Book Confessions: Sometimes I Prefer The Villain

There will be some spoilers in this post about the Shadow and Bone* and The Mortal Instruments series.*

I think some of you will agree with me and also admit that sometimes you prefer the villain. They are often the best thought out characters and they almost always seem to have some kind of ‘devilish charm’ which can make them loveable. More often than not you love to hate them, but sometimes you can’t help but prefer the villain.

prefer the villain

I don’t find that this happens too often for me. However, there’s one series in particular, which inspired this post. Shadow and Bone. I’ve found that I can’t help but love the Darkling. This is probably spurred on by the fact that I really don’t like Alina.

The Darkling is by far the most interesting character in that series. Although I am yet to read Ruin and Rising so who knows maybe my opinion will change. But I wouldn’t bet any money on it.

I will also admit to really liking Jonathan Morgenstern from The Mortal Instruments series. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I preferred him over Clary and the gang. However, he was a really great villain.

I remember the first time I read City of Glass and oh god was it shocking. You could always tell that there was something off with ‘Sebastian’ but I never expected that twist. He was completely ruthless and you never knew what he was going to do next.

Shatter Me is apparently another example of this. I actually haven’t read the series yet, even though it has been on my TBR since 2014. However, I have heard that Warner is one of those villains that you can’t help but like. If you have read the series do let me know if this is true.

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Villains are often better than heroes because they are the most complex characters. Great backstories, rough around the edges and let’s be honest what would a story be without a villain? Yes, that’s right, boring.

They are also driven. No matter what side someone is fighting for if they’ve got no drive or are not trying to fight for what they believe in, what’s the point? That doesn’t make for an interesting character.