Villains Are Destined to Die (Novel), Vol. 1 | Isekai Romantasy Novel Review

Title: Villains Are Destined to Die

Author: Gwon Gyeoeul

Genre:

Ages: 13+

Publisher: Ize Press (Yen)

Release: Aug. 26, 2025

The original novel behind the hit fantasy romance comic! When a college student with a tragic past picks up the video game Daughter of the Duke’s Super Love Project, she immediately sees herself in one of the characters. Not the adored heroine of easy mode, Ivonne, but the protagonist of hard mode, misunderstood villain Penelope. Little did she know that she’d fall asleep playing the story…and wake up in Penelope’s body! The only way to escape the game world? Charm one of the love interests and unlock a good ending. But with affection meters starting in the negatives and the inability to speak without choosing from pre-selected dialogue, it quickly becomes clear that a single wrong move means her demise― and this villain might just be destined to die!

First, a round of applause for the cover. Gotdamn that cover is beautiful.

Okay, you all know what I’m going to say about the writing/localization. Anecdotally, while reading the prologue I was like… holy shit, this is leagues above other recent web novel releases. Then I started chapter one… and it was the same old story — all telling, no showing, and awkward writing.

“Maybe I placed a curse on their mother while I was only a sperm cell in my father’s body.” LMAO ^ honestly, the line isn’t thaaaaaaat bad (i guess😭) just made me giggle

yeah so it is what it is. Overall, though, I think this one was more well done than others.

Anyways, I believe I actually read & reviewed the webtoon for this one…. here. I gave it four stars two years ago… sheesh how fast time goes by.

I ended up giving this four hearts because this was truly a vibe read for me. It had been a long time since I read the webtoon (which I don’t think I even finished lol) so I kinda knew what was going to happen in the novel but I didn’t remember any details. So, random panels of the webtoon would flash in my mind as I was reading the novel.

Anyway, I actually really like our FL in this series. She’s determined to survive, and because she’s gone from one abusive family to another, she doesn’t just blindly forgive her new family. The game aspect translates surprisingly well into novel form, it makes things more entertaining and a bit more forgiving of the writing quality.

I loved the silliness of this book: FL finds a secret passageway leading to the magician’s hideout and just goes, “Damn, this place is awesome.” LOL same

If you like isekai, I think this one is worth the read.

As a novel, it’s a bit hard to recommend due to the clunky writing. But if you read and enjoyed the webtoon, I think you’ll find this really fun. And LOOK at that cover… I seriously want to buy it just for that.

Sidenote: I wish Korean novels had illustrations like Danmei or Japanese light novels… Can’t they just add some? I’d be way more inclined to buy a physical copy if they did.

⬇️spoilers be here⬇️

I forgot the ML almost kills her

Who in their right mind drives a bid up from 10 million to 100 million?? Like, just offer 20 million… why are you giving that kind of money to the evil slave trade?! That genuinely annoyed me so bad lol.

WHY are you so scared of a talking rabbit. YOU’VE BEEN TELEPORTING AROUND