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A Gentle Apocalypse #1
Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan
Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 16:33:30
20 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Demon Overlord retires to farm turnips in peace, only to find life in a small village far more chaotic than he ever could have anticipated in this laugh-out-loud debut cozy fantasy with teeth. Includes an exclusive bonus adventure coming 8/25/26!
When destroying the world and killing the hero grows boring, what's a Demon Overlord to do but quit while he's ahead?
Galornus Prime was the Scourge of Nations, Ender of Hope, and Master of the Cardinal Sins. He had done everything worth doing. Some of it more than once.
His retirement plan was simple: get a goat, farm quietly, and avoid accidentally conquering anything. The plan didn't include soul-crushing town halls, after-school combat lessons with children, and a war with perhaps his most worthy nemesis yet: the rose-growing, seventy-three year-old widow next door.
Even in retirement, evil never sleeps...but it does plant turnips.
When corrupt officials and greedy merchants threaten his infuriatingly loveable neighbors, Galornus faces a new kind of challenge: saving the village without revealing he is the monster parents invoke to make children eat their vegetables.
Demon Overlord’s Retirement Plan is a cozy fantasy with teeth, where the hardest battle isn’t defeating heroes—it’s staying retired and learning how to live after 444 lifetimes of villainy.
When destroying the world and killing the hero grows boring, what's a Demon Overlord to do but quit while he's ahead?
Galornus Prime was the Scourge of Nations, Ender of Hope, and Master of the Cardinal Sins. He had done everything worth doing. Some of it more than once.
His retirement plan was simple: get a goat, farm quietly, and avoid accidentally conquering anything. The plan didn't include soul-crushing town halls, after-school combat lessons with children, and a war with perhaps his most worthy nemesis yet: the rose-growing, seventy-three year-old widow next door.
Even in retirement, evil never sleeps...but it does plant turnips.
When corrupt officials and greedy merchants threaten his infuriatingly loveable neighbors, Galornus faces a new kind of challenge: saving the village without revealing he is the monster parents invoke to make children eat their vegetables.
Demon Overlord’s Retirement Plan is a cozy fantasy with teeth, where the hardest battle isn’t defeating heroes—it’s staying retired and learning how to live after 444 lifetimes of villainy.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 9, 2026DNF 30%. I was vibing with the writing at first, but quickly started to get annoyed by it. Until it got to a point where I found it odd and obnoxious.
There’s something off about it. A lot of things don’t make any sense, and the dialogue is just plain weird. There are too many analogies, too many adverbs, just a lot of over describing things. Maybe this is how the author prefers to write, but I don’t like it.
Then I checked the reviews, and realized this would clearly not get better for me. The idea was great, but I didn’t love whatever was happening here.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: don’t know what it is about a villain retiring to become a farmer, but it hooks me every single time
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
There’s something off about it. A lot of things don’t make any sense, and the dialogue is just plain weird. There are too many analogies, too many adverbs, just a lot of over describing things. Maybe this is how the author prefers to write, but I don’t like it.
Then I checked the reviews, and realized this would clearly not get better for me. The idea was great, but I didn’t love whatever was happening here.
─ ✦ ────
✎ᝰ.┊ pre-read: don’t know what it is about a villain retiring to become a farmer, but it hooks me every single time
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
February 1, 2026
Schitt's Creek with demons, basically. A fun and quick read, ideal for a palate cleanser between darker books.
Read
April 6, 2026My new year's resolution is the same as it always is: to quit my romance-only diet and read grittier books. Grittier here meaning books that require some effort from the reader, whether that be in the form of worldbuilding, idea density, vocabulary, etc. Classic fantasy (not romantasy, not YA fantasy) tends to check this box. For me, personally, any book where romance isn't the main theme also counts. You may assume that I, as an author, have somehow escaped our collective shortening of attention. Not so. The internet, with its vast and endless wonders (or whatever) has affected me like it's affected everyone, and I don’t love what it's done to my focus. It's time to reverse course.
Enter: Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan.
This is, admittedly, not the deepest reading. But it's also not romance, so ha! The book begins when our anti-hero Galornus Prime decides to quit being the Demon Overlord and enter retirement. He settles down in a sleepy village and turns his hand to turnip farming, but staying retired isn't as easy as it seems, and as corrupt officials threaten the villagers, Galornus finds himself stepping in.
It's a cheerfully unserious story, surprisingly heartfelt at times, with a goofy cast and a main character who always comes out on top. That makes for incredibly satisfying reading. The pacing is perhaps a little wonky, with most of the action happening over the last few pages, and the story ends on a very soft note, with a cliffhanger at the end, but that's all to be expected for the genre (cozy fantasy) and doesn't detract from this general warm hug of a novel. If you're looking for something light and feel-good, I recommend it.
Enter: Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan.
This is, admittedly, not the deepest reading. But it's also not romance, so ha! The book begins when our anti-hero Galornus Prime decides to quit being the Demon Overlord and enter retirement. He settles down in a sleepy village and turns his hand to turnip farming, but staying retired isn't as easy as it seems, and as corrupt officials threaten the villagers, Galornus finds himself stepping in.
It's a cheerfully unserious story, surprisingly heartfelt at times, with a goofy cast and a main character who always comes out on top. That makes for incredibly satisfying reading. The pacing is perhaps a little wonky, with most of the action happening over the last few pages, and the story ends on a very soft note, with a cliffhanger at the end, but that's all to be expected for the genre (cozy fantasy) and doesn't detract from this general warm hug of a novel. If you're looking for something light and feel-good, I recommend it.
April 7, 2026
I did not expect a book about a Demon Overlord retiring to farm turnips and get a goat to be one of my new favorite reads and yet here we are.
The Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan scratched every single cozy fantasy itch I had. Found family, quirky and lovable side characters, animal companions with full personalities, a strong sense of community, and a grumpy main character with (surprisingly for a Demon Overlord) genuine values that make him completely endearing. The sarcasm/denial is perfect, the humor lands every time, and watching this character's heart slowly get pulled open by the people around him is just wonderful.
It fits so naturally into the cozy fantasy mold despite its premise, and to me that is impressive. This is the kind of feel good, warm, unexpectedly charming read that I will be recommending to everyone who asks for a cozy fantasy recommendation from here on out.
I will absolutely be continuing this series and I have a feeling it is going to be one of my favorite discoveries of the year. If you are on the fence, just read it. You will not regret it. And if you do, it's only barely more than 200 pages so you'll survive.
The Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan scratched every single cozy fantasy itch I had. Found family, quirky and lovable side characters, animal companions with full personalities, a strong sense of community, and a grumpy main character with (surprisingly for a Demon Overlord) genuine values that make him completely endearing. The sarcasm/denial is perfect, the humor lands every time, and watching this character's heart slowly get pulled open by the people around him is just wonderful.
It fits so naturally into the cozy fantasy mold despite its premise, and to me that is impressive. This is the kind of feel good, warm, unexpectedly charming read that I will be recommending to everyone who asks for a cozy fantasy recommendation from here on out.
I will absolutely be continuing this series and I have a feeling it is going to be one of my favorite discoveries of the year. If you are on the fence, just read it. You will not regret it. And if you do, it's only barely more than 200 pages so you'll survive.
June 5, 2026
This was such a fun book! It was a quick read and really hit the notes of a retired demon overlord who secretly has a heart. Highly recommend!
June 12, 2026
I find it hard to believe this is the first book written by M. H. Foster. It is so full of heart and humor and turnips and pickling that I was caught by surprise.
Galornus Prime, a very very high ranking demon decides during his 444th incarnation (Yes, he has died a lot during the last several thousand years) he has gotten tired of the whole "defeat the Hero and another comes along, until you lose and die", existence. He wants boredom and peace instead. He decides being a farmer fits that lifestyle and turnips farming might be the best to meet his needs.
He makes a few small mistakes in his efforts to keep a low profile and avoid anything that is too evil. His neighbor disapproves of everything he does, his goat seems to revel in annoying him, and his hell- hound guard dog bonds with one of the children who keep trampling his crops. This is not what he expected.
Galornus Prime, a very very high ranking demon decides during his 444th incarnation (Yes, he has died a lot during the last several thousand years) he has gotten tired of the whole "defeat the Hero and another comes along, until you lose and die", existence. He wants boredom and peace instead. He decides being a farmer fits that lifestyle and turnips farming might be the best to meet his needs.
He makes a few small mistakes in his efforts to keep a low profile and avoid anything that is too evil. His neighbor disapproves of everything he does, his goat seems to revel in annoying him, and his hell- hound guard dog bonds with one of the children who keep trampling his crops. This is not what he expected.
March 15, 2026
I love a good story about someone who is in denial about the person who they are surely and steadily becoming. This is the story of the Demon Lord who decides to seek a peaceful life farming turnips, and NOT, super NOT, getting involved in the affairs of the people around him, and NOT caring about them and NOT being a good neighbor. Setting aside theology - this one was very heartwarming and lighthearted, a perfect make-me-feel-good read.
December 11, 2025
December 2025
Kindle edition
Not sure how I feel about getting to the end and realising there is another book. Is it so hard to put book 1 on the cover? Anyway, picked because of the title and yeah the goat on the throne. I liked this one. Small village isekai party gathering vibes. The kids were great. Best chapter was the hellhound and goat getting to work. Willem was mostly chill except for when the demon energy could be discovered.
Kindle edition
Not sure how I feel about getting to the end and realising there is another book. Is it so hard to put book 1 on the cover? Anyway, picked because of the title and yeah the goat on the throne. I liked this one. Small village isekai party gathering vibes. The kids were great. Best chapter was the hellhound and goat getting to work. Willem was mostly chill except for when the demon energy could be discovered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
This was an absolute delight of a book.
Cozy, humorous and the perfect palate cleanser read after heavier fantasy books.
Willem, our exhausted demon Overlord, was a treat to be in the mind of. His confusion but acceptance of human ways, his protectiveness of the village he convinces himself is simply him saving himself the effort of training new followers. All of it just brought a smile to my face.
A very fun start to a quirky little series. I highly recommend people pick this up!
Cozy, humorous and the perfect palate cleanser read after heavier fantasy books.
Willem, our exhausted demon Overlord, was a treat to be in the mind of. His confusion but acceptance of human ways, his protectiveness of the village he convinces himself is simply him saving himself the effort of training new followers. All of it just brought a smile to my face.
A very fun start to a quirky little series. I highly recommend people pick this up!
December 30, 2025
Absolutely brilliant.
A sublime and hilarious read, #thedemonoverlordsretirementplan #mhfoster is absolutely excellent.
It's sarcastic, hilarious, dark humoured and heartwarming all at once. The characters are wonderfully described and have full personalities without becoming boring or excessive, the winning over of Mrs Crankshaw is adorable, as is Sally with her innocence "SHE PUT HER FACE ON YOU?" and star formation. The near misses and little accidents make it all more believable as does Willem's very focused passion for turnips. Perfectly believable as the new village (slightly touched) harmless bufoon.
Read it. Today. It's bloody great.
A sublime and hilarious read, #thedemonoverlordsretirementplan #mhfoster is absolutely excellent.
It's sarcastic, hilarious, dark humoured and heartwarming all at once. The characters are wonderfully described and have full personalities without becoming boring or excessive, the winning over of Mrs Crankshaw is adorable, as is Sally with her innocence "SHE PUT HER FACE ON YOU?" and star formation. The near misses and little accidents make it all more believable as does Willem's very focused passion for turnips. Perfectly believable as the new village (slightly touched) harmless bufoon.
Read it. Today. It's bloody great.
March 10, 2026
A delightfully absurd fantasy adventure with root vegetables
I expected Overlord would be a "did not finish" book for me; instead, it was a hilarious romp filled with loveable characters, redemption, and vegetable resistance. Right triumphs over Evil, but Right and Evil have fluid definitions. I read this book in KU, but I will definitely buy it to reread when I need happiness.
I expected Overlord would be a "did not finish" book for me; instead, it was a hilarious romp filled with loveable characters, redemption, and vegetable resistance. Right triumphs over Evil, but Right and Evil have fluid definitions. I read this book in KU, but I will definitely buy it to reread when I need happiness.
April 17, 2026
If it hasn’t all been written by AI, a good chunk has been edited by it. The clunky tells in language completely ripped me out the story.
I’ve since looked at the authors other books-the rate they release them also suggests AI
I’ve since looked at the authors other books-the rate they release them also suggests AI
March 30, 2026
This was a quick and fun read that delivered everything you'd expect from the blurb.
I think the only reason this isn't a 5-star read for me is that I struggle to enjoy long-form comedy, since the mechanics of it tend to grow a bit stale and overstay their welcome for me. That was the case here as well, since much of the comedy relied on the juxtaposition of the Demon Lord's perspective relative to humanity's for daily events. The main issue for me was that it required the MC to be overly dense regarding certain matters to preserve the comedic stance, but it's just hard for me to suspend disbelief that a guy with a battalion of succubi at his beck and call doesn't know what a kiss is and wonders why a woman put her mouth on his.
If you're okay suspending your disbelief for comic purposes, then you will probably enjoy everything this story offers. For me, it still served as a nice palate-cleanser and I would easily recommend it for anyone in the mood for 30% cozy fantasy and 70% comedy.
I think the only reason this isn't a 5-star read for me is that I struggle to enjoy long-form comedy, since the mechanics of it tend to grow a bit stale and overstay their welcome for me. That was the case here as well, since much of the comedy relied on the juxtaposition of the Demon Lord's perspective relative to humanity's for daily events. The main issue for me was that it required the MC to be overly dense regarding certain matters to preserve the comedic stance, but it's just hard for me to suspend disbelief that a guy with a battalion of succubi at his beck and call doesn't know what a kiss is and wonders why a woman put her mouth on his.
If you're okay suspending your disbelief for comic purposes, then you will probably enjoy everything this story offers. For me, it still served as a nice palate-cleanser and I would easily recommend it for anyone in the mood for 30% cozy fantasy and 70% comedy.
March 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This is not the first book in which I’ve related heavily to a demonic figure but I can’t help it if I, too, would love to spend my time gardening and being left alone 🤷🏼♀️ Fun read, excited to see how the next one unfolds!
This is not the first book in which I’ve related heavily to a demonic figure but I can’t help it if I, too, would love to spend my time gardening and being left alone 🤷🏼♀️ Fun read, excited to see how the next one unfolds!
February 9, 2026
Great Birthday gift from the wife. can't wait to read the next one
February 25, 2026
What an unexpected delight. Main character bemused as plans get subverted by the humans in the vicinity. Quietly witty with some laugh aloud moments.
Also: pickles.
Also: pickles.
March 14, 2026
4.5 🌟 This was so much fun! Loved it!
March 30, 2026
Pure genius, with a healthy side of humor.
February 9, 2026
clever, smartly written dialogue, and oddly warmhearted
Rating: 4.75⭐️
This is a great take on the “villain/big baddie turns hero” trope that is becoming more popular in fantasy and paranormal fiction.
Foster is another new discovery and I really enjoyed the storyline, especially the smartly crafted dialogue and well rounded characters that slowly became important to the “retired” demon overlord in his new role and reader.
It’s a believable redemption arc, and from the final battle between Devine Hero and Demon Overlord to his journey to the small village of
The Demon Overlord impetuously kept a bit of Wilhem’ when he took over his body so Galornus decides that best plan for retirement is journeying to the tiny mountain village where Wilhelm wanted to spend his life, being a farmer surrounded by his animals and raising crops. Not that the Demon Lord knows what any of this means.
The story that follows is witty, honest, oddly warmhearted, and believable in its own way. As Galornus learns about the humans around him, he learns to value and care about them and slowly becomes a real heart of the community. Each one of these villagers becomes, not just a neighbor but maybe more. Like family.
Plus there’s hilarious demonic goats and a wonderful demon dog. And children and pickles.
This is one book that continues to surprise and delight you as the story progresses. What a great find!
Highly recommended!
A Gentle Apocalypse (3 book series)
Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan #1
Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War #2
Band of Others #3 - April 14, 2026
Rating: 4.75⭐️
This is a great take on the “villain/big baddie turns hero” trope that is becoming more popular in fantasy and paranormal fiction.
Foster is another new discovery and I really enjoyed the storyline, especially the smartly crafted dialogue and well rounded characters that slowly became important to the “retired” demon overlord in his new role and reader.
It’s a believable redemption arc, and from the final battle between Devine Hero and Demon Overlord to his journey to the small village of
The Demon Overlord impetuously kept a bit of Wilhem’ when he took over his body so Galornus decides that best plan for retirement is journeying to the tiny mountain village where Wilhelm wanted to spend his life, being a farmer surrounded by his animals and raising crops. Not that the Demon Lord knows what any of this means.
The story that follows is witty, honest, oddly warmhearted, and believable in its own way. As Galornus learns about the humans around him, he learns to value and care about them and slowly becomes a real heart of the community. Each one of these villagers becomes, not just a neighbor but maybe more. Like family.
Plus there’s hilarious demonic goats and a wonderful demon dog. And children and pickles.
This is one book that continues to surprise and delight you as the story progresses. What a great find!
Highly recommended!
A Gentle Apocalypse (3 book series)
Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan #1
Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War #2
Band of Others #3 - April 14, 2026
July 12, 2026
Terribly done AI cover.
Start hiring artists if you want me to believe what's behind them isn't also stolen concepts and materials.
Thanks.
++** update to add: they changed the cover, the interior still an AI written book. Smh
Start hiring artists if you want me to believe what's behind them isn't also stolen concepts and materials.
Thanks.
++** update to add: they changed the cover, the interior still an AI written book. Smh
March 1, 2026
Original, funny, heartfelt. Read in two days, not done that in a while! Thoroughly enjoyed & highly recommended.
March 19, 2026
I just discovered this author, and already they have become an instant-buy for me! It had been a long time since a novel caught me so much... Truly a great talent!
March 3, 2026
This book is a tube of Pringles. You start it and you know exactly what you're going to get, totally predictable. As you go through you're aware that it really isn't very good but you keep going anyway and eventually you run out.
I am very glad I didn't have to pay for it, I got it with Kindle Unlimited. It's a quick read (see above re: Pringles), it's fluff. The latter 1/3 or so makes very little sense, I'm sure there are ideas in here but they're very well disguised. It's a souffle, looks fine on the outside but insubstantial.
It also really needs another pass from a proof reader - Willem or William? Clunky sentence structure, people 'groaning unconsciously', fabulously high tech bits of kit being ordered and arriving in a village that seems to be at late medieval stages of technology (blacksmiths and carts).
It all just leaves a weird aftertaste. It's short, it's a quick read, it has fun moments, but ultimately I feel like I've wasted my time. A shame because the basic premise could be interesting, there is just too much missing.
I am very glad I didn't have to pay for it, I got it with Kindle Unlimited. It's a quick read (see above re: Pringles), it's fluff. The latter 1/3 or so makes very little sense, I'm sure there are ideas in here but they're very well disguised. It's a souffle, looks fine on the outside but insubstantial.
It also really needs another pass from a proof reader - Willem or William? Clunky sentence structure, people 'groaning unconsciously', fabulously high tech bits of kit being ordered and arriving in a village that seems to be at late medieval stages of technology (blacksmiths and carts).
It all just leaves a weird aftertaste. It's short, it's a quick read, it has fun moments, but ultimately I feel like I've wasted my time. A shame because the basic premise could be interesting, there is just too much missing.
April 29, 2026
I wish I could mark this private because I don't want to make baseless accusations but: This did not feel like it was fully written by a human, and I did not like it. DNF at 32%.
Want to Read
July 6, 2026😈The Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan😈
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Fantasy
• Retired Dark Lord
• Small Village
• Found Family
• Goat Companion
• Cozy Humor
• Magical Adventure
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Fantasy
• Retired Dark Lord
• Small Village
• Found Family
• Goat Companion
• Cozy Humor
• Magical Adventure
_ _ __
📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
January 26, 2026
Absolutely hilarious. What happens when a Demon Overlord is just done with it all and wants to retire? A goat, a hellhound, turnip farming and children are involved in his attempt at retirement. Laugh out loud funny at multiple times for me. The ending suggests a possible sequel. I would be delighted to read that!
February 15, 2026
Amazing take on the Bad Guy's View!
A well-written, even philosophical view on the Trope of Demon Overlords and what the cycle of Hero vs Demon does to a culture. Had me laughing throughout, and I am hopeful that there will be more in this series. This is a keeper!
A well-written, even philosophical view on the Trope of Demon Overlords and what the cycle of Hero vs Demon does to a culture. Had me laughing throughout, and I am hopeful that there will be more in this series. This is a keeper!
April 12, 2026
3.75 ⭐. such a cute little book, easy to read - but sometimes felt a bit rushed. I wished it'd have taken its time with the story a bit more
June 6, 2026
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was a bit skeptical - I had never read a book with a plot like this and didn't know what to expect. However, I loved it! It was lighthearted, funny, and a really enjoyable read. I loved the community in the town of Lower Middleton and how Willem slowly saw the place as his home.
Great book overall!
Great book overall!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews