Edited by: Ameriie
Authors: Renee Ahdieh, Soman Chainani, Susan Dennard, Sarah Enni, Marissa Meyer, Cindy Pon, Victoria Schwab, Samantha Shannon, Adam Silvera, Andrew Smith, April Genevieve Tucholke, Nicola Yoon, Sasha Alsberg, Benjamin Alderson, Whitney Atkinson, Tina Burke, Catriona Feeney, Zoë Herdt, Samantha Lane, Sophia Lee, Raeleen Lemay, Regan Perusse, Christine Riccio, Steph Sinclair, Jesse George, Kat O'Keeffe
Publication Date: July 11, 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 320
Source/format: Publisher//Hardcover
Rating: ☆☆☆1/2
Synopsis (from goodreads.com):
Leave it to the heroes to save the world--villains just want to rule the world.
In this unique YA anthology, thirteen acclaimed, bestselling authors team up with thirteen influential BookTubers to reimagine fairy tales from the oft-misunderstood villains' points of view.
These fractured, unconventional spins on classics like "Medusa," Sherlock Holmes, and "Jack and the Beanstalk" provide a behind-the-curtain look at villains' acts of vengeance, defiance, and rage--and the pain, heartbreak, and sorrow that spurned them on. No fairy tale will ever seem quite the same again!
M Y T H O U G H T S
Because You Love to Hate Me is an anthology about 13 villains spanning from Medusa to Hades. Authors are paired up with booktubers, creating short stories about a villain prompted by their assigned booktuber. The anthology seemed promising but like most anthologies, stories vary in interest and rating. Some short stories I couldn't get through, while others I plowed through quickly. The ones that I enjoyed showed honesty and the characters are genuine in what they say and do. The words flowed well and the stories was decently paced.
I have always loved reading backstories of villains about how and why they become who they are today. There is a reason someone becomes a villain. People are not born villains. Usually something tragic happens in a person's past that turns them into a villain.
Some notable stories include "Jack", "Gwen and Art and Lance", "Sea Witch", "Beautiful Venom" and "Death Knell."
The Blood of Imuriv by Renee Ahdieh: 2/5
Jack by Ameriie: 4/5
Gwen and Art and Lance by Soman Chainani: 5/5
Shirley & Jim by Susan Dennard :3/5
The Blessing of Little Wants by Sarah Enni: 3/5
The Sea Witch by Marissa Meyer: 4/5
Beautiful Venom by Cindy Pon: 5/5
Death Knell by Victoria Schwab: 4/5
Marigold by Samantha Shannon: 3/5
You, You, It's All About You by Adam Silvera: 4/5
Julian Breaks Every Rule by Andrew Smith: 2/5
Indigo and Shade by April Genevieve Tucholke: 2/5
Sera by Nicola Yoon: 3.5/5
Because You Love to Hate Me will satisfy readers who want to read from the villain's point of view and those who idolize the contributing authors and/or booktubers.
I agree with you that this one was uneven in quality. It was a real slog for me to read most of it. My favorites in the collection were far and away "Death Knell," "Gwen and Art and Lance," and "Venom."
ReplyDeleteI had high expectations for the book probably because it was hyped up so much.
DeleteAw, that's a bit disappointing! I'll grab this at the library before deciding to buy a copy then. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteCass @ Words on Paper
Yeah. Most anthologies usually have hits and misses for me. I hope you do enjoy some of the stories in Because You Love to Hate Me.
DeleteI've only read a couple of anthologies and they did have their ups and downs, but I love these authors so I'm crossing my fingers that I'll love it. Thanks for hosting! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the stories by the authors you love.
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