HANNAH NICOLE MAEHRER
(Book 2 in the Assistant to the Villain series)
Synopsis:
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?
Content:
Language: Uses of minor language and a few scattered uses of "f" and "s."
Violence: Casual and often off-handed/joking discussions of murder and robbery, descriptions of blood, imprisonment, fighting (with swords and magic), magical siphoning/torture using plants, brief depiction of and several mentions of torture (including an explanation of a torture rack), and heads hanging from the ceiling. The Villain has magic that allows him to find and exploit anyone's weak spots. There is some mention of a past stabbing. A character's backstory deals with torture. A mysterious and incurable illness results in high numbers of death.
As a side note, the main characters are villains. They're a very lovable group of villains, but they discuss murder and death callously most of the time. Some of the points listed above result from their actions.
Sex: Allusions to sex, sexual thoughts, and kissing. In book one, there were also mentions of attempted sexual assault/rape. While not addressed in book 2, the incident and characters involved are brought up occasionally.
LGBTQ: Two side characters are lesbians and have had a past relationship (and engagement) to each other. There are a few instances in the books where the FMC concludes they have been kissing.
My Review:
PROS:
- Obviously, Evie and the Villain! They're the best part about these books. They are so adorable and their dynamic feels so refreshing. I do think the back and forth between the two of them ("I can't tell her I love her/I can't tell him I love him") needs to end soon, though.
- Their banter! It's so cute and I don't even care that it goes on a little too long sometimes.
- On their own, both of the MCs are lovable and well-developed.
- Some of the side characters got more development this time around too. I'm not really interested in the side romances being introduced, but I do love Blade's character, so it's fun to see more of him!
- The handling of the morally grey aspects is so well-done!
- Once again, the modern-medieval fantasy vibes are perfect! We also got a little more world-building in this one, which was nice.
- The writing style is so strong and unique. The Villain and Evie have their own distinct voices too. The other POVs we saw were more similar, but have room for growth.
- I saw the plot twist at the end coming, but I'm so excited to see how it plays out!
CONS:
- Like I mentioned, the push and pull between the Villain and Evie has gone on long enough. I get it's a slow burn, but the reader knows they both love each other. Can't they just communicate?
- I'm also done with the Villain's, "I don't want to corrupt her" speech. Then he shouldn't have hired her! And Evie has always been this way. Within the first three chapters or so of book 1, she said she would torture someone for him. Did he forget that? The fact that she was actually willing to work for him should've been his first indicator that she could be villainous too.
- It was a bit repetitive and lacked some of the charm of the first one.
- It's been a few months since I read book 1, so maybe I forgot, but it felt like some of the plot points just came out of nowhere.
- I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next one. Seriously. I need their happy ending now!