In “All of Us Villains,” authors Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman embark upon a treacherously magical journey, weaving together a narrative lush with dark ambition and the inescapable allure of forbidden power. Positioned as the inaugural volume of an upcoming series, the novel introduces readers to the grim tradition of Ilvernath—a town locked in a deadly generational competition for control over a potent source of high magick.

At first glance, the premise may evoke a reminiscence of “The Hunger Games” with its cadre of unwilling participants chosen to battle to the death. Yet, Foody and Herman carve out a distinctive niche by injecting a richly conceived world of magic at every competitive turn, complicating alliances and enmities with spells and curses that reach beyond the battlefield and into the familial and political spheres of the characters involved.

The seven protagonists, each representing a powerful family involved in the tournament, are delineated with a keen eye for detail and depth. This attention allows for a multilayered exploration of what it means to be a villain, with the authors blurring the lines between villainy and survival, ambition and desperation. The characters are fleshed out through their backstories, their fears, and most poignant, their shifting moralities in the face of incessant pressure. Unlike straightforward narratives of good versus evil, “All of Us Villains” challenges the reader to sympathize with, or at least understand, each character’s motivations and the legacies they struggle under.

The world-building is intricate, indicating Foody and Herman’s dedication to crafting a believable yet fantastical world. The narrative benefits greatly from the mechanics of the magical system—complex yet comprehensible, adding a palpable tension to the plot without overwhelming it. Furthermore, the well-timed revelation of the town’s dark secrets and the characters’ strategic revelations keep the pace taut and engaging.

One of the novel’s compelling elements is how it deals with the impact of publicity on the tournament’s competitors, an interesting social commentary brought forth through the inclusion of a scandalous tell-all book. This modern twist not only exposes the characters to a global audience but also influences their strategies and self-perceptions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the influence of fame and public perception on personal identity.

However, despite its many strengths, the novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in the middle chapters where the necessity of keeping multiple storylines and perspectives alive slightly bogs down the narrative drive. This, coupled with a sometimes overwhelming number of magical rules and terms, might deter readers less familiar with or new to the fantasy genre.

In conclusion, “All of Us Villains” by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman is a formidable addition to the ranks of young adult fantasy, cleverly reworking the contours of traditional villainy against a backdrop brimming with enchantment and bloodshed. It crafts a world where every character could be both hero and villain, inviting readers into a morally complex maze that promises even darker turns in future installments. As much as it is a story about magic and power, it is an intimate examination of choice, legacy, and the types of villainy born from necessity.