Book: A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann
Reviewed by Lindsay A
Rating: 5/5
Full review to come but 50% in and this is already going to be a tough book to beat. Secured top book of the year spot, eassyy!
Update:
Okay I’m actually at a loss for words, all my brain will compute is READ THIS BOOK! I had no idea my first read of 2026 would be my most likely top of read of the year, but also land solidly in my top reads ever. Whatever Shannon put in her writing is absolute magic and I can’t believe this is a debut?! I cannot wait to follow this authors journey!
Everything about this dark YA fantasy from the first page to the last drew me in, sank its hooks into me and refused to let me go. The concept of it all is so different from anything I’ve read, I loved all of it! The magic, the reveals of the plot as the story progressed, the characters, the fast pace. The antics and top notch banter between Jude and Riven had me absolutely snickering, their dynamic is so good and a sassy drama queen of a MMC might be my new favorite. Riven snuck her way into my heart from the start, her ‘flaws’ only made her all the more real and relatable. And the YEARNING. That’s all I can say. Capitalizing it because omg the yearning and slow burn is chefs kiss.
This story had my emotions absolutely going though it - I was outraged, I cried, had butterflies, grinned like a fool and more than once was so shocked I had to put my kindle down to stare at the ceiling and process what the F I’d just read. That twist?! I felt like I’d been gut punched - I was fighting tears while also in full body chills because it was such a WTAF moment. There was very little I was able to predict about this one, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was really goin on. I’m actually so sad it’s over because this is a book I will mourn not being able to read for the first time again.
What an absolute ride - infinite stars from me! If this book is on your TBR, you need to read it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a loong time.