REVIEW: ‘All of Us Villains’ by Christine Lynn Herman and Amanda Foody
An interesting slant, that this book frames itself as the antithesis of ‘The Hunger Games’. I understand, there is an obvious shift in morals and motivations, and it with a tag line like that, it’s going to sell books. A very clever marketing strategy and I’m here for it.
However, I think it sells itself short. Firstly, to suggest that there are any “heroes” in ‘The Hunger Games’ completely misses the point, because it’s not about good or bad, but the lengths you will go to in order to survive.
I think it’s an incredibly interesting narrative, however, to centre it on “villainous” characters from the off. Similarly to Katniss et al, there isn’t much choice for these young people; they are selected and they will see it through, or die (trying or resisting, I suppose).
Where ‘The Hunger Games’ is a power move made by those in charge, inflicting suffering and forcing “good”, hard-working people to do terrible things… ‘All of Us Villains’ comes at it more from that original place of priveledge. It’s the socio-political element from a different POV.
Other books that I think exemplify this trope of a "game within a game” include ‘Red Rising’ by Pierce Brown, and the O.G. ‘Battle Royale’ by Koushun Takami. But those are male narratives; despite the presence of female characters they are still written from a male perspective. Books written by women hit different. Fight me on it.
Anyway, whereas I appreciate that the comparison to ‘The Hunger Games’ is just a sparkly way to sell the book, I do think that books like ‘All of Us Villains’ then suffer a kind of comparison complex, and really this book is as unique as any other to have been compared to Suzanne Collins’ writing.
I love books with co-authors. I think they’re interesting. To have two people weave a single story is no small task. I’m always wondering how much input each had into the other’s writing, or was it co-piloted every step of the way? I have questions. And I have no answers.
If you’re wondering where you know the authors from:
But is the book actually any good, Sarah?
Sorry, Captain Tangent here.
The short answer? Yes. I knew from the first few pages that this was my kind of buffet; there was everything I like all in one place. Strong characterisation, stand-out side characters (who seem to have their own lives running alongside the protagonists… because there’s no bigger turn off for me than a side character who doesn’t have any hobbies), a darker, almost luxe grunge lens (how do I explain that one? It’s like if you mashed the Dark Academia and Royalty Core aesthetics together and then distressed them like a good pair of jeans… you know?)
I loved Alistair right out of the gate. I’ll always have a soft spot for a widow’s peak thanks to J. R. Ward (if you know, you know).
The level of detail was really great. I felt like I could just sink right into that world and fully escape into it for long stints. I wanted to binge this book, but unfortunately a pesky thing called “work” got in the way of those plans. But what’s important is the feeling that I could have pulled an all-nighter to read it, happily.
I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, although it probably goes where you think it will, but then it will suddenly surprise you by poking you right in the eye with an interesting plot move. (The idea there is that it makes you blink hard, and you’re both hurt and mad and shocked and laughing all at the same time… you know that feeling? Have someone poke you in the eye, you’ll see what I mean)
All in all it’s a solid read.
If we’re going to make comparisons though, I think this book will be a good match for fans of:
‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo - the gritty, darker tones, the complex folding of setting and character
‘The Atlas Six’ by Olivie Blake - I didn’t get my hands on this before it got snapped up for a traditional re-print but I just feel it in my bones. It’s got a similar vibe.
‘Jade City’ by Fonda Lee - It’s that gothic/noir lens, you know? A multi-faceted narrative.
‘Vicious’ by V. E. Scwab - The ‘Villains’ series. That one is a given.
‘A Deadly Education’ by Naomi Novik - Magic. Danger. Potential death.
I enjoyed the time I spent with this book, ‘All of Us Villains’ gets a thumbs up from me.
Written by Sarah
