Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

A charming, timely, and emotionally resonant LGBTQIA+ cozy fantasy about the importance of community and mental health, perfect for fans of TJ Klune and T. Kingfisher. What happens to all the mind-controlled minions when the evil villain is finally vanquished? They move to the country, become farmers, fall in love...and finally find a safe place to heal.

When Oaklin Nettlewood (accidentally) joined an evil cult at the age of seventeen, they and the rest of their small community were promptly whammied by mind control magic and forced to do unspeakable things. Now, years later, the realm's heroes have bravely saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell...leaving destruction in their wake. Because the evil minions who were nothing more than obstacles to the heroes of the world were Oaklin's last remaining family and friends, and now as the entire realm celebrates, Oaklin is left alone to pick up the pieces.

And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma, they buy a small farm on the edge of Mossley’s Rest and swear an oath: After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever. But the gentle ghost who lives in Oaklin’s house has other ideas. And as she coaxes Oaklin out of their shell and back into the world, Oaklin begins to find companionship (in the form of a grumpy horse and a very good boy dog), friendship (the local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and even romance (a paladin turned librarian who makes Oaklin's heart flutter.)

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 just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?