The Side Table

Title: Because You Hate To Love Me

By: Multiple Authors

Published: 2017

Genre: Short stories fiction

Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars

This YA book is a collection of 13 stories written by prominent authors that focus on the stories about villains. Each author is paired with a Booktuber (Youtube book reviewers) who gives the author their writing prompt and their opinion about the stories written.

I found this book in my local library and picked it up. Who doesn’t like a good villain story? What my luck this book has 13 stories. When I finished, I promptly went to Amazon and bought my own copy for my bookshelf.

How this book is designed is that there are 13 authors, all well known and established in their careers. Each was paired with a Booktuber (someone who talks about books on Youtube) who gave them a writing prompt. The author would then write the story they thought matched the idea given, keeping it in line with villains. The Booktuber would then give their opinion on the story and how they liked the new take on everything. Sometimes it was as fun to read the opinions as it was to read the story.

I liked that these stories were so enthralling. I had actually taken this on a long road trip so I could read a story, nap for a bit or chat with my family, and then return to the book for another story when I felt like it. The interpretations of the stories were so varied, too. Without giving too many spoilers, there was one that was based in Chinese mythology when the original story was Greek. There were modern takes on old classics and there was even a few ‘What if’ stories that explored a different avenue to well known stories. Honestly, I was surprised by each story. They were unique in writing and craftsmanship but they were also a real treat for a break from reality for a few minutes.

If you love a good villain story where they’re not just the usual ‘bad guy’ label, this is the book for you. It’ll have you thinking of your old favorites in a new light while bringing you entertainment for however long you wish to read these fascinating tales. Great for the Halloween season that’s upon us. Grab your favorite Witch’s Brew, curl up in front of a fire, and get your villain on!