Once Upon a Time in an Evil Lair…
You know that feeling when you’re just trying to pay the bills and suddenly find yourself working for the most notorious villain in the kingdom? No? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s debut novel “Assistant to the Villain” is about to take you on a wild ride through the halls of Massacre Manor. It’s like if your favorite fairy tale got drunk and decided to apply for a job at The Office – and I am here for it.
The Plot Thickens (Like a Suspicious Potion)
A Job to Die For (Literally)
Meet Evie Sage, our plucky protagonist who’s just trying to keep her family afloat. When a chance encounter with The Villain (yes, that’s his actual title) leads to a job offer, she does what any sensible person would do: she takes it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work in a place where severed heads are used as office decor? It’s a real conversation starter.
As Evie navigates her new role as personal assistant to the most feared man in Rennedawn, she discovers that evil has its perks. Great dental plan, for one. But more importantly, she finds herself drawn to her brooding, surprisingly hot boss. Because nothing says “employee of the month” like developing a crush on the guy who could literally end your life with a snap of his fingers.
Betrayal, Intrigue, and Paperwork
Just when Evie’s getting the hang of dodging eyeballs and organizing nefarious schemes, she stumbles upon a rat in the dungeon. And no, I don’t mean the furry kind (although I’m sure there are plenty of those too). Someone’s trying to sabotage The Villain’s evil empire, and it’s up to Evie to figure out who before her dream job – and possibly her life – goes up in flames.
Characters You’ll Love (Even If They Might Kill You)
Evie Sage: The Little Tornado That Could
Evie is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often takes itself too seriously. She’s quick-witted, endearingly clumsy, and has a heart of gold – which, frankly, is a liability in her line of work. Her internal monologue had me snorting with laughter more times than I care to admit. Evie’s journey from wide-eyed assistant to… well, you’ll have to read to find out, is both hilarious and surprisingly touching.
The Villain: More Than Just a Pretty Face (of Evil)
Known only as “The Villain” for most of the book, our leading man is deliciously complex. He’s got the whole tall, dark, and homicidal thing going on, but underneath that carefully cultivated evil exterior beats the heart of a man with a traumatic past. His gradual softening towards Evie is like watching an ice sculpture melt – beautiful, slightly messy, and potentially hazardous to your health.
Supporting Cast: A Motley Crew of Misfits
From Kingsley the surprisingly expressive frog to Blade the hapless dragon trainer, Maehrer populates her world with a cast of characters that are as colorful as they are entertaining. Special shoutout to Becky, Evie’s office nemesis, whose cutting remarks and grudging respect for our heroine provide some of the book’s best moments.
Writing Style: A Masterclass in Mayhem
Humor That Kills (But in a Good Way)
Maehrer’s writing is sharp, witty, and dripping with sarcasm. The banter between characters is top-notch, with zingers flying faster than arrows on Scatter Day (don’t ask, just read). But what really sets this book apart is its ability to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine heart. One minute you’re giggling over Evie’s latest mishap, the next you’re feeling all the feels as she and The Villain share a vulnerable moment.
Pacing: Keeping You on Your Toes (And Turning Pages)
The plot moves at a brisk pace, with enough twists and turns to keep even the most jaded reader engaged. Maehrer expertly weaves together multiple storylines, building tension and intrigue right up to the explosive finale. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out – BAM! – she hits you with a plot twist that’ll have you gasping louder than an intern during torture practice.
Worldbuilding: A Delightfully Dark Fairy Tale
Welcome to Rennedawn, Where Evil is a 9-to-5 Job
Maehrer has created a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. The kingdom of Rennedawn is a place where magic and mundanity coexist, where villains have HR departments and heroes are more of a nuisance than anything else. It’s a brilliant subversion of traditional fairy tale tropes, and I found myself wanting to explore every nook and cranny of this twisted wonderland.
Magic System: Practical and Peculiar
The magic in “Assistant to the Villain” is seamlessly integrated into the world, from enchanted office supplies to the more sinister aspects of The Villain’s powers. I particularly enjoyed the creative uses of magic in everyday office life—who knew a cursed photocopier could be so entertaining?
Themes: More Than Just Villainous Shenanigans
Finding Your Place in a World of Gray
At its core, “Assistant to the Villain” is a story about finding where you belong, even if that place happens to be on the wrong side of the law. Evie’s journey of self-discovery resonates deeply, challenging the notion of what it means to be “good” or “evil” in a world that’s rarely black and white.
The Power of Chosen Family
As Evie builds relationships with her eccentric coworkers, the book explores the idea of found family. It’s heartwarming to watch these misfits come together, forming bonds that are stronger than any magical contract (but those are pretty binding too, just ask Evie’s pinky finger).
Romance: A Love Story to Die For
Slow Burn with a Side of Danger
The romantic tension between Evie and The Villain is exquisitely crafted, simmering just below the surface for much of the book. Their relationship develops organically, built on mutual respect, witty exchanges, and the occasional life-or-death situation. It’s a slow burn that’ll have you screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at the pages.
Consent and Power Dynamics
Maehrer handles the potential ickiness of a boss-employee romance with surprising sensitivity. The power imbalance is acknowledged and addressed, making the eventual romantic payoff all the more satisfying.
Comparisons and Context
A Fresh Voice in Fantasy Romance
While “Assistant to the Villain” is Maehrer’s debut novel, it showcases a confidence and flair that many seasoned authors would envy. Fans of T.L. Huchu’s “The Library of the Dead” or Naomi Novik’s “A Deadly Education” will find familiar elements of magical bureaucracy and dark academia, but Maehrer’s unique blend of humor and heart sets her apart.
From TikTok to Triumphant Debut
It’s worth noting that “Assistant to the Villain” began life as a viral TikTok series. Maehrer’s ability to translate the energy and charm of her short-form content into a full-length novel is impressive, proving that social media can be a launchpad for genuinely talented writers.
Final Verdict: A Villainous Victory
“Assistant to the Villain” is a riotous romp through a world of magic, mayhem, and mildly terrifying office politics. Hannah Nicole Maehrer has crafted a story that’s as hilarious as it is heartfelt, with characters you can’t help but root for (even when they’re plotting world domination).
Is it perfect? No. There are moments where the pacing lags slightly, and some of the secondary plot threads could have been more fully developed. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a stellar debut.
If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and possibly reconsider your career choices, “Assistant to the Villain” is a must-read. Just be prepared for some strange looks when you start giggling maniacally on your morning commute. (Because nothing says “job well done” like a macabre office decoration)
Who Should Read This Book:
- Fantasy lovers with a dark sense of humor
- Anyone who’s ever had a terrible boss (and fantasized about them being an actual villain)
- Readers looking for a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope
- People who appreciate a good pun, even in life-threatening situations
Who Should Skip It:
- Those with a weak stomach for mild gore and violence (it’s villainy, folks, not a tea party)
- Readers who prefer their fantasy strictly serious and humorless
- Anyone who’s never daydreamed about having magical powers at work (but seriously, who are you?)
In conclusion, Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s “Assistant to the Villain” is a delightful debut that promises great things to come. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who’s ever felt like the hero of their own story might actually be the villain – and decided to roll with it anyway. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go update my resume. I hear there’s an opening for an assistant position at a certain evil lair…
