A Stage Set for Villains

Shannon J. Spann

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Mayhem Books
03 February 2026

Film, TV & Radio; Thriller & suspense; Romance

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.

By: Shannon J. Spann
Imprint: Mayhem Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 40mm
Weight: 700g
ISBN: 9781911753131
ISBN 10: 1911753134
Pages: 528
Publication Date: 03 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

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.

Reviews for A Stage Set for Villains

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 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