A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

As of chapter 186 it's been a slow but enjoyable story. As the description says, this is about a lady fed up with the intensional and unintentional abuse of her family and surroundings, and her start at healing. If you're looking for a revenge plot, politic games and high society drama, then you're in the wrong place. Even if sometimes the story has some of those elements, they're never the main focus and they'll never be. The MC is also very consistent and the secondary characters are far from one dimensional. So if you like introspection and slow but steady character development, then this story is for you.

politics and such are done well. focus is more on the characters than setting, so the world-building isn't anything special, but the FL is outstanding - understandable motivations, a valid trauma response, solid refusal to allow half-assed apologies to sway her. Violet's only serious flaw is that she still hasn't picked up that the ML has actual feelings for her, and as such has accidentally discouraged him several times. slow burn story and overall plot, slow burn romance, excellent protagonist, I'm enjoying it enough to be annoyed waiting for the next chapter

3. 5 the story so far has been just way to monotonous if you were to read the first and last released chapters there wouldnt be much of a difference despite it being 180 chps the story is even more annoying as the characters that are being pushed to be the ml are just terrible. that being said the author has better writing skills than many other similair novels while the ml's are annoying they arent being forced and most importantly NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS which is really rare these days

As of chapter 186: This is not your average villainess novel where MC becomes the villainess of a romance novel/game/VN then proceed to become your average heroine or do whatever she can to prevent her doom or demise, and in the process win either one male lead or couple depend on the existence of harem tag. At least to me, it's one of a kind novel that I rarely seem that gets me anticipated for more to come. World building/setting: slow build up, however, steady. It is not the main focus of the story, therefore well done for it's purpose. 4/5 Character setting/development: if author able to makes you, a reader, feel frustrated, mad, intrigued, towards a character due their behavior, personality, and/or story, then they have perfectly serve their purpose. Interaction between characters and the relationship development come afterwards is perfect for it's pace and build up. 4. 7/5 Story setting/development: good pace. Not too fast and not too slow, just the right amount. And it's only getting better and better. 4. 5/5 Overall 4. 5/5

So far so good, the translation was well done for me – I got teary at some parts because the metaphors came out really well but I think I just really immersed myself in the story. Abusive family and a scheming cousin – though the father verges more on neglect as he acts more favorably to our MC in the eyes of his subordinates. The story so far is reminiscent of Death Is The Only Ending For The Villainess except Violet (MC) 's efforts to fight back isn't well rewarded compared to Penelope when she verbally attacks her family. Though it may change as it's just been 28 chapters and a major conflict was recently introduced. Violet is resigned to her fate of being condemned as the evil woman and it's heartbreaking to read everyone else tell her she's not when it goes in one ear and out the other because it's all she'd ever identified as a child. The characters we meet outside the family all come to one conclusion at the end when they see her for who she truly is. "You must have been so lonely. "

I’ve read up to the latest chapter of 186. The story so far is incredible. The sorrow is real from the FL and she doesn’t forgive easily like Other novels. She’s strong and stands up for Herself without overly relying on others. Her character feels 3 dimensional unlike other similar stories. This is by far one of my favorite romance and female lead stories I have ever read.

I had read upto the recent update which is chap 186. I would like everyone to know this depressing novel. the character portrayal is truly magnificent. everything does makes sense that it makes you both angry and sad. i truly recommend this novel

Decent story. MC is tired of the B's her family gave her now she is taking back her narrative and trying her best to fill her life with peace. Kinda annoying how the siblings seem to keep bothering her even after she told them to leave her alone

World building: Not the main focus so not much to say, but the political squabbles are done very well, not the factions etc part, not much info there, but the small conversations. Power dynamics are very clear Plot: pacing is great, plot itself is more of a recovery from trauma than revenge. It is highly psychological, and somewhat relaxing might I add. Character design and development: Perfection. Well not really, at least not according to my standards, but close. Characters are very consistent and fairly well written, though aside from the mc, the others are a bit lacking in depth. Development side, very promising, also great even now. As said before, it delves a lot in psychology even if it doesn’t outright mention it, the development of the subconscious and conscious actions are naturally great and well written. There is also lots of variety in the character archetypes used, and their own convictions and beliefs are also wonderfully used to influence and illustrate their character development, remaining consistent. Writing & storytelling: very fluent, smooth, good grammar and variability in vocabulary, not exaggerated, but just right, where you don’t feel bombarded by new words, nor tired by the repetition of some. Translation: excellent and consistent delivery of quality. Overall: 4, 4/5 (Personally want to give more, but then it would be too high according to my preset standards and would conflict with my own integrity to try and give the most objective review I can based on my standardised criteria)