In thefantasygenre, many heroes are given thrilling and exciting adventures, but sometimes, it’s good to read a story from the villain’s perspective. Fantasy books are popular in the world of literature, mainly because of their likable heroes and their exciting adventures across magical worlds. Thebest fantasy franchises of all timeare revered thanks to theirshocking fantasy book plot twists, great characters, or explorations into different worlds. But in recent years, fantasy villains have proven to be just as popular as the heroes.
The literature of the fantasy genre has evolved in recent years and has seen the release of many books that offer stories from the villain’s point of view.A story where the villain is the main protagonist offers the opportunity to see their origins, the motivations behind their twisted schemesand allows readers the chance to question the true boundaries between good and evil. Villain protagonists have been as rare asfantasy stories with happy endings,so it’s interesting to find a book that offers a darker view into the genre.
10Malice (2021-2022)
Written by Heather Walter
Maliceis the debut novel of Heather Walter and the first book in theMaliceduology series that follows the story of Alyce, a young girl who has dark, mysterious gifts that have isolated her from the community of Briar. The only person who sees and cares for Alyce is Aurora, the last princess of Briar; slowly their friendship blossoms into a love that allows Alyce to accept who she is. But their romance is threatened by a curse that will kill Aurora in less than a year and the girls must find a way to break it.
2021
Misrule
2022
Maliceoffers a modern retelling of a classic fairytale from the villain’s point of view; in this case, the tale ofSleeping Beauty,and depicts the princess falling in love with the wicked sorceress, rather than the handsome prince. The author, Heather Walter,offers viewers the opportunity to view the story from the mind of a young person who has been branded a villain all their livesand, through Alyce’s growing relationship with Aurora, shows that villains can have their good qualities, when they want to show them.Maliceoffers a clever exploration into the classic villain’s origins and offers a believable romance further explored in the sequel,Misrule.
9Heartless (2016)
Written by Marissa Meyer
The Queen of Hearts is one of the most classic villains in literatureand this 2016 novel by Marissa Meyer explores how she became known as the feared ruler of Wonderland. A prequel to Lewis Carroll’sAlice in Wonderland, Heartlessexplores the life of Catherine, a young woman with a dream to open a bakery with her best friend, but her parents forbid it as she is the desired bride of the King of Wonderland. Upon beginning a secret relationship with Jest, a mysterious court jester, Catherine vows to fight for her dreams, but fate may have other plans.
Heartlessis a story of romance, tragedy and heartbreak and, through the eyes of Catherine, shows readers that fate can sometimes be cruel and eventually lead many literary characters, including the Queen of Hearts, to a place of bitterness and resentment.
Through her descriptive writing, Marissa Meyer shows that not everyone in stories is destined to receive a happily-ever-after.Catherine is portrayed as a woman who faces severe pressure from her family and the troubles she endures in her search for happiness allow readers to sympathizeand understand the reasons why she later became the cold Queen of Hearts.Heartlessis a story of romance, tragedy and heartbreak and, through the eyes of Catherine, shows readers that fate can sometimes be cruel and eventually lead many literary characters, including the Queen of Hearts, to a place of bitterness and resentment.
8The Poppy War (2018-2020)
Written by R.F. Kuang
Set during the Sino-Japanese war,The Poppy Wartrilogy depicts the life of Fang Runin, known as Rin, who strives to carve her own path in life. To escape an unwanted marriage arranged by her foster parents, Rin studies and passes the Keju test to attend Sinegard Academy, the prestigious military school in Nikan. While at school,Rin overcomes abuse and bullying from her classmates and lands a position as an apprentice to Master Jiang.When war breaks out and Sinegard is invaded, Rin joins the thirteenth division and discovers a hidden power that could help her in the ongoing battle.
2018
2019
The Drowning Faith
2020
This series is an excellent blend of fantasy, history and culture and,right from the fantasy book’s opening scene, shows how war and experiences can impact a person, as seen through the eyes of Rin.Rin is depicted as somebody who desires power and to leave her humdrum beginnings, but her mission leads her to make impulsive and reckless decisions that make readers question her stance as a hero or villain throughout her experiences at war. Her flaws allow readers to support her nonetheless, andThe Poppy Warcleverly explores the themes of power and darkness through a relatable and complicated main character.
7The Young Elites (2014-2016)
Written by Marie Lu
Written by Marie Lu,The Young Elitesis set in a world where a deadly illness has swept across a nation that has left few survivors. The narrative follows Adelina, who survived the illness, but was left with physical injuries and silver hair; her condition has resulted in her being mistreated and abused by her father for years. After she unleashes powers that accidentally kill her father, Adelina faces execution but is saved when she crosses paths with the Dagger Society. As Adelina tries to control her powers, she struggles with her feelings for the society’s leader and her desire for revenge.
2014
2015
The Midnight Star
2016
ThroughoutThe Young Elitestrilogy, Marie Lu blurs the lines between good and evil, and explores the themes of romance, friendship, betrayal and revenge in a world ruled by fear and death. As the series progresses and Adelina learns more about her powers and finds her place among the Young Elites, she is tormented by her past sufferings at the hands of her family and friends, eventually leading to her powers spiraling out of control and Adelina succumbing to the darkness within her.Her eventual growth from an uncertain girl to the powerful White Wolf, shows a brilliant villain development in Adelina, makingThe Young Elitetrilogy a commendable dark fantasy series.
6Nimona (2015)
Written by N.D. Stevenson
A graphic novel created by N.D. Stevenson,Nimonais set in a kingdom where an impulsive shapeshifter, who usually takes the form of a young girl, lives as an outsider.Having a fondness for mischief and trouble, Nimona insists on being the sidekick to Lord Ballister Blackheart, a disgraced knight who was kicked out of the kingdom’s Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics and now seeks revenge. Blackheart’s vendetta and Nimona’s impulsiveness cause conflicts throughout their mission to take down the institution and Blackheart comes to think his new sidekick is more dangerous than she’s made herself out to be.
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Nimonaoffers a complex story of vengeance, discrimination and friendshipand also cleverly blends science, magic and humor together through the relationship between Nimona and Blackheart. It has been regarded asone of the best young adult LGBTQ+ graphic novels ever created, thanks to its depictions of Nimona’s non-binary identity and internal struggles with trusting society. Nimona’s wit, humor and impulsiveness have allowed her to become a popular character within the LGBTQ+ community and led to an Oscar-nominated film released in 2023; while there are significant deviations, it stays true to the novel’s themes of morality and acceptance.
5Prince of Thorns (2011)
Written by Mark Lawrence
As this book shows, even those who have grown up with a loving family can turn to the dark side. The first book inThe Broken Empiretrilogy,Prince of Thornsfollows Jorg Ancruth, a young man who was born into a privileged family, but chooses to run away from his home to join a group of outlawsthat have a dark desire for violence, torture and murder. Slowly, during his time in the group, Jorg rises to become their leader and is determined to seek revenge on those who destroyed his previous life and earn the title of king.
2011
2012
Emperor of Thorns
2013
ThroughoutPrince of Thorns,despite his young age,Jorg is depicted as a bitter and angry boy who cannot understand why his father doesn’t want justice for his family’s death, which leads to him running away. Joining the group of cruel mercenaries transforms him into a ruthless and cunning individual who does not back down from any person or challenge in a post-apocalyptic world. The series includes disturbing descriptions of violence and sexual assault that may not be appealing to all readers, but does offera gripping fantasy tale about revengeand how far a person will go to achieve it.
4Assistant to the Villain (2023)
Written by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Hannah Nicole Maeher’sAssistant to the Villainis a book that blends both evil sorcery and romance togetherfrom the perspective of Evie Savage, a down-on-her-luck woman who accepts a job offer from The Villain, the mysterious sorcerer in her hometown of Rennedawn. Evie’s work ethic is impacted by her developing feelings for her new boss, but she is determined to keep a level head for the sake of her family. However, as time progresses and their relationship deepens, Evie becomes suspicious that there may be another villain lurking nearby and must help her boss find them.
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The book switches between points of view between both the bright and bubbly Evie and the dark and depressing Villain.Their differences in personality allow them to slowly develop a warm and believable romancethat is cleverly interwoven into the main story. As the story progresses, Evie discovers the benefits of being a villain’s assistant and discovering her own inner sense of wickedness.Assistant to the Villainends on a cliffhanger that leads to their relationship continuing in the sequel,Apprentice;a third book,Accomplice to the Villain,is scheduled for release in 2025.
3Vicious (2013)
Written by V.E. Schwab
The first book in theVillainsseries by V.E. Schwab shows that not everybody who gains superpowers uses them for good.Viciousexplores the complicated relationship between Victor and Eli, once close friends, turned into bitter enemies, after a past college experiment went wrong, resulting in Victor being imprisoned for 10 years. Once released, Victor desires to get revenge on his former friend, while Eli vows to get rid of every person who has powers, including his old friend, Victor. The two men are led by memories of betrayal and carry powers that could either make or break them.
Vengeful
Viciousgives readers an alternate view of the superhero genre andexplores the impact of betrayal, ambition and jealousy on two different individuals.The story moves between the past and present and shows how Victor and Eli started off as inseparable best friends before their ambitions and desires tore them apart and destroyed their close bond. Both characters have their dark sides and their story leaves readers wondering who the true villain is.Viciousoffers an exciting tale of bitter frenemies with a troubled past and depicts the true realities of betrayal and revenge, further explored in the sequel,Vengeful.
2Artemis Fowl (2001-2012)
Written by Eoin Colfer
TheArtemis Fowlseries shows that there are some people who are born to become villains. Written by Eoin Colfer,the book depicts the life of 12-year-old Artemis Fowl, the heir to the Fowl criminal empire, and intelligent beyond his years. When his father, Artemis Fowl Sr., mysteriously disappears and the family fortune is lost, Artemis kidnaps Holly Short, a fairy from the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance force, and plans to ransom her for gold. The LEP initially don’t see Artemis as a threat, but as their rescue attempts are thwarted, they eventually realize they have underestimated the boy’s skills.
2001
2002
2003
2005
2006
2008
2010
The Last Guardian
TheArtemis Fowlseries has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and has been regarded as one of the most popular children’s book series ever made (viaEvoke).It blends both fairytales and criminal technology together as it explores themes of isolation, greed and friendshipthrough the eyes of a child villain. As the series progresses, and he further develops his skills in time travel and technology, Artemis Fowl grows from a vengeful child to a charismatic antihero who questions his actions towards society.Artemis Fowlwas voted the best series published by Puffin in 2010.
1Long Live Evil (2024)
Written by Sarah Rees Brennan
Written by Sarah Rees Brennan,Long Live Evildepicts an ordinary person being given the chance to step into the life of a fictional character. Dying of cancer, Rae is unexpectedly given a second chance when she’s transported into her favorite book series to steal a rare flower that can cure her. However, instead of being the hero as she expected,Rae finds herself in the body of the story’s main villain, Lady Rahela, the Beauty Dipped in Blood. Rather than get upset, though, Rae decides to embrace her new role and makes a plan to recruit all the villains in the book series to achieve her aim of escaping with the flower.
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This book is for those who have always wanted to know what it feels like to step into the shoes of their favorite book charactersand makes them question whether they truly want to be the hero or the villain of the story. Rae takes her new role as villain very seriously, creating different schemes to protect herself; however, the more time she spends in the story, she comes to realize there’s more than her own ending at risk.Long Live Evilis a perfect mixture of humor and historical fantasy, making it one of the bestfantasybooks with a villain protagonist.
