Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Sarah Rees Brennan is known for her witty, fast-paced writing, and Long Live Evil immediately promises a fresh spin on classic villain tropes. The premise hooked me right away: what if the so-called “bad guys” weren’t quite as evil as the stories made them seem? The title alone sets the stage for a mischievous, tongue-in-cheek look at morality, power, and rebellion. Going in, I expected a book that would both entertain and play cleverly with genre conventions.

✅ What I Liked:
The strongest element here is the author’s voice, sharp, funny, and bursting with energy. Brennan has a knack for dialogue that sparkles with wit, and I often found myself smiling at the banter. The meta-commentary on villains and heroes is a highlight, making it perfect for readers who enjoy subversive takes on fantasy archetypes. There are moments of real heart beneath the humour too, and I appreciated the exploration of identity and choice.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
he pacing was inconsistent. The book starts strong but sometimes gets bogged down in too much quirkiness, which pulled me out of the story. I also found the characters a little uneven, some were brilliantly vivid, while others felt underdeveloped. The constant stream of jokes, though often clever, occasionally undercut the more serious moments, leaving the emotional beats less impactful than they could have been.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you love self-aware fantasy, villain-centered narratives, and witty, banter-filled prose, Long Live Evil is worth adding to your TBR. It feels especially tailored to fans of authors like Gail Carriger or Holly Black, writers who balance humor with darker edges. This isn’t a book that takes itself too seriously, and that’s part of the fun.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Long Live Evil is playful, sharp, and full of clever commentary on villainy. While it doesn’t always land its tone and pacing, it offers enough charm and wit to make it an enjoyable read. A solid middle-ground novel, not a new favourite, but one I’m glad I picked up.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – Fun but uneven villainy