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Volumes & Villainesses: A Cozy Fantasy
"Volumes & Villainesses" is a true delight, a perfectly brewed cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. Jones has crafted a world that feels lived-in and loved, where the magic is not a grand spectacle but a gentle, humming part of everyday life. The characters are so endearing and their quiet moments so genuine that you'll find yourself completely swept away by the charm of the Broken Claw. This is a story that comforts and captivates in equal measure, leaving you with a warm feeling long after you've closed the book.
Welcome back to the Broken Claw, where every street holds a secret and every story has a touch of magic. Life in this charming town is a delicate balance of the mundane and the magnificent, and no one understands this better than Vamir Oakkin, a man who has found his place in a world humming with ancient magic. As the seasons turn and the town settles into its comfortable rhythms, Vamir believes that for now, everything is as it should be—until a new arrival threatens to unravel the peace.
As the quiet hum of the icosagon's magic shifts, Vamir must navigate a landscape of new questions and old ghosts. The world outside may bring its own chaos, but here, the greatest mysteries are often found in the small moments, within a well-worn book, or in the whispers of a forgotten tale. Get ready to lose yourself in a story that proves even the coziest of towns can hold its share of villains and that some of the greatest adventures begin simply by turning a page.
What a triumph of subtle world-building! Don Jones weaves a rich tapestry of fantasy that is both unique and deeply believable. The magic system feels organic and grounded, tied directly to the rhythms of the town and its people. This is not a book about saving the world, but about understanding it—the quiet power of a magical library, the history in the stones of an old building, and the wisdom found in forgotten tales. It's a testament to the fact that great fantasy doesn't need to be epic to be powerful.
With "Volumes & Villainesses," Don Jones has proven once again that he writes from the heart. The characters feel like old friends, their struggles and victories resonating deeply. The story is driven not by dramatic conflicts but by the quiet, heartfelt moments that reveal who these people truly are. It’s a book that finds the extraordinary in the ordinary, exploring themes of belonging, friendship, and finding your place in the world with a gentle, yet powerful, hand.
Welcome back to the Broken Claw, where every street holds a secret and every story has a touch of magic. Life in this charming town is a delicate balance of the mundane and the magnificent, and no one understands this better than Vamir Oakkin, a man who has found his place in a world humming with ancient magic. As the seasons turn and the town settles into its comfortable rhythms, Vamir believes that for now, everything is as it should be—until a new arrival threatens to unravel the peace.
As the quiet hum of the icosagon's magic shifts, Vamir must navigate a landscape of new questions and old ghosts. The world outside may bring its own chaos, but here, the greatest mysteries are often found in the small moments, within a well-worn book, or in the whispers of a forgotten tale. Get ready to lose yourself in a story that proves even the coziest of towns can hold its share of villains and that some of the greatest adventures begin simply by turning a page.
What a triumph of subtle world-building! Don Jones weaves a rich tapestry of fantasy that is both unique and deeply believable. The magic system feels organic and grounded, tied directly to the rhythms of the town and its people. This is not a book about saving the world, but about understanding it—the quiet power of a magical library, the history in the stones of an old building, and the wisdom found in forgotten tales. It's a testament to the fact that great fantasy doesn't need to be epic to be powerful.
With "Volumes & Villainesses," Don Jones has proven once again that he writes from the heart. The characters feel like old friends, their struggles and victories resonating deeply. The story is driven not by dramatic conflicts but by the quiet, heartfelt moments that reveal who these people truly are. It’s a book that finds the extraordinary in the ordinary, exploring themes of belonging, friendship, and finding your place in the world with a gentle, yet powerful, hand.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
About the author
Don Jones
152 books194 followersDon Jones has written dozens and dozens of books and ebooks on information technology topics, and is perhaps most well-known in that space for his "Month of Lunches" series, published by Manning. Don's recently branched out into topics like business management, instructional design, and self-improvement/motivational, along with launching books in science fiction and fantasy. Don lives in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, is a huge fan of Disney Parks, and loves Figment best of all.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 14, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
Similar to the second one, it was not as magical as the first one. I thought I was going to love this one since it was built around a library, and I love books. The idea was good, but felt not properly developed. I felt he researched a little, but didn't come up with the answer. The research part wasn't properly handled either. Maybe too unnecessarily philosophical? It introduces new characters and bids farewell to others. I really enjoy the town chemistry and every adventure they face together. The story felt a little fragmented. This book was a bit darker than the first one and lacked the laugh-out-loud moments I experienced in the first one. The end is nice, but I wasn't able to engage as much with this one as I did with the first book.
Nevertheless, well-written, has great characters, and an interesting story.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Similar to the second one, it was not as magical as the first one. I thought I was going to love this one since it was built around a library, and I love books. The idea was good, but felt not properly developed. I felt he researched a little, but didn't come up with the answer. The research part wasn't properly handled either. Maybe too unnecessarily philosophical? It introduces new characters and bids farewell to others. I really enjoy the town chemistry and every adventure they face together. The story felt a little fragmented. This book was a bit darker than the first one and lacked the laugh-out-loud moments I experienced in the first one. The end is nice, but I wasn't able to engage as much with this one as I did with the first book.
Nevertheless, well-written, has great characters, and an interesting story.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
February 26, 2026
Meandering in a good way
Book 3 of this series feels more like vignettes or pearls of like luster strung together. Vamir feels ephemeral, in a way that a protagonist shouldn't feel. Then, Vamir isn't a protagonist, he's the voyeur of the story. I hate to say it, but I kept waiting for this one to end. Then it wouldn't, I'll be reading #4 in the morning and for whatever gripe I sound like I have, I actually am having a great time with this series. I love that it's grown ups and their lives, I am really done with the extra special 14 year old and her harem of besotted admirers. On to the next one.
Book 3 of this series feels more like vignettes or pearls of like luster strung together. Vamir feels ephemeral, in a way that a protagonist shouldn't feel. Then, Vamir isn't a protagonist, he's the voyeur of the story. I hate to say it, but I kept waiting for this one to end. Then it wouldn't, I'll be reading #4 in the morning and for whatever gripe I sound like I have, I actually am having a great time with this series. I love that it's grown ups and their lives, I am really done with the extra special 14 year old and her harem of besotted admirers. On to the next one.
January 19, 2026
disappointing
Did not enjoy. Seemed to say the same thing over and over. Made myself finish just in case it would improve. It didn’t .
Did not enjoy. Seemed to say the same thing over and over. Made myself finish just in case it would improve. It didn’t .
May 18, 2026
Another enjoyable tale. Will continue reading series
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews