I was looking forward to this book and the premise, but unfortunately wasn't able to get into it. Brennan was a childhood favorite, and I think I came into this book with mainly nostalgia in mind, No fault of the author's, but just not for me! I could really see others enjoying this book however, and may recommend!

An absolute banger from Sarah but honestly who’s surprised?? I absolutely ADORED this premise and the execution and everything about it. I did a mix of the audiobook and ebook for this and honestly highly recommend because it can be a bit confusing to get into as the world is unfolding.

Not only was the premise and execution amazing but the writing was fantastic and fit the story so well. I loved the characters and the story within a story aspect, I loved the narration, the way the story was told just made it all the more compelling and enjoyable. And most importantly this was entertaining and reminded me of what it felt like as my teen self ferociously consuming stories late into the night. It was a great time and I can’t wait for the sequel!

I mean. This line. “Which came first, being treated as unworthy or being unworthy? In the end, it didn't matter. If others believed she was evil, or beautiful, or guilty, they made that true.”

LIKE DAMN JUST GONNA CALL ME OUT LIKE THAT??? OUCH.
ANYWAYS - I'll add that I love love isekai fantasy- I've read all the "transmigrated/reborn into villainess" mangas and light novels. So I was hoping this book would be good especially as I like this author and was pleasantly surprised! And while you think this means I would be more biased, it actually means I've read really good works like this and was more likely to be ruthless since it was not as novel

First off, I love angry women. Esp in this day and age,
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan is a wild ride—chaotic, intriguing, and fiercely unapologetic. Brennan serves a mix of dark humor and raw emotion that you'll either adore or recoil from. Let's start from the plot, premise? Rae, dying from cancer (if you're American, you already get the extra anxiety from the cost), is thrown into a fantasy novel she only half-remembers (that might be me considering how many I read). She lands right in the villainess's body, set for execution at dawn( can't catch a break).

Honestly, this book had me feeling everything from "wait, what?" to "holy crap I need to highlight this." There's humor that swings between chaotic Tumblr-era nostalgia and genuine, laugh-out-loud wit—and yes, at times it leans hard into that 2014-era internet humor (looking at you, cinnamon rolls). But somehow, Brennan makes it work, mixing in enough self-awareness that it all clicks.

Let's clear something up though—this isn't quite your typical "book lover falls into favorite story" situation. Rae isn't exactly a die-hard fan; she's mostly tagging along on her sister’s obsession. Does it matter? Not really. But if you went in expecting Rae to geek out, quoting every line, you're in for a twist. She's stumbling into this fantasy, figuring it out as she goes, and honestly, half the time she has no idea what's going on. It feels chaotic and messy, sure, but that's also kind of the point.

Speaking of messy, Rae? Girl's a whole disaster—but in a relatable way (unfortunately can relate). She’s dealing with some heavy stuff, thrown into this strange, surreal fantasy situation, and acting accordingly. At times, yeah, it feels like a lot, but it’s also oddly entertaining to watch her fumble through this bonkers scenario. Then you've got side characters who range from hilarious to genuinely intriguing—Key's chaotic energy is everything, and Emer, bless her, is the one sane person in this whole madhouse.

There are flaws—some eye-roll-worthy clichés, romance that feels trope-y rather than authentic, and a few moments of "no way would this actually happen." Like TBH, certain moments tip dangerously into cringe territory, Brennan is self-aware. Even when scenes (hello, fantasy musical interludes!) push plausibility, they kinda are like hinting at a larger point: this story dares you to take fantasy tropes seriously at your own risk. And yet, despite all this, the story manages to hook you (or at least me, ok? Let me live). There's HEART underneath the chaos. Brennan’s clearly passionate about fantasy, villains, and complex moral dynamics—and that passion leaps right off the page. That or I'm fangirling too hard.

Ultimately, Long Live Evil isn't flawless. It stumbles occasionally in execution, clarity, and subtlety. But honestly, it's core resonates powerfully. She's trying to get people not just to laugh or grimace—but to reflect deeply on the roles we play and the truths we accept. English teachers would love her,

Love it or loathe it, this book demands your attention. If you're in for a rollercoaster ride packed with wit, rage, and heart—this might just be your next favorite read.

This was my absolute favorite book of 2024 and I’ve since reread after it was released and love it so much. Sarah Rees Brennan’s writing is utterly delightful, Long Live Evil (and her previous book In Other Lands) are such a joy to read because they sound like they were fun to write- you can tell through the book the she liked writing it. I also enjoyed all the characters, as well as the meta humor of the novel. I am so so so excited for the next book and the wait for it is horrendous.

A girl on her death bed is given the chance to jump into her favorite story in hope to survive. A fantasy series that has consumed her and her sister for years. But there’s a bit of a hiccup, instead of becoming the hero of the story, she is thrown into the role of the villainess.

This story gives the villains the center stage. The story revolves around a group of classic villains who band together to form an alliance, seeking to regain power and control over their lives. Tired of always being portrayed as “evil” and defeated by heroes, they decide it’s time to take matters into their own hands.

R E V I E W:
This was seriously a wonderful read. I love a fairytale themed story so this was right up my alley. This is an imaginative and fun fantasy novel that explores the lives of fairytale villains in a fresh way. The writing was super witty and funny. The characters were well developed and the readers are introduced to a world where villains are the protagonists, offering a unique look at their motivations, frustrations, and even friendships. 100% worth the read. I can’t wait for the next book.
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While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

4.5 Stars

Long Live Evil is a wildly fun, sharply intelligent, and deeply subversive take on portal fantasy. With biting humor, clever social commentary, and a villainous heroine you can’t help but root for, Sarah Rees Brennan delivers an unforgettable ride.

Rae is a twenty-year-old dying of cancer—until she’s given the chance to live. The catch? She must enter the world of her favorite book series as Lady Rahela, the infamous villainess known as the Beauty Dipped in Blood, who is set to be executed the very next day. But Rae, armed with her genre-savvy knowledge and a healthy dose of wicked ambition, is determined to rewrite her fate. After all, villains have more fun, right?

This book is so smart. It takes familiar fantasy tropes and flips them on their heads, exploring what it means to be labeled a villain versus a hero. It also dives into the experience of illness, suffering, and agency in a way that is both poignant and powerful. Rae’s perspective—coming from a world where she was weak and dying into one where she is strong, dangerous, and feared—adds layers of depth to the story.

The humor is chef’s kiss perfect. Brennan packs Long Live Evil with razor-sharp wit, self-aware quips, and delightful anachronisms that make Rae feel like a modern fangirl thrown into a fantasy epic. If you love meta humor and books that play with genre conventions (The Magicians, The Unspoken Name, The Princess Bride), you’re in for a treat.

The pacing does slow down a bit in places, which is my only minor critique, but overall, this book is a brilliant balance of action, political intrigue, and laugh-out-loud moments. With a fantastic cast of morally complex characters, a slow-burn romance, and some truly memorable one-liners, Long Live Evil is an absolute must-read for fantasy fans who love a little wickedness with their adventures.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I thought the end was abrupt, not my favourite. While humorous at times, I didn’t really vibe with any of the characters and couldn’t get into it or care for the story.

Such a cool premise! We purchased this one for our library and it's been so fun to recommend. I thought it might be too reminiscent of The Magicians series, but it's unique and funny and full of adventure. I will say the author's prose can be a little hard to follow; I found myself re-reading passages several times. Also, sometimes the blend of modern language and the world the protagonist falls into can be confusing and maybe needs another pass. But I really love the idea of the book and the world-building! Fun and cute, and one I'll continue to recommend to students.

This book is for everyone who enjoys a manwha/manga where characters are transported into their favorite novel and get to be the role of the villain and see who the villains/heroes truly are. As a huge fan of this particular trope/storyline from mangas , this book was just a delightfully hilarious time for me and I can't wait to read the next book!

It took me a long time to read this. I picked it up several times, only getting a page or two in. Once I read the first 3 chapters, and thought: meh.

Finally out of a deep-seated need for completion because it's been sitting on my "to-give-feedback" Netgalley shelf for months, I jumped back into it. And I fell head over heels.

I can understand why not everyone likes this. The magical door trope isn't for everyone, for starters, and then the whole thing was silly and campy and ridiculously coded.

However: there was something that felt so genuine about the characters' feelings for one another. The bafflement. The frustration. The rage. And also the love. There's a lot of drama and angst and the musical scene was ludiscrous. I loved every moment.

We sell this in the shop, so I'm off to buy a copy of my own, because I truly loved it that much, and also to investigate when book 2 is happening, because I need more Key.

Sarah Rees Brennan is a master at turning traditional tropes on their head. I've loved her YA work and I was excited to see that she was making a foray into adult fantasy. Long Live Evil is a laugh out loud funny fantasy with a heart of gold. I was cheering for Rae and her motley crew through the whole book, and I can't wait to read more set in this world.

I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit intimidated by the length of the Audiobook, but I was really impressed with the story-telling. Though I do have to admit it was quite hard to get through the first 10-15% as the story was getting set up, but once I passed that mark I was obsessed, I’m so glad I pushed through!

This story really changed my perspective when it comes to the Villains in books, one of my favorite tropes is the one where the Villain actually turns out to be the good guy/love interest, and this book gave me something way better than that, a plot twist. There was so much depth to the characters and even the side relationships in our little band of Merry Villains was so much fun to follow, the ending was secretly what I had hoped would happen though I didn’t dare to dream, I’m glad my suspicions turned out to be correct. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the second book’s release! 4.5 ⭐️’s

Thank you to the Author Sarah Rees Brennan for writing this book, and to Moira Quirk for narrating it.

LONG LIVE EVIL has now ushered me into my villain era. Brennan gifts her readers with fantasy that pushes past preconceptions of genre and opens up the possibilities of what it means to be the evil one.

From the opening pages to the very end, I was hooked. The way the tale unraveled was fast-paced and filled with sinfully delicious plots to gain our Villainess her way out of this fictional world. For most of the reader’s time, the setting is a fantastical world Rae only read about with her sister in the “real world.” But somewhere, as things progress, the home of the Once and Forever King becomes a very real place to the reader as well as the Rae. Every action she takes has repercussions and alters the narrative and the sequence of events she once knew so well. In many ways, Brennan explores the butterfly effect in a fabulously entertaining way.

There is so much to love about this book. LONG LIVE EVIL brings humor, action, a little murderous activity, and duplicity to a down-right addictive tale. And yet, it is the author’s ability to explore the emotions and complexities of the characters that make this reader desperate for more. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Audiobook Note: Listening in part to this book was amazing. Moira Quirk gave life to Rae and the full cast of villains, heroes, and all those in between. Listening to the book was just as enjoyable as it was lost within the paperback pages.

This story was super unique - I love the concept of a book within a book and obviously a character being transporting into their favourite book and meeting their favourite character is all one of our dreams! That being said, this had some interesting humor that sometimes made me cackle but other times I didn't quite get. Admittedly, the story gets a little convoluted towards the middle and I got a bit confused. That being said, the ending was worth continuing to read!

I went back and forth between the ebook and audiobook to read this and enjoyed the narration, so I finished it via audio.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC and Libro FM for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

In Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan, Rae lays in a hospital bed, dying of cancer. Her sister Alice is reading from her (read: “their”) favourite book, A Time of Iron. Rae can barely focus on the story, keeps forgetting the characters and the plot, annoying the hell out of Alice. But this book and story matter so much to Alice, and while Rae may be running out of time and things she wants to spend that time on, listening to her sister read the story one last time is one of the last things she wants. And then a mysterious woman appears at her bedside and tells her she is going to die, but slowly, wasting away everything her family has in the coming months as she withers to nothing herself. Unless she enters the the Time of Iron dark romantasy world and somehow survives the story as the evil sister—who is rather inconveniently meant to die tomorrow.

Long Live Evil is told through the eyes of Rae–somebody who has watched the people around her abandon and start to dislike her as her cancer took hold of her body–as she gets pulled into a world where nobody is real. Nobody is a human being she has to care about, and she treats them just so–as pawns to be manipulated into getting her what she needs to get back to her life: the Flower of Living and Dying. She’s easily the star of the show of the three points of view, and I think she’s a character that grimdark fans are likely to enjoy for her callous disregard and manipulation of those around her and the way she changes over the course of the books. Her relationship with Key was a very interesting read and kept me glued to the pages.

The second point of view, Marius, was an interesting take on the stoic, vow-restrained bad arse character with a tragic backstory and a merciless heart—yet somehow a hero. I started out quite liking this take on a hero, almost a little bit Ned Stark-y in the way that the world is so black and white in his eyes and damn the consequences of him ensuring the right things happen around him. However, his relationship and history with the Golden Cobra and its evolution across the book just never landed for me at all, which kind of put a kink in my enjoyment of the book, because it’s an important relationship.

Emer was a bit of a wet blanket of a character for me. I’m not entirely sure on her purpose as a PoV versus a secondary character, apart from reminding us that Rae is evil, but I don’t feel she had much impact or purpose in her role as Emer, or The Iron Maid. I don’t often struggle to retain interest in a POV character, not since some of the characters in A Song of Ice and Fire, but I kept having to stop myself from skipping sentences and paragraphs because I just wanted to find something I could latch on to and care about.

Throughout Long Live Evil we watch Rae use everything and everyone to try to get back to the life she wants. She tries to manipulate her supporters (such as The Golden Cobra, one of her fellow villains), misdirect her enemies (such as King Octavianus, the hero of A Time of Iron), and survive the constant threat of being executed and thrown into the ravine (by somebody like Marius). All the while she needs to try and remember what her character Raheala did in the books before she arrived to take over Rahaela’s body / character, and how what Rae does changes the storyline and timelines she uses to pretend to be a prophet so that she’s not executed. King Octavianus remains the constant threat to Rae, his power making him all but unassailable, and his necessity to the plot for future books making him irremovable. He creates an ongoing feeling of dread for Rae, and a big bad for the story, a nice flip on all the tropes and standards stacked tall that would normally make him the hero of the book with all his horrors forgiven because of the death of his beloved and perfect Lia.

One of the key themes in this book is what cancer does to you when you are the person struggling through it. When you’re watching the world move on around you while you wilt. Seeing your friends and family start coming in less and less. Maybe even having them care less and less, and perhaps even them wanting it to be over so they can go back to their normal lives. Cancer, in any one of its many forms, has wiped out a significant part of my father’s wider family, and my mother-in-law. While I haven’t experienced its horrible touch personally, I have born witness to what it, and its treatment, does to those you love. The internal commentary on loneliness and abandonment, and the decrepifying of your body around your screaming mind, just hammered itself home. When I opened this book based on naught but a cool title and cover, I had no idea how much impact this part of the book would have on me as I sat there asking myself if I’d done enough, from the perspective of those gone from my own life (and in some fortunate cases, those still here). Reading the author’s note at the end, and realising this was lived experience, explained why it hit so hard. I am glad the author is still around and thriving, and that they received the support they needed to be able to write Long Live Evil.

Overall, I had very middling feelings about Long Live Evil. On the one hand, the cancer aspects of the book really hit home, almost bringing me to tears at times. I also mostly enjoyed the kind of piss-take nature / breaching the forth wall feeling of how we viewed the story through Rae’s eyes. It has a very similar feel to the book I reviewed earlier this year (How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler), but is a lot more cynical, due to the underlying nature of the cancer backstory. On the other hand, it also meant the big moments in the fantasy setting didn’t hit the mark like I want when reading a fantasy novel—which, I think, was kind of the point intended by the author, it just didn’t land for what I enjoy reading.

While I did enjoy some of the forth wall breaking style of delivery, the whole approach of viewing this story through the eyes of somebody who remembered most of the plot, but not all of it, then was living it, manipulating it, purposefully and then inadvertently changing it, then having other characters know what she knew, just became quite confusing for me at times, and hard to buy in to at others. I had to take my suspension of disbelief and stretch it to its absolute limit.

Overall, I’m glad I read Long Live Evil for its horrific undertone and the way the author’s lived experience shaped Rae’s character. I recommend this book as a read worth experiencing, I don’t think I’d pick up a book 2 to find out what happens next. I’ll probably ask Emma, who really enjoyed the first book, to review that one!

This one was sadly a huge let down for me :( I loved the title and the cover and the concept, but the book didn’t live up to the hype.

The writing fluctuated between overly pretentious with everything having a simile on one end and extremely basic and reading like it was written by a young teen on the other. The story felt like it really wasn’t going anywhere a lot of the time, and there was SO much tell and not show. Sadly won't be Picking up book two.

A big sloppy kiss to the Isekai genre and epic fantasy as a whole. Rae is easy to root for as she shapes the bones of her story into a narrative of triumph, and her interactions with the other characters range from funny to heartbreaking, all leading to a masterful, unexpected, end. I can't wait to hail the 'Chaos' the sequel's title promises.

Ooh, yes! This was camp in such a fun way. If you're looking for an overtly serious fantasy read, well perhaps look the other way. But if you're looking for a book that knows what it is and has so much fun with it, then you should give this a try! So so fun and cheesy in the best ways. I'll definitely read a sequel!

This was a hilarious, hijinks filled romp of a book, that was a self-aware ode to the fantasy genre. There were twists that had me gasping, even when i had worked out what was coming because they were written well. It felt cozy despite the horrors and the high stakes. The author does a wonderful acknowledgment at the end of the book citing all the inspirations and other books that have helped to build the fantasy genre.