Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away… Oh, who am I kidding? This ain’t your grandma’s fairy tale, folks. Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s debut novel “Assistant to the Villain” is a wickedly funny, unexpectedly heartwarming romp through a fantasy world where the line between good and evil is about as straight as a drunk unicorn’s path home after last call.
The Plot: Not Your Average 9-to-5
Evie Sage, our plucky protagonist, is just trying to make ends meet when she stumbles into a job as the personal assistant to the most feared villain in all of Rennedawn. Talk about a career change, right? One minute you’re organizing staplers, the next you’re scheduling world domination. But hey, the dental plan is probably great.
As Evie navigates her new role (and tries not to drool over her terrifyingly attractive boss), she uncovers a plot to sabotage the Villain’s nefarious empire. Suddenly, she’s not just filing evil paperwork – she’s neck-deep in a mystery that could bring down the entire kingdom. Oh, and did I mention there’s a talking frog wearing a crown? Because that’s a thing. A delightful, ridiculous thing.
Characters: A Lovable Bunch of Misfits
Let’s talk characters, because hoo boy, does Maehrer know how to create a cast you can’t help but fall for:
- Evie: Our sunshine-y heroine with a backbone of steel and a penchant for getting into trouble. She’s like if Mary Poppins decided to go goth but couldn’t quite commit to the aesthetic.
- The Villain (aka Trystan): Broody, damaged, and hot enough to melt iron. He’s the bad guy you can’t help but root for, especially when he starts showing his softer side around Evie.
- Kingsley: The aforementioned talking frog. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s gold. Crown and all.
- Tatianna: The snarky healer with a weakness for pink and a complicated past. She’s the friend we all wish we had—ready with both a healing potion and a witty comeback.
- Blade: The dragon trainer who couldn’t train his way out of a paper bag. His heart’s in the right place, even if his competence isn’t.
Writing Style: Snark and Sparkle
Maehrer’s writing is like a sugar rush for your brain—fast-paced, addictive, and guaranteed to leave you grinning like an idiot. Her dialogue crackles with wit, and the banter between Evie and the Villain is perfection. Seriously, I haven’t shipped a couple this hard since… well, ever.
The author has a knack for blending humor with genuine emotion. One minute you’re cackling at Evie’s internal monologue, and the next you’re feeling all the feels as the Villain reveals his tragic backstory. It’s a rollercoaster, people, and you’re gonna want to ride it again and again.
World-Building: Fantasy with a Twist
Rennedawn is a kingdom that feels both familiar and fresh. Maehrer takes classic fantasy tropes and gives them a modern, office-comedy spin. The result is a world where magic coexists with mundane workplace drama, and it works surprisingly well. I mean, who hasn’t wanted to use a magical filing cabinet to organize their TPS reports?
The author doesn’t bog us down with unnecessary exposition, instead letting the world unfold naturally through Evie’s experiences. It’s a smart choice that keeps the pace snappy and leaves us wanting more. (Seriously, Hannah, when’s the sequel coming?)
Themes: More Than Just Laughs
Don’t let the humor fool you—”Assistant to the Villain” has some meaty themes lurking beneath its sparkly surface:
- The nature of good and evil: Maehrer challenges our preconceptions about heroes and villains, showing that morality isn’t always black and white.
- Found family: The relationships Evie forms at Massacre Manor (yes, that’s really what it’s called) are heartwarming and complex.
- Personal growth: Both Evie and the Villain undergo significant character development, learning to trust and open themselves up to love.
- Power dynamics: The book explores the complexities of workplace relationships, especially when your boss is, you know, evil.
Romance: A Slow Burn to Die For
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or, should I say, the villain in the dungeon? The romantic tension between Evie and her boss is exquisite. Maehrer crafts a slow-burn romance that’ll have you screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY” at the pages. It’s frustrating in the best possible way, with each near-miss and loaded glance ratcheting up the tension until you’re ready to combust.
What makes it work so well is the genuine connection between the two. Yes, the Villain is smokin’ hot (apparently evil is very good for your complexion), but it’s the way he and Evie challenge and support each other that really makes their relationship shine. Plus, watching Mr. Big Bad Villain get flustered around his sunshine assistant? Priceless.
Humor: Laughs for Days
I cannot stress enough how freaking funny this book is. Maehrer’s comedic timing is impeccable, whether it’s in Evie’s internal monologue or the situational humor that arises from, you know, working for evil incarnate. There are pop culture references, running gags (poor Blade and his dragon-training woes), and enough witty banter to fill a book of quotations.
But what really sets “Assistant to the Villain” apart is how the humor enhances rather than detracts from the more serious moments. It’s not just a comedy with fantasy elements slapped on – the laughs are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, making the emotional beats hit that much harder when they come.
Pacing: A Wild Ride from Start to Finish
Buckle up, buttercup, because this book moves. Maehrer keeps the plot zipping along at a breakneck pace, with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash (in a good way). There’s never a dull moment, whether we’re navigating office politics or fleeing from magical creatures.
That said, the author knows when to slow things down for character development and world-building. These quieter moments provide a nice balance to the more action-packed sequences and give us time to catch our breath before the next adventure.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Fantasy Fans
“Assistant to the Villain” is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. It’s fun, it’s funny, and it’s got heart for days. Maehrer has crafted a world and characters that you’ll want to revisit again and again, and her unique blend of office comedy and high fantasy is nothing short of brilliant.
Is it perfect? No. There are a few pacing hiccups in the middle, and some of the side characters could use a bit more development. But honestly? I was having too much fun to care.
If you’re a fan of authors like T.J. Klune or Gail Carriger, you’ll find a lot to love here. Maehrer’s voice is distinctly her own, but she shares their knack for blending humor, heart, and fantastical elements.
Final Thoughts: Evil Has Never Been So Good
“Assistant to the Villain” is the literary equivalent of a warm hug from your favorite person… who also happens to be plotting world domination. It’s a book that’ll make you laugh, cry, and possibly question your career choices. (Anyone know if the Villain is hiring? Asking for a friend.)
Hannah Nicole Maehrer has announced herself as a major new talent in the fantasy rom-com space, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she does next. Here’s hoping we get more adventures with Evie, the Villain, and the rest of the Massacre Manor crew soon. In the meantime, I’ll be over here, rereading and cackling to myself like the happiest little henchperson you’ve ever seen.
(Because even evil overlords need a day off sometimes, right?)