Reviews

Prison Life is Easy for a Villainess, Vol. 2 by Hibiki Yamazaki

tianalikesbooks_11's review

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funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

hazelrinn's review

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.5

blood_lion's review

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funny lighthearted relaxing 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? No

3.75

mystic_dclouds's review

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3.0

Contrary to the first book, repetition is key in this volume and the ending is quite surprising yet underwhelming.

In the second volume, we continue Rachel’s story from behind the prison bars whilst tormenting Prince Elliott and his crew from time to time. Throughout the events we’re also informed of Rachel’s superior reporting to the King, her ability to stay informed about everyone and we meet some of her slightly extreme friends. However, that all changes when the King and Queen finally decide to return to the kingdom.

This volume was quite enjoyable but not as great as the first volume overall. The tricks, out maneuvering and Rachel’s intelligence were enjoyable and at times surprising, however it got repetitive and boring fairly quick. There was no one who could match Rachel’s perfect planning and the results of Prince Elliot’s harassment always did end up the same way. This became repetitive and almost stale since as a reader, one could already anticipate what was going to occur.

Within the main three chapters there are multiple sub chapters. I found some of the sub chapters were off-topic and didn’t add to the overall plot. However, there were also some that helped develop the characters by pointing out their personalities or emotions towards certain elements. I liked the chapters discussing Margaret’s background and her reasoning for going after Prince Elliot as well as Rachel’s first interaction with Prince Elliot when they were kids.

I didn’t prefer reading about Martina, Sykes’s fiancée. Martina’s acts were a bit too extreme for me and sometimes I felt sympathetic for Sykes. I understand political marriages but I have to draw the line on the use of force and abuse.

Overall, this was a good read but it’s a bit sadistic for my tastes. I found the ending quite surprising and for some reason I wished there was someone who could compete with Rachel instead, or at least see Rachel becoming queen. I think this will probably be a hit or miss for many readers as some will enjoy an intelligent and cunning female lead while others may find the story repetitive which will overshadow Rachel’s dominance.

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shinku's review

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funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

5.0

I love this series. It's obviously not the greatest piece of literature ever written or anything, but it's a lot of fun. In a sadistic way, yes, but still fun. Rachel is a hilarious main character who keeps me entertained the entire time, and so I flew through the majority of this book in one sitting.

The second volume sees the conclusion of Rachel's story. I was expecting her stupid fiancé and his cronies to harass her again only to get counterattacked, but the book does more than that. It delves into Margaret's background, and why she wants to snatch the prince from Rachel so badly. I feel like it could be a quite compelling story on its own, but this book isn't about her. We also get a glimpse into Rachel's past towards the end, to see what exactly happened between her and the prince when they were small. Unlike Margaret, however, little explanation is needed for Rachel's behavior aside from the fact that she is 100% a psychopath. There are also a few new characters introduced here, and all of them are horrible. That's why this is such a fun read. My favorite is Sykes' lovely fiancée, Martina the incarnation of love and death.

Oh, and Haley. Haley is cute.

In any case, the series has a pleasant ending. Pleasant for me, that is. And for Rachel, who gets Margaret as her new toy. Maybe not so much for the prince, but again… this isn't about him. All's well that ends well! 

venerablemonster's review against another edition

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3.0

Silly and ridiculous. Never took itself too seriously. Fun read.
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