Review
An anthology with compelling characters, mesmerizing stories, and an overall wonderfully written book; Because You Love to Hate Me is the perfect compilation of short stories for you to find the inner villain locked away in the depths of your heart.
Let me first say, WOW! I did not expect that coming! The writing styles of this book swoons readers. I cannot stop reading it. Although it is hard to start the next short story without giving yourself time to contemplate how good the precedent story was.
My only issue with this book is the booktuber aspect. I think it’s way too much of a sidetrack. It would have been better if they moved it to the last page of the book for readers to read if they want to have an in-depth idea of the stories.
Anyway, my top 3 favourite stories would be:
Beautiful Venom by Cindy Pon
A retelling of Medusa’s story, this short tale is heartbreaking. It shows us how dangerously powerful Greek gods are, and that they suffer no consequences from their own actions. The story also tells us how rape victims are often the ones blamed despite being the person who experienced the awful act of violence rapist did to them.
Death Knell by Victoria Schwab
A unique take on Hades and Persephone’s story, this short tale shows us a perspective of who Death is. Of whether he is to blame for taking the lives of people. The characterization of Death and how Grace faced Death with courage that she was given the chance to have a wish. And yet she became something more than what she did not expect. An antivillain story that deserves so much love.
Julian Breaks Every Rule by Andrew Smith and Raeleen Lemay
A funny story of a psychopath that hides in the body of a young boy. This story really plays with the readers mind. Did he actually did what he did? What is all just a play in his mind to rattle the readers and confuse them? That’s the beauty of this story. Everything is up for your own interpretation.
To be honest, I’m not sure how I will review this book. Overall, it was a brilliant collection of tales that shows us that not all villains are bad and not all good are actually good. It tells us that everything is just a matter of perspective.
