4 Answers2026-03-23 17:27:54
If you loved 'Academy of Villains' for its deliciously dark twist on the magical school trope, you're in for a treat! I recently stumbled upon 'The Scholomance' series by Naomi Novik, and oh boy, does it scratch that itch. Instead of cozy halls, it’s a brutal, survival-of-the-cunning magic school where the building itself might kill you. The protagonist, El, has a knack for destructive magic and a morally gray outlook that feels refreshingly villain-coded.
Another gem is 'Vicious' by V.E. Schwab—not a school setting, but it’s all about rival antiheroes with superpowers, dripping with the same 'ethics are optional' energy. The dynamic between Victor and Eli is like a masterclass in villainy. And if you enjoy scheming students, 'A Deadly Education' (first in the Scholomance trilogy) has that 'us vs. the system' tension with razor-sharp wit. Honestly, these books made me root for the 'bad guys' more than I expected!
3 Answers2026-03-10 05:52:19
I picked up 'Kingdom of Villains' on a whim after seeing some buzz in online forums, and wow, it hooked me from the first chapter! The protagonist isn't your typical hero—they're cunning, morally ambiguous, and downright fascinating. The world-building is dense but rewarding, with political intrigue that feels like a darker twist on 'Game of Thrones'. What really stands out is how the author makes you root for characters who should, by all rights, be irredeemable. It's a rare gem that balances action and character depth without sacrificing pacing.
That said, if you prefer clear-cut heroes or lighter stories, this might not be your cup of tea. The tone is unapologetically grim, and some plot twists hit like a gut punch. But for those who love complex villains and morally gray narratives, it's a must-read. I finished the last page craving more and immediately dove into fan theories.
5 Answers2026-03-07 00:15:28
Oh wow, if you loved 'Perfect Villain,' you're in for a treat! There's a whole world of morally complex, deliciously wicked protagonists out there. One that immediately comes to mind is 'Vicious' by V.E. Schwab—it's got that same electric tension between rivals who blur the lines between hero and villain. The way Schwab crafts her characters makes you question who you're rooting for, much like 'Perfect Villain' does.
Another gem is 'The Young Elites' by Marie Lu, where the protagonist's descent into darkness is so compelling you almost don't want her to redeem herself. And let's not forget 'The Poppy War' by R.F. Kuang, which takes villainy to a whole new level with its brutal, unflinching portrayal of power. These books all share that addictive quality of making you love characters you know you shouldn't.
3 Answers2026-01-07 21:38:32
If you loved the twisted dynamics and dark romance of 'Villains Are Destined to Die,' you might enjoy 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. It’s got that same delicious blend of political intrigue, morally gray characters, and a protagonist who’s constantly outmaneuvering enemies in a cutthroat world. The faerie court setting adds a layer of whimsy to the brutality, making it feel like a darker 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' where everyone’s out for blood. Jude’s journey from pawn to player mirrors Penelope’s struggle in 'Villains Are Destined to Die,' and the romantic tension is just as fraught with danger.
Another solid pick is 'The Shadows Between Us' by Tricia Levenseller, where the heroine is literally scheming to kill the king—and maybe fall in love with him along the way. Alessandra’s cunning and the book’s gothic vibes hit a similar note to the manhwa’s tone. For something with more game-like mechanics, 'The Red Queen' series by Victoria Aveyard pits its protagonist against a rigged system, much like the survival stakes in 'Villains Are Destined to Die.' The blend of betrayal, power plays, and a heroine who refuses to be a damsel is downright addictive.
3 Answers2025-12-31 10:35:46
If you enjoyed the dark charm and morally complex characters in 'Only Villains Do That', you might dive into 'The Lies of Locke Lamora'. It’s got that same blend of wit, cunning, and a protagonist who dances on the edge of villainy—though Locke’s motivations are more gray than outright evil. The dialogue crackles, and the heists are brilliantly orchestrated, making it impossible to put down.
For something with a darker, more philosophical bent, 'Prince of Thorns' by Mark Lawrence is a wild ride. The protagonist, Jorg, is unapologetically ruthless, yet his journey forces you to question whether he’s a product of his world or just inherently broken. The prose is sharp, and the world-building is immersive, though it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.
5 Answers2026-03-07 06:43:01
If you loved the twisted dynamics and morally gray characters in 'Her Villains,' you might enjoy 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black. It's got that same delicious blend of antagonistic romance and power struggles, with a protagonist who refuses to be a damsel in distress. The way Jude and Cardan dance around each other, full of venom and attraction, reminded me so much of the tension in 'Her Villains.'
Another great pick is 'Vicious' by V.E. Schwab, where the line between hero and villain is deliciously blurred. Victor and Eli’s rivalry is a masterclass in complex relationships, much like the ones you’d find in 'Her Villains.' And if you’re into manga, 'Kakegurui' has that same high-stakes, manipulative energy—just swap out the romance for gambling and psychological warfare.
2 Answers2026-03-13 01:11:53
If you loved 'Academy of Villains' for its dark academia vibe mixed with morally gray characters and a twisty plot, you might wanna check out 'The Scholomance' series by Naomi Novik. It’s got that same eerie, elite-school-for-outcasts feel, but with magic that’s more brutal and survival-focused. The protagonist, El, is a deliciously prickly antiheroine—think Nyx Erebus but with more sarcasm and fewer apologies. The world-building is dense and immersive, and the stakes feel genuinely life-or-death. Plus, the romance subplot simmers in a way that’ll scratch the itch if you enjoyed the tension in 'Academy of Villains.'
Another pick would be 'Vicious' by V.E. Schwab. It’s not set in a school, but the dynamic between the two main characters—former friends turned rivals with superpowers—echoes the toxic, obsessive relationships in Nyx Erebus’s work. Schwab’s prose is sharper, almost cinematic, and the way she explores villainy feels philosophical. If you liked questioning who the real monster is in 'Academy of Villains,' this one’s a must-read. For something more folklore-infused, 'The Atlas Six' by Olivie Blake has that same vibe of competitive, morally ambiguous geniuses trapped in a high-stakes game, though it leans heavier into metaphysics.
4 Answers2026-03-13 05:46:03
If you loved the dark, morally ambiguous vibe of 'City of Villains', you might enjoy diving into 'Vicious' by V.E. Schwab. It’s got that same twisted friendship-turned-rivalry dynamic, with superpowers thrown into the mix. The way Schwab explores the gray areas between heroism and villainy is just chef’s kiss.
Another gem is 'The Young Elites' by Marie Lu—it flips the script by making the protagonist an antihero who’s literally labeled a villain. The world-building is lush, and the character arcs are heartbreakingly complex. For something grittier, 'Worm' by Wildbow (a web serial) dives deep into the psychology of villains in a world where the line between good and evil is razor-thin.
3 Answers2026-03-17 08:13:54
Oh, 'Time Villains' is such a fun mix of time travel and mischief! If you loved its playful chaos, you might adore 'The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place'. It’s got that same vibe of kids unraveling wild mysteries, though with more wolves and less time hopping. Another gem is 'The Mysterious Benedict Society'—smart kids, puzzles, and a villain you love to hate. For a darker twist, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' delivers that clever, slightly sinister flavor.
If you’re into the time-travel aspect specifically, 'When You Reach Me' by Rebecca Stead is a must. It’s quieter but packs a punch with its looping timelines and emotional depth. Or try 'The Trials of Morrigan Crow' for a whimsical, rule-breaking adventure that feels like 'Time Villains' cranked up to eleven. Honestly, half the fun is finding books that capture that same energy—hope one of these clicks!