Apprentice to the Villain

Assistant to the Villain, Book 2

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Apprentice to the Villain

By: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Narrated by: Em Eldridge

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About this listen

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism. 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, 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 . . . out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in 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, his nefarious works, and maybe 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?

Contains mature themes.

Fantasy

Humorous

Royalty

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So where I didn't think the first book in the series worked as well as an audiobook, I'm of completely the opposite opinion about this one! I found that it flowed better, the story was easier to follow, and the narrator's performance enhanced the comedy, emotion and drama of each scene. While overall I didn't enjoy this story quite as much as book one, I'm now convinced this was the right way for me to reread the book prior to diving into book three for the first time.

I think this book is more about the character development and exploration, building the tension between Evie and The Villain, and generally getting all of the pieces in the right place for the next instalment. As a result, it does feel like there's something a bit lacking, but I can't explicitly explain what it might be. The plot doesn't quite feel fully formed - don't get me wrong, there is a path to follow through the book, but it doesn't feel quite as seamless as book one. Instead, there are moments of great clarity within the writing, that seem to have been linked together perhaps a little haphazardly? It all still works and is an eminently enjoyable read, but it's just not as evenly paced as you'd hope.

The UST between Evie and The Villain is bubbling away nicely, this I do feel like the author has got spot on. There's just enough intimacy to release the building pressure felt by the characters and reader alike, while at the same time still allowing the tension to build and for that delicious ache of frustration and the desire to scream "oh for goodness sake just jump the girl already!" to be felt in every instance of eye contact and awkward silence. I love how the insights into their inner monologues also adds to the reader's exasperation, because you know they both want it!

I do particularly like Becky's character development in this book, and the fact that you get to see her as more than just a straight-laced co-worker is really heartwarming. There's a big part of me that identifies with Becky, so it really means a lot to understand her better. Her interaction with Lyssa and the life lessons she imparts are beautifully done, as is her growing attachment to Blade and the burgeoning friendship with Evie. I really do hope we get more of this in book three.

The lightheartedness of this whole thing remains the single best thing about it. There are actually some quite heavy themes dealt with, but nonetheless you cannot help but giggle throughout. It also helps with evoking sympathy towards the characters in their darker moments; they are all so loveable there isn't even a question as to whether their actions are justified. The Villain can do what he likes to his prisoners precisely because the reader is totally on board with him being 'in the right' despite his best efforts!

Overall, while I am sure that there were elements I still didn't quite follow, it's an entertaining read that just makes me smile. And that's all I really ask for in a book!