Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1529350514
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
The Sunday Times bestseller. One sister. Two sinful princes. Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco comes the sizzling and sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked. With the enigmatic Prince of Wrath at her side, Emilia sold her soul to become Queen of the Wicked and travelled to the Seven Circles to fulfil her vow of avenging her beloved sister. But the first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. And it quickly becomes clear that nothing in Hell is what it seems. Even Wrath, her onetime ally, may be keeping secrets about his true nature. But that suits Emilia just fine - she's got secrets of her own. Faced with backstabbing courtiers, princes who delight in fear, luxurious palaces, dazzling galas, and conflicting clues about what truly happened to her sister, Emilia finds herself on a mission to unlock the mysteries of her own past and uncover the answers she craves. As long as her sins don't catch up to her first . . . *** PRAISE FOR KERRI MANISCALCO *** 'A delicious and intoxicating new fantasy by a master of murder and mayhem' Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn 'An intoxicating, tightly plotted feast for the senses' Kirkus 'A fast-paced adventure steeped in a luscious and dark world' Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights
Kingdom of the Cursed
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1529350514
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
The Sunday Times bestseller. One sister. Two sinful princes. Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco comes the sizzling and sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked. With the enigmatic Prince of Wrath at her side, Emilia sold her soul to become Queen of the Wicked and travelled to the Seven Circles to fulfil her vow of avenging her beloved sister. But the first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. And it quickly becomes clear that nothing in Hell is what it seems. Even Wrath, her onetime ally, may be keeping secrets about his true nature. But that suits Emilia just fine - she's got secrets of her own. Faced with backstabbing courtiers, princes who delight in fear, luxurious palaces, dazzling galas, and conflicting clues about what truly happened to her sister, Emilia finds herself on a mission to unlock the mysteries of her own past and uncover the answers she craves. As long as her sins don't catch up to her first . . . *** PRAISE FOR KERRI MANISCALCO *** 'A delicious and intoxicating new fantasy by a master of murder and mayhem' Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn 'An intoxicating, tightly plotted feast for the senses' Kirkus 'A fast-paced adventure steeped in a luscious and dark world' Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 1529350514
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
The Sunday Times bestseller. One sister. Two sinful princes. Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco comes the sizzling and sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked. With the enigmatic Prince of Wrath at her side, Emilia sold her soul to become Queen of the Wicked and travelled to the Seven Circles to fulfil her vow of avenging her beloved sister. But the first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. And it quickly becomes clear that nothing in Hell is what it seems. Even Wrath, her onetime ally, may be keeping secrets about his true nature. But that suits Emilia just fine - she's got secrets of her own. Faced with backstabbing courtiers, princes who delight in fear, luxurious palaces, dazzling galas, and conflicting clues about what truly happened to her sister, Emilia finds herself on a mission to unlock the mysteries of her own past and uncover the answers she craves. As long as her sins don't catch up to her first . . . *** PRAISE FOR KERRI MANISCALCO *** 'A delicious and intoxicating new fantasy by a master of murder and mayhem' Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn 'An intoxicating, tightly plotted feast for the senses' Kirkus 'A fast-paced adventure steeped in a luscious and dark world' Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights
Kingdom of the Wicked
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0316428442
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
A James Patterson Presents Novel From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series... Two sisters.One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself... And an intoxicating romance. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe -- witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0316428442
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 353
Book Description
A James Patterson Presents Novel From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series... Two sisters.One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself... And an intoxicating romance. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe -- witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...
Kingdom of the Feared
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0316342084
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes the steamy conclusion to Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Two curses. One prophecy. A reckoning all have feared. And a love more powerful than fate. All hail the king and queen of Hell. Emilia is reeling from a shocking discovery about her sister, Vittoria. But before she faces the demons of her past, Emilia yearns to claim her king, the seductive Prince of Wrath, in the flesh. She doesn’t just desire his body; she wants his heart and soul—but that’s something the enigmatic demon can’t promise her. When a high-ranking member of House Greed is assassinated, damning evidence somehow points to Vittoria as the murderer. Now, Emilia will do anything to get to the bottom of these accusations against the sister she thought she knew. Together, Emilia and Wrath play a sin-fueled game of deception to solve the murder and stop the unrest that’s brewing between witches, demons, shape-shifters, and the most treacherous foes of all: the Feared. Emilia was warned that when it came to the Wicked, nothing was as it seemed. But have the true villains been much closer all along? #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco delivers sizzling romance, sexy secrets, and unexpected twists in this unforgettable conclusion to the Kingdom of the Wicked series! Suggested for ages 16 and up.
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0316342084
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes the steamy conclusion to Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy. Two curses. One prophecy. A reckoning all have feared. And a love more powerful than fate. All hail the king and queen of Hell. Emilia is reeling from a shocking discovery about her sister, Vittoria. But before she faces the demons of her past, Emilia yearns to claim her king, the seductive Prince of Wrath, in the flesh. She doesn’t just desire his body; she wants his heart and soul—but that’s something the enigmatic demon can’t promise her. When a high-ranking member of House Greed is assassinated, damning evidence somehow points to Vittoria as the murderer. Now, Emilia will do anything to get to the bottom of these accusations against the sister she thought she knew. Together, Emilia and Wrath play a sin-fueled game of deception to solve the murder and stop the unrest that’s brewing between witches, demons, shape-shifters, and the most treacherous foes of all: the Feared. Emilia was warned that when it came to the Wicked, nothing was as it seemed. But have the true villains been much closer all along? #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco delivers sizzling romance, sexy secrets, and unexpected twists in this unforgettable conclusion to the Kingdom of the Wicked series! Suggested for ages 16 and up.
Cursed
Author: Keri Arthur
Publisher: KA Publishing PTY LTD
ISBN: 064832463X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 433
Book Description
Whomsoever draws the sword from the ancient seat of this land shall rule her, and they shall bring peace and prosperity to her people. For nearly a thousand years, the firstborn son of every Cannamore king has drawn the sword, and the land and her people have indeed prospered. Princess Nyx Bel-Hannon is neither male nor firstborn, but it’s her hand that draws the sword rather than her twin brother’s. Her reward: imprisonment. But a deep darkness now spreads across the kingdom, and her borders are threatened by creatures capable of magic powerful enough to destroy mountains and split the land asunder. Without the true heir to wield the sword, Cannamore risks annihilation. The king and crown prince want nothing more than to be permanently rid of Nyx, but cannot afford her blood on their hands. Instead, they give her to a fractious warlord in the hope he will do what they dare not. Nyx has no intention of letting the warlord get in the way of her thirst for revenge or the need to claim her throne. But it’s a quest that may well destroy the kingdom she loves, because Nyx has been cursed by the god of war. It is her destiny to save Cannamore. Or utterly destroy it. What everyone is saying about Keri Arthur’s novels: Arthur’s stories are full of adventure, action, and satisfying human interplay. The humor is dry and based in her characters’ often-painful experiences where defeat can resolve itself into personal victory. Her characters are people who work toward their goals in a hostile environment and win most of the time. They are all scarred and scared a lot of the time, but they continue down the paths they have chosen, protecting those they love along the way. Inspirational, is it not? Sharon Tucker, KRL News & Reviews, for Cursed Writing books that stay with you, fascinate and make you want more seem to be Ms. Arthur's forte, as BURN is just that kind of read. If you want a dystopic world, a sexy hero, kick-butt heroine, drakkons, mages, magic and a nice touch of romance then BURN will have to be the next book you get your hands on. Annetta Sweetko, Fresh Fiction, for Burn CITY OF LIGHT is bursting with action, suspense and the supernatural. If you’re looking for a kickass heroine with a big heart to match, look no further than Tiger. I suspect big things for her character. Anne, Under the Covers Book Blog The Kingdoms of Earth & Air series -Fantasy Romance -Magic & Military -Fantasy Action & Adventure -Sword & Sorcery -Dragons -Mythical Creatures -Strong Female Lead -Standalone Novels
Publisher: KA Publishing PTY LTD
ISBN: 064832463X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 433
Book Description
Whomsoever draws the sword from the ancient seat of this land shall rule her, and they shall bring peace and prosperity to her people. For nearly a thousand years, the firstborn son of every Cannamore king has drawn the sword, and the land and her people have indeed prospered. Princess Nyx Bel-Hannon is neither male nor firstborn, but it’s her hand that draws the sword rather than her twin brother’s. Her reward: imprisonment. But a deep darkness now spreads across the kingdom, and her borders are threatened by creatures capable of magic powerful enough to destroy mountains and split the land asunder. Without the true heir to wield the sword, Cannamore risks annihilation. The king and crown prince want nothing more than to be permanently rid of Nyx, but cannot afford her blood on their hands. Instead, they give her to a fractious warlord in the hope he will do what they dare not. Nyx has no intention of letting the warlord get in the way of her thirst for revenge or the need to claim her throne. But it’s a quest that may well destroy the kingdom she loves, because Nyx has been cursed by the god of war. It is her destiny to save Cannamore. Or utterly destroy it. What everyone is saying about Keri Arthur’s novels: Arthur’s stories are full of adventure, action, and satisfying human interplay. The humor is dry and based in her characters’ often-painful experiences where defeat can resolve itself into personal victory. Her characters are people who work toward their goals in a hostile environment and win most of the time. They are all scarred and scared a lot of the time, but they continue down the paths they have chosen, protecting those they love along the way. Inspirational, is it not? Sharon Tucker, KRL News & Reviews, for Cursed Writing books that stay with you, fascinate and make you want more seem to be Ms. Arthur's forte, as BURN is just that kind of read. If you want a dystopic world, a sexy hero, kick-butt heroine, drakkons, mages, magic and a nice touch of romance then BURN will have to be the next book you get your hands on. Annetta Sweetko, Fresh Fiction, for Burn CITY OF LIGHT is bursting with action, suspense and the supernatural. If you’re looking for a kickass heroine with a big heart to match, look no further than Tiger. I suspect big things for her character. Anne, Under the Covers Book Blog The Kingdoms of Earth & Air series -Fantasy Romance -Magic & Military -Fantasy Action & Adventure -Sword & Sorcery -Dragons -Mythical Creatures -Strong Female Lead -Standalone Novels
Cursed
Author: Thomas Wheeler
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 1534425330
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
Now an original series starring Katherine Langford on Netflix! The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full-color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller. Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King. But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen? Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave… That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else. Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny. But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 1534425330
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 416
Book Description
Now an original series starring Katherine Langford on Netflix! The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full-color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller. Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King. But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen? Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave… That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else. Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny. But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.
Furysong
Author: Rosaria Munda
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525518290
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 497
Book Description
"One of fantasy’s best series." —Booklist, starred review In this explosive conclusion to the epic trilogy that began with Fireborne, Annie and Lee are fighting for their lives—and for each other—as invading dragonfire threatens to burn their home to the ground. A new revolution is underway, and nobody will emerge unscathed. In New Pythos, Griff is facing an execution by the dragonborn, who are furious at his betrayal. He has allies on both sides seeking to defy his fate, but the price of his freedom might come at a dear cost. And Delo will have to make a choice: follow his family, or finally surrender to his conscience. Meanwhile, Annie must race home to hatch a plan to save her Guardians and their dragons. With Callipolis on the brink of collapse and the triarchy set to be reinstated, she may be the one person who can save the city—if she can overcome her own doubts about her future. Lee is a revolutionary at heart, but now he’ll have to find a way to fight with diplomacy. Going up against the dragonborn court and a foreign princess, he faces a test of loyalty that sets his head against his heart. As the fate of Callipolis darkens, Annie and Lee must determine what they are willing to sacrifice in order to save each other, defeat their enemies, and reclaim their home.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0525518290
Category : Young Adult Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 497
Book Description
"One of fantasy’s best series." —Booklist, starred review In this explosive conclusion to the epic trilogy that began with Fireborne, Annie and Lee are fighting for their lives—and for each other—as invading dragonfire threatens to burn their home to the ground. A new revolution is underway, and nobody will emerge unscathed. In New Pythos, Griff is facing an execution by the dragonborn, who are furious at his betrayal. He has allies on both sides seeking to defy his fate, but the price of his freedom might come at a dear cost. And Delo will have to make a choice: follow his family, or finally surrender to his conscience. Meanwhile, Annie must race home to hatch a plan to save her Guardians and their dragons. With Callipolis on the brink of collapse and the triarchy set to be reinstated, she may be the one person who can save the city—if she can overcome her own doubts about her future. Lee is a revolutionary at heart, but now he’ll have to find a way to fight with diplomacy. Going up against the dragonborn court and a foreign princess, he faces a test of loyalty that sets his head against his heart. As the fate of Callipolis darkens, Annie and Lee must determine what they are willing to sacrifice in order to save each other, defeat their enemies, and reclaim their home.
Ever Cursed
Author: Corey Ann Haydu
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1534437045
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
To save her sisters from a spell that has forced them to be Without, Princess Jane of Ever must work with Reagan, the witch who set the curse on her family.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1534437045
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
To save her sisters from a spell that has forced them to be Without, Princess Jane of Ever must work with Reagan, the witch who set the curse on her family.
The Cursed Crown
Author: May Sage
Publisher: Madam's Books
ISBN: 1839840013
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
No one was ever born less suited to ruling than Rissa, the thorn of the seelie realm—a half-fae so wild she’s spent the better part of a hundred years in the woods. For all her flaws, she’s the last of the high court bloodline, and the southern king seems to think that’s reason enough to slap a crown on her feathered head. He needs her to unify the seelie forces. She needs him to forget about that nonsense. In an effort to aid her people without condemning herself to a lifetime of misery, she sets off on a journey to find the one person with a stronger claim to the throne than hers: the cursed prince. Sealed in the mountains of the Wilderness, under many spells, the heir of the first seelie queen is the only royal strong enough to protect the fae lands from their immortal invaders. Surviving the untamed tribes and awakening a thousand-year-old prince seem a lot easier than ruling an entire kingdom where everyone hates her very nature. And her choices won’t come without consequences.
Publisher: Madam's Books
ISBN: 1839840013
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 537
Book Description
No one was ever born less suited to ruling than Rissa, the thorn of the seelie realm—a half-fae so wild she’s spent the better part of a hundred years in the woods. For all her flaws, she’s the last of the high court bloodline, and the southern king seems to think that’s reason enough to slap a crown on her feathered head. He needs her to unify the seelie forces. She needs him to forget about that nonsense. In an effort to aid her people without condemning herself to a lifetime of misery, she sets off on a journey to find the one person with a stronger claim to the throne than hers: the cursed prince. Sealed in the mountains of the Wilderness, under many spells, the heir of the first seelie queen is the only royal strong enough to protect the fae lands from their immortal invaders. Surviving the untamed tribes and awakening a thousand-year-old prince seem a lot easier than ruling an entire kingdom where everyone hates her very nature. And her choices won’t come without consequences.
The Cruel Fae King
Author: Rebecca Grey
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781706975571
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
He says I'm his fated mate.I say I'm his fated enemy.I was stripped of my royal title because of him. I was banished to a deserted island and left to die because of him.Only when I'm his last option does he remember I exist at all. Now this cruel king is taking me captive to be his bride, join his people, and save his kingdom from a spreading plague.The witch claims this is our destiny written in the magic of the flames and the waves of the sea. I choose my own destiny though. And I'll drown in those cold waters than ever be bound to him.Because he doesn't need a fated fae mate. He needs a savior.And I'd rather die than be either of those things for the Cruel King.NOTE: The Cruel Fae King is a fiery, panty melting enemies to lovers tale intended for readers 18 and over. Fans of Holly Black, Sarah J Maas, and all things sexy fae will fall in lusty hate with the Cursed Kingdoms Series.Reading OrderThe Cruel Fae King - Releasing Nov 19thBook Two - Releasing Dec 10thBook Three - Release date coming soon
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781706975571
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
He says I'm his fated mate.I say I'm his fated enemy.I was stripped of my royal title because of him. I was banished to a deserted island and left to die because of him.Only when I'm his last option does he remember I exist at all. Now this cruel king is taking me captive to be his bride, join his people, and save his kingdom from a spreading plague.The witch claims this is our destiny written in the magic of the flames and the waves of the sea. I choose my own destiny though. And I'll drown in those cold waters than ever be bound to him.Because he doesn't need a fated fae mate. He needs a savior.And I'd rather die than be either of those things for the Cruel King.NOTE: The Cruel Fae King is a fiery, panty melting enemies to lovers tale intended for readers 18 and over. Fans of Holly Black, Sarah J Maas, and all things sexy fae will fall in lusty hate with the Cursed Kingdoms Series.Reading OrderThe Cruel Fae King - Releasing Nov 19thBook Two - Releasing Dec 10thBook Three - Release date coming soon
Blood Lands
Author: Stacey Marie Brown
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781956600049
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Nobody can hear your screams from the depths of hell... Those who survived Halálház, never imagined going back. But this isn't Halálház, this is Věrhăza, and nothing can prepare any of them for this. With General Markos in control of the new prison, torture and cruelty is taken to a whole new level. But what Brexley is forced to do, will not only change her, but the course of this war. With her powers starting to show themselves, Brexley risks everything to save those she loves from dying; but in doing so, she exposes her abilities to Istvan. When she and Warwick are tortured and used as experiments, she finds that Istvan's deceit and betrayal go far deeper than she ever knew. And what he will do to stay in control. As Brexley's powers grow, so does the hate and darkness inside. Her hands are marked red, her soul heavy in guilt. There has been so much death, pain, and agony. When does someone break? How much can one person take before the hero turns into the villain....
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781956600049
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 278
Book Description
Nobody can hear your screams from the depths of hell... Those who survived Halálház, never imagined going back. But this isn't Halálház, this is Věrhăza, and nothing can prepare any of them for this. With General Markos in control of the new prison, torture and cruelty is taken to a whole new level. But what Brexley is forced to do, will not only change her, but the course of this war. With her powers starting to show themselves, Brexley risks everything to save those she loves from dying; but in doing so, she exposes her abilities to Istvan. When she and Warwick are tortured and used as experiments, she finds that Istvan's deceit and betrayal go far deeper than she ever knew. And what he will do to stay in control. As Brexley's powers grow, so does the hate and darkness inside. Her hands are marked red, her soul heavy in guilt. There has been so much death, pain, and agony. When does someone break? How much can one person take before the hero turns into the villain....