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).