The novel with the most character depth on this list. The translator said she suspects the author had some experience in psychology and I really... more>> have to agree with that. The understanding the author has of human nature is so detailed and profound that I have yet to find a novel that can match up to this. The characters are so fleshed out you feel like they can walk out of the novel. Their motives are clear, their personalities are complex, their flaws and virtues are two sides of the same coin. Probably my favorite novel on this list though it is still far from being completely translated. <<less

Most iconic second chance revenge type novel where the female lead is reborn and repays everyone who wronged her in the previous life. Really deserves... more>> every bit of the hype it gets. Shen Miao is my queen and she can step on me and I would thank her. <<less

Another revenge type novel, but I think this one is special in that it reads a lot like a mystery novel where you keep trying to guess the mechanic of the schemes until the female protagonist reveals how it was all done and turns things around to backfire on the people who tried to scheme against her.... more>>

I also have so much love how the author writes the romance in this novel and the depth with which she portrays all three male leads. All three of them are extremely fleshed out and have clear motives.

If I had to summarize them there’s 1) the scumbag first love who is tr*sh but is reasonably so (the author kind of uses him to make fun of the over-domineering male lead trope which I love)  2) the previous enemy now ally second male lead who is actually first male lead material if not for his background and circumstances 3) the actual male lead who is a total dark horse and such an adorable puppy dog if you don’t love him I will fight you. <<less

Basically Malicious Empress 2.0 if you liked Malicious Empress you’d probably like this as well, but the romance develops later than it does in Malicious... more>> Empress (which I personally like). I think the author wrote this before she wrote Malicious Empress because the plot is noticeably a little choppier but by all means I would still give it a 5/5! <<less

A lot more lighthearted than all the other novels on this list because it’s not about the female protagonist getting revenge but rather her just... more>> trying to avoid all the male protagonists and the dog blood drama they pulled her into in the past life. Really satisfying for those who like to see the male protagonists regret and eat sh*t!  <<less

Probably the most tragic novel on this list. The female lead’s greatest sin was her desire to be loved or at least free herself from... more>> the pain of being unloved, but even that she wasn’t granted. It’s heartbreaking watching her go from her initial anger at the injustice to her determination to change her fate to her eventual ambivalence and acceptance of her situation. You have to be a masochist to enjoy this novel. <<less

I really don’t get why the rating is so low on this novel because it’s really well done? It shares a lot of similarities with... more>> Chinese historical revenge novels but it’s Korean and takes place in a more fantastical European setting. If you like the trope of the female lead getting bloody revenge this is the novel for you. <<less