Hawthorne Vandecast is getting into their villain period… or attempting to. If anybody would begin taking them significantly. As a substitute, they’re a potion barista being prepped by their mom to take over the household espresso store within the aptly named Idlewood -a painfully frequent village solely not too long ago launched from the horrifying rule of Woman Wrath and her Brigade of Shade. Launched, however not freed as a result of Woman Wrath and her workforce’s affect nonetheless sits over the city like an evil, alluring mist. And so they’re searching for new recruits. Hawthorne yearns for the rock star way of life promised by the Brigade and the prospect it provides them to lastly be greater than a boring, frequent potion barista. How laborious may or not it’s when their greatest competitors appears to be candy as syrup Maple, who couldn’t have an oz. of Evil in her entire physique?

Arduous. Very laborious. Like, embarrassingly laborious. A nightmare audition results in an oopsie assassination leaving Hawthorne in cost and at last seeing what being a villain is. Will they prefer it? Will it lastly make them really feel totally different and particular? Or is being Evil greater than sporting cool lengthy coats and dwelling in a citadel?

There’s a sweetness and irreverence to Evil-ish that’s extremely charming. Debut creator Kennedy Tarrell provides this YA graphic the texture of a 90’s Disney fairytale (which inserts with the profession outlined of their bio) whereas twisting tropes and interesting to the cheeky bent that’s so huge in that style proper now. Readers need the villain’s story and Tarrell affords a view of the harm individuals behind villainous tropes and the way their tales may not match what we count on.

The pseudo-Medieval village of Idlewood is each comforting and clearly grating for a rising unbiased spirit like Hawthorne. Tarrell’s artwork provides to that consolation and familiarity, main the reader to count on one thing predictable and fundamental and this ebook is neither. Tarrell’s subtlety in small character moments provides the story and the figures populating it a depth and humanity that defy the fairytale aesthetic of the artwork. The dialogue is nearly completely matched to that. You’ll be able to virtually hear the giggle in Maple’s early dialogue and the disdain dripping from Hawthorne’s. It’s instantly immersive and thrilling.

Hawthorne is a tremendous character, instantly recognizable to teen readers as somebody determined to be greater than individuals see them as whereas not being positive the way to be. They’re relatable and earnest whereas additionally being just a bit clueless. Hawthorne is offered as nonbinary and this is a component that’s simply a part of the story in such a phenomenal means. They really feel totally different from the village not as a result of they’re non-binary, however as a result of -like a whole lot of teens- they need to be extra particular than they really feel like they’re. It’s a personality ingredient that’s common tied to a personality identification that’s underrepresented.

Evil-ish, accessible for buy July 22, 2025, is a lot of what I like: it’s humorous, totally different, and shockingly heartwarming with out taking itself too significantly. It’s a simple subsequent learn for followers of Nimona or Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil. Teen readers can simply discover characters to narrate to on this story whereas additionally, hopefully, recognizing that each character and particular person has a backstory which may be value studying.

Evil-ish
By Kennedy Tarrell
Feiwel and Associates, 2025
ISBN: 9781250839954

Firm Age Score: 14-18

NFNT Age Suggestion: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)

Character Illustration: Nonbinary,