Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Book 2 in the series)

by The Book Pup on October 22, 2025

Blurb for the book (on Goodreads):

Book 2 in the series.

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?

My Summary:

Evie Sage is back, but this time she's not just the Villain's assistant, she's his apprentice. And after he was captured, Evie is determined to release him from the king's clutches at all costs...even her life.

Later on the hunt for her mother Nura Sage, Evie is willing to search the depths of the world searching for her. But how far deep is she willing to go?

Evie discovers that there's something thrilling about embracing the new version of herself, but with great power comes great complications. Between political schemes, magical mayhem, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments, this sequel does NOT disappoint.

If you loved the first book's perfect blend of humor, heart, and villainy, prepare to fall even deeper into this world.

My Review (Non-Spoiler)

I have been waiting for this book since I finished Assistant to the Villain, and I was NOT disappointed. This sequel had everything I expected and so much more ✨.

Let's start with Evie's character development - watching her grow from assistant to apprentice was AMAZING. She's not just supporting the Villain anymore; she's finding her own power and strength. I love how she discovers she actually enjoys her work, how she formulated a success plan to rescue The Villain, and how she became so much stronger throughout this book all in all felt incredibly satisfying 💪.

The Villain continues to be the perfect morally gray love interest, cause, of course he is 💕. He's protective and dangerous, yet conflicted about potentially "corrupting" her (YOU'RE NOT CORRUPTING HER. DISMISS THAT THOUGHT). The slow burn from the first book finally starts paying off, and their relationship evolution was executed perfectly. That dynamic where he cares deeply for her but struggles with his own nature? Chef's kiss.

What I absolutely loved was how the author balanced the romance and the plot development. This isn't just romance disguised as fantasy - it's a full fantasy adventure where the romance enhances everything.

The humor is still top-tier. Evie's inner monologue had me cracking up constantly, and the banter between characters never loses its charm even during serious plot moments. I loved how the author included The Villain's POV too, it gave an unexpected twist to the story and just made everything better. 

The pacing was incredible - I literally could not put this book down. Each chapter ended with me needing to know what happened next, and I there was always something going on.

Since we're already talking about it's pacing, I should mention this book is really fast-paced. While it maintains the slow-burn romance, there's always something exciting and new happening in every chapter. The new threats that emerge completely caught me off guard, and just when you think they're getting somewhere, Maehrer pulls the rug out in the best possible way. 

My only complaint? I need book three immediately. The way this ended has me DESPERATE for more, and waiting is going to be torture. (But hopefully by the time you're reading this, book three is already out! 🎉) 

Quick note: Don't skip Assistant to the Villain - book one is 100% essential and equally amazing!

5/5 pawprints 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

You can find the book on Goodreads here!

Happy reading!!

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