A Delightfully Wicked Romp Through the Dark Side
You know that feeling when you bite into a chocolate truffle, expecting it to be sweet, and instead get hit with a burst of spicy chili? That’s the sensation I got reading Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s “Apprentice to the Villain.” It’s a fantasy romance that takes everything you expect from the genre and turns it on its head, delivering a story that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and deliciously dark.
The Plot: Evil Never Looked So Good
Evie Sage is back, folks, and she’s loving life as The Villain’s assistant. I mean, who wouldn’t? Dashing evil overlord for a boss, paperwork that occasionally tries to eat you, and a frog prince named Kingsley who communicates via sign language. Just another day at Massacre Manor, right?
But here’s the kicker – Rennedawn’s magic is going haywire, and The Villain’s lair is about as secure as a paper bag in a rainstorm. With the big bad boss temporarily out of commission, it’s up to Evie to save the day. Oh, and maybe the entire kingdom while she’s at it. No pressure or anything.
What follows is a rollicking adventure filled with dagger-throwing lessons, acts of treason (the fun kind!), and enough sexual tension to power a small city. Maehrer weaves a tale that’s part romantic comedy, part fantasy epic, and all heart.
Characters: A Rogues’ Gallery to Root For
Let’s talk about our leading lady, shall we? Evie Sage is the kind of protagonist you want to grab a coffee with – or maybe a cauldron brew, in this case. She’s plucky, she’s determined, and she’s got a knack for finding trouble that would make Harry Potter jealous. Her journey from bumbling assistant to badass apprentice is a joy to watch unfold.
And The Villain? Oh boy. Trystan Maverine is the brooding antihero of your dreams, folks. He’s got more emotional baggage than an airport carousel, but underneath all that darkness is a heart of… well, not gold exactly. Maybe obsidian? Whatever it is, watching him slowly melt under Evie’s sunshine personality is heart warming.
The supporting cast is equally delightful. From Becky, the no-nonsense HR manager with a secret past, to Blade, the dragon trainer with a heart of gold, each character feels fully realized and adds their own flavor to the story.
Writing Style: Wit Sharper Than a Villain’s Dagger
Maehrer’s writing is like a playful puppy—energetic, occasionally chaotic, but impossible not to love. Her prose bounces along with a manic energy that perfectly captures Evie’s personality. One minute you’re laughing at a particularly clever quip, and the next you’re swooning over a tender moment between our leads.
What really sets “Apprentice to the Villain” apart is its ability to balance humor with genuine emotional depth. Sure, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (I’m looking at you, scene where Evie tries to learn sword fighting), but Maehrer isn’t afraid to dive into darker territory when the story calls for it.
World-Building: A Realm of Magical Mayhem
Rennedawn is a world that feels both familiar and fresh. Maehrer takes classic fantasy tropes—evil overlords, magical prophecies, sentient plants—and gives them just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. The magic system, centered around the idea of fading power and ancient destinies, provides a solid foundation for the plot without ever feeling overly complex.
One of my favorite aspects of the world-building is how Maehrer infuses everyday office life with fantastical elements. The result is a delightful mash-up that had me giggling at the thought of using pumpkin projectiles as office supplies.
Themes: Finding Light in the Darkness
At its core, “Apprentice to the Villain” is a story about finding your place in the world – even if that place happens to be on the dark side. Evie’s journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, as she learns to embrace her strengths and stand up for what she believes in.
The book also explores themes of family, both chosen and blood. Evie’s relationship with her long-lost brother Gideon adds a layer of complexity to the story, while her bonds with the Massacre Manor crew show that family isn’t always about who you’re related to.
And of course, there’s the romance. Maehrer deftly handles the enemies-to-lovers trope, creating a slow-burn relationship between Evie and Trystan that had me alternately squealing with delight and wanting to bash their heads together in frustration. It’s a testament to her writing that their eventual coming together feels both inevitable and deeply satisfying.
Comparisons: A League of Its Own
If you enjoyed the witty banter and office hijinks of “The Assistant” by Danielle Owen, you’ll find a lot to love here. Maehrer’s blend of romance and fantasy also brings to mind Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, albeit with a hefty dose of humor injected.
Fans of T. Kingfisher’s “Paladin’s Grace” will appreciate the way Maehrer balances darkness and light, creating a world that feels dangerous without ever losing its sense of fun.
Critiques: A Few Wrinkles in the Evil Plan
While “Apprentice to the Villain” is a thoroughly enjoyable read, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags, with a few too many training montages slowing down the main plot.
Additionally, some readers might find the sheer number of plot threads a bit overwhelming. Between the failing magic, the prophecy, Evie’s family drama, and the looming threat of the king, there’s a lot to keep track of. While Maehrer generally juggles these elements well, there are moments where it feels like certain storylines get short shrift.
Conclusion: A Villain-ously Good Time
Despite these minor quibbles, “Apprentice to the Villain” is a triumph. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a goofy grin on your face and an overwhelming urge to hug the nearest evil overlord (not recommended in real life, folks).
Maehrer has crafted a sequel to Assistant to the Villain that not only lives up to the promise of the first book but exceeds it in nearly every way. The characters are richer, the stakes are higher, and the romance is even swoonier. It’s a testament to her skill as a writer that she can take such potentially dark subject matter and infuse it with so much joy and heart.
Whether you’re a fantasy fan, a romance lover, or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, “Apprentice to the Villain” has something for you. It’s a book that reminds us that even in the darkest times, there’s always room for love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of villainy.
So go ahead, embrace your inner bad guy, and dive into this delightfully wicked world. Just be warned—you might find yourself rooting for the villains by the end. And honestly? That’s not such a bad thing.
