I hate books where the hero wins because it's so unrealistic and it gives fairytale vibes and false hopes. I love books when the villain wins because when does the villain wins in real life? And I know books are my "escape from the real world" but I still want it to be somewhat normal. The only, only, only acceptable book where the hero wins is by accident or they been through enough.
Divergent- The main character died. Perfect. I love it.
What else?
And the third acceptable thing is if the character is basically a villian-hero type.
The Cruel Prince- Tell me Jude isn't some sort of villian. Tell me that. You have no proof.
And I really love Swan Lake, because even if it's a ballet, it tells a story. No one expects the black swan to win but she does. And I love it! So fellow writers, does the hero really need a happily ever after? Do they? Have they been through enough? And here's an idea- It might seem like a happily ever after, but it's not. Not for them at least. Please, please take this into consideration. Traumatize your characters! Make them realistic.