Light Novel Review: I'd Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Vol.1
I'd Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Vol.1 by Kozusu Kobato Art by: Hinano Chano Translation by Jenny Murphy | Under Winter Reverse Harem 2022
Amy is the 10-year old daughter of Earl of Northland. She suddenly remembers her past life as a highschool student in Japan. And it's not just her...her whole family gets reincarnated! But instead of becoming a villainess and having a harem, she would rather just have a pet cat. Her mom hatches a plan of having her gain weight to ward off an engagement. Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher.
It should be obvious by the title that it is going to be more of cats than harem. It's a heaven for anyone who loves cats so much. There will be a cat mountain, cat cosplay, and a whole lot more cat cuteness. If you are not obsessed with cats or animals, by the end of the book you will be one.
Of course, we're still going to talk about the harem members even though they don't stand a chance with the feline creatures. Reverse harem-ness spoilers ahead. My mind glossed over the harem again and all throughout I really thought that it is strictly a love triangle (or two flowers levels, see Levels of Reverse Harem) since the third guy is also her reincarnated biological brother. The twins made me hopeful but they seem to be minor characters only. And it was only at the chapter before the final one that I remembered there are actually five love interests! There's hope after all or I can be wrong... So far we have met the third prince, Edward; aristocratic Alexander; and foreign prince, Jahal. And we still have yet to meet the other two which are described as magician and son of the commander of Order of Knights. The next volume should have at least one more guy to develop feelings for Amy or we would have been catfished into reading this but then again I don't mind though. (See what I did there. lol) I'm amused with the craftiness of the lead guy in getting close to her while I admire the other guy who has a refreshing approach to being the second lead.
The story deconstructed the cliches in the tropes that involved villainesses and otome reincarnations. Amy is so self-aware of the cliches but I'm kind of disappointed it didn't dwell on that. It then turns into slice-of-life middle-grade fiction. I love the descriptive writing and the translation. I can almost feel Tigger's softness or taste the salt in the air in Wallum. Everything is perfectly calculated to evoke lazy, idyllic life of Amy rolling around with her pet, Tigger. The author wanted to write a peaceful happy story of humans and animals living in harmony and it delivered. It's a wholesome, positive, and cute light novel.
This is the first reverse harem that I know of where the heroine intentionally wants to look fat in contrast with Love Revo and Kiss Him, Not Me which is into losing weight. At the risk of giving too much away, all I can say is that Amy's cuteness is spilling all over the place as shown in the lovely illustrations. And it's not only her looks, she is just so adorably cute with her personality and her obsession with cats. But I'm not buying the magical aspect, it felt like a weak excuse to justify her weight gain. It's good though that her powers are treated as a matter of fact and not overly hyped. While the story seems slow-paced I can sense something big is brewing up and Amy's powers would play a key role.
If you are looking for other middle-grade fiction, I recommend another Cross Infinite World title, Mia, and the Forbidden Medicine. For reverse harem anime, I recommend Shugo Chara and Yumiero Patissierie. I'd rather hear your thoughts than uhmmm nothing at all? Share it in the comments field below!
Purchase titles/ related to the titles mentioned: (as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases):
I’d Rather Have a Cat than a Harem! Reincarnated into the World of an Otome Game as a Cat-loving Villainess Vol.1 https://amzn.to/3pxS6AI
Kiss Him, Note Me Vol. 1 (manga) https://amzn.to/3pDidpE
Kiss Him, Not Me: The Complete Series [Blu-ray] https://amzn.to/3pBqudR
Mia and the Forbidden Medicine Report Vol. 1 (light novel) https://amzn.to/3MmBkhr
Shugo Chara! Vol. 1 (manga) https://amzn.to/3tmbuS0
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