Villainess by S. Bacchante
I want to give a massive thank you to S. Bacchante herself for giving me the opportunity to read a copy of her book for free! This was an absolute masterpiece and one I will remember for a very long time.
I want to start the review with the writing—it is impeccable and reminiscent of various authors I’ve read in the past, most notably Sarah J. Mass, Rachel Gillig, and Mary Shelley. Bacchante’s style is a culmination of all three, which made me nostalgic for the Throne of Glass and The Shepherd King series. I’m not even kidding, this book feels like their descendant. It’s got war, politics, mythology, the supernatural, and gothic elements you wouldn’t normally see in ordinary Romantasy. Bacchante’s writing is poetic too; it often reminds me of Taylor Swift’s lyricism and her allusions to literature.
The pacing of the book was very Throne of Glass coded, where the story was slowly being unfolded before getting really intense and hectic in the last hundred pages or so. There were so many things I didn’t expect towards the end, and it wouldn’t have been possible without experiencing and relishing in every moment of the narrative. I did find it a bit too slow at times, though (hence the 4.5 star rating), but it didn’t deter me too negatively. I was still able to enjoy the book overall.
The characters seriously carried the plot and the entire book! Kasdeya, especially, is a witch driven by vengeance and aggression, and has no remorse for those she thinks deserve death. She has climbed my favourite FMC list because she truly doesn’t take orders or anything from anyone. Then you have Alexander, beloved by others with his humour and nonchalant bets, but (apparently) an absolute nuisance to Kasdeya. Oh, did I mention how crazy and knife-driven their relationship is??? It’s hot, intense, and they’re so bloodthirsty for one another! I need more of this duo because I am seriously swooning over their tension and intimacy!!
Villainess is truly a story you have to read at least once in your lifetime. It’s vicious, gory, and unyielding. Think One Dark Window, but freakier, bloodier, and a whole lot more killing!
