Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz ~ a Review

by MK French

Guy Shadowfade, the dark sorcerer, is dead, and Violet Thistlewaite is determined to become someone good. Violet decides to open a flower shop in Dragon's Rest, a quaint town easily charmed by her efforts. The prickly and handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse, has no time for her flowers and isn't charmed in the slightest. When a mysterious blight endangers every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together. Her former life soon threatens to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, making Violet wonder if a former villain can have a happily-ever-after.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

November 2025; Ace; 978-0593954300
audio, ebook, print (368 pages); fantasy

We see at the start how the hero who took down Shadowfade finds Violet when she was still the Thornwitch. Because Violet clearly isn't evil through and through, she's told that the Thornwitch will die and she must be good. This is a running theme for her as she begins civilian life in the village. The only mentor she ever had was Shadowfade, who only encouraged the worst in her. Now she comes across as shy, and the grumpy Nathaniel Marsh is a challenge for her on several levels.

I enjoyed seeing Violet navigate her new life and learn more about herself, her magic, and how to interact with others. She grew into herself and her magic, and even the grumpy Nathaniel figured out he doesn't have to be tethered to the past, either. The community in Dragon's Rest is full of fun characters, and we learn about them as they band together for the end of the book. It's a lovely story, and I very much enjoyed reading it. 

Buy Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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