A Stage Set for Villains

by Shannon J. Spann

A STAGE SET FOR VILLAINS is a darkly seductive spectacle of ambition, deception, and deadly charm—perfect for fans of The Night Circus and One Dark Window. PRE-ORDER IT NOW.


Eighteen-year-old Riven Hesper is running out of time. Cursed by a Player—a godlike performer whose unnatural allure is as lethal as it is irresistible—she has one shot to infiltrate the Playhouse, the traveling theatre where Players reign supreme, and find a way to break the curse before it kills her.

But inside the Playhouse, survival comes at a steep price. Every season, mortals compete for a single, blood-soaked the chance to kill a Player and steal their power. Riven wants nothing to do with the game…until Jude—charismatic, cruel, and captivating—makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Win the competition. Spare his life in the finale. And he’ll set her free.

Navigating the Playhouse means mastering illusions, surviving betrayals, and keeping pace with performers who shift identities as easily as costumes. But the deeper Riven digs, the more she this isn’t just a game. The Players are hiding something. And the Playhouse doesn’t want her cursed—it wants her dead.

As the final act approaches, Riven faces a devastating truth. She might not be the hero of this story. She might be the villain.


A STAGE SET FOR VILLAINS is a dazzling, high-stakes fantasy where power is stolen, roles are rewritten, and not everyone is meant to make it to the final bow. PRE-ORDER IT NOW.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romantasy, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction, Mythology

560 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Shannon J. Spann is a New York-based writer and social media strategist. In her spare time, she loves knitting, wandering her local bookstore, and of course, theatre. A Stage Set for Villains is her first novel.

You can find her on Instagram @ShannonJSpann

Reviews

[Shannon J. Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiii! I’m Shannon, the author of A STAGE SET FOR VILLAINS. I just wanted to hop on to say THANK YOU. There are a million incredible books out there, so if you took the time to read and review this one, I'm grateful. Happy reading!

[_booktique2_ D Amora · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐️

I finished what I think is the best fantasy book I’ve ever read in my life. And now I don’t know what to do.

[James Trevino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an early version of this and it is GLORIOUS!

[Azanta (azantareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

hang on, it’s january 8 and i just read one of my top books of the year LOL??? this was fan-freaking-tastic and all my theater nerd reader friends will be doing themselves a disservice if you don’t pick this up. i found myself fully crying at the ending over how emotionally seen i felt as a reader, as a theater lover, and as a fantasy lover. wow, what a debut.

[Allison • Alli’s Fairy Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

• POV: 1st Person / Single
• Book Spice: None

• Content Thoughts:

This was such a unique fantasy concept, set almost entirely within a playhouse/theater, where we interact with the actors/players contracted with this specific theater. I was hooked right away by the premise alone.

I loved the way this book started, being dropped straight into the story and experiencing the world through the FMC as she encounters everything for the first time. Learning alongside her made the introduction feel immersive and easy to follow.

That said, I did wish the worldbuilding had been more developed. At times, the setting (when outside of the playhouse) felt a little bare, almost like the characters were standing on an island surrounded by a blank white backdrop. Even so, the characters themselves kept me invested, especially the FMC.

I loved how much of a contrarian she was. Her personality added a layer of humor that elevated the banter, particularly in her dynamic with the MMC. Their interactions were easily one of my favorite parts of the book.

And the reveals were absolutely wild. I am talking full-on Kindle-down, hands-on-head, yelling “WHAT?!” moments. Several twists genuinely caught me off guard, which I always appreciate.

This is a standalone fantasy, which will be a win for a lot of readers. Personally, I think the story would have flowed even better as a duology or trilogy. More space would have allowed the world to breathe and smoothed out some pacing moments that felt a bit stretched and repetitive. Still, everything ultimately came together, and the pieces did make sense.

Overall, this was an intriguing, surprising read with strong characters and a standout concept.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann is an immersive young adult dark fantasy about Riven Hesper, an eighteen‑year‑old cursed and slowly dying because of a violent encounter with a godlike performer called a Player, who must infiltrate a dangerous traveling Playhouse where mortals compete for the chance to kill a Player and seize their power, and where the boundaries between heroism and villainy blur as her own choices draw her into deadly bargains and hidden truths.

Excited for the book's release.

[Bianca de Jonge · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first Shannon, thank you you so much for this opportunity to get early access to your AMAZING BOOK.

I was literally on the edge of my seat everytime. I can’t wait for this to be released and have an actual copy in my hand, because I will be the first in line to practice this masterpiece!

“Riven Hesper, the marked girl who entered the Playhouse.”
The plot twists in this are so well done, and really have you hooked from the beginning!

*This is my OWN honest review*

[zolarex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Już dawno nie czytałam aż tak zachwycającej, nieoczywistej i zaskakującej historii, która byłaby nie do przewidzenia i sprawiłaby, że z każdą stroną zwracałam się coraz bardziej w lekturze. Nieustannie tworzyłam w mojej głowie teorie spiskowe, które wydawały się ciekawe i wielce prawdopodobne, żeby pod koniec i tak dostać pstryczka w nos mówiącego mi, że nie mam racji i że można wymyślić coś tysiac razy lepszego.
Autorka zaprezentowała nam sztukę. Nie tylko za sprawą samej fabuły, która opiera się w głównej mierze właśnie na niej i jest z nią nierozerwalnie związana, ale poprzez samo rzemiosło pisarskie. Sprawiła, że słowa na papierze nie są tylko słowami, a czarem który więzi czytelnika i zachwyca go ogromem niesamowitych obrazów oraz gry aktorskiej, która jest nam prezentowana w każdym momencie.
Mamy tutaj bardzo skomplikowany świat, kreatywne podejście do mitologii greckiej, którego nigdy wcześniej nie poznałam w żadnej innej książce, a to zdecydowanie trzeba cenić.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

not at all what i expected!! 4.5-4.75? i’m gonna need a few days to process this, but what a RIDE

[Michelle (michellereadsandspins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 MILLION STARS, ACTUALLY)
Thank you so much to Mayhem Books/Entangled Books / Entangled Teen and Shannan J. Spann for the e-ARC.
A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann is, without question, my TOP read of 2025—and I’m not exaggerating. This YA dark fantasy/romantasy completely pulled me out of my anxious mind and reminded me why I love reading so much. I haven’t had a book make me whisper “just one more chapter” before bed in years… until this one.
The twists?!? THEY GOT ME. Bad.
The big twist had me pacing around my apartment, hands on my head, fully spiraling, saying out loud, “WHAT—NO—THIS IS INSANE.” I genuinely did not see it coming, and I loved every second of being absolutely wrecked by it.
This story is wildly unique, the fantasy concept feels fresh and bold, and the writing is absolutely beautiful. I did not want this book to end, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. That’s how you know it’s special.
Shannon J. Spann is a debut author to watch, and I will be shouting about this book from every rooftop. Do yourself a favor and support this release when it comes out on February 3, 2026—future you will be grateful. You can pre-order right now!✨📖🔥

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Mayhem Books and Shannon J. Spann for an early copy of the book.

Riven has grown up cursed after an encounter with a Player when she was a child. Slowly dying, she goes to the Playhouse, a mysterious theater where its Players are feared and worshiped as gods. After being given the chance of a lifetime, she sees this as her last chance to be free of her curse. She makes a deal with Jude the lead Player of the Playhouse, but time is running out and the well of secrets goes deep in the Playhouse. Riven faces the possibility that she may not be the hero of her story, but the villain.

This is one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. The vibes were immaculate, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. This is also some of the most interesting world build I’ve seen in a while. The world felt like it kept off the page.

I fell in love with the world and the characters, and I didn’t want the story to end. I had to put the book down for like five minutes when I got to the twist. It was shocking. And then the end had me sobbing.

I highly recommend this books to for fans of Caraval or for any theater kids who miss the stage.

[Radka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 because it make me cry in the end 😄

[Hannah Bergmann]

YA ✅
Mythology ✅
Theater ✅
Immortality ✅

Side note: As a High school English teacher, I’m here for these new imprints that recognize teens need books that are written for teens.

Mischief & Mayhem
13 and up- Mischief
16 and up- Mayhem

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you Entangled Mayhem and the author for my gifted review copy. I feel so honored to have read this masterpiece prior to publication.

I know I use the word obsessed excessively, but truly, I’m obsessed. I was as captivated by this book as the Revelers who adore the Playhouse.

Part novel and part play, ASSFV is a masterclass in storytelling and is written with so much depth! This is one of those books where the longer you think about it after you finish, more and more pieces click into place that make you realize the brilliance and foreshadowing that was in play the whole time. I love when I can think back on a book and notice things I previously thought insignificant. It’s hard to believe this is Shannon’s debut novel!

And then we have our MCs, Riven and Jude. Riven is feisty, angry, intelligent, and determined. I loved her character and how she evolved throughout the story. Jude.. the comic relief, the witty remarks, the ego, the heart and soul😩 Loved him from his very first line. Plus some really fun side characters that I won’t ramble on about since my review is already approaching short story territory lol.

ASSFV is young adult, but explores adult themes and is written in a way that was still incredibly enjoyable for me to read at 30, so don’t let that deter you from picking it up!

This was my second book finished for the year and I am telling you now with certainty that it will be among my 2026 end of year favorites!

How am I supposed to just move on with my life? Riven and Jude will live with me for a long time!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!

I loved this book so much that starting this review feels impossible. It's hard to express how wonderful this book was for me, and how wonderful I think it will be for everyone else.

A Stage Set for Villains is a refreshing take on romantasy books with deadly competitions. With it's breathtaking, dark atmosphere and immersive writing, this book takes readers on a theatrical journey of betrayal, love, and what it means to be alive. The writing has elements of a script, which only makes the theater setting feel more alive. It blends into the novel so well and gives you an experience you can't easily find in other books. It beautifully shows what it means to be a villain, and what it takes to be redeemed. The character development throughout the story is incredible.

Every good romantasy needs a strong love story, and this has to be one of the best romances I've ever read. Our two main characters were meant to be together in every way possible. I've never seen so much chemistry between characters on paper. They feel alive. Their romance is a beating heart within the pages, and it's impossible not to feel and understand their love for each other. It's real and raw and beautiful.

This books spectacular twists had me reacting in a way not every book can. Most of my favorite twists don't make me gasp loud enough for other people to hear, but this book made me react verbally so many times I lost count. Each reveal fits so well into the story, but you'll still never see it coming. The twists and character dynamics make for a beautifully emotional story that had me in tears several times.

This book talks about grand finales, and it has a fantastic finale to prove how well Shannon J. Spann understands them. It's an ending you won't predict, but one that fits so perfectly with the rest of the story that it leaves you utterly enchanted. Everything comes together in a way that is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. It's an ending that made me sad with how good it was because I never want it to be over.

A Stage Set for Villains is a true gift to readers. It's simply impossible to describe how amazing this book is. It's unique, emotional, bewitching, and all the wonderful things a book should be. I could sit here forever finding new ways to praise this story. If you love competitions, romance, and magic, especially with a theater twist, this is the perfect new romantasy book for you. I truly will never be able to recommend this book enough.

[h i n d]

Romantasy x Theatre x Deadly Competition
and this title!!

[Maddie Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoiler-free review: A Stage Set for Villains
Premiering: February 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First 5 star book of 2026 and I fear the rest won’t live up to it! I swear this was written for me because what do you mean it’s set in a theatre??? I adored every single element and was constantly geeking over the theatre-related innuendos & references woven throughout. I can’t believe this is Shannon J. Spann‘s debut- it’s absolutely ingenious… so creative I was completely immersed from the Overture 👏

The story follows Riven, who as a child, finds herself face to face with a god-like “Player” and in turn, gets fatally cursed. As her strength & hope both dwindle, she is left with no choice but to try and infiltrate the Playhouse to seek answers and hopefully find a cure. Problem is, the Playhouse is hosting a competition where mortals attempt to kill a Player and steal their spotlight, immortality, and power.

A Stage Set for Villains was a phenomenal dark YA fantasy romance with twists and turns, emotional (even philosophical) depth, and complexities that left me thinking about this world long after I read the last line. Just to be 100% clear: I think ✨anyone✨ will love this book, regardless of whether or not you have a background in theatre! The characters are captivating, plot full of unexpected twists, and setting so unique.

🎭 Riven is a resilient, smart leading lady with quick wit to match our (hilarious) main man, Jude, who you are sure to fall in love with. Their banter was iconic and their overall character development was some of the best I’ve read in a while.

📜 Not once did I predict a plot twist or reveal and WOW are there so many more layers to this story than first meets the eye! The intricacies and mysteries will have you questioning everything, especially as the stakes get higher and higher with each scene. I can’t say more or I’ll spoil things, but the plot is much, much deeper than games & trials. The ending was simply beautiful. No notes.

Thank you so so so much Entangled / Mayhem for making my dreams come true with my very first physical ARC! And thank you Shannon J. Spann for sharing your incredible gift with the world and writing this masterpiece.

[Cassie | Lost In Tomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What controls us is what entertains us. And I am going to tell you a story... one that will sweep the masses."

Reading 'A Stage Set for Villains' was effortless. The words floated off the page, and before I knew it, I was trapped inside the Playhouse.

A deadly theatrical competition where mortals bargain with godlike Players for immortality, 'A Stage Set for Villains' blurs the lines between hero and monsters in the most deliciously unsettling way.

I could not stop trying to guess what was going to happen next! Which is something I LOVE as a reader. While the story is fantastical and steeped in magic, the world itself felt vividly real. I got completely lost inside and didn’t want to leave.

There was never a dull moment. As a lifelong live theater fan, I adored all the theater lore thrown in and the fun script-style formatting: each chapter unfolds as an “Act". It added such a fun and immersive layer to the story and made the reading experience feel unique.

The Playhouse itself is eerie and unsettling packed with secrets, monsters, and lies. I stayed up far too late turning pages desperate to uncover the truth. I had an amazing time getting scared. The cast is as complex as they are dramatic (and boy are they dramatic) I loved uncovering more about them and how the romance unfolded beautifully. We have amazing conversations ij this. I’m not usually someone who annotates, but I tabbed and underlined this book like crazy. So many standout quotes.

The twists kept me guessing right until the end, and the finale was masterful. This is absolutely a book (and author) to remember.

Add it to your 2026 TBR.

Content Notes:
Graphic: Violence, blood, murder, death, injury
Moderate: Poison, cursing, kissing
Mild: Horror, torture, abuse, kidnapping

Recommended for fans of:
- Caraval, The Night Circus, One Dark Window
- Clever, mystery-infused plots
- Slow-burn romance
- Complex characters with questionable morals
- Magical and whimsical world-building


Quote(s) are from an uncorrected proof

Thank you to the author, Shannon J. Spann as well as Mayhem Books, and Entangled Teen for providing an ARC in exchange for honest review.

[mel. · Rating 5 out of 5]

when i saw the title and the cover of this book, i knew i needed to read it. i’m such a villains girly and then add in the concept of the theatre? i was hooked.

i absolutely love the theatre! watching theatre productions, not being on stage that is. i was in one theatre production in grade school and that was.. an experience 🥲 so when i found Shannon’s book i couldn’t wait to dive in. everything about this book was so incredibly well thought out and the incorporation of theatre elements such as the stage manager, props master, the stage productions themselves, and even how the actual book was structured was so creative! it truly made the whole experience for me and i still cannot believe this is a debut novel! the writing, the creativity, the story structure, the twists, everything just screams talent from someone who has done this before. you can tell Shannon thought about each and every aspect of this story and worked hard to ensure it was all perfectly placed. the execution was just brilliant.

i love Riven and Jude, the two main characters of this story. Riven is so strong willed, determined, clever, witty, smart and so so hilarious! she knows who she is and sticks to her guns when it comes to it. and Jude, the loml. i am obsessed with this fictional man. being the Lead Player, he is so confident (or cocky 🤪) and self-assured, but so mysterious! like i felt anytime i finally figured him out, he had me questioning everything! oh and let’s not forget about the third main character, the Playhouse. like i said before, Shannon thought of everything and the Playhouse is the perfect, slightly haunting, setting for this story! such great ambiance, uniqueness, and influence the Playhouse can absolutely be classified as a character in my books 📚

there are so many layers to this story, these characters, and this world. the more i think about it, the more i discover and fall in love with this book. i already can’t wait to re-read it! add this to your tbr, pre-order it if you feel so inclined, and remember, finders keepers 🎭

releasing February 3, 2026 🖤 thank you SO much, Shannon and @entangledteen for the advance copy of this book! only 4 weeks until my trophy copy is in my hands! 🤪

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚫🌶️

Thanks so much to Mayhem, Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the review copy.

^ YA fantasy
^ magical Playhouse which controls all the music and storytelling in the world
^ fast paced
^ sections are scripted and you’ll scream when you get it
^ immersive world building with complex lore

It’s January 6th, and I think this will be my top book for the month and a likely contender for the 2026 book of my year. Sometimes you just know when you’ve witnessed something incredible.

I don’t think I have the words to tell you how amazing and unique this story is. It’s layered and nuanced and everything you thought you knew about the world of the Playhouse is wrong. Your understanding of storytelling - and the importance of stories - will change with every page.

RIVEN HESPER - outcast, cursed and desperate for warmth and a home, enters into a contract to audition for a spot on the cast - to become a Player - in order to save her own life.

Once the competition begins, her understanding of her past, her identity and her world will be completely upended as she discovers exactly what the playhouse is and who the villains are.

There’s some romance, but it’s a background part of the story and doesn’t overwhelm the plot, which is devoted to telling the story of the Playhouse and the Players locked within.

Your expectations for storytelling will change with this book.

[Aaliyahsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't quite know where to start with this review, this book blew me away in every way possible. An absolute masterpiece unlike anything i've ever read before. It was so unique and clever i can't help but think of how insane it is that this is Shannon's debut book???

The plot twist in this book was INSANE. I actually had to close the book, get up, go gather my thoughts and think about what the hell i just read.

My favourite character in this book has to be Jude, i found myself laughing at his one liners every other page and then giggling kicking my feet for the other pages. This man was just so flirty and sly YOUR HONOUR I LOVE HIM.

I encourage anyone reading this review that has this proof or e arc available to them to drop their current TBR and read this book IMMEDIATELY, i promise you it's worth your time.

I can't say too much more about this book because anything i say will be spoilers so i will just leave you with this... A Stage Set for Villains is one of if not the best book i've read this year. I cannot recommend it enough to any fantasy readers out there in need of a good story.

[Mads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Entangled Teen for sending me this ARC.

Wowowowow. This was so exciting and fun. I really enjoyed all the characters and story!!!! I didn’t know what to expect but I really loved it!!!!!

I thought all the characters in the playhouse were so unique and fun. The story itself? Chef’s kiss.

[Books.cats.and.cleverness · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Night Circus meets The Game Gods Play

Quite simply, an absolute masterpiece. This is going to be THE book of 2026. I can't properly articulate just how magnificent this is. Get your tissues ready. I cried more than once.

.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - RTC

[dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

dnf 30%

i think im the problem since everyone is absolutely raving about this but i was really bored😭 i kept waiting for it to interest me but it never did. im assuming it probably picks up deeper in but i got too lazy to continue rip

[Rebecca Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark my words, this is going to be a hit.

[Lex]

Okay I actually loveddd this

A balance of horror and fantasy (with romance, of course), the first act of this book wasn’t insane - I was enjoying it but unwowed

Then ACT TWO

So take from that what you will x

[Kyriaki Rapti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Part 1 at YALC and devoured it in a couple of days!

My rating and review are open to change once I complete it. For now, I can't wait for the rest of the book ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Deidre Epps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great YA option. It’s perfect if you don’t love a ton of world building yet still crave beautiful imagery. Shannon has created a unique world set on stage with scripted lines and a Stage Manager ready to suspend all debauchery. Riven is a such an interesting main character. She’s resilient in a way that characters aren’t always written. Not allowing what someone else has decided for her be her own path. You should absolutely read this.

[Sirine · Rating 3 out of 5]

plotwist in this one was insane