A review by aramat
Villains Are Destined to Die by Gwon Gyeoeul

adventurous dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.0

Well, this was one long ride. I like the web comic version more though (what was published so far), maybe because the writing was very descriptive and repetitive, and it managed to jar me out of the story more than a few times, and the web comic drawing are oh so pretty and could compensate for anything 😅 

The aspect of the story that deals with Penelope's trauma and her relations with her family was intense and sad. It was not exactly a revenge story, more a story about vindication. In that aspect it worked well for me. 

The latter part (the side stories) that dealt with her romance were strangely out of character for all parties involved and I didn't enjoy it as much.

Callisto suddenly behaving obsessively was very out of character and it didn't suit him. He was my favorite throughout the story because he at least seemed to really see Penelope for who she is, without preconceived notions or expectations, and despite her "reputation". Then she decided to stay in that world for him, and he becomes so anxious she is going to leave him, going as far as imprisoning her in her room. That, and the physical violence (namely, Penelope grabbing Callisto by the hair and pulling it very violently to show her frustration) was OTT to say the least, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

In all I'm looking forward to the rest of the story in web comic form, and I'm grateful I won't be left with cliffhangers anymore 😂