If you’re searching for a book that blends gothic horror, sapphic romance, and a haunting historical setting, The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan might just be your next obsession. Released in May 2022, this standalone F/F vampire novel has garnered critical acclaim, winning the 2023 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Speculative Fiction and the Golden Crown Literary Award for Paranormal/Occult. Set in 1920s colonial Singapore, it’s a dark, steamy, and emotionally charged tale that doesn’t shy away from complex themes or visceral storytelling. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan—its plot, characters, historical backdrop, unique features, and why it’s resonating with readers worldwide. Whether you’re a horror aficionado, a romance enthusiast, or simply curious, let’s unravel this captivating narrative.
What Is The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan?
The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan is a gothic horror vampire novel that centers on a sapphic love triangle set against the sultry, tension-filled backdrop of 1927 Singapore. It follows Gean Choo, a destitute Chinese maidservant, as she navigates a dangerous entanglement with two women: Verity Edevane, her seductive British vampire mistress, and Po Lam, the gruff majordomo who seeks to save her. The story is steeped in dark romance, colonial oppression, and supernatural dread, offering readers a provocative blend of lust, power, and despair.
What sets this book apart is its innovative structure: it features two mutually exclusive endings (plus a bonus third ending via newsletter subscription), allowing readers to choose Gean Choo’s fate. This choose-your-own-adventure twist, combined with its mature themes, makes it a standout in speculative fiction. Marketed for adult readers due to its explicit content and disturbing elements, The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan isn’t a light read—it’s a raw, unflinching exploration of love and monstrosity.
The Plot of The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
The story begins with Gean Choo, a young woman burdened by her late father’s debts, accepting a job as a lady’s companion at Ambrosia Hall. Her employer, Mrs. Verity Edevane, is a mysterious widow with an alluring yet unsettling presence. As Gean Choo settles into her role, she uncovers Verity’s true nature: she’s a vampire who craves not just blood, but the emotional fealty of her prey. Verity’s need for Gean Choo’s blood—and her body—ignites a toxic, seductive relationship that blurs the lines between desire and destruction.
Meanwhile, Po Lam, Verity’s loyal majordomo, watches this unfold with growing unease. Having served Verity for decades, Po Lam is no stranger to her mistress’s cruelty, but Gean Choo’s arrival stirs a protective instinct—and unspoken feelings. As Verity’s hold tightens, Po Lam urges Gean Choo to flee, setting up a heart-wrenching dilemma: will Gean Choo choose the vampire who consumes her or the woman who offers salvation?
The narrative builds to a climactic choice, where readers decide Gean Choo’s path. One ending sees her embrace Verity’s dark love, while another follows Po Lam’s promise of freedom. A third, exclusive ending adds further depth, available only to Tan’s newsletter subscribers. This structure makes The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan a uniquely interactive reading experience.
The Characters in The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
Gean Choo: The Willing
Gean Choo is the heart of the story—a vulnerable, impressionable young woman shaped by hardship. Orphaned and desperate, she’s drawn to Verity’s charisma despite the danger, embodying “the willing” of the title. Her internal conflict—torn between self-preservation and a yearning to be needed—makes her a compelling, if flawed, protagonist. Readers often find her naivety frustrating yet relatable, a testament to Tan’s skill in crafting realistic characters.
Verity Edevane: The Wicked
Verity is the quintessential gothic villain: beautiful, manipulative, and unapologetically monstrous. As a centuries-old vampire, she exudes privilege and entitlement, viewing humans as little more than pets or sustenance. Her narcissistic charm and abusive tendencies make her a captivating antagonist, reminiscent of Anne Rice’s complex vampires. Verity’s allure lies in her duality—seductive yet horrifying—keeping readers both repelled and fascinated.
Po Lam: The Protector
Po Lam, the stoic majordomo, offers a stark contrast to Verity’s darkness. A Chinese immigrant like Gean Choo, she’s bound by duty and a troubled past, wrestling with guilt over Verity’s atrocities. Her growing affection for Gean Choo adds a tender, redemptive thread to the story. While some readers wish for more exploration of her dynamic with Verity, Po Lam’s quiet strength makes her a fan favorite.
The Setting: 1920s Colonial Singapore
One of the standout elements of The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan is its richly detailed setting. The novel unfolds in 1927 Singapore, a British colony simmering with racial tension and cultural clashes. Tan, a Malaysian Chinese Australian author, weaves historical authenticity into every page, from the Kreta Ayer Incident—a real-life clash between locals and colonial forces—to the oppressive dynamics between British colonizers and the native population.
Vampires in this world mirror the colonial hierarchy, with Verity embodying the exploitative power of the British elite. The humid, shadowy streets of Singapore enhance the gothic atmosphere, while cultural details—like Gean Choo’s role as an amah (maidservant)—ground the story in its time and place. This vivid backdrop elevates the novel beyond a typical vampire tale, making it a commentary on power and identity.
Themes Explored in The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
Toxic Love and Abuse
At its core, The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan is an allegory for intimate partner violence. Verity’s relationship with Gean Choo is a masterclass in manipulation—doting one moment, violent the next. Tan doesn’t romanticize this dynamic; instead, she exposes its devastating toll, offering a raw look at how love can trap and destroy.
Colonialism and Power
The novel critiques colonial oppression through its vampire society, where humans are subjugated much like Singaporeans under British rule. Verity’s entitlement reflects the colonizers’ arrogance, while Gean Choo and Po Lam’s struggles highlight the resilience of the marginalized.
Choice and Agency
The multiple endings underscore the theme of agency. Gean Choo’s decision—whether to stay with Verity or leave with Po Lam—mirrors the broader question of breaking free from toxic cycles. This interactive element empowers readers to shape her fate, a rare feature in traditional novels.
Gothic Horror and Sexuality
True to its genre, the book revels in gothic staples: eerie mansions, forbidden desire, and moral ambiguity. The sapphic romance adds a steamy, subversive layer, blending lust with horror in a way that’s both thrilling and unsettling.
Why The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan Stands Out
Award-Winning Recognition
Winning the Lambda Literary and Golden Crown Literary Awards isn’t just a feather in Tan’s cap—it’s a sign of the book’s impact in queer speculative fiction. These accolades highlight its excellence in storytelling and representation.
Unique Ending Structure
The choose-your-own-ending format is a bold departure from linear narratives. Readers can opt for a bittersweet escape with Po Lam, a dark surrender to Verity, or seek the bonus ending for a fresh perspective. This interactivity keeps the story fresh and replayable.
Unflinching Darkness
Tan doesn’t pull punches. The book’s explicit content—violence, gore, sexual assault, and more—demands readers confront uncomfortable truths. A detailed content warning list (available at lianyutan.com) ensures transparency, making it clear this isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Reader Reception of The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
Online reviews paint a vivid picture of the book’s reception. On Goodreads, it boasts a 4.1-star average from over 200 reviews, with readers praising its lyrical prose, immersive setting, and emotional depth. Reddit threads (e.g., r/Fantasy, r/RomanceBooks) laud its dark allure and innovative endings, though some note a slow start or wish for more Po Lam-Verity tension.
Critics like readbydee.com hail Tan as a “phenomenal writer,” captivated by Verity’s complexity and the novel’s intensity. NetGalley reviewers call it “haunting” and “exquisite,” while acknowledging its challenging themes. Common critiques include Gean Choo’s passivity and a desire for a stronger gothic atmosphere early on, but overall, it’s celebrated as a standout in its niche.
How to Read The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
Formats Available
- Ebook: Available on Amazon, Kobo, and other digital platforms (~$5.99 USD).
- Paperback: Priced around $16.99, found at Amazon or indie bookstores.
- Audiobook: Narrated with chilling precision, perfect for immersive listening.
Content Warnings
Before diving in, check Tan’s website (lianyutan.com/content-warning) for a comprehensive list. Expect triggers like rape, torture, emotional abuse, and colonial violence. This transparency helps readers prepare for the book’s intensity.
Choosing Your Ending
Read both endings in the book—Verity’s path is dark and consuming, while Po Lam’s offers hope. For the third ending, sign up for Tan’s newsletter at lianyutan.com/subscribe. Each choice reshapes the story’s emotional impact.
Where to Buy The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
- Amazon: Ebook, paperback, and audiobook options.
- Rakuten Kobo: Great for digital readers with Kobo Plus subscriptions.
- Bookshop.org: Supports indie bookstores with paperback purchases.
- Direct from Lianyu Tan: Signed copies or bundles via her site (lianyutan.com).
Prices vary, but expect $5.99–$16.99 depending on format. Look for deals on subscription platforms or secondhand sites like ThriftBooks.
Lianyu Tan: The Author Behind the Book
Lianyu Tan, a Malaysian Chinese Australian author, brings a unique perspective to speculative fiction. Living with her wife in Australia, she’s known for dark, sapphic tales that explore love’s shadowy edges. Her debut, Captive in the Underworld (an F/F Hades/Persephone retelling), showcased her knack for blending myth with raw emotion. The Wicked and the Willing cements her as a rising star, earning her dual literary awards and a loyal following. Follow her on X (@LianyuTan) or subscribe to her newsletter for bonus content.
Why You Should Read The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
For Gothic Horror Fans
The atmospheric tension, monstrous vampires, and moral ambiguity make it a must-read for genre lovers.
For Queer Representation
Its unapologetic F/F romance and complex female characters offer refreshing visibility in speculative fiction.
For a Thought-Provoking Experience
The book challenges readers to grapple with power dynamics, choice, and the cost of love—perfect for those who crave depth.
Comparing The Wicked and the Willing to Other Works
- Vs. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice: Both feature seductive, flawed vampires, but Tan’s focus on sapphic dynamics and colonial critique sets it apart.
- Vs. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado: Shares a lens on abusive relationships, though Tan leans harder into horror and historical fiction.
- Vs. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo: Similar Southeast Asian vibes, but Tan’s vampire twist and explicit romance diverge sharply.
The Cultural Impact of The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
This novel joins a wave of diverse, queer speculative fiction reshaping the literary landscape. Its awards signal a hunger for stories that blend cultural specificity with universal themes, while its dark take on vampires challenges the sparkly, romanticized tropes of the past. For Asian and queer readers, it’s a rare gem that reflects their voices in a genre often dominated by Western narratives.
Final Thoughts on The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan is a tour de force—dark, beautiful, and unapologetic. It’s not for everyone; its intensity and explicitness demand a certain headspace. But for those who embrace its shadows, it offers a gripping tale of love, power, and survival. The choose-your-own-ending feature adds replay value, while Tan’s prose and world-building leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re Team Verity or Team Po Lam, this book will haunt you long after the final page.
Have you read The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan? Which ending did you choose? Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on X. For more dark fiction insights, check out our guides on gothic horror classics or sapphic romance novels.
