Our review

Reviewed by Kana

Who it's for, and whether it holds up.

My Thoughts on How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy

"How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy" is a wild ride, and I mean that in the best possible way. With its unique blend of horror and romance, it's a novel that definitely sticks with you long after you've finished reading. The premise itself, a transmigration story into a world akin to "Phantom of the Opera," had me intrigued from the start.

First Impressions

I went in expecting a fairly standard fanfiction-esque story, but I was pleasantly surprised. The protagonist isn't just some self-insert; she's witty, clever, and, dare I say, a little bit unhinged herself. The male lead, Erik, is a fascinating study in contrasts – a monstrous killer who's also touch-starved and surprisingly endearing in his own twisted way.

What Works Well

The dynamic between the female lead, Bo Li, and Erik is the heart of the story, and it's incredibly well-executed. I appreciated how the author didn't shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship. Erik is a true yandere, and Bo Li embraces that side of him, which is something you don't often see. The slow-burn romance is captivating, and I was completely invested in their journey from hatred to love.

The world-building also stood out to me. The setting feels unique and well-developed, and I loved the little details that added to the atmosphere. The author has a clear understanding of Persian language and culture. I also admired how the author explores the themes of anxiety, shame, and control, making the characters feel complex and three-dimensional.

Areas of Concern

Okay, so not everything was perfect. I did notice that some readers felt the female lead acted out of character around the midpoint of the novel, and I can understand that criticism. There were some moments that felt a little jarring and could have been handled with more nuance. Also, the circus arc felt a bit muddled at times. It's not that it was bad, but it didn't quite mesh as seamlessly with the rest of the story.

⚠️ Spoiler Warning

Some readers felt that the constant cycle of Erik trying to kill Bo Li and Bo Li responding with affection became repetitive. While I can see that point, I personally found it to be a compelling exploration of their twisted dynamic. It really just depends on your personal preference.

Final Verdict

Overall, "How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy" is a thrilling and unforgettable read. It's not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a dark, romantic, and utterly captivating story, I highly recommend giving it a try. The characters are complex, the plot is engaging, and the writing is top-notch. I'm definitely adding this one to my list of favorites.

Synopsis

Upon waking, Bo Li found herself in the nineteenth century. Heavy smog, rampant tuberculosis, deplorable sanitation, and horse dung littering the streets—such was the nineteenth century she had stepped into. Worse still, she had become a performer in a circus— a female disguised as a male performer. This was an era where a woman cutting her hair short or wearing trousers would be harshly judged. No one suspected her true gender, taking her instead as a boy whose features were overly delicate. However, as time passed, her height grew, her feminine traits became more apparent… With so many eyes in the circus, her disguise was bound to be exposed sooner or later. Before leaving, she pulled along with her a youth who had long suffered ab*se, intending to start anew with him and establish another circus. — What Bo Li did not know was that this youth was cold and strange, like a suspicious mad dog, always ready to kill her. In his eyes, Bo Li was cowardly, greedy, and lazy. Such a person would abandon him sooner or later, seeking another path. Even if she truly intended to partner with him, once she saw his appearance, she too would abandon him. —Since that was so, why not kill her first? That way he need not see her flustered and frightened expression. Yet, she proved neither cowardly nor lazy, but rather clever and calm. She neither despised his appearance nor detested his eccentric temperament. They became an unusually well-matched pair of partners. Alas, dreams must eventually end. One afternoon, as he stood behind a door, he overheard her saying to a young and handsome man: “…If you keep saying that, I will be angry. I am single now.” “Erik? He is my younger brother.” She gave a surprised laugh at the other’s words. “With such a great difference in age between us, how could we possibly be husband and wife?” — From that day on, Bo Li began to suffer vivid hallucinations. She constantly felt someone secretly watching her, breathing close, as though standing right behind her. The hallucinations worsened day by day. Later, even when her back was pressed against a wall, she felt as if someone within the wall was watching her. That gaze grew more blatant with each passing day, more scorching with each passing day— as though it might pierce through the wall at any moment, to appear at her side.

How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy

Our review