Apprentice to the Villain (Assistant and the Villain, 2)

This second book in the series was just as great as the first. The humor. The snark. The emotions. The intrigue. So so good. It kept me completely enthralled from the first word until the last with three dimensional characters, a captivating storyline, layered world building, palpable tension, unexpected twists, laughs, and understated romance. I fell head first into the story and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The book started just where the last book left us. Trystan, the Villain, has been captured by King Benedict and Evie’s father is evil. Now it’s currently up to Evie. So just rescue the Villain, save Rennedawn, fix the magic, and try to keep her heart in check. Easy peasy. I am loving the push-pull of the dynamics between Evie and Trystan. It’s delicious perfection and causes me to low key yell at them to just admit their feelings already while rolling my eyes of course. The author once again does a fantastic job of portraying the grayness of the Villain and his employees who are neither all good nor all bad. They are three dimensional beings - real, relatable people who have scars and flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy beings. The story includes all the goodness that you’d expect from this genre - fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil entities, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, mystical coincidences, snark, mystery, secrets, betrayal, revelations, plot twists, and laughs. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book is a delightful twist on the classic trope of heroes and villains, offering readers an engaging blend of humor, romance, and fantasy. The story weaves a captivating tale that pulls you into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, and the relationships between characters are as intricate as the plots they weave. Wright does a masterful job of developing the FMC character, giving her depth and relatability, and showing us just how clever she is!! Be prepared for a lot of "oh shxt" moments you might have missed, but Miss Evie did not. I really enjoyed how the book delved into deeper themes of redemption and the potential for change. Is the villain bad or good? Surprisingly, LOVED this book. I was on the fence on reading it since the first one was meh (except the last 20% of book 1), but this book had a LOT to unravel. The plot thickens.... can't wait for book 3!!! Also, audio was chef's kiss!!! A++ to the narrator!

Apprentice to the Villain was an absolute joy to read—funny, romantic, and filled with the kind of clever banter and swoony tension that made me fall in love with Assistant to the Villain in the first place. Evie and the Villain have such fantastic chemistry, and the way their relationship evolves in this sequel had me grinning, swooning, and occasionally yelling at the page. The stakes are higher in this one, and we get deeper into the world, the magic, and the danger—which only made me love it more. I laughed out loud more than once, but there were also moments that hit surprisingly hard emotionally. It’s a perfect mix of humor, heart, and high fantasy drama. This series is officially a favorite, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. If you love morally gray villains, chaotic heroines, and romantic tension with just the right amount of snark, this book is for you. #ApprenticeToTheVillain #HannahNicoleMaehrer #AssistantToTheVillain #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReview #VillainLoveStory #ReadersOfInstagram #BookTokRecs #Bookstagram #SlowBurnRomance #FantasyWithHumor #EnemiesToLovers #FoundFamilyVibes #MorallyGrayMen

Apprentice to the Villain is a delightful follow-up to Assistant to the Villain, blending humor, heart, and fantasy adventure in the best ways. This sequel keeps all the charm and cleverness of the first book while raising the stakes with a deeper, more emotional story. What Makes It Shine: Engaging plot with whimsy: This book expands the world, weaving in magical prophecies, dangerous threats, and the challenge of saving the kingdom—all while keeping the witty, quirky tone that made the first story so fun. Vibrant characters: Evie’s optimism and courage balance beautifully against the Villain’s brooding, layered personality. The side characters—from quirky allies to comedic troublemakers—add richness and levity. Romantic tension: The slow-burn chemistry between Evie and the Villain is magnetic. The banter, stolen moments, and longing make their relationship feel both heartfelt and exciting. Sequel strength: Unlike many middle books, this one avoids “filler syndrome.” There’s steady character growth, forward momentum, and new stakes that keep the story moving. Things to Note: Repetitive pacing in spots: Some situations—like captures or setbacks—play out a little too often, slowing things slightly. Romantic yearning overload: The pining is delicious, but some readers may find themselves wishing for more payoff sooner. Final Thoughts: Apprentice to the Villain earns five stars for being witty, whimsical, and emotionally satisfying. It combines comedy, magic, and romance into a story that’s both cozy and compelling. Fans of slow-burn tension, quirky casts, and heartfelt fantasy will be completely enchanted.

First of all, let me say the “prophecy” is wrong. Something is far more dangerous than an unmasked villain with a blackened good heart, it’s me when I finish a book and find out the next installment in the series won’t be published for FIVE MORE MONTHS. If someone heard my inner dialogue about that, I’d definitely be considered a villain. On a serious note, this book is good. So good that I read it in a day. It continues the storyline from the original book while allowing it to expand in a way that doesn’t feel forced or unnatural. It provides the ability to become better acquainted with supporting characters. It provides the same witty dialogue, and THE ACTION. Again, it was action-packed, but not one of those books you read where every single page is about a battle that never ends. Instead of one prolonged war, this is like a marathon of mini battles, and they actually move the plot along. I’m assuming “fate” will finally find its way eventually to bring Evie and Trystan together, but let me just say if it doesn’t, someone will meet these hands (mine, in case you were wondering) — probably not in a physical fight way because I hate confrontation, but in a strongly worded review. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT, HANNAH.

Let me first start off by saying that I LOVED the first book. I thought it was so clever and witty. In contrast, this was a bit of a letdown. It was still an entertaining read, don't get me wrong! It just felt a bit haphazard. Pros - The author is really good at including witty banter between the characters. It definitely made me laugh a few times with their back-and-forth comments. Cons - The writing felt a bit underdeveloped. Things just seemed to happen to characters in a very Deus ex machina way. Evie got stabbed in the previous book and then all of a sudden, the knife became a magical protector that could fly through the air for her. Trystan's magic sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, but only when it's convenient to the plot. People kidnapped Evie and Trystan, and they almost drowned, but then immediately the kidnappers decided to let them go once they escaped. Like....then why even do it???? It almost felt like the writer was trying to figure out the story along the way instead of having a predetermined ending that made sense. - The writing also felt a bit immature. I would say this is a perfect book for young teens if it didn't have so many f-bombs in it. - The Villan basically turned into a sappy puddle of goo every time the FMC looked at him. I get it. He's in love. But if I have to hear that "she will be the death of me" because she's looking at him or teasing him or touching him, I'm gonna scream. - I hate the trope where characters don't communicate. They both have feelings for each other but don't communicate them because of *dramatic pause* personal reasonssss. - The younger sister needed to chill. She was being a little troublemaker and everyone's like "oh my gosh you are so cute and sweet and we aren't gonna discipline you." Ground her or something, for Pete's sake!! - Everyone is crushing on someone else. That's fine. Include other love interests and what not, but LITERALLY everyone is like, "Oh, they are hot, but I'm not gonna do anything about my feelings. I'm just being ridiculous." That's all. Thank you for listening to my rant. Again, these are all personal preferences that are super nitpicky, but overall, it was a fun, quick read.

Hannah, you've now become my second favorite contemporary author. I know that must sound ridiculous, as I'm simply unknown reader. Why would my appreciation or opinion matter? I read around 300+ books yearly & honestly, reading Is my greatest vice. (I listen to books while gardening as well!) I consider it cheating, but can't give it up. As I'm sure you know, having a unique book idea, is very rare these days. Many authors seem to harvest bits an pieces of others story's & pass it off as new. while these books can be enjoyable, they are not unique or wholly new. I'm not meaning insult on various authors, I'm not a writer, but I do understand how difficult it must be, to birth a wholly new idea. Sooo.... the joy of finding a whimsical, and wholly unique ORIGNAL tale is rare & wonderful. You've an intelligent primary female, an autocrat (seemingly) male lead & your supporting cast, is a wonderful basket of emotions & motives, adding color and complexity. I enjoy the drama, yearning,frustration, humor, surprise and slow blending of found family creating & fighting the good fight. In 2012, I found "Throne of Glass". Sarah Mass became a favorite author, and years later, my favorite contemporary author. Her world building, amazing & complex characters & writing skill, set her apart, as did the fact that her tales were wholly Unique. I'm pleased to have found "Apprentice to the Villain" in august 2024. I almost skipped it, but then decided....what the hell. I'm glad I did. I hope one day, I'll get the opportunity to say hello & perhaps blessed with my Villain books signed. Thank you for your gift of talent. I'm looking forward to August 5th release of the third book.

Wow!!! I loved this book just as much as the first, if not more. There was more adventure with even more twists and turns as well. The characters are all so relatable in their own way and I love the overlying theme of found family woven throughout the story. Not to mention the fact that the tension between Evie and Trystan alone is enough to make me want to keep reading. I highly recommend this series to everyone!!!

Love this series, fun and light for when you just want to switch your brain off for a bit

Both this one and the first book were lovely, many moments where I genuinly laughed at the scenes unfolding. The realationship between the 2 main characters is very cute and lovely, at times the M.M.C pissed me off though with his ''holding back'' but it fit with his character which only shows hes well written. Would recomend this series for anyone in the mood for a bit of lighthearted banter and a M.M.C who becomes a vengefull, protective cinnamon bun when it comes to the woman hes in love with. Will get book 3 when it's out! :)

Auch in “Apprentice to the Villain” hatte ich wieder richtige Lachflashs dank Hannah Nicole Maherers Charakteren und ihrem humorvollen Schreibstil. Evie wächst in diesem Band weiter über sich hinaus und wird befördert. Außerdem befreit sie the Villain und die beiden versuchen neben ihren Gefühlen auch dem König zu entkommen. Und als Sahnehäubchen verschiebt sich die Grenze zwischen Gut und Böse und sie müssen versuchen Evie’s Mutter und die Magie zu retten. Es ging also ganz schön drunter und drüber. Es wurde richtig spannend, aber natürlich kam niemals der Spaß zu kurz. Es wurden immer wieder Stellen eingebaut bei denen ich einfach nur laut loslachen musste. Es war fantastisch. Eine ganz große Leseempfehlung und ich kann den nächsten Band kaum noch erwarten!

Wszystko w porządku, błyskawiczna dostawa

This book was amazing! All too often the second book in a series can be a letdown compared to the first in the series. This is definitely not the case for Apprentice to the Villain. This book further expands from the first, jumping off right where the first ended. It looks deeper into the characters and brings to light the trauma that not only the main characters have gone through, but also some of the side characters who you grow to love as you read the book. If you are someone that enjoys romantacy, this book is the book for you! Although this is not a steamy book, you still get that beautiful tension between Evie and Tristain that has you constantly wondering will they or won't they. Guess we'll just have to keep reading to find out...