Assistant o the Villain is a Fantasy Romance with a generous amount of humor that was written by Hannah Nicole Maehrer and published in 2023.

If you’re looking for a dual point of view (POV) book that will make you want to break the fourth wall sometimes for a little smirk or head shake, look no further, dear reader - you may have found your next hehe haha book!

I listened to the audiobook, borrowed via Libby and my library. As per usual: What would I do without my library card? (This is your sign and reminder to support your locals).

In the next sections I will dive into what Assistant o the Villain is about, my thoughts, and my final verdict. In case there are any spoilers, you will be warned ahead so you’ll get to decide whether you’d like to continue reading this blog post or come back after you’ve read the book. ;)

You can also refer to my book rating guide that will be attached at the bottom.

The blurb

Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

After all, a good job is hard to find.

(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123257687-assistant-to-the-villain )

Thoughts on the book

Assistant to the villain may not have wowed me, but it definitely was funny, sometimes outright hilarious and other times a bit silly. It was like listening to a sitcom. The characters each had a distinct voice and way of acting, it was easy to dive into the world of the story, though the motive as to why The Villain became said villain was more elaborate.

I don’t usually read books from the antagonist’s POV, but I must admit that that was a refreshing take! Speaking of, I found the plot to be original, including elements of magic and fantastical beasts certainly added more sprinkle to the plot.

I genuinely enjoyed the setup of the plot and believe that this was a good first book as an introduction to the world for the continuation in the book series.

Pacing and plot

How Evie Sage comes to join The Villain’s cause as his assistant happens quite fast in the story. As readers, we are immediately pulled in into a high-stakes situation - we are off to a good start!

Something that is also immediately apparent is Sage’s attraction she feels for her boss. At the workplace we follow Evie - the sunshine, trying to help out the evil overlord in every way she can while The Villain - who would have thought - a grumpy man, tries to stay unaffected by her kindness.

Alongside the fact that we follow this story from the evil team’s POV, there is also a mole that is trying to interfere with The Villain’s every move. Thus, we now also have a Whodunnit aspect that was added to the plot.

I’d say that this book is both fast as well as medium paced at other parts. However, there are also some gaps which I hope to have filled in the other books of the series, as the book feels a bit patchy otherwise.

Though the story in the first book includes romantic elements, this book in particular, contained no spice. You are safe to proceed reading this cozy story, dear reader. ;)

Characters and character development

This section will include spoilers of the book. You have been warned :)

The Villain

I loved the revelation of The Villain’s name being Trystan, but also the fact that he had never kept it a secret in the first place.

It was lovely to witness how The Villain’s hard shell slowly melted to reveal a soft core. It was clear that he’d burn the world, but he would never harm his assistant, Evie Sage.

What is there to say except for swoon worthy? (Mind you, this only sounds cute if it’s fictional) We have a morally grey character with whom we can’t help but sympathise with in some way.

Grumpy, smart, strong and cunning - The Villain makes a great evil overlord.

Evangelina Sage

I loved Evie’s optimism and comebacks at her colleague and personal nemesis, albeit she may sometimes also be naive. However, I think if we took the whole setting into consideration that reminds you a bit of reading a romcom fairytale, it fits. Evie is caring and that shows especially during the hilarious scenes between her and one of The Villain’s captives - a frog.

Otherwise, I must admit that Evie’s voice sounded like that of many other female main characters in Fantasy series: a bit naive, smart when the stakes are against her and therefore always surviving situations that make little sense for her character, a caring single mother who is not the actual mother but just the sibling taking care of her family, and in love with someone who is hot.

Other characters:

We have to mention Kingsley, a sassy frog talking in single words written on signs. What an odd yet perfect addition to the story. I loved every scene he was in!

Becky and Blade are another bunch that complete the crew and add the perfect dash of chaos and tension. I am looking forward to understand more about Evie’s nemesis and her past. The budding romance (?) between these two is also something that may deserve its own spotlight, but I guess we’ll have to find out in the next books!

Memorable parts of the book

This section will include spoilers of the book. You have been warned :)

He was ruined. But he loved her anyway. Need I say more?
Every scene with Kingsley
Listen, I did not Evie’s father to be a villain himself :( My heart broke for her.

Verdict

3.5/5 stars

A book that will make you smile and giggle and have you question who the real culprit of the story is. I totally understand why this story became an instant hit and bestseller!

Thank you for making it this far and reading through my review! I would love to read about your thoughts or feedback :)

Lead your dreams,
Soso

Assistant to the villain - Book review