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syhslvdr 's review for:
Beware the Villainess!, Vol. 1
by Soda Ice, Blue Canna, Berry
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is what happens when a 21st-century feminist reincarnates into the body of an 18th-century noblewoman. Melissa is a well-written character. Unlike typical villainesses who are crafted solely for revenge (a cliché I still adore), she’s multidimensional and compelling in her own right.
Her character development is also handled beautifully. As the story progresses, Melissa becomes more self-aware — recognizing her flaws, limitations, and shortcomings — and actively works to improve her circumstances. For example, realizing Jack’s overwhelming physical strength, she takes up swordsmanship and eventually wields the most ridiculously powerful sword in their world.
And while the story clearly favors her, it doesn’t coddle her. Crisis after crisis is thrown at Melissa, but the pacing is done well: tense and engaging, without becoming suffocating.
What makes Melissa stand out even more is her social awareness. She’s unafraid to call out patriarchy and misogyny, and her sharp criticism gives her the confidence and clarity to confront the four protagonists. She’s particularly immune to Ian’s manipulative behavior (seriously, someone please hire that man into an acting agency; might as well make him useful for once).
Now, I’m taking off one star for one reason: Nine.
Compared to everyone else, even Yona with her hilariously unwavering greed, Nine is bland. He irritates me. Maybe it’s because he follows that tired "soft but secretly possessive" trope for male leads. Yes, he’s cute, but his character is undercooked. Worse, Melissa, who is capable of forming complex plans, defeating serious threats, and navigating crisis after crisis without relying on plot armor, suddenly becomes oblivious to his obvious romantic advances? Her intelligence vanishes the moment he enters the scene. It’s honestly a joke.
Despite that, I really loved Melissa’s expressions throughout the series. Her ability to creatively maneuver situations or confront them head-on is magnetic. She is so hot. I simped for her every chapter. No doubt, she’s the hottest female manhwa character I’ve ever come across.
Also? Melissa and Yona’s dynamic is everything. Sure, it’s presented as a transactional relationship driven by Yona’s love of money, but I’d like to think Yona genuinely cares for Melissa. Her loyalty is unwavering, matched only by Nine.
And then there’s the heroine: Yuri. Adorable. I can’t wait to see her character fleshed out further. I loved how she preferred Melissa over the ML—especially during the night market scene. Ian was clearly the third wheel. Peak comedy.
Also? I ship Melissa and Yuri. Hard. It would be amazing if they were endgame 🙈. But of course… we all know it's going to be Nine.
Her character development is also handled beautifully. As the story progresses, Melissa becomes more self-aware — recognizing her flaws, limitations, and shortcomings — and actively works to improve her circumstances. For example, realizing Jack’s overwhelming physical strength, she takes up swordsmanship and eventually wields the most ridiculously powerful sword in their world.
And while the story clearly favors her, it doesn’t coddle her. Crisis after crisis is thrown at Melissa, but the pacing is done well: tense and engaging, without becoming suffocating.
What makes Melissa stand out even more is her social awareness. She’s unafraid to call out patriarchy and misogyny, and her sharp criticism gives her the confidence and clarity to confront the four protagonists. She’s particularly immune to Ian’s manipulative behavior (seriously, someone please hire that man into an acting agency; might as well make him useful for once).
Now, I’m taking off one star for one reason: Nine.
Compared to everyone else, even Yona with her hilariously unwavering greed, Nine is bland. He irritates me. Maybe it’s because he follows that tired "soft but secretly possessive" trope for male leads. Yes, he’s cute, but his character is undercooked. Worse, Melissa, who is capable of forming complex plans, defeating serious threats, and navigating crisis after crisis without relying on plot armor, suddenly becomes oblivious to his obvious romantic advances? Her intelligence vanishes the moment he enters the scene. It’s honestly a joke.
Despite that, I really loved Melissa’s expressions throughout the series. Her ability to creatively maneuver situations or confront them head-on is magnetic. She is so hot. I simped for her every chapter. No doubt, she’s the hottest female manhwa character I’ve ever come across.
Also? Melissa and Yona’s dynamic is everything. Sure, it’s presented as a transactional relationship driven by Yona’s love of money, but I’d like to think Yona genuinely cares for Melissa. Her loyalty is unwavering, matched only by Nine.
And then there’s the heroine: Yuri. Adorable. I can’t wait to see her character fleshed out further. I loved how she preferred Melissa over the ML—especially during the night market scene. Ian was clearly the third wheel. Peak comedy.
Also? I ship Melissa and Yuri. Hard. It would be amazing if they were endgame 🙈. But of course… we all know it's going to be Nine.