Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous

by Autumn K. England

What happens to all the mind-controlled minions when the evil villain is finally vanquished?

When Oaklin Nettlewood (accidentally) joined an evil cult, they and the rest of their small community were promptly whammied by mind control magic and forced to do unspeakable things. Now, years later, the realm's heroes have saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell...leaving destruction in their wake. Because the minions who were nothing more than obstacles were Oaklin's last remaining family and friends, and now as the entire realm celebrates, Oaklin is left alone to pick up the pieces.

And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma, they buy a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swear an After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever. But the gentle ghost who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. And as she coaxes Oaklin out of their shell and back into the world, Oaklin begins to find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good boy dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and even romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart flutter.)

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?

Genres: Fantasy, Queer, Cozy Fantasy, Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Cozy

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Sadie E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC

The entire premise is chef’s kiss: former villain attempting to exist peacefully without committing crimes, and discovering the power of ✨️community✨️

There's no lone-wolf brooding nonsense. Instead, we have this gentle exploration of healing through other people that's executed so well. Watching the protagonist stumble through normal social interactions after a lifetime of villainy is peak entertainment. They’re awkward and every conversation's like, “hello fellow humans, I definitely know how friendships work and have never orchestrated mass destruction.”

And the COMMUNITY. Oh my god.
Love the found-family vibes! Everyone's just collectively like “yes, you were terrifying, but have you considered soup and emotional support?” It’s cosy in a warm, slice-of-life way where the stakes are emotional instead of apocalyptic.

It’s so heartwarming to see how much the story leans into forgiveness and belonging. The overarching theme is people aren't meant to heal on their own.

BUT (because there is always a but) sometimes the pacing goes a bit too quick. I’d be settling into a lovely emotional moment and the narrative would be like ANYWAY MOVING ON.

I wanted a few scenes to linger longer. Let me bask in the cosiness and the heartwarming community goodness.

[Selene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. A couple things were personally a miss for me, for some reason I just couldn’t connect with the antagonist. I also went into this expect a super chill cozy vibe read and while it has cozy elements it also has some really deep themes running thru it (main character is working thru some trauma) so kind cozy adjacent. I absolutely love the representation and the small town FOUND Family, it felt so real warm and welcoming. The writing style was also super enjoyable! Thanks Netgalley the author and the publisher for this arc!

[BookishKB]

💫🌿Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous🌿💫

📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

🌱 What to Expect
• Former villain
• Cozy farm
• Healing ARC
• Ghost granny
• Found family
• Soft queer romance
• Low angst
_ _ _
📅 Pub Date: June 2, 2026
📝 Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Clara (clarylovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC in return for an honest review!

I loved Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous so much more than I expected.

The story follows Oaklin, a non-binary ex-villain trying to start over in a quiet little town called Mossley’s Rest. They decide to leave their past behind and become a farmer — which they have absolutely no idea how to do — only for things to get complicated once they discover their house is haunted by a ghost granny 😭

The cozy vibes in this book are everything. It genuinely reminded me of Stardew Valley in the best way possible: starting from scratch, learning how to farm, participating in town festivals, and slowly becoming part of a community.

But beneath all the softness, there’s also this constant tension. Oaklin is haunted not just by a literal ghost, but by their past as part of the Enchantrix’s cult, and the fear that The Inquisitor might find them and expose everything. That fear of not being accepted, of losing the one place that finally feels like home, was so well done.

What really made this book special to me was the emotional core. The friendships, the found family, and especially Oaklin’s relationship with Lior… it’s so sweet, gentle, and wholesome. Lior accepts them so effortlessly, never making them feel guilty or ashamed, and watching Oaklin slowly believe they deserve love and a second chance was just so touching.

Also, the way the story comes full circle and the final reveal about the ghost granny?? I loved that twist so much.

It’s a very low-stakes fantasy plot-wise, but emotionally it hits so well. It’s all about healing, redemption, and finding people who choose you despite your past.

If you loved Legends & Lattes or The Spellshop, you’ll probably adore this.

Such a soft, comforting, pure-hearted story!

[Zoe Holborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an E-ARC in return for an honest review

The weather is dreary so what a perfect way to forget about than to read a cosy fantasy filled with magic, friendship and love. When Oaklin buys a farm to start afresh, they don’t expect to have a roommate that will push them to accept their past and look forward to their future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was cosy and whimsical but still had some poignant and touching subjects. Sometimes the pacing was a little slow but it was an enjoyable read and perfect for anyone who is looking a cute cosy fantasy that’ll make you feel all the emotions

[Hannah Chaussee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley. This was such a cozy, lovey, heartwarming read about the power of community and forgiveness. It gave me Hart of Dixie vibes the entire time but with a fantasy spin. The characters were relatable and lovable - there’s really not a single character who I didn’t cherish by the end.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a blanket in front of a fire with a hot cup of tea. On the surface this is a cozy fantasy about second chances, but it dives so much deeper with themes of guilt, friendship, healing, and forgiveness.

Oaklin Nettlewood is recovering from the trauma of having their mind controlled by an evil cult leader who forced them to use their magic to perform acts of horror. Oaklin cannot remember much from their time in the cult, but hopes that buying a farm in the small town of Mossley’s Rest will provide them with some much needed healing and solitude. What Oaklin is not expecting is a resident ghost granny, friendly and welcoming townsfolk, and a community that will do anything to support one another. Can Oaklin learn to accept support from others and begin to use their magic for good?

The world building and magic in this story are so wonderful that I wanted to dive into the pages and escape the horrid realities happening in the real world right now. Autumn K. England has created an incredible world where people are accepting, inclusive, and genuinely want to help one another. There are magical baked goods, new friends, and a gentle, soothing magic woven into the very farm Oaklin purchased.

I loved everything about this book and will be recommending it to all of my friends. I have seen rumors that there will be a second book set in this universe and really hope they are true. I would love to read more about these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Dotti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous is a cozy-adjacent novel focusing on a former cult member after their traumatic experiences. Oaklin spent eight years being mind controlled and remembers only flashes of a terrible life, committing murders with magic. Now that they are free and in their own control, they have chosen to buy a farm in a small town as far away from the cult’s influence as possible. However, all things come back eventually, and Oaklin is forced to reckon with their past while finding healing, love and community.

This book is being branded as a cozy book. I think that is a mistake. The plot is low stakes, which is great, but the heaviness of Oaklin’s PTSD made the book a heavy read compared to many cozy novels. This book talks about death and murder and violations of the body and mind. I think the emotional stakes were a little too high for my own expectations, despite the cozy elements.

However, there were a lot of cozy elements that were done well. There’s a lot of time spent gardening with our hands in the dirt and foraging for mushrooms in the forest and plucking apples off of the vine. There’s magical baked goods that bring healing or joy or the cure to a hangover. There’s gentle language about trauma and consent and sexuality that feels soothing. The community has an ethos of coming together in mutual aid, which feels revolutionary to our character in the moment and also serves as a stark contrast to the world we live in now.

I loved the queer representation in this book. Our main character is non-binary, and there are multiple queer relationships that are mentioned casually. The love story between our nonbinary character and their female partner was enjoyable, though not the center of the story. It was all treated as very normal and accepted and not-at-all-strange and there’s something very cozy in the normality of it all. It feels very safe for a variety of identities to experience this book comfortably.

The magic system was a little confusing to me; there’s mention that Oaklin left home to learn about magic because of the lack of education presented, and there are spells mentioned. Yet, Oaklin does not seem to need any sort of spell book and is able to magically infuse things specifically around their gardening domain. It was hard for me to tell if the spells the author meant as “believing something with intention” as the magic is done, or if there are specific spells and chants that we simply missed. There were times it felt distracting to not understand, especially given that it was such a large part of our character’s motivation.

The real problem with this book, however, is that our character doesn’t feel very compelling. Their trauma is so deep and overwhelming that their self esteem is terrible. The book follows many of the plot movements of other popular cozy books, but Oaklin feels much less compelling than the other protagonists. Their own anxieties and self-deprecation really inform our understanding of the character, and it’s hard to root for someone who feels unable to root for themselves. Also, they have a strong flight reflex, and it’s hard to root for someone who has literally everything in the world going right and still is ready to run (but where would you run, truly? This was the most random place you could find, friend).

Overall, this is an enjoyable book if you’re able to handle the heavy PTSD themes. They get better throughout the book but never go away, and become a major element of the third act conflict. If you’re going into this expecting a cup of hot chocolate, this might not be the right book. If you’re ready to read about a broken person who gets a little less broken thanks to some friends and a persnickety ghost, then this might be a good book for you.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for this advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Eva_812 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

This was a very comforting and sweet story about healing, a farm and small town life. It is the perfect story to read before bed. Which was a mistake as I then found myself in the miserable situation of wanting to read more but really having to go to bed. "Just one more chapter" I'd say a few times and way past my bedtime I'd put the book away and do the same the next day.
The interesting part is that it wasn't even thát good, so I couldn't say what had me hooked. Sweetness and curiousity, I'd say. But halfway through, I felt that everything went a little too smoothly for Oaklin (though not saying they don't deserve a break after what happened to them) : cheap farm, interactive ghostly manual, a source of income ready, super nice people helping them immediatly. It felt like the author didn't want to give Oaklin any more hardships (which is fair! but a little boring to read). And the progression in healing and finding their way was a little too linear: basically everything succeeded at the first try. Maybe a lot has happened in the timeskips, but as we're told and not shown, this doesn't really help me feel the struggles that Oaklin surely must deal with when being new at farming (I think I would also just have liked to see more of the farm and learning how to deal with it). This is also something that stunted my investment in the characters and didn't make me feel so involved with their relationships. For example I was surprised to see Oaklin start to care so much about Granny, as I didn't get to actually see their relationship progress so much.
And I know this was a low-stake cozy fantasy, but the stakes were a little too low for my taste. Of course there was the little incident with the inquisitor, but that was pushed to the background and I really didn't worry about that too much.

Also, the title is a little misleading... Oaklin isn't actually formerly villainous. They are not, nor have been, villainous. However, they have been mind-controlled. I would have said they don't even remember what happened, which is a statement made by Oaklin themselves, but they also later say they do remember flashes. Formerly villainous implies a redemption arc. Oaklin never had to be redeemed, as they weren't to blame (except maybe for being lured into a cult under false premises, which is unfortunate at best and naive at worst, but neither makes you a villain). Maybe it should be "A field Guide to the formerly mind controlled", I feel like that would be more fitting.

Overall this was a quick, easy and fun read, so if you want something lowstakes and delightfully sweet, I would recommend it!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
What a truly lovely book.

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous is definitely a cosy fantasy, and one that had me smiling while I was reading. It takes place over three seasons in a small town, bringing you the hopeful fresh start of spring, the joyful connections and fulfilling work of summer and the cosy settling-in of autumn. I enjoyed the descriptions of tending to plants and the way magic weaved through the land.

Our main character Oaklin is non-binary (they/them) and bi- or pansexual – and they develop queer friendships and meet other queer community members as well. The community they find themselves in is friendly and tear-inducingly supportive towards new-to-town Oaklin: the people genuinely want to help, and the town has systems in place to support their residents. I think that anyone who has found themselves needing to make new friends as an adult will find this very endearing and comforting.

This book also explores trauma and all that goes along with it. We see Oaklin experiencing vivid flashbacks, seemingly caused by the most unexpected of things, as well as their dreams of trauma (and healing), and trigger-induced illness. It explores Oaklin's feelings of shame, as well as their struggles with trusting both others and themself. To watch them slowly heal, gaining more trust and openness over time (in the non-linear way that healing happens), was so very heart-warming. I was in tears in response to the understanding, compassion and forgiveness shown by Oaklin's friends.

I felt that some of the dialogue in the beginning felt a bit awkward or unnatural, but I either adjusted to the writing style or the dialogue improved as it went along, because it wasn't a problem for very long at all. There were also some minor inconsistencies in some side-details that I noticed throughout the book, but nothing big enough to affect my overall enjoyment of this novel.

I am not sure whether Autumn K England plans to make this a series, but it sure feels like there is plenty of potential for some of these characters to have their own novels in future, and I think this small town setting could lend itself well to a a series featuring different characters each time. I really hope it happens - I would very much look forward to reading them!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this review copy. I greatly enjoyed my time with it, and this review has been my genuine opinion.

[Matt (Kaitlin) Kroeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book (thank you to the author and publisher). My review reflects my honest impressions and neither the author nor publisher solicited my review. Content and pacing may differ slightly from the final published version.

This was such a cute, thoughtful, and tender fantasy. Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous blends cozy, small-town vibes with emotional depth, creating a story about healing, community, and choosing who you want to be after surviving something terrible.

The main character, Oaklin (they/them), is a former cult member trying to start over on a farm in a charming (too good to be true??) village. I absolutely loved the casual, affirming queer representation with Oaklin’s pronouns seamlessly woven into the story.

What really stood out to me was the balance between lightness and trauma. Oaklin’s past involvement in a cult and the aftermath of mind control are handled with care, but the story never becomes dark. Instead, it leans into themes of recovery, accountability, found family, and learning that magic and power can be used to nurture rather than harm. Watching Oaklin slowly reclaim both their magic and their sense of self was genuinely moving.

The supporting cast is fantastic. The village feels alive in that gossipy, tight-knit, “we take care of our own” kind of way- like Stars Hallow from Gilmore Girls. From the baker, to the librarian love interest, to the opinionated ghost mentor, every side character adds texture and heart. The community aspect is one of the book’s greatest strengths, making it feel safe and cozy.

The plot itself is engaging and well-paced, with strong character arcs and a gentle undercurrent of tension. I was consistently eager to see what would happen next, especially as Oaklin’s fears about their past threatened their fragile new beginning. It’s an easy read in the best way. It’s a lovely, complete experience that leaves you warm and hopeful.

If you enjoy cozy fantasy with relatively low emotional stakes, found family, small-town community vibes, queer representation, characters learning to forgive themselves, and magic tied to land, food, and care this one is absolutely worth picking up.

A heartfelt, hopeful story about reclaiming your power and choosing softness after surviving darkness. I’d happily recommend it to friends looking for something comforting but meaningful.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have no obligation to be miserable as a way to atone for something that was not your fault to begin with. That removes responsibility from the person who truly bears it. That you not have the right to do. - Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous

Tropes:
Lots of Trauma/ Lots of Healing
Cozy Fantasy
Found Family
Cozy Bakery/Library/ Farming
Grandma


I LOVED this book. I can't explain how many times this book brought some tears to my eyes. This felt like a true cozy Fantasy. If you've read Can't Spell Treason Without Tea and liked it, there's a high chance you'll really like this book too. There's a lot of trauma in this book, but there's also a lot of healing from that trauma. This book may be a cozy Fantasy, but it really does play heavily into PTSD and healing from that over time. I loved that this was really about Oaklin healing and learning how to be their own person after going through so much. My most favorite character was Granny, for good reason.

The characters, all of them, were absolutely amazing, and I really hope we get to see more of this small little village. I love seeing how Oaklin went from an extremely introverted, scared character to someone who could believe in themselves and the people around them. I loved the relationship that Oaklin built not only with their new friends, especially that of Lior, but that of the village as well. We see Oaklin change into a person that gets cared for a lot, but also who takes care of the village - quite literally.

One of the greatest characters in this book is the ghost of Granny, a slightly temperamental ghost that helps Oaklin learn how to take care of the magical farm. The book really goes into the relationship between Granny and Oaklin, and I loved seeing how much Granny helped Oaklin heal.

I also really liked how the author went a bit more in depth with the farming, showing how farming really helped Oaklin. Often, an author will just write a small paragraph about the character doing something and then be done with it. England really went into writing about the farm, what things were growing and how they were; what things Oaklin needed to gather for the weekly market, etc.

Overall, I definitely will read more books that come out from this author.

[Val Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. This book will be releasing June 02, 2026

After a traumatic past, Oaklin Nettlewood decides to settle down on a farm on the edge of a small town. They swear to never use magic again after all they were forced to do with it before. But the longer they stay in the town and at the farm, making friends with a meddlesome granny ghost, a grumpy horse, the best local baker in town, and a super sweet librarian, they find themself coming out of their shell and more open to accept peace.

This plot was sold to me as a cozy fantasy which truly did feel like one. I have to say, I couldn’t really see how farming could be a cozy fantasy in a book, but I see the appeal now. There was a pleasant balance between reading about farming and the power of friendship plot, although I could have used more farming. It was slow and comforting with light angst. It made me want to live on a farm and take care of the crops even though I know I would hate that.

Oaklin was struggling with finding their place in life though after time they started finding support through their friends which was something so sweet to read about. The connections felt genuine, even with the granny ghost, not to mention the romance was the sweetest gentle slow burn. I love those romances and it’s something I always crave in books. Both Oaklin and the librarian have struggles but they communicate and despite all the wariness they (or Oaklin) had about this, they tried to make it work.

Oaklin’s life is disturbed sometime after they settled down in town by an inquisitor from their past that was hunting down those that were mind controlled. To be completely honest I didn’t and don’t think that this book needed that plot. I understand the author’s choice in this plot point, but I would have loved to have Oaklin be peaceful in this town with their farm, and this plot point felt a little bit pointless.

Oaklin had a lot of trauma from the mind control they were under for years, and because of that they have a strong aversion to magic, which is completely understandable. I loved them and the way they always tried so hard to be someone they chose to be over the person they were forced to be. They were kind and sweet; I was rooting for them the whole book and their growth was well-written.

The character were all amazing in this book. The descriptions of the baker’s treats were making my mouth water and I really wish some of those magical bakery items were real because I would love them.

I highly recommend this book.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre-release copy to read and review!

Well cozy fantasy is a genre I can really sink into.

Disclaimer:
I initially found the MC difficult to imagine. They present as non-binary, and the use of they/them pronouns took me out of the story. When I refocused and came to the realization that the characters genitals wouldn't play (that much of) a role in this story, it became a bit easier to imagine them as just a person. Details would come out that would shift and re frame how I envisioned them, but it wasn't as distracting as I had anticipated.

Onto the story:
This is a story of trauma, recovery, forgiveness, and learning that your past doesn't define your future. It is told nicely through the lens of Oaklin Nettlewood, a former cultist who wants to reclaim their life after losing several years. They learn how to reflect and acknowledge their past, but just like some of the baked goods, it is no replacement for proper therapy.

There are parts where it comes across wanting to be more of the Romantasy genre, especially the parts where "Any single people will immediately throw themselves towards someone new coming to this small quiet town" and directly referring to "Spicy romance" books that are recommended by one of the characters. It walks, and sometimes trips over that line without becoming too "spicy" itself.

Not a replacement for Therapy:
As with many books I've read that deal with trauma of varying types, it almost becomes "Wish fulfillment" where the environment is full of only helpful people and everyone gets along and forgives you for whatever you've done. Not a bad thing in itself, but as someone who has had to deal with trauma, the people in your lives will vary in their reactions. Is it still better to face it head on no matter the results? Yes! But acknowledging that there will be people who can't forgive, and to learn to accept that as well is important.

There is a cake presented towards the end, where the baker who uses magic to imbue their goods says their cake will "help heal old wounds and strengthen good memories: not a replacement for therapy" is an appropriate description for this book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really felt like Stardew Valley if you'd inherited the farm after leaving an evil cult.

After spending years suffering under the influence of the cult of the Enchantrix, Oaklin Nettlewood is struggling to remember who they are and where exactly they belong in the world. So when Oaklin stumbles upon an old farm up for sale in Mossley's Rest, it seems like the perfect way to reinvent themselves and start their life over. Although Mossley's Rest is warm, welcoming, and full of selflessly kind residents, Oaklin can't help letting their anxiety get to them, telling them they don't belong in this wonderful place.

This was a really sweet story about healing from past traumas, and learning to trust again. Oaklin's past and the trauma they experience due to it are quite heavy for a cosy fantasy. They were part of an evil cult, and mind controlled by the leader so that she could use their magic to commit horrific acts. As a result of this, Oaklin has lost their memories from their time in the cult and only remembers things in flashbacks that are often triggered by normal day-to-day things. They no longer trust their magic and refuse to use it or even talk about it for fear of causing harm to someone again.

Oaklin spends a lot of the time working on the farm and learning how to tend to the crops and animals with the help of Granny - the ghost of the original owner of the farm. She takes Oaklin under her wing and is there to give them an encouraging nudge to help bring them out of their shell. I loved the friendship between Oaklin and Granny, she was the perfect counterpart to Oaklin and I adored her no-nonsense attitude especially when it came to taking care of the farm!

I really loved the friends Oaklin made along the way as they slowly became more comfortable in Mossley's Rest, and there is also a dash of romance sprinkled in! The characters were all really sweetly written and honestly, I'd love a second book about Ryn! I must know more about their bakery and magical cakes!

This is a really sweet book, but it is on the heavier side for a cosy fantasy. It's definitely perfect if you love a story about healing!

Thank you so much for the ARC!

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

Oaklin, who uses they/them pronouns, has left the Cult of Enchantrix, an organization that assigns blame without much interest in nuance. All Oaklin wants is a quiet life, but society continues to treat them as a villain. Labels stick, and much of Oaklin’s guilt is imposed rather than earned. They spend most of the story trying to prove they are harmless while keeping their new farm running. The novel argues that villainy is often assigned retroactively, and by the end, the title reads as intentionally ironic. Oaklin is “formerly villainous” only because they survived what the world decided to call evil.

Oaklin also has magic, which they are determined to keep hidden, despite the fact that the farm depends on it to function. This creates a constant, low level tension between survival and exposure. The book is divided into four parts, one for each season, and that structure reinforces the slow, repetitive work of farming and recovery rather than any rush toward redemption or spectacle.

The farm comes with a ghost, practical, opinionated, and more involved than requested. Through the ghost’s guidance and its tendency to introduce Oaklin to the villagers whether they want it or not, Oaklin gradually becomes part of the community. These relationships are built through shared labor and routine, not moral declarations or heroic acts.

The shadow of Oaklin’s past remains present. The Inquisitor appears just often enough to remind Oaklin that guilt by association is still policy, and the memory of the war involving the Cult of Enchantrix lingers in the background. The village itself offers a quiet contrast, complete with a farmers’ aid fund that keeps people from starving. Oaklin does not become a hero or publicly prove themselves good. They build a life that belongs to them, and England’s story suggests that this, rather than absolution, is the real victory.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. This was a lovely slice of life novel. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Field Guide for the Former Villainess is what happens when a cozy farm book tricks you into thinking this is going to be low stakes baking, gardening, and making friends, and then suddenly you are reading about trauma recovery, identity, found family, and the fallout of escaping an evil cult. Cozy, but with emotional side quests.

Everyone is going to compare this to Stardew Valley, and yes, the cozy farming town energy is there. But honestly, it feels much closer to story rich cozy games like Fields of Mistria or Coral Island, where every character has a backstory, emotional baggage, personal growth, and probably a secret they are not telling you yet. The town actually feels alive, not just like a place where you hand people turnips until they love you.

Magic in this world is very clearly tied to identity and coming out, and the story handles that really well. It shows what it feels like to hide who you are, finally be accepted, and then still not really know how to exist in a safe place because you are used to living in survival mode. Also the main character is dealing with the very small and totally manageable problem of escaping being mind controlled by an evil cult, so overall very relaxing cozy read.

The story is told from the POV of a nonbinary main character, and the LGBTQ+ representation feels natural and just part of the world instead of feeling forced or like it is there just to check a box.

If you liked Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore, you should absolutely read this. And I am going to say it again, I liked this one better. The characters felt more real, the relationships felt more earned, and the town actually felt like a community instead of just a cute backdrop where nothing bad ever happens.

4.5 Stars: Read this if you want cozy vibes, magic, found family, emotional healing, mild cult recovery, and a fictional town you will immediately want to move to even though you would absolutely complain about watering crops by day three.

[Megan Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rounding the rating to a 5 (it's a 4.25-4.5) for me.

Oh my, what a fantastically cozy and beautiful story. The characters came alive - I loved every single one of them. Although some seemed a tad 'flat', I couldn't stop thinking about them. Oaklin, what a beautiful anxious soul with ptsd. Oaklin was such a fun character to explore because even though they went through it all (war, killing), they were able to find a town that welcomed them with open arms and they HEALED. Not on their own, but with the help of local villagers that felt like family by the end of the book.

The farming portion of the book, which is a lot of the book, was so fun for me to read about. It was slow living with magical properties. I cannot put into words how I felt reading about this... I was overwhelmed with joy and could not stop thinking about this when I finished. I cried, I laughed, I was giddy.

The author did a phenomenal job with the descriptions of the bakery items, goodness me. I wanted to visit a bakery because it made me yearn for some tasty bread and treats. Also, what a nice little addition to have them be somewhat magical.

My only issue with the story and the characters is that nothing seemed to bother them. They were so grateful, so welcoming, so helpful... when Oaklin speaks on their experiences, there was no bad mouthing, no side eyes. It was almost as if none of them could even think of such terrible thoughts because everyone was so good. This is my problem with the story because my favorite characters are always the morally grey or the straight up evil ones -- this is not a problem of the book or author themselves. Just a preference.

So much praise should be given to this fun, enchanting, and beautifully written story.

Thank you to the publishers, netgalley, and the author (who wrote such a beautiful piece of work). All thoughts are of my own.

[Erik Hilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I must say that I recognise this book for what it is: a shameless wish-fulfillment fantasy. However, I must also say that it’s exactly the kind of wish-fulfilment fantasy that happens to appeal to me, and I feel like this book would resonate with many living in these uncertain times. I’d be surprised if someone has never thought of quitting their corporate job, moving to a small farming community, living off of the land and starting their life all over again.

This book paints a very idealised, probably unrealistic picture of life in a small village. It also helps that the main character has magic (which they slowly learn to use again). Everyone supports everyone, and the sense of community in this imaginary place made me feel fuzzy and warm inside. In addition, there is no prejudice against queer people, who are numerous in this book.

The book is well written and has a style that I like: it’s great to read and difficult to stop once you get to it. I didn’t think it would be so fun and exciting to read about farming of all things. I like how Oaklin’s trauma was depicted and I thought the aversion to magic and the flashbacks were both believable. It’s satisfying to see the protagonist recover in small increments. The romance between the main character and Lior is also nice and the two had great chemistry in my opinion.

I also thought the worldbuilding was good. I like how magic is a part of daily life in this world and I thought that making wizards use their powers to bake bread and farm lettuce was ingenious.

Overall, I’d say that I really liked this book and would definitely recommend it. If you’re open to reading about a guy growing their own food using their magical powers, give this book a try.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like it was made specifically for me. Cozy fantasy with healing, redemption, soft magic, and a farm setting. . The whole “Stardew Valley meets Studio Ghibli” vibe is not an exaggeration it’s warm, whimsical, a perfect for any fantasy lover.The story follows Oaklin Nettlewood who accidentally joined an evil world ending cult years ago and was forced to commit terrible acts under mind control magic. After the heroes defeat the villain and break the spell, Oaklin is left with shattered memories and a mountain of trauma. They retreat to a small farm on the edge of Mossley’s Rest swearing never to use magic again. But healing isn’t that simple especially when there’s a no nonsense ghost granny in the house, a grumpy horse, a very good dog, a chaotic bard and baker who clearly need to kiss already and a paladin librarian who slowly brings Oaklin’s heart back to life. Just when things start to feel safe an inquisitor arrives in town hunting former cultists threatening the fragile peace Oaklin has built.This is one of my favorite genres cozy fantasy with emotional depth and this absolutely delivered. I rated this five stars, but I might have to change it to six just because of how much I loved this fantasy take. One of my biggest tropes is of course found family so this book tugged on my heartstrings in the best way. I loved how magic wasn’t flashy or epic but used for small, practical, comforting things like foraging mushrooms and protecting crops. It made the world feel lived in.This is easily one of my favorite fantasies of the year so far. I will 100% be keeping this author on my radar from now on because they get it. If you love fantasy as much as I do especially character driven, cozy, healing centered fantasy add this to your list immediately. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy because this is one I know I’ll want to reread.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you don’t need all the action of a traditional fantasy. Sometimes you just need to read a cozy fantasy, and that is what this book is. This story happens all the fighting and killing and burning of villages. This is what happens to both the “good guys” and the “bad guys” when the fighting stops. And it is a wonderful story.

The basic story is Oaklin was a mind-controlled murder, who was saved, and now just wants to find a quiet play where they can live out their days. They buy a farm with a ghost, who needs to tell how to run the said farm with magic. But Oaklin doesn't want to use magic, because that was what caused the problems in the first place.

What I like mostly about this book is how kind everyone is. There is a lot of horror out there in the world, and yet there is also forgiveness, and healing. And the people of the village that they move to all support each other. If someone’s crop fails, that doesn’t mean they will all starve. There are food banks, and other farmers can also help.

Now, full disclosure, I read this story when the author first put it up on StoryLoom, and loved it then too. But even if, like me, you read the story before, that doesn't mean you won’t enjoy reading it again, because it has gone from a single pretty flower, to a complete bouquet.

This story deserves all the stars. I believe the author has another story in this universe, in the works, and I look forward to reading that one as well.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of June 2026.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Autumn K. England for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cosy little treat of a book!! Billed as Stardew Valley meets Studio Ghibli, and what an apt description that is.

Oaklin is looking for a fresh start, after spending years being mind controlled in an evil cult. They have little to memories of their time in this cult, or what crimes they committed - only that it was bad. They buy a small farm on the outskirts of a charming village, Mossley’s Rest, and set out to build their new life without magic.

The farm is haunted by a sassy, no-nonsense granny ghost, who does everything in her power (along with the delightful townsfolk)to help Oaklin break out of their shell and actually live.

This book was a warm blanket, hot spiced cider, a crackling fireplace…ugh, it was SO cosy and would be a perfect autumn read!

The world was so idyllic, everyone was respectful, accepting, supportive and inclusive. Watching Oaklin finally start to come out of their shell and learn to forgive their self was just exquisite, they deserve all the sunshine.

All that said, something was missing for me in this. I can’t put my finger on what exactly it was though! Maybe I wanted it to be a bit more whimsical, or lean a bit more into that aspect of the story? I don’t know!!

In spite of that.. I did eat this up, I read it in one sitting! I’m not sure if this is planned to be a series, but I feel like the world is ripe for some interconnected stand alone stories to be told.

This is a must for lovers of cosy fantasy, who don’t need high stakes or big adventures. Bonus points for Daffodil, who is the goodest girl 💕

[ฅ^•⩊•^ฅ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A former cultist, a paladin-librarian, and a ghost walk into a pub... No, not a joke, just three deeply traumatized people trying to heal each other. Add a farm, a very good dog who doubles as a protector, and a grumpy horse, and suddenly this feels like Stardew Valley in book form. And honestly? It is. But it’s also more than that.

Beneath the cozy vibes, this is a story about regret, guilt, and old wounds that don’t heal easily. It’s about friendship, forgiveness, and the quiet magic of people choosing kindness again and again.

I might have gone in expecting a bit more action or some proper villain activity, but I didn’t mind letting that go. This book is meant to be slow, gentle, and comforting. It’s the kind of fantasy that hands you a warm blanket, tells you to sit down, and reminds you that it’s okay to rest. An ode to friendship, community, and helping the people around you, simply because you can.

The worldbuilding was a delight. Magic is part of everyday life here, and wizards using their powers to bake bread or grow cabbage felt oddly brilliant. At one point, the book made me genuinely hungry, and frankly, I would love a slice of blueberry sage balm cake to heal a few emotional wounds of my own.

There’s also the ghost who quietly became the heart of the story for me. She wasn’t there to haunt or punish. She was exactly what Oaklin needed: a kind word, a hug, a gentle "slap" in the face when necessary, and the motivation to keep going. Support in its truest form.

Before I finish, I will never forgive Oaklin for the whole cracking-the-book-spine incident. Some crimes are unforgivable.

[ObscureVi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I think we all have those moments when we feel so down, that fast-paced novels simply don't work out, mostly because we can't focus on them (brain isn't braining in such situations moment).

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous was my pick to unwind after a particularly bad week, where I couldn't focus on any other book, despite really wanting to read to clear my head.

Was it a good pick? Yes.
Was I expecting something a bit different? Another yes.

I personally feel like there was too little fantasy in the fantasy, if you get what saying. Despite the fact, that we focused on magic practically from the very beginning of the book, I feel like at some point it slowly became the background that we rarely came back to. The same goes about farming, that I feel like we got very little of, especially when the blurb mentions Stardew Valley (the book itself did gave it's vibe and I loved that).

Oaklin's past in the cult was something I really, really liked and I honestly wished we got some more flashbacks about it, because I'm sure it would add even more depth to their character.

I also feel like a lot of things were resolved with timeskips, maybe a bit too many for my taste and most of the things that I wanted to watch slowly bloom, (you can compare it to grinding in the game, something that will take time, but is essential to move the plot forward) was done before we could give it more thought, because Oaklin already mastered it while we weren't looking.

[Juno ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing ARC access!

I think it's impossible to not fall in love with this book. For such a cute title with an equally adorable cover art, Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous doesn't shy away from exploring the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to its characters lives, their pasts, and what they do to work towards a happy future. It's touching to see a book handle complex subjects like trauma and community in a way that's both mature and comforting, and there's even more praise to be waxed for the author's tasteful skill in portraying human fear and insecurities in a manner that feels heartfelt and thoughtful. It's also just nice to see non-binary, LGBTQIAP+, and/or traumatized characters finding their place in a welcoming community and to be accepted for who they are.

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous is the perfect stay-at-home read on a cold winter day with a warm cup of tea by your side. I found myself thinking about this book when I wasn't reading it, and when I was, I was grinning from ear-to-ear and enraptured by each page. Seeing the journey and the bonds that Oaklin, Lior, Ryn, and Jules cultivated had me cheering for them every step of the way. You'll celebrate with them, cry for them, pray for them, treat them like they're your real friends that are within your reach and deserving of the biggest hug you can muster.

[Lindsay Wigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read felt like sitting down with a friend who’s excitedly telling you all about their favorite morally gray disaster people and somehow making you love them too.
Multiple classic fantasy tropes (villains, redemption arcs, dramatic pasts). The humor really worked for me—clever without being try-hard—and there’s this cozy, slightly chaotic vibe that makes it easy to sink into.
The characters are easily the best part. The “formerly villainous” crew isn’t suddenly good and noble overnight. They’re still awkward, defensive, and kind of a mess, which makes them feel real. Watching them figure out who they are after being the bad guy is both funny and surprisingly sweet. Their growth feels earned, not rushed.
The romance and emotional connections are low-key but effective—lots of banter, tension, and small moments that matter more than big dramatic speeches. It’s cute, it’s soft, and it sneaks up on you.
There are a couple spots where the pacing slows a bit, but honestly, I didn’t mind because I was enjoying the characters so much.
Overall, this book was fun, comforting, and way more heartfelt than I expected. If you like fantasy with humor, redemption arcs, and lovable ex-villains trying (and sometimes failing) to be better people, you might like it.

That being said, there were definitely some darker elements I was not prepared for. The previously mentioned PTSD in other reviews is relatively spot on. It won’t be for everyone but what book is?

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐

The summary for this novel says Oaklin "accidentally" joined a cult, but didn’t really explain how they were under a mind-control spell the entire time—something which exonerates them from any crimes committed before the plot has even started. I went into this book fully expecting a villain redemption story based on the blurb (which is partially my fault) but while the story didn’t go in the direction I expected, I still enjoyed this one a lot! Oaklin’s journey is one about overcoming guilt, forgiving themself, and healing—rather than escaping from their previously villainous life and starting anew. For those who were under the same impression as me, I would still give this one a go!

This book reads with a setting that feels heavily inspired by the game Stardew Valley (with the festivals, events, etc.) but definitely has enough going on with the characters and plotline that makes it a unique story. I really enjoyed our main characters, but the side characters were also very fun! Ryn, Jules, and the mentioned issue of needing to hire a magical part-timer at the bakery… I would definitely read a sequel set in the same setting if it answers some of the dilemmas brought up in this book! 👀

Overall, this was a very fun and relaxing read. If you’re in need of some low-stakes wish-fulfillment fantasy about living on a magical farm, this is definitely one to pick up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!

[Vice · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Well, Haymon, never let anyone tell you joining an evil villain’s cult is a great way to escape your boring little town. Sure, it’s a laugh at first. But then there’s the mind control and the blood rituals and the trauma!

This was such a charming and endearing entry into the cozy fantasy and queer fantasy sub-genres. Oaklin is freshly free of a coercive murderous mind-control cult, has bought a farm in a friendly supportive town, and spends a large portion of the book dealing with trauma and traumatic events like .... making and having friends (and dealing with a snarky Granny ghost). Relatively low stakes throughout, but I loved Oaklin awkwardly trying to navigate everything and learning how to run a farm and recover from their past.

All of the characters were great as well: every single one was vibrant, friendly, supportive, and enriched the story. The romance was really endearing and it was sweet watching it very naturally develop and unfold. I 10000% would want to live in Mossley's Rest. This was a very gentle story: the dialogue at times was a little heavy handed with the themes of guilt and grace and such, but in a well intentioned and still lovely way. I didn't necessarily mind but I could see where it wouldn't hit for others. Overall, this read quickly, was heartwarming, and I'd definitely recommend it!

Thanks to the author, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

[Nina van der Kooij · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC!

I think this is a great cozy fantasy, but unfortunately I am not much of a cozy fan. At times the book was too slow and boring for me, and much wrapped up too easily for my taste, hence the 3 star rating (3.5 rounded down). If cozy is your thing, I think this one is great, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.

I found the premise really intriguing, with a non binary MC who was formerly in a villainous cult trying to build a new life, and I did enjoy the focus on the MC's trauma and their fears of people finding out they were in this cult, their guilt about the things they did while mind controlled. The only thing that bothered me about this is that for a long time it was unclear how exactly the MC ended up in the cult. They feel super guilty, obviously, despite being mind controlled, but I couldn't tell if they joined the cult voluntarily and for what reason. This is actually explained later on, and made a lot of sense, but I think I might have been able to connect to the MC's guilt better if I had a better sense of what they did and did not have control over from the start.

The little farming town where the MC moves is really cute, and does kind of read like an ideal where everyone (well, most people) is nice and willing to help one another out, so in that sense it's great for cozy. The farming magic was interesting enough, and my favorite aspect of this book was the old lady ghost who still lives at the MC's farm to teach them how everything works.

There's a romantic subplot (with a female LI) which I found cute, and I enjoyed reading about them.

Compared to most cozy fantasies, there's a bit more emphasis on trauma and the war in the past, but the current setting and plot is very cozy, so I do think it will appeal to cozy fantasy fans who enjoy farm village settings and queer romance.

[Heather Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a Stardew Valley person, you're going to spend the first 50 pages of this book walking around the map in your imagination as you read. But don't you worry, Autumn K England was certainly influenced by the greatest cozy video game of all time, but this story stands on its own. Our nonbinary protagonist, Oaklin, has escaped being mind-controlled by the evil Enchantrix, and is now setting up home on a magical farm in a close-knit town called Mossley's Rest. They are extremely traumatized from their time in the Enxhantrix's cult — that's the main theme of this book, and as someone who also has PTSD and craves quiet comfort and home more than literally anything else, Autumn K England gets Oaklin very right.

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous takes us through Oak's first spring, summer, and autumn as they learn to tend to their crops, raise their chickens, forage their mushrooms, and stop being terrified of their own magic. With the help of a beautiful paladin, a stoic magical baker, and a gentle bard — oh, and obviously a ghost Granny — they learn to trust themself again, and start believing they deserve a happy life.

Very sweet, very trauma, very found family.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide an honest review.