Audiobook review: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
The newest resident of Dragon’s Rest has a big secret: Violet Thistlewaite was the Thornwitch, righthand of the recently killed evil sorcerer, Guy Shadowfade. Violet was given a second chance to be good, and she takes the challenge by opening a flower shop and spreading joy. Nathaniel Marsh left Dragon’s Rest to become an alchemist, and returned years later hoping to improve his parent’s apothecary. After a horrible accident, Nathaniel and his sister are left to run the failing shop.
Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is a delightful cozy fantasy romance. I love that it is sweet yet addresses difficult emotions as Nathaniel and Violet reflect on their lives and choices. Krempholtz successfully tackles themes such as defining good and bad and love can be messy.
Nathaniel and Violet are a grumpy and sunshine pairing that start to work once Nathaniel allows some of Violet’s sunshine in. Both live with tremendous guilt, but he chooses to dwell in the misery. Good thing he can’t resist his attraction to Violet! I love the pacing of the story as it ebbs and flows. Violet makes small steps forward towards not being a villain but then uses her “bad magic” and sees it as a setback. Nathaniel feels confident and then can’t solve a problem. Meanwhile the pair grows closer, opening up to one another and those around them. Both must learn and adjust to change and that life isn’t black and white.
Narration: the story is shared via the third person POVs of Nathaniel and Violet. The narrator has a strong, feminine voice. She alters dialogue based on gender and age, although it’s not a huge difference, she works to give each character a unique sound. She infuses emotion into the performance. It works well for the story.
Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore is an enjoyable standalone, however I hope the author decides to write a second book because there is definitely more to tell.
My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.
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 endangers 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 previous life 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?
Author: Emily Krempholtz
Narrator: Emma Ladji
Series: Standalone
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Cozy Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: November 18, 2025
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Length: 11 hours
Source: publisher
Audio Speed: 1.3x