The Villainess Carries a Strategy Guide

Rebecca, the daughter of a duke, is told by her late mother, who was a “reincarnator,” that she is the “villainess” in a “maiden game.” Moreover, according to the “scenario,” it seems that the Duke’s family will meet their downfall because of Rebecca. Will she succumb to the “force of the scenario” that took away her beloved mother? Not a chance! Rebecca enrolls in the academy, the stage of the game, armed with her mother’s “capture guide,” and strives to avoid the impending destruction. But…!? It’s a love fantasy where a villainess with a capture guide tries to prevent her own ruin!

Original Publisher

ichijinsha

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *The Villainess Carries a Strategy Guide* *The Villainess Carries a Strategy Guide* promised a clever twist on the otome isekai genre, and while it had some charming elements, it ultimately left me wanting more. The premise, where the protagonist uses a strategy guide to navigate her role as a villainess, definitely hooked me in initially. ### First Impressions Those first few chapters were strong! I immediately appreciated how the main character questioned the societal impact on the families of condemned villainesses. It's a thought-provoking angle that isn't always explored in these types of stories, and I was excited to see where it would lead. ### What Works Well I really enjoyed the focus on female friendships. Seeing the women support and uplift each other was a refreshing change of pace. The romance, while not groundbreaking, did manage to give me a few butterflies. When the Crown Prince and the FL flirted, it was cute and engaging. The author created some truly memorable supporting characters, and their interactions added a lot of warmth to the narrative. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, the story faltered a bit as it progressed. The plot felt somewhat disjointed, jumping around without fully developing certain aspects. The phantom beasts, for example, were introduced with potential, but their storyline felt underdeveloped. I also noticed a dip in the FL's character development. She started as a strong, independent woman, but later seemed to fall into the "damsel in distress" trope a little too often. The big plot twist, while unexpected, didn't quite deliver the "wow" factor I was hoping for. It lacked impact, which was a shame. Also, the relationship between Rebecca and her fiancé felt forced and inorganic. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I have to agree with some of the criticisms about Rebecca's relationship with her fiancé. His explanation for falling in love with her – watching her through a "hole in the window" – felt bizarre and illogical, especially considering the setting and his position as Crown Prince. It just didn't quite add up. Also, Emilia knowing where Ouka was at the end felt a bit random. ### Final Verdict Overall, *The Villainess Carries a Strategy Guide* is a decent read if you're looking for something light and fluffy. It has its moments of charm and heartwarming interactions, but the underdeveloped plot points and inconsistent character development prevent it from reaching its full potential. I'd recommend it with reservations, knowing that it might not be a stellar example of the genre, but it's still a fun way to spend some time.