Book Review :: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
ISBN: 152991776X
Series: Assistant to the Villain #2
Also in this series: Assistant to the Villain, Accomplice to the Villain
Published by Penguin Books
on 8 August 2024
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Romantasy
Pages: 336
Goodreads

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat… er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs—Kingsley’s included—point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies… including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so… so… delightfully fun.
But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Last updated on 9 April 2025

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What is Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer about?

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer continues the story of Evie Sage, who is living her best life as The Villain’s assistant.

Who would’ve guessed that working for an insanely attractive evil mastermind would be so… enjoyable? Sure, the job is a lot, there are pesky heroes to deal with, constant drama, and her boss is basically MIA when it comes to being evil.

But things have taken a turn for the worse. Rennedawn is on the brink of chaos, and every sign – especially Kingsley’s bizarre messages – says disaster. The magic in the kingdom is acting up, and the Villain’s mansion is practically an open invitation for trouble… and of course, the king is getting closer.

“She was afraid, but she knew now: fear usually meant you were standing on the edge of something new, something self-altering, something potentially good. Fear was not something she would shy away from ever again.”

Evie’s got a big job ahead of her: safeguard the Villain’s lair, protect his shadowy projects, and maybe—just maybe—save the whole kingdom. No big deal. It’s time to level up. Time to master skills like treason, expert knife throwing, and teaming up with people who are definitely not on her side. It’s all weirdly exhilarating.

Oh, and she’s accidentally promoted from assistant to apprentice.

My thoughts on Apprentice to the Villain

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Another stunning book from Hannah Nicole Maehrer. I absolutely loved Assistant to the Villain – so much so that when I bought Apprentice to the Villain in paperback, I bought Assistant too, and then re-read Assistant before reading Apprentice. And I only read Assistant about 8 months prior.

If you followed all that, you’re doing well.

Apprentice to the Villain follows on from the first book, and we’re back with Evie Sage and the Villain, doing less villainy things these days, but still being dark and broody and handsome. Evie is her bubbly usual self throughout the boo,k and every time I read her chapters I just picture Hannah Nicole Maehrer and her skits on Instagram and TikTok.

To me, Evie and Hannah are the same people. 🙈

But anyway. The story clips along at a decent rate (bit draggy in the second half for a little bit, but mostly pretty good!) and the characters we know and love (and hate) are all back for another round. The main sort of plot line is around this prophecy, Rennedawn’s Story, which says:

The person who saves the magical lands will take Fate’s youngling well in hand; when Fate and starlight magic fall together, the land will belong to you forever. However, beware the unmasked Villain and their malevolent dark, for nothing is more dangerous than a blackened good heart.

And so the team is trying to figure it all out before King Benedict, who continues to be the bad guy in this second book. The description above mentioned that Evie is accidentally promoted to ‘Apprentice’ in the story, too, and this happens in the second half of the book, when someone mislabels her and she grabs it and runs with it, which is very Evie and very hilarious.

“He would follow her off a cliff without question. And Evie knew she was in love with him. Right then, right there.”

While this book is labeled Romantasy, it’s not what you might consider Romantasy. It’s not your Fourth Wing or Quicksilver or anything by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Yes, there’s a flirtation and a little something-something between Evie and the Villain, and it becomes more so in this book, but other than a kiss or two (mostly accidentally and ‘we don’t talk about’ and ‘let’s move on’ type thing), that’s it. So don’t go in expecting spice.

Do go into this book and this series expecting a laugh, though. The characters are brilliant, and I think they really make it. The world and the fantasy element seemed a little less in this one than the first, but the characters are still some of my favourite I’ve read recently.

If you’ve read Apprentice to the Villain, I’d love to know what you thought! Let me know below!