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Vile & Virtue: The End
A dark tale that ends darker still… and I should know. I wrote it.Oh, don't look so surprised to see me again. Did you think I'd simply let my delectable little librarian and her meddlesome twin walk away after the mess they made of my perfectly good game?
You see, something went terribly wrong. Or terribly right, depending on one's appetite for catastrophe. Sasha Lancaster—mousy, bespectacled, chronically infuriating Sasha Lancaster—did something I did not anticipate.
She's stopped playing by my rules. She's thrown away the genres, the tropes, the safety nets. She's written us a story with no structure, no conventions, and no guarantee that the villain loses.
Which means, for the first time in my eternal, miserable existence—
Anything can happen.
Even the one thing I swore never could.
See you at the end, lovelies. If there is one.
- Vile
_______________________________
The second half of the "Vile & Virtue" duet series. 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.)
You see, something went terribly wrong. Or terribly right, depending on one's appetite for catastrophe. Sasha Lancaster—mousy, bespectacled, chronically infuriating Sasha Lancaster—did something I did not anticipate.
She's stopped playing by my rules. She's thrown away the genres, the tropes, the safety nets. She's written us a story with no structure, no conventions, and no guarantee that the villain loses.
Which means, for the first time in my eternal, miserable existence—
Anything can happen.
Even the one thing I swore never could.
See you at the end, lovelies. If there is one.
- Vile
_______________________________
The second half of the "Vile & Virtue" duet series. 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.)
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
71 books2,607 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 20, 2026
But like...that was the ending?! I feel like I'm missing a second epilogue there. This book didn't fully wrap up, and I have so many unanswered questions. The journey was awesome but the destination there just left me underwhelmed and frustrated. I need closure, but this one just isn't going to give it to me, unfortunately, so 3 stars. I was hoping for that big grand gesture and closure to make me swoon, and since I got open ended, confusing lines, that just...left me feeling a bit hollowed out, 3*.
There are some books though that the journey is so good that the destination almost doesn't even matter. I would say this is close but honestly I loved Vile so much that I wanted (at least the standard) the best ending possible. I feel like I got the "normal ending" of a video game but the "good ending" is still out there somewhere. R.I.P my heart.
There are some books though that the journey is so good that the destination almost doesn't even matter. I would say this is close but honestly I loved Vile so much that I wanted (at least the standard) the best ending possible. I feel like I got the "normal ending" of a video game but the "good ending" is still out there somewhere. R.I.P my heart.
May 21, 2026
May 2026
Kindle edition
Guessing they'll be a beginning and end collection for a re-read? Couldn't really like Virtue. He felt like a white knight wind up toy with a sword. I did get distracted with Dundle and Lundle. I liked them more than Sidney and Virtue. The bog witch marriage was fun.
Kindle edition
Guessing they'll be a beginning and end collection for a re-read? Couldn't really like Virtue. He felt like a white knight wind up toy with a sword. I did get distracted with Dundle and Lundle. I liked them more than Sidney and Virtue. The bog witch marriage was fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
I believe the second book does not land as well as the first. This duology finishes much more as an homage to Kingsley's own niche genre and focuses not as much on the development of the characters themselves. I stand corrected to the first book, this duology might not be a good fit for a first time reader of K.A.K. since it's like a meta universe for the delights in her stories.
May 23, 2026
Villainous fourth wall breaking delight
I loved this so much. This is the type of story that makes you read it closely for turns and verbal traps, and that brings me a dark sort of cackling at the shadows kind of joy.
I fully admit I far prefer Sasha to Sidney, but would I be a villain romance reader if I was equally invested in the story of the sister who falls for the hero? Probably not.
The story is witty, the author pokes fun at herself, the characters are relatable, and the horror is enticing.
I love that Kingsley's main characters aren't your standard run of the mill allistic characters. She's written characters with autism, EDS, depression, missing limbs, visual impairment, etc. Again, Sasha being a character who has struggled with her mental health and unhealthy going mechanisms makes the story that much more relatable and I appreciate the representation of non-classical heroines.
Absolutely loved the story.
I've already read it twice.
I feel like this duet is a great fit for people who like dark romance and enjoyed The Midnight Library or the Thursdsy Next series.
I loved this so much. This is the type of story that makes you read it closely for turns and verbal traps, and that brings me a dark sort of cackling at the shadows kind of joy.
I fully admit I far prefer Sasha to Sidney, but would I be a villain romance reader if I was equally invested in the story of the sister who falls for the hero? Probably not.
The story is witty, the author pokes fun at herself, the characters are relatable, and the horror is enticing.
I love that Kingsley's main characters aren't your standard run of the mill allistic characters. She's written characters with autism, EDS, depression, missing limbs, visual impairment, etc. Again, Sasha being a character who has struggled with her mental health and unhealthy going mechanisms makes the story that much more relatable and I appreciate the representation of non-classical heroines.
Absolutely loved the story.
I've already read it twice.
I feel like this duet is a great fit for people who like dark romance and enjoyed The Midnight Library or the Thursdsy Next series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Because love wasn’t a reward for good behavior.
It’s a thing that happens to people—to all people, to the worst people, and to things that aren’t even people at all."
First of all, I wanna say how much I love and appreciate Kat for being the amazing author that she is. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I couldn’t put it down. I was a little—heh… okaaay, kinda maaaybe a little harsh on Vile in book 1 🫣 but now, after reading book 2, this is my unhinged, crazy baby and I will protect him with all of my heart 😤
The plot was incredible and unique. I loved both Sidney and Sasha! but dude, Dundle and Lundle were something else—they caught me off guard and I freaking adored them 🥹 I genuinely cried a couple of times during the later chapters because my god, they hit me deep.
It's so sad to say goodbye to all the characters that I grew to love, but once again, thanks to Kat for the ARC and for how she writes amazing villains that stay true to themselves for us 💜
It’s a thing that happens to people—to all people, to the worst people, and to things that aren’t even people at all."
First of all, I wanna say how much I love and appreciate Kat for being the amazing author that she is. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I couldn’t put it down. I was a little—heh… okaaay, kinda maaaybe a little harsh on Vile in book 1 🫣 but now, after reading book 2, this is my unhinged, crazy baby and I will protect him with all of my heart 😤
The plot was incredible and unique. I loved both Sidney and Sasha! but dude, Dundle and Lundle were something else—they caught me off guard and I freaking adored them 🥹 I genuinely cried a couple of times during the later chapters because my god, they hit me deep.
It's so sad to say goodbye to all the characters that I grew to love, but once again, thanks to Kat for the ARC and for how she writes amazing villains that stay true to themselves for us 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loovvvvedd it! This story is written and thought out so well, book two had my attention from start to finish. We pick up right where we left off in book 1. I felt so bad for Sasha and Sidney, but especially Sasha. The way the story built to get to the crazy ending was perfect, with plenty of things that I didn’t see coming. I can say with absolute certainty that I enjoyed Vile’s character the most. Especially when it was just him and Sasha by themselves towards the end and we really got to see how he felt and what he went through after each set of twins. I also felt that Sasha made a great bog witch lol. I am slightly sad about the ending, as I wanted more of the story lol. So I will be patiently waiting and hoping for a surprise 3rd book to the series 🤞🏼. There is more that I would love to say, but I don’t want to give out spoilers! 😉 Over all, this was a great series and I highly recommend reading both books!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 19, 2026
This book was even better than the first one. I really liked it that right from the start it was more emotional than the first book and thanks to that i was able to better understand and get to know Vile and Sasha. I loved the tragedy of Vile's story, it made me cry at least four times though the whole book and the ending of the book absolutely destroyed me. I really hope we will get some bonus short story like with Simon and Julien in the future, because i just can't imagine what will happen after the ending. I really enjoyed this duology it's become my most favourite two books i have ever read and Vile my most favourite character ever so i hope everyone will enjoy this book as much as i did too.
May 24, 2026
I’m going to be thinking about this one for a WHILE. Controversial opinion but I LOVED the ending. The whole story is constantly about knowing what the ending is going to be. As a reader, that’s typically what we want. You go through the turmoil to have a satisfying ending.
On its face, this ending is anything but satisfying. We don’t know what happens after Sasha opens that book. But, I think it plays so well into the theme KAK was going for. I genuinely like that I don’t know what happens next.
I think I have lots of feelings about this duet that I’m not sure how to put into words but I truly enjoyed it. I may have been a KAK fan for years and that’s because she never ceases to come up with some of the most original stories. And Vile and Virtue? It takes the cake even for KAK.
On its face, this ending is anything but satisfying. We don’t know what happens after Sasha opens that book. But, I think it plays so well into the theme KAK was going for. I genuinely like that I don’t know what happens next.
I think I have lots of feelings about this duet that I’m not sure how to put into words but I truly enjoyed it. I may have been a KAK fan for years and that’s because she never ceases to come up with some of the most original stories. And Vile and Virtue? It takes the cake even for KAK.
June 6, 2026
WOW! ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE
The all caps in the subject line were necessary. This book was amazing. What a ride! The way Kathryn Ann Kingsley deconstructed villains and heroes and even writing itself was one of the most powerful and fun (weird to use those two words together like this) reading adventures I’ve ever experienced. I cannot recommend this book enough. I feel very seen in my love for villains and this book was so skillfully written and so very Kathryn Ann Kingsley who seems to truly understand and appreciate my love for villains. Vile was wonderful and horrible and so beautiful that when he finally told his heartbreaking truth it made me cry. YOU SHOULD GO READ IT NOW!
The all caps in the subject line were necessary. This book was amazing. What a ride! The way Kathryn Ann Kingsley deconstructed villains and heroes and even writing itself was one of the most powerful and fun (weird to use those two words together like this) reading adventures I’ve ever experienced. I cannot recommend this book enough. I feel very seen in my love for villains and this book was so skillfully written and so very Kathryn Ann Kingsley who seems to truly understand and appreciate my love for villains. Vile was wonderful and horrible and so beautiful that when he finally told his heartbreaking truth it made me cry. YOU SHOULD GO READ IT NOW!
May 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vile & Virtue: The End was another incredible read from Kathryn Ann Kingsley. At this point, I genuinely think I would read absolutely anything Kat writes because she never fails to pull me completely into her stories.
I loved this book just as much as all of her other works. The characters, the atmosphere, the emotion — everything was captivating from beginning to end. Once again, she delivered a story that kept me fully invested, and once again, she did not disappoint.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley continues to be one of my all-time favorite authors, and I already can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Vile & Virtue: The End was another incredible read from Kathryn Ann Kingsley. At this point, I genuinely think I would read absolutely anything Kat writes because she never fails to pull me completely into her stories.
I loved this book just as much as all of her other works. The characters, the atmosphere, the emotion — everything was captivating from beginning to end. Once again, she delivered a story that kept me fully invested, and once again, she did not disappoint.
Kathryn Ann Kingsley continues to be one of my all-time favorite authors, and I already can’t wait to see what she writes next.
May 23, 2026
I love KAK, and I loved book 1 of this duology, but this caboose doesn’t seem to have enough meat on its bones to merit its own separate tome. I found myself questioning what seems like a lot of filler content that repeatedly bludgeoned me with the point of this book through heavily abused “not x, not y, not z, but A” text. It felt clumsy and rushed - stuff that should have been culled out on a more careful review. But if they had done that, maybe it wouldn’t have met some required minimum word count?
I don’t know. All I know is that the book did too much explaining and not enough showing, and overall just don’t have very much narrative left to it. It was like KAK got bored with it.
I don’t know. All I know is that the book did too much explaining and not enough showing, and overall just don’t have very much narrative left to it. It was like KAK got bored with it.
July 7, 2026
Book 2 did not disappoint 👏 🙌 I absolutely love this story and im devasted its over. Vile is just so captivating, we got to see him as a shadow daddy and as a monster romance (lthough I feel like i got cheated out of a true monster scene) I have so many of Viles lines saved on KU cause the author really gets you thinking of villains and their roles from a fresh perspective, some of my fav quotes:
" if the villain could love and be loved, then what would make him a villain?"
"This is what your kind decided when they first sat around a fire and pointed at the darkness beyond it and said: that is where the monsters live, and they do not get to come into the light"
" if the villain could love and be loved, then what would make him a villain?"
"This is what your kind decided when they first sat around a fire and pointed at the darkness beyond it and said: that is where the monsters live, and they do not get to come into the light"
May 22, 2026
I am so glad for that epilogue because it allowed me to give this book one more star than I originally planned.
While these books weren't exactly my type, the meaning and overall message deeply resonated with me and that ending was so bittersweet that I had to give it 4 stars.
This author helped me realise my love for villain romance and every one of her books was an adventure. I can't wait to see and try every one of her stories. I might not love them all, but I will certainly try.
While these books weren't exactly my type, the meaning and overall message deeply resonated with me and that ending was so bittersweet that I had to give it 4 stars.
This author helped me realise my love for villain romance and every one of her books was an adventure. I can't wait to see and try every one of her stories. I might not love them all, but I will certainly try.
May 20, 2026
I have no words to describe how much I loved this book. This duet is definitely up there with Harrow Faire as one of my all time favourite series.
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. Vile is beautifully written and complex, and the story was like nothing I've ever read. The ending was so wonderfully bittersweet.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. Vile is beautifully written and complex, and the story was like nothing I've ever read. The ending was so wonderfully bittersweet.
I cannot recommend this series enough!
May 24, 2026
Fantastic! I love a villain who stays a villain. No redemption arc. No need to prove he's something he's not. To be loved simply as is. The ending didn't play out how I thought it would, and I love that. I know this series was meant to only be 2 books, but I love the concept so much that I really wish it were to be a longer series. There's so many possibilities!
June 3, 2026
Something different
I went into this duet blind and I'm so glad I did! This was like nothing I've read before! I loved the breaking of the 4th (or maybe 5th) wall here and there. Though there wasn't as much in this book. I was sad when the story ended. I would love a follow up on Vile and Sasha. This will definitely be added to my read again list!
I went into this duet blind and I'm so glad I did! This was like nothing I've read before! I loved the breaking of the 4th (or maybe 5th) wall here and there. Though there wasn't as much in this book. I was sad when the story ended. I would love a follow up on Vile and Sasha. This will definitely be added to my read again list!
June 13, 2026
This book was tedious and boring and there was way too much waffling back and forth and exhausting arguments and just redundant filler. Also the characters really upped their whining in this one—why is anyone in love with any of these people. Also: if I have to read one more “not X, not Y, not Z, but W” style sentence again I might scream.
June 14, 2026
Hands down, one of the best books I've ever read. Barely survived the roller coaster at the end. Kinda sad we never got to see Vile as Dracula.
Honestly, this is why I will keep on buying books by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. I don't even read the backs anymore. Just the author is enough to guarantee a banger.
Honestly, this is why I will keep on buying books by Kathryn Ann Kingsley. I don't even read the backs anymore. Just the author is enough to guarantee a banger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2026
5 stars. 10 stars. All the stars. What a cool concept and excellent execution. Deeply obsessed with these characters, and maintain that this is my new favorite KAK series. I am already in deep book depression knowing that this story is over, and am considering a prompt reread as we speak. Such unique storytelling and authentic perspectives. Love love love.
June 20, 2026
While this duet wasn't perfect, it's such a fresh concept. Sort of a literary Gothic Inception moment. I loved the breaking of the fourth wall, and the themes of villany and heroism weaved throughout, and the confines of each, were well done.
May 21, 2026
This may be KAK’s craziest story yet. The ending was so surprising but amazing and I loved it so much 😭
May 26, 2026
Ms.Kingsley does it again
May 29, 2026
🥹 the ending. My lord.
June 26, 2026
Speechless
What an incredible journey, and a journey where I couldn’t guess the ending. To everyone who loves the villain, Vile & Virtue is a must read.
What an incredible journey, and a journey where I couldn’t guess the ending. To everyone who loves the villain, Vile & Virtue is a must read.
July 11, 2026
Kathryn! If you are reading this, please give us a novella for after this book!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews