In recent years, there has been a rise in the popularity of light novels featuring a unique twist: the protagonist is a villain. These stories often centre around the reincarnation or transmigration of the protagonist into a world inspired by an otome game, where the villainess character meets a bad end. However, instead of attempting to change her fate, the protagonist fully embraces her villainous tendencies and sets out to wreak havoc in the game world. These light novels offer a refreshing take on the isekai genre, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the typical protagonist archetype. With a variety of engaging storylines and complex characters, these light novels have gained a dedicated fanbase and have even been adapted into anime and manga series. In this article, we will explore the top 15 light novels where the MC is a villainess, with detailed plots and intriguing characters that will leave readers captivated.
“Akuyaku Reijou no Tsuihougo! Kyoukai Kaikakugo no Himegoto” by Yuuki Yaku
In “Akuyaku Reijou no Tsuihougo! Kyoukai Kaikakugo no Himegoto,” the main character is Eileen, a noblewoman who is betrayed by her family and falsely accused of a crime. As a result, she is banished to a remote island where she decides to use her newfound powers to exact revenge on those who wronged her. She becomes the leader of a group of outcasts and rebels against the corrupt monarchy.
“The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs” by Yomu Mishima
“The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs” follows the story of Leon, a high school student who is reincarnated into a world based on Otome games. He is reborn as the villainess, Katarina Claes, who is destined to be exiled or killed in every game route. However, Leon uses his knowledge of the game to change Katarina’s fate and make her the heroine.
“My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” by Satoru Yamaguchi
“My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” is a story about Katarina Claes, a young noblewoman who is reincarnated into the world of an otome game as the villainess. She realizes that she is destined to be exiled or killed in every game route, and sets out to change her fate. Katarina uses her knowledge of the game to build relationships with the other characters and avoid her doom.
“I Reincarnated into an Otome Game as a Villainess With Only Destruction Flags” by Nami Hidaka
“I Reincarnated into an Otome Game as a Villainess With Only Destruction Flags” is another Otome game-inspired light novel. The main character is Katarina Claes, who is reincarnated into the world of an otome game as the villainess. She realizes that she is destined to be exiled or killed in every game route, but instead of trying to avoid her doom, she embraces it and tries to find a way to survive.
“Villainess’s Survival Diary” by Kōka
In “Villainess’s Survival Diary,” the main character is a villainess named Eliza who is exiled to a remote island after being accused of a crime. She finds herself stranded on the island with a group of men who are also exiles. As they struggle to survive, Eliza realizes that she has a chance to redeem herself and change her fate.
“Evil Lord, Retry!” by Kurone Kanzaki
In “Evil Lord, Retry!,” the main character is a game developer who is transported into the world of his own game. He is reborn as the evil demon king, Hakuto Kunai, who is defeated in every game route. However, he decides to use his knowledge of the game to change his fate and become the hero.
“The Reincarnated Princess Strikes Down Flags Today as Well” by Umemoridoki
“The Reincarnated Princess Strikes Down Flags Today as Well” is another otome game-inspired light novel. The main character is a reincarnated princess named Marianne who is destined to be exiled or killed in every game route. She decides to take control of her fate and tries to change the game’s ending.
“The Villainess Wants to Marry a Commoner!!”
“The Villainess Wants to Marry a Commoner!!” follows the story of Yurika, a noblewoman who is reincarnated as the villainess in a dating simulation game she used to play. Yurika is determined to change her fate and avoid the tragic ending that befell the original character. However, instead of trying to win the heart of the game’s protagonist, she sets her sights on a commoner named Hideo, who works at her family’s estate. Despite the societal expectations of her status, Yurika is determined to pursue Hideo and prove that love can conquer all.
“Bakarina” by Yamaguchi Satoru
“Bakarina,” tells the story of Katarina Claes, a young noblewoman who is reincarnated as the villainess in an otome game. Katarina soon realizes that in the game, her character meets a terrible end, so she decides to change her fate by avoiding all the triggers that lead to her downfall. Along the way, she unwittingly gathers a harem of handsome suitors, but her heart belongs to one person: Maria, her best friend and rival in love. Katarina must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics and love triangles to secure her future with Maria.
“The Daughter of the Albert House Wishes for Ruin” by Aina Akaboshi
“The Daughter of the Albert House Wishes for Ruin” follows the story of Rosalind, the daughter of a noble house who is forced to marry the second prince of the kingdom. Rosalind is not interested in the prince and instead falls in love with his older brother, the first prince. When the first prince announces that he will marry someone else, Rosalind becomes bitter and resentful. She begins to act out and behave in ways that are unbecoming of a noblewoman, alienating her husband and the other members of the court. Rosalind becomes determined to destroy the kingdom from within, using her position as a noblewoman to sow chaos and discord.
“The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess” by Yui Nozomi
“The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess,” tells the story of a young girl named Katarina, who is reincarnated as the villainess in an otome game. Unlike other villainesses, Katarina has a dark past that she cannot escape from. She was once a powerful mage who was feared and respected by all, but she made a terrible mistake that cost her everything. In her new life, Katarina must come to terms with her past and learn to move forward, all while dealing with the challenges of being a villain in a game.
“Fei Ren Zai” by You Ling
“Fei Ren Zai” is a Chinese light novel that tells the story of Mo Lianjian, a young man who dies and is reincarnated as a young girl in a fantasy world. Mo Lianjian decides to use his knowledge of his past life to become a powerful and feared villainess. He manipulates those around him and rises to power in the world, all while trying to uncover the secrets of his new life.
“The Evil Lady’s Hero” by San Yan
“The Evil Lady’s Hero” follows the story of Tiana, a young noblewoman who is reincarnated as the villainess in an otome game. Tiana decides to use her knowledge of the game to her advantage and takes on the role of a ruthless and cunning villainess. However, her plans are thrown into disarray when the game’s hero, Crown Prince Maximilian, falls in love with her. Tiana must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics while also trying to maintain her villainous persona, all while dealing with her growing feelings for the prince.
“Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” by Okina Baba
“Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?” is a Japanese light novel that tells the story of a high school student who is reincarnated as a spider monster in a fantasy world. The protagonist is determined to survive in this new world and decides to use her new powers to become a villainess. She manipulates those around her and rises to power in the world of monsters, all while trying to uncover the secrets of her new life.
“The Eminence in Shadow” by Daisuke Aizawa
“The Eminence in Shadow” follows the story of Cid Kagenou, a high school student who is obsessed with becoming the ultimate shadow ruler. He spends all his time researching and training and even forms his secret organization to carry out his plans. However, his delusions are shattered when he is transported to a fantasy world and realizes that his knowledge and skills are useless in this new reality. Undeterred, Cid decides to use his knowledge of how a villain operates to become a feared and respected figure in this new world.
The rise of light novels featuring a villainess as the protagonist has opened up a new world of storytelling for readers. These novels provide a unique perspective on the isekai genre, offering a fresh take on the usual protagonist archetype. With engaging storylines, complex characters, and intricate worldbuilding, these light novels have become a fan favourites. From “Bakarina” to “The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess,” the stories of these villainous protagonists have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Whether you’re looking for romance, action, or intrigue, there is a villainess light novel out there for you. So why not give them a try and see what all the fuss is about?
