Falling in love with the villain is a trope we often see in fiction. These characters’ complexity, dark pasts, troubled minds, and misunderstood souls can draw readers in like no other. Here is a list of 10 books that will make you see the villain in a new light, and might just make you root for them.
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1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde introduces us to the charming yet corrupt Dorian Gray. The book explores how Dorian’s quest for eternal youth leads him down a dark path, making him both a victim and villain in his own story. His gradual moral decay, contrasted with his outward beauty, creates a character that is hard to hate, despite his sins.
2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
In ‘Gone Girl’, Amy Dunne is far from your typical villain. At first, you sympathize with her, but as the story unravels, so does Amy’s true nature. She is calculating, manipulative, and brilliant. Flynn’s writing is so captivating that you can’t help but admire Amy’s twisted sense of justice. Even as her actions grow more disturbing, readers are left fascinated by her every move.
3. The Sialkot Saga by Ashwin Sanghi
In ‘The Sialkot Saga’, Ashwin Sanghi brings to life the characters of Arvind and Arbaaz, two men driven by ambition and greed. Both are ruthless in their pursuit of power and success, making them appear villainous. Yet, as you learn about their backstories, you begin to understand their motives, and you can’t help but feel a twisted admiration for their resilience and cunning. The novel blurs the lines between right and wrong, making these anti-heroes hard to fully condemn.
4. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Dracula is the epitome of a villain you can’t help but be intrigued by. His regal, mysterious demeanour and eternal search for blood make him dangerous, but there’s an allure in his loneliness and immortality. Bram Stoker’s iconic character has been captivating readers for over a century, making him one of the most fascinating villains ever.
5. The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi
In ‘The Immortals of Meluha’, Amish Tripathi presents a new take on Lord Shiva, who is both revered as a god and depicted as a man with flaws and struggles. The antagonist in this series, Lord Daksha, is a complex character. While he is perceived as a villain due to his actions and thirst for power, his motivations stem from fear and insecurity. Amish creates a layered world where characters aren’t simply good or evil, and as the story unfolds, you begin to understand Daksha’s choices and the burden of his role.
6. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Villains can come in many forms, and in Vicious, Victor Vale and Eli Ever both cross the line between good and evil. The two former college friends turn into bitter enemies, both with superpowers that blur their moral compass. Schwab creates complex, morally grey characters that make you question who the real villain is. As you read, you might just find yourself rooting for Victor, even as his actions grow more dangerous.
7. Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kane
Karna’s Wife by Kavita Kane tells the Mahabharata from Uruvi’s point of view, Karna’s wife. Through her eyes, you see Karna’s struggle between loyalty, honour, and fate. He is often viewed as a villain for his association with Duryodhana, but Kane portrays him with depth and empathy. You begin to see Karna not as a villain but as a tragic hero whose life was shaped by circumstances beyond his control. His nobility and tragic flaws make him a character you cannot help but love.
8. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
In ‘Throne of Glass’, Celaena Sardothien is an assassin with a dark past. While she’s not the traditional villain, her lethal skills and willingness to kill place her in the morally gray territory. As the story progresses, Maas reveals Celaena’s motivations and vulnerabilities, transforming her from a feared killer to someone readers can relate to and even root for.
9. The Darkling from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Darkling is one of those villains who is so charismatic and powerful that you almost want him to succeed. His tragic backstory, his desire for control, and his ability to wield immense power make him a compelling character. Leigh Bardugo masterfully creates a villain who believes he is doing what is right, even if it means destruction. As you dive into the Grishaverse, you’ll find it hard to completely hate him.
10. Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ is a classic example of a villain driven by ambition. From a noble warrior to a guilt-ridden murderer, Macbeth’s descent into madness is fascinating to witness. His internal struggle with his own actions, haunted by guilt and paranoia, makes him both terrifying and pitiable. Shakespeare gives his villain so much depth that by the end, you almost feel sorry for him, even as his hands are stained with blood.
