Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.
The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.
Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.
When a mysterious blight endangers every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together, through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another, to save their community. But with a figure from her previous life knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?
Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz is romantic and redemptive, a cozy and lovely story about a plant witch learning how to make better choices and start over all while dealing with a grumpy alchemist who is dealing with loss.
What I love the most about this story is that it is about second chances and learning to embrace risk, take chances and finding hope. The narrative is engaging and the romantic aspects are compelling as Nathaniel and Violet slowly become friends and confide in the other. I love the friendship between Violet and the other characters. The rock goblins steal the show. Most of all I love the hopefulness of the novel.
If you like stories that are romantic and redemptive, this challenges the idea of villains being black and white, the idea of family and finding friends. Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Anymore is vibrant, hopeful, with magic that is interesting and different. I loved it from start to finish.
5 out of 5 rock goblins
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