A Review: I'm the Villainess so I'm Taming the Final Boss Vol. 1

Author: Sarasa Nagase; Illustrator: Mai Murasaki; Publisher: Yen Press; Age Group: Teen; Genre: Isekai (cross-world fantasy) Romance

Content Warnings: None

Spoilers Ahead

Plot

When Aileen Lauren D’Autriche finds herself in the middle of the villainess’ engagement annulment event, she remembers that this world is her favorite Otome game. She’s even more startled to realize she’s the villainess of the game and must prevent her death by the final boss.

Although we have a strong female protagonist, this is a sweet, first love romance. It proves that just by accepting the person you love for who they are creates a sweet romance and deep connection between two people. You don’t have to be domineering or ‘alpha’ to win the girl. It’s okay to let your barriers down and just be. When two people are just themselves it can work out. Not to say that it doesn’t take work. As it does consistently throughout the series, but if you truly love someone, you won’t give them up even when others tell you that if you love them you should give them up.

Character Development

The personalities of the characters are very defined (sometimes predictably). They do grow and evolve as each character interacts with Aileen and the changing world caused by her fighting the fate of each game (across the whole series).

One thing that I love about Demon Lord Claude is that his emotions are portrayed through weather phenomena. This gives the story a bit of comedy as we figure out what he’s feeling whenever he interacts with Aileen.

Aileen is kind of protagonist that refuses to cry and spend another minute on something that no longer deserves her attention. She’s the type of person to look you in the eye and say “challenge accepted, with interest”. She never gives up, is a bit of a workaholic, and gets into a lot of trouble. It’s a good thing she has an eye for talent because she needs them to help her get out of trouble, not only with those around her but especially with Claude.

World-building

The audience is thrust into the world of the Ellmeyer kingdom from Aileen’s perspective. It has a very common Isekai start (for female protagonists). All of the history we learn comes from Aileen’s knowledge of the game. This world is very character focused rather than setting or plot focused.

The settings are common things we would expect to see with a feudal hierarchy (but add emperors rather than kings) and a Demon Lord. The Demon Lord’s castle, parks, royal quarters, etc. Though the Demon Lord’s castle being in disrepair is a great touch to expand the minor character line-up and force growth for the Demon Lord and his subordinates. There is just enough description of settings that we get the picture without being elaborate. After all, this is supposed to be more character focused.

Themes

The themes for this series are pretty straight forward. You can change fate or fate is not written in stone. You can grab life by the horns and make it your (insert favorite swear here). Whichever you prefer.

Observations & Predictions

This is one of my comfort series I go back to over and over.

While each book covers a different otome game or the side content, it can get a little cyclical to have her continuously fight for Claude. Albeit, in some of the most cliche, comedic, and sometimes out-of-the-blue ways.

This series is an easy read and doesn’t take a lot of brain power. So relax, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, maybe some snacks, and enjoy. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s definitely worth trying.

Recommendations

This week I’ve added this section of recommendations with variations from my current review. Take a look! If you want me to review or have further recommendations just let me know!

If you like this series but need something with a bit more intrigue:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion By: Milcha

If you like a strong protagonist but want it more sweet:

The Savior’s Book Cafe Story in Another World By: Oumiya - Based on Novels by: Kyouka Izumi

If you want something with a soft female lead that’s just as sweet:

I’m Giving the Disgraced Noble LadyI rescued a Crash Course in Naughtiness By: Fukada Sametarou

Check out the original blog!