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Villainy #12
How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit: Bone 6
Final boss fight! Fight necromancer? (yes) (NO)
I’m not beating up an old lady.
Pretty sure the old lady could take you.
Still not doing it. Time to negotiate.
dragon acquired keep as pet (yes) (NO), retired necromancers are BAMF, the kids adopt a necromancer grandmother, or a grandmummy if you will, all the weddings, pirates might be lost in the labyrinth, Steve is finally complete!, $$$, vacation time
I’m not beating up an old lady.
Pretty sure the old lady could take you.
Still not doing it. Time to negotiate.
dragon acquired keep as pet (yes) (NO), retired necromancers are BAMF, the kids adopt a necromancer grandmother, or a grandmummy if you will, all the weddings, pirates might be lost in the labyrinth, Steve is finally complete!, $$$, vacation time
51 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2024
45 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
79 books1,943 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 28, 2025
I am very happy that I can finally consider this series finished. I had hoped so much that the final part would have a nice, spectacular ending.
Instead, it was boooooooring.
Hmm, unfortunately, that's all I can think of right now. Too bad.
Instead, it was boooooooring.
Hmm, unfortunately, that's all I can think of right now. Too bad.
May 3, 2024
Funny, utterly delightful end to the sequel series. Am I sad to see Tan and Devan go? Yes. Am I gald we got more of them? Yes
April 26, 2024
April 2024
Kindle edition
KU
Quite a fluffy end, a nice way to start the morning. Supposed scary necromancer, turns out to be a granny character handing out cookies. It was sweet, how Niran and the others took to her. Funny how Steve almost ended up with them, I did like how he got fobbed off to gather more for his hoard. Probably not going to re-read if it comes out as a collection like the first.
Kindle edition
KU
Quite a fluffy end, a nice way to start the morning. Supposed scary necromancer, turns out to be a granny character handing out cookies. It was sweet, how Niran and the others took to her. Funny how Steve almost ended up with them, I did like how he got fobbed off to gather more for his hoard. Probably not going to re-read if it comes out as a collection like the first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
That was fun. Lots of twists and turns and uh-ohs and silliness. The series could end here and I'd be satisfied, which is a great way to end an arc.
October 21, 2024
A cute ending to Steve the dragon's story, but hopefully not for Tan and Devan. I'd love to see more of this couple in future adventures.
August 29, 2025
I need more ASAP
June 19, 2024
I’m so sad it’s over!
These books have been so much fun. I really hope the author continues their story or maybe a spin-off? One can hope. I really like the world and would love to see more of it.
These books have been so much fun. I really hope the author continues their story or maybe a spin-off? One can hope. I really like the world and would love to see more of it.
June 28, 2024
I’m reviewing all the stories together as it really is just one full book, each part starting where the previous ended. These aren’t short stories. They are groups of chapters.
There are lots of funny moments in this, although no laugh out loud ones. The quest seemed ridiculous at first—how many bones are in a dragon’s body? But it turned out the bones were just in groups. They hadn’t been broken up into very many individual pieces.
I liked the characters. At moments, Tan reminded me of one of the crazier of Alice Winters’ characters. The idea of Steve was funny although not as much in presentation. The apprentices were great and I loved the skeletons.
One thing I really didn’t like was that some horrible men harassed the 11-year-old apprentice, which they took very seriously, but they kept talking about them harassing women. Throughout the story, including at that point, she was referred to as a young girl. They weren’t just harassers-trying-to-be-rapists, they were child molesters. Yes, in medieval times (which this world seems modeled after) it wasn’t unheard of for eleven year olds to be married off, but my understanding is that females weren’t considered adults until menses. The younger children married off were for political reasons and weren’t made to have sex until they were older. At least that’s my impression. And certainly eleven is still quite young in this book’s world. So call the men what they are: child molesters.
The book was pretty sexist with very few women. Tan’s other sibling, a woman, was called in to help but left behind leaving the party still heavily skewed towards men. The female apprentice was great as was the female pirate and older woman but there were so few women and the good ones were all tiny, no big physically strong women. And then someone said something along the lines of knowing to never argue with an upset woman. How about an upset person? Or is it just women who can’t be logical when upset?
I didn’t like these quite as much as the first batch but they were still really good. The story was left with plenty of room for growth. I hope the author writes more. I’ll for sure read them.
There are lots of funny moments in this, although no laugh out loud ones. The quest seemed ridiculous at first—how many bones are in a dragon’s body? But it turned out the bones were just in groups. They hadn’t been broken up into very many individual pieces.
I liked the characters. At moments, Tan reminded me of one of the crazier of Alice Winters’ characters. The idea of Steve was funny although not as much in presentation. The apprentices were great and I loved the skeletons.
One thing I really didn’t like was that some horrible men harassed the 11-year-old apprentice, which they took very seriously, but they kept talking about them harassing women. Throughout the story, including at that point, she was referred to as a young girl. They weren’t just harassers-trying-to-be-rapists, they were child molesters. Yes, in medieval times (which this world seems modeled after) it wasn’t unheard of for eleven year olds to be married off, but my understanding is that females weren’t considered adults until menses. The younger children married off were for political reasons and weren’t made to have sex until they were older. At least that’s my impression. And certainly eleven is still quite young in this book’s world. So call the men what they are: child molesters.
The book was pretty sexist with very few women. Tan’s other sibling, a woman, was called in to help but left behind leaving the party still heavily skewed towards men. The female apprentice was great as was the female pirate and older woman but there were so few women and the good ones were all tiny, no big physically strong women. And then someone said something along the lines of knowing to never argue with an upset woman. How about an upset person? Or is it just women who can’t be logical when upset?
I didn’t like these quite as much as the first batch but they were still really good. The story was left with plenty of room for growth. I hope the author writes more. I’ll for sure read them.
April 27, 2024
a warmhearted, if somewhat murderous tale of adventure, love, magic, and family
Rating: 5🌈
Finale time! And Steve’s gonna be a whole new dragon! Well, long dead and a skeleton one at that! But happy happy!
And that madcap murderous fabulous family of sorcerers and a King will adopt another into the fold.
And there’s many weddings!
Sherwood has written a warmhearted, if somewhat murderous tale of adventure, love, magic, and family. It’s been a wild and humorous journey. A absolute pleasure to read, a joy to have ventured into with along with the characters.
Will we see Tan, Devan, the kids, and the rest of the ever enlarging family? Sherwood doesn’t know. But I hope so. They have caught our attention and our hearts. That life and vivacity surely won’t be denied. Stay tuned!
Love these covers.
Series and side stories
💥How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned him to Villainy-6 books
💥How Tan Acquired an Apprentice
💥How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit:Bone series
Rating: 5🌈
Finale time! And Steve’s gonna be a whole new dragon! Well, long dead and a skeleton one at that! But happy happy!
And that madcap murderous fabulous family of sorcerers and a King will adopt another into the fold.
And there’s many weddings!
Sherwood has written a warmhearted, if somewhat murderous tale of adventure, love, magic, and family. It’s been a wild and humorous journey. A absolute pleasure to read, a joy to have ventured into with along with the characters.
Will we see Tan, Devan, the kids, and the rest of the ever enlarging family? Sherwood doesn’t know. But I hope so. They have caught our attention and our hearts. That life and vivacity surely won’t be denied. Stay tuned!
Love these covers.
Series and side stories
💥How I Stole the Princess's White Knight and Turned him to Villainy-6 books
💥How Tan Acquired an Apprentice
💥How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu, and Profit:Bone series
April 26, 2024
I give this chapter (or bone, as it's called), as well as the series as a whole, 4/5 stars.
I absolutely adore Tan! He's crazy, protective, funny, and a sweetheart. And he was so much fun in this series. Devan is, as always, a saint for putting up with not just his husband but his brother-in-law and now Tan's apprentices. The apprentices are so awesome. Lesia, especially in the last one, is so chill, I adore her and can't wait to see her grow! Please let there be more in this series to see her grow!
While I still think these sometimes felt too short, like some parts were lacking, it was still incredibly funny and sweet, with sexy times!
I greatly enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
I absolutely adore Tan! He's crazy, protective, funny, and a sweetheart. And he was so much fun in this series. Devan is, as always, a saint for putting up with not just his husband but his brother-in-law and now Tan's apprentices. The apprentices are so awesome. Lesia, especially in the last one, is so chill, I adore her and can't wait to see her grow! Please let there be more in this series to see her grow!
While I still think these sometimes felt too short, like some parts were lacking, it was still incredibly funny and sweet, with sexy times!
I greatly enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
April 26, 2024
Loved, loved, loved these books.
Tan is about my favorite character of ANY book I have EVER read. To put that in perspective, I am 56 or 57( who wants to keep track after legal drinking age??!!), started reading Nancy Drew at 8ish and Harlequin at 12. I have averages a book a week until my kids grew up and now average three or more a week. That is hella books and TAN is still my favorite character ever. I hope you keep writing these stories because I checked everyday for this release KNOWING it was the 26th just in case We got lucky.
Great characters, fun adventures, and just enough sexy times without filling half a book like we need an instruction manual on sex. I'm praying for more of these guys!
Tan is about my favorite character of ANY book I have EVER read. To put that in perspective, I am 56 or 57( who wants to keep track after legal drinking age??!!), started reading Nancy Drew at 8ish and Harlequin at 12. I have averages a book a week until my kids grew up and now average three or more a week. That is hella books and TAN is still my favorite character ever. I hope you keep writing these stories because I checked everyday for this release KNOWING it was the 26th just in case We got lucky.
Great characters, fun adventures, and just enough sexy times without filling half a book like we need an instruction manual on sex. I'm praying for more of these guys!
April 26, 2024
H I T the K on a B-a-F Q of P, P and P: Bone 6
This is the conclusion of the second book and AJ has already, albeit perhaps unintentionally, laid the bones (pun intended) for further stories.
We’ve got Niran’s apprentices, Fa wants apprentices, there are definitely some stories from Grandma Edna’s past and the “situation” between Fa and Wells still needs resolving.
There you go AJ lots of ideas for you to mull.
Steve gets his bones, Lessia teaches some rather handsy miscreants not to mess with young ladies, weddings are performed and Devan and Tan finally restock the treasury.
This is the conclusion of the second book and AJ has already, albeit perhaps unintentionally, laid the bones (pun intended) for further stories.
We’ve got Niran’s apprentices, Fa wants apprentices, there are definitely some stories from Grandma Edna’s past and the “situation” between Fa and Wells still needs resolving.
There you go AJ lots of ideas for you to mull.
Steve gets his bones, Lessia teaches some rather handsy miscreants not to mess with young ladies, weddings are performed and Devan and Tan finally restock the treasury.
April 27, 2024
Absolutely Fabulous.
Well I was correct about them not finding all of Steve’s bones. I was actually surprised by how many they did find. I certainly hope we get more arcs for this wonderful couple. Serialised stories are not normally my thing but A J Sherwood’s tales are so good I will happily read them in what ever form they come in.
Her and Jennifer Cody are the only two authors I’m prepared to say this about thus far. Then they are my only fav’s to write serialised stories. (Shrug). That said this was highly enjoyable hi-jinx and I’d really like more arcs. If you haven’t read it yet you are truly missing out on a lot of fun.
Well I was correct about them not finding all of Steve’s bones. I was actually surprised by how many they did find. I certainly hope we get more arcs for this wonderful couple. Serialised stories are not normally my thing but A J Sherwood’s tales are so good I will happily read them in what ever form they come in.
Her and Jennifer Cody are the only two authors I’m prepared to say this about thus far. Then they are my only fav’s to write serialised stories. (Shrug). That said this was highly enjoyable hi-jinx and I’d really like more arcs. If you haven’t read it yet you are truly missing out on a lot of fun.
June 5, 2024
Finishing
An ending not of fighting and chaos but of agreements, plans for the future, and satisfaction. There is a final boss, but it is not the necromancer that anyone expects and it leads down a much calmer road than engagements before. There are new allies made and ally agreements firmed up as the adventure comes to a close with all the bones found and the wealth in Goodwine's coffers getting settled to use and the king returning. All in all it was a satisfying ending that focused on the people and relationships with a but of humour for the circumstances thrown in. Ever a quick and enjoyable read.
An ending not of fighting and chaos but of agreements, plans for the future, and satisfaction. There is a final boss, but it is not the necromancer that anyone expects and it leads down a much calmer road than engagements before. There are new allies made and ally agreements firmed up as the adventure comes to a close with all the bones found and the wealth in Goodwine's coffers getting settled to use and the king returning. All in all it was a satisfying ending that focused on the people and relationships with a but of humour for the circumstances thrown in. Ever a quick and enjoyable read.
April 26, 2024
Nooooo! Now it’s over!
I simply cannot express how much I love immersing myself in the adventures of Tan, Devan, and the rest of their crew. Their ridiculousness makes me smile from ear to ear. (I really wish that I could get a hold of one of those hair clips that Tan makes, too.) I will definitely be rereading all of these books often in the future, probably beginning with this weekend. The following was my favorite quote from the book:
Hmm, there was a thought. A need for drivers and skeletons. Maybe the two didn’t need to be separate things.
I simply cannot express how much I love immersing myself in the adventures of Tan, Devan, and the rest of their crew. Their ridiculousness makes me smile from ear to ear. (I really wish that I could get a hold of one of those hair clips that Tan makes, too.) I will definitely be rereading all of these books often in the future, probably beginning with this weekend. The following was my favorite quote from the book:
Hmm, there was a thought. A need for drivers and skeletons. Maybe the two didn’t need to be separate things.
April 26, 2024
Can’t put it down
The entire series was written in a way that you can’t put it down once you start.
From the very title I knew that I was in for an adventure. Guess what I was right.
I love Tan, Devan,Niran,FA and the rest of the clan. This is my first review ever, I really enjoyed AJ Sherwood books 📕. This series is in my top 5 series books and I’m a very avid reader.
Please do 1 follow up book to update in maybe a year. I feel Tan has another adventure for him and the crew 🥹. If not thank you anyway for an enjoyable ride.
The entire series was written in a way that you can’t put it down once you start.
From the very title I knew that I was in for an adventure. Guess what I was right.
I love Tan, Devan,Niran,FA and the rest of the clan. This is my first review ever, I really enjoyed AJ Sherwood books 📕. This series is in my top 5 series books and I’m a very avid reader.
Please do 1 follow up book to update in maybe a year. I feel Tan has another adventure for him and the crew 🥹. If not thank you anyway for an enjoyable ride.
April 30, 2024
Devan took the right, glancing back to make sure he still had everyone. Sometimes Tan got sidetracked by sparklies. Nope, he still had all his ducks. Good.
The final installment in the quest to put Steve together and bring fortune back to their country! This was a perfectly fluffy ending to an adorable second-series featuring these guys. This series has been so deceptive; despite the insanity, there is depth and character growth and even a little healing from trauma. I've greatly enjoyed getting to know these characters!
Tan's methods were more than a little questionable at moments, but his intentions rang true every time. It sparked joy, seeing him train the rising generation to have the same kind of heart.
"Is this hope?"
This was the happily ever after we needed. <3
April 29, 2024
I make no bones about it
For pure, unadulterated, though adult-rated, fantasy story telling AJ Sherwood has set a new bar for chaotic hilarity. I love Devan and Tan. I love Dan, and I do hope he got appropriately rewarded with apples and cherries. But most of all I love seeing a happy marriage.
Now, I wonder if a magical blackhole is going to open in the middle of the labyrinth requiring Devan and Tan to have to rescue the pirates from the Goblin King: he has the power, what power, the power of voodoo, who do, you do, the power of the babe.
For pure, unadulterated, though adult-rated, fantasy story telling AJ Sherwood has set a new bar for chaotic hilarity. I love Devan and Tan. I love Dan, and I do hope he got appropriately rewarded with apples and cherries. But most of all I love seeing a happy marriage.
Now, I wonder if a magical blackhole is going to open in the middle of the labyrinth requiring Devan and Tan to have to rescue the pirates from the Goblin King: he has the power, what power, the power of voodoo, who do, you do, the power of the babe.
June 16, 2024
This wraps up the second series in the Villainy world. No, there's no boss fight, just our motley gang arriving in a distant city to find the last set of bones for Steve the dragon. They wind up adopting an elderly (and semi-retired) necromancer, then helping her out. Alls well that ends well right? Except for the three unlucky pirates who enter Tan's Labyrinth...
Overall the series had moments but felt a bit rushed.
3 stars for this episode, 3 stars for the overall second series.
Overall the series had moments but felt a bit rushed.
3 stars for this episode, 3 stars for the overall second series.
February 3, 2025
Series Thoughts
This was such a fun and funny visit to Devan and Tan's universe again. The overall quest for Steve was great. I loved the new character additions (the apprentices) as well as getting more time with Tan's brother (and the skelebabies!), too. Then, of course, there's the fabulous relationship between King and Consort, who one hundred percent know who and what their partner is and adores them for it. Heart, humour and adventure...so entertaining.
This was such a fun and funny visit to Devan and Tan's universe again. The overall quest for Steve was great. I loved the new character additions (the apprentices) as well as getting more time with Tan's brother (and the skelebabies!), too. Then, of course, there's the fabulous relationship between King and Consort, who one hundred percent know who and what their partner is and adores them for it. Heart, humour and adventure...so entertaining.
April 1, 2024
This is another arc to the overall Villainy series. The serial is just as funny and ridiculous as the first story. Tan and Devan have another adventure and Tan's apprentices just add to the overall enjoyment. Not to mention a dragon skull named Steve. What more can you want from a set of serial stories? I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2024
Tan & Devan
The quest is nearing completion and the party gains a retired necromancer who doubles as a grandma. Steve strikes a deal up with the pirates who are all newlyweds now. Not sure what else I could say to entice someone to read this book. I’d say that about sums it up and it is awesome. So much fun on this adventure.
The quest is nearing completion and the party gains a retired necromancer who doubles as a grandma. Steve strikes a deal up with the pirates who are all newlyweds now. Not sure what else I could say to entice someone to read this book. I’d say that about sums it up and it is awesome. So much fun on this adventure.
May 2, 2024
Pirate Weddings
So sad this quest is over. It's been so much fun to catch up with Devan and Tan. The final bones are found in the home of another necromancer, who is far more reasonable than others they've met on their quest. The apprentices are still alive and there are pirate weddings to attend. Pass the popcorn
So sad this quest is over. It's been so much fun to catch up with Devan and Tan. The final bones are found in the home of another necromancer, who is far more reasonable than others they've met on their quest. The apprentices are still alive and there are pirate weddings to attend. Pass the popcorn
July 11, 2024
5 ⭐️
A short, fun continuation, where Tan, Devan and Niran continue the search for Steve’s missing bones. In this one we meet another necromancer who has a few more of Steve’s bones. I loved her! We also have weddings, and Steve gets his bones and the quest is finished. A good end to the second series, and I’m a bit sad that we’re done. But I can always do a reread.
A short, fun continuation, where Tan, Devan and Niran continue the search for Steve’s missing bones. In this one we meet another necromancer who has a few more of Steve’s bones. I loved her! We also have weddings, and Steve gets his bones and the quest is finished. A good end to the second series, and I’m a bit sad that we’re done. But I can always do a reread.
August 30, 2024
Liked the book but did not love it. I think the introduction of the second apprentice caught me off guard in a negative way because, at least with the first one, I had some good story behind him. It's still an ok read, but I liked the first part of the series best. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!!
May 30, 2025
This arc is a lot lower in angst than the first arc. Also, there was very little character growth/change in our heroes throughout the adventure. In that sense, as a story, it was meh. Might have had more character drive if the story was more centered on Steve, who had the main motivation that drove everyone in the quest.
August 21, 2025
The further adventures of soft-hearted Devon, chaos goblin Tan, and their two kids apprentices, plus Tan's necromancer brother Niran. And a dragon head named Steve. Quests and Chaos ensue. I loved every second of it!
I am sad to see this series come to an end and really hope AJ Sherwood continues it. It's zany and fun and lighthearted and just what I needed.
I am sad to see this series come to an end and really hope AJ Sherwood continues it. It's zany and fun and lighthearted and just what I needed.
April 17, 2024
This latest quest of Tan's has been an absolute blast to read! I hope we get to see more of Tan, Devan, Niran, Fa, Wells, and the apprentices again someday! *Crosses Fingers for a Third Book in the Series*
April 26, 2024
Epic
I truly love Tan and his Devan. Loved this righteous adventure. Glad Steve found something useful and expeditious to do after he was reconnected. I hope we will have a another adventure to see how the apprentices bare getting along. Highly recommend.
I truly love Tan and his Devan. Loved this righteous adventure. Glad Steve found something useful and expeditious to do after he was reconnected. I hope we will have a another adventure to see how the apprentices bare getting along. Highly recommend.
April 26, 2024
Loved this Series!!!
Loved this Series!!! AJ Sherwood is one of my favorite authors and this series in its before and after editions were fantastic to read and listen to on audible. I cannot wait for the newest books to come out on audible!
Loved this Series!!! AJ Sherwood is one of my favorite authors and this series in its before and after editions were fantastic to read and listen to on audible. I cannot wait for the newest books to come out on audible!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews