What’s an overpowered reincarnated girl from Earth doing in a world of magic? Why, she’s stalking the hero and saving the last boss, of course! Join the hero in his quest? No way! That’s too much work. She’ll stay on the sidelines then swoop in at the right time to save the villain.
At least, that was the plan…
Villain Rescue Scheme is a hilarious young adult fantasy novel that is similar to a Japanese isekai light novel. The high-tension action moments are balanced by healthy doses of fluffy romance and heartwarming slice-of-life scenes.
This book is loaded with great voice, which might be its greatest strength. It lures you right in. That’s paired with extremely lavish world building—far more than is necessary for the needs of the story.
On the other hand, the entire seven-book Harry Potter series could have been told without a single reference to Quidditch. But even though it was completely unnecessary, the fans loved it. Still, if spare, elegant prose is your thing, this isn’t the book for you. Picture someone looking for Zen simplicity and being dazzled by the unbelievable opulence of a wealthy harem.
The author definitely isn’t bothered by Chekov’s stricture that if a gun is shown on stage in act one, it needs to be used by the end of the play. Great care is used describing an apartment that Asteria doesn’t keep and a glow party where nothing happens to move the plot along.
I see it as a gamer’s approach to writing a novel, for a story that should likely appeal to gamers. I can just see a D&D dungeon master breaking into superlatives at the incredible detail lavished on descriptions. Every element has been well thought out.
Like the first book, though, the plot just happens. Boom! An event occurs, and the characters deal with it. There’s no underlying structure that I can wrap my mind around. Part of me is itching to edit it. But I’m afraid I’d break it if I did.
It’s a fun romp, though. It’s not Alice in Wonderland, but it has the same sort of sensibility. If that sort of tale appeals to you, then Villain Rescue Scheme is likely to satisfy.