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Heart-Mage Trilogy #2
A Villain's Hope
When mages come to collect on the deal that resurrected Elias Batesian with deadly supernatural powers, he, his mage-king Beau, and brilliant queen Penny find their kingdom caught in a centuries-old battle between ancient magic and the secret society built to defend against it. If Elias can come to terms with the man he was before Beau–and may have to become again–he’ll secure unlikely allies to keep magic from breaking the world.
Book two of the Heart-Mage Trilogy, A VILLAIN’S HOPE is a polyam, bi fantasy romance. A perfect read for lovers of found family, steamy on-page spice, royal/guard, complex and loveable characters, and bi, Autistic, and ADHD rep.
Book one of the trilogy was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Top 100 Best Indie Books of 2025 and Top 6 Best LGBTQ+ Indies of 2025.
Book two of the Heart-Mage Trilogy, A VILLAIN’S HOPE is a polyam, bi fantasy romance. A perfect read for lovers of found family, steamy on-page spice, royal/guard, complex and loveable characters, and bi, Autistic, and ADHD rep.
Book one of the trilogy was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Top 100 Best Indie Books of 2025 and Top 6 Best LGBTQ+ Indies of 2025.
398 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2026
5 people are currently reading
6124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 2, 2026
I said in my review of the first book that Elias and Penny didn't have much of a connection beyond what they each meant to Beau. Some respect, a little curiosity, and not a lot more. I will not spoil what changes. I'll just say that by the end of this one things are drastically, beautifully different. I was not prepared for how much this series would live in my heart.
This is absolutely one of my favorite romantasy series and this book made it even more so. If the first one hurt my heart, this one ripped it out and stepped on it. Repeatedly. And I was happy about it the whole time.
The plot and story are so much bigger and more layered here. Higher stakes and more moving parts. My heart was in my throat the entire time. I felt every soft, aching, desperate, terrified, furious, yearning emotion these characters felt. The growth across all three of them is stunning and the love story that started in book one increases nicely into absolute devotion.
Gorgeous. Perfect. A love story for the ages. 10/5 stars. I want to curl up inside these characters and never leave.
If you haven't started this series yet please just go read A King's Trust immediately. You need this in your life.
Thanks so much to the author and Booksparks for putting this one on my radar. Thank you for the gifted copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Rep: poly romance, numerous queer identities, autistic, ADHD, Chronic pain
This is absolutely one of my favorite romantasy series and this book made it even more so. If the first one hurt my heart, this one ripped it out and stepped on it. Repeatedly. And I was happy about it the whole time.
The plot and story are so much bigger and more layered here. Higher stakes and more moving parts. My heart was in my throat the entire time. I felt every soft, aching, desperate, terrified, furious, yearning emotion these characters felt. The growth across all three of them is stunning and the love story that started in book one increases nicely into absolute devotion.
Gorgeous. Perfect. A love story for the ages. 10/5 stars. I want to curl up inside these characters and never leave.
If you haven't started this series yet please just go read A King's Trust immediately. You need this in your life.
Thanks so much to the author and Booksparks for putting this one on my radar. Thank you for the gifted copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Rep: poly romance, numerous queer identities, autistic, ADHD, Chronic pain
May 1, 2026
This book was different than the first. I really liked it. It revolved around Elias a lot more and everyone settling into their new roles. This book had a lot more magic in it than the first too. That kept the stakes high. I thought Elias’s whole storyline was really unique and interesting. I liked seeing him get more quality time with Pen. And poor Beau has really been through it. I also really enjoyed all the various examples of love and acceptance there is in these books. The next book feels like it’ll be intense but I can’t wait to read it. Also I just want to add that Flutter was such a sweet nickname.
Thank you for the gifted copy, BookSparks.
Thank you for the gifted copy, BookSparks.
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March 12, 2026I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a pleasure once more to be an ARC reader for this series! I love a sequel that shakes up the status quo, and wow, does this one deliver, both with Elias’s personal story and with the larger story world! Just like the first one, I had good intentions of reading it sensibly, a bit at a time, but it’s such a page turner I had trouble putting it down. It’s suspenseful, emotional, and at times heart-breaking. I teared up at one point, which is rare for me as a reader. And wow, that ending. Without spoilers, I’ll just say I didn’t see the series going there, and I am looking forward to book 3 now with tremendous curiosity.
Such a pleasure once more to be an ARC reader for this series! I love a sequel that shakes up the status quo, and wow, does this one deliver, both with Elias’s personal story and with the larger story world! Just like the first one, I had good intentions of reading it sensibly, a bit at a time, but it’s such a page turner I had trouble putting it down. It’s suspenseful, emotional, and at times heart-breaking. I teared up at one point, which is rare for me as a reader. And wow, that ending. Without spoilers, I’ll just say I didn’t see the series going there, and I am looking forward to book 3 now with tremendous curiosity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received this book for free from the author, in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Highlights
~turns out Heart-Mages are DANGEROUS
~who had matrilineality on their bingo card
~people doing terrible things for excellent reasons
~Elias is literally not who we thought he was
~WHY IS THE END OF THE WORLD SUDDENLY ON THE TABLE
:beware spoilers for book one, A King’s Trust!:
Despite being in the kind of pain that usually makes reading very difficult, I devoured A Villain’s Hope in a SINGLE DAY. It was unputdownable! Every bit as much fun as King’s Trust, the first book in the trilogy, and much more complex with much higher stakes!
I am FED.
In King’s Trust, we had Beau’s PoV, which felt entirely correct; in this book we pivot to Elias, and McPherson proceeds to flip all the tables. It’s not that everything we thought about Elias is untrue – not at all! But…oh wow, my friends, we didn’t even have close to the whole picture about this guy. And some of that is on us, or at least me – maybe smarter readers spotted the clues in King’s Trust and were already Deeply Concerned, but I only picked up on those hints retroactively, and did not see ANY of this coming! Even though, in hindsight, yep, McPherson was definitely laying the groundwork for all of it.
Also, as I guessed at the end of King’s Trust – we learn so much more about the magic in this setting in Villain’s Hope. This book is pretty much wholly concerned with magic in various forms, actually: Penny spends a great deal of time in danger because she doesn’t have any; everyone has to deal with the fallout of the effect magic has had on Elias; Beau (and everyone else) is learning about his powers but also his needs as a Heart-Mage – and it turns out a bunch of other mages are working to bring the gods back to the world. Which may or may not end the world, if the mages are wrong about what the gods are, and what they’re like.
There is an extremely strong case to be made that they are dangerously wrong, if you were wondering.
This means Villain’s Hope has a much higher-stakes plot than the previous book – but McPherson is too smart to neglect the personal, small-picture aspects in the process. Instead, the Epic Fantasy plot is grounded in the intimate, in the relationship between Elias, Beau, and Penny, and in the relationships the three of them build with other people in the process of Beau being a Really Excellent King. I thought the balance was perfect; the characters are the heart of this series and always will be, and making the stakes immediate and personal for them kept me on the edge of my seat. (See: devouring the whole book in ONE DAY.)
And McPherson continues to be a damn clever storyteller: deliberately raising the fear of asinine cliche tropes (like ‘I’m lying to you for your own good’) only to firmly dismiss them and have the characters act like actual grown-ups instead; presenting opposing opinions of ancient history when it’s extremely important to work out which (if any) are correct; exploring several kinds of trauma in respectful, not-gratuitous ways; creating extremely complicated situations and not flinching away from that complexity for one single moment! I loved how all of the reveals grew from seeds that were planted earlier, that even the most table-flipping twists had had all the groundwork laid for them (even if I missed the vast majority of that groundwork!) The magic system continues to be relatively simple, but the ramifications of it are explored thoroughly; as much as it placed an ENORMOUS STRESSOR on my beloved characters, as a worldbuilding-detail I really liked everything around mages being conceived and carried to term, and how that shone a light on some of Beau’s own past.
Of course, the biggest, most fantastic twist-y thing I can’t talk about at all, because MASSIVE SPOILERS, but please take my word for it when I tell you it is PHENOMENAL and I SHRIEKED and I consider the whole thing (Elias, it’s about Elias) conclusive proof that McPherson is a GENIUS.
“What would make you believe I don’t mean him harm?”
A low, humorless exhale parted her lips. “Does that often work? Asking your marks what lie they’d like to be told?”
“An unbelievable amount of the time, yes,”
This comes with so many ramifications for the relationships between the protagonists. Tip-toing around spoilers, Villain’s Hope sees Elias and Penny grow much closer, developing their own, personal connections to each other rather than being connected ‘just’ by their mutual love of Beau. I admit, I thought some of this happened a touch more quickly than I found believable, but I’m also willing to allow that the pressures they were both under, and everything they had to do to deal with those pressures, could have brought them together as fast as they did. Poor Beau, on the other hand, pretty much has an atom bomb dropped on his relationship with Elias, and it’s messy and awful and I ached so much for both of them! (To be clear, this is not Stupid DramaTM, like miscommunication nonsense or ridiculously contrived idiocy. It’s fair and valid and it’s kind of darkly hilarious that writing from Elias’ pov means we don’t feel the full horror of it, because of the nature of The Thing, and I can’t say any more without spoilers but I remain DEEPLY IMPRESSED by it all!)
And all of that is extremely relevant to Beau’s developing identity as a Heart-Mage, discovering for himself what it means – sometimes via contrast to how other mages work, sometimes via gut-punches that McPherson IS VERY CRUEL FOR WRITING. The disdain with which Beau dismissed ‘love mages’ in the previous book becomes more and more ironic, because over the course of the book it becomes damn clear that actually, Heart-Mages have the potential to be terrifying. I’m a huge fan of stories that weaponise ‘the power of love’, and that’s part of it here, but there’s also the relationship between Heart-Mages and their god, and how that relationship differs wildly from that of other mages and their gods. But some of the terror is not for what Heart-Mages can do, but for the downsides of their powers, their weaknesses, what happens to a Heart-Mage separated from or otherwise denied love. McPherson seems to prefer not to spell things out explicitly, which I approve of, but this implicitly casts Beau’s childhood, and especially his struggles with depression and suicide, into a very different light.
Once again, I want to murder every last one of his relatives.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Highlights
~turns out Heart-Mages are DANGEROUS
~who had matrilineality on their bingo card
~people doing terrible things for excellent reasons
~Elias is literally not who we thought he was
~WHY IS THE END OF THE WORLD SUDDENLY ON THE TABLE
:beware spoilers for book one, A King’s Trust!:
Despite being in the kind of pain that usually makes reading very difficult, I devoured A Villain’s Hope in a SINGLE DAY. It was unputdownable! Every bit as much fun as King’s Trust, the first book in the trilogy, and much more complex with much higher stakes!
I am FED.
In King’s Trust, we had Beau’s PoV, which felt entirely correct; in this book we pivot to Elias, and McPherson proceeds to flip all the tables. It’s not that everything we thought about Elias is untrue – not at all! But…oh wow, my friends, we didn’t even have close to the whole picture about this guy. And some of that is on us, or at least me – maybe smarter readers spotted the clues in King’s Trust and were already Deeply Concerned, but I only picked up on those hints retroactively, and did not see ANY of this coming! Even though, in hindsight, yep, McPherson was definitely laying the groundwork for all of it.
Also, as I guessed at the end of King’s Trust – we learn so much more about the magic in this setting in Villain’s Hope. This book is pretty much wholly concerned with magic in various forms, actually: Penny spends a great deal of time in danger because she doesn’t have any; everyone has to deal with the fallout of the effect magic has had on Elias; Beau (and everyone else) is learning about his powers but also his needs as a Heart-Mage – and it turns out a bunch of other mages are working to bring the gods back to the world. Which may or may not end the world, if the mages are wrong about what the gods are, and what they’re like.
There is an extremely strong case to be made that they are dangerously wrong, if you were wondering.
This means Villain’s Hope has a much higher-stakes plot than the previous book – but McPherson is too smart to neglect the personal, small-picture aspects in the process. Instead, the Epic Fantasy plot is grounded in the intimate, in the relationship between Elias, Beau, and Penny, and in the relationships the three of them build with other people in the process of Beau being a Really Excellent King. I thought the balance was perfect; the characters are the heart of this series and always will be, and making the stakes immediate and personal for them kept me on the edge of my seat. (See: devouring the whole book in ONE DAY.)
And McPherson continues to be a damn clever storyteller: deliberately raising the fear of asinine cliche tropes (like ‘I’m lying to you for your own good’) only to firmly dismiss them and have the characters act like actual grown-ups instead; presenting opposing opinions of ancient history when it’s extremely important to work out which (if any) are correct; exploring several kinds of trauma in respectful, not-gratuitous ways; creating extremely complicated situations and not flinching away from that complexity for one single moment! I loved how all of the reveals grew from seeds that were planted earlier, that even the most table-flipping twists had had all the groundwork laid for them (even if I missed the vast majority of that groundwork!) The magic system continues to be relatively simple, but the ramifications of it are explored thoroughly; as much as it placed an ENORMOUS STRESSOR on my beloved characters, as a worldbuilding-detail I really liked everything around mages being conceived and carried to term, and how that shone a light on some of Beau’s own past.
Of course, the biggest, most fantastic twist-y thing I can’t talk about at all, because MASSIVE SPOILERS, but please take my word for it when I tell you it is PHENOMENAL and I SHRIEKED and I consider the whole thing (Elias, it’s about Elias) conclusive proof that McPherson is a GENIUS.
“What would make you believe I don’t mean him harm?”
A low, humorless exhale parted her lips. “Does that often work? Asking your marks what lie they’d like to be told?”
“An unbelievable amount of the time, yes,”
This comes with so many ramifications for the relationships between the protagonists. Tip-toing around spoilers, Villain’s Hope sees Elias and Penny grow much closer, developing their own, personal connections to each other rather than being connected ‘just’ by their mutual love of Beau. I admit, I thought some of this happened a touch more quickly than I found believable, but I’m also willing to allow that the pressures they were both under, and everything they had to do to deal with those pressures, could have brought them together as fast as they did. Poor Beau, on the other hand, pretty much has an atom bomb dropped on his relationship with Elias, and it’s messy and awful and I ached so much for both of them! (To be clear, this is not Stupid DramaTM, like miscommunication nonsense or ridiculously contrived idiocy. It’s fair and valid and it’s kind of darkly hilarious that writing from Elias’ pov means we don’t feel the full horror of it, because of the nature of The Thing, and I can’t say any more without spoilers but I remain DEEPLY IMPRESSED by it all!)
And all of that is extremely relevant to Beau’s developing identity as a Heart-Mage, discovering for himself what it means – sometimes via contrast to how other mages work, sometimes via gut-punches that McPherson IS VERY CRUEL FOR WRITING. The disdain with which Beau dismissed ‘love mages’ in the previous book becomes more and more ironic, because over the course of the book it becomes damn clear that actually, Heart-Mages have the potential to be terrifying. I’m a huge fan of stories that weaponise ‘the power of love’, and that’s part of it here, but there’s also the relationship between Heart-Mages and their god, and how that relationship differs wildly from that of other mages and their gods. But some of the terror is not for what Heart-Mages can do, but for the downsides of their powers, their weaknesses, what happens to a Heart-Mage separated from or otherwise denied love. McPherson seems to prefer not to spell things out explicitly, which I approve of, but this implicitly casts Beau’s childhood, and especially his struggles with depression and suicide, into a very different light.
Once again, I want to murder every last one of his relatives.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Came for the characters, stayed for the emotional damage.
This book had me bawling within the first few chapters... and then completely hooked. Somehow, it never really let me catch my breath after that. It’s fast-paced and addictive, but what really stands out is how much deeper we go into the characters.
I was already in love with El in book one (and yes, I still am, don't worry), but this time I absolutely fell for Beau and Penny too. The character development is so well done: everyone feels more layered and real, with strengths and flaws that truly matter. Their reactions feel genuine, which makes it impossible not to get emotionally invested.
One of my favorite things is that the story doesn’t fall into obvious tropes or predictable paths. It would have been so easy for it to go a certain way... but it doesn’t, and it makes the whole experience feel fresh and exciting.
The worldbuilding also expands beautifully. We dive deeper into the fantastical elements, but it never feels forced, like we’re naturally evolving alongside the characters, discovering more because they are. And since you care about them so much, it all hits harder.
There’s something really special about how this book weaves love and magic together. It feels tangible, emotional, and a little bit haunting in the best way. Combined with the pacing, this was a “just one more chapter” read that turned into way too late at night.
I genuinely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, and I already know I need a physical copy on my shelf because it feels like a piece of art. I cannot wait to return to this world and these characters in the next one!
Note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had me bawling within the first few chapters... and then completely hooked. Somehow, it never really let me catch my breath after that. It’s fast-paced and addictive, but what really stands out is how much deeper we go into the characters.
I was already in love with El in book one (and yes, I still am, don't worry), but this time I absolutely fell for Beau and Penny too. The character development is so well done: everyone feels more layered and real, with strengths and flaws that truly matter. Their reactions feel genuine, which makes it impossible not to get emotionally invested.
One of my favorite things is that the story doesn’t fall into obvious tropes or predictable paths. It would have been so easy for it to go a certain way... but it doesn’t, and it makes the whole experience feel fresh and exciting.
The worldbuilding also expands beautifully. We dive deeper into the fantastical elements, but it never feels forced, like we’re naturally evolving alongside the characters, discovering more because they are. And since you care about them so much, it all hits harder.
There’s something really special about how this book weaves love and magic together. It feels tangible, emotional, and a little bit haunting in the best way. Combined with the pacing, this was a “just one more chapter” read that turned into way too late at night.
I genuinely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down, and I already know I need a physical copy on my shelf because it feels like a piece of art. I cannot wait to return to this world and these characters in the next one!
Note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2026
Move over traditional royalty because the Heart Mage Trilogy is rewriting the rules! 👑✨
I binged A King’s Trust and A Villain’s Hope by S.E. McPherson, and my heart is doing backflips. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that delivers a cinnamon roll prince, a grumpy duchess, and high-stakes magic, you need to add these to your shelf immediately.
✨️The Story So Far: In A King’s Trust, we follow Beau, a spare-turned-heir who is basically the human equivalent of a warm hug but with dangerous magic brewing inside him. He’s caught between his loyal guard, Elias, who definitely knows more than he’s letting on, and Penny, a brilliant duchess who basically wants to dropkick him. They have to find lost relics to stop a war.
Then A Villain’s Hope kicks things up a notch. Elias is back from the dead with some seriously spooky supernatural powers, and the debt is coming due. I loved watching this found family navigate a centuries-old magical war while trying to keep their kingdom and each other in one piece.
❗️Why You’ll Love It
▫️The Tropes: We’ve got royal/guard, enemies-to-lovers, and the ultimate found family energy.
▫️The Dynamic: The chemistry between Beau, Elias, and Penny is everything. It’s messy, it’s magical, and it feels so real.
▫️The Stakes: It’s not just about who’s sitting on the throne; it’s about ancient societies and magic that could literally break the world.
I went for the royal drama, but I stayed for the heart-wrenching loyalty and the incredible world-building, and I can't wait to read book three! ⚔️📖
✨️Thank you, Book Sparks and S.E. McPherson for sharing A King’s Trust and A Villain’s Hope with me!
I binged A King’s Trust and A Villain’s Hope by S.E. McPherson, and my heart is doing backflips. If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that delivers a cinnamon roll prince, a grumpy duchess, and high-stakes magic, you need to add these to your shelf immediately.
✨️The Story So Far: In A King’s Trust, we follow Beau, a spare-turned-heir who is basically the human equivalent of a warm hug but with dangerous magic brewing inside him. He’s caught between his loyal guard, Elias, who definitely knows more than he’s letting on, and Penny, a brilliant duchess who basically wants to dropkick him. They have to find lost relics to stop a war.
Then A Villain’s Hope kicks things up a notch. Elias is back from the dead with some seriously spooky supernatural powers, and the debt is coming due. I loved watching this found family navigate a centuries-old magical war while trying to keep their kingdom and each other in one piece.
❗️Why You’ll Love It
▫️The Tropes: We’ve got royal/guard, enemies-to-lovers, and the ultimate found family energy.
▫️The Dynamic: The chemistry between Beau, Elias, and Penny is everything. It’s messy, it’s magical, and it feels so real.
▫️The Stakes: It’s not just about who’s sitting on the throne; it’s about ancient societies and magic that could literally break the world.
I went for the royal drama, but I stayed for the heart-wrenching loyalty and the incredible world-building, and I can't wait to read book three! ⚔️📖
✨️Thank you, Book Sparks and S.E. McPherson for sharing A King’s Trust and A Villain’s Hope with me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got the immense honor to beta read this book for S.E. McPherson. So big thanks to Sara for giving me this opportunity. I had a bunch of fun digging into this story again. Although 'fun', at times, was heartache and pain. I was so hyped for this and 'A King's Trust' was one of my 2025 five star reads. I can already spoil this: 'A Villain's Hope' is just as worth it as part one was.
One of the asked questions for the beta read was when I got hooked, and honestly. I got hooked immediately in the beginning. That prologue? Actual fire in my personal opinion. What pulled me in in the first place was also that the characters were a bit older. It's so fun to read characters that are around your own age.
Onto the characters now. The three main characters: Beau, Penny and Elias are so amazing and their dynamic is just life to me. A lot of stuff happens in this story again and oh man. Just be prepared for the heartbreak and pain you are about to witness, because oh boy. At times I had to put the book down because my heart couldn't take it. And that, my friend, is just what a good book does to you. It tears you down, but McPherson doesn't tear down without building something back.
But my general conclusion? That's just me screaming at the top of my lungs. I cannot wait for the next one. I hope to be able to beta read the ending of this amazing story as well. Whenever thay may be. Ultimately what you need to know is that I read it, but I will definitely buy myself a throphy copy when the time comes!
One of the asked questions for the beta read was when I got hooked, and honestly. I got hooked immediately in the beginning. That prologue? Actual fire in my personal opinion. What pulled me in in the first place was also that the characters were a bit older. It's so fun to read characters that are around your own age.
Onto the characters now. The three main characters: Beau, Penny and Elias are so amazing and their dynamic is just life to me. A lot of stuff happens in this story again and oh man. Just be prepared for the heartbreak and pain you are about to witness, because oh boy. At times I had to put the book down because my heart couldn't take it. And that, my friend, is just what a good book does to you. It tears you down, but McPherson doesn't tear down without building something back.
But my general conclusion? That's just me screaming at the top of my lungs. I cannot wait for the next one. I hope to be able to beta read the ending of this amazing story as well. Whenever thay may be. Ultimately what you need to know is that I read it, but I will definitely buy myself a throphy copy when the time comes!
April 16, 2026
A Villain’s Hope by S.E. McPherson is a richly emotional and character-driven continuation of the Heart-Mage Trilogy, blending high-stakes fantasy with intimate romance and layered identity exploration.
The novel builds on the aftermath of Elias Batesian’s resurrection, expanding its world into a tense intersection of ancient magic, political power, and secret societies. McPherson balances this larger mythic conflict with a deeply personal narrative, focusing on Elias’s internal struggle as he navigates the consequences of his altered existence and the shifting bonds with Beau and Penny.
One of the novel’s strongest qualities is its commitment to character relationships. The dynamic between the central trio is written with care and emotional clarity, emphasizing trust, vulnerability, and the complexities of chosen family. These relationships are not simply romantic or functional to the plot; they actively shape the trajectory of the story and the choices each character makes.
The inclusion of neurodivergent representation and queer identity elements adds meaningful depth without feeling performative. Instead, they are woven naturally into the fabric of the characters, reinforcing the story’s focus on acceptance, adaptation, and self-understanding.
With its blend of magical conflict, emotional intensity, and relationship-driven storytelling, A Villain’s Hope delivers a satisfying and immersive continuation of the series, appealing strongly to readers of romantasy who value both heart and high stakes.
The novel builds on the aftermath of Elias Batesian’s resurrection, expanding its world into a tense intersection of ancient magic, political power, and secret societies. McPherson balances this larger mythic conflict with a deeply personal narrative, focusing on Elias’s internal struggle as he navigates the consequences of his altered existence and the shifting bonds with Beau and Penny.
One of the novel’s strongest qualities is its commitment to character relationships. The dynamic between the central trio is written with care and emotional clarity, emphasizing trust, vulnerability, and the complexities of chosen family. These relationships are not simply romantic or functional to the plot; they actively shape the trajectory of the story and the choices each character makes.
The inclusion of neurodivergent representation and queer identity elements adds meaningful depth without feeling performative. Instead, they are woven naturally into the fabric of the characters, reinforcing the story’s focus on acceptance, adaptation, and self-understanding.
With its blend of magical conflict, emotional intensity, and relationship-driven storytelling, A Villain’s Hope delivers a satisfying and immersive continuation of the series, appealing strongly to readers of romantasy who value both heart and high stakes.
April 4, 2026
Seriously?! We left off where we did in the previous book, only for this one to smack us, and yes, I am now plural people in this scenario, across the face. Holy wow! What a sequel!
This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I had to take a few days after finishing it to let my thoughts settle because I have so many questions. Let’s start with this: why did I think this was a duology and not a trilogy? Just a heads up, it’s a trilogy, and the story is not completed at the end of this book.
I adore the characters in this series. They are so nuanced and engaging and absolutely refuse to stay in the neatly labeled boxes they started in. The poly dynamic introduced in book one keeps evolving as their relationships grow, and I really liked seeing how that development played out here. There were multiple moments where I found myself wondering what the future would look like for them and whether these relationships would actually hold up under pressure, especially with so many outside forces trying to tear them apart. I also loved getting more insight into Elias’ past and how he became who he is.
The magic system still has me thinking. Every time I feel like I understand how everything fits together, I realize I may have missed something or that there is another layer to uncover. It keeps me intrigued and fully invested. At this point, I am just trying to piece everything together while also accepting that I may not have the full picture yet.
I am very much on tenterhooks waiting to see how this story wraps up. There is a lot still in play, both with the characters and the magic system, and I need answers.
Thank you to S.E. McPherson for providing an advance copy of this eBook, which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I had to take a few days after finishing it to let my thoughts settle because I have so many questions. Let’s start with this: why did I think this was a duology and not a trilogy? Just a heads up, it’s a trilogy, and the story is not completed at the end of this book.
I adore the characters in this series. They are so nuanced and engaging and absolutely refuse to stay in the neatly labeled boxes they started in. The poly dynamic introduced in book one keeps evolving as their relationships grow, and I really liked seeing how that development played out here. There were multiple moments where I found myself wondering what the future would look like for them and whether these relationships would actually hold up under pressure, especially with so many outside forces trying to tear them apart. I also loved getting more insight into Elias’ past and how he became who he is.
The magic system still has me thinking. Every time I feel like I understand how everything fits together, I realize I may have missed something or that there is another layer to uncover. It keeps me intrigued and fully invested. At this point, I am just trying to piece everything together while also accepting that I may not have the full picture yet.
I am very much on tenterhooks waiting to see how this story wraps up. There is a lot still in play, both with the characters and the magic system, and I need answers.
Thank you to S.E. McPherson for providing an advance copy of this eBook, which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
April 2, 2026
A Villain's Hope is everything I hoped for and more from a sequel! The end of A King's Trust left us with just enough of a "happily for-now" to feel resolved, but with bigger things afoot that we knew would come knocking in the sequel. And boy, did they!
For those who felt there wasn't enough magic in book one, brace yourselves - AVH brings more mages, extensive exploration of the entire magic system, and, oh ya know, a pesky ongoing fight about whether bringing the gods to their world would open up magic for all or destroy life as they know it. Just the casual, everyday problems of a king, his queen, and their loyal, bodyguard-turned-lover (freshly returned from the dead and looking prettier than ever!).
Speaking of Elias, book 2 is written from his POV, so we get a BTS look at the surprisingly frantic thoughts churning about behind his ever-present stony exterior. If you thought Elias was your favorite in book 1, JUST YOU WAIT. McPherson masterfully develops his character as old friends, new romance, and everchanging *magic* join the mix.
A Villain's Hope will give you many more reasons to love all your favorites from book 1, even as you're introduced to a slew of new characters to absolutely adore. And we get to once again marvel over McPherson's prowess for perfectly balancing witty conversations and a powerful, well-paced plot.
I'd give it 10 stars if I could! I'm on the edge of my seat for book 3!!!
For those who felt there wasn't enough magic in book one, brace yourselves - AVH brings more mages, extensive exploration of the entire magic system, and, oh ya know, a pesky ongoing fight about whether bringing the gods to their world would open up magic for all or destroy life as they know it. Just the casual, everyday problems of a king, his queen, and their loyal, bodyguard-turned-lover (freshly returned from the dead and looking prettier than ever!).
Speaking of Elias, book 2 is written from his POV, so we get a BTS look at the surprisingly frantic thoughts churning about behind his ever-present stony exterior. If you thought Elias was your favorite in book 1, JUST YOU WAIT. McPherson masterfully develops his character as old friends, new romance, and everchanging *magic* join the mix.
A Villain's Hope will give you many more reasons to love all your favorites from book 1, even as you're introduced to a slew of new characters to absolutely adore. And we get to once again marvel over McPherson's prowess for perfectly balancing witty conversations and a powerful, well-paced plot.
I'd give it 10 stars if I could! I'm on the edge of my seat for book 3!!!
April 12, 2026
A Villain’s Hope is a compelling and emotionally rich continuation of the Heart-Mage Trilogy, blending high stakes fantasy with deeply personal character development and romance. S.E. McPherson expands the world and raises the stakes, delivering a story that is both intimate and epic in scope.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character work. Elias Batesian stands at the center of the narrative, grappling with his past identity and the weight of who he may need to become. This internal conflict adds emotional depth to the story, making his journey just as engaging as the external magical threats.
The dynamic between Elias, Beau, and Penny is another highlight. Their relationship is layered, authentic, and central to the story’s emotional core, offering strong representation while also reinforcing themes of trust, loyalty, and chosen family.
The worldbuilding continues to evolve, introducing a broader conflict involving ancient magic and a secret society determined to control it. This larger narrative adds urgency and scale, balancing political intrigue with action and character-driven moments.
McPherson’s writing successfully blends romance, fantasy, and representation without losing momentum. The story remains engaging throughout, with a balance of emotional intensity and plot progression that keeps readers invested.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character work. Elias Batesian stands at the center of the narrative, grappling with his past identity and the weight of who he may need to become. This internal conflict adds emotional depth to the story, making his journey just as engaging as the external magical threats.
The dynamic between Elias, Beau, and Penny is another highlight. Their relationship is layered, authentic, and central to the story’s emotional core, offering strong representation while also reinforcing themes of trust, loyalty, and chosen family.
The worldbuilding continues to evolve, introducing a broader conflict involving ancient magic and a secret society determined to control it. This larger narrative adds urgency and scale, balancing political intrigue with action and character-driven moments.
McPherson’s writing successfully blends romance, fantasy, and representation without losing momentum. The story remains engaging throughout, with a balance of emotional intensity and plot progression that keeps readers invested.
April 30, 2026
🤍 Huge thank you to @BookSparks and @SEMcPherson_Writes for gorgeous #gifted copy! I’m so excited for the third and final book!
🖤 MMF slow-burn romance
🖤 royal x guard
🖤 court intrigue
🖤 found family
🖤 forbidden magic
🖤 morally gray choices
🖤 some steamy on-page spice
🖤 complex and loveable characters
🖤 magical artifacts
A sequel that raises the stakes. This story dives deeper into Elias’s past, forcing him to confront who he was, who he is, and who he might have to become to save the people he loves.
The bond between Beau, Elias, and Penny is the heart of the story, layered with trust, and sacrifice. Their relationship feels real and messy and keeps you completely invested.
Romance vibes: slow burn x forbidden x emotionally messy x we’re stronger together but the world won’t allow it
The world expands in the best way, with ancient magic, dangerous bargains, and political tension weaving through every page. Beau is learning how to rule while coming to terms with being a heart mage, but everything shifts when he is taken by dangerous mages determined to restore magic and reshape the world.
The stakes are higher, the emotions hit harder, and the twists genuinely make you question everything you thought you knew.
🖤 MMF slow-burn romance
🖤 royal x guard
🖤 court intrigue
🖤 found family
🖤 forbidden magic
🖤 morally gray choices
🖤 some steamy on-page spice
🖤 complex and loveable characters
🖤 magical artifacts
A sequel that raises the stakes. This story dives deeper into Elias’s past, forcing him to confront who he was, who he is, and who he might have to become to save the people he loves.
The bond between Beau, Elias, and Penny is the heart of the story, layered with trust, and sacrifice. Their relationship feels real and messy and keeps you completely invested.
Romance vibes: slow burn x forbidden x emotionally messy x we’re stronger together but the world won’t allow it
The world expands in the best way, with ancient magic, dangerous bargains, and political tension weaving through every page. Beau is learning how to rule while coming to terms with being a heart mage, but everything shifts when he is taken by dangerous mages determined to restore magic and reshape the world.
The stakes are higher, the emotions hit harder, and the twists genuinely make you question everything you thought you knew.
April 4, 2026
For those who enjoyed the first book, good news! There are yet still more consequences. Yes, there is more throuple romance and pining.
Beau is a cinnamon roll: well intentioned and instinctive, but he continues to find out that, perhaps, care and understanding should be taken when making big moves.
Lots of difficult, difficult choices are made with limited information. What do you know? From whom? Why?
There's complex handling of identity, agency, and consent. Just how much can you consent to change yourself?
The conflict and struggles are very human and our cast continues to make mistakes that are absolutely consistent with who they are as people. Also? Antagonists aren't a monolith!
Oh, and the horror elements are genuinely unsettling as hell. Very embodied. They drag a particular air of dread across the whole plot.
So, if you enjoyed the first one and wanted more world-building, you're in for a treat!
--- Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this, and am volunteering my opinions.
Beau is a cinnamon roll: well intentioned and instinctive, but he continues to find out that, perhaps, care and understanding should be taken when making big moves.
Lots of difficult, difficult choices are made with limited information. What do you know? From whom? Why?
There's complex handling of identity, agency, and consent. Just how much can you consent to change yourself?
The conflict and struggles are very human and our cast continues to make mistakes that are absolutely consistent with who they are as people. Also? Antagonists aren't a monolith!
Oh, and the horror elements are genuinely unsettling as hell. Very embodied. They drag a particular air of dread across the whole plot.
So, if you enjoyed the first one and wanted more world-building, you're in for a treat!
--- Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this, and am volunteering my opinions.
April 30, 2026
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: A Villain’s Hope (Heart-Mage Trilogy Book 2)
Heavy is the crown as sweeping changes and faceless enemies converge. Can Beau, Elias, and Penny outmaneuver and overcome the forces that stand between them and threaten the kingdom?
Tropes:
👑Royals
💫Magic
🏰Political intrigue
🗣️Banter
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
💞Why choose/poly
✨LGBTQ+
❤️🔥Slow burn romance
This sequel turns up the stakes while delving deeper into the lore, magic, and their pasts. Each character faces challenges of duty, identity, and vulnerabilities. The author intricately explores their nuanced and shifting relationship dynamics and the deep love that blossoms between them. It’s tender and fiercely passionate. I loved the wicked twists and turns and cannot wait to see how their story concludes!
Thank you so much to the author and BookSparks for the #gifted review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review
📖: A Villain’s Hope (Heart-Mage Trilogy Book 2)
Heavy is the crown as sweeping changes and faceless enemies converge. Can Beau, Elias, and Penny outmaneuver and overcome the forces that stand between them and threaten the kingdom?
Tropes:
👑Royals
💫Magic
🏰Political intrigue
🗣️Banter
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
💞Why choose/poly
✨LGBTQ+
❤️🔥Slow burn romance
This sequel turns up the stakes while delving deeper into the lore, magic, and their pasts. Each character faces challenges of duty, identity, and vulnerabilities. The author intricately explores their nuanced and shifting relationship dynamics and the deep love that blossoms between them. It’s tender and fiercely passionate. I loved the wicked twists and turns and cannot wait to see how their story concludes!
Thank you so much to the author and BookSparks for the #gifted review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a FANTASTIC read, filled with too many emotions to name! I can't recommend it enough!
After the first book, I really wished we had had more character development and this second book delivered so well. Having a story from Elias' POV helped a lot to understand him and his history, but also dive into his relationship with Penny and characters other than Beau. The plot was not only character driven though, and it became even more interesting as it dove into the intrigue around the watchers, magic's history and the Gods.
I loved every page of this book and would give it 6 ⭐ if I could! I'll definitely buy the paperback when it's out!
This was a FANTASTIC read, filled with too many emotions to name! I can't recommend it enough!
After the first book, I really wished we had had more character development and this second book delivered so well. Having a story from Elias' POV helped a lot to understand him and his history, but also dive into his relationship with Penny and characters other than Beau. The plot was not only character driven though, and it became even more interesting as it dove into the intrigue around the watchers, magic's history and the Gods.
I loved every page of this book and would give it 6 ⭐ if I could! I'll definitely buy the paperback when it's out!
April 26, 2026
"The gentleness of it. The...the worship of it. He's never in a hurry."
My heart, it broke a million times reading this...I don't know who to send me therapy bill to...
This series is tragically underhyped and should be read and reread.
There are so many elements that I could gush about. The character development, the world building, the emotionally depth that this author writes with will have you weeping and thanking them for the trauma.
The magic is system is refreshing and seamlessly fits with the arc of the character growth.
The underlying story is about love and how it can take many forms. I love that this author really mixed up traditional tropes that made this absolutely bingeable. I am still finding myself thinking of this story, which speaks volumes.
My heart, it broke a million times reading this...I don't know who to send me therapy bill to...
This series is tragically underhyped and should be read and reread.
There are so many elements that I could gush about. The character development, the world building, the emotionally depth that this author writes with will have you weeping and thanking them for the trauma.
The magic is system is refreshing and seamlessly fits with the arc of the character growth.
The underlying story is about love and how it can take many forms. I love that this author really mixed up traditional tropes that made this absolutely bingeable. I am still finding myself thinking of this story, which speaks volumes.
April 29, 2026
A Villain’s Hope is a romantasy novel centered on a triadic relationship navigating magical conflict, political tension, and historical supernatural forces.
The story follows Elias Batesian, Beau, and Penny as they confront both external magical threats and internal relational dynamics. Their interactions form the core structure of the narrative, balancing emotional development with larger scale conflict.
The worldbuilding introduces ancient magic systems and a protective secret society, creating layered tensions between inherited power structures and emerging alliances.
A character driven romantasy for readers who enjoy found family dynamics, polyam relationships, and fantasy narratives with strong magical and political stakes.
The story follows Elias Batesian, Beau, and Penny as they confront both external magical threats and internal relational dynamics. Their interactions form the core structure of the narrative, balancing emotional development with larger scale conflict.
The worldbuilding introduces ancient magic systems and a protective secret society, creating layered tensions between inherited power structures and emerging alliances.
A character driven romantasy for readers who enjoy found family dynamics, polyam relationships, and fantasy narratives with strong magical and political stakes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fantastic sequel. After reading the first book, I really wanted the magic system to be explored more and this book delivered! The reveal on how and where the magic comes from was great.
I also really loved Elias’ POV and getting more of his backstory. Reading his development throughout the book and his journey with Penny was great. And although Beau only had a few POV chapters, they really shined. The author continues to write emotions fantastically and made my heart HURT while reading this book.
I’m excited to read through Penny’s POV in the last book. Also, the ending!!! I need it to be 2027 now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I also really loved Elias’ POV and getting more of his backstory. Reading his development throughout the book and his journey with Penny was great. And although Beau only had a few POV chapters, they really shined. The author continues to write emotions fantastically and made my heart HURT while reading this book.
I’m excited to read through Penny’s POV in the last book. Also, the ending!!! I need it to be 2027 now.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
April 8, 2026
This is the second book in the Heart-Mage Trilogy, and the books should be read in order. I was lucky enough to ARC read the first book, A King's Trust, and this book as well.
This story is so immersive that I found myself obsessively reading until I finished. There is a lot of world-building here - we learn how the trilogy got its name, and we also learn a LOT about Elias, his past, his current nature, and his connection to Beau. There is such complexity here and it really ups the game on the stakes of the plot.
As with the previous book, I loved the emotional connection between our entire trio, and I absolutely can't wait to find out what happens in book 3.
This story is so immersive that I found myself obsessively reading until I finished. There is a lot of world-building here - we learn how the trilogy got its name, and we also learn a LOT about Elias, his past, his current nature, and his connection to Beau. There is such complexity here and it really ups the game on the stakes of the plot.
As with the previous book, I loved the emotional connection between our entire trio, and I absolutely can't wait to find out what happens in book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is definitely a I didn't finish this book, it finished me situation. I love this world and these characters SO MUCH. I stayed up way too late reading because I could not put this book down.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later to be a little more coherent with my thoughts because there's so much to talk about but I just want to yell about how it's all just perfect.
Thanks to S.E. McPherson for letting me ARC read again. I will now be waiting patiently but oh so eagerly for the next book.
I'm going to have to come back to this review later to be a little more coherent with my thoughts because there's so much to talk about but I just want to yell about how it's all just perfect.
Thanks to S.E. McPherson for letting me ARC read again. I will now be waiting patiently but oh so eagerly for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book. I really enjoyed the first book and it leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I was definitely looking forward to the second book to see what was going to happen next!! I was happy to reading about Elias, Beau and Penny again. We go further into the magic and the different secret societies, which I really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to the last book in the series because I need to see how everything is going to end but I feel like it’s going to be bittersweet!
April 26, 2026
A Villain’s Hope is exactly what a sequel should be—higher stakes, deeper character development, and a story that expands in all the right ways while still leaving you desperate for more.
This is the second book in the Heart-Mage Trilogy and should absolutely be read in order. If you’re expecting a complete resolution here, just know this is a trilogy—the story continues, and there is still a lot left to unfold.
One of the strongest aspects of this series continues to be the characters. Elias, Beau, and Penny are complex, layered, and constantly evolving. The polyamorous dynamic introduced in the first book develops further in this installment, and I appreciated how naturally that progression was handled. The relationships feel intentional and grounded, even as external pressures test their limits.
The shift to Elias’ perspective was a standout choice. Gaining insight into his past and motivations adds depth to both his character and the overall story. It reframes what we thought we knew and raises the emotional stakes in a meaningful way.
The worldbuilding and magic system remain intricate and engaging. Just when it feels like everything is starting to make sense, new layers are revealed. It keeps the story compelling and leaves room for further development in the final installment.
S.E. McPherson’s writing shines in both the quieter emotional moments and the larger plot-driven scenes. The characters communicate, grow, and work through conflict in ways that feel mature and realistic, which adds to the overall impact of the story.
The representation in this series is also worth noting. The diversity and character experiences feel authentic and thoughtfully integrated into the narrative.
Overall, this was an immersive and emotionally impactful read that builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how everything comes together in book three.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to S.E. McPherson for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is the second book in the Heart-Mage Trilogy and should absolutely be read in order. If you’re expecting a complete resolution here, just know this is a trilogy—the story continues, and there is still a lot left to unfold.
One of the strongest aspects of this series continues to be the characters. Elias, Beau, and Penny are complex, layered, and constantly evolving. The polyamorous dynamic introduced in the first book develops further in this installment, and I appreciated how naturally that progression was handled. The relationships feel intentional and grounded, even as external pressures test their limits.
The shift to Elias’ perspective was a standout choice. Gaining insight into his past and motivations adds depth to both his character and the overall story. It reframes what we thought we knew and raises the emotional stakes in a meaningful way.
The worldbuilding and magic system remain intricate and engaging. Just when it feels like everything is starting to make sense, new layers are revealed. It keeps the story compelling and leaves room for further development in the final installment.
S.E. McPherson’s writing shines in both the quieter emotional moments and the larger plot-driven scenes. The characters communicate, grow, and work through conflict in ways that feel mature and realistic, which adds to the overall impact of the story.
The representation in this series is also worth noting. The diversity and character experiences feel authentic and thoughtfully integrated into the narrative.
Overall, this was an immersive and emotionally impactful read that builds beautifully on the foundation of the first book. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how everything comes together in book three.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to S.E. McPherson for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fantastic sequel to A Kings Trust! I really liked that the majority of the story was told from Elias’ perspective, and I just looooove how unique this world/magic system is. The poly dynamic of this book was perfectly done, and McPherson’s writing was just as lovely as I remembered it being in book 1. After the way this one ended, I’m already feral for the finale of this trilogy!
Thank you so much SE McPherson for sending me an advanced copy!
Thank you so much SE McPherson for sending me an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free advance copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
It was amazing to be back in this world again and see more of the trio. This was less character and more plot focused than the first book, and I liked seeing more of the magic system and how it was developed, as well as Elias's past and more of the politics of the world. It was a really fun read and I look forward to the next!
It was amazing to be back in this world again and see more of the trio. This was less character and more plot focused than the first book, and I liked seeing more of the magic system and how it was developed, as well as Elias's past and more of the politics of the world. It was a really fun read and I look forward to the next!
April 7, 2026
A Villain’s Hope is a powerful and emotionally engaging installment in the Heart-Mage Trilogy, blending magic, romance, and identity with compelling depth. S. E. McPherson crafts a richly layered story filled with complex characters, found family, and high-stakes conflict. Bold, inclusive, and immersive, this is a must-read for fans of romantasy and character-driven fantasy.
April 10, 2026
I am shook. This book hurt is the best way possible. Such good LGBTQ representation that doesn't overshadow the main plot but somehow drives it! I was giddy at parts, compelled at others and in the end devastated and horrified. The prose and subtext are deserving of academic study. Amazing structure. For fans of the Romantasy genre looking for a unique story. Spice and subterfuge abound!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was so good to be back in Granvallee with Beau, Penny and Elias! :) I love how this series naturally includes a diverse range of characters and has a pretty unique magic system, to boot. Can't wait for book number 3!
*I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
*I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
April 4, 2026
The first book in this series was Very Good and THIS book was VERY GOOD and I tore through both of them in one calendar day and am very sad that I currently have no more to tear through 😭😭
April 7, 2026
A King's Trust was on my top reads of 2025 and I absolutely could not wait for book two!
A Villain's Hope is told mostly from Elias' perspective and as we learn more about his backstory, we see he's not quite the man we all fell in love in book one. The dynamic between Elias, Beau, and Penny is so interesting and I find the overall world fascinating. I never quite knew where the story was going to go and loved every minute of it. SE McPherson is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers and I can't wait to see what's next.
Thank you to the author for sending an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own.
A Villain's Hope is told mostly from Elias' perspective and as we learn more about his backstory, we see he's not quite the man we all fell in love in book one. The dynamic between Elias, Beau, and Penny is so interesting and I find the overall world fascinating. I never quite knew where the story was going to go and loved every minute of it. SE McPherson is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers and I can't wait to see what's next.
Thank you to the author for sending an advance copy for review. All opinions are my own.
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