Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
Cosy fantasy, second chances, and sentient houseplants with attitude.
Pre-Reading Thoughts
I was drawn to this one for the “what happens after the end” vibe — that moment when the dark overlord is gone, and everyone has to figure out how to live in the aftermath. I was curious to see how Violet, a reformed villain, would navigate both her own past and a world that might not fully trust her.
Post-Reading
As I thought…
Violet’s journey is charming and heartfelt. Krempholtz balances the cosy fantasy elements with real stakes: PTSD, trauma, and the messy aftermath of a life in service to evil. The flower shop, sentient houseplant, and small-town magic all give this a whimsical and warm tone that’s impossible to resist.
It surprised me by…
How well the romance and personal growth wove together with the community-building and plant-saving plot. Violet isn’t just trying to fix herself—she’s trying to fix her corner of the world, and the stakes feel both intimate and meaningful. The way secrets from her past gradually surface keeps the tension just right without overshadowing the overall cosy mood.
MUSIC PAIRING
🎵 Featured Song: “Bloom” by The Paper Kites — soft, hopeful, with an undercurrent of something wild.
🎶 Vibe Album: Folklore by Taylor Swift — gentle, introspective, layered with stories.
🎧 Artist Recommendation: Feist — whimsical and warm, yet with bite.
VIBE CHECK
Colour Palette: mossy greens, soft lilacs, and the occasional punch of crimson.
Soundtrack: chiming bells and soft wind through leaves.
Season: early spring — new growth and second chances.
Mood: tender mischief.
Scent: fresh soil and lavender.
TAROT PULL
From the Witch’s Cat Tarot: The Fool — playful, courageous, and stepping into the unknown with a mix of curiosity and caution. Violet embodies this energy perfectly as she rebuilds her life and learns to trust both herself and others.
For fans of:
Book: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune — cosy, heartwarming fantasy with high stakes.
TV/Film: Good Omens (for its mix of humour, magic, and quirky heart)
Disclaimer
Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain Anymore publishes on [insert pub date]. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.