Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War

A Gentle Apocalypse #2

by M.H. Foster

The edgy, funny follow-up to the USA Today bestselling The Demon Overlord’s Retirement Plan , where an annoying long-lost “cousin,” war, and the prospect of love all threaten the Demon Overlord’s retirement. After centuries of conquering kingdoms and terrifying the cosmos, the Demon Overlord just wants to retire in peace. But when one dangerous succubus and a couple of feuding barons come to the small town of Lower Middleton, peace is hellishly hard to find. Now Willem Porter (definitely not Galornus Prime, destroyer of worlds) must navigate enchanted pickles, noble politics, and the delicate art of staying out of trouble. All while pretending he’s just a humble turnip farmer, with a perfectly normal goat. Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War is a cozy, laugh-out-loud fantasy of infernal bureaucracy, reluctant heroism, and small-town chaos. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Good Omens, and anyone who likes their comfort reads served with sarcasm, tea, and a touch of demonic meddling.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Cozy, Humor, Romance

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 2026

About the author

I write cozy fantasy fiction and other types of short stories and novels.

For those of you who have read my books, please visit my patreon page for regular updates and short stories from the worlds of A Gentle Apocalypse and Janissary.

https://www.patreon.com/mhfoster

Reviews

[Achim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Still cozy, still fun but not on the same level as the first book. Maybe Galornus already settled in too much, maybe there are no real surprises, maybe no one expects anymore that the demon overlord's cover will be blown or maybe some teaching becomes too obvious. The friction between Galornus/ Willem and Rajani, the Queen of Succubus was nice to watch but the slow burn love story between Willem and Clara was a bit lackluster. In a way I wasn't much surprised that Clara didn't happen while the Baron's resided at Willem's home.

This time the retirement adventures were a nice palate cleanser … so maybe I shouldn't have read it right after the first book.

[Andi · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I love this world so much! It was so good to be back with Galornus/Willem, Sally, Mrs. Crankshaw, Prometheus, Clara, and the rest of the crew - with some new characters joining the choas.

Like the first book in this series, Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War was a super quick, entertaining, and heartwarming read that had me smiling many, many times. I particularly enjoyed how the world expanded in this book and how we got more information about Galornus's background.

I can't wait to read the next installment when it comes out. :')

Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy!

[Layla MP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second book way more than the first (and I really enjoyed the first one!), mainly because all the groundwork had already been laid. The humour also levelled up—I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. The storytelling was a huge improvement too. I felt like the first book dragged a little in places, but this one fixed that and kept me hooked from start to finish. Willem did a-lot of self reflection this book and the biggest take away is that sometimes you do not have to do anything but let everything play out. but I just wish he had done a bit more to show us why he’s the Demon Lord in the first place. Either way, I loved it, and I’m so excited for the third book!

[Tiffany · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I loved this world when I entered it in the first book, this one was I'm now chuckling because of the cover. Prometheus is hilarious.
While retired demon overlord, Galornus, is still enjoying his time at his turnip farm he is doing a poor job of hiding away. You get more characters entering into his area and he is not too pleased, but at least he has his number 1; Sally.. even tho Sally seems to be hanging out with his "cousin" a lot lately.. his "cousin" does tell him there might be a war on the horizon and this is not really what he wanted to deal with.. He just wants to be retired!

This world and series has grown and I am so excited for the next one, Band of Others.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ these books are absolute perfection. I will continue to gobble them up until there are no more! The humor is perfectly delightful and dry, understated and yet laugh out loud hilarious at times. Never has a demon overlord turned small town turnip farmer been more relatable. This is cozy fantasy at its finest - the stakes are just right and the characters are so lovable it’s like watching old episodes of your favorite sitcom. These are so creative I just can’t get over it. I hope everyone reads these witty, whimsical tales!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-Demon Overlord in hiding, Galornus, continues to live the not-so-simple life as his "cousin" Rajani, queen of the succubi, comes to visit and war is looming due to some unforeseen side effects of a tiny bit of magic Galornus did in the last book.

I continue to be charmed by this series: there's a nice balance between the quotidian problems of being a farmer/retired demon overlord and the brewing armed conflict.

Pick this series up if you're looking for a fun, easy read.

Received via NetGalley.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. After reading the first book (which I've described as "Sauron decides he's done being evil and retires to Stardew Valley to farm turnips."), I've been gushing to everyone who will stand still long enough. Second books are often a let down, but this book is just as funny and poignant as the first. Watching the Demon Overlord learn to love humanity is as satisfying as it is hilarious. Highly recommended.

[Will Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’re telling me there are love, politics and other acts of war?

[Ryan Patrick]

A fine continuation of the series. I was worried that Rajani would just be annoying, but instead she was just the right amount of inconvenience. Time for Willem to get the show on the road with Clara, though!

Looking forward to Sally's continued development in the next book, too.

[Clepsydra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The balance between absurd and believable is really well done. A goat that is even more diabolical than a demon overlord. A succubus who becomes a homemaker. The irony is lovely.
Not quite as well edited as the first one. Some sentences were missing periods and such. Still a very enjoyable read, though.

[Eternity's Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars.

Love, Politics and Other Acts of War was a great and funny follow up to book one of the Gentle Apocalypse series.

I enjoyed Willems continued reluctant manuverings and his world weary patience with those around him. I also found it a treat to see him being outmanuvered in this book. Though I did find the establishment of new characters and their personalities and how they fit into the village to be weaker than in book one, which is what dragged it down from a 5 star read for me.

This was still cute and cozy though and I really enjoyed it as a palate cleanser read, same as book one.

Looking forward to book three.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more serious sequel, but still delightful fantasy

I'm in love with Willem...and Sally, and Prometheus, and Ferdinand, and Rajani, and Arthur, and all the original and new inhabitants of Little Middleton. There is romance, laughter, conflict, and PICKLES. The story flies by, and I'm sorry when it ends. I read Love in KU but will buy it to reread.

[Alyssa Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I highly highly recommend this book - an excellent follow up to The Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan and an excellent setup to the final book in the series (which I am so so eager to request as well).

Willem, Demon Overlord (retired), is continuing to deal with problems both of his own making and at least immediately unrelated (he's been around a while, so how long do you look back to assign blame, really?). Clara returns, and I'm excited to continue to see more of her, while Sally and the rest of the town continue to shine as supporting cast for the wrangled chaos going on.

The conflict between the Barons in this one made me scream with fangirling joy as I anticipated the direction things were going to go and watched it fall into place perfectly, I enjoyed Rajani even more than I had anticipated, and I can't wait to see how what's been started in this book develops in the next one. Not to mention that last little hook was exactly what I wanted and I need to see what happens next!

Just like with the previous book, this one balances comedy and lightheartedness with stakes and conflict, never taking itself too seriously, but hitting a "just right" level that I enjoy so much. I think anyone who read Dark Lord Davi or Violet Thistlewaite will enjoy this, but really I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a humorous, character-driven story. Honestly if you liked Murderbot, this is similar, just more fantasy based than sci-fi.

I love these books so much that I'm going to get physical copies too, if that tells you anything. Highly recommend! Full five stars!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent follow-on to The Demon Overlord's Retirement Plan. We expand the already bountiful found family, with the added bonus of welcoming a second demon into a highly erratic, but charmingly pastoral life. Watching Rajani shoehorn herself into Willem's life, so obviously wanting the same love and comforts we achieved in the first book, was precious and reminiscent of the same longing so many of us have felt - the desperate need to lay down the ability to be strong, and just feel safe and cared for.

As usual, Prometheus, Buttercup, and Sally were in top form. I would read so many side adventures featuring any combination of these three. 🙏

Another 5-star, thoroughly hilarious read.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Overall rating: 4☆

As expected, this was just as fun and charmingly ridiculous as the first book. We continue to follow the retired demon overlord as he tries to maintain peace in his small village. The situations and characters are ridiculous, silly, and get up to absurd situations that seem like they’ll become serious, but instead blow over into unexpected situations. New characters are introduced in this one that add to the town charm, and blooming relationship dynamics continue to be built upon.

Overall, I cannot wait to read the last book; this world never failing to make me smile and feel all warm inside!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an early copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

[shawn murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has been wet here. Unlike the dry humour present in M. H. Foster’s book Love, Politics, and other Acts of War.
Picture yourself. A quiet retirement taking care of turnips in a small village. Then people start to muck things up. Sigh….
Okay maybe you happened to be the Demon Overlord. You deserve some peace too? Just when you got things settle your old Succubus finds you and threatens to spill the beans. That’s not the worst, bureaucracy rears its ugly head. Could mean disaster for Willem and his quaint town.

[Jill Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Politics, and Other Acts of War by M.H. Foster was a fun and easy read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. The story blends romance, politics, and humor in a way that makes the pages fly by. I enjoyed the characters and appreciated how light and engaging the book felt without sacrificing an interesting plot. If you’re looking for something enjoyable and easy to get lost in, this is a great choice. A solid four-star read for me!

[Maylita Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fun and relaxing read! I really enjoyed continuing the journey of Galornous Prime's "retirement". However, I did not find this story's plot as interesting as the first book. It felt a bit scatty and a little dull. Also, I would like to see Galornous be a bit evil for once! Yes, he's retired but he's too soft now. Finally, the introduction of Rajani did not add to the story like I thought it would - hopefully Laekus' presence is more interesting in the next book.

Overall, it was a great read!

[Anastey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily

DNF 10%

The author openly admitted to using AI to help write their books in an interview.

I read about 30 pages. Unfortunately this book has the same issues as the first one with the writing quality. Clunky dialogue, weird phrasing, and it felt weird overall.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

January 2026
Kindle edition

This is one of those series that I am defo going to binge read all the way through once completed. It was fun, mostly light and the demon lord was a little more active than the previous, again leading to another cliffhanger that he should've seen coming. Crazy goat, a succubus minion finding her own place, the DL losing his prized pickles and training. Loved this one. Looking forward to the next one.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying the short books in this series so much. Gentle humor, pleasant story telling and entertaining characters, the perfect read for me in this moment. I'm looking forward to book 3.

[Shamim Sinnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first one better—this one is a bit too happy happy. Less wry.

[Marisol Puga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have found this demonic cozy series. Someone out there gets me.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

May be my second favorite cozy series ever.

[Rachel Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the wittiness, the cleverness and the brilliant navigation of politics. Could we please apply this in our world?!!!

[Fia ki-Kosis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cousin?

I wonder about the shape of this series and hope its not going where I think it is... that said, domesticated demons is hilarious.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment just as much as the first.

The narrator is absolutely perfect.

[Christopher Kerford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short fun fantastic series so far.

Just a simple clever and charming book about a demon overlord and his love for humanity lol

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute continuation of the series. Definitely recommend for a cozy read.

Full review to come

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I LOVED this!!! I read the first one needing a palate cleanser from my book slump. Then I’ve spent the past 20 days waiting for this one to come out!! So warming and innovative. Found family trope always wins for me