If you are looking for a humorous, action-packed romantasy you’ll want grab Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. This is the second book in the Assistant to the Villain series and delivered all I expected and more. Narrated by Em Eldridge, the audiobook brought the characters, snark and adventures to life.
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Series: Assistant to the Villain #2
Narrator: Em Eldridge
Length: 12 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
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?
This series is such fun with its hints of fairy tales, our mysterious and grumpy Villain and, of course, Evie, our loveable heroine. Like most fantasy, this series is best read in order of release as the world and relationships build.
Apprentice to the Villain picks up right where the cliffhanger ending of Assistant to the Villain lets off. We dove right back into the action, as our Villain, thinking the worst, gives up all hope. Twists and turns hooked me from the first chapter.
The author continued to flesh out the world and introduced new characters while building current characters. We have suspense, romance, humor and found family. Magic and danger await you as Maehrer weaves magic and invites readers to ponder the question, “what is a villain?”
Evie continues to evolve, and I loved the interaction between her and the Villain. Unspoken words and a building attraction provide plenty of swoons as Evie worked to keep the Villain’s lair safe and protect the kingdom from their nemesis.
I could not imagine not listening to this series. Em Eldridge brings these characters and the story to life with her voices and tone. I cannot wait for the next installment coming in 2025.
About Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Hannah Nicole Maehrer—or as TikTok Knows her, @hannahnicolemae—is a fantasy romance author and BookToker with a propensity for villains. When she’s not creating bookish comedy skits about Villains and Assistants, she’s writing to Taylor Swift songs. Her biggest passions in life include romance, magic, laughter, and finding ways to include them all in everything she creates. Most days you can find her with her head in the clouds and a pen in her hand.
About Em Eldridge
Em Eldridge's audiobook career really began when her little sister was born and she started reading to her. Em has narrated over 100 titles and has earned an Earphones Award from AudioFile magazine and a Voice Arts Award. She loves playing the piano and singing along when no one's listening.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I heard such great things about the first one. I might try to listen to them since you say the audiobooks are so good. Great review!
rolé @ hooked by that book
I can’t wait to read this. I just finished rereading the first one and I’m ready. Great review.
Katherine
I listened to the first book and adored it. I pre-ordered the second book but have a feeling I will be picking it up on audio too. I’m glad to see you enjoyed this one as well as the first one. I can’t wait to read it!
Sophie
I love that series but I confess that the romance in this instalment had me so frustrated! I don’t like the “trope” I am bad for her so I decide (without asking her) to distance myself… miscommunication is something I don’t like in romances LOL
Kimberly
Yes, I totally get that. I am hoping we see him grow since his feelings are obvious despite the protests are there.
Jen Twimom
I have only read one villain-protagonist funny story and I really enjoyed it. I should try more!
Victoria
Ah, I started the first book on audio and got distracted and didn’t finish it, but now I can go back and finish and go straight to book two and not have to be stuck on a cliffhanger. My fickle reading behavior pays off!
Angela (Angel's Book Nook)
This series does sound fun. Thanks for the review.
Anne- Books of My Heart
These books do sound really fun.
Sophia Rose
LOL, I think I’d enjoy it. Enjoyed your review, Kimberly!