BLU's Literary Villain Origin Story
(the books that made us who we are)
(the books that made us who we are)
This book club pick dangled endless potential in front of us, sent the group chat spiraling with theories, and then… absolutely did not stick the landing.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night — Carissa Broadbent
This BLU reader was discovered by Deanna during a work trip and promptly recruited into the group chat - where she clearly belonged.
Skylar
Despite low participation in this romantasy pick, Taylor emerged victorious after discovering what she firmly believes is the greatest book boyfriend of all time.
Darien Cassel — City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards
This Riley Sager thriller had readers questioning reality itself—was it paranormal or a home invasion? That is, until the wardrobe decided to reveal the truth.
Home Before Dark — Riley Sager
This 20+ book series dives deep into dark academia, forbidden romance, and enemies-to-lovers chaos—and Taylor will never stop campaigning for everyone to read it.
Zodiac Academy
This book club pick had us instantly obsessed with the author, thanks to twists and turns that felt very “Freida-coded” in all the best ways.
Hemlock — Kirsten Modglin
This BLU reader has absolutely no issue dismantling a plot, an author, or an entire book when explaining why it does not deserve five stars.
Yashi
This High Lord was expertly crafted by SJM to be morally questionable, undeniably powerful, and a walking red flag—yet here we are, ignoring all of that because… wings.
Rhysand — ACOTAR
This Freida McFadden story has been reimagined by multiple authors, each with their own spin—making it a competitive showdown of plot twists.
The Wife Upstairs — Freida McFadden
Some BLU members went full dedication mode last summer—traveling by train to see this thriller author in person for a book release event.
Riley Sager
This thriller pick had us talking so much that the author himself noticed—and proceeded to follow several BLU members on Instagram. Casual.
Tell Me What You Did — Carter Wilson
This BLU reader made BLU history by being the first to welcome a baby after the club’s founding in 2024—ushering in the next generation of readers.
Tara
These broody Irish men from a certain trilogy are exactly the kind of characters you do not want to encounter in a dark alley… and honestly, their partners aren’t much safer either.
Rowan, Lachlan, or Fionn — The Ruinous Love Trilogy
This thriller-horror novel by an author with the initials J.R. unsettled readers with eerie imagery—until one line delivered a twist so brutal it still leaves a handprint on our face.
Hidden Pictures — Jason Rekulak
This author is famous for historical fiction that emotionally devastates readers for multiple business days before, during, and after finishing a book.
Kristin Hannah
This book club pick perfectly matched the return of warm weather, city vibes, and main-character energy - so much so that Dara bedazzled her copy (and yes, the author wants one too).
Summer in the City — Alex Aster
This BLU reader was once a competitive ice skater, is now an instructor, and has been best friends with Taylor since the ripe age of three.
Jaclyn
This MMC is rude, hostile, emotionally unavailable, and apparently immune to both lightning and personal growth—but somehow still beloved.
Xaden — Fourth Wing
“What did you do?”
“Exactly what you told me to do.”
Onyx Storm — Rebecca Yarros
This series was forced upon Taylor barely a month into BLU’s existence; she read it over February break and remains convinced the author despises her readers.
ACOTAR
This small-town romance is part of a three-book series and sparked endless debates over the best MMC—though many agree the second book’s love interest is the ultimate “TEN-I-SEE.”
Things We Never Got Over — Lucy Score
This BLU reader is part of Taylor’s family and deeply understands the emotional damage caused by… the Burnt Peanut.
Meghan
This character’s redemption arc was so significant that an entire book was dedicated to him—yet BLU collectively agrees he remains unforgivable.
Chaol — Throne of Glass
This twist-filled thriller left readers speechless with questions like: rotten food? a goldfish funeral? Blake, please explain yourself.
The Tenant — Freida McFadden
This series follows a woman whose hobbies include manipulation, financial infiltration, and ruining families—until she inevitably meets her match. While it’s not Freida, you'll definitely pick up some Housemaid vibes here.
The Mrs. Parrish Series — Liv Constantine