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A Stage Set for Villains
It's time to take to the stage . . . A stunningly drawn fantasy set in a mysterious theatre where godlike creatures run the show and mortals compete for immortality
Riven Hesper is running out of time. Cursed by a Player—a godlike performer —she must infiltrate the Playhouse and find a way to break the curse before it kills her.
But inside survival comes at a price. Mortals must compete for a chance to kill a Player and steal their power. Riven wants nothing to do with this until Jude—charismatic and cruel —makes her an offer. Win the competition. Spare his life. And he’ll set her free.
As the final act approaches, Riven faces a devastating truth. She might not become the hero of this story. But the villain.
Riven Hesper is running out of time. Cursed by a Player—a godlike performer —she must infiltrate the Playhouse and find a way to break the curse before it kills her.
But inside survival comes at a price. Mortals must compete for a chance to kill a Player and steal their power. Riven wants nothing to do with this until Jude—charismatic and cruel —makes her an offer. Win the competition. Spare his life. And he’ll set her free.
As the final act approaches, Riven faces a devastating truth. She might not become the hero of this story. But the villain.
528 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2026
About the author
Shannon J. Spann
2 books647 followersShannon J. Spann is a New York-based writer and social media strategist. In her spare time, she loves knitting, wandering her local bookstore, and of course, theatre. A Stage Set for Villains is her first novel.
You can find her on Instagram @ShannonJSpann
You can find her on Instagram @ShannonJSpann
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,269 reviews
March 4, 2025
Hiii! I’m Shannon, the author of A STAGE SET FOR VILLAINS. I just wanted to hop on to say THANK YOU. There are a million incredible books out there, so if you took the time to read and review this one, I'm grateful. Happy reading!
March 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ please call me cardan bc i’m obsessed with jude
March 12, 2026
4.25
This was SO CLEVER. The theatre kid in me is screaming! This was genuinely one of the most unique fantasy worlds I've read in a long time. I absolutely loved the dedication to integrate acting into every element in this story. From the magic system that is entire based in acting techniques, to story progression, character development - it all tied back into acting & theatre and I was obsessed with it.
Also loved how a major theme was seeing how much power stories & art can have, and showing a world where these things are restricted and controlled only by a select few in power.
This was incredible, if you're looking for a unique fantasy read - look no further!
This was SO CLEVER. The theatre kid in me is screaming! This was genuinely one of the most unique fantasy worlds I've read in a long time. I absolutely loved the dedication to integrate acting into every element in this story. From the magic system that is entire based in acting techniques, to story progression, character development - it all tied back into acting & theatre and I was obsessed with it.
Also loved how a major theme was seeing how much power stories & art can have, and showing a world where these things are restricted and controlled only by a select few in power.
This was incredible, if you're looking for a unique fantasy read - look no further!
March 13, 2026
This was incredibly unique, dark and magical YA standalone that will have you constantly guessing. The writing was brilliant, the plot points were jaw dropping and although the romance was more of a subplot, at the same time it was so impactful and an incredible part of the story!! This has been executed SO WELL. I am so excited to see how this is adapted to screen!!!
May 25, 2026
3.5 stars.
Well, this was an absolutely fun ride. I'm just going to come right out and say it: this book is entirely about vibes and banter, it's held together by them. Don't get your hopes up for a deep, meaningful story, sure, the world-building is fascinating and the magic is quite brilliant. Too bad the author decided to spend 530 pages on atmosphere instead of actually developing the world or explaining anything at all. Because, honestly, nothing in this book is really explained, you just drift along on a tide of vibes.
Now, let me start with what I absolutely loved:
First off, the structure. The entire book is designed to look like a script, brilliant! It really felt like I was watching a play in a theater, complete with dramatic pauses and witty one-liners. The side characters? Hilariously entertaining, every single one. I loved them all and wish we had more of them.
Then there's Jude. Jude, Jude, Jude, he was such a charming, fun-loving love interest. Unlike the typical shadowy 'daddy' trope (which, at this point, just makes me roll my eyes) Jude was the hilarious jester, the character who makes you fall in love just by existing. He was the heart of the book for me. His chemistry and banter with Riven? Absolute fire. They were the epitome of the 'fall in love over and over again' trope, and I ate it up.
Now, onto the negatives, and hold onto your hats:
The FMC. Oh boy, she was dumber than a box of rocks. No, scratch that, a box of rocks would be smarter than her. Let me be crystal clear: She takes top honors in the stupidity contest across all categories of FMC. There’s a fine line between reckless and downright idiotic, and she sprinted right through it, never once looking back. Every action, decision, and half-baked plan (if you dare to call them that) made me want to bang my head against a wall. Yet, strangely, her stupidity somehow made her endearing in a weird, inexplicable way. I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I think I like them stupid now.
The plot twist in the third act? Actually made a lot of sense. Suddenly, her stupidity became understood. The final twist completely changed my view of her. She’s actually pretty darn clever.
So, were all 530 pages worth it for that twist? Honestly, I can't say. Midway through, I had to peek at spoilers just to see if maybe, just maybe, she gets better. Otherwise, I was considering DNF because her stupidity was starting to become physically exhausting.
That's why I'm left scratching my head over the author's decision to keep her portrayed as the village idiot for most of the story. The other characters? Well-written and entertaining, but the FMC? Only after the twist did she finally start making sense.
In conclusion, I did have a fun time reading this, once again, it’s all vibes, so don't expect too much. If you hate stupid FMCs, I recommend looking up spoilers around the halfway point because trust me, Riven’s stupidity knows no bounds. Every time I thought she’d hit her limit, she proved me wrong. But, oddly enough, I still liked her, and by the end even loved her.
Well, this was an absolutely fun ride. I'm just going to come right out and say it: this book is entirely about vibes and banter, it's held together by them. Don't get your hopes up for a deep, meaningful story, sure, the world-building is fascinating and the magic is quite brilliant. Too bad the author decided to spend 530 pages on atmosphere instead of actually developing the world or explaining anything at all. Because, honestly, nothing in this book is really explained, you just drift along on a tide of vibes.
Now, let me start with what I absolutely loved:
First off, the structure. The entire book is designed to look like a script, brilliant! It really felt like I was watching a play in a theater, complete with dramatic pauses and witty one-liners. The side characters? Hilariously entertaining, every single one. I loved them all and wish we had more of them.
Then there's Jude. Jude, Jude, Jude, he was such a charming, fun-loving love interest. Unlike the typical shadowy 'daddy' trope (which, at this point, just makes me roll my eyes) Jude was the hilarious jester, the character who makes you fall in love just by existing. He was the heart of the book for me. His chemistry and banter with Riven? Absolute fire. They were the epitome of the 'fall in love over and over again' trope, and I ate it up.
Now, onto the negatives, and hold onto your hats:
The FMC. Oh boy, she was dumber than a box of rocks. No, scratch that, a box of rocks would be smarter than her. Let me be crystal clear: She takes top honors in the stupidity contest across all categories of FMC. There’s a fine line between reckless and downright idiotic, and she sprinted right through it, never once looking back. Every action, decision, and half-baked plan (if you dare to call them that) made me want to bang my head against a wall. Yet, strangely, her stupidity somehow made her endearing in a weird, inexplicable way. I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I think I like them stupid now.
The plot twist in the third act? Actually made a lot of sense. Suddenly, her stupidity became understood. The final twist completely changed my view of her. She’s actually pretty darn clever.
So, were all 530 pages worth it for that twist? Honestly, I can't say. Midway through, I had to peek at spoilers just to see if maybe, just maybe, she gets better. Otherwise, I was considering DNF because her stupidity was starting to become physically exhausting.
That's why I'm left scratching my head over the author's decision to keep her portrayed as the village idiot for most of the story. The other characters? Well-written and entertaining, but the FMC? Only after the twist did she finally start making sense.
In conclusion, I did have a fun time reading this, once again, it’s all vibes, so don't expect too much. If you hate stupid FMCs, I recommend looking up spoilers around the halfway point because trust me, Riven’s stupidity knows no bounds. Every time I thought she’d hit her limit, she proved me wrong. But, oddly enough, I still liked her, and by the end even loved her.
January 11, 2026
6⭐️
I finished what I think is the best fantasy book I’ve ever read in my life. And now I don’t know what to do.
I finished what I think is the best fantasy book I’ve ever read in my life. And now I don’t know what to do.
May 29, 2026
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ♫♬♪
𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓞𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪
▶︎·၊၊||၊|။|||| |
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓐𝓶 𝓘 𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
THIS BOOK= PERFECTION.
This just might be my favorite book I’ve read this year!
I LOVED all of the characters, the plot was so intriguing and fast paced, the world was fascinating, and those PLOT TWISTS!!!!!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪, 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓸𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
I’m don’t wanna say much else. I’m my opinion, you should go into this not knowing much so that you can have the full experience. But I’ll go ahead and put some content warnings below, and some of my general thoughts!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓷𝔂 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
ℂ𝕆ℕ𝕋𝔼ℕ𝕋:
It’s been about a week since I read this book so I’m sure I’m not remembering all of the content. I apologize! But here is what I DO remember.
Spice: 2/5? Maybe? I don’t read spice so idk what to rate this. But in my opinion, it wasn’t bad at all. No spice, not even closed door or fade to black. A couple kisses and one passionate kiss, but I never felt uncomfortable. One scene could have possibly led to more, but nothing ended up happening.
Cussing: 3/5. There was some, but not excessive. Some f-bombs, and all of the other general curses.
Christian content: This is not a Christian book. I didn’t go into it expecting it to be. Now, in my reading, I don’t often feel convicted reading about magic or gods or violence. But that is ME PERSONALLY. Please read at your own conviction. I will not be ok with the same things in books you will, and vice versa.
All that said, this book contains mention of old gods, specifically Greek ones, magic, immortality, deception, being reborn, transforming to look like another person, possibly some spells cast in the past over characters, and hypnosis. That’s what I can think of, but there might be more. If you’re concerned about this, feel free to do some more research! I did not feel convinced reading this book, because it wasn’t saying that these things are GOOD. They were clearly portrayed as evil and manipulative, however, our fmc does become morally grey so that view is a little warped.
LGBTQ: None that I remember?
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓪 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭𝔂, 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕊:
RIVEN: I LOVED HER!!! She reminded me on Jude from The Cruel Prince with how knife-happy and feisty she is.
JUDE: He grew on me! Wasn’t sure about him at the beginning, but I really grew to love him! He felt different from a lot of MMCs, I’m not sure how, but I enjoyed it.
Loved all of the other characters too! They were super well developed, diverse, and fascinating to read about!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓾𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓽𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝔃𝔃𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓮 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
𝕎ℝ𝕀𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾:
SO. GOOD. It was definitely a bit different, because many parts were written like lines in a play, but I actually loved it and it fit the story perfectly! It too some getting used to, but it was 100% the right stylistic choice for this book.
Besides that, the authors descriptions are INCREDIBLE! Everything feels so vivid, and I could always picture everything perfectly!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞𝓗𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼, 𝓬𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓻 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
𝕍𝕀𝔹𝔼𝕊:
THEY WERE IMMACULATE! I made a yt video asking for recs with a specific vibe, and this book fit that vibe I wanted PERFECTLY! Here’s the video if you wanna see: https://youtube.com/shorts/zMKoy-1OMF...
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞𝓖𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽, 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
.✦ ݁˖𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ𝔸𝕃𝕃 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾.✦ ݁˖
5⭐️
𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓞𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪
▶︎·၊၊||၊|။|||| |
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓐𝓶 𝓘 𝓬𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
THIS BOOK= PERFECTION.
This just might be my favorite book I’ve read this year!
I LOVED all of the characters, the plot was so intriguing and fast paced, the world was fascinating, and those PLOT TWISTS!!!!!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓛𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓪, 𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓸𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
I’m don’t wanna say much else. I’m my opinion, you should go into this not knowing much so that you can have the full experience. But I’ll go ahead and put some content warnings below, and some of my general thoughts!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓪𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓷𝔂 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
ℂ𝕆ℕ𝕋𝔼ℕ𝕋:
It’s been about a week since I read this book so I’m sure I’m not remembering all of the content. I apologize! But here is what I DO remember.
Spice: 2/5? Maybe? I don’t read spice so idk what to rate this. But in my opinion, it wasn’t bad at all. No spice, not even closed door or fade to black. A couple kisses and one passionate kiss, but I never felt uncomfortable. One scene could have possibly led to more, but nothing ended up happening.
Cussing: 3/5. There was some, but not excessive. Some f-bombs, and all of the other general curses.
Christian content: This is not a Christian book. I didn’t go into it expecting it to be. Now, in my reading, I don’t often feel convicted reading about magic or gods or violence. But that is ME PERSONALLY. Please read at your own conviction. I will not be ok with the same things in books you will, and vice versa.
All that said, this book contains mention of old gods, specifically Greek ones, magic, immortality, deception, being reborn, transforming to look like another person, possibly some spells cast in the past over characters, and hypnosis. That’s what I can think of, but there might be more. If you’re concerned about this, feel free to do some more research! I did not feel convinced reading this book, because it wasn’t saying that these things are GOOD. They were clearly portrayed as evil and manipulative, however, our fmc does become morally grey so that view is a little warped.
LGBTQ: None that I remember?
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓪 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭𝔂, 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
ℂℍ𝔸ℝ𝔸ℂ𝕋𝔼ℝ𝕊:
RIVEN: I LOVED HER!!! She reminded me on Jude from The Cruel Prince with how knife-happy and feisty she is.
JUDE: He grew on me! Wasn’t sure about him at the beginning, but I really grew to love him! He felt different from a lot of MMCs, I’m not sure how, but I enjoyed it.
Loved all of the other characters too! They were super well developed, diverse, and fascinating to read about!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞 𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓾𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓽𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓮𝔃𝔃𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓮 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
𝕎ℝ𝕀𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾:
SO. GOOD. It was definitely a bit different, because many parts were written like lines in a play, but I actually loved it and it fit the story perfectly! It too some getting used to, but it was 100% the right stylistic choice for this book.
Besides that, the authors descriptions are INCREDIBLE! Everything feels so vivid, and I could always picture everything perfectly!
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞𝓗𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼, 𝓬𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓻 ♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
𝕍𝕀𝔹𝔼𝕊:
THEY WERE IMMACULATE! I made a yt video asking for recs with a specific vibe, and this book fit that vibe I wanted PERFECTLY! Here’s the video if you wanna see: https://youtube.com/shorts/zMKoy-1OMF...
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
♬𝄞𝓖𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽, 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮♬𝄞
⚜.⋆🩸 ⋆. ⚜
.✦ ݁˖𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ𝔸𝕃𝕃 ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕀ℕ𝔾.✦ ݁˖
5⭐️
February 18, 2026
A stage set for boredom.
February 7, 2025
I had the chance to read an early version of this and it is GLORIOUS!
April 4, 2026
"Fate guides the feet of the willing and drags the heels of the defiant."
This was such a strong debut, and a standalone at that.
It’s unique, different, and forces you to think.
I loved how the reveals were paced so that we learn alongside the characters.
I did feel a slight plateau in the middle, but it was short. Once I hit the 70% mark, I had to keep reading until I finished.
Really excited about what else the author will/might publish in the future.
"Until next time, Until then, So long until We’re back again."
--------
it is a standalone
--------
anyone know if this is a standalone?
This was such a strong debut, and a standalone at that.
It’s unique, different, and forces you to think.
I loved how the reveals were paced so that we learn alongside the characters.
I did feel a slight plateau in the middle, but it was short. Once I hit the 70% mark, I had to keep reading until I finished.
Really excited about what else the author will/might publish in the future.
"Until next time, Until then, So long until We’re back again."
--------
it is a standalone
--------
anyone know if this is a standalone?
up-next-୨ৎ
February 24, 2026 ⋆˚꩜｡ pre-read:
CARAVAL meets ONE DARK WINDOW?! both of which are five star reads for me?!
i’m. sat.
(one of the fable bookclubs may be picking this in march hehehe, pls let it win the poll 🥹)
CARAVAL meets ONE DARK WINDOW?! both of which are five star reads for me?!
i’m. sat.
(one of the fable bookclubs may be picking this in march hehehe, pls let it win the poll 🥹)
March 10, 2026
oh my... oh my my... oh myyyyyyyyyyy
i will never look at theatre the same way again
and also my heart hurts
this was excelente
i will never look at theatre the same way again
and also my heart hurts
this was excelente
March 27, 2026
”Love provokes the hero as violently as it does the villain, and it's merely who tells the story that determines which is which.”
the concept of this book is actually very unique, so i have to give it credit for that. i can’t say i was a big fan of the format though. the idea of these “actors” that have to follow this script, only for it to transfer into their real life was so intriguing to me. i just didn’t care about the characters whatsoever and i keep having this exact problem with a lot of newer releases lately. Riven and Jude were fine, but their romance didn’t make sense. i was surprised by one of the reveals, i just wish i could’ve gotten more invested throughout the book.
the concept of this book is actually very unique, so i have to give it credit for that. i can’t say i was a big fan of the format though. the idea of these “actors” that have to follow this script, only for it to transfer into their real life was so intriguing to me. i just didn’t care about the characters whatsoever and i keep having this exact problem with a lot of newer releases lately. Riven and Jude were fine, but their romance didn’t make sense. i was surprised by one of the reveals, i just wish i could’ve gotten more invested throughout the book.
![Profile Image for vxmpslibrary [ia sometimes].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1776838907i/123295506._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 20, 2026
.4.50 stars.
- ☆ anticipated release ; started & finished on: Jun 18th 2026.
Riven Hesper is poisoned by a Player. Now ten years later, she finds herself back at the PlayHouse, where her life was destroyed only to be trapped by the main Lead Player, Jude who strikes up a bargain to save her life.
No matter how much I change the initial of this review, it won't express the fact how GOOD this book was, and how invested I was in that I finished this approximately in 5-6 hours not doing anything just sitting and consumed by this book.
I COULD see why so many people loved this book so much, I searched up fanarts, and hella yeah they were also so good (I wasn't spoiled actually, but you can be so don't do it)
SHANNON you couldn't have given more scenes of Jude and Riven?? Im sobbing (figuratively) right now because I felt like I was deprived of the romance even when its called a Romantasy .
This book is just like the instrumental, it strucks slowly, an initial strum of a tune, I am getting into the book and I find it intriguing, when suddenly after half way through things start to pick up and something intensifies, the plot twists? the main one was unpredictable. After the book ended I kept thinking how the shock was taking a hard time to wore off. A few things yes I did guess but having them right is also what makes it satisfying.
˚₊‧꒰ა characters.☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Riven Hesper, genuinely this girl really pissed me off sometimes, I felt like touching grass and closing the book, but when things did pick up I really did start to like her and what happened at the end? well yeah I did love her eventually. Somehow she was a strong FMC and for the way she was treated in the starting? I wanted to hug her.
Jude, our Lead Player. And genuinely I am so confused on what to say about him. He was really interesting, and I was so intrigued by him because he wasn't some kind of cold hearted, and did seem to care for Riven, but damn if he's not smart. Even if I'm confused, I still loved him enough that I genuinely wanted him to be onscreen forever🤭.
The writing style is easy to understand and the world building is kept at a plot pace, there were yes empty spaces, and it was confusing too because some things weren't clarified I think so (but genuinely I keep forgetting things so). I could still feel how admirable this book is, and it is also a debut novel!!! so it was so amazingly done well that I am surprised.
The side characters also have their own charm.
The romance? they had really fun moments and I really loved them together, but somehow I could feel the absence of the completion because this book was so much more plot focused, atmospheric that I felt like their scenes just magically flew by. Still love them, I do however wanted more of them so much <3.
.final thoughts. - I had a really fun time, the atmosphere and the characters were loving ,even though FMC somehow got on my nerves sometimes, but then it would all make sense later on. So I would definitely recommend because it's done so well and as a debut novel this is really good.
-
OH MY GOD SHANNON THE WOMAN
YOU ARE RTC
.preread.
I remember the author posting an instrumental of how this book sounds and I was immediately in love with it so I hope that this one is a hit.
- ☆ anticipated release ; started & finished on: Jun 18th 2026.
₊˚⊹౨ৎ Between you and me, I have never cared for tragedies₊˚⊹.
Riven Hesper is poisoned by a Player. Now ten years later, she finds herself back at the PlayHouse, where her life was destroyed only to be trapped by the main Lead Player, Jude who strikes up a bargain to save her life.
No matter how much I change the initial of this review, it won't express the fact how GOOD this book was, and how invested I was in that I finished this approximately in 5-6 hours not doing anything just sitting and consumed by this book.
I COULD see why so many people loved this book so much, I searched up fanarts, and hella yeah they were also so good (I wasn't spoiled actually, but you can be so don't do it)
SHANNON you couldn't have given more scenes of Jude and Riven?? Im sobbing (figuratively) right now because I felt like I was deprived of the romance even when its called a Romantasy .
This book is just like the instrumental, it strucks slowly, an initial strum of a tune, I am getting into the book and I find it intriguing, when suddenly after half way through things start to pick up and something intensifies, the plot twists? the main one was unpredictable. After the book ended I kept thinking how the shock was taking a hard time to wore off. A few things yes I did guess but having them right is also what makes it satisfying.
˚₊‧꒰ა characters.☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
Riven Hesper, genuinely this girl really pissed me off sometimes, I felt like touching grass and closing the book, but when things did pick up I really did start to like her and what happened at the end? well yeah I did love her eventually. Somehow she was a strong FMC and for the way she was treated in the starting? I wanted to hug her.
Jude, our Lead Player. And genuinely I am so confused on what to say about him. He was really interesting, and I was so intrigued by him because he wasn't some kind of cold hearted, and did seem to care for Riven, but damn if he's not smart. Even if I'm confused, I still loved him enough that I genuinely wanted him to be onscreen forever🤭.
The writing style is easy to understand and the world building is kept at a plot pace, there were yes empty spaces, and it was confusing too because some things weren't clarified I think so (but genuinely I keep forgetting things so). I could still feel how admirable this book is, and it is also a debut novel!!! so it was so amazingly done well that I am surprised.
The side characters also have their own charm.
The romance? they had really fun moments and I really loved them together, but somehow I could feel the absence of the completion because this book was so much more plot focused, atmospheric that I felt like their scenes just magically flew by. Still love them, I do however wanted more of them so much <3.
.final thoughts. - I had a really fun time, the atmosphere and the characters were loving ,even though FMC somehow got on my nerves sometimes, but then it would all make sense later on. So I would definitely recommend because it's done so well and as a debut novel this is really good.
-
OH MY GOD SHANNON THE WOMAN
YOU ARE RTC
.preread.
I remember the author posting an instrumental of how this book sounds and I was immediately in love with it so I hope that this one is a hit.
June 18, 2026
Okay my lovliest Payal has surpassed where I quit so I'm ready to bitch about this book.
I love the premise of this book, and the world the author was setting out to create (in theory). The problem is that in practice I feel like this book has to be read on vibes.
Let me tell you: I don't read on vibes. I'm old, ok? I'm 36, I'm cranky, and my back even hurts! I can't read on vibes anymore! I only have so many years left and I am very picky about what I read now.
So first off, this FMC might be one of the most obnoxious ones I've ever come across. She is the biggest brat, and can only continue being so because of her enormous, awe-inspiring plot armor. She's trapped with near god like beings that can kill her with no effort at all, yet she keeps mouthing off and breaking things. The restraint from this MMC for not hauling off and slapping the living shit out of her. I mean I would have.
That isn't why I DNFd though. It was the constant plot holes. They are just endless. It's impossible to really get into detail without spoilers and I never post spoiler reviews, but it really was like the author wrote several chapters, waited a year and then wrote some more. They were not following their own logic at all and under any scrutiny the plot falls apart like a gingerbread house.
Payal and I are back in negotiations about our next BR since this mess was my pick
--------------------------------
DNFing a buddy read 😭
I love the premise of this book, and the world the author was setting out to create (in theory). The problem is that in practice I feel like this book has to be read on vibes.
Let me tell you: I don't read on vibes. I'm old, ok? I'm 36, I'm cranky, and my back even hurts! I can't read on vibes anymore! I only have so many years left and I am very picky about what I read now.
So first off, this FMC might be one of the most obnoxious ones I've ever come across. She is the biggest brat, and can only continue being so because of her enormous, awe-inspiring plot armor. She's trapped with near god like beings that can kill her with no effort at all, yet she keeps mouthing off and breaking things. The restraint from this MMC for not hauling off and slapping the living shit out of her. I mean I would have.
That isn't why I DNFd though. It was the constant plot holes. They are just endless. It's impossible to really get into detail without spoilers and I never post spoiler reviews, but it really was like the author wrote several chapters, waited a year and then wrote some more. They were not following their own logic at all and under any scrutiny the plot falls apart like a gingerbread house.
Payal and I are back in negotiations about our next BR since this mess was my pick
--------------------------------
DNFing a buddy read 😭
February 10, 2026
A standing ovation!!! It’s hard to write something super unique these days, but this absolutely is! And the twists? Damn! Well played Shannon J. Spann. The fact that this is a debut is mindblowing. I will read anything that you write from this point forward.This book is definitely a love letter to all theater kids and anyone who can appreciate acting on stage and enjoy a live performance.
Welcome to the Playhouse! A traveling, magical stage for the immortal Players who are the closest thing to Gods. Theatron is divided into the North and the South. The South idolizes the Players, obsessed with them, while the North fears their powers. The North is only protected from them by a treaty that is about to expire. They have created marks to ward off their powers, but the price they must pay to bear these marks is losing the ability to lie. But that's ok, they see lying as a form of acting anyway. Riven, who was cursed by a Player when she was young, wants to find the Player responsible for her curse, and for killing her father. She gets sucked into a competition where the winner can gain the Player's immortality and power. What transpires is an exciting story of secrets, chaos, touch of romance and big surprises! This book was good all along, but the ending roughly (I am guessing) 20% really takes it up to a whole other level! I am absolutely most impressed. This book is all-consuming, jaw-dropping, unlike anything else I've read. Bravissima!
Welcome to the Playhouse! A traveling, magical stage for the immortal Players who are the closest thing to Gods. Theatron is divided into the North and the South. The South idolizes the Players, obsessed with them, while the North fears their powers. The North is only protected from them by a treaty that is about to expire. They have created marks to ward off their powers, but the price they must pay to bear these marks is losing the ability to lie. But that's ok, they see lying as a form of acting anyway. Riven, who was cursed by a Player when she was young, wants to find the Player responsible for her curse, and for killing her father. She gets sucked into a competition where the winner can gain the Player's immortality and power. What transpires is an exciting story of secrets, chaos, touch of romance and big surprises! This book was good all along, but the ending roughly (I am guessing) 20% really takes it up to a whole other level! I am absolutely most impressed. This book is all-consuming, jaw-dropping, unlike anything else I've read. Bravissima!
April 16, 2026
Come on now, the show’s about to start. They’ve drawn the curtains already, and you know what? All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players…
Then why, pray tell, are they so godsdamned boooring when they could LITERALLY be anybody under the sun.
You’re telling me out of the myriad of faces, the forces that be chose to put on them ones that are so blatantly banal, whose only character trait is being petulant-angry-young-child or the hot-cheeky-male-lead™️, or the jokey-brawny-buff-guy, or sexy-mama-who-is-she or the silent-poetic-doc-dude-where’d-he-go?, or the kleptomanic-pixie-daydream. Riiight. They’re characters, of course they can be caricatures. Same thing.
So then why, pray tell, if their world’s a stage, instead of yes-and’ing improv, why do we have to deal with almost 500 pages of YEeeeaH-no-can-do-buddy-boy-PEAS-for-dinner-YUCKY-yucky-YUCK? In fact, we could’ve made the acts way tighter if someone stopped digging her heels every single scene. Gosh. Walking onto the stage off her own volition and throwing tantrums as if all the world’s HER stage, and her problems = everyone else’s problems. Because, of course, the consequences to our own actions, a brat’s kryptonite. Never heard of em.
And the fact that NOBODY smacks the shit out her? Terrible script, 0 on 10.
There’s a lot of whining and a lot of I’m-so-weak-I’m-so-cursed-but-lol-see-me-attempt-to-piss-off-a-bunch-of-monsters-in-their-own-playground-AND-watch-me-live-to-tell-the-tale-plot-armour-ROCKS. So this one dimensional baby girl with the only defining traits of anger grr, holier than thou, and self righteous + spoilt sport double whammy, holding onto dear life by a thread is to destroy these immortals? Riiiight. Really, the “plot twist” writes itself, she’s so obvious you can spot her from the sun.
Minor characters include,
1) fat chunks of info dumps who especially like to butt in during tense active scenes, breaking the illusion, and the fourth wall with it. Take a bow, you stole the show.
2) A loser of a villain, so many shows, and he didn’t see this coming? Take a bow, OF SHAME.
3) Flat world building, um… who was she again? A blink and miss role, not her best.
4) there was a story, of course, always a character itself. It was OK. Very YA - So much potential swallowed whole by unlikeable characters.
There’s this world, and there are these “evil” things that are performers who live trapped in a playhouse and this country that hates their guts and they also kinda hate this girl who stumbles into the aforementioned playhouse and shenanigans happen. But more than anything, girlie pop keeps moaning “I’m NOT going to do X” and then does X and blames others for her predicament. Rinse, repeat. And then stuff happens. And then a cheesy plot twist and then a cheesy ending. Fine, okay, take a bow but move it along. Stat.
And that is all the world and its stage, and finally the curtains fall, thank god.
Then why, pray tell, are they so godsdamned boooring when they could LITERALLY be anybody under the sun.
You’re telling me out of the myriad of faces, the forces that be chose to put on them ones that are so blatantly banal, whose only character trait is being petulant-angry-young-child or the hot-cheeky-male-lead™️, or the jokey-brawny-buff-guy, or sexy-mama-who-is-she or the silent-poetic-doc-dude-where’d-he-go?, or the kleptomanic-pixie-daydream. Riiight. They’re characters, of course they can be caricatures. Same thing.
So then why, pray tell, if their world’s a stage, instead of yes-and’ing improv, why do we have to deal with almost 500 pages of YEeeeaH-no-can-do-buddy-boy-PEAS-for-dinner-YUCKY-yucky-YUCK? In fact, we could’ve made the acts way tighter if someone stopped digging her heels every single scene. Gosh. Walking onto the stage off her own volition and throwing tantrums as if all the world’s HER stage, and her problems = everyone else’s problems. Because, of course, the consequences to our own actions, a brat’s kryptonite. Never heard of em.
And the fact that NOBODY smacks the shit out her? Terrible script, 0 on 10.
There’s a lot of whining and a lot of I’m-so-weak-I’m-so-cursed-but-lol-see-me-attempt-to-piss-off-a-bunch-of-monsters-in-their-own-playground-AND-watch-me-live-to-tell-the-tale-plot-armour-ROCKS. So this one dimensional baby girl with the only defining traits of anger grr, holier than thou, and self righteous + spoilt sport double whammy, holding onto dear life by a thread is to destroy these immortals? Riiiight. Really, the “plot twist” writes itself, she’s so obvious you can spot her from the sun.
Minor characters include,
1) fat chunks of info dumps who especially like to butt in during tense active scenes, breaking the illusion, and the fourth wall with it. Take a bow, you stole the show.
2) A loser of a villain, so many shows, and he didn’t see this coming? Take a bow, OF SHAME.
3) Flat world building, um… who was she again? A blink and miss role, not her best.
4) there was a story, of course, always a character itself. It was OK. Very YA - So much potential swallowed whole by unlikeable characters.
There’s this world, and there are these “evil” things that are performers who live trapped in a playhouse and this country that hates their guts and they also kinda hate this girl who stumbles into the aforementioned playhouse and shenanigans happen. But more than anything, girlie pop keeps moaning “I’m NOT going to do X” and then does X and blames others for her predicament. Rinse, repeat. And then stuff happens. And then a cheesy plot twist and then a cheesy ending. Fine, okay, take a bow but move it along. Stat.
And that is all the world and its stage, and finally the curtains fall, thank god.
April 15, 2026
I thought the first half of the book was amazing, but the second half lost me bit. The story was unique and kept my interest but it was not a blockbuster for me.
February 17, 2026
An inventive, unique, enjoyable fantasy romance that gives me Caraval vibes.
Riven infiltrates a dangerous, magical traveling theatre known as the Playhouse to break a deadly curse laid on her by a Player when she was a child. To survive and gain immortality, Riven must compete in a deadly game, striking a bargain with the cruel Lead Player, Jude.
I loved how this was structured. The story is structured in acts and the dialogue is scripted like a play which takes out dialogue tags. There are tie-ins to the stage and fun world-building linked to acting and plays.
I found the audiobook conveyed this unique frame well and the narrator had a great repertoire of voices.
The Playhouse is a dark and magical atmosphere able to redefine reality. I wish the magic/world-building was more defined and explored as I never fully understood the rules which meant the stakes didn’t feel as clear.
The writing was addictive and of good quality. Never too cheesy that seems to have become the norm for romantasy or YA.
I do think sometimes the pacing was prioritised over more depth or exploration, trying to keep that high-thrills edge.
The latter quarter shifts dramatically which I both liked and had a few misgivings about.
Overall, one of the most unique debuts I’ve read, and very enjoyable and surprising for a YA romantasy I took a chance on, if slightly too long.
3.5 stars🌟 .
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Tiktok
Riven infiltrates a dangerous, magical traveling theatre known as the Playhouse to break a deadly curse laid on her by a Player when she was a child. To survive and gain immortality, Riven must compete in a deadly game, striking a bargain with the cruel Lead Player, Jude.
I loved how this was structured. The story is structured in acts and the dialogue is scripted like a play which takes out dialogue tags. There are tie-ins to the stage and fun world-building linked to acting and plays.
I found the audiobook conveyed this unique frame well and the narrator had a great repertoire of voices.
The Playhouse is a dark and magical atmosphere able to redefine reality. I wish the magic/world-building was more defined and explored as I never fully understood the rules which meant the stakes didn’t feel as clear.
The writing was addictive and of good quality. Never too cheesy that seems to have become the norm for romantasy or YA.
I do think sometimes the pacing was prioritised over more depth or exploration, trying to keep that high-thrills edge.
The latter quarter shifts dramatically which I both liked and had a few misgivings about.
Overall, one of the most unique debuts I’ve read, and very enjoyable and surprising for a YA romantasy I took a chance on, if slightly too long.
3.5 stars🌟 .
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Currently Reading
June 21, 2026so, courtney dnf-ed the book at 20% and I am at 17% rn. my dnf point is around 25% so, lets see what happens now😭😔
~~~~~~
after deliberate considerationsthreats, I am buddy reading this book with my bestie Courtney<33 yayayyyyy. I have heard nothing but good things about it so I have teensy-tiny high hopes for it🤞🤞
~~~~~~
after deliberate considerations
April 30, 2026
That was. Bleak lol. Truly. Truly just so awful.
A Stage Set for Villains was an absolute mess in every way from start to finish. I took so many notes so I could write a comprehensive review but truly I don’t even think I have the energy to be a bitch in detail anymore. Or at least not today.
Basically, the characters suck. Riven is dumb and annoying. The enemies to lovers to fated whatever that she attempted to pull off flopped terribly. It was embarrassing to read. There were so many moments that were obviously trying to be a quote on TikTok with some annoying song in the background. The world she attempted to build was written terribly. Flat and lifeless. The religion was dumb. Just Greek mythology shoved into a fantasy world—tell me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready without telling me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready. And at the end she tries to pull off this ~crazy plot twist~ that makes everything even more stupid and annoying. It’s one thing to write a good book before you try and pull that off. It’s another to write something so fucking messy and bad and then throw something out there like you’re doing something.
You’re not girl. I am not gagged, I fear. The only gagged I am is gagged that this. THIS. Is what we decided the finished product should be.
A waste of time and money. Insulting that they expect this. THIS. To be the quality of book we spend our hard earned money on nowadays.
BAD. It was CACA. STINKY. The worst part is I knew it would be. God it’s my fault for fucking having eyes I guess.
A Stage Set for Villains was an absolute mess in every way from start to finish. I took so many notes so I could write a comprehensive review but truly I don’t even think I have the energy to be a bitch in detail anymore. Or at least not today.
Basically, the characters suck. Riven is dumb and annoying. The enemies to lovers to fated whatever that she attempted to pull off flopped terribly. It was embarrassing to read. There were so many moments that were obviously trying to be a quote on TikTok with some annoying song in the background. The world she attempted to build was written terribly. Flat and lifeless. The religion was dumb. Just Greek mythology shoved into a fantasy world—tell me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready without telling me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready. And at the end she tries to pull off this ~crazy plot twist~ that makes everything even more stupid and annoying. It’s one thing to write a good book before you try and pull that off. It’s another to write something so fucking messy and bad and then throw something out there like you’re doing something.
You’re not girl. I am not gagged, I fear. The only gagged I am is gagged that this. THIS. Is what we decided the finished product should be.
A waste of time and money. Insulting that they expect this. THIS. To be the quality of book we spend our hard earned money on nowadays.
BAD. It was CACA. STINKY. The worst part is I knew it would be. God it’s my fault for fucking having eyes I guess.
January 9, 2026
hang on, it’s january 8 and i just read one of my top books of the year LOL??? this was fan-freaking-tastic and all my theater nerd reader friends will be doing themselves a disservice if you don’t pick this up. i found myself fully crying at the ending over how emotionally seen i felt as a reader, as a theater lover, and as a fantasy lover. wow, what a debut.
May 24, 2026
╰┈➤ DNF .ᐟ ˎ
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Overview
Second DNF of 2026… and somehow, once again, it's a dark fantasy. At this point, I'm starting to think it's personal. I went into this not fully knowing what to expect, but whatever I thought I was getting, it definitely wasn't this. I'm not even mad, which almost makes it worse. Just... disappointed? Honestly, I'm more confused than anything. It had potential. It really did. But somewhere along the way, it completely lost me.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Characters
﹕ ꒰ა Riven.ᐟ ֹ ₊
I'll keep this simple: frustrating, inconsistent, and at times just… painfully hard to read. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. She's young, clearly struggling, socially stunted, and dealing with anger and trauma. That's all understandable and relatable. But there's only so much you can excuse before it stops feeling intentional and starts feeling exhausting. What really took me out of it, though, was the logic (or lack of it). She's described as weak, gaunt, visibly ill—practically on death's door—and yet somehow she's expected to fight to the death? And not just fight, but hold her own with a blade? It never felt believable. Instead of rooting for her, I kept questioning everything.
﹕ ꒰ა Jude.ᐟ ֹ ₊
What was the point? I kept waiting for something, depth, personality, anything, but he just never delivered. He felt more like an idea of a character than an actual one. A placeholder where something interestingshould could have been.
﹕ ꒰ა Jude & Riven.ᐟ ֹ ₊
There is no romance here. Or at least, nothing convincing enough to call one. It reads like a forced subplot that adds absolutely nothing to the story. If this was meant to be enemies-to-lovers, it completely missed the mark. Being strangers who've heard rumors about each other does not equal enemies, and without that foundation, the entire dynamic just falls flat.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Writing
The writing itself is… mixed. At times, it's repetitive, and the dialogue especially started to wear on me. It's written in a very script-like format, which at first felt unique, something different, something interesting. But the longer it went on, the less it felt like a stylistic choice and the more like a shortcut. Especially in scenes with multiple characters, it comes across like transitions are skipped entirely in favor of that format, which makes everything feel disjointed. There are some interesting elements thrown in, like references to real historical events (the dancing plague of 1518), which could have added depth, but they never felt fully developed.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Plot
This is what makes the DNF sting a little. Because at the start, I was locked in. A sick girl searching for a cure, layered with a darker, theatrical setting and hints of something more, and everything is not what it seems. That had so much potential. But it just… never comes together. The logic feels shaky, the stakes are unclear, and many of the characters' decisions don't hold up under even a little scrutiny. The biggest one being: why would Jude choose someone who is visibly on the brink of death for something that could require fighting to survive? It doesn't feel strategic. It doesn't feel intentional. It just feels like things are happening because the plot needs them to not because they make sense. And while the theater element might work for some readers, it personally didn't do much for me. I was hoping it would pull me in, maybe even change my mind about that setting, but instead, it just added another layer I couldn't fully connect with. The world-building is somehow non-existent too.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this just wasn't for me. And maybe YA fantasy isn't for me either. There are interesting ideas here, ones that could have made for something really unique, but the execution didn't land. Between the inconsistent characters, the weak romantic subplot, and the plot's struggle to hold itself together, I couldn't justify pushing through. Not a hate read. Just a disappointing one.
｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖✮⋆˙┊┊ Preread
"Caraval meets one dark window." I hated Caraval, but absolutely LOVED One Dark Window, so hopefully this leans more towards the latter. 🤞 I haven't read a YA fantasy book in a while, but I'm in the mood for something dark, but not something that will break me. 😅
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Overview
Second DNF of 2026… and somehow, once again, it's a dark fantasy. At this point, I'm starting to think it's personal. I went into this not fully knowing what to expect, but whatever I thought I was getting, it definitely wasn't this. I'm not even mad, which almost makes it worse. Just... disappointed? Honestly, I'm more confused than anything. It had potential. It really did. But somewhere along the way, it completely lost me.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Characters
﹕ ꒰ა Riven.ᐟ ֹ ₊
I'll keep this simple: frustrating, inconsistent, and at times just… painfully hard to read. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. She's young, clearly struggling, socially stunted, and dealing with anger and trauma. That's all understandable and relatable. But there's only so much you can excuse before it stops feeling intentional and starts feeling exhausting. What really took me out of it, though, was the logic (or lack of it). She's described as weak, gaunt, visibly ill—practically on death's door—and yet somehow she's expected to fight to the death? And not just fight, but hold her own with a blade? It never felt believable. Instead of rooting for her, I kept questioning everything.
﹕ ꒰ა Jude.ᐟ ֹ ₊
What was the point? I kept waiting for something, depth, personality, anything, but he just never delivered. He felt more like an idea of a character than an actual one. A placeholder where something interesting
﹕ ꒰ა Jude & Riven.ᐟ ֹ ₊
There is no romance here. Or at least, nothing convincing enough to call one. It reads like a forced subplot that adds absolutely nothing to the story. If this was meant to be enemies-to-lovers, it completely missed the mark. Being strangers who've heard rumors about each other does not equal enemies, and without that foundation, the entire dynamic just falls flat.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Writing
The writing itself is… mixed. At times, it's repetitive, and the dialogue especially started to wear on me. It's written in a very script-like format, which at first felt unique, something different, something interesting. But the longer it went on, the less it felt like a stylistic choice and the more like a shortcut. Especially in scenes with multiple characters, it comes across like transitions are skipped entirely in favor of that format, which makes everything feel disjointed. There are some interesting elements thrown in, like references to real historical events (the dancing plague of 1518), which could have added depth, but they never felt fully developed.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Plot
This is what makes the DNF sting a little. Because at the start, I was locked in. A sick girl searching for a cure, layered with a darker, theatrical setting and hints of something more, and everything is not what it seems. That had so much potential. But it just… never comes together. The logic feels shaky, the stakes are unclear, and many of the characters' decisions don't hold up under even a little scrutiny. The biggest one being: why would Jude choose someone who is visibly on the brink of death for something that could require fighting to survive? It doesn't feel strategic. It doesn't feel intentional. It just feels like things are happening because the plot needs them to not because they make sense. And while the theater element might work for some readers, it personally didn't do much for me. I was hoping it would pull me in, maybe even change my mind about that setting, but instead, it just added another layer I couldn't fully connect with. The world-building is somehow non-existent too.
── ⟢ ・⸝⸝ Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this just wasn't for me. And maybe YA fantasy isn't for me either. There are interesting ideas here, ones that could have made for something really unique, but the execution didn't land. Between the inconsistent characters, the weak romantic subplot, and the plot's struggle to hold itself together, I couldn't justify pushing through. Not a hate read. Just a disappointing one.
｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ
𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖✮⋆˙┊┊ Preread
"Caraval meets one dark window." I hated Caraval, but absolutely LOVED One Dark Window, so hopefully this leans more towards the latter. 🤞 I haven't read a YA fantasy book in a while, but I'm in the mood for something dark, but not something that will break me. 😅
February 26, 2026
6 FREAKING STARS - RTC
Read
May 20, 2026₊‧꒰preview ᝰ.ᐟ꒱ ‧₊ 🎭
₊‧꒰5.16.26꒱ ‧₊
⤷ OH SHES READING!! hello with another pre read HAHA 🙈 i have to say.. i am MOST excited about this one!! 1) bc i got to meet the author and she totally vandalized my copy (in a good way hehe) and 2) I JUST THINK THIS IS GOING TO BE A FIVE STARS.. havent had one in like 10 months so um! 🤭✨ very very high hopes. already 150+ pgs in and adoring it!! i will force everyone to read it if this becomes a new fave so beware.. 🪽🪽
February 8, 2026
This book was a good debut.
Although, I am still left feeling confused at the ending and how things transpired.
I’m not sure how the dynamic between the costume and the players truly work. Are they separate beings? Are they the same? It seemed like Riven was both herself and the player at times, and that didn’t make sense to me as they clearly had different motivations. The player wanted to follow Sil but Riven, the character, didn’t and wanted to go back to her original home. Wouldn’t the player want the same thing?
Also I’m not sure if I’m fully convinced by the romance between Jude and Riven. Do their players love each other as well? Or is it only the characters? That didn’t make sense to me. I also don’t even get why they like each other so much in the first place. I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry or bond between them.
Finally, the ending was also confusing. The players somehow brought Craft, stories, and songs back to the world and survived returning back home?? I wish this and the entire magic system was explained more. The plot also seemed slow and confusing in the middle as I wasn’t even sure what direction the book was going in.
Overall, the premise behind this book was good, but the execution fell a little flat.
3.25 stars.
Although, I am still left feeling confused at the ending and how things transpired.
I’m not sure how the dynamic between the costume and the players truly work. Are they separate beings? Are they the same? It seemed like Riven was both herself and the player at times, and that didn’t make sense to me as they clearly had different motivations. The player wanted to follow Sil but Riven, the character, didn’t and wanted to go back to her original home. Wouldn’t the player want the same thing?
Also I’m not sure if I’m fully convinced by the romance between Jude and Riven. Do their players love each other as well? Or is it only the characters? That didn’t make sense to me. I also don’t even get why they like each other so much in the first place. I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry or bond between them.
Finally, the ending was also confusing. The players somehow brought Craft, stories, and songs back to the world and survived returning back home?? I wish this and the entire magic system was explained more. The plot also seemed slow and confusing in the middle as I wasn’t even sure what direction the book was going in.
Overall, the premise behind this book was good, but the execution fell a little flat.
3.25 stars.
May 11, 2026
SHANNON. YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS. I’M LOST FOR WORDS.
Fun book. Didn’t cry at all. Not even 5 times. Read it.
Fun book. Didn’t cry at all. Not even 5 times. Read it.
March 28, 2026
This book came with me to Prague for the 2026 Figure Skating World Championships, so it’s very dear to me! And it was also one of the best books I’ve read as of late, the story was so captivating – it felt like a tale to me – that, even though I had the busiest week, I managed to keep my reading streak alive.
May 9, 2026
A fantasy with an innovative concept and unique plot
I read "A Stage Set for Villains" very quickly, especially for a book of this size. I believe that reading it as an audiobook must have contributed to the faster reading experience, but much of the credit goes to the unique universe and concept of the book. I loved that the author divided the book into acts, and within the acts we had scenes, and within the scenes we had scripted dialogue, just like a play. And it's commendable how she also managed to fit this structure into the story, showing that everything there had a purpose and had been thought out in minute detail.
The writing is also beautiful, well-constructed, and avoids reaching the point where the reader might need a dictionary at hand, proving that it's possible to have a more lyrical prose without resorting to a convoluted vocabulary. As someone who studied a lot of the English language and its history in college, I particularly love it when authors prove that we don't need grand words to have a brilliant book.
The book is innovative and surprising from beginning to end, and especially the last act leaves you full of questions that are gradually answered. It's plot twist after plot twist, and when you stop and analyze what came before, trying to understand if it makes sense for the plot, you discover that everything really fits together.
Magic is completely tied to everything, including the characters' inner lives (it seems confusing to say this without reading, but I think those who have read it will understand), and I realized this halfway through the book, but I was still surprised by how innovative the magic system was. In this specific case, too many explanations would have harmed the impact of the last part of the book, so I assure you: if you're confused, it's understandable, and you can continue reading because you'll soon find the answers. And believe me: you'll hardly understand the plot and everything the universe is really giving you, not before the end. Maybe you'll be confused at the end, but I think it was the perfect ending, even to leave you theorizing about it afterward.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that the romance didn't quite convince me, mainly because I wasn't very focused on it, but rather on understanding the universe and its consequences. Despite being a very long book, I strongly believe it could benefit from a few extra pages to develop the romance a bit more and delve deeper into some scenes and conclusions (those who have read it must be thinking exactly the parts I'm thinking).
Otherwise, it's an excellent book and I highly recommend it to everyone. I will definitely read more books by this author.
Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYDnq2gpb4D/
Review: https://youtu.be/q-FuH9kz70I?si=yLkxm...
I read "A Stage Set for Villains" very quickly, especially for a book of this size. I believe that reading it as an audiobook must have contributed to the faster reading experience, but much of the credit goes to the unique universe and concept of the book. I loved that the author divided the book into acts, and within the acts we had scenes, and within the scenes we had scripted dialogue, just like a play. And it's commendable how she also managed to fit this structure into the story, showing that everything there had a purpose and had been thought out in minute detail.
The writing is also beautiful, well-constructed, and avoids reaching the point where the reader might need a dictionary at hand, proving that it's possible to have a more lyrical prose without resorting to a convoluted vocabulary. As someone who studied a lot of the English language and its history in college, I particularly love it when authors prove that we don't need grand words to have a brilliant book.
The book is innovative and surprising from beginning to end, and especially the last act leaves you full of questions that are gradually answered. It's plot twist after plot twist, and when you stop and analyze what came before, trying to understand if it makes sense for the plot, you discover that everything really fits together.
Magic is completely tied to everything, including the characters' inner lives (it seems confusing to say this without reading, but I think those who have read it will understand), and I realized this halfway through the book, but I was still surprised by how innovative the magic system was. In this specific case, too many explanations would have harmed the impact of the last part of the book, so I assure you: if you're confused, it's understandable, and you can continue reading because you'll soon find the answers. And believe me: you'll hardly understand the plot and everything the universe is really giving you, not before the end. Maybe you'll be confused at the end, but I think it was the perfect ending, even to leave you theorizing about it afterward.
The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that the romance didn't quite convince me, mainly because I wasn't very focused on it, but rather on understanding the universe and its consequences. Despite being a very long book, I strongly believe it could benefit from a few extra pages to develop the romance a bit more and delve deeper into some scenes and conclusions (those who have read it must be thinking exactly the parts I'm thinking).
Otherwise, it's an excellent book and I highly recommend it to everyone. I will definitely read more books by this author.
Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYDnq2gpb4D/
Review: https://youtu.be/q-FuH9kz70I?si=yLkxm...
April 9, 2026
This was such a fun magic system & I really enjoyed the premise! I felt like I was a little confused with the ending unfortunately!
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