A Stage Set for Villains by Shannon J. Spann

The quick cut: A girl looks for revenge on the playhouse and players who cursed her at a young age. 

A real review: 

If you were cursed to slowly die, what would you do with your time? Would you enjoy what time you have? Or look to ruin those who cursed you? For Riven, it's the second option. 

 Everyone knows the playhouse. Although the gods are dead, the players are practically gods themselves. Vicious and lethal, they have no problem inflicting pain of it will bring them pleasure. It's those that practically worship them that are truly frightening. When the playhouse announced an opportunity to steal a current player's immortality, it's one that Riven has to take. Why? Because her entire life plan has been upended by a player who cursed her when she was a child. Will she get revenge? 

 This story took me awhile to truly get into. Even once that happened, I got pulled out just as quickly by the chaotic ending. While I did generally enjoy the story, I do think it could have been vastly improved with some structure. 

 Riven wants to pursue her life on her terms and the curse from the players has made that impossible. It's a mark that continues to haunt her, beyond knowing her end will be sooner. It's that desperation that gets her in the trouble she's in. 

 What the story really needed was a true unveiling of information. Instead, the author would shock you with new Intel that comes from left field. Shock after shock doesn't work and will tire your audience. It definitely tired me. 

 A fascinating premise for a fantasy novel. 

My rating: 3.5 out of 5