by-isuna-hasekura-1400209025269764103

"The Elements of Style" - https://www.minds.com/eisah/blog/review-of-the-elements-of-style-by-william-strunk-jr-1400925092455649291