Tags: Fantasy, Comedy, Historical, Drama, Romance, Villainess, Shoujo/Josei

Before getting to the review, I’d first like to apologise for my long absence. A holiday and an extremely busy week when I returned made it impossible to read and review the new light novel series that was being released. Things are back to normal now, however, so the number of reviews will be back to normal starting with this and then going on to two pre-pub series, Private Tutor, Expedition Cooking and Heretical Last Boss volume 3. Enjoy!

A Healthy Body to Match Reirin’s Backbone!

Welcoming me back into reviewing, my first series of the month combines villainesses, body swapping and a Chinese imperial court setting.

The story follows Reirin who has recently been body swapped into that of the court’s sewer rat and all-around jealous villainess, Shu Keigetsu. For many, the constant animosity from those Shu had wronged would have any normal person begging to be turned back, however, for Reirin, this new body is an unexpected blessing. Finally able to do the things she’s only dreamed about, Reirin’s new life is about to turn the court upside down!

What’s interesting about this series and what sets it apart from the crowd is its unique setting. Being placed within an imperial court that closely resembles those of ancient Chinese history isn’t often used in Japanese light novels. It immediately sets the series on the right foot by moving itself away from the more typical European settings we normally get. It is thus engaging to learn about royal structures and mythologies that don’t typically follow the western norm.

Beyond the world-building, I think what’ll strike people first about this series is its relatively light tone. Whilst there is a good amount of drama and mystery building up in the background, the focus on Reirin’s positive outlook on life gives the series a pleasant, light tone, which for this type of series I do tend to get more enjoyment from.

This light tone, however, does not mean that this series skimps out on character work. In fact, the relatively small cast introduced in the first volume works in the series’s favour. The handful of characters who get introduced have suitable time to breathe and grow especially Reirin and Leelee.

Reirin, as the empress likes to say certainly has backbone given all the things she did whilst being in such a sickly original body. As kind as she is talented, she doesn’t waste much time, even after being sent towards execution, trying new things, improving herself and improving Shu’s standing within the court.

Unfortunately, her kindness can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Rarely is she ever seen to be angry or annoyed even in the face of The Lion’s Judgement or with the harsh treatment she now receives from the members of her clan due to her lowered status. Moreover, she very willingly performs Shu Keigetsu penances even though she has no reason to do so, which can get aggravating at times.

By the end of the first volume, Leelee is a better character overall. Becoming an outcast alongside Reirin, she has suffered much the same disdain as Shu from the clan as well as being one of Shu’s pre-body swap victims. Even throughout being manipulated by a member of the opposite clan, she still has her pride and kindness that earns her Reirin’s respect and friendship. It’s probably the dynamic I’m most looking forward to once the second volume drops.

The first volume also introduces us to Shin-u, captain of the Eagle Eyes, and Gyoumei, the prince. Both are given pretty good introductions from Shin-u’s predisposition for lacking emotions and Gyoumei’s general disdain towards women. These character moments go a long way in showcasing the variety of emotions both feel due to the new and improved Shu.

Overall, the first volume of Inept Villainess sets up good foundations for the series going forward. Introducing a well-rounded cast, the starting of a mystery and world-building unique to Japanese light novels, it’s a series that’ll likely excite any villainess-genre fan. My biggest problem with the series, however, comes in the form of the original villainess, Shu Keigetsu (now in the body of Reirin). Beyond the first act, her character barely does anything besides being bedridden so it leaves the first volume without a properly developed antagonist.