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
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?
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a sequel that delivers just as much fun and charm as the first book. The quirky world, lovable characters, and sharp humor return in full force, making it a joy to dive back in.
If I had one gripe, it would be the romance. The will-they-won’t-they dynamic feels a bit drawn out, and the constant longing mixed with refusal to communicate feelings can get tiresome. It’s especially noticeable since I’m not even here for the romance, so when it keeps stalling the character development or the plot, it becomes more frustrating than swoon-worthy.
That said, the rest of the book more than makes up for it. The characters are just as weird, warm, and endearing as they were in book one. Spending time in their magical, chaotic world feels like hanging out with old friends. The secret hideout continues to be a delight, equal parts whimsical and unhinged and honestly, I wouldn’t mind working there… as long as I can skip scatter day!
What really stands out, though, is the theme of found family. It’s beautifully woven into the story, showing how home can be something you build with people who choose you, especially when your own family lets you down. The loyalty between friends (well, the ones who aren’t plotting your doom) is touching, and adds emotional depth beneath the humor.
The plot does meander a bit, but that never bothered me. The real strength of the book lies in its banter, character interactions, and the author’s consistent tone and voice. It’s a story more about connection and chaos than a tight narrative arc and that works just fine for me.
All in all, this is a satisfying, heartwarming sequel, which blends cosy and dark, comfy and gory and balances absurdity with surprising moments of depth.
I’ll definitely be sticking around for book three.
