What do you think?
Rate this book
Episode 21-40
Penelope’s fate is looking grim, but she’s got a plan: sneak out, rescue Eckles, and secure herself a one-way ticket out of death. The problem with making the seemingly docile boy her “all-in” love interest? He’s a lot more dangerous than she expected! A single bad hand means she’ll go bust, and Penelope quickly realizes she needs a backup plan―that is, a backup man! Winter appears to be the obvious choice, but there’s more to the enigmatic sorcerer than meets the eye…With the odds stacked against her, will Penelope be able to play her cards right?
Penelope’s fate is looking grim, but she’s got a plan: sneak out, rescue Eckles, and secure herself a one-way ticket out of death. The problem with making the seemingly docile boy her “all-in” love interest? He’s a lot more dangerous than she expected! A single bad hand means she’ll go bust, and Penelope quickly realizes she needs a backup plan―that is, a backup man! Winter appears to be the obvious choice, but there’s more to the enigmatic sorcerer than meets the eye…With the odds stacked against her, will Penelope be able to play her cards right?
268 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2021
181 people are currently reading
1303 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 384 reviews
August 28, 2024
3.75/5
Eckles is just soooo, but there’s like no way Penelope will end up with him.
(It’ll probably be the Prince she ends up with. As always lol)
Eckles is just soooo, but there’s like no way Penelope will end up with him.
(It’ll probably be the Prince she ends up with. As always lol)
August 15, 2023
The second volume in the infamous Villains Are Destined to Die series and it did not disappoint. I have to admit the pacing of this one was just a tad bit slower than the first one, but I feel like the development of the plot really sucked me in! Penelope, like readers, realizes that there is a much more layered background to the design of the game than previously known. There is a certain level of intricacy to the characters that shines through in unexpected ways. I'm all in when it comes to the "percentage meters" and why they keep going up so quickly. I'm hoping that this gets revealed more in the next volume. Overall, this was another great installment with great artwork and I already have volume 3 on hold at my library!
February 21, 2023
I love everything about this series and I need the rest of the story NOW please.
At this stage of the game, Winter is my personal front runner. Her brothers are both jerks and the Prince is dangerously crazy and Eckles…there is just something about him that I just don’t trust…
Can’t wait to see how this all plays out!
5, WHY isn’t it a complete series yet TAKE my money, stars.
At this stage of the game, Winter is my personal front runner. Her brothers are both jerks and the Prince is dangerously crazy and Eckles…there is just something about him that I just don’t trust…
Can’t wait to see how this all plays out!
5, WHY isn’t it a complete series yet TAKE my money, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
A little slower in pace than the first volume, but no less enjoyable. I can't stop reading this, I am obsessed, and must know what happens next. Also, I need more Callisto & Eckles scenes.
December 14, 2024
if she ends up with one of the mmc’s i don’t want her to be with im gonna be soooooo annoyed lol 😭
May 8, 2023
A little bit of a letdown, not sure if I’m going to continue with the rest of the story.
February 24, 2023
I continue to deeply love and enjoy this series, even though I'm over here like why is my heart racing so fast?! LOL!!
Truly, this is one of the best villainess stories I've read where the heroine is in GENUINE and REAL danger. This volume had another scene where my heart dropped to the floor and I stopped breathing because I was scared that this moment was going to be her last. Thankfully it was not! *wipes nervous sweat*
Penelope continues to be a very strong and admirable heroine that continues to amaze me at how she stands up for herself in spite of her fear and sometimes open hostility from others. I truly don't know how she can even make half the decisions she does because sure enough, I would lock myself in my bedroom and never ever leave LOL!!
One thing that surprised me about this volume is the growth(?) in Emily's character! Obviously, she had a bigger role in volume one, but I very much anticipated her taking the backseat in "the spotlight" despite that she was on the cover. However, she has proved to be a surprise (which has honestly been this whole series thus far LOL)! I never expected my feelings after volume one to change towards her, but they have.
Like with the previous volume, I am still undecided about who I "ship" Penelope with. I wasn't really leaning towards anyone in volume one because I still feel Derrick is a SUPER no-no (as well as Reynold), I'm still scared of Callisto, but I like…is that even the right word??…two of the guys she interacts with in this one? Maybe? I don't know. Honestly, I think I'm too afraid to "ship" her with anyone because it seems like things could change at the drop of a dime. *nervous laughter*
Overall, this continues to be a series I deeply love reading (despite the anxiety I feel on Penelope's behalf LOL)! It continues to be unpredictable, our heroine continues to grow more fierce, and the guys continue be just as dangerous as ever.
Highly recommend to villainess manga fans!
Truly, this is one of the best villainess stories I've read where the heroine is in GENUINE and REAL danger. This volume had another scene where my heart dropped to the floor and I stopped breathing because I was scared that this moment was going to be her last. Thankfully it was not! *wipes nervous sweat*
Penelope continues to be a very strong and admirable heroine that continues to amaze me at how she stands up for herself in spite of her fear and sometimes open hostility from others. I truly don't know how she can even make half the decisions she does because sure enough, I would lock myself in my bedroom and never ever leave LOL!!
One thing that surprised me about this volume is the growth(?) in Emily's character! Obviously, she had a bigger role in volume one, but I very much anticipated her taking the backseat in "the spotlight" despite that she was on the cover. However, she has proved to be a surprise (which has honestly been this whole series thus far LOL)! I never expected my feelings after volume one to change towards her, but they have.
Like with the previous volume, I am still undecided about who I "ship" Penelope with. I wasn't really leaning towards anyone in volume one because I still feel Derrick is a SUPER no-no (as well as Reynold), I'm still scared of Callisto, but I like…is that even the right word??…two of the guys she interacts with in this one? Maybe? I don't know. Honestly, I think I'm too afraid to "ship" her with anyone because it seems like things could change at the drop of a dime. *nervous laughter*
Overall, this continues to be a series I deeply love reading (despite the anxiety I feel on Penelope's behalf LOL)! It continues to be unpredictable, our heroine continues to grow more fierce, and the guys continue be just as dangerous as ever.
Highly recommend to villainess manga fans!
March 16, 2023
This continues to be better thought-out than 90% of villainess isekai. Penelope's struggles are more informed by her difficult past than any idea of what the game is "supposed" to be, and that in turn is complicated by the fact that she still seems very much governed by the game itself via its systems. Her issue is trauma, not unwillingness to see the world as real, and that makes a major difference in the genre's tropes.
February 12, 2023
This was amazing. I couldn't stop myself from flipping the pages just to find out what happens next.
Penelope Eckhart is the main protagonist of this story. She very smart (note: studied Archaeology!) but somewhat naive at times about the effect that she has towards the 5 other MMCs (i.e. Reynold Eckhart, Derrick Eckhart, Callisto Regulus, Winter Verdandi & Eckles).
I loved every single interactions between the characters. Penelope has to navigate her way through this new world that she was isekai-ed into by attempting to win the otome game (which requires her to increase the other characters' affection scores).
The characters are growing on me!! Callisto is by far my most favourite character (other than Penelope, of course); followed by Winter. Eckles still seem super dangerous. Reynold & Derrick are further down the list but mainly because they're her brothers.
I also didn't expect the Hard Mode to get even harder and for time to pass by so fast. There's only 1 month left before Penelope's coming-of-age ceremony (which is when Ivonne will make an appearance).
Penelope Eckhart is the main protagonist of this story. She very smart (note: studied Archaeology!) but somewhat naive at times about the effect that she has towards the 5 other MMCs (i.e. Reynold Eckhart, Derrick Eckhart, Callisto Regulus, Winter Verdandi & Eckles).
I loved every single interactions between the characters. Penelope has to navigate her way through this new world that she was isekai-ed into by attempting to win the otome game (which requires her to increase the other characters' affection scores).
The characters are growing on me!! Callisto is by far my most favourite character (other than Penelope, of course); followed by Winter. Eckles still seem super dangerous. Reynold & Derrick are further down the list but mainly because they're her brothers.
I also didn't expect the Hard Mode to get even harder and for time to pass by so fast. There's only 1 month left before Penelope's coming-of-age ceremony (which is when Ivonne will make an appearance).
February 25, 2025
This series has such a hold on me right now lol
the characters are so good!! The art is spectacular and the concept is just incredible. Having an absolute blast reading this and I cannot wait to pick up Vol 3
the characters are so good!! The art is spectacular and the concept is just incredible. Having an absolute blast reading this and I cannot wait to pick up Vol 3
July 23, 2025
the way I'm devouring this is crazy considering the last time I read this many books in quick succession was 2021
March 31, 2022
Finished S02 @ ch. 85
*drops the mic*
MAN.
MY POOR BABY.
The way her face is so lifeless, the way she looks so cold but at the same time really small and pale in this chapter hurts my chest. This is why I like her so much, because she feels like a real human being and it's not easy to cope with everything she has to go through.
She acts like she's all strong but she is still running on survival instincts and thanks to the amazing way this manhwa was drawn we were able to see not only her mental state and her struggles so well, but also certain aspects of the characters like how Derrick exudes an aura of absolute trash.
As someone who also read the novel (was only able to read half bc the MTL sucked but I'll definitely read it again, this time from the beginning till the end) I am very happy with the adaptation. The plot is on point and the details are really accurate. Kudos to the artist. The art is just *chef kiss*
Damn it, I gotta say I didnt expect to be this affected by this season. It was so intense and unexpected, I cant wait to read S03. I love that both seasons ended with her emotionally destroying one of her brothers. I love the way she walked out of there like she owned the place as she should.
I am all here for her reminding the Duke and his sons what crap treatment she has received and not taking it anymore. And her taking every opportunity that comes to go "Nope, this wound still hasn't healed. And maybe it never will." Because let's be honest, some wounds don't heal and you shouldn't have to pretend they do. My girl Pen deserves SO MUCH BETTER!! ¯\_(☯෴☯)_/¯
Besides Pen, I gotta say I was really suprised by the character developments of Duke Eckhart, Callisto and even Reynold. Derrick, however, definitely deserves to rot in hell and him and his fucking pride can just fuck off. I mean; is it just me or this fucking guy only seems to have two modes?
Penelope is with another male -> Time to be a fucking idiot
Penelope is alone -> Time to be a fucking assholic idiot
I don't care about what redemption arcs this guy is gonna get, he can burn in hell.
This trash cant even apologise when he is shown he was wrong and instead keeps projecting his feelings of contempt and fails to notice how much Penelope changed and how hurt she got by him and the whole family. He does nothing to redeem himself because he still sees no faults in his behavior. I can’t take his arrogance and superiority complex anymore. Even Reynold has more emotional maturity and he’s still at the “pull at girl’s hair to get attention” stage, ugh.
...which is the reason why I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE ENDING OF THE SEASON 2. I dont know if you guys noticed this but at the last scene
HAHAHA.
Anyways, let's all agree on that Callisto is definitely our best boi, guys.
*drops the mic*
MAN.
MY POOR BABY.
The way her face is so lifeless, the way she looks so cold but at the same time really small and pale in this chapter hurts my chest. This is why I like her so much, because she feels like a real human being and it's not easy to cope with everything she has to go through.
She acts like she's all strong but she is still running on survival instincts and thanks to the amazing way this manhwa was drawn we were able to see not only her mental state and her struggles so well, but also certain aspects of the characters like how Derrick exudes an aura of absolute trash.
As someone who also read the novel (was only able to read half bc the MTL sucked but I'll definitely read it again, this time from the beginning till the end) I am very happy with the adaptation. The plot is on point and the details are really accurate. Kudos to the artist. The art is just *chef kiss*
Damn it, I gotta say I didnt expect to be this affected by this season. It was so intense and unexpected, I cant wait to read S03. I love that both seasons ended with her emotionally destroying one of her brothers. I love the way she walked out of there like she owned the place as she should.
I am all here for her reminding the Duke and his sons what crap treatment she has received and not taking it anymore. And her taking every opportunity that comes to go "Nope, this wound still hasn't healed. And maybe it never will." Because let's be honest, some wounds don't heal and you shouldn't have to pretend they do. My girl Pen deserves SO MUCH BETTER!! ¯\_(☯෴☯)_/¯
Besides Pen, I gotta say I was really suprised by the character developments of Duke Eckhart, Callisto and even Reynold. Derrick, however, definitely deserves to rot in hell and him and his fucking pride can just fuck off. I mean; is it just me or this fucking guy only seems to have two modes?
Penelope is with another male -> Time to be a fucking idiot
Penelope is alone -> Time to be a fucking assholic idiot
I don't care about what redemption arcs this guy is gonna get, he can burn in hell.
This trash cant even apologise when he is shown he was wrong and instead keeps projecting his feelings of contempt and fails to notice how much Penelope changed and how hurt she got by him and the whole family. He does nothing to redeem himself because he still sees no faults in his behavior. I can’t take his arrogance and superiority complex anymore. Even Reynold has more emotional maturity and he’s still at the “pull at girl’s hair to get attention” stage, ugh.
...which is the reason why I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE ENDING OF THE SEASON 2. I dont know if you guys noticed this but at the last scene
HAHAHA.
Anyways, let's all agree on that Callisto is definitely our best boi, guys.
Currently reading
August 8, 2023This isegye manhwa (also known as portal fantasy or isekai) is good in many ways:
- we know a lot more about the mc's life in our world, than the typical isegye. In fact, we know how her traumatic childhood has impacted her personality, her coping and survival mechanisms, and has informed her decisions as Penelope
- She had just gotten rid of her abusive half-brothers, and negligent father, only to find herself shackled to a similar situation, so she's in survival mode and being triggered by any similar behaviour/situation to her real life. Also, she hasn't had the time to start therapy or heal
- She never did die, she just fell asleep after becoming kind of obsessed with saving Penelope and playing all night along. She sees a possibility in coming back by having a good end, so everyone is nothing but characters to her so far, which is valid 🤷♀️ This doesn't seem like a 2nd chance at life, but like a 2nd prison sentence. So they are treated as threats to her life she must avoid/manage, and tools/pawns.
- This is not cosy or childcare fantasy, she is not starting off more comfortably, more respected or loved. Her risk of dying is real and she's not OP. This is darker and harder. The MLs are dangerous, 2 are her literal adoptive brothers (1 of which I'm sure has weird feelings for her) eww not that they've been behaving like siblings towards her, the aholes... Only Winter seems like an ideal guy, but he's too busy rescuing magical kids and hiding he's a sorcerer. Our mc would never go for a guy who can put her in extra danger
Nobody ever stood a chance because the blonde aggressive royal always seems to be endgame in these stories siiigh I'm calling it right now
- we know a lot more about the mc's life in our world, than the typical isegye. In fact, we know how her traumatic childhood has impacted her personality, her coping and survival mechanisms, and has informed her decisions as Penelope
- She had just gotten rid of her abusive half-brothers, and negligent father, only to find herself shackled to a similar situation, so she's in survival mode and being triggered by any similar behaviour/situation to her real life. Also, she hasn't had the time to start therapy or heal
- She never did die, she just fell asleep after becoming kind of obsessed with saving Penelope and playing all night along. She sees a possibility in coming back by having a good end, so everyone is nothing but characters to her so far, which is valid 🤷♀️ This doesn't seem like a 2nd chance at life, but like a 2nd prison sentence. So they are treated as threats to her life she must avoid/manage, and tools/pawns.
- This is not cosy or childcare fantasy, she is not starting off more comfortably, more respected or loved. Her risk of dying is real and she's not OP. This is darker and harder. The MLs are dangerous, 2 are her literal adoptive brothers (1 of which I'm sure has weird feelings for her) eww not that they've been behaving like siblings towards her, the aholes... Only Winter seems like an ideal guy, but he's too busy rescuing magical kids and hiding he's a sorcerer. Our mc would never go for a guy who can put her in extra danger
Nobody ever stood a chance because the blonde aggressive royal always seems to be endgame in these stories siiigh I'm calling it right now
April 13, 2025
Broooo
The way I have to wait for volume 3? *cries*
I think I like Derrick the most at the moment, then the Winter Guy.
I NEED to know abt the prince dude too hehe.
5/5 (next one plz)
The way I have to wait for volume 3? *cries*
I think I like Derrick the most at the moment, then the Winter Guy.
I NEED to know abt the prince dude too hehe.
5/5 (next one plz)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
4 ✨
one of the things i hate about these kind of manwha is the misunderstandings/miscommunication. but overall, VADTD is doing somewhat of a decent job.
personally, i can’t bring myself to ship her w the brothers, no no no. eckles is my fav boy but idk if i feel them together. i’m excited for callisto!
one of the things i hate about these kind of manwha is the misunderstandings/miscommunication. but overall, VADTD is doing somewhat of a decent job.
personally, i can’t bring myself to ship her w the brothers, no no no. eckles is my fav boy but idk if i feel them together. i’m excited for callisto!
August 30, 2023
i hate the brothers and i want the crown price n elicse or wtv that bitches name is 😍😍😍 maybe winter too but not much of a tension
June 20, 2024
Starting to get more interested in this series. I love Eckles, and I need the story to work out for him.
June 20, 2023
Penelope was gorgeous in this volume as always🖤🖤🔥🔥🔥
Aaaaaaahhhh, Callisto is the best.👌🏼💛💛💛💛🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
February 20, 2025
Estos manhwas se leen muy rápido.
Sigo enamorada de la paleta de colores y de las imágenes, que son preciosas.
Sigo enamorada de la paleta de colores y de las imágenes, que son preciosas.
April 24, 2025
4.5⭐️
Jestli teď zaručeně na něčem ujíždím, jsou to webtoony. Do Záporáků smrti neutečou jsem se po tomto druhém díle totálně zamilovala a můžu vám ho moc doporučit.
Je lepší než první díl, vtipnější, svižnější, už chápete, o co tam jde, takže žádné vysvětlování, jak to funguje a soustředíte se tady jen na to budování vztahů.
Rozjíždí se tu několik romantických linek a já mám favority dva, takže už netrpělivě vyhlížím pokračování.
Za komiks v rámci spolupráce děkuji @crew_komiks
Jestli teď zaručeně na něčem ujíždím, jsou to webtoony. Do Záporáků smrti neutečou jsem se po tomto druhém díle totálně zamilovala a můžu vám ho moc doporučit.
Je lepší než první díl, vtipnější, svižnější, už chápete, o co tam jde, takže žádné vysvětlování, jak to funguje a soustředíte se tady jen na to budování vztahů.
Rozjíždí se tu několik romantických linek a já mám favority dva, takže už netrpělivě vyhlížím pokračování.
Za komiks v rámci spolupráce děkuji @crew_komiks
May 2, 2025
May 2025
Kindle edition
A brighter cover and yellow separator pages, but the story still remains dark. Penelope is collecting flags and using the multi-answers as a guideline. Starts at part 3 with the brother's playing not quite tsundere. but its awkward. Festival time and Penelope chooses Eckles. The list makes me laugh with the prince's name scribbled out. No sign of Callisto in this one. Winter is a curious character and I liked the kids scene. Looking forward to the next one.
Kindle edition
A brighter cover and yellow separator pages, but the story still remains dark. Penelope is collecting flags and using the multi-answers as a guideline. Starts at part 3 with the brother's playing not quite tsundere. but its awkward. Festival time and Penelope chooses Eckles. The list makes me laugh with the prince's name scribbled out. No sign of Callisto in this one. Winter is a curious character and I liked the kids scene. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
Snapshot review: we've slowed down in the volume for some world building but that's not a bad thing. it's been a lot of fun with our main character as she navigates this world and tries to figure out her best options of getting the fuck out. i really hope she's able to go off on the brothers because she could really use some catharsis, poor girl.
January 13, 2022
I JUST CANT BELIEVE THE SEASON 2 REALLY ENDED WITH CALISSTO AKA LOML IS STILL ON COMA??? AND GOD HELP US TO PUT DERRICK ROTTEN IN HELL
April 17, 2022
Enganchadísima a esta mierda. Ahora entiendo a los lectores de Charles Dickens.
February 11, 2023
I just want people to start treating Penelope right. And now we meet Eckles and Winter. Who is she gonna really fall in love with?
September 8, 2023
4.5 ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews