Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War

A Gentle Apocalypse #2

by M.H. Foster

Book 2 of A Gentle Apocalypse Series, from the author of Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan, a #1 Amazon Best Seller.

There’s no rest for the wicked, especially when they have family next door.

After centuries of conquering kingdoms and terrifying the cosmos, the Demon Overlord just wants to retire in peace. Unfortunately, peace is hard to find in Lower Middleton, a quiet village full of gossip, feuds, and one dangerously charming succubus—who also happens to be his "cousin."

Now Willem Porter (definitely not Galornus Prime, Destroyer of Worlds) must navigate enchanted pickles, noble politics, and the delicate art of staying out of trouble, all while pretending he’s just a humble turnip farmer.

A cozy, laugh-out-loud fantasy of infernal bureaucracy, reluctant heroism, and small-town chaos.

Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Good Omens, and anyone who likes their comfort reads served with sarcasm, tea, and a touch of demonic meddling.

Start your next infernal vacation in Lower Middleton today.

Genres: Fantasy, Demons

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 13, 2026

Reviews

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Eternity's Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars.

Love, Politics and Other Acts of War was a great and funny follow up to book one of the Gentle Apocalypse series.

I enjoyed Willems continued reluctant manuverings and his world weary patience with those around him. I also found it a treat to see him being outmanuvered in this book. Though I did find the establishment of new characters and their personalities and how they fit into the village to be weaker than in book one, which is what dragged it down from a 5 star read for me.

This was still cute and cozy though and I really enjoyed it as a palate cleanser read, same as book one.

Looking forward to book three.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more serious sequel, but still delightful fantasy

I'm in love with Willem...and Sally, and Prometheus, and Ferdinand, and Rajani, and Arthur, and all the original and new inhabitants of Little Middleton. There is romance, laughter, conflict, and PICKLES. The story flies by, and I'm sorry when it ends. I read Love in KU but will buy it to reread.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

January 2026
Kindle edition

This is one of those series that I am defo going to binge read all the way through once completed. It was fun, mostly light and the demon lord was a little more active than the previous, again leading to another cliffhanger that he should've seen coming. Crazy goat, a succubus minion finding her own place, the DL losing his prized pickles and training. Loved this one. Looking forward to the next one.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying the short books in this series so much. Gentle humor, pleasant story telling and entertaining characters, the perfect read for me in this moment. I'm looking forward to book 3.

[Shamim Sinnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first one better—this one is a bit too happy happy. Less wry.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I LOVED this!!! I read the first one needing a palate cleanser from my book slump. Then I’ve spent the past 20 days waiting for this one to come out!! So warming and innovative. Found family trope always wins for me

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious. What could go wrong when the Great Demon Overlord decides to retire to become a turnip farmer in a hamlet? Very amusing.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first book in my opinion - maybe because the world was more fleshed out? Regardless still very enjoyable

[Ashly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purely accidental luck on my part, this was released a whole 5 minutes after I finished the first book, which I randomly picked up from KU while looking for a short and funny read. This was a great continuation of the series, which picks up pretty much right at the end of book 1. While I have not found these lol funny, I have enjoyed them. The characters and story are great, and a good way to spend a couple of hours if you want something light to read. I will be reading book 3 when it comes out.

[Bob Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a continuation of the first book, well-written and warm. There’s a lovely battle scene which takes place off the page and you get it through retelling, which helps to keep the peril at bay. Not that I’m peril averse but it doesn’t half make the book easier to read. The problem with it though is that there’s never any real stakes so development is a bit of an issue.

That said, if you’re reading book two you already know how the book is meant to feel so if you want stakes, look elsewhere.

It’s fun, it’s easy to read and it’s enjoyable.

[Miss Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

My New Favorite Author

I love these books! I don’t know how I found them, but once I started reading them I could not stop. The characters are full of depth and each so intriguing. I want to learn more about every character the author introduces! The world is clearly deeply thought out and the storylines are so compelling. This series is romantic, deep, and whimsical - an impossible combination the author does so well. I am looking forward to the next book!

[David Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick and fun read, some points can be frustrating but it adds to the character od Willem. the author is clearly writing a story of a unwitting villain who really just wanted to be left alone. who couldn't even remember why he started fighting in the first place. At times Willems behavior as other around him do whatever they please makes you forget he was a demon overlord and truly frustrated as he is esse tally trapped by those he cares for.

a fun quick pallet cleanser.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a joy to read! Cozy, but just enough action and obstacles for the characters to overcome that it wasn’t boring! Lots of character growth, further world building, and introduced a host of new characters! I absolutely enjoyed it! Make sure to read the first book in the series first though, or this one won’t make sense and will not be as enjoyable.

[Roger Kiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun read

Great fun, quick read. Comedy and character relationships are the base of these books. They're laugh out loud funny, great characters, even some slow burn romances, and have intrigue and excitement without bloody angst fights. And a demon goat, what else could you ask for. Highly recommended.

[Angelena · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so good and I usually devour them in a single sitting, two at the most if sleep is needed. I love the characters just as much as I did in book one and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the next. The only thing I would change is that I wish they were longer, not necessarily because the storyline needs it but just because I'm never ready for my enjoyment to end

[Cameron Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely palate-cleanser this series is, and if you are in the mood for a gentle apocalypse and good people being helped along the way by a retired demonic overlord only occasionally irked by a divine/demonic goat then this is for you. Short, sweet, and entertaining.

[Joe Wonderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt the need to share.

What a fantastic story. I have travelled many worlds and enjoyed numerous tales. But I have to admit, this is one of my favourites. All I can say is, thank you.

[Shymsal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, enjoyable novel about the continuing adventures of a retired evil overlord who finds he rather likes the peasants he has chosen to live among. I liked the first one and jumped straight into this. Can't wait for the next!

[Hana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. It was again hilarious, with dry humor. He really doesn't want to be demon overload anymore and yet he can't suppress his nature. I loved new addition of Rajani as well as other characters. The ending hints at new drama with his old/new minion and I can't wait to read it!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love this series

Find how he fights himself and is so moody and broody and a sulky child love love love it book 3 here i come

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read. Kept the same fun, low stakes tension and charm of the first volume. Such a treat.

[Steen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelenté !

Fab-u-lo-so ! Amazing follow-up still witty, humorous, and insightful. Not as witty as first…but still a “one book in a thousand !

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wholesome fantasy really loving this series

[Tony Dure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

The first made me laughing out loud

This one was just as good as the first, looking forward to the third

Fantastic light reading, humour abounds- enjoy

[Teddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good story but Willem's flat emotional state kind of spills over into the tone of the story.
A lot more happens but it all felt the same somehow. That's the only way I can describe it....

[Sue Prudhomme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun!

[Marcelle McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, but not as gripping as the first book.

[Emily Kakolewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

Going to head straight to book 3…I am really enjoying this series/story. Wonderful characters and lots of surprises. The humor is perfect.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, please.

The only thing bad about this book is that the next one is not out yet. This series is the perfect escape from every day bull-baloney.