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 Answers2026-01-07 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 19:36:50
I picked up 'Only Villains Do That' on a whim after seeing some buzz in an online forum, and wow, it totally subverted my expectations! The protagonist isn’t your typical hero—he’s unapologetically cunning, almost like a darker version of Light from 'Death Note' but with a twisted sense of humor. The art style’s gritty, with panel compositions that feel cinematic, especially during showdowns. What hooked me was how the story plays with moral ambiguity; you’re constantly questioning whether to root for him or against him.
That said, if you prefer straightforward heroes, this might grate on you. The pacing’s deliberate, building up schemes over flashy action, which I adore but could frustrate action junkies. Volume 1 ends on a cliffhanger that’s pure evil genius—I immediately preordered Volume 2. Perfect for fans of 'The Saga of Tanya the Evil' or 'Overlord.'
3 Answers2025-12-31 05:23:41
Ohhh, 'Only Villains Do That' is such a fun ride! Volume 1 introduces us to Seiji, the protagonist who’s got this deliciously chaotic energy—imagine a guy who’s tired of playing hero and just leans into being the bad guy for once. Then there’s Lilith, the snarky demoness who partners up with him; her sarcasm could power a small city. And don’t forget Kaito, the 'hero' of the story who’s hilariously inept—like, how is this guy even the good guy? The dynamic between these three is pure gold, with Seiji and Lilith constantly outsmarting everyone while Kaito stumbles around like a lost puppy. I love how the series flips tropes on their heads—it’s refreshing to see a story where the villain’s perspective isn’t just an afterthought.
What really hooks me is the way Seiji’s motivations are explored. He’s not evil for the sake of it; he’s just done with the system and wants to burn it all down. Lilith’s backstory gets teased too, and I’m already obsessed with figuring out her deal. And Kaito? Bless his heart, but he’s the perfect foil—his sheer obliviousness makes every scene he’s in unintentionally hilarious. If you’re into stories where the villains steal the spotlight, this one’s a must-read.
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.
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 Answers2026-03-10 08:14:49
Kingdom of Villains' has this deliciously dark charm that makes you root for the bad guys, and if you're craving more of that vibe, I'd totally recommend 'The Poppy War' series by R.F. Kuang. It’s gritty, morally ambiguous, and the protagonist’s descent into ruthlessness is chef’s kiss. Rin’s journey from underdog to warlord feels like watching a train wreck in slow motion—you can’ look away.
Another gem is 'Prince of Thorns' by Mark Lawrence. Jorg Ancrath is the kind of protagonist who’d steal your lunch money and make you thank him for it. The book’s raw, unfiltered brutality and Jorg’s twisted charisma give off major 'Kingdom of Villains' energy. If you dig flawed, power-hungry leads who blur the line between hero and villain, these’ll hit the spot.
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 Answers2026-03-23 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!