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Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed
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Expected 8 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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Abandoning his days of beheading to live out an undercover retirement as a goat farmer, Morfran finds himself accidentally leading a rebellion against the kingdom’s Dark Lord, who, inconveniently, is him.
Morfran the Beheader is done being the Dark Lord of the kingdom of Ruthven. He’s tired of managing minions, and his wife, Queen Ravana, has officially exceeded his personal comfort level of evil. Yet when he books it for the hills with the hopes to live out his days disguised as a goat farmer, his aspirations are tragically cut short when Morfran’s former soldiers catch up with plans to behead him.
Morfran’s only chance at safety is to seek refuge within a tiny forest dwelling where no one recognizes him. But he quickly learns the village is the base for a brewing rebellion against his rule. And after he reluctantly saves said village from an attack, he’s voted the one to lead the charge. Against himself.
Morfran helps the rebels while planning to desert them at the soonest moment. But as he fights by their side, he discovers that they’re actually quite pleasant—especially the lovely assassin who has been out for his blood for a decade. Too bad Ravana has sent Morfran’s best men to nip the revolt in the bud, and too bad his unlikely allies would burn him alive if they learned he’s no hero, but actually their Dark Lord in disguise. Because even Morfran knows that only a hero would stand up to Ravana and fight for friends, and he’s certainly no hero.
Right?
Morfran the Beheader is done being the Dark Lord of the kingdom of Ruthven. He’s tired of managing minions, and his wife, Queen Ravana, has officially exceeded his personal comfort level of evil. Yet when he books it for the hills with the hopes to live out his days disguised as a goat farmer, his aspirations are tragically cut short when Morfran’s former soldiers catch up with plans to behead him.
Morfran’s only chance at safety is to seek refuge within a tiny forest dwelling where no one recognizes him. But he quickly learns the village is the base for a brewing rebellion against his rule. And after he reluctantly saves said village from an attack, he’s voted the one to lead the charge. Against himself.
Morfran helps the rebels while planning to desert them at the soonest moment. But as he fights by their side, he discovers that they’re actually quite pleasant—especially the lovely assassin who has been out for his blood for a decade. Too bad Ravana has sent Morfran’s best men to nip the revolt in the bud, and too bad his unlikely allies would burn him alive if they learned he’s no hero, but actually their Dark Lord in disguise. Because even Morfran knows that only a hero would stand up to Ravana and fight for friends, and he’s certainly no hero.
Right?
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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May 18, 20264 stars and a lot of absurdité; review to come September 2026
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April 24, 2026A retired and reformed Dark Lord involuntarily leading a rebellion against his own regime—and his very-much-unretired and very-much-unreformed Evil Queen wife—while everyone else thinks he’s just a goat farmer.
This synopsis has definite Assistant to the Villain quirky vibes.
This synopsis has definite Assistant to the Villain quirky vibes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is a quote in this book “Morfran really was his own worst enemy” and if this isn’t both literal and metaphorical. No because how exactly does one end up leading a rebellion against himself exactly.
Well you see, Morfran is a retired dark lord who decided to run away from his throne, wife and responsibilities and start a new life with his pet goat, Benjamin, HER two kids, and start his jam making career in hopes of one day attaining the elusive and coveted blue ribbon from the country fair. Great plan except Murphys law is in full effect and if something can go wrong that means it will, so in an unfortunate series of events he ends up forced to join and assist a rebellion against himself. The ones getting him in this predicament? A hexed assassin that bumbles about and absolutely can not even walk a mile without stumbling and her dimwit brother.
So here we are, setting on a ridiculous journey that reads like a parody movie, filled with action and events that are so outrageous you can’t go a single page without laughing or facepalming. Filled with side characters that are so formulaic and expected yet absolutely perfect to the story. There is, ofc, the bumbling assassin and her previously mentioned questionable intelligence brother, their rebellion leading built like a tank father, a buttchin knight that reminds me of Prince Charming, the Shrek version, a club of children, a wise grandfather and least we forget, Rapunzo the gym bro exile.
Massive fairytale vibes except with more bloodshed at times and honestly the most ridiculous and outrageous events, decisions, outcomes, everything. All complemented by a background romantic slow burn that is absolutely endearing.
Honestly this is one of my favorite books I’ve read to date. It’s funny yet emotional at times, it has spectacular if expected character development and the entire thing is just heartwarming. Perfect to read when you just want something to make you happy.
Well you see, Morfran is a retired dark lord who decided to run away from his throne, wife and responsibilities and start a new life with his pet goat, Benjamin, HER two kids, and start his jam making career in hopes of one day attaining the elusive and coveted blue ribbon from the country fair. Great plan except Murphys law is in full effect and if something can go wrong that means it will, so in an unfortunate series of events he ends up forced to join and assist a rebellion against himself. The ones getting him in this predicament? A hexed assassin that bumbles about and absolutely can not even walk a mile without stumbling and her dimwit brother.
So here we are, setting on a ridiculous journey that reads like a parody movie, filled with action and events that are so outrageous you can’t go a single page without laughing or facepalming. Filled with side characters that are so formulaic and expected yet absolutely perfect to the story. There is, ofc, the bumbling assassin and her previously mentioned questionable intelligence brother, their rebellion leading built like a tank father, a buttchin knight that reminds me of Prince Charming, the Shrek version, a club of children, a wise grandfather and least we forget, Rapunzo the gym bro exile.
Massive fairytale vibes except with more bloodshed at times and honestly the most ridiculous and outrageous events, decisions, outcomes, everything. All complemented by a background romantic slow burn that is absolutely endearing.
Honestly this is one of my favorite books I’ve read to date. It’s funny yet emotional at times, it has spectacular if expected character development and the entire thing is just heartwarming. Perfect to read when you just want something to make you happy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The first thing that caught my attention about this book was the fairytale vibes of the cover! It’s so whimsical and nostalgic that I knew I had to pick up this book and see what it’s about.
I’m so glad to say that this fantasy action romance comedy adventure absolutely delivered on what I expected from the quirky synopsis. We follow a retired and reformed Dark Lord that is chosen to lead a rebellion against its own regime. That alone is such a fun concept, and I honestly was hooked from page one!
The humor in this book was so fun—it literally had me giggling as I was turning the pages! And all the characters were stars in their own right. I could easily read more books that feature these characters doing side quests and the like, I enjoyed them that much. (And I loved the found family element!) I also appreciated that the author knew when to slow the story down and let the character moments shine through.
There was so much joy sprinkled throughout the novel, in funny and clever ways. And yet, that chaotic joy is mixed with so much heart, to where the emotional beats shine through as well. I finished this book excited to read more from this author in the future!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Ace) for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was drawn in by the hilarious description of the book, and I'm glad to say the book lived up to it! So funny and heartwarming and downright adorable in some places, plus lots of action as the rebellion takes down the evil kingdom. I just sat back and enjoyed the ride through this quirky cozy comedic fantasy.
Morfran himself was great, and I think West did a good job of the development of his character as he moved from simple self-preservation to really wanting to defend and care for his found family. Bronwen was lovely, but not "too perfect" in the way love interests are sometimes portrayed.
Grandfather Tortoise was my favorite secondary character, and stole every scene he was in.
I think the one question I really had was why Rapunzo and his tower were featured on the front of the book when that scene lasted only a few pages. It makes for a compelling cover, but it didn't make a lot of sense to me when it was such a tiny part of the book.
Overall, a really good debut novel for West.
Morfran himself was great, and I think West did a good job of the development of his character as he moved from simple self-preservation to really wanting to defend and care for his found family. Bronwen was lovely, but not "too perfect" in the way love interests are sometimes portrayed.
Grandfather Tortoise was my favorite secondary character, and stole every scene he was in.
I think the one question I really had was why Rapunzo and his tower were featured on the front of the book when that scene lasted only a few pages. It makes for a compelling cover, but it didn't make a lot of sense to me when it was such a tiny part of the book.
Overall, a really good debut novel for West.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the opportunity to review this early copy!
S. B. West has me giggling like a school girl finding herself lucky enough to have hitched a ride on this jam packed wagon heading towards this fantasy action romance comedy adventure. I’m begging S. B. West to give us mini Fleet Foot Gang side quests that has Benjamin with kids in tow leading the charge! All the characters brought so much flavor to this jam packed adventure. Let’s hope this isn’t the last time we run into this reformed Dark Lord!
S. B. West has me giggling like a school girl finding herself lucky enough to have hitched a ride on this jam packed wagon heading towards this fantasy action romance comedy adventure. I’m begging S. B. West to give us mini Fleet Foot Gang side quests that has Benjamin with kids in tow leading the charge! All the characters brought so much flavor to this jam packed adventure. Let’s hope this isn’t the last time we run into this reformed Dark Lord!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S.B. West was a humorous take on the potentially dark subject of seeking redemption. There were some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, a sweet not spicy romance, a bit of soul searching, and some wonderful goats and other side characters. If you enjoyed Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer or The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating (and Other War Crimes) by Tiffany Hunt, this will be an excellent follow-up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews