Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous (Deluxe Edition)

by Autumn K England

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Pub Date Jun 02 2026 | Archive Date Not set

Description

**LIMITED EDITION WITH DELUXE DESIGNED EDGES**

STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell...leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma, Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swears an oath: After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin out of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again—though strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?

**LIMITED EDITION WITH DELUXE DESIGNED EDGES**

STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can't...

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781464243301
PRICE	$18.99 (USD)
PAGES	368

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Additional Information

Average rating from 102 members

Featured Reviews

Meredith C, Reviewer

Reading this book felt like being wrapped in a blanket in front of a fire with a hot cup of tea. On the surface this is a cozy fantasy about second chances, but it dives so much deeper with themes of guilt, friendship, healing, and forgiveness.

Oaklin Nettlewood is recovering from the trauma of having their mind controlled by an evil cult leader who forced them to use their magic to perform acts of horror. Oaklin cannot remember much from their time in the cult, but hopes that buying a farm in the small town of Mossley’s Rest will provide them with some much needed healing and solitude. What Oaklin is not expecting is a resident ghost granny, friendly and welcoming townsfolk, and a community that will do anything to support one another. Can Oaklin learn to accept support from others and begin to use their magic for good?

The world building and magic in this story are so wonderful that I wanted to dive into the pages and escape the horrid realities happening in the real world right now. Autumn K. England has created an incredible world where people are accepting, inclusive, and genuinely want to help one another. There are magical baked goods, new friends, and a gentle, soothing magic woven into the very farm Oaklin purchased.

I loved everything about this book and will be recommending it to all of my friends. I have seen rumors that there will be a second book set in this universe and really hope they are true. I would love to read more about these characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Sarah S, Reviewer

I need a book for every single townsperson is Mossley’s Rest.
This is one of the best cozy fantasy stories I’ve ever read. It’s going to be the book I suggest to people when they ask for recommendations.

It was such a wonderful story of forgiveness and healing. A powerful message for those who may have survivor’s guilt. Honestly, a powerful message for anyone and everyone.

Oaklin embodied the journey of healing in such a realistic way. The panic, the fear, the reluctance to accept help. It was so refreshing to read a character so real.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC.