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Vile & Virtue: The Beginning
A dark tale like no other… I promise, I’d know.Let me tell you about the game I'm playing with a delectable little librarian.Why? Because I’m bored. Oh, don’t give me that look. Darling, you have no idea.
I've been every villain humanity has ever dreamed the Napoleon of Crime, the Captain with the rusted hook, the monster in your closet, and the devil in the details. I've died a thousand deaths and I've killed a thousand more, and frankly?
It's gotten terribly repetitive.
So when I found Sasha Lancaster—mousy little thing, all repressed desires and untapped darkness—I knew I'd discovered something rare.
A plaything with potential.
The rules are simple. I've pulled her and her darling twin sister Sidney into my world of fiction itself with my obnoxiously obstinate twin brother, Virtue. Three rounds. Three deaths. The last woman standing wins her freedom. Of course, there's an tell me a story I've never heard before, spin me a tale truly unique, and I'll let you both go home.
Impossible? Naturally. Entertaining? Immensely.
See you inside, lovelies.
- Vile
_______________________________
Perfect for fans of dark romance, twisted fairytales, and stories where the villain is just too delicious to resist. From the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Unseelie Prince, The Contortionist, and The Serpent's Bride, comes this unique spin on retelling our favorite pieces of fiction. This one might just be a little more "meta" than most. (But don't worry, I tried to keep him on his best behavior.)
I've been every villain humanity has ever dreamed the Napoleon of Crime, the Captain with the rusted hook, the monster in your closet, and the devil in the details. I've died a thousand deaths and I've killed a thousand more, and frankly?
It's gotten terribly repetitive.
So when I found Sasha Lancaster—mousy little thing, all repressed desires and untapped darkness—I knew I'd discovered something rare.
A plaything with potential.
The rules are simple. I've pulled her and her darling twin sister Sidney into my world of fiction itself with my obnoxiously obstinate twin brother, Virtue. Three rounds. Three deaths. The last woman standing wins her freedom. Of course, there's an tell me a story I've never heard before, spin me a tale truly unique, and I'll let you both go home.
Impossible? Naturally. Entertaining? Immensely.
See you inside, lovelies.
- Vile
_______________________________
Perfect for fans of dark romance, twisted fairytales, and stories where the villain is just too delicious to resist. From the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Unseelie Prince, The Contortionist, and The Serpent's Bride, comes this unique spin on retelling our favorite pieces of fiction. This one might just be a little more "meta" than most. (But don't worry, I tried to keep him on his best behavior.)
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
71 books2,602 followersKathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.
She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 10, 2026
Delicious.
I loved this.
Years ago I fell in love with books that break fourth wall, address the reader and play with footnotes. It brings me great joy. Mixing that with self-aware archetypes, literary analysis, and all the dark and dangerous sexy complicated villainous types? Dear God, yes, please.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley never disappoints me, but she really shocked me with how well this book scratched the "tailored to your fantasies and the things that make you giggle" like discussions about who the real villain is in certain stories and the shackles of copyright law.
It's a delight, the characters have depth, and I love reading them awkwardly stumble through the stories.
I loved this.
Years ago I fell in love with books that break fourth wall, address the reader and play with footnotes. It brings me great joy. Mixing that with self-aware archetypes, literary analysis, and all the dark and dangerous sexy complicated villainous types? Dear God, yes, please.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley never disappoints me, but she really shocked me with how well this book scratched the "tailored to your fantasies and the things that make you giggle" like discussions about who the real villain is in certain stories and the shackles of copyright law.
It's a delight, the characters have depth, and I love reading them awkwardly stumble through the stories.
March 30, 2026
2.5
I liked KAK’s harrow faire series a lot, so I was hoping this would scratch the same itch. But it didn’t really go anywhere for me. The concept of a personification of fiction is fun, but feels underbaked here.
Presumably this will be answered in the next book, but why do vile and virtue need to do this competition in the first place? Why does vile seem to have all the power and virtue none? The explanation given, that villains drive the plot of every narrative, isn’t true. So the internal logic of this world and their powers seem pretty unbalanced and inconsistent.
Then we get to the characterization. Sidney is a hypocritical whiner and Sasha is the most generic mousy insta-lusts-for-shadow-daddy fmc ever. Virtue has exactly zero personality and Vice is simply evil for the sake of evil, completely disregarding the vast array of villains in fiction.
Also, the plot necessitates the use of books that are in public domain, which is fine. But you spend almost the entire book in either Peter Pan or Sherlock Holmes, and what made those stories is originally interesting is removed so the FMCs can reinterpret the story in their own way, and neither of them are very creative writers. I was begging for one of them to just die so we could finally move on from Pan and Holmes, but it felt so dragged out. The pacing feels so slow, which is crazy given the short length of the book.
I came away from this one not really feeling anything strongly either way, so I’m not sure if I will bother coming back for book 2.
I liked KAK’s harrow faire series a lot, so I was hoping this would scratch the same itch. But it didn’t really go anywhere for me. The concept of a personification of fiction is fun, but feels underbaked here.
Presumably this will be answered in the next book, but why do vile and virtue need to do this competition in the first place? Why does vile seem to have all the power and virtue none? The explanation given, that villains drive the plot of every narrative, isn’t true. So the internal logic of this world and their powers seem pretty unbalanced and inconsistent.
Then we get to the characterization. Sidney is a hypocritical whiner and Sasha is the most generic mousy insta-lusts-for-shadow-daddy fmc ever. Virtue has exactly zero personality and Vice is simply evil for the sake of evil, completely disregarding the vast array of villains in fiction.
Also, the plot necessitates the use of books that are in public domain, which is fine. But you spend almost the entire book in either Peter Pan or Sherlock Holmes, and what made those stories is originally interesting is removed so the FMCs can reinterpret the story in their own way, and neither of them are very creative writers. I was begging for one of them to just die so we could finally move on from Pan and Holmes, but it felt so dragged out. The pacing feels so slow, which is crazy given the short length of the book.
I came away from this one not really feeling anything strongly either way, so I’m not sure if I will bother coming back for book 2.
March 11, 2026
March 2026
Kindle edition
May seems so far away. It was different. I liked it. Sucks about the stakes but is a fun one. Ouch on the ending, really getting the shock factor in there, although it feels like it will be more his mistake. I didn't like Virtue, sweet but a wishy washy character. Was hoping the notes would be on the same page as the asterisk, rather than having to flick back and see. Looking forward to how this one ends.
Kindle edition
May seems so far away. It was different. I liked it. Sucks about the stakes but is a fun one. Ouch on the ending, really getting the shock factor in there, although it feels like it will be more his mistake. I didn't like Virtue, sweet but a wishy washy character. Was hoping the notes would be on the same page as the asterisk, rather than having to flick back and see. Looking forward to how this one ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2026
This one was hard to get through. A very unique concept that failed to be captivating.
And where was the villain that I know Kingsley can write so well???? Vile was supposed to be all villains wrapped into one person and yet he felt comical at times….and not in a “make me laugh” sort of way.
And where was the villain that I know Kingsley can write so well???? Vile was supposed to be all villains wrapped into one person and yet he felt comical at times….and not in a “make me laugh” sort of way.
March 12, 2026
another masterpiece
On par with Harrow Faire, which is saying something.
I do think the author could have gone a little further with the fourth wall breaking—I hope she does in the second part.
Mad now because I have to wait for the second.
On par with Harrow Faire, which is saying something.
I do think the author could have gone a little further with the fourth wall breaking—I hope she does in the second part.
Mad now because I have to wait for the second.
March 9, 2026
First of all I just want to thank Kathryn for providing me with this ARC! She is my favorite author of all time so having this is such a huge honor love ya Kat!💘 i finished the book — it was a nice, enjoyable good read! The story felt original to me and super unique, and I really loved it. I love reading everything Kat writes, especially the Harrow Faire series which is one of my all-time favorite series I’ve ever read. I’ll love and cherish Simon and Cora forever♥️
The idea was so unique, taking these twin sisters into that world — a literal fiction world and having them meet the twins Vile and Virtue, who represent the embodiment of all villains and all heroes, and how they had to compete and try to succeed in order to escape. And how they refused to fight each other because of their sisterly love, which was sweet and really touching, because that actually affected me personally since I love my little sister endlessly, just like how our FMCs love each other.
I can’t wait to read book two. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️ And even though I’m a little slut for villains, unfortunately I didn’t fall in love with Vile as hard as i thought i would, I don’t know why — there’s just something missing about him. But I do wish I had seen more of the MMC twins relationship with each other, and more of the world they live in and consider their home! especially the library they’re in, or in general.
My favorite character in this book was definitely Sidney. She’s incredibly unhinged and freaking hilarious, and I loved reading her POV a lot more than I liked reading Sasha's pov tbh, I knew it was gonna be good time whenever her POV came lmao.
once again thank you to Kathryn for giving me an ARC! Looking forward to the next book🫡🖤
The idea was so unique, taking these twin sisters into that world — a literal fiction world and having them meet the twins Vile and Virtue, who represent the embodiment of all villains and all heroes, and how they had to compete and try to succeed in order to escape. And how they refused to fight each other because of their sisterly love, which was sweet and really touching, because that actually affected me personally since I love my little sister endlessly, just like how our FMCs love each other.
I can’t wait to read book two. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️ And even though I’m a little slut for villains, unfortunately I didn’t fall in love with Vile as hard as i thought i would, I don’t know why — there’s just something missing about him. But I do wish I had seen more of the MMC twins relationship with each other, and more of the world they live in and consider their home! especially the library they’re in, or in general.
My favorite character in this book was definitely Sidney. She’s incredibly unhinged and freaking hilarious, and I loved reading her POV a lot more than I liked reading Sasha's pov tbh, I knew it was gonna be good time whenever her POV came lmao.
once again thank you to Kathryn for giving me an ARC! Looking forward to the next book🫡🖤
March 15, 2026
Kingsley has found her niche within villain romance, always exploring concepts and pushing what morally grey evil can entertain but importantly without ever crossing the line of sexual consent. Although I cannot say that every story I've read from Kingsley have resulted in a romance between characters that's, say, ethically logical to me, for example the Memento Mori series, I keep coming back to Kingsley's works. Of course I do it for the thrill of what makes enemies to lovers so popular as a genre, but more so because of how Kingsley executes it by exploring the villain themes philosophically and how she always ends up balancing the power between the main characters and what influence each character gets to have over the story's conclusion. In this duology, I find myself once more engrossed in the story. The book has all of the deliciousness I described above, but here we get to explore fiction in a meta-perspective by throwing the characters into other literary works, creative new concepts of archetypes, and breaking the fourth wall. Want an introduction into Kingsley's cosmic horror romantasy universe? Please, do start here.
May 28, 2026
A Struggle
Kingsley is an amazing writer with very creative stories. I’ve read all her books. The idea behind this story is more unique than anything currently out there right now. However, I could not find a single thing redeemable about Vile, the MMC, and it was so off putting.
I’m usually a huge fan of her books and can get into her unhinged bad boy MMCs, but I couldn’t get past how awful this one is - specifically to the FMC - and how unbelievable it is that the FMC would even tolerate him let alone want to have sex with him. I know his name is “Vile”, but it seemed like she expanded on her typical MMCs and just went extreme without leaving anything to like. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into details. Buyer beware.
I think I’ll skip book 2 - it sounds like his behavior will be even worse. I love a good escape - it’s why I read - but I don’t want to feel like shit.
I will not give up on this author though and will await future books beyond these.
P.S. Who writes about tentacle appendages then doesn’t use them in a descriptive deviant way?? Maybe she’s saved that for book 2.
Kingsley is an amazing writer with very creative stories. I’ve read all her books. The idea behind this story is more unique than anything currently out there right now. However, I could not find a single thing redeemable about Vile, the MMC, and it was so off putting.
I’m usually a huge fan of her books and can get into her unhinged bad boy MMCs, but I couldn’t get past how awful this one is - specifically to the FMC - and how unbelievable it is that the FMC would even tolerate him let alone want to have sex with him. I know his name is “Vile”, but it seemed like she expanded on her typical MMCs and just went extreme without leaving anything to like. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into details. Buyer beware.
I think I’ll skip book 2 - it sounds like his behavior will be even worse. I love a good escape - it’s why I read - but I don’t want to feel like shit.
I will not give up on this author though and will await future books beyond these.
P.S. Who writes about tentacle appendages then doesn’t use them in a descriptive deviant way?? Maybe she’s saved that for book 2.
May 21, 2026
It's my own fault really, choosing to read anything this author writes, even when it's not my usual preference. And most of the time it works, but sometimes it doesn't.
This duology is difficult for me because the next book will be the deciding factor in whether I like it or not.
As usual, the concept of this book was interesting and unique, but there were some elements that confuse me. Like the double POVs, I have no idea if there is one FMC or two. The villain is kinda weird and things were moving too fast for me to decide if I like him or not.
It also doesn't help that I'm not the biggest fan of classic literature or popular books in America.
Oh, and the whole 'he's evil and does bad stuff and I shouldn't trust him but I still do' is starting to get annoying. Like, she can be weak for him, but he should actually do something to justify her interest, besides being fucked up and her discovering her kinks and shit.
I will also read the final book because I'm curious to see how it ends but I don't have high hopes.
This duology is difficult for me because the next book will be the deciding factor in whether I like it or not.
As usual, the concept of this book was interesting and unique, but there were some elements that confuse me. Like the double POVs, I have no idea if there is one FMC or two. The villain is kinda weird and things were moving too fast for me to decide if I like him or not.
It also doesn't help that I'm not the biggest fan of classic literature or popular books in America.
Oh, and the whole 'he's evil and does bad stuff and I shouldn't trust him but I still do' is starting to get annoying. Like, she can be weak for him, but he should actually do something to justify her interest, besides being fucked up and her discovering her kinks and shit.
I will also read the final book because I'm curious to see how it ends but I don't have high hopes.
May 16, 2026
This might be a bias review because I love this author and perhaps I would rate it differently otherwise.
First of all, I loved the concept! There were quite a few meta jokes that made me laugh out loud. The whole mystery around Vile and Virtue was well done and I like that we don't get to know everything about the two MMCs by the end of the first book.
The reason why I gave this a lower score is because of the time split between the two FMCs, Sasha and Sidney. I personally don't think that the author should have split the time between the two and only concentrated on one sister. Because of this, both of them come across as very shallow. I don't feel very invested in their journey, especially Sidney. She's very one dimensional and whiny.
I still want to continue the series and I'm looking forward to the second book and how everything fits together. However, I'm not interested in reading about Sidney and I hope she gets less airtime. I want more Sasha and Vile.
First of all, I loved the concept! There were quite a few meta jokes that made me laugh out loud. The whole mystery around Vile and Virtue was well done and I like that we don't get to know everything about the two MMCs by the end of the first book.
The reason why I gave this a lower score is because of the time split between the two FMCs, Sasha and Sidney. I personally don't think that the author should have split the time between the two and only concentrated on one sister. Because of this, both of them come across as very shallow. I don't feel very invested in their journey, especially Sidney. She's very one dimensional and whiny.
I still want to continue the series and I'm looking forward to the second book and how everything fits together. However, I'm not interested in reading about Sidney and I hope she gets less airtime. I want more Sasha and Vile.
March 10, 2026
This book really exceeded all my expectations. I think Kat has done a magnificent job and not only with playing with 'fiction itself'. First I expected Vile to have a similar personality to some of the other MCs from Kat's books but I feel like she's truly accomplished creating the ultimate villain on a deeper psychological level. I cannot wait to find out where will the plot take us and how will his personality unveil next (also big thanks to including some really good classical stories/villains in the crossover 😆). If you ever wished to meet all of your favorite villains in one person, this is your opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vile & Virtue: The Beginning was such a unique and captivating read. The story felt fresh and original, with a tone and atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. Kathryn Ann Kingsley once again proves how effortlessly she can create something dark, intriguing, and impossible to ignore.
It was exciting from start to finish, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and the direction the story is taking. I’m already eagerly waiting for the continuation — I need to see where this journey goes next.
Vile & Virtue: The Beginning was such a unique and captivating read. The story felt fresh and original, with a tone and atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. Kathryn Ann Kingsley once again proves how effortlessly she can create something dark, intriguing, and impossible to ignore.
It was exciting from start to finish, and I found myself completely invested in the characters and the direction the story is taking. I’m already eagerly waiting for the continuation — I need to see where this journey goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am once again awed by Katheryn’s creative ability, I personally have never read a story about all stories and was very intrigued by it. I have very much enjoyed the characters with all of their different personalities. I thought it was clear and well paced and enjoyed the ride. I was fully engrossed in the story from start to finish. I can’t wait to read the second book, especially with the next story that is on deck! If you’re a lover of good and bad (with a twist) Vile & Virtue is right up your alley. Definitely recommend reading! 🖤
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 30, 2026
I've not stopped thinking about this book all day since I finished it this morning to the point I had to come back and write a review.
I will devour anything this woman writes so I'm not exactly a hard one to sway, but This. Was. Phenomenal.
Vile is everything I love in a villain. The fourth wall breaks and footnotes were so unique and done fantastically. It's gonna be a very long wait until May for part 2
I will devour anything this woman writes so I'm not exactly a hard one to sway, but This. Was. Phenomenal.
Vile is everything I love in a villain. The fourth wall breaks and footnotes were so unique and done fantastically. It's gonna be a very long wait until May for part 2
April 2, 2026
If there's one thing Kathryn Kingsley can do it's write dark eldritch monsters into a romance. I absolutely loved the plot of this story, pitting good vs evil as eldritch horror characters. I loved that the female main characters weren't sacharine or flippant. Vile and Virture his that dark note perfectly and mixes in the romance with the best amount of spice. This was such a gripping novel that it got finished in less than a day. Enjoy!
June 22, 2026
Wow! A real ‘mic drop’ book.
I absolutely loved this book! The writer is correct, there are so many stories out in the world and most let’s face it are all copy paste tropes with the same boring old plot. But this! Wow! I loved all the twists and turns. I wanted to keep reading, I didn’t already know the ending and this everyone is how you write a story. I stayed hooked throughout and I loved how you managed to take classic literature and make it new.
I absolutely loved this book! The writer is correct, there are so many stories out in the world and most let’s face it are all copy paste tropes with the same boring old plot. But this! Wow! I loved all the twists and turns. I wanted to keep reading, I didn’t already know the ending and this everyone is how you write a story. I stayed hooked throughout and I loved how you managed to take classic literature and make it new.
March 13, 2026
This one didn't do it for me. I don't care for all the cursing that seems tossed in there just to use swear words. As if the author typed it then looked around slyly and then added some more.
Plus I didn't care for any of the MCs. Who decides it's a great idea to make-out with murderous mermaids? TSTL MCs that's who!
Plus I didn't care for any of the MCs. Who decides it's a great idea to make-out with murderous mermaids? TSTL MCs that's who!
March 19, 2026
nooo why did it have to end? why do I have to wait until May for book 2?!?! This was so much stinking fun. Vile breaking fourth (5th?) wall and talking to the reader? *chefs kiss* this book interacts with the reader in a way I've never experienced before, and it was just so much fun!
I'm now going to go rock in a corner until I get book 2. ugh! I hate waiting!
I'm now going to go rock in a corner until I get book 2. ugh! I hate waiting!
May 21, 2026
What a lark
There is something about a KAK book…I know I’m going to be satisfied with the romance at the end but I also find myself questioning myself as a human while I enjoy the crap out of getting there. Things that don’t make sense with my public persona for $500, Alex…
Overall, a perfectly fun, horrifying romp as always!
There is something about a KAK book…I know I’m going to be satisfied with the romance at the end but I also find myself questioning myself as a human while I enjoy the crap out of getting there. Things that don’t make sense with my public persona for $500, Alex…
Overall, a perfectly fun, horrifying romp as always!
April 10, 2026
Just my kind of fun…😏
I really enjoyed this book. The concept is quirky, funny, and very entertaining. The villain is morally bankrupt and has zero redeeming qualities, but he’s such a fun character, it’s really quite difficult not to like him.
I really enjoyed this book. The concept is quirky, funny, and very entertaining. The villain is morally bankrupt and has zero redeeming qualities, but he’s such a fun character, it’s really quite difficult not to like him.
June 12, 2026
This is a really quick read that’s basically candy. It’s not very good but I just wanted a palate cleanser after some heavier reads and this did the trick. The premise is fun but I have to say the characters are pretty obnoxious.
June 19, 2026
Vile and Virtue
Wow, what did I just read! I went in blind with this story. I love all of her books, but this one tops them all.
I’m excited and a little nervous to read book two!
Wow, what did I just read! I went in blind with this story. I love all of her books, but this one tops them all.
I’m excited and a little nervous to read book two!
July 6, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Kathryn Kingsley’s work for years, but she has outdone herself here. So far my favorite series of hers yet and I could not put this book down. Binged it way too fast and jumped to the second one - couldn’t get enough and wish I had savored it more at the same time!
March 12, 2026
Amazing! This is villainy done right 👏 I'm obsessed and it's absolute bullshit having to wait for the second book 😭😭
March 15, 2026
Another 10/10 Kathryn Ann Kingsley book 🙂↕️ I got SO excited once Virtue said Wonderland I can’t wait!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2026
Absolutely adore this concept! The possibilities are endless! The footnotes are such a great touch. I love the scene changes. I just loved everything. I can't wait until May to read part 2!
March 15, 2026
ohhhhh love the concept. cant wait for book 2
March 22, 2026
Genuinely the most insane book I’ve read ever, in a good way. Can’t wait for part two
Read
March 31, 2026make and act out s+ tier ao3 fanfics or DIE! ahh book
(love you my queen KAK <3 i will consume anything you feed me)
(love you my queen KAK <3 i will consume anything you feed me)
April 14, 2026
This is KAK at her best. My only complaint: the story was over far too soon. I am dying for The End.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews