My Mother Is the Banished Villainess

“Your identity must never be revealed. Your eyes and your hair would inconvenience both your mother and the people of the kingdom…” The mother of Ashley, who is a fifteen-year-old girl, was called a villainess, got prosecuted, and then kidnapped. As result, she has conceived a child, Ashley, who was later told that she shared the same eye and hair color as the man who had kidnapped her mother. She wears glasses and an Alice band that use the power of magic to make her look disagreeable in others’ eyes, and thus gets called an “ugly four-eyes.” Unable to make any friends, Ashley used to lead an academy life of loneliness and solitude… However, after her encounter with a mysterious creature, the crown prince grows interested in her…?

Original Publisher

syosetu

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on My Mother Is the Banished Villainess ### First Impressions Okay, let's dive into "My Mother Is the Banished Villainess." The premise definitely grabbed my attention. We've all seen the villainess trope, but shifting the focus to her *child* and the fallout of her banishment? That's a fresh angle, and I was immediately intrigued. The story sets up a world ripe for adventure, with a female protagonist who seems to have a lot more going on than meets the eye. I'm always a sucker for a good secret identity plot, and this one seems promising. ### What Works Well The strongest aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is its unique take on a well-worn trope. It breathes new life into the villainess genre, and I appreciate the author's willingness to explore the consequences of a villainess's actions on her family, specifically her child. The academy setting also adds a layer of complexity. It’s a classic backdrop, but the potential for our protagonist to navigate social hierarchies and uncover secrets while hiding her own identity is compelling. There's a good blend of fantasy, romance, and school life, which should appeal to a wide audience. The comedic elements sprinkled throughout the narrative also help to lighten the mood, preventing it from becoming too heavy or angsty. I also appreciate that the main character is underestimated, which is a great setup for her to prove everyone wrong. ### Areas of Concern While the premise is strong, I'm a little wary about the ongoing status of the novel. This isn't necessarily a criticism, but more of a cautious observation. I am hoping the author maintains consistent updates and continues to develop the plot and characters in a satisfying way. I'm also curious to see how the "secret identity" aspect plays out. It's a delicate balance – too obvious, and it loses its appeal; too convoluted, and it becomes frustrating. ### Final Verdict Overall, "My Mother Is the Banished Villainess" has a lot of potential. The unique premise, engaging characters, and blend of genres make it a worthwhile read for fans of fantasy, romance, and shoujo stories. While the ongoing status and the handling of the secret identity element are areas I'll be watching closely, I'm optimistic that this novel will deliver a compelling and enjoyable experience. I'm definitely adding it to my reading list and will be following its progress with interest.