A Stage Set for Villains

by Shannon J. Spann

It's time to take to the stage . . . A stunningly drawn fantasy set in a mysterious theatre where godlike creatures run the show and mortals compete for immortality

Riven Hesper is running out of time. Cursed by a Player—a godlike performer —she must infiltrate the Playhouse and find a way to break the curse before it kills her.

But inside survival comes at a price. Mortals must compete for a chance to kill a Player and steal their power. Riven wants nothing to do with this until Jude—charismatic and cruel —makes her an offer. Win the competition. Spare his life. And he’ll set her free.

As the final act approaches, Riven faces a devastating truth. She might not become the hero of this story. But the villain.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy Romance

528 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

Shannon J. Spann is a New York-based writer and social media strategist. In her spare time, she loves knitting, wandering her local bookstore, and of course, theatre. A Stage Set for Villains is her first novel.

You can find her on Instagram @ShannonJSpann

Reviews

[Shannon J. Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiii! I’m Shannon, the author of A STAGE SET FOR VILLAINS. I just wanted to hop on to say THANK YOU. There are a million incredible books out there, so if you took the time to read and review this one, I'm grateful. Happy reading!

[_booktique2_ D Amora · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐️

I finished what I think is the best fantasy book I’ve ever read in my life. And now I don’t know what to do.

[James Trevino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read an early version of this and it is GLORIOUS!

[rosie (jason todd's version)]

⋆˚꩜｡ pre-read:

CARAVAL meets ONE DARK WINDOW?! both of which are five star reads for me?!

i’m. sat.

(one of the fable bookclubs may be picking this in march hehehe, pls let it win the poll 🥹)

[Casey Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standing ovation!!! It’s hard to write something super unique these days, but this absolutely is! And the twists? Damn! Well played Shannon J. Spann. The fact that this is a debut is mindblowing. I will read anything that you write from this point forward.This book is definitely a love letter to all theater kids and anyone who can appreciate acting on stage and enjoy a live performance. 

Welcome to the Playhouse! A traveling, magical stage for the immortal Players who are the closest thing to Gods. Theatron is divided into the North and the South. The South idolizes the Players, obsessed with them, while the North fears their powers. The North is only protected from them by a treaty that is about to expire. They have created marks to ward off their powers, but the price they must pay to bear these marks is losing the ability to lie. But that's ok, they see lying as a form of acting anyway. Riven, who was cursed by a Player when she was young, wants to find the Player responsible for her curse, and for killing her father. She gets sucked into a competition where the winner can gain the Player's immortality and power. What transpires is an exciting story of secrets, chaos, touch of romance and big surprises! This book was good all along, but the ending roughly (I am guessing) 20% really takes it up to a whole other level! I am absolutely most impressed. This book is all-consuming, jaw-dropping, unlike anything else I've read. Bravissima!

[Booksblabbering || Cait❣️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inventive, unique, enjoyable fantasy romance that gives me Caraval vibes.

Riven infiltrates a dangerous, magical traveling theatre known as the Playhouse to break a deadly curse laid on her by a Player when she was a child. To survive and gain immortality, Riven must compete in a deadly game, striking a bargain with the cruel Lead Player, Jude. 

I loved how this was structured. The story is structured in acts and the dialogue is scripted like a play which takes out dialogue tags. There are tie-ins to the stage and fun world-building linked to acting and plays.

I found the audiobook conveyed this unique frame well and the narrator had a great repertoire of voices.

The Playhouse is a dark and magical atmosphere able to redefine reality. I wish the magic/world-building was more defined and explored as I never fully understood the rules which meant the stakes didn’t feel as clear.

The writing was addictive and of good quality. Never too cheesy that seems to have become the norm for romantasy or YA.

I do think sometimes the pacing was prioritised over more depth or exploration, trying to keep that high-thrills edge.

The latter quarter shifts dramatically which I both liked and had a few misgivings about.

Overall, one of the most unique debuts I’ve read, and very enjoyable and surprising for a YA romantasy I took a chance on, if slightly too long.
3.5 stars🌟 .

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[millena ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ please call me cardan bc i’m obsessed with jude

[Azanta (azantareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

hang on, it’s january 8 and i just read one of my top books of the year LOL??? this was fan-freaking-tastic and all my theater nerd reader friends will be doing themselves a disservice if you don’t pick this up. i found myself fully crying at the ending over how emotionally seen i felt as a reader, as a theater lover, and as a fantasy lover. wow, what a debut.

[May (previously Violet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 FREAKING STARS - RTC

[Marissa.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a unique dark fantasy! This was described as Caraval meets One Dark Window, and it definitely has a gothic feel, but if you wanted a dark version of Caraval this is for you!

This book is binge-able, I was constantly guessing who I could trust, the plot twist was phenomenal! While this is marketed as a YA dark fantasy the writing was mature, and the plot line felt mature. As someone who isn’t a fan of YA fantasy/romantasy this book consumed me to the point I didn’t want to put it down. While there is only a subplot of romance it still had yearning, and a I’ll find you/know you in every lifetime trope. In other words the hype is real, and this should absolutely be on your TBR, especially if you’re tired of reading the same story in different fonts. Did I mention it’s also a standalone!

Thank you so much to Mayhem books for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Esmay Rosalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

If there was ever a debut that demanded a standing ovation, it’s Shannon J. Spann’s A Stage Set for Villains, and it earned it from me before I was even halfway through. I mean, I’ve honestly read an unreasonable amount of fantasy over the years, and it takes a lot to truly surprise me these days, but this book is truly one of a kind. It’s dark, dramatic, and viciously confident in what it’s doing, and I was locked in almost immediately.

So, I really can’t say much without going into spoiler territory, but the basic set-up of A Stage Set for Villains is that we’ve got a travelling Playhouse run by godlike performers called Players, where mortals compete for the chance to kill one of them and steal their immortality. Honestly, what a premise, right? While it initially sparked some nostalgic Caraval vibes for me, that familiarity vanished fast because this story is a much bloodier and darker beast.

What made all of this even better is the fact that we got to experience it all through the eyes of my spunky babe Riven Hesper. She’s an 18-year-old girl who is slowly dying after being cursed in a childhood encounter with a Player, and in the hopes of saving her own life, she makes the worst and boldest decisions possible: to infiltrate the competition at the Playhouse. Needless to say, girlie is a bit reckless, and I love her for it. Her sharp, stubborn, and deeply contrarian personality added so much humour to this otherwise dark and deadly adventure, and her refusal to ‘follow the script’, if you will, made this entire journey just wildly fun and compelling.

And then there’s Jude. Oh, my lovely eyeliner-wearing Lead Player with his flair for the dramatic is an absolute menace, and he’s easily one of my favorite MMCs I’ve encountered in a long time. He’s theatrical, charming, morally questionable to the extreme, and I just loved how every scene he appears in absolutely crackled with energy. The complicated, volatile ‘fated star crossed lovers’ dynamic between him and Riven was honestly my favourite part of A Stage Set for Villains, and I didn’t even mind that they overshadowed and outshone the side cast quite a bit. Their banter is so sharp, unhinged, and hilarious, but there’s also always this tension and dread that something catastrophic is inevitably coming their way, and I was soooo here for the drama of it all.

Now, it’s a good thing these characters had me so hooked, because the plot/structure of A Stage Set for Villains is intentionally disorienting and honestly almost a bit too clever for me. Though, while there were definitely a few moments where I felt more lost than was maybe ideal, it also somehow only made me feel closer to Riven as she stumbled through half-truths and carefully constructed lies herself. Plus, all the little crumbs of foreshadowing hinting at something bigger just waiting behind the curtain had me in an absolute chokehold, and even when I thought I had things figured out, the story gleefully opened another trapdoor hidden right beneath my feet. One particular twist hit so hard that I immediately wanted to go back and reread the entire book with fresh eyes, and that is how you know you’re watching a master storyteller at work.

Spann’s imagination is just so wildly unique, and I loved how she dared to make this young adult story way more ambitious and complex than most adult fantasies I have read. I was also enamoured with how the Craft magic was integrated in such a dangerously personal way instead of feeling like just a cool background prop meant only to impress, and I loved seeing how it shaped relationships, power dynamics, and identity. It also ties directly into the themes of fate, agency, and the violent power of storytelling that lie at the core of A Stage Set for Villains, which honestly reminded me a bit of Alix E. Harrow’s The Everlasting, except make it theatre instead of mythical legends.

The atmosphere is also just so seductive and deeply unsettling, and I loved how Spann struck the balance between the dread and the whimsy. I mean, the fact that I tore through A Stage Set for Villains at such a ridiculous pace, including reading over 250 pages in a single morning, should say enough about how deeply immersed and invested I was. Even in the final few chapters, I had no idea how Spann was going to wrap this up in a satisfying standalone, but then she somehow just absolutely nailed it and delivered a perfectly bittersweet and tragically hopeful finale that just made me feel ALL the feels. This is the type of heartache I live for, we love to see it.

I am genuinely in awe of what Spann pulled off in A Stage Set for Villains, and it’s easily one of the most impressive and satisfying fantasy standalones I have read. It’s bold, brutal, funny, unforgettable, and I absolutely love it for how it fully trusts its readers and just refuses to treat them gently (hello emotional turmoil)! This book really left its mark on me, and I will be watching very closely to see what Spann does next. Consider me a fan.

[Allison • Alli’s Fairy Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

• POV: 1st Person / Single
• Book Spice: None

• Content Thoughts:

This was such a unique fantasy concept, set almost entirely within a playhouse/theater, where we interact with the actors/players contracted with this specific theater. I was hooked right away by the premise alone.

I loved the way this book started, being dropped straight into the story and experiencing the world through the FMC as she encounters everything for the first time. Learning alongside her made the introduction feel immersive and easy to follow.

That said, I did wish the worldbuilding had been more developed. At times, the setting (when outside of the playhouse) felt a little bare, almost like the characters were standing on an island surrounded by a blank white backdrop. Even so, the characters themselves kept me invested, especially the FMC.

I loved how much of a contrarian she was. Her personality added a layer of humor that elevated the banter, particularly in her dynamic with the MMC. Their interactions were easily one of my favorite parts of the book.

And the reveals were absolutely wild. I am talking full-on Kindle-down, hands-on-head, yelling “WHAT?!” moments. Several twists genuinely caught me off guard, which I always appreciate.

This is a standalone fantasy, which will be a win for a lot of readers. Personally, I think the story would have flowed even better as a duology or trilogy. More space would have allowed the world to breathe and smoothed out some pacing moments that felt a bit stretched and repetitive. Still, everything ultimately came together, and the pieces did make sense.

Overall, this was an intriguing, surprising read with strong characters and a standout concept.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Aaiza عائزہ [Hiatus] · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐

In my defense, 2.75 doesn't mean it was bad just it was very close to okayish I just personally didnt really like it.

Trust me, the concept was actually very good but it just felt a little...predictable? Unsatisfactory? And the writing was a little annoying (I've been told a million times it was a debut so it shouldn't be judged for that but annoying is annoying idc).

Plus, I didn't feel anything for any of the characters either. Riven was exceptionally unlikeable but dw not in an extreme way. Jude was...tbh not that bad but I didn't particularly like him either. He had such great potential for an amazing plot twist but failed smh.

Again, don't trust my rating it's probably very good.

buddy read with yusra (remind me never to do it again with her because the commitment to buddy-reads is exceptional especially when being the one to have forced me to read it and having read only what, 50 pages?, when I'm already done and there was a limit for FOUR DAYS (which SHE kept btw even tho I asked for longer) it's been 7 now. I have every right to complain.)

[Sanja ✵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of this book is amazing and utterly unique, although it gives similar vibes as Caraval.

I liked the setup in the beginning, but as the book progressed, I felt like I lost some interest. And that may be contributed to several factors:

• The world building is rather slim and could’ve used some expanding

• There’s a big plot twist that changes the narrative quite a bit. While interesting, I liked the original concept more.

• I understand what the author was trying to achieve with the stylistic choice of writing some of the book like a script. But it wasn’t consistent and the constant changes felt jarring.

• Sometimes I felt like the writing was a bit confusing and I didn’t understand how we got to a certain point.

It’s a promising debut but I think you could’ve done more with this concept.

[alicija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright I’m going to hold your hand when I say this… you need to add this book to your immediate TBR.

WHERE has this book been all my life??! Without a doubt, this is one of my new favourite reads — and I do not say that lightly.
Anddd the fact that this is a debut novel? 🤯
Unwell.

From the very first chapters, I knew I was reading something utterly different. As someone who reads a fair amount of fantasy, I’ve come to accept that certain elements can blur together over time — tropes blend, worlds echo one another, magic systems start to feel familiar. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing, but every now and then, you pick up a book that feels so distinctly its own that it almost jolts you. It’s beautiful.

A Stage Set for Villains is that book.

The premise alone is fascinating: the gods are dead, and in their place stand the Players — performers of the Playhouse who’s shows don’t just entertain and captivate audiences… they reshape reality itself. When Riven Hesper, cursed and slowly dying after a past encounter with a Player, sees a chance to steal immortality by infiltrating their deadly competition, she takes it. What unfolds is a story of bargains, manipulation, shifting truths, and the unsettling question of whether Riven is truly the hero of this narrative… or something far more complicated.

The setting? Immaculate. The entire story unfolding within and around the Playhouse creates this elaborate, whimsical, and theatrical atmosphere. It feels like stepping behind the curtain of a production where you’re never quite sure if the scene you’re watching is real — or just another act. The worldbuilding is genuinely one of the most unique I’ve read in a long time, and the magic system in particular is unlike anything else I’ve encountered: layered, reality-warping, and woven seamlessly into performance and storytelling in a way that feels both clever and slightly unsettling. I loved how immersive everything felt without ever becoming overwhelming.

And the twists? Oh, they genuinely caught me off guard. I was completely locked in, turning pages because I needed to understand how everything connected. The foreshadowing is there — subtle and intentional — but the reveals still land beautifully. Looking back, you can see how carefully it was all constructed, and it absolutely feels like the kind of book that would warrant a reread.

Now let’s talk about the characters.

Riven is such a compelling FMC. She’s stubborn, fierce, sharp-edged when she needs to be — but underneath that is so much heart. Her love for her people, her desperation to survive, her refusal to simply accept her fate… it makes her incredibly easy to root for. There’s vulnerability beneath her strength that makes her feel real. She makes hard choices — sometimes messy ones — but they always feel earned.

And then there’s Jude.

Witty, theatrical, sharp-tongued, and morally grey to his core. He carries himself with an effortless confidence that makes you want to trust him while simultaneously questioning every word he says. His dynamic with Riven is one of my favourite parts of the book. The banter is quick and clever, but there’s also depth and tension simmering underneath it. You can feel the push and pull in every interaction.

What I loved most is how layered this story is. It explores power, control, identity and the stories we tell — about others and about ourselves. It plays with perspective in such an intentional way that nothing feels accidental. It’s clever without being confusing, dark without losing its heart, and theatrical without ever feeling overdone.

And the ending… I won’t say much, but it’s one of my favourite kinds — the type that lingers. Slightly bittersweet. Thought-provoking. The kind that makes you sit there for a moment after you’ve turned the final page. It all felt true to the story we had been told.

If you’re a fan of theatre, morally grey characters, intricate magic systems, and stories that truly stand apart from the crowd — please pick this up. Especially if you’ve been craving a fantasy that feels completely new.

This book deserves every bit of recognition it’s receiving — and more. I was enthralled from start to finish, and I already know it’s a story I’ll be thinking about for a very long time.

And I, for one, will absolutely be seated for whatever Shannon J. Spann writes next.

Standing ovation! 👏🏼🎭❤️

[Kalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, deserves a standing ovation! 👏🏻
Creative, original and thoroughly enjoyable.
Dive straight into this story you wont be able to put it down!

So many amazing quotes, but I dont want to give anything away. Here's non spoiler quotes:

"The Playhouse doors have opened."

"If not in this one, then in the next."

"In a strange way, Jude’s absence is louder than his presence."

“Dear heart, I think you’ll ruin me.”

"You can be a great many things, dear heart. But you cannot be fewer."

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann is an immersive young adult dark fantasy about Riven Hesper, an eighteen‑year‑old cursed and slowly dying because of a violent encounter with a godlike performer called a Player, who must infiltrate a dangerous traveling Playhouse where mortals compete for the chance to kill a Player and seize their power, and where the boundaries between heroism and villainy blur as her own choices draw her into deadly bargains and hidden truths.

Excited for the book's release.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

so, this book was a total emotional roller coaster. the plot hooked me right away, and the world intrigued me, but i had mixed feelings in the first half because i really struggled with the main character. she was stubborn in an annoying way and so nonchalant at times that it genuinely frustrated me.

about halfway through, though, everything shifted. i finally got more insight into her, and everything started to click in a way that felt very intentional. it made up for most of my early frustration, and i became so emotionally invested that i physically couldn’t put the book down!!

i do wish there had been more focus on the political side of the world. it’s there, but it feels a bit lost in the plot, and i would’ve loved a deeper dive beyond the “playhouse bubble”. BUT i binged this in a day, and despite my small criticisms, i enjoyed it very !! much !! it feels like multiple books in one (in the best way), took me through many different emotional stages (pun not intended lol), and the romance really hit for me. jude, i adore you, you funny, flirty man.

my recommendation: do NOT read the synopsis. go in blind and enjoy the ride. you may think you’ve figured it all out, but i really don’t think you will lmao.

some of my comments while reading (without context):

“i’m lowkey scared”
“riven is insufferable”
“none of this makes any sense”
“am i dumb?”
“the mirror scene… oh”
“okay, there is some character development”
*blushing*
“JUDEEEEEEEEE”
“oh wow, i did NOT see this coming”
“ ⬆️ NONE OF IT”
*crying uncontrollably*
*taking 5–7 business days to process this*

huge thanks penguin uk export for the arc copy. <3

[Tori Baz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need time to process but I will return soon 😭😭

[Bianca de Jonge · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first Shannon, thank you you so much for this opportunity to get early access to your AMAZING BOOK.

I was literally on the edge of my seat everytime. I can’t wait for this to be released and have an actual copy in my hand, because I will be the first in line to practice this masterpiece!

“Riven Hesper, the marked girl who entered the Playhouse.”
The plot twists in this are so well done, and really have you hooked from the beginning!

*This is my OWN honest review*

[Michelle (michellereadsandspins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐���⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 MILLION STARS, ACTUALLY)
Thank you so much to Mayhem Books/Entangled Books / Entangled Teen and Shannan J. Spann for the e-ARC.
A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann is, without question, my TOP read of 2025—and I’m not exaggerating. This YA dark fantasy/romantasy completely pulled me out of my anxious mind and reminded me why I love reading so much. I haven’t had a book make me whisper “just one more chapter” before bed in years… until this one.
The twists?!? THEY GOT ME. Bad.
The big twist had me pacing around my apartment, hands on my head, fully spiraling, saying out loud, “WHAT—NO—THIS IS INSANE.” I genuinely did not see it coming, and I loved every second of being absolutely wrecked by it.
This story is wildly unique, the fantasy concept feels fresh and bold, and the writing is absolutely beautiful. I did not want this book to end, and I still can’t stop thinking about it. That’s how you know it’s special.
Shannon J. Spann is a debut author to watch, and I will be shouting about this book from every rooftop. Do yourself a favor and support this release when it comes out on February 3, 2026—future you will be grateful. You can pre-order right now!✨📖🔥

[Ovokeroye&#x1f90d;&#x1f4d6;&#x1f380; · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good debut.

Although, I am still left feeling confused at the ending and how things transpired.

I’m not sure how the dynamic between the costume and the players truly work. Are they separate beings? Are they the same? It seemed like Riven was both herself and the player at times, and that didn’t make sense to me as they clearly had different motivations. The player wanted to follow Sil but Riven, the character, didn’t and wanted to go back to her original home. Wouldn’t the player want the same thing?

Also I’m not sure if I’m fully convinced by the romance between Jude and Riven. Do their players love each other as well? Or is it only the characters? That didn’t make sense to me. I also don’t even get why they like each other so much in the first place. I wasn’t really feeling the chemistry or bond between them.

Finally, the ending was also confusing. The players somehow brought Craft, stories, and songs back to the world and survived returning back home?? I wish this and the entire magic system was explained more. The plot also seemed slow and confusing in the middle as I wasn’t even sure what direction the book was going in.

Overall, the premise behind this book was good, but the execution fell a little flat.

3.25 stars.

[Radka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 because it make me cry in the end 😄

[zolarex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Już dawno nie czytałam aż tak zachwycającej, nieoczywistej i zaskakującej historii, która byłaby nie do przewidzenia i sprawiłaby, że z każdą stroną zwracałam się coraz bardziej w lekturze. Nieustannie tworzyłam w mojej głowie teorie spiskowe, które wydawały się ciekawe i wielce prawdopodobne, żeby pod koniec i tak dostać pstryczka w nos mówiącego mi, że nie mam racji i że można wymyślić coś tysiac razy lepszego.
Autorka zaprezentowała nam sztukę. Nie tylko za sprawą samej fabuły, która opiera się w głównej mierze właśnie na niej i jest z nią nierozerwalnie związana, ale poprzez samo rzemiosło pisarskie. Sprawiła, że słowa na papierze nie są tylko słowami, a czarem który więzi czytelnika i zachwyca go ogromem niesamowitych obrazów oraz gry aktorskiej, która jest nam prezentowana w każdym momencie.
Mamy tutaj bardzo skomplikowany świat, kreatywne podejście do mitologii greckiej, którego nigdy wcześniej nie poznałam w żadnej innej książce, a to zdecydowanie trzeba cenić.

[TarynXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

6💫🎭

Okay but why did this book feel like stepping into a magic trick where someone whispers, “watch closely,” and then absolutely does not let you see what’s coming?

This is hands down one of the most original and unique stories I’ve ever read. The magic isn’t just sparkly spells and dramatic theatrics (though yes, we get that too 😌) it’s the kind that bends reality. The kind that makes you question what’s real, what’s staged, and whether you’ve been subtly bamboozled this entire time.

Because this isn’t just a story - it’s a full-blown theater production. Curtains rising. Spotlights flaring. Scene changes happening so seamlessly you don’t even notice the stagehands moving in the dark. And hovering over it all? Players; ones you absolutely cannot trust. The kind who smile calmly while rearranging the entire set behind your back. It’s an act within an act within an act - scenes blending together so fluidly that by the time you realize you’re watching a performance, you’re already apart of it.

I was hooked almost immediately. Every chapter felt like pulling another silk ribbon out of a magician’s sleeve. Questions stacking on questions, theories forming, characters revealing just enough to keep you deliciously off balance. You think you’ve figured out the script. You think you know your marks...

And just when you expect the final bow? Oh no. We don’t simply walk into the ending we’ve prepared ourselves for. We get that last, desperate grasp at freedom. That unscripted moment that may or may not have been planned all along. But at what cost? Is love actually the answer… or just the prettiest illusion the director wanted us to believe in?

I was completely mesmerized. The quiet foreshadowing. The tiny cracks in the set. The way everything loops back in on itself so cleverly you almost want to reread it immediately just to catch the cues you missed the first time. It’s layered, intentional, and just slightly sinister in the best way.

Truly, not enough people are talking about this book. It deserves a bigger stage, brighter lights, and a standing ovation. Because I promise you - you will not read another story quite like this one. 💫⭐️💫

[Cups and Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

actual rating: 3.5/5 stars

thank you penguin for the ARC! :)

there was so much to love about this. the concept was SO intriguing, and the way the story was set up like an actual play was so cool 😩😩 it felt like treachery of swans but with players who all read like villains fr!!! the dark theatre vibes were IMPECCABLE and reading this with a candle going in the dark was PEAK!!! i feel like this was a little bit too long tho, but i had no issues just cruising along with the atmospheric vibes so it was enjoyable at the end!

the way this wrapped up too had me shook 🫨 such a clever and dark story, but still had a lot of heart and cute moments 🤧 kinda gave my night circus vibes too but for a younger audience!!

again, LOVE the vibes! 🖤

[Nick (novelswithnick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.instagram.com/novelswithnick

4.5*

Entering the playhouse was one of the most unique fantasy reads I’ve come across in a while, it was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. I think the less you know going into this book the better, it was chaotic, full of plot twists and a whole lot of fun

It had strong characters and the added humour was a plus. Although I would’ve liked a little more from the world building, as it was interesting, there was some mythology mixed in and also some darker themes. This is a standalone story that suffers heavily from ‘just one more chapter and then I’ll go to sleep’ so this is your warning!

[Juliana · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was. Bleak lol. Truly. Truly just so awful.

A Stage Set for Villains was an absolute mess in every way from start to finish. I took so many notes so I could write a comprehensive review but truly I don’t even think I have the energy to be a bitch in detail anymore. Or at least not today.

Basically, the characters suck. Riven is dumb and annoying. The enemies to lovers to fated whatever that she attempted to pull off flopped terribly. It was embarrassing to read. There were so many moments that were obviously trying to be a quote on TikTok with some annoying song in the background. The world she attempted to build was written terribly. Flat and lifeless. The religion was dumb. Just Greek mythology shoved into a fantasy world—tell me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready without telling me you weren’t ready to be published and your draft wasn’t ready. And at the end she tries to pull off this ~crazy plot twist~ that makes everything even more stupid and annoying. It’s one thing to write a good book before you try and pull that off. It’s another to write something so fucking messy and bad and then throw something out there like you’re doing something.

You’re not girl. I am not gagged, I fear. The only gagged I am is gagged that this. THIS. Is what we decided the finished product should be.

A waste of time and money. Insulting that they expect this. THIS. To be the quality of book we spend our hard earned money on nowadays.

BAD. It was CACA. STINKY. The worst part is I knew it would be. God it’s my fault for fucking having eyes I guess.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Wowww. This was so good and so much more than I was expecting it to be! On the surface, this story is about a competition and breaking a curse. But underneath, this is a love letter to theater and the magic stories can bring into the world. I loved this world and the imaginative magic and conflicts. I loved where this story took me, and I’ll definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future. The vibes of-Now You See Me, The Otherwhere Post, Once Upon A Broken Heart, and Phantom of the Opera.

[Loz✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars! A new favourite ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“You can be a great many things, dear heart. But you cannot be fewer”

This is such an incredible and unique romantasy read, it completely stole my heart.

As someone also entrenched in the world of theatre let me say the world building is exquisite. Somehow Shannon has made a magical world, full of twists, deceit and one of the most unique magic systems I have ever read while still making it feel firmly rooted in the world of theatre as we know it. The magic of lies, deception and trickery used by the Players made me laugh so much because it all felt so real whilst also being completely fantastical.

All of the characters are beautifully complex and mysterious, I would love a book about each and every Player honestly, but Riven and Jude were such a strong pair. Riven, our fmc, is cursed and dying but is never weak. She’s stubborn, feisty and full of so much rage that all of her motivations throughout are clear and you really route for her throughout. Jude, our mmc, what can I say except he’s my new favourite book boyfriend 🥹

I know this is going to be massive with my fellow fantasy readers, it’s the night before it’s UK release and it is ALL OVER my feed!
But to all my theatre friends trust me, you need to pick this one up!

Thank you so much Siren Bookclub for the e-arc ❤️
I’ll be going straight back into The Playhouse for a second read now that my preorder is here!

——————

Initial feelings:

6 Stars. Zero notes.
This was perfection and I have been left emotionally bereft.

I need to give myself some time to take this all in before i post a proper review but you can see my initial feelings here:

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRAGG7kK/

😂