"Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz is a delightful cozy fantasy following a grumpy alchemist and a powerful plant witch. There's nothing I like more than a good cozy fantasy, and this one fit the bill perfectly with its quirky characters, fabulous small-town setting, slow-burn romance, and great world-building.
Can a leopard change its spots? Can evil truly change its ways? That’s the heart of this charming book. Violet Thistlewaite was once the formidable Thornwitch and the right hand of Guy Shadowfade, an evil sorcerer. After his death, she decides to start over and be good, settling in the quaint town of Dragon’s Rest. She opens a flower shop, doing her best to keep her sentient (and mildly homicidal) houseplant Bartleby—and her dark magic - in check.
Her bouquets and sunny disposition win over the welcoming townsfolk, except her grumpy landlord, Nathaniel Marsh, who has issues of his own. The plot thickens when an evil alchemist arrives in town and a mysterious blight begins threatening every living plant in Dragon’s Rest. What follows is a whimsical tale with a touch of mystery thrown in for good measure.
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. Written in dual third-person POV, we get immersed in the characters’ worlds and inner reflections. There are a couple of morally gray characters, and even the evil sorcerer isn’t entirely one-dimensional. He’s manipulative and abusive, playing on Violet’s mind and emotions—making her believe she was worthless, unloved, and nothing without him. While he seemed to care for her in his own twisted way, he ultimately used her and her magic to serve his dark purposes.
I adored the dynamic between the characters and the witty notes exchanged via the shop signs - not to mention the chapter titles and flower graphics, which completely captured my heart. Amidst the romance and adventure is a thread that runs through the main characters: a message about knowing and embracing who you really are. The book also explores themes of identity, low self-image, abuse, rising above your circumstances, second chances, fresh starts, friendship, community, found family, redemption, and love. One may not escape their past, but they can sure shape their future.
Rock goblins, a sentient plant, a dog named Daisy, Jerome the Gnome, and other quirky characters add to the book’s charm. This is a feel-good novel - engrossing and sweeping - that leaves you warm inside, with wonderful characters you can truly connect with and care about. I loved every minute of it and highly recommend it. While the author tied up most of the loose ends, a couple remain - hopefully hinting at another book on the horizon. Full stars from me!
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore" by Emily Krempholtz
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