A Stage Set for Villains Audiobook By Shannon J. Spann cover art

A Stage Set for Villains

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A Stage Set for Villains

By: Shannon J. Spann
Narrated by: Suzy Jackson
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The gods are dead. All that’s left are the Players …

The performers of the Playhouse are as worshipped as they are feared, their enchanting shows bending hearts, minds, and even reality itself. Vicious, godlike, lethal. Eighteen-year-old Riven Hesper knows the dangers better than anyone, after her own encounter with a Player resulted in a curse that is slowly killing her.

When the Playhouse announces the spectacle of a lifetime—a chance for one mortal to steal a Player’s immortality—Riven sees her last chance to live. Desperate for answers, she infiltrates the competition. There, she finds Jude, the Playhouse’s brilliant, merciless Lead Player, whose charm is as dangerous as his Craft, and strikes a deadly bargain to save her life.

But with time running out and the Playhouse’s secrets unraveling into a disturbing picture, Riven faces a grim possibility: she might not be the hero of her story after all. In fact, she may be the villain.

Because the Playhouse doesn’t just tell stories. It rewrites them.

And Riven’s might end in blood.

Caraval meets One Dark Window in this lush and dark fantasy.

©2026 Shannon Spann (P)2026 Recorded Books Dark Fantasy Difficult Situations Fantasy Literature & Fiction Loners & Outcasts Science Fiction & Fantasy Heartfelt
Surprising Twists • Unique Plot • Charming Characters • Layered Storyline • Immersive World

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Standing ovation! I had no idea what to expect going into this book since everything about it has been kept so hush hush. In a time when spoilers are everywhere, the mystery surrounding this one made it even more irresistible.

It hooked me before I even turned the first page and never let go. The intrigue never faded, and the uniqueness of this story completely blew me away. Truly unlike anything I’ve read before.

And that’s all I’m going to say. The not knowing is half the fun.

Intriguing listen! Totally unique!

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Lately, much of the market has been oversaturated with the same story told a hundred different ways; but this was a refreshing change. I wasn't sure what to expect but it wasn't what this story provided and all I can say is that I hope this book will be the success that publishers need to take a chance on unique stories moving forward. Don't get me wrong, I love aspects of that oversold story we have seen so much of; but this was more enjoyable simply due to the fact that it is so different and I wasn't able to predict every little twist and turn it took. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

A sign of change on the horizon?

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loved the twist on the theater and the ending surprised me. I really enjoyed the characters and the complex story line

great story

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In the first half I thought this was decent but was sure the plot twist coming was super obvious. But holy cow have I never been more wrong in my life. Completely unique story that had me invested in every character and immersed in the world throughout. I really could never guess what was coming next. Read it now!

Never read a book that took me by as much surprise as this!

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Loved this so much! Left it all on the page with only the ichor of the show lingering after the curtain closes

Fantastically Unique

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