Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a book I wanted to love the heck out of. And while I did enjoy it, there were a few elements which didn’t work as well. Keep reading this book review of Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore for my full thoughts.
Summary
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 threatens 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 past 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?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Let’s just start with my favorite part of Violet Thistelwaite Is Not a Villain Anymore: Violet. Violet is so desperately trying to be good, to cast aside her past, except she’s not only haunted by her mistakes – and cruelties – but also her past relationship. The echoes of the emotional abuse follow her all while she’s processing the latent guilt she feels. All the things she stopped herself from feeling at the time. Watching Violet come into her own, realize the power of her actions today, and how she has to believe she can change. If you’ve ever been haunted by your mistakes or imposter syndrome, this is for you!
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Now what I didn’t like? I did not like Nathaniel’s character. There are POV chapters which I think try to examine this rivalry and animosity on his end. But they didn’t work as well as they should have. Not only does he keep so many cards to his chest to Violet, but also in his POV chapters. I felt like I barely got to know him and then their attraction and romance felt pretty sudden and artificial considering him as a character. This might have been better as just Violet’s POV in my opinion. Maybe I just didn’t get along enough with Nathaniel, but for me I just kept reading for Violet. Find Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.