👑 Book Review: Notorious No More: The Villainess Enjoys Feigning Incompetence, Volume 2 by Hanako Arashi (Kindle Edition)
A delightful blend of comedy, fantasy, and reverse reputation—Volume 2 continues Laviange’s riotous journey as a misunderstood genius hiding behind a mask of incompetence.
🧠 Overview
In Volume 2 of Notorious No More, Laviange Robur, once branded the most hated girl in high society, continues her third-life mission: to live peacefully by pretending to be talentless and irresponsible. But peace is elusive when you’re secretly a legendary mage with the instincts of an 86-year-old Japanese woman and the magical power to level a battlefield.
Now a student at the Royal Academy, Laviange’s façade begins to crack. Her accidental brilliance during a training exercise has turned her into a campus sensation. As she navigates newfound popularity, sacred beasts, and suspicious nobles, she must balance her desire for anonymity with the chaos her hidden talents inevitably unleash.
✨ Key Themes & Highlights
- 🎭 Identity and deception: Laviange’s act of incompetence is both a survival strategy and a source of comedic tension
- 🐉 Magical mayhem: From sacred beast cuddles to explosive spellwork, the story delivers fantasy fun with a lighthearted twist
- 🧓 Reincarnation twist: Her past lives—especially her second as an elderly Japanese woman—add depth and humor to her worldview
- 💬 Social satire: The series pokes fun at noble society, reputation politics, and the absurdity of status games
“Despite being a brilliant mage, she hides behind her reputation as an incompetent individual, spending her days sneaking cuddles from her beloved sacred beasts and avoiding responsibility at all costs. Life is blissfully uneventful—until the Poison Box Garden incident shatters the calm.”
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 5.0/5 (early reviews)
- 📖 Readers love the series’ quirky protagonist, clever worldbuilding, and balance of humor and heart
- 🧾 Volume 2 builds on the charm of the first, with more character development and escalating magical mishaps
- 💬 “Laviange is the kind of heroine you root for—smart, sly, and just trying to nap in peace while the world insists on worshiping her.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📚 Light novel format: Includes illustrations and episodic pacing typical of Japanese light novels
- 📄 Part of a series: Best enjoyed after reading Volume 1 for full context and character arcs
- 🧾 Translation style: English edition translated by Jeremy Browning, maintaining the humor and tone of the original Japanese text
🏁 Final Verdict
Volume 2 of Notorious No More is a witty and whimsical continuation of Laviange’s magical misadventures. With its blend of fantasy, comedy, and social intrigue, it’s perfect for fans of villainess redemption arcs, reincarnation stories, and heroines who’d rather nap than rule. Hanako Arashi’s storytelling is sharp, playful, and packed with charm.
