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The Malevolent Seven #2
The Malevolent Eight: The Bad, The Worse And The Wicked
The stakes have never been higher.
The world is teetering on the brink of annihilation. The Lords Celestine and the Lords Devilish, celestial and infernal beings locked in an age-old enmity, have at last found the perfect battlefield for their apocalyptic Great Crusade: the mortal realm.
Cade Ombra, former Glorian Justiciar turned mercenary wonderist, leads a band of emotionally unstable mages in a desperate bid to prevent the impending clash of divine and diabolical titans. Failure will leave humanity to be conscripted into an eternal war, serving as foot soldiers doomed to oblivion.
The mission seems impossible, but Cade and the Malevolent Seven aren't exactly pacifists, so they're determined to bring peace no matter how many people they have to kill first. With wit as sharp as their blades and a moral compass that points only toward survival, they're ready to cut down anyone in their path to stop the war before it begins.
Prepare for a whirlwind of dark magic, irreverent humour and relentless action in The Malevolent The Bad, The Worse and The Wicked. The fate of the humanity hangs in the balance, and only the most malevolent can hope to save it.
The world is teetering on the brink of annihilation. The Lords Celestine and the Lords Devilish, celestial and infernal beings locked in an age-old enmity, have at last found the perfect battlefield for their apocalyptic Great Crusade: the mortal realm.
Cade Ombra, former Glorian Justiciar turned mercenary wonderist, leads a band of emotionally unstable mages in a desperate bid to prevent the impending clash of divine and diabolical titans. Failure will leave humanity to be conscripted into an eternal war, serving as foot soldiers doomed to oblivion.
The mission seems impossible, but Cade and the Malevolent Seven aren't exactly pacifists, so they're determined to bring peace no matter how many people they have to kill first. With wit as sharp as their blades and a moral compass that points only toward survival, they're ready to cut down anyone in their path to stop the war before it begins.
Prepare for a whirlwind of dark magic, irreverent humour and relentless action in The Malevolent The Bad, The Worse and The Wicked. The fate of the humanity hangs in the balance, and only the most malevolent can hope to save it.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2025
263 people are currently reading
1444 people want to read
About the author
Sebastien de Castell
58 books4,990 followersHi Folks!
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
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July 20, 2025Lately I've been reading a lot of brilliant but very dark books. So, it is perfect timing for something lighter. When you're looking for some humorous fantasy with heart as well as grit, Sebastien de Castell is the perfect author to turn to...
May 5, 2025
This book is a seriously fun time. The world is a bit bonkers, and I say that even considering where we left off in the Malevolent Seven. The plot surprised me with the addition of a new character who added a completely different flavour to any I had been expecting, and I loved it. As much of a de Castell fan as I am from Greatcoats and M7, there's one series I've just never considered checking out, but on the strength of this new character with a shared name, I will soon be rectifying that.
Above all else, the one thing that makes this series shine for me is the humour. Too many times I've seen a balls-to-the-wall fantasy novel that fails to be funny because the author is specifically trying to be funny. Here, there are no such problems, the humour isn't (for me at least) the laugh-out-loud kind, but more the big-smile-and-nod-of-appreciation kind. It really feels to me like it could be from a grown-up Discworld novel: it's the same kind of effortless humour delivered as part of the main character's narration - it's just more violent, sweary, and naughty.
The characters are unhinged, murderous, crude, and utterly loveable, and I don't think there's a single one who is what he or she seems at first glance. I really appreciate how the author took a group I had no right to be rooting for, and made it so I wouldn't even consider swapping any of them out. Mind you, the way he writes, de Castell could make me think a luminist is the best wonderist, or even a florinist - and I initially thought we were getting one of those in the group back in M7... Every one of the group from M7 has become a bit of a favourite, even if I didn't like most of them at first. Mind you, I'm still not totally sold on the vampiric kangaroo who only knows one word, or two if you count the plural...
Above all else, the one thing that makes this series shine for me is the humour. Too many times I've seen a balls-to-the-wall fantasy novel that fails to be funny because the author is specifically trying to be funny. Here, there are no such problems, the humour isn't (for me at least) the laugh-out-loud kind, but more the big-smile-and-nod-of-appreciation kind. It really feels to me like it could be from a grown-up Discworld novel: it's the same kind of effortless humour delivered as part of the main character's narration - it's just more violent, sweary, and naughty.
The characters are unhinged, murderous, crude, and utterly loveable, and I don't think there's a single one who is what he or she seems at first glance. I really appreciate how the author took a group I had no right to be rooting for, and made it so I wouldn't even consider swapping any of them out. Mind you, the way he writes, de Castell could make me think a luminist is the best wonderist, or even a florinist - and I initially thought we were getting one of those in the group back in M7... Every one of the group from M7 has become a bit of a favourite, even if I didn't like most of them at first. Mind you, I'm still not totally sold on the vampiric kangaroo who only knows one word, or two if you count the plural...
April 9, 2025
THIS!!!! Is exactly what I want from a SDC novel.
I would actually say this straddles into grimdark a little, the fighting is brutal, there is gore, its bloody bleak, and frankly, the world has become a shit show.
Against this backdrop, we have a sarcastic, witty, frustrating, and deeply conflicted main character. Getting the story through his eyes, memories, and monologues all means the story moved at a rapid pace.
The "Eight" all hold their own in the story and add value and drama. I suppose having a best friend who's like Thor but who's been stuck by a bee and is fucking furious with the world, would give you an entertaining character.
I just loved the flow of this book and as with every SDC book I've read, his prose is top notch.
Really good book!
I would actually say this straddles into grimdark a little, the fighting is brutal, there is gore, its bloody bleak, and frankly, the world has become a shit show.
Against this backdrop, we have a sarcastic, witty, frustrating, and deeply conflicted main character. Getting the story through his eyes, memories, and monologues all means the story moved at a rapid pace.
The "Eight" all hold their own in the story and add value and drama. I suppose having a best friend who's like Thor but who's been stuck by a bee and is fucking furious with the world, would give you an entertaining character.
I just loved the flow of this book and as with every SDC book I've read, his prose is top notch.
Really good book!
October 29, 2025
This book continues on from the last with reminders of what went on previously but not in a massive way so it doesn't interfere with the main story. Again we follow the same group of outlaw Wonderists with their big personalities in a world full of schemes and magic.
The pace is quick, and the dialogue is full of wit and sarcasm. This is provided in no small part by monologue from the MC which I found a great addition and a bit of light humour to dark situations. I really enjoyed exploring the sides of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ and their different take on magic which was fascinating and imaginative.
This time we get deeper into the world of the Wonderists by expanding on their personalities and the what makes each character unique. I really loved the world building, the details of each place are lovingly described conjuring all sorts of amazing thoughts in my head to how it looked and felt.
It’s not a heavy or emotional read, more like an action-driven fantasy with a sense of humour, danger, and attitude. If you like morally grey heroes, sharp banter, and chaotic adventure, this one delivers exactly that. I found it difficult to tear myself away from this world as it was so wonderfully detailed and I enjoyed every second of it.
The pace is quick, and the dialogue is full of wit and sarcasm. This is provided in no small part by monologue from the MC which I found a great addition and a bit of light humour to dark situations. I really enjoyed exploring the sides of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ and their different take on magic which was fascinating and imaginative.
This time we get deeper into the world of the Wonderists by expanding on their personalities and the what makes each character unique. I really loved the world building, the details of each place are lovingly described conjuring all sorts of amazing thoughts in my head to how it looked and felt.
It’s not a heavy or emotional read, more like an action-driven fantasy with a sense of humour, danger, and attitude. If you like morally grey heroes, sharp banter, and chaotic adventure, this one delivers exactly that. I found it difficult to tear myself away from this world as it was so wonderfully detailed and I enjoyed every second of it.
August 5, 2025
No one should trust my ratings for anything Castell writes. I am hopelessly lost in his brand of humor and type of hero. Probably I have some personality defect that wants to be my own grand hero and fortunately don't have magic wars in which to develop any self sacrifical tendencies.
All writers' humor hits any particular reader differently, this brand of sophomoric yet nudging close to intelligent joking hits my sweet spot. It won't, nor should it, work for everyone. So if you have liked any of Castell's other books, you will continue to like this, The Malevolent Eight probably won't be fire as the kids say.
I also celebrate my 1000 review with this mostly uninspired yet somewhat readable review
Thanks to LibroFM for the ALC
All writers' humor hits any particular reader differently, this brand of sophomoric yet nudging close to intelligent joking hits my sweet spot. It won't, nor should it, work for everyone. So if you have liked any of Castell's other books, you will continue to like this, The Malevolent Eight probably won't be fire as the kids say.
I also celebrate my 1000 review with this mostly uninspired yet somewhat readable review
Thanks to LibroFM for the ALC
May 1, 2025
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
’Nobody’s suffering gives them a license to take away someone else’s freedom’
The Malevolent Eight is the equally hilarious, very well-written sequel to The Malevolent Seven, and one that brings even more explosive action, gore and violence.
Following on from the previous entry, Cade Ombra and Co are working to stop the so-called ‘Great Crusade’, the large-scale conflict the Aurorals and Infernals have been dreaming of for thousands of years. Alas, demons and zealots are not the only obstacles in their path - they also have to contend with the enigmatic Spellslinger, who seems to know everything about them….
It’s hard to talk about this book in terms different from how I spoke about its predecessor. The characters are the same, and very little development can be found in their overarching personalities, the setting is the same, i.e., it is still pretty neglected in favour of dialogue and plot progression, and the antagonists are the same, aka the Aurorals and Infernals. In a sense, The Malevolent Eight does suffer from middle-book syndrome even though the third book is yet to be written. It’s hard to describe, but reading this book I just could sense its position as a place-holder, I could tell by the way very few meaningful events occurred until the last 100 pages. And this isn’t a criticism necessarily, SDC has such brilliant and engaging writing that I never felt bored or frustrated with the lack of, to be blunt, stuff happening. But I think when looking back at this series after its conclusion, it’ll be plain to see.
I think my main gripe with this book is that I don’t particularly feel the bond between its characters, I don’t see how they are all so close. Cade constantly comments on how he ‘loves them’ more than he’s ever loved anyone, and while I can see that with regards to Corrigan and Galass, I’m not sure that I believe it in reference to Alice or Aradeus. And this is where the lack of development comes into play. I can see that Cade goes through some changes, as the pov and main-character, but not anyone else, and I don’t see any reason why Cade should feel so much love and adoration for most of his group. I see the bond between Cade and Corrigan, Cade and Galass, Shame and Aradeus, but not between, let’s say, Aradeus and Alice, who hardly seem to interact at all. They don’t feel like a group of inseparable friends, they feel like work colleagues. It’s just not believable, and I’m not sold on their friendships. SDC’s dialogue may be witty and hilarious, but it doesn’t mask the fact that these people don’t seem all that enamoured with each other.
Despite my issues with The Malevolent Eight, I’m still giving it 4/5 stars, simply because it’s so incredibly entertaining. I may have issues with it, but I also had a really fun time reading it. It’s a bit of an oxymoron, I know, but that’s just how it is. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
’Nobody’s suffering gives them a license to take away someone else’s freedom’
The Malevolent Eight is the equally hilarious, very well-written sequel to The Malevolent Seven, and one that brings even more explosive action, gore and violence.
Following on from the previous entry, Cade Ombra and Co are working to stop the so-called ‘Great Crusade’, the large-scale conflict the Aurorals and Infernals have been dreaming of for thousands of years. Alas, demons and zealots are not the only obstacles in their path - they also have to contend with the enigmatic Spellslinger, who seems to know everything about them….
It’s hard to talk about this book in terms different from how I spoke about its predecessor. The characters are the same, and very little development can be found in their overarching personalities, the setting is the same, i.e., it is still pretty neglected in favour of dialogue and plot progression, and the antagonists are the same, aka the Aurorals and Infernals. In a sense, The Malevolent Eight does suffer from middle-book syndrome even though the third book is yet to be written. It’s hard to describe, but reading this book I just could sense its position as a place-holder, I could tell by the way very few meaningful events occurred until the last 100 pages. And this isn’t a criticism necessarily, SDC has such brilliant and engaging writing that I never felt bored or frustrated with the lack of, to be blunt, stuff happening. But I think when looking back at this series after its conclusion, it’ll be plain to see.
I think my main gripe with this book is that I don’t particularly feel the bond between its characters, I don’t see how they are all so close. Cade constantly comments on how he ‘loves them’ more than he’s ever loved anyone, and while I can see that with regards to Corrigan and Galass, I’m not sure that I believe it in reference to Alice or Aradeus. And this is where the lack of development comes into play. I can see that Cade goes through some changes, as the pov and main-character, but not anyone else, and I don’t see any reason why Cade should feel so much love and adoration for most of his group. I see the bond between Cade and Corrigan, Cade and Galass, Shame and Aradeus, but not between, let’s say, Aradeus and Alice, who hardly seem to interact at all. They don’t feel like a group of inseparable friends, they feel like work colleagues. It’s just not believable, and I’m not sold on their friendships. SDC’s dialogue may be witty and hilarious, but it doesn’t mask the fact that these people don’t seem all that enamoured with each other.
Despite my issues with The Malevolent Eight, I’m still giving it 4/5 stars, simply because it’s so incredibly entertaining. I may have issues with it, but I also had a really fun time reading it. It’s a bit of an oxymoron, I know, but that’s just how it is. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
December 10, 2025
They have a lofty goal. Bringing peace to their world through massive violence.
Better than the first book. The Malevolent Seven are still not "good" people. They're not even all people. The same irreverent humor permeates the book and makes for quite a wild ride.
Better than the first book. The Malevolent Seven are still not "good" people. They're not even all people. The same irreverent humor permeates the book and makes for quite a wild ride.
June 10, 2025
Okay, if you ignore every other grimdark fantasy rec I’ve ever made, don’t ignore this one. I just finished this one and it was even better than the first—which is saying a lot because I
loved
book one.
This series is peak grimdark: morally gray war mages, sarcastic banter, questionable choices, and somehow still full of heart. Think Deadpool energy but in a fantasy world. The found family dynamic is incredible. They act like they can’t stand each other, but if anyone outside the group steps out of line? It's all hands on deck.
The main character, Cade Umbra, breaks the fourth wall in the best way—snarky, self-aware, and strategic. One character in this book absolutely stole the show (not saying who, because it’s better to discover it yourself), and I even got teary a few times. There’s real emotional weight under the humor and chaos.
Also, shoutout to the audiobook narrated by Joe Jameson—he nails it. If you're into audio, that version elevates the whole experience.
Bottom line: if you’re a fan of series like Dungeon Crawler Carl and want something with that same wild, smart, emotional chaos, start this series. It’s sharp, funny, heartfelt, and I’m all in for however many books we get. (It's supposed to be a trilogy, but a girl can hope for more, right?!)
Need more convincing? Come visit me on my BookTube Channel! for a full non spoiler review about my experience with THE MALEVOLENT EIGHT.
I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
This series is peak grimdark: morally gray war mages, sarcastic banter, questionable choices, and somehow still full of heart. Think Deadpool energy but in a fantasy world. The found family dynamic is incredible. They act like they can’t stand each other, but if anyone outside the group steps out of line? It's all hands on deck.
The main character, Cade Umbra, breaks the fourth wall in the best way—snarky, self-aware, and strategic. One character in this book absolutely stole the show (not saying who, because it’s better to discover it yourself), and I even got teary a few times. There’s real emotional weight under the humor and chaos.
Also, shoutout to the audiobook narrated by Joe Jameson—he nails it. If you're into audio, that version elevates the whole experience.
Bottom line: if you’re a fan of series like Dungeon Crawler Carl and want something with that same wild, smart, emotional chaos, start this series. It’s sharp, funny, heartfelt, and I’m all in for however many books we get. (It's supposed to be a trilogy, but a girl can hope for more, right?!)
Need more convincing? Come visit me on my BookTube Channel! for a full non spoiler review about my experience with THE MALEVOLENT EIGHT.
I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.
January 3, 2026
I can only confirm every word I wrote for the Malevolent Seven, and if possible I'd add another star for the kangaroo and the afterwords.
De Castell is, at least according to my taste, definitely one of the best fantasy writers out there.
It was not in my plans, but, after reading The Malevolen Eight, now I have to read also the Spellslingers series.
If you read the book too, you know why.
De Castell is, at least according to my taste, definitely one of the best fantasy writers out there.
It was not in my plans, but, after reading The Malevolen Eight, now I have to read also the Spellslingers series.
If you read the book too, you know why.
Read
December 30, 2025I'm immediately going to point you to Lezlie (Nerdy Narrative) and Dom's reviews on this book. Seriously, go read theirs, then come back to me.
I love De Castell as an author and a person. His writing style and storytelling are some of my favorites and Greatcoats is one of my favorite series. This book just isn't my speed, and that's ok. That's why I told you to read those other two reviews first. In fact, if you've followed me for a while and don't like the Greatcoats, I especially urge you to give this series a try.
Everything trademark De Castell is here, and the worldbuilding is interesting and wild. It just comes down to the fact that it's just a little much for me. It's hard for me to root for these guys when they're just so...insufferable lol. There are some great additions--Temper especially, despite his only dialogue being f-bombs lol, and I really did enjoy the first book, but the love interest in this one just wasn't my speed at all, especially in the audio. I normally love Joe Jameson, but not here.
Regardless, De Castell remains one of my favs and if there's another one in this series, I'll absolutely read it!
I love De Castell as an author and a person. His writing style and storytelling are some of my favorites and Greatcoats is one of my favorite series. This book just isn't my speed, and that's ok. That's why I told you to read those other two reviews first. In fact, if you've followed me for a while and don't like the Greatcoats, I especially urge you to give this series a try.
Everything trademark De Castell is here, and the worldbuilding is interesting and wild. It just comes down to the fact that it's just a little much for me. It's hard for me to root for these guys when they're just so...insufferable lol. There are some great additions--Temper especially, despite his only dialogue being f-bombs lol, and I really did enjoy the first book, but the love interest in this one just wasn't my speed at all, especially in the audio. I normally love Joe Jameson, but not here.
Regardless, De Castell remains one of my favs and if there's another one in this series, I'll absolutely read it!
Want to read
March 8, 2025Yes! Love the cover, can't wait to get my hands on this. De Castell is criminally underrated.
June 12, 2025
3.5 Ridiculous Vampire Kangaroo Stars
I'm not even sure what I just read. This was a crazy ride and that is saying something after all the chaos of the first book. There is a section that I think would have made more sense if I read the Spellslinger series but I haven't so I'm not sure if it was relevant or not.
Our group, just as a reminder are not heroes. They are broken, misguided narcissistic and a plethora of other descriptors you'd give a group of mercenaries trying to stop the apocalypse. Not really out of the goodness of their hearts but to mess with the Angels and Demons they hate.
Cade is the leader of this pack and trying to disrupt team good and team evil's plan to take over the world and start a war that will wipe out and enslave most of humanity. They were a strange bunch but have become even stranger with a new addition to the crew of a vampire kangaroo, who much like Groot conveys so much with only a two word vocabulary.
I honestly don't know how to describe the plot of this book. Utter chaos ensues in this "not a love story" tale. People are tortured, usually Cade. Characters are betrayed also usually Cade. Heroes are tested, again usually Cade. And someone has to make some sacrifices if he is going to get the girl and save the bloody world, at least for a little while. Again usually Cade.
Overall I'm not sure how I feel about parts of the story. The author was humorous, so many one liners and situation parts made me either snicker or at least smirk, not smile there is a difference. Some of the more graphic scenes were brutal and a little past my normal comfort zone, but bravo to Sebastien de Castell for going al out on them. No matter what I can't say I didn't have a good time overall though and look forward to seeing what else could possibly happen in this world.
I'm not even sure what I just read. This was a crazy ride and that is saying something after all the chaos of the first book. There is a section that I think would have made more sense if I read the Spellslinger series but I haven't so I'm not sure if it was relevant or not.
Our group, just as a reminder are not heroes. They are broken, misguided narcissistic and a plethora of other descriptors you'd give a group of mercenaries trying to stop the apocalypse. Not really out of the goodness of their hearts but to mess with the Angels and Demons they hate.
Cade is the leader of this pack and trying to disrupt team good and team evil's plan to take over the world and start a war that will wipe out and enslave most of humanity. They were a strange bunch but have become even stranger with a new addition to the crew of a vampire kangaroo, who much like Groot conveys so much with only a two word vocabulary.
I honestly don't know how to describe the plot of this book. Utter chaos ensues in this "not a love story" tale. People are tortured, usually Cade. Characters are betrayed also usually Cade. Heroes are tested, again usually Cade. And someone has to make some sacrifices if he is going to get the girl and save the bloody world, at least for a little while. Again usually Cade.
Overall I'm not sure how I feel about parts of the story. The author was humorous, so many one liners and situation parts made me either snicker or at least smirk, not smile there is a difference. Some of the more graphic scenes were brutal and a little past my normal comfort zone, but bravo to Sebastien de Castell for going al out on them. No matter what I can't say I didn't have a good time overall though and look forward to seeing what else could possibly happen in this world.
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June 8, 2025
This book is giving me 'if Guardians of the Galaxy had been an R-rated movie' vibes. I love it.
June 1, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley
I really didn't like this book much and likely would have DNF'd had I not requested a copy from Netgalley. Maybe too much time had passed since I read the first book but I found the first chapter very confusing and had no idea what was going on. Some of the humour in the book was funny but after a while I just got bored of it and wished the author focused more on the story rather than what witty lines he could come up with. There was a huge chunk of the middle of the book where I was so bored. There were also some scenes that would have been horrific and added to the emotional depth of the story but the author chose to make the inappropriately humorous and it just fell flat for me.
I also found some lines to be very close to lines from some other medias, had I enjoyed the book I would have liked the nods to LOTR and Gone In Sixty Seconds, but as it was I just found them annoying. I still want to go back to the Greycoats Series and try to finish that off but this series is just not for me so Im calling it quits here.
I really didn't like this book much and likely would have DNF'd had I not requested a copy from Netgalley. Maybe too much time had passed since I read the first book but I found the first chapter very confusing and had no idea what was going on. Some of the humour in the book was funny but after a while I just got bored of it and wished the author focused more on the story rather than what witty lines he could come up with. There was a huge chunk of the middle of the book where I was so bored. There were also some scenes that would have been horrific and added to the emotional depth of the story but the author chose to make the inappropriately humorous and it just fell flat for me.
I also found some lines to be very close to lines from some other medias, had I enjoyed the book I would have liked the nods to LOTR and Gone In Sixty Seconds, but as it was I just found them annoying. I still want to go back to the Greycoats Series and try to finish that off but this series is just not for me so Im calling it quits here.
December 9, 2025
I had FAR too much fun with this!
And I adore Temper. I want one! 😆
And I adore Temper. I want one! 😆
May 18, 2025
Actual rating 3.5
Galley provided by publisher
The Malevolent Eight is a solid follow-up to The Malevolent Seven. It's fun, it's fast-paced, and it introduces a whole lot more chaos to an already chaotic world. In short, it's a great book! However, it's also a book that suffers somewhat from middle-book syndrome. For a reasonable chunk of it, there's not a whole lot going on and, while it's still a good read in those moments - it's not one of those books that drags at all - it does result in a 3.5-stars-rounded-down rating from me. I maintain that's still a good rating and, after that ending, it's easily still a series I want to continue. Much of what's exciting about this book is the way it tears down what you thought was true from the previous book, and also introduces new possibilities into the world of the series. It was a book I didn't want to put down for all of the time that I was reading it. All of this being said though, I do think de Castell's attempt at a romance between Cade and another character (I may have forgotten her name already) was incredibly weak. Good thing that's not remotely why I'm reading this series, is all I can say.
Galley provided by publisher
The Malevolent Eight is a solid follow-up to The Malevolent Seven. It's fun, it's fast-paced, and it introduces a whole lot more chaos to an already chaotic world. In short, it's a great book! However, it's also a book that suffers somewhat from middle-book syndrome. For a reasonable chunk of it, there's not a whole lot going on and, while it's still a good read in those moments - it's not one of those books that drags at all - it does result in a 3.5-stars-rounded-down rating from me. I maintain that's still a good rating and, after that ending, it's easily still a series I want to continue. Much of what's exciting about this book is the way it tears down what you thought was true from the previous book, and also introduces new possibilities into the world of the series. It was a book I didn't want to put down for all of the time that I was reading it. All of this being said though, I do think de Castell's attempt at a romance between Cade and another character (I may have forgotten her name already) was incredibly weak. Good thing that's not remotely why I'm reading this series, is all I can say.
March 28, 2025
Amazing!
June 18, 2025
de Castell is one of the single most entertaining authors in spec fic over the last 10-15 years, and this entry is no different. Wildly fun to read, great characters, fun and hilarious prose, great use of some tropes as well as some originality. This series is not as in-depth or serious as some of his others, but god they are good.
November 13, 2025
This book was funny and a lot of fun to read. The audiobook narrator is great. Corrigan is still my boy. He kept me laughing. I really liked Cade this time around too. This series gets better with each book. It’s very much character driven. The genitalia jokes are still flying and I swear these folks are wannabe nudists. They’re naked a lot. The bantering is the best part of the book and it genius how the author incorporates a kangaroo vampire with a very limited vocabulary. This story also makes me want to go out and eat paella. This book is very irreverent but these team of mages may not be the most upstanding but they are the heroes we need to save the mortal realm. I can’t wait for the next book.
June 29, 2025
This book was absolutely bonkers, in a great way.
How else would you describe a series with a vampiric kangaroo? The Malevolent Eight picked up from book one and kept up the lewd humour, absurd violence, and epic adventure.
I will say, this story focuses more on characters and humour than plot. Not to say that there isn’t a lot of plot, but sometimes it felt a little rushed and like “wait how did we get here again??”
But at the end of the day, I had a really fun time reading it and couldn’t put it down. The characters are really what made this story and I love Cade’s ridiculous narration.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available August 26, 2025
Thank you to Mobius or a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
How else would you describe a series with a vampiric kangaroo? The Malevolent Eight picked up from book one and kept up the lewd humour, absurd violence, and epic adventure.
I will say, this story focuses more on characters and humour than plot. Not to say that there isn’t a lot of plot, but sometimes it felt a little rushed and like “wait how did we get here again??”
But at the end of the day, I had a really fun time reading it and couldn’t put it down. The characters are really what made this story and I love Cade’s ridiculous narration.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available August 26, 2025
Thank you to Mobius or a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 10, 2025
4.25 - Stars
Another solid gift of a read from Sebastien de Castell. I'm still not quite clicking with these series as well as I did with Greatcoats but I'm still having some fun with it. This one definitely had some characters or aspects that annoyed me (probably as intended) but the ending was great! Definitely some head scratching as I try and keep up with the various destinies and timelines but again, I ended up having a lot of fun with it.
Another solid gift of a read from Sebastien de Castell. I'm still not quite clicking with these series as well as I did with Greatcoats but I'm still having some fun with it. This one definitely had some characters or aspects that annoyed me (probably as intended) but the ending was great! Definitely some head scratching as I try and keep up with the various destinies and timelines but again, I ended up having a lot of fun with it.
May 28, 2025
Absolutely fantastic. I love Sebastiens writing style and his characters are always so fully rounded and real. I'm obsessed.
October 22, 2025
I don't know why all the witty repartee left me cold in this one and the unnecessarily convoluted plot had my eyes glazing over a number of times (in spite of the fabulous audiobook narration). I guess there's only so much smartassery one can take and I maxed out while reading Malevolent Seven.
This book, and this universe in general, could benefit from multiple PoVs. If the irreverence continues, give us Corrigan or the motherfucking kangaroo, Mr Author, please.
This book, and this universe in general, could benefit from multiple PoVs. If the irreverence continues, give us Corrigan or the motherfucking kangaroo, Mr Author, please.
May 31, 2025
Tiresome. I've enjoyed other books from the same author, even the last book was trashy but enjoyable... This one though.. Definitely a miss. There's very little in the way of a plot. Romances blossom from nothing, and all the characters are cutouts.
January 11, 2026
It's been a while since I picked up a Sebastien de Castell novel, and I picked this one up at such a perfect time to just binge it over a few days. It's funny that the first SDC novel I read was Malevolent Seven (and before this released I read all of the Spellslinger books), and my first SDC novel of 2026 was a followup to the first one I ever read!
So, what is good about this book? The pacing is absolutely fantastic, forcing you to turn page after page to find out what happens next. The character work as per usual is absolutely brilliant. He is so good at writing dark, arsehole characters into unbelievably grim and awful situations, and having you laughing so hard as things progress. We get our old favourites, as well as a new character in this book that is very funny considering how little they say. Castell's humour is crude, dirty, incredibly messed up, but for the right person (like myself), it is absolutely fantastic.
I found the romance subplot in this book to be a bit strained. It wasn't super believable, although the emotional stakes of the ending regarding that were on point. I feel like a bad romance subplot is a recurring theme for my fantasy books (i am yet to read romantasy).
There is a really cool section towards the end of the book that puts Cade in a very otherworldly environment. Castell's prose at this point shines really hard, vividly describing a very complex, different, confusing world in such a delightful way I felt a bit starstruck reading it.
Maybe if the romance wasn't there, or was done better it could have been a 5, but this book was so enjoyable start to finish either way that it didn't mess too much with my enjoyment.
4/5
So, what is good about this book? The pacing is absolutely fantastic, forcing you to turn page after page to find out what happens next. The character work as per usual is absolutely brilliant. He is so good at writing dark, arsehole characters into unbelievably grim and awful situations, and having you laughing so hard as things progress. We get our old favourites, as well as a new character in this book that is very funny considering how little they say. Castell's humour is crude, dirty, incredibly messed up, but for the right person (like myself), it is absolutely fantastic.
I found the romance subplot in this book to be a bit strained. It wasn't super believable, although the emotional stakes of the ending regarding that were on point. I feel like a bad romance subplot is a recurring theme for my fantasy books (i am yet to read romantasy).
There is a really cool section towards the end of the book that puts Cade in a very otherworldly environment. Castell's prose at this point shines really hard, vividly describing a very complex, different, confusing world in such a delightful way I felt a bit starstruck reading it.
Maybe if the romance wasn't there, or was done better it could have been a 5, but this book was so enjoyable start to finish either way that it didn't mess too much with my enjoyment.
4/5
Read
July 17, 2025I looked up my review for 'The Malevolent Seven' and, while it feels like 'The Malevolent Eight' delivered more of the same, it feels like the 2nd book in the series is a monkey's paw type deal.
There was definitely more of the same when it came to Cade and his companions, but it didn't feel like they truly had room to shine as they got caught up and swept up in plots and schemes outside of their control.
There was definitely more of the same when it came to Cade and his companions, but it didn't feel like they truly had room to shine as they got caught up and swept up in plots and schemes outside of their control.
May 12, 2025
Thank you to Quercus books and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.5 stars.
Book 1 will always be my favourite and although I like book 2, it wasn’t as good as book 1. It still had the truly chaotic and outrageous nature of book 1, and it still definitely had me mentally saying WTF often (in a good way), it just fell a little flatter for me than book 1.
I will still recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a dark anti-hero style fantasy with dark humour and even darker turns. The characters are truly some of the most unique & concerning characters I’ve read on a page and I really do love that.
Book 1 will always be my favourite and although I like book 2, it wasn’t as good as book 1. It still had the truly chaotic and outrageous nature of book 1, and it still definitely had me mentally saying WTF often (in a good way), it just fell a little flatter for me than book 1.
I will still recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a dark anti-hero style fantasy with dark humour and even darker turns. The characters are truly some of the most unique & concerning characters I’ve read on a page and I really do love that.
June 8, 2025
That was just beautiful Cade and his band of merry weirdo wonderist. I enjoyed every minute of this book. In fact the narrator did a wonderful job bringing each character to life. The end was satisfying and that one scene that involves a hateful little 11 year old shit was extra lovely. I hope there are more books in this series because I will miss these characters.
October 11, 2025
Just like the first one, a very fun book. I did like this story better and the humor in this one was much better than the first one. The first one seemed a little tame compared to this one. Still, both very good books!
If you liked The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, you will very much so enjoy this one too!
If you liked The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, you will very much so enjoy this one too!
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