This Is How a Villain Is Made

by Amanda Headlee

Fleeing her father's cruelty, Beatrix Beaumont arrives in Yellow Creek City with little more than a name and a will to survive. When she lands work as a caretaker in the home of a respected town leader, it seems like a stroke of luck.

But the house holds dark secrets—and Bea is no longer free.

As she's drawn deeper into a twisted world of control and illusion, Bea must confront the shadows within and around her. To escape, she'll have to decide what she's willing to endure… and who she's willing to become.



EARLY PRAISE FOR THIS IS HOW A VILLAIN IS MADE!

"A fierce and gripping "Good for her" story. Headlee's characters are mesmerizing and have you holding your breath--and clutching your throat--until the very last page. I loved it." ~Sonora Taylor, award-winning author of Little Stories and Without Condition

"Amanda Headlee is one of the most insightful writers of her generation. This is How a Villain is Made is direct, brutal, and a masterclass in tension-filled storytelling. This book shows us that though we fear the villain, we should loathe the circumstances that made them."--Somer Canon, author of You're Mine

Genres: Horror

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Amanda Headlee is the author of Till We Become Monsters, This is How a Villain is Made, Madness and Greatness Can Share the Same Face, and several short stories. A devoted connoisseur of cosmic and psychological horror, she is often found unraveling the universe’s darkest secrets—preferably with a steaming cup of chai tea in hand.

As a wandering wonderer, Amanda spends her free time riding one of her many bikes or hiking the Appalachian Mountains. She shares her Pennsylvania abode with a plethora of exotic plants and a horror-loving pup named Sprout.

Reviews

[Chewable Orb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is How A Villain Is Made, A Novella by Amanda Headlee
4🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs

H stands for heart. Our doctor in the good old town of Yellow Creek City is named Jonatan; notice, dear reader, his name is spelled without an H, and henceforth he shall be the one known for being heartless.

After Bea’s mother died, her life has been a nightmare of abuse caused by her father. She is on her own, running for a better life in San Francisco. Bea has one slight problem: she needs money to travel out west. Her solution is to solicit men in her immediate vicinity in exchange for the necessary funds to further her lodging and transportation needs. Readers are led to a small prairie town of Yellow Creek, where she encounters a man named Jonatan, who, while quirky, makes an impression on Bea with his intelligence.

A proposition is made. The deal includes free food and lodging in exchange for Bea to be Jonatan’s housekeeper. At first, this seems simple enough. No longer would Bea need to use sexual favors as a source of payment. However, Jonatan begins to keep secrets locked away in his house laboratory, and his propensity to flip his emotional status at a moment's notice certainly has Bea concerned, reminding her of her father and his drunken, abusive ways.

There are ground rules to the arrangement. Bea is to be kept under seclusion and never go into the locked office of the doctor. Bea’s curiosity gets the best of her, and with the door constantly beckoning her presence, she finally breaks through to the other side. Her findings will startle her to the point of challenging her own sanity.

Amanda Headlee, our author, raises questions about morality and the atrocities committed by men against women. An emotional whirling dervish sweeps through the rural landscape of Yellow Creek. I pictured it like the main city in Red Dead Redemption 2, Saint Denis, with less population. For those who love a strong woman protagonist, it gets no better than this. Bea’s wit is second to none, and for a person who grew up in high-class society, she knows how to maneuver in the tight quarters of the seedy underbelly that life can provide.

Much is being said in this novella; Headlee gives a story to dissect and ponder. Understandably, we see the differences in opinions between men and women. This story in particular would be another example of not judging a book by its cover. Without knowing each individual's background, we should gather more knowledge before making hasty decisions based upon our own preconceived stereotypes. The Salem Witch Trials, for example, come to mind of persons losing their rationality and condemning women to death.

Let’s talk about the cover. I was expecting a romance, anything other than a book filled with sinister ideals... I took a chance and was rewarded with a great experience. The setting alone provides a needed difference from your standard horror novel. Quite cerebral in its delivery, I was surprised at how much eeriness Healee’s writing accomplished in a small amount of time. Never off track, never too long in the tooth, the book felt as if it had purpose and delivered on all accounts.

Recommended!

Many thanks to RDS Publishing for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Lizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An immersive, engaging, yet quick horror novella that's sure to hold your attention and keep you thinking about it long after finishing the final page

We follow our main character, Bea, as she's adrift and homeless after running away from her abusive father. She desperately needs money and ends up turning to some less than ideal methods of acquiring it. The story progresses from there

The novel creates a sense of unease whilst also simultaneously lulling the reader into a false sense of security. The writing was propulsive, the pacing was quick but not so much so that it caused the book to feel rushed/incomplete, and the ending was very satisfying. Definitely some good commentary sprinkled in here aswell

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys feminist/good for her narratives with a claustrophobic, historical, gothic horror spin :)

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a horror novella when I started.
I am horrible for going in completely blind on books and this cover gave zero horror vibes.
Not made about it.
I kinda love that it was surprises and layers after surprises & layers revealed on every page.
She's a shorty and can be read in a day if you feel so inclined.
Much love to Headlee & BookedWithTheEmilys for hooking me up with an ARC.

[Emily | emilyisoverbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to RDS Publishing | Uncomfortably Dark Horror and Booked with the Emilys for the gifted copy!

Beatrix Beaumont flees West to escape her father’s cruelty and ends up in a small Colorado town, Yellow Creek City. She has her sight set on making it to California, but when she’s offered a place as a caretaker in the house of a respectable local doctor, she decides to stay for a bit to earn money. Little does she know, there’s something sinister going on and it may just make her into something new….

Whew! THIS is how you write a novella. While I don’t read horror often, I was very intrigued by this one, not only because of the author (we’ve worked together before!), but also the title and premise. The way that this story builds up is fantastic and the ending was perfect. I was thoroughly engaged the entire time, loved Bea, and wanted to see how things would turn out for her. It is gruesome, but I mean… it’s also horror. I love how the author’s note at the end tied it all together: “Bea’s story, though fictional, resonates with truth, highlighting resilience and a fierce reminder that no matter the trials, we always rise and never look back. We will not be contained. We are in our villain era.”

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up for spooky season!

[Danielle Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The path to survival sometimes follows a road of sin, and Beatrix Beaumont intended to survive by any means necessary--"

Presented by Uncomfortably Dark Horror
Amanda Headlee's THIS IS HOW A VILLAIN IS MADE is sure to deliver a satisfying read full of terror, feminine rage, and female empowerment.

This book was phenomenal, and I am definitely not just saying that because UDH is publishing it. Above there's a statement about how this book is full of terror, feminine rage, and female empowerment... and it is... there's a lot of it, but it's told in a completely different way than I usually find, and I am obsessed. It is poetic and beautifully written. It's brutal, but it's not written brutally... if that makes sense, lol. The character and the character development were a chef's kiss for me.

The ending was a giant "HELL YES." This is one of those stories that's super well-rounded and clearly well thought out and curated. It is one that I would recommend to all horror readers.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and powerfully favoring straightforward and understated description over elaborate plot twists, Amanda Headlee's western horror novella reads like a thoughtful theatrical play about predation, deception, and the cost of compromise and survival. A young woman, Bea, leaves home in order to escape her father, and ends up prisoner in the hands of a man obsessed with the origins of female sin and guile. But Bea is no stranger to the harshness of a woman's life; she's a survivor. And in her own subdued and deceptively gentle way, she decides to accomodate the madman who's trying to take advantage of her mind and determination. Gentleness, though, has limits, and when the need arises, Bea can also be the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing.

I recommend the story to readers who enjoy horror tales built with the simplest of means, relying on strong characterization and insightful portrayals of the male gaze.

[Andrea (looselfeftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This was something different from what I usually read but I did enjoy it. I was able to decipher what was happening pretty quickly and figured out the plot. I’m not sure why it is under the LGBTQ section on NetGalley other than the one mention of the main character not being attracted to anyone.

This is a novella that would be interesting to dissect(no pun intended) for themes, motifs, symbols, etc. It was interesting to see how it ended and while I get why Bea did what she did in the end, I wonder what would’ve been different if she gave the evidence to someone in town? Would that change how the reader looked at the events before? Is what she did in the end symbolize something bigger?

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley, and the first chapter of this story was amazing. After that, it was still good but could really, really have used more editing. Not just grammatical errors but tenses changing within paragraphs and even sentences, character interactions and observations that made no sense in context, and repetitions of thoughts and sentences that distracted me from the overall plot. I understood the message and at times was riveted, but at other times the inconsistencies and errors detracted from the story.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin with this review. This is my first time reading anything by Amanda Headlee, so it’s safe to say I went into this blind—with minimal expectations, as I usually do with anything horror. But I was absolutely blown away by this masterpiece. It was a delectable read.

Headlee’s prose is both enchanting and sharp. It creates a smooth flow throughout the novella, unraveling slowly but with precise speed—like Bea’s own mind sinking deeper into her villainous form.

At its core, this is a story about survival and what it’s like to exist as a woman. And Headlee tackles that in a way that creeps up on you before fully consuming you. As I neared the end, I couldn’t help but think how genius it was of her to incorporate religion the way she did—it was incredibly well executed.

This is a story that fully encompasses feminine rage. And as Headlee says in her dedication, given the nature of the political atmosphere in the U.S. right now: we won’t be silenced, and we won’t be stopped:

“As I edited the final draft of this manuscript in early 2025, a growing sense of dread settled over me, as if decades of progress unraveled. But alongside that fear, something more intense grew—rage. Not quiet. Not demure. Unbridled, unapologetic rage that refuses to be silenced or softened for anyone’s comfort. Bea’s story, though fictional, resonates with truth, highlighting resilience and a fierce reminder that no matter the trials, we always rise and never look back. We will not be contained. We are in our villain era.”

Women are entering their villain eras, and just like Bea, we’re going to show that gentleness and kindness have a limit. Once that limit is broken, we can become like Bea—a wolf in sheep’s clothing. She serves as a symbol of survival and resistance to the patriarchy, with a horror twist that’s so well crafted. The horror is subtle and psychological; it clearly stems from Bea’s deteriorating mind as a result of the traumatic circumstances she endures.

At the beginning, I found myself wondering how this vulnerable, naive (but constantly learning) girl would become a villain. And I was so impressed by how it played out. Her development was refreshing and grounded. I really enjoy villain origin stories, and this one stands out. Not to mention the Western historical setting—like a cherry on top.

One more thing I want to highlight: there’s a moment when Bea finds herself utterly alone, with nowhere to go. She has to choose between a precarious, unsafe situation that might help her survive—or a risky, dangerous alternative where she’d be completely vulnerable. That moment reminded me so much of the reality many women in abusive relationships face. They’re forced to stay in situations that are harmful, because leaving also carries dangerous, unpredictable risks. That parallel felt incredibly real and heartbreaking.

Last but not least, a huge thank you to Amanda Headlee and Uncomfortably Dark Horror for the chance to read this prior to its release. It’s been a joyride. This is a story that deeply resonates with me—I��ve been searching for more books to help me channel my growing rage at the world, and this one hit every note.

There’s more I want to say, but honestly, it’s hard to articulate. From an artistic standpoint, this book does so many things so well. And on a personal level, it made me feel seen.

This is absolutely a must-read.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw the cover of this book, my first thought was, "This is horror?". When I realized it was both historical and western, I groaned. But since it was a novella, I figured, what do I have to lose? Because I had to know how a villain is made.

The dedication says it all: "For those who let the fire in - not just to burn, but to become".

Bea has left an untenable situation in Philadelphia, and plans to take a train all the way to San Francisco. But when she only makes it to Chicago, on waning funds, she realizes she needs a job if she's going to continue her journey. When she approaches a man about job opportunities and he invites her in, it sets in motion an evil that shows Bea that sometimes villains are born out of circumstance, nurtured rather than born that way.

The next train takes her as far as Colorado, where she meets a doctor who sees in her a companion with whom he can hold forth on scholarly topics. He offers her room and board. But he's hiding a secret in the office that he keeps off limits.

It's in the discovery of those secrets that Bea's mind splinters. But his mistake was in underestimating the fierceness of a woman determined to survive by any means necessary.

This was a beautifully told tale of the progression of circumstances, the evolution of the will to live, and the innate strength of a woman who has endured more than enough.

P. S. You can also find a bonus playlist on Spotify under the book title.

Thank you to Booked With the Emilys and Uncomfortably Dark Publishing for taking me on this advance readers feature tour.

[Meaghan Elizabeth 🌙 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect horror novella that I was looking for. This was a beautifully written story about one girl, Bea, who will do whatever it takes to survive.

When Bea runs away from home to get away from her cruel father, she unknowingly, falls into the hands of a violent man who is obsessed with the female anatomy. Not just any females though, he’s obsessed with females who live a life of sin. When Bea discovers him performing autopsies on prostitutes that he killed with his bare hands, she knows he can’t find out her very own dark secret of what she’s had to do to survive, or she will be on the table next.

This had a great twist at the end and our main female character was so courageous as her instincts kicked into survival mode. This was a very different read for me, but I by highly recommend it if you like short horror tales.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fleeing her father’s cruelty, Beatrix Beaumont arrives in Yellow Creek City with little more than a name and a will to survive. When she lands work as a caretaker in the home of a respected town leader, it seems like a stroke of luck.

But the house holds dark secrets—and Bea is no longer free.

As she’s drawn deeper into a twisted world of control and illusion, Bea must confront the shadows within and around her. To escape, she’ll have to decide what she’s willing to endure… and who she’s willing to become.

MY THOUGHTS: This novella packed a powerful punch. What on the surface appears to be a story of the sick, twisted mind of a killer; is actually an exploration of the abuse of power and rebellion against the patriarchy.

It’s twisted, a bit gory, and wildly entertaining.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Is How a Villain Is Made by Amanda Headlee is an absolute powerhouse of a novella. Short in length but massive in impact, this story blew me away from the very first page. It’s beautifully written, haunting, and filled with raw emotion that lingers long after finishing.

What stood out most to me was the unapologetic feminine rage that pulses through every chapter. Headlee doesn’t hold back she digs deep into what it means to be silenced, underestimated, and wronged, then shows the slow, searing transformation that can turn pain into power. It’s villainy told in a completely fresh, modern way while still honoring classic gothic and dark fantasy traditions.

Even in its brevity, this novella packs more intensity and depth than many full length novels. The atmosphere is chilling, the characters compelling, and the payoff unforgettable. I loved how Headlee captured both the horror and beauty in this descent, giving us a villain’s origin story that feels both terrifying and deeply satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and Uncomfortably Dark Publishing for this ARC this is hands down a five star read and one of the most exciting novellas I’ve picked up this year. If you love stories of dark empowerment, feminine fury, and gothic flair, this is one you don’t want to miss.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!

There is not enough historical horror, especially Western/prairie horror, so I'm always excited about a new entry in the subgenre. The author captured the bleak isolation and paradoxical claustrophobia of the setting and the female revenge/solidarity plot was very satisfying. I always love a 19th century doctor using their knowledge for evil (see: The Butcher's Daughter).

[Jaymie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This novella really packed a punch! I read it in one sitting, which is my favorite. It was so creepy, really atmospheric, and I am still thinking about how it wrapped up. Read this if you want a quick, psychological read that will stick with you. Perfect for spooky season! Thank you to the author, and Booked With the Emily's for the gifted copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Raquelio poop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. WOOOW. This novella came at me from directions I didn't expect, but goodness gracious, that ending!!!! I loved this story, It was so gripping. I love and feel for Bea sooo much. This book wasn't what I expected, it was so much better. I am going to be rereading this in the future for sure. The character development for Bea in this, the way her thoughts and feelings and perceptions are articulated are everything to me, its just so grotesque in a eloquent way.


Bea's mother passed when she was young, leaving her alone with her powerful and abusive father. She does what she has to to survive and get by without getting caught by her father's men, and with some unexpected mix-ups, train delays, and broken down trolleys, she finds her having to stay in Yellow Creek City for the night where women have been going missing.

(I received this as a arc)

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I joined in a book tour with @bookedwiththeemilys and @amandaheadleeor to help spread the word about this horror novella.
I finally got around to reading it and I wasn’t disappointed. This is very much a “you do what you need to do to survive” story no matter what. Someone had said this was a western, I didn’t get that I just got the time period probably 1800’s where people are riding in wagons and trains if you’re lucky. Our main character ran away from her abusive father (gave off the impression that they were fairly well off) to go start a life somewhere else where she could be free of her dad telling her how to live her life. Of course along the way she meets less than savoury characters, all men to be precise and not surprising that are willing to help her on her way but for a price. And what price does a woman have to give when they are running out of money and have nowhere to stay.
She hen she finally meets someone who is nice and isn’t trying to use her for something that we know of. He gives her a job. And you’d think because he was the town doctor and had given her a job he could be trusted, when he’s the worst of all. That’s when the story reminded me a bit of Frankenstein, not in the building a monster sense but just the vibes. There was a bit of munchausen happening but Bea was smart enough to keep the will to escape.
Also the first scene is super unhinged when you realize what is happening. I wouldn’t call it the traditional horror read but it’s more of a physiological horror. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to other readers

[Effy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, quick read. I was hooked by the pitch that it was a horror psychological novella set in a western backdrop and it came through! The FMC, Bea, is escaping her father’s cruelty and making her way west. When she lands a job as a caretaker in the home of a small town’s physician, she’s drawn into a trap she can’t get out of, and must confront the shadows of herself she hasn’t been willing to admit.

This was a really interesting look into the ambiguity of morality and the lens in which both men and women see the world. There’s deep feminist themes that run through it, and a raw take on how far people push themselves to survive or become someone they don’t recognize. This was a great read, and one that tickled that part of my brain that craves something haunting. It made me think of William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” in the beginning which I LOVED. I think the only thing that would’ve made this a five star read was to explain less and let the reader draw their own conclusions. There was a lot that was explicitly explained at the very end that took me out of the story. But ultimately, the setting was described to create a truly haunting atmosphere, the horror kept me tense the entire time, and the underlying themes kept me thinking about it long after I finished.

Thank you @netgalley and @bookedwiththeemilys for this ARC!

[Horror Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a female empowered novella set in the old west with a protagonist who is simply sick and tired of having her life controlled by men.

Bea is on the run from her domineering father. She's running away by train as far west as she can get. But along the way her money starts to dwindle and to keep herself afloat, she decides to offer her body to men for payment. It's a practical decision which she despises bur does anyway.

She gets to a certain town and meets the doctor, a seemingly intelligent articulate man. He offers her a cleaning job for room, board, and pay which she accepts.

However, he's not who he appears to be and the situation will soon take a horrific twist for Bea... and others.

This novella ticks off a lot of horror boxes I enjoy. Strong female protagonist with final girl vibes, secrets, revenge, and perhaps redemption beyond the grave. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

[lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it was nothing like the books I’m used to reading.

It’s beautifully written, and the story is blood-chilling at times (in a horrifying way, not that it’s scary). It follows the journey of a girl running away from his abusing father, and we get to see the things she has to do to stay alive and keep going, including the one job that turns this book into a horror novella.

This being said, it could use some editing overall, and I’m utterly confused by the fact that this was under the LGBT section on NetGalley, because the MC mentioning she doesn’t feel attracted to men does NOT justify it. Given the things she’s had to do, one would assume that’s because of her trauma and not that she’s ACE, so I believe this either doesn’t belong under that section or needs some polishing so it’s clear she’s ACE. I got it from the author’s acknowledgments and not the actual novella, and that’s not enough.

[Thanks to NetGalley, RDS Publishing, and the author for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion!]

[Yari · Rating 4 out of 5]

“… a prime example of not just man’s sin but also of the disturbing coexistence of light & darkness within a single soul-“

This Is How a Villain Is Made is a dark psychological horror steeped in female rage & an unsettling atmosphere. From start to finish, it carries an eerie, spine-tingling feeling that never lets go, the perfect book to kick off spooky season.

The story takes place in the late 1800s, & blends ghostly hauntings, psychological horror, & medical horror. At its Center is a woman in search of freedom, & a man who is a religious fanatic, completely consumed by his devotion & medical research.

I tore through this in a day. Every chapter gave me that creeping, skin-prickling, run-up-the-stairs-after-turning-off-the-lights vibe I crave in horror. It’s tense, chilling, & at times disturbingly gory. The kind of chill that lingers, while leaving a hellyeah smirk on your face.

Rating: 4 ✨; 🫑

[Carolyn Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

netgalley review*

I'm not sure how I feel about this novella it had an interesting plot but there were parts of the novella that made it hard to get through. Its an extremely short read so the fact that the author focused a lot on random details, definitely in the beginning, made the plot fall through. It felt like most of the book was explaining the scene around the character then the character themselves. There were characters introduced but never really used and the author gave away the ending so there was no real suspense. I feel like the plot and idea is good but the execution didn't give it justice.

[AitziST · Rating 2 out of 5]

(I received this book from the editor and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I am afraid there is something in this novella I was not able to find. I really liked the first chapter, the setting of the story felt very intriguing, but then the following chapters, the story per se, lost me completely. Maybe it is not that I was not able to find something, but that I was expecting something different. I don’t usually read westerns, but I felt that it would be very unique, memorable.
Alas, what I found was a female protagonist who I know was going to become a villain (hence, the title), but whose strength felt repetitive until the very end.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. I love the idea and if you told me what happened in this book I would be like yes! I want to read that! And while it wasn't a bad read there was something missing to make it amazing. The characters I couldn't connect with as much as I should have. I didn't really care what happened to anyone, especially since you know where the book will end. The first chapter was probably the best and did hook me, but getting to that point was just okay.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bea is making her way west, running from her abusive father. Having to sell her body for most of the way, she is relieved to finally take a job as a housekeeper for a mysterious doctor in a small town. Soon she learns that his secrets are dangerous, and she is now in the thick of them.

This was a great novella. The feminine rage, the plot, the setting, the characters; everything was set up really well, and the writing kept me engaged the whole time. Nothing really surprised me though. A perfect dark short read for horror/thriller fans.

I rated it 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and RDS Publishing for the e-arc!

[Katherine Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Headlee's prose is as swift and deadly as a sharpened scalpel. This Is How A Villain is Made will drag you swiftly into the dark to revel in the vengeance its tale elicits.

I am an absolute sucker for western horror and what I loved about this one was the idea of stationary horror or single-location horror. If you're looking for a quick page-turner that will leave you squirming in your skin as you cheer on the MC, this is a must-read.

[lfthndofdrknss · Rating 4 out of 5]

received as a NetGalley arc in exchange for an honest review

This novella is full of twists and lives intertwined by darkness. The story follows a young woman and her grim descent into confusion and violence at the hands of those meant to care for her.

I did struggle with the pacing in the last third of the story but appreciate that a novella has limitations. Whether this remains as a novella or as transformed into a longer format, I am glad to have read it.

[Emily | booksandbedtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride. This psychological thriller novella is the perfect one-sitting read. It had me glued to the pages and completely wrapped up in Bea’s unraveling story.

Prepare to feel angry and maybe a little unsettled (It’s okay, that’s the point.) The pacing is fast, and despite its short length, the story feels complete and lingers long after the final page.

What You’ll Find:
💥 Female rage
🧠 Psychological
😱 Horror elements
📖 Novella
💔 Betrayal

[Sarai Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is How Villains Are Made is a haunting, beautifully written story that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Amanda Headlee weaves a gothic, atmospheric tale full of tension, dark secrets, and razor sharp psychological depth. Beatrix Beaumont is a heroine who lingers in your mind. Her desperation, strength, and slow transformation are both heartbreaking and empowering. If anything, I found myself wishing there had been more backstory for Beatrix, because her character was so compelling that I wanted to know even more about what shaped her. What makes this novel shine is the way it blurs the line between victim and survivor, forcing readers to consider what happens when survival demands compromise and change. Lyrical yet terrifying, intimate yet sweeping, this book delivers a raw and unforgettable portrait of resilience and the birth of darkness.

Sara | Book Confessions of an ExBallerina | Instagram

[Crimson Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley for an advanced ARC of this novella for an honest review

Unfortunately, I could not really get into this book or connect to the main character & it took me a while to read it because I just couldn't get into it

This is a horror novel about the main character H & I see this being a mixed bag for horror fans whether they like it or not due to the way it's done.