What do you think?
Rate this book
악녀는 마리오네트 [Agnyeoneun Marionette] (Comic) #1
The Villainess is a Marionette Vol. 1
Kayena Hill, the imperial princess and most beautiful rose of the empire--and the novel's villainess, used as a pawn in her brother's schemes and left to die. Except this isn't just some novel to her, not when she already lived her first life as the foolish Kayena herself! When she wakes up as Kayena Hill once more in her third life, she's now armed with the knowledge of how her dreadful future unfolds. In order to rewrite her story and win her freedom, she must learn to puppet the puppeteer--this time, she'll be the one pulling the strings!
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2024
112 people are currently reading
937 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 15, 2025
I just found my new isekai villainess series. Ordered for the store, have my own copy for my personal library, read it and then immediately started it over again. I am impatiently waiting for the second volume I have ordered to arrive at my store and am starting to be a pest to my boss about when it is coming in, lol.
I love the art, the MC h is a BOSS and I can't WAIT to see how she turns things around for her HEA. Highly recommended.
5, why isn't my copy of the second volume in yet WHINE, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen/Ize Press for an eARC of this book to read and review.
I love the art, the MC h is a BOSS and I can't WAIT to see how she turns things around for her HEA. Highly recommended.
5, why isn't my copy of the second volume in yet WHINE, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Yen/Ize Press for an eARC of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2021
Okay, hear me out.
I love it here, even tho I would love for Raphaelo to stop kneeling every five minutes. But he hot so I can handle some kneeling from his part.
ANNNNDDDDDD, is it only me or the vibe between Rejeph and Cayena is kind of Flowers in the Attic?
Ngl, I'm interested to where this whole manga is going.
I love it here, even tho I would love for Raphaelo to stop kneeling every five minutes. But he hot so I can handle some kneeling from his part.
ANNNNDDDDDD, is it only me or the vibe between Rejeph and Cayena is kind of Flowers in the Attic?
Ngl, I'm interested to where this whole manga is going.
May 8, 2025
3.5 stars
I am not sure where I fall in rating for this first volume because I have a rule I can't keep reading a series just for the art, but this series is so breathtaking to read! Everyone looks stunning! From Kayena's beautiful eyes and hair, to Kidrey, to even Regef, I really love how everyone is drawn and seeing their expressions!
I think what keeps me on the fence about continuing this one is that I LOVE how everyone is changing around Kayena! They are seeing her in such a different light and seem to be genuinely caring for her well-being, and I loved to see it!
But it's because I loved it that I'm worried I'm going to feel very sad when Kayena actually accomplishes her goal of leaving and finally being free. I WANT her to be free for sure, but with how everyone is changing, I don't think I'm going to want her to leave in the future. *hides*
However it feels complicated because I don't think Kayena is by any means being her original self. She is playing everyone in order to protect herself, which I totally understand! It just makes me sad because there are a few panels/pages where she is utterly beautiful and her smile seems so genuine, but it's not.
I find the story very intriguing, though, and am enjoying seeing the original "story" change where she isn't the villainess she once was! I think the romance is going to develop quickly (at least I hope so!) and am so on board with that even if I'm not sure Kayena would be. LOL!
So I guess after saying all that, I think I will read the next chapter digitally and go from there in deciding if I want to read more physically. At least when it comes to the story, because if you for sure what a beautiful manhwa to read, this one is definitely it!
I am not sure where I fall in rating for this first volume because I have a rule I can't keep reading a series just for the art, but this series is so breathtaking to read! Everyone looks stunning! From Kayena's beautiful eyes and hair, to Kidrey, to even Regef, I really love how everyone is drawn and seeing their expressions!
I think what keeps me on the fence about continuing this one is that I LOVE how everyone is changing around Kayena! They are seeing her in such a different light and seem to be genuinely caring for her well-being, and I loved to see it!
But it's because I loved it that I'm worried I'm going to feel very sad when Kayena actually accomplishes her goal of leaving and finally being free. I WANT her to be free for sure, but with how everyone is changing, I don't think I'm going to want her to leave in the future. *hides*
However it feels complicated because I don't think Kayena is by any means being her original self. She is playing everyone in order to protect herself, which I totally understand! It just makes me sad because there are a few panels/pages where she is utterly beautiful and her smile seems so genuine, but it's not.
I find the story very intriguing, though, and am enjoying seeing the original "story" change where she isn't the villainess she once was! I think the romance is going to develop quickly (at least I hope so!) and am so on board with that even if I'm not sure Kayena would be. LOL!
So I guess after saying all that, I think I will read the next chapter digitally and go from there in deciding if I want to read more physically. At least when it comes to the story, because if you for sure what a beautiful manhwa to read, this one is definitely it!
April 6, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!*
3.5 Stars!
The story was gripping (though the realtionship between the half-siblings gave me the ick every now and then) the pacing was fast and the drawings were gorgeous.
Can't wait for the second volume!
3.5 Stars!
The story was gripping (though the realtionship between the half-siblings gave me the ick every now and then) the pacing was fast and the drawings were gorgeous.
Can't wait for the second volume!
July 10, 2025
Season 1: (Chapters 1-45)
Story Line: Cayena, the Imperial Princess, was known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire. She was a woman who knew nothing but evil and luxury. However, she was destined for ruin: she would be used as a chess piece by her younger brother to secure his throne and killed by her crazy husband after being thrown away
.
That is until a reincarnated h is placed into her body after death in her own life, and the time is turned back. She remembers all of Cayena's memories, knows how the plot will turn out, and plans on doing things differently this time around.
She has to change things this time around before she becomes the tragic Cayena of the past...and if it takes scheming, manipulating, placating, and acting to achieve that end- then the new Cayena will do everything it takes to achieve her goals- and escape from the life as a Puppet Princess.
Story Line: Cayena, the Imperial Princess, was known as the most beautiful woman in the Empire. She was a woman who knew nothing but evil and luxury. However, she was destined for ruin: she would be used as a chess piece by her younger brother to secure his throne and killed by her crazy husband after being thrown away
.
That is until a reincarnated h is placed into her body after death in her own life, and the time is turned back. She remembers all of Cayena's memories, knows how the plot will turn out, and plans on doing things differently this time around.
“I’ll make you the Emperor.”
“… Sister, are you referring to me?”
“In exchange, give me freedom.”
She has to change things this time around before she becomes the tragic Cayena of the past...and if it takes scheming, manipulating, placating, and acting to achieve that end- then the new Cayena will do everything it takes to achieve her goals- and escape from the life as a Puppet Princess.
February 17, 2025
Quizás no soy objetiva por que me encantan los otome isekai de villanas, pero me ha gustado mucho. LAs ilustraciones son exquisitas, la delicadeza de los diseños y las decoraciones me han recordado a Arina Tanemura. La historia de momento pinta interesante. Da lo que promete.
November 2, 2025
I don’t know why I was expecting that I won’t like this. But this is such an enjoyable read.
January 5, 2026
The ending on a cliff hanger of her getting kidnapped by her past abusive husband is crazy!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2021
Ini kedua kalinya aku tertarik pada manhwa karena art style nya. Biasanya art style seperti ini hanya digunakan untuk ilustrasi cover. Namun saat aku membaca prolog, aku terkejut karena pewarnaannya sangat konsisten dari awal hingga akhir. Permainan shading dan lighting nya luar biasa. Ini mengingatkanku pada artstyle Kematian Adalah Akhir Sang Antagonis. Dua manhwa ini sama-sama konsisten. Mereka tidak hanya mempercantik cover manhwa, tapi juga semua chapter. Umumnya, ilustrasi pada isi per chapter tidak sedetail cover. Biasanya aku akan mengabaikan itu jika plot ceritanya bagus. Tapi kedua manhwa ini tidak seperti itu. Terutama The Villainess Is A Marionette ini. Setiap panel nya sangat detail. Dari background, desain gaunnya hingga ekspresi para tokohnya.
Palet warna nya juga unik. Glassy effect? Glossy effect? Aku tidak tahu istilah mana yang benar. Intinya, efek yang digunakan ilustrator dalam manhwa ini sangat unik dan cantik. Pasti butuh waktu yang lama untuk mewarnai setiap panel dengan teknik seperti ini. Ditambah lagi, desain motif pada pakaian setiap karakternya juga sangat detail. Aku terkejut melihat motif-motif pada pakaian yang dikenakan karakter pria. Biasanya, untuk pria, pakaiannya jarang diberikan motif penuh. Namun di manhwa ini, baik karakter utama maupun sampingan, semuanya diberi motif. Ini pertama kalinya aku menemukan ilustrator yang tidak hanya memberi perhatian lebih pada karakter utamanya, tapi juga karakter sampingan.
Art style nya memang cantik, tapi masalahnya, bagaimana dengan plotnya?
Terkadang, ada manhwa yang memiliki visual cantik, namun plotnya berantakan. Ada juga manhwa yang art style nya sederhana, namun plotnya tertata rapi dan menarik. Lalu ada juga manhwa yang memiliki keseimbangan yang bagus antara art style dan plot. Untuk The Villainess Is A Marionette, baik itu art style maupun plotnya, keduanya sama menariknya.
Sama seperti Kematian Adalah Akhir Sang Antagonis, art style pada The Villainess Is A Marionette menyesuaikan dengan plot ceritanya. Dalam The Villainess Is A Marionette, karakter Cayena Hill digambarkan sebagai wanita yang paling cantik dengan penampilan seperti boneka. Tidak hanya penampilannya, segala tindak-tanduknya pun seperti boneka tali yang digerakkan. Karena di kehidupan pertamanya Cayena diperlakukan bagai boneka, Cayena bertekad untuk lepas dari tali yang mengekangnya dan berhenti menjadi “boneka” sepenuhnya.
Manhwa ini tidak hanya menarik dari segi art style, tapi juga storytelling-nya. Aku suka cara tim produksi manhwa ini mengatur pacing per panel sehingga tidak terasa cepat maupun lambat. Lalu, pada setiap panel yang berfokus pada ekspresi wajah karakter, aku bisa merasakan emosi yang memancar dari wajah karakter tersebut. Bisa dibilang, ini bagian terfavoritku. Tidak perlu banyak efek tambahan (misalnya ketika karakternya terkejut, ada tulisan ‘terkejut’) untuk mengetahui apa yang dirasakan karakter tersebut. Aku sering melihat efek tulisan semacam ini di manhwa-manhwa lain. Ada kalanya aku merasa terganggu dengan efek tersebut, karena menurutku, efek-efek itu tidak perlu ditambahkan. Tanpa diberi efek seperti itu, pembaca akan tahu emosi macam apa yang sedang dirasakan karakter melalui ekspresi wajahnya.
Pada awalnya aku hanya ingin mempelajari art style nya untuk referensi latihan. Tapi kemudian aku tidak bisa berhenti menekan tombol “berikutnya”. Aku penasaran apakah strategi Cayena akan berhasil atau tidak. Sayangnya, season pertama berakhir dengan kasus penculikan. Karena kasus itu, aku menjadi penasaran. Apakah Cayena akan melawan atau hanya menunggu sampai Raphaelo datang menyelamatkannya?
Palet warna nya juga unik. Glassy effect? Glossy effect? Aku tidak tahu istilah mana yang benar. Intinya, efek yang digunakan ilustrator dalam manhwa ini sangat unik dan cantik. Pasti butuh waktu yang lama untuk mewarnai setiap panel dengan teknik seperti ini. Ditambah lagi, desain motif pada pakaian setiap karakternya juga sangat detail. Aku terkejut melihat motif-motif pada pakaian yang dikenakan karakter pria. Biasanya, untuk pria, pakaiannya jarang diberikan motif penuh. Namun di manhwa ini, baik karakter utama maupun sampingan, semuanya diberi motif. Ini pertama kalinya aku menemukan ilustrator yang tidak hanya memberi perhatian lebih pada karakter utamanya, tapi juga karakter sampingan.
Art style nya memang cantik, tapi masalahnya, bagaimana dengan plotnya?
Terkadang, ada manhwa yang memiliki visual cantik, namun plotnya berantakan. Ada juga manhwa yang art style nya sederhana, namun plotnya tertata rapi dan menarik. Lalu ada juga manhwa yang memiliki keseimbangan yang bagus antara art style dan plot. Untuk The Villainess Is A Marionette, baik itu art style maupun plotnya, keduanya sama menariknya.
Sama seperti Kematian Adalah Akhir Sang Antagonis, art style pada The Villainess Is A Marionette menyesuaikan dengan plot ceritanya. Dalam The Villainess Is A Marionette, karakter Cayena Hill digambarkan sebagai wanita yang paling cantik dengan penampilan seperti boneka. Tidak hanya penampilannya, segala tindak-tanduknya pun seperti boneka tali yang digerakkan. Karena di kehidupan pertamanya Cayena diperlakukan bagai boneka, Cayena bertekad untuk lepas dari tali yang mengekangnya dan berhenti menjadi “boneka” sepenuhnya.
Manhwa ini tidak hanya menarik dari segi art style, tapi juga storytelling-nya. Aku suka cara tim produksi manhwa ini mengatur pacing per panel sehingga tidak terasa cepat maupun lambat. Lalu, pada setiap panel yang berfokus pada ekspresi wajah karakter, aku bisa merasakan emosi yang memancar dari wajah karakter tersebut. Bisa dibilang, ini bagian terfavoritku. Tidak perlu banyak efek tambahan (misalnya ketika karakternya terkejut, ada tulisan ‘terkejut’) untuk mengetahui apa yang dirasakan karakter tersebut. Aku sering melihat efek tulisan semacam ini di manhwa-manhwa lain. Ada kalanya aku merasa terganggu dengan efek tersebut, karena menurutku, efek-efek itu tidak perlu ditambahkan. Tanpa diberi efek seperti itu, pembaca akan tahu emosi macam apa yang sedang dirasakan karakter melalui ekspresi wajahnya.
Pada awalnya aku hanya ingin mempelajari art style nya untuk referensi latihan. Tapi kemudian aku tidak bisa berhenti menekan tombol “berikutnya”. Aku penasaran apakah strategi Cayena akan berhasil atau tidak. Sayangnya, season pertama berakhir dengan kasus penculikan. Karena kasus itu, aku menjadi penasaran. Apakah Cayena akan melawan atau hanya menunggu sampai Raphaelo datang menyelamatkannya?
May 22, 2025
I received this book from the publisher + Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Despite having read many many villainess stories (either humorous/serious/romantic/scheming) I always want more so I was excited when I spotted this one up on Netgalley. Of course I had to request it, of course I had to read it. Also because the cover was just stunning!
In this one we meet a princess named Kayena, she is currently at her third life. Yup. Whereas we have had many villainess stories featuring people getting a second chance or with people isekai-ed into the villainess body this one is a bit different. In the first life Kayena was a Kayena, in the second life she was a woman from Korea who read about Kayena’s life in a book, and in the third she is getting a new chance at being Kayena. It was so much fun because she has her memories from her first life, but also the memories of what she read in the second life, so she is quite knowledgeable on what to do next. Because this girl? She is done with being a puppet to everyone. In the first life she helped her brother became emperor and she did everything for him which ended horrifically. In the second life she was a puppet to a boss and also ended up dying horrifically. So naturally, she is done with all that and I was curious to see how she would become the puppeteer instead of the puppet. She is going to be holding the strings and people will dance to her tune.
And it was great fun to see her plot, scheme, and do all she could to change the events that are set to happen. For one she has changed herself. From the original Kayena who was spoiled, didn’t care much as long as everyone complimented and catered to her to be more calm, more intelligent, less dramatic, less spoiled princess. And of course (because she went a 180 degree to another personality) everyone has noticed (and we see through various people important to the story how they feel about this/see them reconsider what they are doing which I absolutely loved). She knows the story, she knows the pawns and the characters, she knows what is the end game and she wants to make sure that this time everyone, including her, get a happy ending. I loved seeing her scheme, plot, plan, and think of some brilliant plans. At times it did get a bit much or too explain-y, but in overall I had fun seeing Kayena take the reins and try her best to get her happy ending and help out others (if they so deserve, haha). I also loved how she flipped a switch around her brother. Instead of complaining and simping over him like she did in the first life she is kind, nurturing, holds him, tries to help him and motivate him to gain the throne in different ways like side with other nobles/houses which leads to confusion but also a changed opinion on his sister.
So yeah, I am definitely rooting for Kayena, she deserves a happy ending, she deserves her freedom. And I am curious to see how the next volume will go and what will happen there.
But the COOKIES. Seriously, you would have to be fucking blind. They are all acting as if it was hard to spot and that they didn’t examine it right. BOY, the almond was like ALL of the cookie. Plus, why the fuck would she eat that? There are no epipens. Was she hoping that she didn’t die from a little bite? I have a nut allergy and no way in hell even with epipens nearby will I eat nuts, even a little bit. Nope.
The art was just amazing and I love love the style. I was so jelly of Kayena’s on point make-up and her absolutely stunning dresses. The artist really put so much love in those.
Oh, and I loved the bonuses at the end of the novel with details on several characters.
All in all, I need NEED the next book in the series because I want more. I would recommend this one to all who love villainess stories (especially changed villainesses).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Despite having read many many villainess stories (either humorous/serious/romantic/scheming) I always want more so I was excited when I spotted this one up on Netgalley. Of course I had to request it, of course I had to read it. Also because the cover was just stunning!
In this one we meet a princess named Kayena, she is currently at her third life. Yup. Whereas we have had many villainess stories featuring people getting a second chance or with people isekai-ed into the villainess body this one is a bit different. In the first life Kayena was a Kayena, in the second life she was a woman from Korea who read about Kayena’s life in a book, and in the third she is getting a new chance at being Kayena. It was so much fun because she has her memories from her first life, but also the memories of what she read in the second life, so she is quite knowledgeable on what to do next. Because this girl? She is done with being a puppet to everyone. In the first life she helped her brother became emperor and she did everything for him which ended horrifically. In the second life she was a puppet to a boss and also ended up dying horrifically. So naturally, she is done with all that and I was curious to see how she would become the puppeteer instead of the puppet. She is going to be holding the strings and people will dance to her tune.
And it was great fun to see her plot, scheme, and do all she could to change the events that are set to happen. For one she has changed herself. From the original Kayena who was spoiled, didn’t care much as long as everyone complimented and catered to her to be more calm, more intelligent, less dramatic, less spoiled princess. And of course (because she went a 180 degree to another personality) everyone has noticed (and we see through various people important to the story how they feel about this/see them reconsider what they are doing which I absolutely loved). She knows the story, she knows the pawns and the characters, she knows what is the end game and she wants to make sure that this time everyone, including her, get a happy ending. I loved seeing her scheme, plot, plan, and think of some brilliant plans. At times it did get a bit much or too explain-y, but in overall I had fun seeing Kayena take the reins and try her best to get her happy ending and help out others (if they so deserve, haha). I also loved how she flipped a switch around her brother. Instead of complaining and simping over him like she did in the first life she is kind, nurturing, holds him, tries to help him and motivate him to gain the throne in different ways like side with other nobles/houses which leads to confusion but also a changed opinion on his sister.
So yeah, I am definitely rooting for Kayena, she deserves a happy ending, she deserves her freedom. And I am curious to see how the next volume will go and what will happen there.
But the COOKIES. Seriously, you would have to be fucking blind. They are all acting as if it was hard to spot and that they didn’t examine it right. BOY, the almond was like ALL of the cookie. Plus, why the fuck would she eat that? There are no epipens. Was she hoping that she didn’t die from a little bite? I have a nut allergy and no way in hell even with epipens nearby will I eat nuts, even a little bit. Nope.
The art was just amazing and I love love the style. I was so jelly of Kayena’s on point make-up and her absolutely stunning dresses. The artist really put so much love in those.
Oh, and I loved the bonuses at the end of the novel with details on several characters.
All in all, I need NEED the next book in the series because I want more. I would recommend this one to all who love villainess stories (especially changed villainesses).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 5, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up for the gorgeous art. The story itself is okay, things are going very easily for the MC, which I'm sure won't continue and I'm unsure yet if I want to see the inevitable drama. Plus I thought the MC had much stronger chemistry with her brother than the love interest, and after looking it up online, that seems to be a common opinion. Given that the brother is currently the most interesting character, and what I've learned of his eventual fate, I'm not sure if this would be a satisfying read for me. I'll decide as more volumes come out.
June 8, 2025
Previously mistaken this as the other Villainess manhwa lol. Anyway, this comic really brings back memories to the times I was an addict of this genre. I'm hoping to continue the rest with the published version.
March 23, 2025
Diese wunderbare Geschichte habe ich bei einer lieben Freundin lesen dürfen, als ich dort zu Besuch war. Schon lange hat mich die Geschichte interessiert gehabt und nun konnte ich endlich meiner Neugierde nachgeben.
Die Geschichte von Kayena ist eigentlich sehr tragisch, auch wenn sie in ihrem ersten Leben nicht ganz unschuldig an ihrer Situation war und nur der reine Spielball aller Figuren war. Nach ihrem "zweiten" Ableben und der Wiedergeburt in ihrem ersten Leben erkennt sie sofort, was sie ändern muss. Von da an spinnt sie ihre eigenen Fäden und weigert sich, bloß eine hübsche Prinzessin zu sein.
Dabei stößt sie direkt auf verschiedene Charaktere, die sie nie wirklich ernst genommen haben. Da wäre ihr intriganter Bruder, der seine Schwester nie mehr als eine wunderschöne Puppe betrachtet, getreu dem Motto "Blond ist gleich blöd". Erst jetzt wird ihm bewusst, dass seine Schwester keine bloße leere Hülle ist.
Das gleiche gilt für ihre erste große Liebe, der sie regelrecht hinterhergelaufen ist. Sie hat jetzt erst angefangen zu begreifen, warum er sie immer abgelehnt hat. Ihre Gefühle für ihn hat sie "begraben" und sieht ihn nun als potentiellen Verbündeten, der ihr Leben retten könnte.
Doch werden Kayenas Pläne aufgehen?
Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht. Die Geschichte ist unglaublich spannend und spannend erzählt. Es wird nicht zu viel verraten. Gerade so viel, dass der Leser angefüttert wird und mehr wissen will.
Könnte passieren, dass ich mir die Reihe irgendwann auch selbst noch einmal zulege. ;)
Die Geschichte von Kayena ist eigentlich sehr tragisch, auch wenn sie in ihrem ersten Leben nicht ganz unschuldig an ihrer Situation war und nur der reine Spielball aller Figuren war. Nach ihrem "zweiten" Ableben und der Wiedergeburt in ihrem ersten Leben erkennt sie sofort, was sie ändern muss. Von da an spinnt sie ihre eigenen Fäden und weigert sich, bloß eine hübsche Prinzessin zu sein.
Dabei stößt sie direkt auf verschiedene Charaktere, die sie nie wirklich ernst genommen haben. Da wäre ihr intriganter Bruder, der seine Schwester nie mehr als eine wunderschöne Puppe betrachtet, getreu dem Motto "Blond ist gleich blöd". Erst jetzt wird ihm bewusst, dass seine Schwester keine bloße leere Hülle ist.
Das gleiche gilt für ihre erste große Liebe, der sie regelrecht hinterhergelaufen ist. Sie hat jetzt erst angefangen zu begreifen, warum er sie immer abgelehnt hat. Ihre Gefühle für ihn hat sie "begraben" und sieht ihn nun als potentiellen Verbündeten, der ihr Leben retten könnte.
Doch werden Kayenas Pläne aufgehen?
Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht. Die Geschichte ist unglaublich spannend und spannend erzählt. Es wird nicht zu viel verraten. Gerade so viel, dass der Leser angefüttert wird und mehr wissen will.
Könnte passieren, dass ich mir die Reihe irgendwann auch selbst noch einmal zulege. ;)
December 30, 2021
[ ★★★,7 / 5 ]
[ Tag(s): on-going. ]
[ has been read till: chapter 45 ]
—————————————————————— •○●
The storytelling still feels really lacking here and there, but the artwork is gorgeous ✨ I can feel every tiny-little-details; be it strands of hair, eyelashes, laces and accessories on clothes, are drawn with great and special care. Especially the choice of clothes, color-tones, and palettes used by the artist. Those all surely very pleasing to the eyes. Great job on that! 👍🏻
Anyways,
I'll risk it all for Duke Raffaello Kidrey—
[ Tag(s): on-going. ]
[ has been read till: chapter 45 ]
—————————————————————— •○●
The storytelling still feels really lacking here and there, but the artwork is gorgeous ✨ I can feel every tiny-little-details; be it strands of hair, eyelashes, laces and accessories on clothes, are drawn with great and special care. Especially the choice of clothes, color-tones, and palettes used by the artist. Those all surely very pleasing to the eyes. Great job on that! 👍🏻
Anyways,
I'll risk it all for Duke Raffaello Kidrey—
May 12, 2021
I'm in love
I'm kinda torn wishing I had read this sooner but I'm also happy I got to binge read as many chapters as there are now.
I get confused with the time, but it's nothing big. Nothing compared to what an amazing female lead we have. No kidding, Cayena is one of my favorites. And the ml is so cute though sometimes over the top. Idk, he's just really cute and I ship them since chapter 5, which says a lot considering I'm always wary of the ml in this kind of stories, but not Raphael.
AND THE ART IS BREATHTAKING, EVERY FREAKING PANEL IS A MASTERPIECE, WTF. HOOOOWWWW
I'm kinda torn wishing I had read this sooner but I'm also happy I got to binge read as many chapters as there are now.
I get confused with the time, but it's nothing big. Nothing compared to what an amazing female lead we have. No kidding, Cayena is one of my favorites. And the ml is so cute though sometimes over the top. Idk, he's just really cute and I ship them since chapter 5, which says a lot considering I'm always wary of the ml in this kind of stories, but not Raphael.
AND THE ART IS BREATHTAKING, EVERY FREAKING PANEL IS A MASTERPIECE, WTF. HOOOOWWWW
March 18, 2025
This story follows a girl who dies and finds herself reincarnated in a novel she once read—a story eerily similar to her own past life. However, in this new life, she is a princess. Determined not to meet a tragic end again, she carefully plans her escape while working behind the scenes to help her brother claim the throne.
With stunning artwork that brings the characters to life, we witness the transformation of a princess, once seen as nothing more than a hollow doll, into someone truly remarkable.
With stunning artwork that brings the characters to life, we witness the transformation of a princess, once seen as nothing more than a hollow doll, into someone truly remarkable.
April 30, 2025
Me encanta esto de las reencarnaciones y que la protagonista termine en un personaje de una historia que conoce🙂↕️✨✨
Kayena me gustó mucho, intentando cambiar la historia para que ella no termine muerta como el personaje original, y el protagonista, Kidrey me llama mucho la atención, aunque no se ve mucho de él aquí, siento que podría ser de mis manhwas favoritos, ojalá lo sea, la historia promete, así que quiero leer más.
Thanks Ize Press / Netgalley for the arc
Kayena me gustó mucho, intentando cambiar la historia para que ella no termine muerta como el personaje original, y el protagonista, Kidrey me llama mucho la atención, aunque no se ve mucho de él aquí, siento que podría ser de mis manhwas favoritos, ojalá lo sea, la historia promete, así que quiero leer más.
Thanks Ize Press / Netgalley for the arc
December 31, 2021
Such a cliffhanger.
I need this to continue! Oh, and the art is actually to die for.
I need this to continue! Oh, and the art is actually to die for.
September 25, 2021
Can't wait for season 2. Loved the art and it's the reason im giving it 5 stars even though it's like 3.5
October 19, 2021
Love it.
I want more romance.
Season 2? come quickly
I want more romance.
Season 2? come quickly
July 10, 2025
'The Villainess is a Marionette' is one of those things where I can overlook any flaws because it is so absolutely, spectacularly, flourishingly, goddess-darn pretty, and, oddly, it makes me feel warm and cosy inside.
Not that it is style over substance. It is not a type of cosy fantasy. It is far from those attributes. It just manages to make me feel positive upon hindsight and regarding it, even with its dark content and elements underneath its pretty, rosy, exquisitely packaged exterior.
Much like every character in 'The Villainess is a Marionette'.
Indeed, every character is complex, in mostly similar ways, and in differing ways. And there are a lot of them.
I won't reveal too much, but basically, 'The Villainess is a Marionette' is yet another monarchy/nobility villainess isekai manhwa (I don't know how this became its own genre, and how it became so popular, but okay), where a modern woman in Korea reads a book and relates to the villainess princess character in it, who is beautiful, but that is seen as her only virtue, as she is spoiled and stupid, existing only to be manipulated, abused, and discarded by her own family when she is no longer deemed useful to them.
Manipulated her whole life, like the woman herself was.
Then the womandies is murdered by an embittered former colleague, and she comes back as the villainess princess from the story. (It also turns out she was the princess in her first life, and her life in Korea is her second, and now she's back as the princess in her third life, her second attempt as the fictional (?) villainess. Like, what? How? Why? What? It's confusing, unnecessary, and doesn't affect anything much). Armed with more knowledge than she had before, the marionette villainess will turn the tables and become the manipulator of others, for her own gain, for her own freedom.
She is awfully, scarily good at it. More so, in fact, than her creepy, violent, narcissistic, rage-filled royal empire relatives.
But she won't stoop to their level. Formerly wicked, selfish and horrible, now she is smarter, more than a pretty blonde princess, and not only out for herself in her goal to change her deadly fate, free herself and be her own person; she will help free others from systematic abuse and oppression as well.
Her name is Princess Kayena Hill. Beware this not-so villainess.
There are also gardens, greenhouses, flowers, crystals, sparkles, tea, baking, the most amazing and spellbinding dresses, and the prettiest shoes, to go with all the royal and political intrigue and machinations.
Seriously, it is stories such as these that make me glad to go against my younger self's wishes to be a princess of some kind; that is a fairy tale, an illusion, a lie; I could not be happier not to have been born into royalty or of any higher class in society. I mean, fuck, is anyone actually happy there? Actually relaxed? Are they constantly on edge, and on eggshells? Do they actually love anyone, even their family? Is everyone and everything a competition and one-upmanship to them? Is everything conditional and a fight for survival every day? Are they actually privileged after all? The lives of royals and politicians sound like hell to me, like not living at all.
That is the reason why money isn't everything.
And yet my child at heart can't stop adoring the princess fantasy, and so indulges in every princessy media there is.
In 'The Villainess is a Marionette', each main and side character receives adequate page time, introspection, and development, though some more than others. Not every presumably important character gets the attention they should, while I wonder why many minor players suddenly intrude on so much, which to me is the manhwa's only legitimate flaw. Then again, it is the first volume of an ongoing story. Hopefully everyone significant will come together, and have their big moments of triumph or ruin; everything will come together to be wrapped up in a pretty, neat, intricate bow.
Meanwhile, I'll wrap up this inadequate review by saying, once again, that 'The Villainess is a Marionette' is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo pretty!!! And it makes you think, and be wary of people in positions of power and "privilege".
Pretty privilege! How deceptive both those words are.
It is like 'Villains Are Destined to Die', another villainess isekai manhwa I enjoyed, though it is not quite as good. I recommend both titles.
"Villainesses" as heroines taking their lives back FTW!!!
Maybe there is a good reason why this burgeoning genre is popular.
Final Score: 4/5
Not that it is style over substance. It is not a type of cosy fantasy. It is far from those attributes. It just manages to make me feel positive upon hindsight and regarding it, even with its dark content and elements underneath its pretty, rosy, exquisitely packaged exterior.
Much like every character in 'The Villainess is a Marionette'.
Indeed, every character is complex, in mostly similar ways, and in differing ways. And there are a lot of them.
I won't reveal too much, but basically, 'The Villainess is a Marionette' is yet another monarchy/nobility villainess isekai manhwa (I don't know how this became its own genre, and how it became so popular, but okay), where a modern woman in Korea reads a book and relates to the villainess princess character in it, who is beautiful, but that is seen as her only virtue, as she is spoiled and stupid, existing only to be manipulated, abused, and discarded by her own family when she is no longer deemed useful to them.
Manipulated her whole life, like the woman herself was.
Then the woman
She is awfully, scarily good at it. More so, in fact, than her creepy, violent, narcissistic, rage-filled royal empire relatives.
But she won't stoop to their level. Formerly wicked, selfish and horrible, now she is smarter, more than a pretty blonde princess, and not only out for herself in her goal to change her deadly fate, free herself and be her own person; she will help free others from systematic abuse and oppression as well.
Her name is Princess Kayena Hill. Beware this not-so villainess.
There are also gardens, greenhouses, flowers, crystals, sparkles, tea, baking, the most amazing and spellbinding dresses, and the prettiest shoes, to go with all the royal and political intrigue and machinations.
Seriously, it is stories such as these that make me glad to go against my younger self's wishes to be a princess of some kind; that is a fairy tale, an illusion, a lie; I could not be happier not to have been born into royalty or of any higher class in society. I mean, fuck, is anyone actually happy there? Actually relaxed? Are they constantly on edge, and on eggshells? Do they actually love anyone, even their family? Is everyone and everything a competition and one-upmanship to them? Is everything conditional and a fight for survival every day? Are they actually privileged after all? The lives of royals and politicians sound like hell to me, like not living at all.
That is the reason why money isn't everything.
In 'The Villainess is a Marionette', each main and side character receives adequate page time, introspection, and development, though some more than others. Not every presumably important character gets the attention they should, while I wonder why many minor players suddenly intrude on so much, which to me is the manhwa's only legitimate flaw. Then again, it is the first volume of an ongoing story. Hopefully everyone significant will come together, and have their big moments of triumph or ruin; everything will come together to be wrapped up in a pretty, neat, intricate bow.
Meanwhile, I'll wrap up this inadequate review by saying, once again, that 'The Villainess is a Marionette' is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo pretty!!! And it makes you think, and be wary of people in positions of power and "privilege".
Pretty privilege! How deceptive both those words are.
It is like 'Villains Are Destined to Die', another villainess isekai manhwa I enjoyed, though it is not quite as good. I recommend both titles.
"Villainesses" as heroines taking their lives back FTW!!!
Maybe there is a good reason why this burgeoning genre is popular.
Final Score: 4/5
September 11, 2025
Review for the whole manhwa:
The art style was so gorgeous in the beginning but the quality dropped after season 1. it is still really gorgeous but there is much less detail put into drawing the panels and i just somehow can’t overlook this. I mourn what it could’ve looked like😩. I kinda wanna compare it to the change in miraculous after they changed the animation but alas it wasn’t THAT bad in the villainess is a marionette. This definitely could’ve been top 2 manhwas i‘ve read but the art style change just ruined this for me😔
Review of each season:
season 1: 5/5 stars; no notes, pure perfection. I‘ve never seen an art style this gorgeous. I just kept making screen-shots.
Season 2: 4/5 stars; it felt different from season 1. the plot felt different and the art style was less detailed. Imo only every second character panel looked good, or like season 1 style. For Kayena it‘s definitely because of her eyes. Sometimes her lashes were missing or her eyes way too big and out of proportion to her face causing her to look strange. For Raffaello, his hair changed completely and i have receipts because i made his season 1 self my new phone background because he was so captivating. And when comparing i just noticed that i just like his season 1 hair better. It was styled better but it also had a blue-lilac-ish undertone to it while this season‘s hair was mostly pitch-black and also really flat with no texture….
Though i still like how the artist drew his eyes up-close as there was still detail put into those panels. But overall, the art has become more simplistic and well…basic ㅠㅠ
But what still makes me like this one is how utterly pathetic Raffaello is when it comes to Kayena. I like my men down bad hehe.
Season 3: 3,75/5 stars; Raffaello‘s hair in S3 got better again🥹, And why does Cayena look so different again. Like a complete different character. wtf did they do for the ending. WTF IS THIS ENDING?!! The last couple of chapters were so badly executed. I hate how everything developed. Nothing really ended and we’re left with so many plot lines in the dark. You cannot tell me this has an open ending😤
PS: this series was axed/discontinued thus why it had such a rushed end, but i can still critique it can’t i😔
The art style was so gorgeous in the beginning but the quality dropped after season 1. it is still really gorgeous but there is much less detail put into drawing the panels and i just somehow can’t overlook this. I mourn what it could’ve looked like😩. I kinda wanna compare it to the change in miraculous after they changed the animation but alas it wasn’t THAT bad in the villainess is a marionette. This definitely could’ve been top 2 manhwas i‘ve read but the art style change just ruined this for me😔
Review of each season:
season 1: 5/5 stars; no notes, pure perfection. I‘ve never seen an art style this gorgeous. I just kept making screen-shots.
Season 2: 4/5 stars; it felt different from season 1. the plot felt different and the art style was less detailed. Imo only every second character panel looked good, or like season 1 style. For Kayena it‘s definitely because of her eyes. Sometimes her lashes were missing or her eyes way too big and out of proportion to her face causing her to look strange. For Raffaello, his hair changed completely and i have receipts because i made his season 1 self my new phone background because he was so captivating. And when comparing i just noticed that i just like his season 1 hair better. It was styled better but it also had a blue-lilac-ish undertone to it while this season‘s hair was mostly pitch-black and also really flat with no texture….
Though i still like how the artist drew his eyes up-close as there was still detail put into those panels. But overall, the art has become more simplistic and well…basic ㅠㅠ
But what still makes me like this one is how utterly pathetic Raffaello is when it comes to Kayena. I like my men down bad hehe.
Season 3: 3,75/5 stars; Raffaello‘s hair in S3 got better again🥹, And why does Cayena look so different again. Like a complete different character. wtf did they do for the ending. WTF IS THIS ENDING?!! The last couple of chapters were so badly executed. I hate how everything developed. Nothing really ended and we’re left with so many plot lines in the dark. You cannot tell me this has an open ending😤
PS: this series was axed/discontinued thus why it had such a rushed end, but i can still critique it can’t i😔
November 24, 2025
[2.75 for the whole manhwa] I really thought it would eventually build into something solid but the story just didn’t deliver in the end. The ending felt abrupt and unrewarding and I’m pretty sure the manhwa got cut short because the novel apparently goes way further. I just don’t really feel like picking up the novel since the pacing already felt like it was dragging.
What bothered me most is how the characters were written. It honestly felt like the author wasn’t sure how to fully shape them. There were moments where it seemed like we were getting real character development but then it would suddenly disappear. Regef is a good example, we do see his backstory later on, the neglect, the emotional abuse, the whole “you shouldn’t have been born” thing and it explains why he latched onto Kayena so intensely. However, his obsession just keeps repeating itself until it starts feeling shallow, which is disappointing considering how much story potential he had.
Kayena herself had the same problem. She has brilliant moments where she’s calculating and sharp but then she does things that make her feel weirdly inconsistent. There’s this huge gap between her best scenes and her worst ones and it made it hard to stay fully invested in her character.
The romance didn’t help either. The whole Raffaello thing felt rushed and kind of forced. He spent so long avoiding or disliking her and then the moment her personality changes he’s suddenly into her? It just didn’t feel earned.
Overall, it sucks because the art is genuinely top-tier. It’s beautiful enough that you want the story to match it but the writing just couldn’t keep up.
What bothered me most is how the characters were written. It honestly felt like the author wasn’t sure how to fully shape them. There were moments where it seemed like we were getting real character development but then it would suddenly disappear. Regef is a good example, we do see his backstory later on, the neglect, the emotional abuse, the whole “you shouldn’t have been born” thing and it explains why he latched onto Kayena so intensely. However, his obsession just keeps repeating itself until it starts feeling shallow, which is disappointing considering how much story potential he had.
Kayena herself had the same problem. She has brilliant moments where she’s calculating and sharp but then she does things that make her feel weirdly inconsistent. There’s this huge gap between her best scenes and her worst ones and it made it hard to stay fully invested in her character.
The romance didn’t help either. The whole Raffaello thing felt rushed and kind of forced. He spent so long avoiding or disliking her and then the moment her personality changes he’s suddenly into her? It just didn’t feel earned.
Overall, it sucks because the art is genuinely top-tier. It’s beautiful enough that you want the story to match it but the writing just couldn’t keep up.
June 27, 2025
Kayena Hill is a princess, Until she died and early death by the hands of her husband. She was reincarnated in the modern world as a business woman who then dies and early death, again this time by a co-worker. This time around , she was reborn in to her first life, this time with all her memories of both her past lives. Kayena will not die an early death again.
The Villainess is a Marionette is a regency romantasy. The reincarnation aspect is what drives our FMC through the plot, to change her fate, and is hoping to change the fate of her brother and the empire as well. The characters around her can tell something is different , but no one really knows what is going on. She was once using the power others gave to her as their "doll" , Now she is using her knowledge of the future of her current life as well as the skills and knowledge she gained living alone in the modern world to create her own power and change her fate.
The artwork is absolutely stunning and really helps speak to the story. The details in the artwork not only in the foreground but the background as well really help draw the reader in and show that there is a much bigger picture going on.
The "side" characters are all playing a big part in her bigger plans. She knows that she needs to place specific people in the right places at the right time for her plans to work. Although she hasnt shared all her plans with the reader we know she does not want her life to end at the hands of a husband she was married off to against her will and she wants her freedom, or at least what freedom she can get.
Im ready for volume two to come out to see her plans unfold even more.
Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press | Ize Press for the Digital ARC for review.
The Villainess is a Marionette is a regency romantasy. The reincarnation aspect is what drives our FMC through the plot, to change her fate, and is hoping to change the fate of her brother and the empire as well. The characters around her can tell something is different , but no one really knows what is going on. She was once using the power others gave to her as their "doll" , Now she is using her knowledge of the future of her current life as well as the skills and knowledge she gained living alone in the modern world to create her own power and change her fate.
The artwork is absolutely stunning and really helps speak to the story. The details in the artwork not only in the foreground but the background as well really help draw the reader in and show that there is a much bigger picture going on.
The "side" characters are all playing a big part in her bigger plans. She knows that she needs to place specific people in the right places at the right time for her plans to work. Although she hasnt shared all her plans with the reader we know she does not want her life to end at the hands of a husband she was married off to against her will and she wants her freedom, or at least what freedom she can get.
Im ready for volume two to come out to see her plans unfold even more.
Thank you NetGalley and Yen Press | Ize Press for the Digital ARC for review.
September 21, 2025
Another in the entries of villainess isekai books. I don't read a lot of isekai, but to me the most interesting thing is a person from a modern world coping and learning the world they are transported into.
Well! This doesn't have any of that.
Our main character Kayena is the third life in this cycle (she started as Kayena, was reincarnated or isekai'd into a modern day woman, and when SHE was killed too she was turned BACK into Kayena but at an earlier point in her life. Also, Kayena is a character in a novel.), so she's re-living her life with all the knowledge she had before, which causes her to have an immediate and noticeable change to all around her - although no one really questions it. The pacing is sort of wild in that nothing really happens, yet this book is 300+ pages long. Sure, there's court intrigue and marriage questions but none of that really goes anywhere when it comes down to it. There's no reason for this whole three-lives thing to have happened unless something comes up later in the text, and it's actually incredibly forgettable. Kayena has prescience that has nothing to do really with her modern day reincarnation, as she had already lived this life once before AS Kayena. None of the other characters either have a lot of depth yet.
The book itself is beautiful, and the print copy has an embossed cover with sparkles here and there, printed in full color on nice paper, so for fans this is a treat to buy in physical!
Thank you to Yen Press/Ize Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review.
Well! This doesn't have any of that.
Our main character Kayena is the third life in this cycle (she started as Kayena, was reincarnated or isekai'd into a modern day woman, and when SHE was killed too she was turned BACK into Kayena but at an earlier point in her life. Also, Kayena is a character in a novel.), so she's re-living her life with all the knowledge she had before, which causes her to have an immediate and noticeable change to all around her - although no one really questions it. The pacing is sort of wild in that nothing really happens, yet this book is 300+ pages long. Sure, there's court intrigue and marriage questions but none of that really goes anywhere when it comes down to it. There's no reason for this whole three-lives thing to have happened unless something comes up later in the text, and it's actually incredibly forgettable. Kayena has prescience that has nothing to do really with her modern day reincarnation, as she had already lived this life once before AS Kayena. None of the other characters either have a lot of depth yet.
The book itself is beautiful, and the print copy has an embossed cover with sparkles here and there, printed in full color on nice paper, so for fans this is a treat to buy in physical!
Thank you to Yen Press/Ize Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review.
July 27, 2025
🔥 OPINIÓN PERSONAL 🔥
Imagina que tú vida va mal, muy mal, te tratan como a un peón que mover de un lado a otro y cuando piensas que no puede ir peor, te as3sn4n. La curiosidad es que en lugar de m0r1r reapareces en una de tus vidas pasadas. Una en la que eres la hija del emperador y en la que también intentan manejarte de un lado a otro.
Bien pues eso es lo que vive en primera piel nuestra protagonista solo que en lugar de tomar esto con decepción lo hace con el optimismo de una segunda oportunidad. Si la consideraban una marioneta,ha llegado el momento de cortar las cuerdas que la sometían.
He amado esta lectura y desde el segundo uno nos encontramos un ritmo movido que nos mantiene completamente enganchados en la trama.
He adorado no sólo la fuerza de la protagonista, sino su inteligencia y destreza a la hora de trazar una infinidad de planes en su cabeza para lograr al fin todo lo que se propone.
Las ilustraciones son una pasada, de verdad es una locura, pero si lo es algo aún más es la pedazo de trama y entresijos que se esconden en estás páginas.
He odiado algunos personajes y amado otros y déjame decirte aún estoy tratando de comprender a alguno, pero la verdad, ¿En eso consiste el juego no?
Deseando de verdad ponerme con el segundo e ir desenredando los entresijos que están por venir.
Imagina que tú vida va mal, muy mal, te tratan como a un peón que mover de un lado a otro y cuando piensas que no puede ir peor, te as3sn4n. La curiosidad es que en lugar de m0r1r reapareces en una de tus vidas pasadas. Una en la que eres la hija del emperador y en la que también intentan manejarte de un lado a otro.
Bien pues eso es lo que vive en primera piel nuestra protagonista solo que en lugar de tomar esto con decepción lo hace con el optimismo de una segunda oportunidad. Si la consideraban una marioneta,ha llegado el momento de cortar las cuerdas que la sometían.
He amado esta lectura y desde el segundo uno nos encontramos un ritmo movido que nos mantiene completamente enganchados en la trama.
He adorado no sólo la fuerza de la protagonista, sino su inteligencia y destreza a la hora de trazar una infinidad de planes en su cabeza para lograr al fin todo lo que se propone.
Las ilustraciones son una pasada, de verdad es una locura, pero si lo es algo aún más es la pedazo de trama y entresijos que se esconden en estás páginas.
He odiado algunos personajes y amado otros y déjame decirte aún estoy tratando de comprender a alguno, pero la verdad, ¿En eso consiste el juego no?
Deseando de verdad ponerme con el segundo e ir desenredando los entresijos que están por venir.
August 17, 2025
This is another isekai series where the main characters dies in their life and wakes up as the character in a story they remember reading, except this time there are indications the character originated in this life before living their second life in what the reader would consider the normal world and read the book where they resonated with this character before dying for the second time and waking up back as this character again. As with many of the series, the main character is painted as the villainess, but in reality there are far crueler characters pulling her strings originally. Even in this short volume, there are several subtle yet drastic changes identified as Kayena slowly lays the groundwork to try and achieve a more peaceful life where she can enjoy her freedom instead of ending up dying for a third time around. Those around her are baffled by the changes in her if they are paying attention, but most seem to just be glad she's "grown up" as she approaches her coming of age. Even her own brother doesn't seem to know what to make of these changes, but all those who are close to her seem to slowly be mellowing and finding themselves drawn to her in this new role she's chosen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
3/5 stars. Copy and paste plots can be fun but…
Girl gets run over vehicle in modern world and wakes up as the villainess in a novel/game they read where the villainess is destined to die. Girl is determined to thwart that original novel/game’s fate. Love interests are categorized as default duke and crown prince/emperor. Typically the one with dark hair or red eyes (or both!) win the girl’s heart.
These plot beats are typical in a isekai manhwa and this is no different. I like reading these stories no matter how repetitive they get. However, I think the execution of this particular story is not very polished. Some sections feel rushed (like a single panel explaining villainess is the MC’s previous life???) and there aren’t any risks in any of the character’s actions, making the plot feel bland and boring.
There is potential for interesting things in this series but there’s only one potential love interest introduced so far and I’m already praying it’s not him because he feels so two-dimensional 😭 (no motivation, no character, just cold Duke of the North).
The art is pretty though.
Girl gets run over vehicle in modern world and wakes up as the villainess in a novel/game they read where the villainess is destined to die. Girl is determined to thwart that original novel/game’s fate. Love interests are categorized as default duke and crown prince/emperor. Typically the one with dark hair or red eyes (or both!) win the girl’s heart.
These plot beats are typical in a isekai manhwa and this is no different. I like reading these stories no matter how repetitive they get. However, I think the execution of this particular story is not very polished. Some sections feel rushed (like a single panel explaining villainess is the MC’s previous life???) and there aren’t any risks in any of the character’s actions, making the plot feel bland and boring.
There is potential for interesting things in this series but there’s only one potential love interest introduced so far and I’m already praying it’s not him because he feels so two-dimensional 😭 (no motivation, no character, just cold Duke of the North).
The art is pretty though.
December 5, 2025
More of 4.5⭐
We've seen the villainess, isekai/time-loop, manhwas time and time again, but from the first volume it definitely holds potential, and the art is gorgeous, so at the very least your eyeballs will thank you.
I get the feeling that this particular manhwa is more appropriate for an older audience, with more mature themes features.
Kayena is a smart FMC with her schemes actually working well and keeping a level of kindness, despite taking out the trash when needed.
Raffaello is a swoon-worthy MMC, which is everything a male lead should be, will be interested to see if his own plans and strength grown though.
I do get weird vibes from the relationship between Kayena and Regef, so hopefully that doesn't get too creepy.
There lots of political intrigue and castle manipulations, yet there's a fun princess to cheer for and pretty art to admire amongst it. Will definitely be giving the rest of the series a try.
We've seen the villainess, isekai/time-loop, manhwas time and time again, but from the first volume it definitely holds potential, and the art is gorgeous, so at the very least your eyeballs will thank you.
I get the feeling that this particular manhwa is more appropriate for an older audience, with more mature themes features.
Kayena is a smart FMC with her schemes actually working well and keeping a level of kindness, despite taking out the trash when needed.
Raffaello is a swoon-worthy MMC, which is everything a male lead should be, will be interested to see if his own plans and strength grown though.
I do get weird vibes from the relationship between Kayena and Regef, so hopefully that doesn't get too creepy.
There lots of political intrigue and castle manipulations, yet there's a fun princess to cheer for and pretty art to admire amongst it. Will definitely be giving the rest of the series a try.
January 6, 2026
La historia tira más para 2 estrellas, pero por el drama del final pongo 3.
Sonaba prometedora, pero la verdad es que no hay una historia muy interesante. Una chica reencarna e intenta no morir y forma parte del proceso de sucesión al trono. Nada más. Cuando algo debe ser castigado, se omite o apenas se esboza una idea para pasar a algo más. Y, sin embargo, eso que viene carece de acción y emoción. Es un largo relleno en el que las mismas ideas vuelven una y otra vez.
El manejo del tiempo es muy poco creíble. No hay mucho desarrollo de personaje ni de romance. No conecté con los personajes. No hay nada muy destacable. Es una lástima. Quiero creer que la novela real es mejor y que solo la adaptación al manhwa es regular.
Sonaba prometedora, pero la verdad es que no hay una historia muy interesante. Una chica reencarna e intenta no morir y forma parte del proceso de sucesión al trono. Nada más. Cuando algo debe ser castigado, se omite o apenas se esboza una idea para pasar a algo más. Y, sin embargo, eso que viene carece de acción y emoción. Es un largo relleno en el que las mismas ideas vuelven una y otra vez.
El manejo del tiempo es muy poco creíble. No hay mucho desarrollo de personaje ni de romance. No conecté con los personajes. No hay nada muy destacable. Es una lástima. Quiero creer que la novela real es mejor y que solo la adaptación al manhwa es regular.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews