A Stage Set for Villains

By: Shannon J. Spann

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Paperback | 24 February 2026 | Edition Number 1

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Paperback

Dimensions(cm)
23.6 x 15.6 x 3.8

Paperback

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It's time to take to the stage . . . A stunningly drawn fantasy set in a mysterious theatre where godlike creatures run the show and mortals compete for immortality

Riven Hesper is running out of time. Cursed by a Player—a godlike performer —she must infiltrate the Playhouse and find a way to break the curse before it kills her.

But inside survival comes at a price. Mortals must compete for a chance to kill a Player and steal their power. Riven wants nothing to do with this until Jude—charismatic and cruel —makes her an offer. Win the competition. Spare his life. And he’ll set her free.

As the final act approaches, Riven faces a devastating truth. She might not become the hero of this story. But the villain.

About the Author

Shannon J. Spann is a New York-based writer and social media strategist. In her spare time, she loves knitting, wandering her local bookstore, and of course, theatre. A Stage Set for Villains is her first novel.

Industry Reviews

As enthralling as it is unique, A Stage Set for Villains will have you spellbound!

New York Times bestselling author, Mai Corland

As enthralling as it is unique, A Stage Set for Villains will have you spellbound!

New York Times bestselling author, Mai Corland

Part novel, part script, A Stage Set For Villains is a fascinatingly unique world like nothing you’ve ever read before, where mirrors are to be feared, life-eating curses abound, and vicious humans-turned-gods called Players perform on a voracious playhouse stage, that will have you riveted from the first casting call!

USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard

Part novel, part script, A Stage Set For Villains is a fascinatingly unique world like nothing you’ve ever read before, where mirrors are to be feared, life-eating curses abound, and vicious humans-turned-gods called Players perform on a voracious playhouse stage, that will have you riveted from the first casting call!

USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard

Dark fantasy at its most intoxicating. Shannon Spann delivers a world where gods crave applause, mortals bleed for love, and every truth feels like a curse. I was completely enthralled

#1 NYT bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Dark fantasy at its most intoxicating. Shannon Spann delivers a world where gods crave applause, mortals bleed for love, and every truth feels like a curse. I was completely enthralled

#1 NYT bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

Absolutely thrilling. Be ready to be hooked from the first page to the shocking end

NYT bestselling author Elise Kova

Absolutely thrilling. Be ready to be hooked from the first page to the shocking end

NYT bestselling author Elise Kova

A dark and dizzying fantasy that will keep readers enthralled to the end

Kirkus Reviews

A dark and dizzying fantasy that will keep readers enthralled to the end

Kirkus Reviews

Debut author Spann skillfully leverages scriptlike dialogue and punctuated drama structures to flesh out the Playhouse’s vivid world, which is rife with political intrigue and power imbalances. Riven and Jude’s sharp banter and slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance dials up the novel’s showmanship

Publisher's Weekly

Debut author Spann skillfully leverages scriptlike dialogue and punctuated drama structures to flesh out the Playhouse’s vivid world, which is rife with political intrigue and power imbalances. Riven and Jude’s sharp banter and slow-burning enemies-to-lovers romance dials up the novel’s showmanship

Publisher's Weekly

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