“Assistant to the Villain” is a young adult romantic fantasy novel that will have you grinning and kicking your feet. Written by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, the novel was an instant New York Times bestseller. It became super popular on BookTok, the large subcommunity of self-proclaimed book nerds who rate, recommend and discuss literature.
The story follows Evie Sage, a kindhearted and awkward girl, in a modernized fairy tale kingdom called Rennedawn. Evie is in urgent need for a job so that she can provide for her younger sister and ailing father. After absolutely no luck at the village job fair, she wanders into the Hickory Forest, where she stumbles upon the Villain, a handsome rogue wanted for sinister misdeeds and plotting against the kingdom. The Villain offers her a job as his assistant, and because of her desperate need for employment, she has no other option but to accept.
Working as the Villain’s assistant is no easy task, but Evie eventually gets used to the strange and suspicious office duties and random mayhem at Massacre Manor. She may or may not be causing some of the mayhem herself. Evie becomes close with her co-worker while facilitating the Villain’s nefarious endeavors.
As she manages Massacre Manor and cares for her family, Evie is trying to fight feelings for her terrifying, moody and stunning boss. When she suspects there is a spy in the manor, Evie’s loyalty to her job leads her to search for their identity and prevent their attempts of sabotage.
The story is full of hilarious banter and silly scenarios that will entertain you for hours. The crazy situations that Evie gets herself into will make you laugh out loud. As Evie’s story progresses, she discovers more about herself and what she is willing to do for those she loves.
Once you finish “Assistant to the Villain,” you will rush to grab “Apprentice to the Villain” and then “Accomplice to the Villain,” the next two books in the series. Keep a lookout for the fourth book of the series “Adversary to the Villain,” which will be released on Aug 4, 2026.
