What do you think?
Rate this book
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Desperate Situation! On the Verge of Doom #1
My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story: On the Verge of Doom! (Manga) Vol. 1
As she was busy bullying the honour student with the power of light magic, Maria Campbell, along with her friends, the fifteen year old daughter of a Duke Katarina Claes suddenly hit her head and remembered her previous life.
Thanks to those memories, Katarina realized that she was actually the villainess of an otome game that she had played in her previous life, with a struggle to avoid the destruction flags that would lead to her doom awaiting her...
Except, there's not even a year left before her destruction end!? The story of Katarina, who is on the verge of her demise, begins now...!
Thanks to those memories, Katarina realized that she was actually the villainess of an otome game that she had played in her previous life, with a struggle to avoid the destruction flags that would lead to her doom awaiting her...
Except, there's not even a year left before her destruction end!? The story of Katarina, who is on the verge of her demise, begins now...!
202 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2020
8 people are currently reading
110 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 17, 2024
Pomysł fajny, ale so far wszystko przychodzi jej tak łatwo jak w kanonie + idzie praktycznie tym samym tropem.
April 2, 2022
Cute and amusing read.
Read
March 20, 2025Yay first book I completed lol
February 18, 2022
Was in a book slump and Katarina-Sama snapped me right out of it! Can’t wait til the next one comes out next month!!! 5, thank goodness for Katarina-Sama, stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2022
just want more content featuring everyone simping for our bisexual queen tbh
January 2, 2022
A young girl is reborn as the villainous Katarina Klaes, antagonist of the otome game Fortune Lover. While this is nothing new, the twist this time is that she’s only recovering these memories as a teenager with a single year left before disaster strikes. Surely this will change things!? Right!?
You wish.
If you haven’t been in the My Next Life As A Villainess universe before, this book cares not for easing you into it. It is definitely for fans of the series. Even a lapsed reader such as myself was left largely high and dry trying to remember things from before.
This state of affairs is certainly implied with the whole ‘side story’ label, but they really, really mean it. This is not the place to get your first taste of what these characters or this ridiculously popular series has to offer.
What if things were different, but they ended up essentially the same? That appears to be the true premise of this side story, which shreds Katarina’s timeline down to one measly year, then… has her winning everybody over left and right. How… novel?
It’s weird - they get to fire off a couple of jokes about her not being able to climb trees or her fake snake looking not the slightest bit real, which are fairly cute asides that literally just lead to the same places.
The whole point of something like this should be to do something original with the premise, like the upcoming yuri version, not to just make a minor tweak without standing out from the previous work. There’s often questionable need for this to even exist.
Katarina takes up gardening. Again. She decides to improve her magic. Again. The whole sword fighting angle seems to promise something new, but by that point they’ve spent 80% of the story resetting major parts of the status quo with numerous characters - Keith is next up and I doubt this will go any differently.
It’s not all bad. I like the addition of one of the mean girls to Katarina’s retinue (I think she’s new anyway) and the way she tries to secretly make things up to Maria for all her bullying did give me a laugh at how incredibly daft it is (to say nothing of how clever she thinks she’s being).
And this is built on a strong foundation. The core of this series is silly and fun, even if the endless stream of cast members became a bit much for me after a point, so stripping it back to basics isn’t a bad call. The Council of Katarina’s never really gets old either.
3 stars - I mean, it’s fun to spend time with these characters again, but for a new angle on the story, a lot of the geometry looks far too much like everything that’s come before.
You wish.
If you haven’t been in the My Next Life As A Villainess universe before, this book cares not for easing you into it. It is definitely for fans of the series. Even a lapsed reader such as myself was left largely high and dry trying to remember things from before.
This state of affairs is certainly implied with the whole ‘side story’ label, but they really, really mean it. This is not the place to get your first taste of what these characters or this ridiculously popular series has to offer.
What if things were different, but they ended up essentially the same? That appears to be the true premise of this side story, which shreds Katarina’s timeline down to one measly year, then… has her winning everybody over left and right. How… novel?
It’s weird - they get to fire off a couple of jokes about her not being able to climb trees or her fake snake looking not the slightest bit real, which are fairly cute asides that literally just lead to the same places.
The whole point of something like this should be to do something original with the premise, like the upcoming yuri version, not to just make a minor tweak without standing out from the previous work. There’s often questionable need for this to even exist.
Katarina takes up gardening. Again. She decides to improve her magic. Again. The whole sword fighting angle seems to promise something new, but by that point they’ve spent 80% of the story resetting major parts of the status quo with numerous characters - Keith is next up and I doubt this will go any differently.
It’s not all bad. I like the addition of one of the mean girls to Katarina’s retinue (I think she’s new anyway) and the way she tries to secretly make things up to Maria for all her bullying did give me a laugh at how incredibly daft it is (to say nothing of how clever she thinks she’s being).
And this is built on a strong foundation. The core of this series is silly and fun, even if the endless stream of cast members became a bit much for me after a point, so stripping it back to basics isn’t a bad call. The Council of Katarina’s never really gets old either.
3 stars - I mean, it’s fun to spend time with these characters again, but for a new angle on the story, a lot of the geometry looks far too much like everything that’s come before.
February 12, 2022
This was really cute!! I adore the original series My Next Life as a Villainess and while I usually don't read a lot of spin-off's, this one just grabbed me with the synopsis.
Rather than Katarina regaining her memories at the age of eight, she remembers her past-life at age 15, right as the otome game's events begin. She only has one year to prepare!!
I was hoping there would be more of a focus on her conflicting memories causing her natural kindness to be something to work towards. But this is a spin-off so it might have been too much to hope for. That said, there's a lot of focus on her trying to repent for her past actions and seeing how she starts her relationships with the core characters was definitely an interesting change and more along the lines of what I hoped for.
There are also some new characters who I already really like, especially Sienna who seems really sweet. This is only a 3-volume series so I'm looking forward to seeing the short story it's going to tell and I definitely recommend for fans of the core series! Also the art is stunning!!
For readers who haven't read or watched the original series in any form, this isn't the best place to come in. It doesn't explain much and is definitely a spin-off aimed for fans.
Rather than Katarina regaining her memories at the age of eight, she remembers her past-life at age 15, right as the otome game's events begin. She only has one year to prepare!!
I was hoping there would be more of a focus on her conflicting memories causing her natural kindness to be something to work towards. But this is a spin-off so it might have been too much to hope for. That said, there's a lot of focus on her trying to repent for her past actions and seeing how she starts her relationships with the core characters was definitely an interesting change and more along the lines of what I hoped for.
There are also some new characters who I already really like, especially Sienna who seems really sweet. This is only a 3-volume series so I'm looking forward to seeing the short story it's going to tell and I definitely recommend for fans of the core series! Also the art is stunning!!
For readers who haven't read or watched the original series in any form, this isn't the best place to come in. It doesn't explain much and is definitely a spin-off aimed for fans.
September 10, 2020
3.5
While I did enjoy this I think this was much too similar to the original. This version is suppose to be hard mode and it doesn't feel that way. It doesn't feel like the stakes were high enough.
Also I wish that there'll be a harem in this timeline. It's unlikely that all of the original harem will fall for her. And I don't they should. It would again be too similar and wouldn't make much sense since they don't have the same history as they did in the original timeline.
I hope they'll have a harem with new characters, maybe some from the original harem. If there isn't one it's okay but it's a element that makes My next life as Villainess special.
Oh and I like that they have a new character (I think her name is Sienna Idk) it adds some newness to the story.
While I did enjoy this I think this was much too similar to the original. This version is suppose to be hard mode and it doesn't feel that way. It doesn't feel like the stakes were high enough.
Also I wish that there'll be a harem in this timeline. It's unlikely that all of the original harem will fall for her. And I don't they should. It would again be too similar and wouldn't make much sense since they don't have the same history as they did in the original timeline.
I hope they'll have a harem with new characters, maybe some from the original harem. If there isn't one it's okay but it's a element that makes My next life as Villainess special.
Oh and I like that they have a new character (I think her name is Sienna Idk) it adds some newness to the story.
February 1, 2022
This spin off was amazing. I thought it would be really boring, but it actually just got dropped into the main story in an exiting new way. Cannot wait for the next volume.
March 11, 2022
This is the first part of a three part spin off series of the Japanese Novella series with the same name. The main difference seems to be that rather than our heroine reincarnating as the villainess as a child, she does it half way through the magical high school that all the characters are attending.
It keeps the charm of the novella series with the added novelty of how things could have turned out differently. Such as the friendship of the heroine with her villainess and the meeting with the different suitors. The most interesting however is how the relationship changed between the villainess and one of the suitors Keith. The adopted brother. His change is perhaps the most drastic.
By constraining itself into three parts, I found that the manga gish-gallops through all the exposition of meeting the different characters and them growing to like the main character. However, it was nice seeing additional characters added for it. My personal favourite is Sienna, one of Katarina Claes' lackeys, who get fleshed out a little bit more and why even as a villainess, Katarina was at least a little bit admirable.
Overall, it is a very quick read, and gives a little bit extra for those who are already fans of the franchise. However, if you are new to the series, I would recommend either to pick up the novella if you can, or watch the anime series.
It keeps the charm of the novella series with the added novelty of how things could have turned out differently. Such as the friendship of the heroine with her villainess and the meeting with the different suitors. The most interesting however is how the relationship changed between the villainess and one of the suitors Keith. The adopted brother. His change is perhaps the most drastic.
By constraining itself into three parts, I found that the manga gish-gallops through all the exposition of meeting the different characters and them growing to like the main character. However, it was nice seeing additional characters added for it. My personal favourite is Sienna, one of Katarina Claes' lackeys, who get fleshed out a little bit more and why even as a villainess, Katarina was at least a little bit admirable.
Overall, it is a very quick read, and gives a little bit extra for those who are already fans of the franchise. However, if you are new to the series, I would recommend either to pick up the novella if you can, or watch the anime series.
January 4, 2023
I'm really torn on how to rate this one. I love the original series, and this one is clearly meant to be read after having read the original as it does in tiny ways give it a nod. But it is seriously just repeating everything that happened in the other stories but with it happening as a teenager instead of an 8 year old. And it is fast pacing through the relationship developments as well to the point it doesn't feel realistic for people who have already known get to be a bully. The main good point is the introduction of Katarina's friend, Sienna, who was one also bullying Maria but she is fairly sympathetic and a fun duo with Katarina. If the story will add new elements like Sienna it might would be worth reading because I do still love the main character and her quirky approach to life.
December 29, 2024
This is a fun story in which I am sure isn't for everyone but if you like manga and you want a lighthearted story about a nice person being reincarnated into a not so good person. I don't really think much more is needed in the explanation, but I will say that Nishi seems to have mastered art and storytelling as I see no growing curb from this book going forward like so many other series. The story by Satoru Yamaguchi is fun and immediately engaging. Fun stuff is abounding in this manga book. Please note that this is "side story" so you may want to read the original series first before this one.
June 16, 2025
I came across this book based solely on the title. I thought the MC decided to be a villain after reincarnating for reasons unspecified. Sadly not. She was reborn as a villain in a dating sim after dying at 17. Depressing stat. But it does make for an amusing tale. Katarina Claes is one of the most dramatic characters I’ve come across. Her every action and thought is extravagant. She’s kindhearted, and it’s always amusing to see her interact with people who often assume the worst.
March 10, 2023
I was curious at what this spin-off would entail, and at first, I wasn't sure, but as the series grew into itself, I really came to like it. The subtle changes from the main series add something intrueging, and im curious about how it will all continue in comparison to the main series.
February 12, 2023
I love it! I can’t wait until I get volume 2!
September 22, 2023
3.5 stars.
March 11, 2024
Really enjoying the twist of her reincarnation happening much later in life!
March 20, 2024
The OG plot, but on critical mode! Super high difficulty level! 🤩
February 15, 2025
4.5 stars
October 9, 2024
This series is a spin-off of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Vol. 1.
The original story has Katarina get her memories of her past life back at the age of 8. This side story has this revelation happen when Katarina is 15 and already bullying Maria, meaning well on her way to the dreaded bad ending. So Katarina much change her fate and do it fast.
Overall... the only thing that has really changed from the original is the time frame, a few extra characters, and a few small details. For example, Katarina has a Mean Girl™ sidekick named Sienna (she's the other chibi on the back cover) and Alan and Mary are still under the impression that they will end up together (as opposed to the original where they are both trying to get with Katarina).
It's not bad... but after reading the original story, it feels extremely redundant. One thing I would enjoy from this whole franchise would be alternate endings for each love interest (kinda like in Alice in the Country of Hearts or how they did it in We Never Learn). They kind of do this in My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story: Girls Patch (Manga) but it's more a collection of cute short stories focused around the all the girls who have crushes on Katarina.
This series has 3 volumes.
The original story has Katarina get her memories of her past life back at the age of 8. This side story has this revelation happen when Katarina is 15 and already bullying Maria, meaning well on her way to the dreaded bad ending. So Katarina much change her fate and do it fast.
Overall... the only thing that has really changed from the original is the time frame, a few extra characters, and a few small details. For example, Katarina has a Mean Girl™ sidekick named Sienna (she's the other chibi on the back cover) and Alan and Mary are still under the impression that they will end up together (as opposed to the original where they are both trying to get with Katarina).
It's not bad... but after reading the original story, it feels extremely redundant. One thing I would enjoy from this whole franchise would be alternate endings for each love interest (kinda like in Alice in the Country of Hearts or how they did it in We Never Learn). They kind of do this in My Next Life as a Villainess Side Story: Girls Patch (Manga) but it's more a collection of cute short stories focused around the all the girls who have crushes on Katarina.
This series has 3 volumes.
September 16, 2024
It says "side story"... which normally means something like "an additional story to the main story that could be considered canon or not"...
This is the main story but instead of her regaining her memory at age 8 and attempting to avoid being a villainess, she does so at age 18, after they're in magic college and she's already established as a villainess.
It's an "instead of" story.
Like, I already read this, what is it doing that's new? :/
This is the main story but instead of her regaining her memory at age 8 and attempting to avoid being a villainess, she does so at age 18, after they're in magic college and she's already established as a villainess.
It's an "instead of" story.
Like, I already read this, what is it doing that's new? :/
January 19, 2024
Betyg: 2.5 stjärnor
Läste hela serien i ett svep så det blir en gemensam recension för alla.
Kändes som att det knappt var någon skillnad mellan denna och originalet förutom att hon är 15 och inte 8 år. Om jag ska döma denna som en what-if/spin-off, så är denna riktigt kass, eftersom det är för många liknande händelser som i originalet. Men som en fristående manga så är den underhållande, och den kan även läsas utan att man har läst originalmangan. Ärligt talat så tror jag att man gillar denna mer om man INTE har läst originalet, för då stör man sig inte på likheterna.
Läste hela serien i ett svep så det blir en gemensam recension för alla.
Kändes som att det knappt var någon skillnad mellan denna och originalet förutom att hon är 15 och inte 8 år. Om jag ska döma denna som en what-if/spin-off, så är denna riktigt kass, eftersom det är för många liknande händelser som i originalet. Men som en fristående manga så är den underhållande, och den kan även läsas utan att man har läst originalmangan. Ärligt talat så tror jag att man gillar denna mer om man INTE har läst originalet, för då stör man sig inte på likheterna.
September 17, 2024
this is an au where katarina transmigrates at fifteen instead of eight. it's cute but i wish it had done more with the concept -- she essentially speedruns developing the exact same relationships she did in the original novel. the only new bits are introducing the characters of sienna and mr. hunt which i appreciated but again made little difference. maybe volume two will take the plot somewhere new
3 stars
3 stars
June 24, 2023
A super fun twist on the original manga- Katarina doesn't remember her part life, and the game Fortune Lover, until she's already begun bullying Maria at school! Will sure be able to avoid her doom routes?
Highlight: you think rehashing info already known to readers of the original should make this volume boring or slow, but it's done well enough to keep the pace going and not confuse new readers.
Highlight: you think rehashing info already known to readers of the original should make this volume boring or slow, but it's done well enough to keep the pace going and not confuse new readers.
March 9, 2022
very entertaining AU, I read it in an hour after reading a very depressing book on the holocaust because I couldn't sleep
April 23, 2022
Plot - 4🌟
Character - 4🌟
Writing Style - 3 🌟
World Building - 5🌟
Art - 5🌟
Cover - 5🌟
Overall - 4.33 🌟 / 5🌟
Character - 4🌟
Writing Style - 3 🌟
World Building - 5🌟
Art - 5🌟
Cover - 5🌟
Overall - 4.33 🌟 / 5🌟
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews