Summary
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer combines humor, fantasy, and romance in a world of magical intrigue. Continuing the saga of the characters introduced in the author’s debut novel Assistant to the Villain, the story centers on Evie Sage, who expands her role with her treacherous employer, Trystan Maverine, aka The Villain. Evie is responsible for protecting Trystan's lair and navigating the political landscape of Rennedawn, which places her in the midst of various adventures. Along with focusing on Evie's journey of self-discovery and empowerment, the novel explores her developing romance with Trystan.
Plot
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer continues the saga of Evie Sage and her employer, Trystan Maverine, aka The Villain. King Benedict imprisons Trystan with enchanted chains after he presumes Evie dead. Trystan mourns as he stands before Evie's seemingly lifeless body in a glass coffin. At a royal event, Evie revives, strengthening Trystan's resolve to oppose the king.
Trystan and Evie escape from King Benedict on a dragon named Fluffy, with assistance from Blade Gushiken, a dragon tamer. They find refuge at Massacre Manor. An impending prophecy arises with the pregnancy of a magical being called the guvre. Evie and Trystan embark on a dangerous quest directed by letters from Evie's mother, Nura Sage, who held magical secrets.
During her journey, Evie discovers family secrets, including that her brother Gideon is alive. Gideon's ability to suppress magic unintentionally contributed to their mother's demise. Their journey leads to conflicts in Heart Village, where Evie gets captured by her cousin, Helena. Evie demonstrates her growing powers by telepathically wielding a magic dagger.
Their quest peaks with a confrontation against Renna Fortis, a former ally now with the king. As the protective wards of Massacre Manor fail, Trystan and Evie face an attack by the Valiant Guard. With magic vanishing from their world, Evie confronts her potential role in prophecy. Allegiances shift, family betrayals surface, and Evie embraces a new role, questioning her morality and identity.
Characters
Evie Sage: The novel’s protagonist, Evie transitions from assisting Trystan Maverine to becoming more self-assured. Her journey involves grappling with moral ambiguities and developing a commanding presence. Her evolving relationship with Trystan adds tension and interest to the narrative.
Trystan Maverine: Known as The Villain, Trystan is a complex figure feared by many. His interactions with Evie expose contradictions in his character as he oscillates between menace and vulnerability. His struggle with mystical forces and an impending prophecy introduces mystery into the story.
Gideon Sage: Believed to be dead, Gideon reappears in this novel and adds emotional complexity to the story. His past mistakes and remorse highlight themes of familial struggles and redemption.
King Benedict: A central antagonist, King Benedict is driven by a desire for dominance. His actions create significant obstacles for Evie and Trystan, emphasizing themes of ambition and tyranny.
Malcolm Maverine: Trystan's brother, Malcolm plays a crucial role in unveiling their family's past. His involvement in combating dark forces is key to the family's narrative.
Becky Erring: HR Manager for The Villain, Becky brings an element of dark humor. Her influence extends beyond administrative roles, subtly affecting the story's political narrative.
Themes
Romance
Romance is central to Apprentice to the Villain, focusing on the evolving relationship between Evie Sage and Trystan Maverine. Their interactions create a "will they, won’t they" tension.
Personal growth
Personal growth is another significant theme in the novel, seen in Evie's transformation from a resilient assistant to someone who masters skills like dagger work and confronts her identity and powers. Her journey from assistant to potential apprentice involves challenges and new abilities.
Morality and power struggles
Apprentice to the Villain challenges traditional views of good and evil. Trystan Maverine appears as a typical villain but exhibits redemptive qualities that challenge moral absolutes. King Benedict's role highlights the corrupting influence of power.
Humor
Hannah Nicole Maehrer balances the novel’s serious themes with witty dialogue and comedic moments. Interspersed with darker elements, moments of levity make the characters relatable as they explore complex emotional and moral dimensions.
World-building details
Apprentice to the Villain introduces a fantasy world centered around Massacre Manor in Hickory Forest. Once vibrant with stained glass, the manor now symbolizes Trystan Maverine's influence as nature reclaims it. This mirrors Trystan's enigmatic presence.
The plot integrates magical elements such as enchanted chains and death magic. Creatures like the guvre further enrich the narrative. A scene in a cave reveals Evie Sage as the "daughter of wishing stars," introducing prophecies and stardust that drive the story. These elements contribute to the thematic and character development throughout the book.
Quick facts
Apprentice to the Villain, published in 2024, is a sequel to Assistant to the Villain, Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s debut novel.
Maehrer was inspired to write the romantasy novels by her viral TikTok series celebrating villains.
Apprentice to the Villain continues the adventures of Evie and The Villain, exploring themes like magic, treason, and family dynamics.
In this novel, protagonist Evie Sage transitions from assistant to apprentice, taking on new skills such as treason and dagger work.
King Benedict plays a central role, causing disruptions to the kingdom's magic and falsely accusing The Villain.
Evie Sage faces significant personal growth, evolving from uncertain assistant to powerful individual.
The Villain, Trystan Maverine, struggles with revealing his romantic feelings for Evie, adding depth to his character and their relationship.
Apprentice to the Villain combines adult fantasy with romantic workplace comedy and maintains a lighthearted, humorous tone.
Significant backstory is revealed for key characters, enriching the narrative and world-building.
Elements like dragons, enchanted chains, and magical creatures known as guvres are central to the plot.
A notable prophecy involving a magical creature's pregnancy impacts the kingdom’s magic.
The first print run featured unique spray-painted edges, exclusively available in the US and Canada.
Recognition and awards
Apprentice to the Villain became a New York Times bestseller shortly after its release and was named among Amazon's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2024. The novel was also nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in the Reader's Favorite Romantasy category.
About the author
Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a bestselling author in the fantasy-romance genre and a popular BookToker with a propensity for villains. She enjoys questioning fairy-tale norms and pushing moral boundaries in her works through using humor and creating complex relationships. Her debut novel Assistant to the Villain (2023) became a New York Times bestseller and inspired two sequels, Apprentice to the Villain (2024) and Accomplice to the Villain (2025).
