Not long ago, while casually browsing TikTok, I stumbled upon a captivating concept: a morally gray villain paired with a bright, optimistic assistant. With just a tease of possible romance, I was instantly hooked. After months of following the creator, I’m thrilled to say that the book “Assistant to the Villain” has finally hit the shelves—and it’s everything I hoped for, especially for fans of compelling villains. If you enjoy tales where the villain may just steal your heart, this one’s for you.
The story follows Evie Sage, a young woman in a tough spot. With a sick father and a sibling to care for, Evie’s job prospects are bleak. When fate leads her to a run-in with the feared Villain of Rennedawn, she ends up accepting his unusual job offer. Sure, the job has its quirks—severed heads, eyeballs, and all—but her biggest challenge is dealing with her growing feelings for her villainous boss, all while trying to unmask a traitor hiding within his empire.
Character Insights in “Assistant to the Villain”
Evie, the protagonist, initially comes across as somewhat clumsy and overly cheerful—a walking hazard, if you will. Her sunny disposition perfectly complements the “assistant to the villain” trope, even if she’s a bit hard to like at first. However, as the story progresses, her character grows on you.
But it’s The Villain who steals the show. Reading from his perspective adds depth to his character, and while he sometimes embodies familiar tropes, he’s still refreshingly complex. I’d argue that he experiences more character development than Evie, but without spoiling too much, I’ll leave it at that.
The side characters also add richness to the plot. Evie’s interactions with these figures often lead to unexpected revelations. Blade, one of the standout side characters, particularly shines in the narrative. Maehrer does an excellent job weaving in these secondary relationships, enhancing the story’s overall intrigue.
Plot and Themes
The book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day workings of a villain’s empire. The relationships, particularly the slow-burning romance, are a key draw, and the mystery surrounding the hidden traitor will keep readers on edge. The ending provides satisfying closure while leaving enough questions to set up for a potential sequel—something fans will eagerly await.
While my expectations were high (thanks to the social media buzz), I did find the book’s pacing a bit uneven, especially at the start. It took some time to fully dive into the story, but once it hit its stride, the plot became much more engaging. The dialogue, which felt slightly forced at first, gradually evolved into something more natural. However, for a fantasy novel, I would have liked to see more world-building, as certain plot twists felt a bit disconnected at times.
Publication and Reception
Published by Red Tower Books (an imprint of Entangled Publishing) on August 29th, “Assistant to the Villain” marks the debut of Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Known for her presence on TikTok, Maehrer has amassed nearly 25 million views on her videos and a huge following. Her success translated to the book’s debut at #2 on the New York Times Bestsellers List, a testament to the viral enthusiasm behind this novel.
Described as a mix between The Office and The Princess Bride, the book explores Evie Sage’s journey as she navigates the challenges of working for the most feared villain in Rennedawn. With a traitor lurking in the shadows, Evie must protect her boss’s empire—while resisting her undeniable attraction to him.
The translation rights for “Assistant to the Villain” have already been sold in more than a dozen countries, and Maehrer is set to executive produce a screen adaptation. This makes the future for the Assistant to the Villain franchise very exciting, with even more content to look forward to!
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of witty, morally gray villains and slow-burn romance, “Assistant to the Villain” is a must-read. With its unique blend of humor, suspense, and heart, this fantasy romance will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. Let us know if you’ll be picking up “Assistant to the Villain” in the comments below!
FAQs about Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
1. What is Assistant to the Villain about?
Assistant to the Villain is a fantasy romance novel that follows Evie Sage, a young woman who takes on the role of assistant to the most feared villain in the kingdom of Rennedawn. As she navigates the bizarre demands of the job, she finds herself developing feelings for her villainous boss and must uncover the traitor hidden within his empire.
2. Who is the author of Assistant to the Villain?
The book is written by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, a popular fantasy romance author and TikTok creator who initially introduced the concept on social media before it became a novel.
3. Is Assistant to the Villain part of a series?
While Assistant to the Villain is a standalone book, the ending suggests the possibility of a sequel. Fans are eagerly awaiting more from Maehrer, who might expand on the universe in future books.
4. How would you describe the genre of Assistant to the Villain?
The novel blends elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy, with a focus on character development, slow-burn romance, and an overarching mystery.
5. What makes Assistant to the Villain unique?
The book combines humor with a villain-centered plot, offering a light-hearted yet intriguing take on the dynamic between a morally gray villain and his upbeat assistant. The story’s charm comes from the evolving relationship between Evie and the Villain, along with the humorous and sometimes dark situations they find themselves in.
