Villains can sometimes be the best part of reading a novel– they can even make or break the story for you. And if you have strong opinions and tastes in villains? Then this is definitely the post for you!
Ancient Evil
Ancient Evil villains are some of the most intriguing; the image they prompt is like the dark before the world started, coming out of the mist as a magical being- mythical and even mythological. Their backstories are always enthralling, even more so when there are stories of old battles and landmarks in a fantasy landscape of remnants of buildings and legends. When these ancient evils awaken, the whole story is put in a twist and the dread and suspense is unmatched! I love these villains because of the tone they bring– the suspense and anticipation of the characters and usually young, excitable protagonist is really fun to read. Also, their strategies and ways of conquering this new fantasy worlds are surprising. The extent of their power is also incredible– but even better is watching the hero and their people discover their own strengths and use it against that ancient power.
The Priory of the Orange Tree is an amazing example of an ancient evil re-awakening. Although it can look like an incredibly intimidating read at a whopping 800+ pages, don't worry. The book is enthralling and the world building is spectacular. It pulls you in and the wide array of cast and their adventures in this diverse setting is also attention catching. Samantha Shannon's prose is also incredible and adds another layer to the book.
Another amazing ancient evil book is Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri! This novel focuses on Mehr and Amun, two Amrithi individuals with powers made to work for the Immortal Maha rulers of their lands. The Maha are ancient– and not all good, as Mehr learns. This book also had enthralling worldbuilding and amazing south asian representation, along with the long but compelling journey of Mehr and Amun's relationship. It's the perfect book to read if you want an ancient anti-villain, just humane enough to make you question yourself.
Protagonist Turned Villain
Now this? This is my favorite trope. There is something about watching a protagonist grow and mature– watching them rail against the rules of society and the cruelties they've endured. In fact, a lot of this can overlap with the sympathetic villains, as the reader has followed them throughout this journey, but with these protagonists, the line is much more blurred and...dare I say...more entertaining?
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake is an edge of your seat series about three sisters competing for one throne. They each have different powers, however, there is a twist in who has what. Each sister has to fight to the death to be able to ascend the throne and rule, and the games that ensure are brutal and thrilling, especially as you watch each sister develop throughout the series based on the way they're treated and their strengths.
Another incredible protagonist turned villain is The Young Elites by Marie Lu. It follows a girl named Adelina, the survivor of a devastating plague with new powers. She finds the society of Daggers, a group of survivors with powers similar to her. Political intrigue and action intertwines the whole story, with the novel ending at a clattering and heart-racing event, Adelina's entire journey shifting. It's an easy but exciting read and fan favorites of Marie Lu will not be disappointed.
Other honorable mentions: Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C Dao, Heartless by Marissa Meyer, and And I Darken by V. E. Schwab!
Friend to Villain
Since the invent of booktok and other book social medias, the trope of enemies to lovers and friends to lovers has become incredibly popular. However, on the flip side, the trope of friends to enemies or villains is delicious, both because of the implications of the character's shared pasts but also the chemistry they will share! Here are some heart wrenching friend to villain novels!
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor is about an orphaned and unordinary librarian named Lazlo Strange who goes on an expedition with people from a mythical land in an attempt to rid them of whatever is blocking the sky. It is also about a girl named Sarai, half god and half human, who is watching over the city and can see into dreams. The main villain in this novel is Saria's sister, Minya, who once was her friend but has now turned into a ruthless demigod, hell-bent on getting revenge.
Another recommendation is Vicious by V.E. Schwab, a novel focusing on two men named Victor and Eli. They were college roommates..and something akin to friends once, but when irreversible events take place, they are torn apart and become antiheroes. The character development and plot in these books is entertaining, and honestly, their chemistry tops all!
Sympathetic Villains
Although I love every type of villain on this list, another one high on my list is sympathetic villains. The way the author makes you question your own allegiances and feelings towards them adds another level to the book and makes you look at the protagonist and their actions in a completely new way. Here are some of my favorite books featuring sympathetic (or compelling/manipulative) villains.
The Lunar Chronicles series by Marie Lu focuses on a half human and half android girl named Cinder and is a steampunk set of novels focused on retellings of the original fairy tales. The villain, Queen Levana of the lunars is a compelling villain and showcases a lot of girl power, although probably in the wrong ways. The world-building is easy to digest but also incredibly interesting. The series even includes a novella detailing her backstory, helping you understand her motivations even further.
Here are my honorable mentions for other sympathetic villains: The Cruel Prince series (the villain only has a small role here) by Holly Black, and the Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab.
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