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Malevolent Ignoble Calamity (or Mel for short) is the youngest member of the Calamity Clan—a coven of Bastan witches and warlocks who pride themselves on being the worst of the worst. If Mel wants to survive past her twenty-first birthday, she needs to complete a rite of passage: lure the children Hansel and Gretal into her cottage, cook them, and eat them.
There are just a few problems:
1. Mel has no interest in eating children.
2. The children have no interest in leaving their house.
3. The parents of the children have no interest in behaving the way normal parents are supposed to behave.
4. Hansel and Gretal aren’t even their real names.


Slade Oliver is the Advisor to the Guild of Records and it’s not his job to fix fairy tales anymore, but this tale isn’t like the others. Powerful bloodlines are involved, and where there is powerful blood, there will be powerful enemies. The stakes are high, but the task is simple: extract the children from their house and send them to the witch in the woods.
There is just one single problem:
1. Slade Oliver doesn’t play by the rules, and neither will this fairy tale.



This is a full, standalone novel, over 90,000 words. It is book two of the Bastan Hollow series but each book CAN be read as a standalone.

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First published April 9, 2019

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747 people want to read

About the author

Jane Washington

34 books4,573 followers
Jane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks

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5 stars
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220 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Renée.
862 reviews136 followers
April 23, 2019
Disobedience is the next book in the Bastan Hollow Saga by Jane Washington, and again her twist and originality on fairytales is wonderful to read.

In this case it’s Hansel and Gretel, following Slade and Mel (aka Malevolent) with Lilou Adler and Arlo Demarcus as secondary characters. As well as some new and old characters.

It does mention that the books can be read as a stand-alone in Bastan Hollow Saga, but I’d recommend reading Charming before picking up Disobedience.

The level of detail to Jane Washington’s storyline and characters do make for an interesting read as they are very original.

If you your looking for a story that’s in a world completely different to many other books in this genre, I recommend reading the Bastan Hollow Saga.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,360 reviews203 followers
December 29, 2020
Wow. I devoured Disobedience Ever since I met Mel and Slade, I just knew that I was going to ship them together. Then once they actually met, well sparks and tension flew. It was super easy to just fall for them and I'm hoping to see more of them throughout the series.

So Mel is supposed to be an evil witch.. but it blows Slade's mind that she is the complete opposite. Now this is supposed to be a retelling to Hansel and Gretel.. but there's a twist - Mel is a vegetarian. Yeah, so no people or kid eating for her. Which, again, baffles Slade.

Besides all of that, there's tons of drama throughout this book. Some a bit predictable but I did like how everyone worked together in order to defeat the bad guys in this. In the end, this was all kinds of cute and I'm very happy where things ended between Slade and Mel. I'm hoping that they are in the next book for sure.
Profile Image for Aoife - Bookish_Babbling.
394 reviews403 followers
Want to read
August 20, 2024
*******

Pre-review
Inspired by @SK's rave reviews of Ironside Academy, I checked out some of the authors other work as Reverse Harem series don't call to me...however this one did, especially when I saw @Darcey's review of book1 😇

Interconnected series of standalone books with a twist on fairytales, Hansel & Gretel for this one...yes please!


🤞🤞🤞🤞 this series may be finished some day
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
January 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
So I didn't love this book quite like I was hoping. In it's defense it does work as a standalone but it recommends reading the books in order which I did not do by just jumping into this one. It took quite awhile for my small brain to grasp what was going on. The author has created worlds within worlds and it took some getting used to. Plus so many characters being introduced early on mixed with a heroine who has a alternate side to herself as well confused the heck out of me and I was trudging along waiting for a lifeline. It didn't take too long for me to put pieces together and I really enjoyed the concept of the book and where it was all going. It's clear this and probably the previous books are individually working to set the stage for a much larger picture and all the pieces are being laid out. What I didn't like was how quickly the book ended and how much was left hanging. We are teased with so much sexual tension and angst that the final and only sex scene is literally at the very end and boy did it feel rushed. I'm glad it all finally led somewhere but I wanted more to be established between the MC's mainly concerning their marriage bond and the powers they share such as speaking in each-other's minds. I really loved the heroine and especially the lingerie obsessed goblins that actually made me LOL a time or two. Can't wait to see where the author takes the series and who will be up next especially if we get snippets of the growing relationship/bond between Slade and Malevolent.
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,808 reviews288 followers
May 3, 2019
I really struggled with this book in the first half, because I thought Slade was a complete shit. I just don't understand how - after the revelations of the first book - they all still think of the fairy tale people as "creatures" and dismissively plan to kill them as they feel it is necessary.

Here's the problem with that: it makes them (the Hollows people) no different than the villains of book 1. Both sides have decided that they alone get to decide how things need to go forward, and if they have to kill a couple innocent people to get it done, so be it. And I'm not even joking. Slade planning to murder Mel - this utterly innocent, vegetarian, big-hearted witch - in order to complete a fairy tale is so abhorrent that it makes him no different than the raven assassins that were trying to kill Lilou. Both groups think it is for the greater good, and so therefore shouldn't be questioned.

So I made it through this book much more slowly, constantly angered by the high-handed dismissive condescending bullshit. And even with how it worked out, I wish that Mel, Des, and Odi had just blown off both sides, calling them all assholes, and forming a third side that doesn't think they get the unfettered right to kill people to accomplish their own ends.
Profile Image for Kitlina.
2,005 reviews23 followers
December 21, 2020
Loved it.
Although it was fairly PG, Slade and Mel were so hot. I could literally see the burn in every scene these two were in.
Jane Washington doesn't disappoint. Ever.
Thank you so much for this book and I can't wait for the third.
Profile Image for Greta Riordan.
625 reviews36 followers
April 10, 2019
Fabulous and hilarious

So many twists and turns in this book that make you laugh. I love the goblins they are so funny. This was a well written sequel to Charming.
Profile Image for diana swensen.
17 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2019
Love! Jane is amazing. This book is captivating and will draw you in keep you entertained from the first word
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,884 reviews13 followers
May 24, 2022
2nd in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
I liked this story a little less than the first one. I loved Mel & her friends. Slade was a good hero too. I guess I just can't put my finger on it.




Profile Image for Virginie Fournier.
10 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2019
The file don’t work

I preordered this book but the file didn’t work, I had a empty book instead. I’m waiting for new from the author.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,876 reviews54 followers
April 13, 2019
Malevolent Ignoble Calamity, Mel is a member of the Calamity Clan, the most feared coven of Bastan. Turning 18 it's time for her aetalus, the trial when each member proves their worth to the coven. The aetalus consists of three tests; one left by their parent, one assigned by the coven, and one by nature itself. Each aetalus is personal but always involve sacrificing a child. Mel is a direct descendent of Deidrick the Terrible so she is a duality witch meaning that she will need two sacrifices. She is expected to be bloodthirsty and cruel. The problem is that she is an innocent; kind, a peacemaker. She has no intention of killing. Slade Oliver, the Advisor to the Guild of Records no longer fixes fairy tales but he assigned himself to Mel's case. He's determined the fairytale will play out as much as it needs to in order to keep the world balanced and then the witch will die. But as new truths come to light, it seems that Mel must live and as Slade's feelings become involved, the complications only increase.

Disobedience is the retelling of Hansel and Gretal set in Jane Washington's world of Bastan Hollow. The characters are fantastic. Mel and Mal are wonderful, as were Des and Odi. These three set the bar for friendships. Slade returns as "Enforcer-Advisor,". I enjoyed him in Charming and he quickly became my favorite in this book. Lilou and Arlo from Charming also returned in this book. The appearance of the role-playing, panty-loving goblins was unexpected but so appreciated. They are hysterical.

This book did not capture my attention from the get-go like Jane's books normally do. She is such a magical writer that my expectations are nearly unrealistic but I know that she can always live up to them. Don't mistake my words, this is a very good book. It contains her brilliantly witty banter, her one of a kind storytelling, and the special quirky signature touches that only she is capable of. It just took me time to become immersed in it. There is so much story/world-building needed that it took time to get it all in place before Mel and Slade were sharing scenes. It was necessary but I was impatient. Once Slade and Mel shared pages, I was hooked. Their chemistry is fantastic. These two will never be boring. Their humor, lust, and general unexpectedness together captivated me.
2 reviews
April 22, 2019
Jane Washington's done it again! Disobedience is wonderful. Full of hilarious banter, fantastic characters and a charming plot, I was engaged and intrigued the every time I picked it up. I LOVE the side characters that she writes, they add so much dimension and flavor to her worlds that I think I'd be disappointed if they didn't show up, lol. The Goblins from Charming make an appearance, as well as a few other enchantingly weird creatures who add to the mix in the best way. Slade is also back, he's focusing on his new job beside Lilou and is invested in keeping the worlds from falling apart. Mel is a Calamity witch, destined to do horrible things and, as the tales tell it, die (like the witch in the Hansel and Gretel Tale) but she's everything she's not supposed to be, and she's determined to not follow the path that her clan has laid out for her. Her two best friends, Des and Odi, are in it with her and between the three of them and Slade, things aren't going to go the way the fairy tale demands. Shenanigans ensue and a mix up with a rune make life interesting for our dear Enforcer 79. Slade and Mel's chemistry is off the charts, I love their banter and their story. I can't wait to see what happens to them through the rest of the series! Des and Odi...I have a feeling that there is more to their story than how it ends in Disobedience, and I'm excited for it, they really are lovely. This was an excellent installment in the Bastan Hollows Saga and I eagerly await the next!
Profile Image for Anna.
31 reviews
October 3, 2019
To start of, I was a bit wary to pick up this book. After reading Charming, i didn't think that story of Hansel and Gretel will be able to live up to expectations. I'm happy to say that I was wrong.

First of, the reference to the fairy tale is so subtle that for most part of the book you don't even remember about it, which is good. The story is unique in its re-telling. I couldn't put the book down even if my life depended on it.

Secondly, its a very fast paced plot. Everything happens within few days, but feels like the years has passed, that's how much action-packed the book is. I think world jumping also contributed to that as it makes it more disorientated to keep track of time. But even with things moving so quickly, you didn't feel lack of information or lost in the plot - clear indicator of very good writing and cleverly though through story.

The main relationship story line was lacking a little bit of strain and suspense. I would love to see more love-triangle rather than just a bit of love-hate relationship. But the chemistry between Mel and Slade in natural and easy to read, but I do feel that Mel's friends could have been more involved in the romantic side of the story.

I would not recommend reading this book on its own. It will work and there are enough references to the first one that you won't be completely lost in the overall plot, but a lot of jokes and references will be lost on you.

431 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2019
So Disobedience was definitely worth the wait!!! I loved how this story was connected to the first book and how the next book, Fairest, is also connected to the first two books! Slade is perfect and just the best. I love him. I loved him in Charming and now as the main male character, he was awesome!! And Mel was this pretty, sweet, loving witch that Slade couldn’t resist. And don’t forget Mal, who is Mel’s protective beast, she’s amazing. So the storyline is supposed to follow Hansel and Gretel, but nah, Mel is too good for eating children and being bad and all that. So she, with Odi and Des, Slade, Lilou, Demarcus, and Sidra make a new fate for Mel and it’s so much better than any fairytale known. Slade and Mel are opposites and they challenge each other, but that’s what makes them one piece of a puzzle together that works so cohesively. The Bastan Hollow Saga by Jane Washington is a must read series, especially if you love the classic fairytales, but with a modern twist!
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
April 19, 2019
I love this world that Bastan Hollow Saga takes us to. A world where we get to live inside of the fairy tales. This time we get Hansel and Gretel. Malevolent is the witch in the gingerbread house per say. She is from the Calamity Clan, the most fierce and evil of all Clans. Tradition is when you turn 18 you must face your aetalus. Something Mel has dreaded for years. Especially since she is different and her sacrifice is greater than those before her. So she sets off on this journey already knowing she is probably going to fail. Slade, our Enforcer from the previous book, returns to make sure this fairy tale stays on track. There are other things at stake though and decisions have to be made. Poor Slade can't seem to help himself when it comes to Mel and chaos ensues. I love when Jane gives us Chaos b/c she does it so well. I also love that we got to see some of the other characters from the first book as well. All in all I really enjoyed this book and recommend you read it.
Profile Image for Ashley (A Stack Above The Rest Blogg).
59 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2019
I have been patiently waiting the release of this book. Despite the little glitch with Amazon in getting my copy on the release date! I believe Jane and her assistant worked very hard to tackle an issue that wasn’t their doing and did so gracefully.

On to the book.. I found the plot to be articulate and captivating. I really felt that Mel matched Slade’s personality very well. There was chemistry with the characters and it was great to see some characters from the first book roll over into this one.

I love the odd spectacle of humour throughout the book and I have often wondered about the Goblins obsession with ladies panties.

As expected, the book left us with some unanswered questions which, I am assuming will be clarified in Jane’s next book in the series “Fairest”. I was hoping to see a potential sneak peek at that at the end of this book but I guess I will have to wait. 😉
Profile Image for Michelle Fritz PA.
1,358 reviews98 followers
April 12, 2019
Ms. Washington has done it yet again!! She wrote one insanely hilarious fairytale with a twist that will tug upon your heartstrings! These characters are unbelievably charming, beguiling, devious and just plain brilliant. You'll want to portal straight into this book to be a part of the action and interact with Mal, Slade, 5 or 6 goblins 😉, and a few of the characters from Charming 💖 There were so many unusual happenings and quite odd characters that from start to finish made this an unforgettable and unstoppable reading journey. I never wanted to leave these magical words behind. I'm so very excited for the next fairytale in the series!! Jane Washington is such a truly gifted and utterly marvelous author. She sits amongst the top of the list of my faves💝💝💝💝
Profile Image for Elena .
569 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2019
I WANT 15 MORE BOOKS IN THIS UNIVERSE.
God, how I love Bastan and the Hollows and everything and everyone involved in this series.
Although I came to read in between the new couple, searching for moments with Lilou and Demarcus, I have to admit Mel, Batman and their dynamic were interesting and electric.
The plot and the pace are not as amazingly well-executed as in Charming, I'll admit, and it took me a lot longer to finish this book than with the first one because it dragged a bit in the middle, but once the pace picks up I could not put it down until I finished it.
I can't believe I'm gonna have to wait again to be back amongst these characters. Jane, please make sequels with the main protagonists of each book to add to the main five in the series, please pleaaase.
482 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2019
A good second book in the series. The author does say that you don't need to of read the first book in this series, Charming, before reading this one, which is true as you could easily pick Disobedience up first without needing to know what has happened before. But, I think it's actually more fun to read Charming first so if you haven't read it yet then I recommend you do before diving into this book. I loved the reintroduction of old characters and the new ones that made an appearance. It's a good series and I'm loving the world building and the slightly warped fairy tales. I'm looking forward to reading the next book when it releases and seeing what tale the story will follow next.
Profile Image for Jane Catherine.
308 reviews36 followers
April 22, 2019
This book was enchanting, random, crazy funny, and had amazing character development. The storyline sucked you in from page one. I had no idea what this book had in store for me other than it was Slade’s book. Which I was super excited about from his cameos in Charming. It was as good as I expected and so much more! I completely loved Mel, especially since she made up her own mind and didn’t follow the rules of her clan because you were supposed to. She fought the rules and strove to be better specifically when the rules would make her harm others. She thought for herself. It was just an amazing book and everyone should read it.
Profile Image for Froggy.
703 reviews21 followers
April 24, 2019
I had a little bit of a false start on this one. I kept picking it up and then getting distracted and having to go back on a different day. I think it was a little hard to get into at first. THAT BEING SAID once I hit my stride I was so hooked that I stayed up until 2 am to finish it. I really love this series and the world that Jane is building. The characters in this one are so damn likeable and the humor is perfect. I found myself trying to stifle laughter the whole time. This is a great story for breaking up a reading slump. I also love that these are connected but can also be read as standalone.
Profile Image for Rachel Hicks.
76 reviews
May 6, 2019
Yet again, I love Jane’s twist on fairytale classics; instead of fairytale retellings, the Bastan Hollow books are completely different approaches to the classic stories. Mel (short for Malevolent) is the unwilling witch of the Hansel and Gretel story, while Slade is technically supposed to make sure she plays the role but doesn’t succeed. It’s so enjoyable to follow both rebellious characters through the end. I like that because of Jane’s unique take on fairytales and her own world building, it’s an engaging and unpredictable read from start to finish. Though each Bastan Hollow book can be read as a stand-alone, I LOVED seeing adored characters from Charming make a reappearance!!
Profile Image for Pam Foster.
698 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2019
Loved it 😁

This is the follow up to Charming and I loved it. This series is taking everything that we know about fairy tales and turning that on its head! I love the world that the author has created here and the variety of characters, it’s great to see the return of so many familiar faces from book one. Mel is my favourite character so far, she’s a wonderful lead and I loved her chemistry with Slade. The story for Disobedience is intriguing, funny, and exciting. Looking forward to seeing how the series develops in book three 😁
Profile Image for Vernell.
1 review
April 26, 2019
People typically read reviews to help decide if they should buy a product. So if you are reading this review, the answer to your question is YES.
I typically steer clear of books that have anything to do with fairytales. Why? Because they are predictable. And a good book (one that you just can’t seem to put down) is certainly not predictable! Somehow Jane Washington manages to take a storyline that almost everyone knows about and turn into unknown greatness!! So once again, the answer is yes! You want to get this book
Profile Image for Ms.reads&reds.
97 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2019
Continuation of the Bastan Hollow Saga where we get to see the romance of Slade and Mel/Mal unfold. Jane keeps her signature humor throughout this book and if you don't love the goblins and pee your pants laughing than you're crazy. We are transported to Jane's wonderful adult version of fairy tales. Mel/Mal is kind, strong and badass all in , while Slade is her sexy, stoic protector who is oh so swoon worthy/worthy of panty dropping. This is a HEA while still building the world/s around Baston Hollow , Can't wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
199 reviews10 followers
April 11, 2019
Fairytale epicness

Holy crap!!!
Written like Dannika Dark's Seven series, combining multitude of couples and bringing them together to create an even larger storyline that potentially encompasses them all, Jane had exceeded my expectations of how a classic, albeit terrifying tale becomes one about love and friendship.
I just can't wait for the next installment to these classic fairytales being retold.
Profile Image for Aimee.
230 reviews6 followers
May 9, 2019
Loved it, just as I thought I would! This series just keeps getting better but I wouldn't expect any less from Jane Washington. Following Slade around this time was nice! I also enjoyed the new characters we met and loved seeing the old ones return. Like the method acting goblins, they are always fun! I enjoyed the storyline for this one and am excited to see what comes next as they discover more about what is going on!
Profile Image for Nicole Garcia.
286 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2019
“Can you ‘confiscate’ a hooker though?”

Intrigued?
Yes. Yes, you are.
Let me just say, you’ve never, and I repeat, never, read a fairytale story like that of Bastan Hollow. I am entranced with the way Jane has managed to illustrate such a fairytale! Absolutely one of the best renditions I’ve ever read and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
Profile Image for Bookish Serendipity Shannon williamson.
1,115 reviews10 followers
April 25, 2019
Just as good....

As the first one! Not that I had any doubt! I love this series and I love the intertwining of characters between the books! So happy to see Lilou and Arlo again but loved getting to see the other side of Slade. Also, I loved Mel. And the fact that the goblins were back. I just love everything! Thank you Jane! This series is a must read!
Profile Image for Diane.
621 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2019
Good series

I like the series and the characters. The story is good. The attraction between Mel and Slade is well done, steamy but not detracting from the story. I was a little confused by some conclusions at the end, but that could be because it’s been months since I read the first book in the series. Also, check out this author’s Curse of the Gods series - I loved it!
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